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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, 1999
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 (14,983,545 shares) based on the closing price of the registrant's
Common Stock as reported on the Nasdaq National Market on December 20, 1999, was
$138,597,791. 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, 1999, there were outstanding 16,937,419 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 2000 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, 1999
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
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PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS.................................................................................. 1
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES................................................................................ 33
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS......................................................................... 33
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS....................................... 34
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS................. 35
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA................................................................... 36
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS..... 37
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK................................ 46
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA............................................... 46
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE...... 46
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT........................................ 46
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.................................................................... 46
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT............................ 46
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS............................................ 46
PART IV
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.......................... 47
SIGNATURES .......................................................................................... 49
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 2000 and thereafter; future products or product development; our product
and distribution channel development strategies, particularly as they relate to
the Internet; potential acquisitions or strategic alliances; 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 also operate "goracing.com," which provides
motorsports-related news and information, an online meeting place and community
for motorsports fans, and an extensive e-commerce marketplace for
motorsports-related die-cast collectibles, apparel, and souvenirs. We market our
products under an extensive portfolio of license arrangements with various
drivers, team owners, sponsors, sanctioning bodies, and others, including the
following:
- - NASCAR Winston Cup champions Dale Earnhardt, Jeff Gordon, Dale Jarrett,
and Rusty Wallace, as well as NASCAR drivers Bobby Labonte, Tony
Stewart, and Dale Earnhardt, Jr.;
- - NASCAR team owners Robert Yates Racing, Richard Childress Racing
Enterprises, Joe Gibbs Racing, 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,
Championship Auto Racing Teams, or CART, World of Outlaws, and World
Superbike; and
- - race track operators such as Speedway Motorsports, Inc., the organizers
of the Australian Grand Prix, 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 11,500 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 had approximately 167,000 members
as of September 30, 1999; through our e-commerce enabled Web sites located
within our goracing.com network; and through mobile trackside souvenir stores,
promotional programs for corporate sponsors, and fan clubs. We also distribute
certain of our products to mass-market retailers through our in-house sales
force and wholesale distributors. In addition, 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 other programs capitalize on the rapidly growing
popularity of motorsports. See Item 1, "Our Business Industry Overview." 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, car manufacturers,
various sanctioning bodies, and others in the motorsports industry. We
continually strive to strengthen our relationships with licensors and to develop
opportunities to market innovative 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. We also believe that we will be able to leverage our relationships to
attract additional licensors in order to generate increased revenue for our
company as well as increased earnings for the licensors.
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
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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. In fiscal 1997, we began an aggressive program to expand our
product offerings and distribution channels through a series of strategic
acquisitions and licensing arrangements. The following table sets forth certain
information with respect to those acquisitions, which represent an aggregate
base purchase price, including assumed liabilities, of approximately $151.8
million.
ACQUISITIONS(1) DATE BUSINESS
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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 apparel and
and Creative Marketing and Promotions, 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
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 Licenses motorsports apparel and clothing 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
Fantasy Sports Enterprises, Inc. October 1999 Develops and operates "fantasy" auto racing and
other sports-related games
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(1) The acquisitions listed consist of (a) the purchase of assets of Sports
Image, Inc.; (b) the purchase of assets of Motorsport Traditions
Limited Partnership and the stock of Creative Marketing and Promotions,
Inc. (together, "Motorsport Traditions"); (c) the purchase of stock of
Robert Yates Promotions, Inc., or RYP; (d) the purchase of assets of
Image Works, Inc.; (e) the purchase of motorsports collectibles-related
assets of Simpson Products, Inc., or Simpson; (f) the
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purchase of assets related to sales of merchandise licensed by Rusty
Wallace (the "Rusty Wallace acquisition"); (g) the purchase of assets
from Revell-Monogram, Inc.; (h) the purchase of assets from Brookfield
Collectors Guild, Inc.; (i) the acquisition of 80% of the membership
interests of Chase Racewear, L.L.C.; (j) the acquisition of an 80%
interest in Paul's Model Art, GmbH, MiniChamps, GmbH, Lang Miniaturen,
GmbH, and Spielwaren Danhausen, GmbH (collectively "MiniChamps"); (k)
the acquisition of 58% of the membership interests of Performance Plus
Nutritional, L.L.C.; (l) the purchase of stock of Intellectual
Properties Group, Inc., or IPG; (m) the purchase of stock of Tech 2000
Worldwide, Inc., which is now part of goracing.com, inc.; (n) the
purchase of stock of Goodsports Holdings Pty. Ltd.; and (o) the
purchase of assets of Fantasy Sports Enterprises, Inc.
We pursue a strategy designed to enhance our leadership position in the
motorsports collectible and consumer products industry. Key aspects of this
strategy include (a) continuing to enhance our existing products and introduce
new products and services that appeal to racing enthusiasts, (b) expanding and
strengthening our licensing arrangements, (c) developing promotional programs
for corporate sponsors, (d) strengthening and expanding our existing and
identifying new distribution channels, (e) developing the goracing.com network
as a leading online destination for motorsports fans, and (f) pursuing
strategic alliances and acquisitions.
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 CART and the Indy Racing
League, or 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.
More than 17.1 million fans attended racing events in North America
during 1998, according to the Goodyear Racing Attendance Report, compared with
1998 attendance for the National Football League at 15.4 million fans and the
National Basketball Association at 20.4 million fans. Television reach is also
substantial. According to Nielson Media Research reports, NASCAR's televised
events alone attracted an aggregate of 287 million estimated viewers in 115
million households in 1998. Nielsen also reports household viewership of
NASCAR's televised Winston Cup events in the first six months of 1999 increased
15% from the first six months of 1998. CART reported that approximately 22.6
million U.S. households tuned in to the 20 CART races during 1999, a 5.8%
increase over the 21.4 million households that tuned in to the 19-race season in
1998. Motorsports 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
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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, and Chicago metropolitan areas. Additional
speedways have been announced for the New York, Kansas City, 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. We believe that the expansion of major motorsports events into
these previously untapped markets will stimulate continued growth in the
motorsports industry, exposing the sport to new racing fans who will seek
products, services, and information related to their favorite drivers, teams,
and racing series.
Large corporate advertisers have recognized the growing popularity of
motorsports. According to NASCAR, more than 70 of the Fortune 500 companies
utilize motorsports sponsorship or other motorsports-related activities as part
of their marketing strategies. The IEG Sponsorship Report indicates that
corporate sponsors were expected to spend an estimated $1.2 billion, or 24% of
all sports sponsorship dollars, on motorsports marketing programs in the United
States in 1999. The Wall Street Journal reported that Formula One attracts more
than $750 million per year from sponsors. The increasing popularity of
motorsports in the United States and abroad also has created significant demand
for a variety of race-related merchandise and souvenirs. For example, NASCAR
indicated that total NASCAR-related merchandise sales, which includes various
product categories in addition to the types of products we sell, increased from
approximately $80 million in 1990 to approximately $950 million in 1998. This
report estimated that total NASCAR-licensed product retail sales would increase
to approximately $1.1 billion in 1999. We believe that the worldwide market for
motorsports-related merchandise is substantially larger than NASCAR-licensed
product retail sales, and that there has been a lack of availability of
merchandise related to other popular racing series, such as Formula One and
CART.
GROWTH 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 throughout their careers. Key aspects of this strategy include the
following:
Enhancing Existing and Introducing New Products
We continually seek to enhance our existing products and to introduce
new products designed to appeal to enthusiasts of every major racing series.
During the last several years, we have expanded our lines of die-cast
collectibles to include Formula One, NHRA drag racing, CART, NASCAR's "Busch"
and "Craftsman Truck" racing series, World of Outlaws, and other racing series.
We continually expand our product offerings by developing and introducing new
lines of collectible products, such as the higher-priced "Elite" series of
die-cast collectibles, which feature detailed equipment such as spark plug
wires, braided hoses, and realistic suspension systems. We also have expanded
our consumer product offerings to include licensed motorsports apparel,
souvenirs, and other consumer products. In addition, 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.
We believe that our ongoing investment in tooling enables us to produce
die-cast products of higher quality and detail than those produced by our
competitors. We have invested more than $40.0 million in our proprietary
tooling, which contributes significantly to the quality of our products and is
critical to imparting the high level of detail and quality that collectors
demand. We intend to continue investing in our proprietary tooling in order to
upgrade and expand existing product lines and to add new products. We strive to
enhance the demand for and to increase the value of our collectible products by
offering limited numbers of each item.
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Expanding and Strengthening Licensing Arrangements
We focus on expanding and strengthening our relationships with existing
licensors as well as entering into licensing arrangements with additional
motorsports personalities in order to further solidify our position as the
leader in the motorsports marketplace. We believe that our licensing
arrangements with top race car drivers (including Dale Earnhardt, Jeff Gordon,
Rusty Wallace, Dale Jarrett, John Force, Tony Stewart, and Bobby Labonte), car
owners, manufacturers, sanctioning bodies, race track operators, and corporate
sponsors provide us with a competitive advantage. These licensing arrangements
enable us to manufacture and distribute distinctive collectibles and other
products to the growing market of motorsports enthusiasts.
Developing Corporate Promotional Programs
We provide complete marketing services to create corporate promotional
programs for large corporate sponsors. Promotional programs typically involve
special productions of our licensed die-cast replicas, apparel, souvenirs, or
other consumer products to increase brand awareness and name recognition of the
corporate sponsor. We successfully completed large-scale promotional programs
featuring Coca-Cola during the first quarter of fiscal 1999 and additional
large-scale programs featuring Pepsi-Cola and the "Star Wars: Episode 1 - The
Phantom Menace" motion picture, DC Comics and "Superman," Harley Davidson
motorcycles, and Home Depot in partnership with Habitat for Humanity during
calendar 1999. We plan to expand our efforts to develop promotional programs and
we continually engage in discussions to develop additional programs with major
corporate sponsors.
Strengthening and Expanding Our Existing and Identifying New Distribution
Channels
We plan to continue to strengthen and expand our existing distribution
channels and to identify new distribution channels. Beginning in fiscal 1997, we
significantly broadened and strengthened our distribution channels through
acquisitions and internal development. In addition to our wholesale distribution
network and direct sales to motorsports enthusiasts through our Collectors'
Club, our distribution channels now include
- mobile trackside souvenir stores,
- fan clubs,
- our e-commerce enabled Web sites on the goracing.com network,
- 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, K-Mart, and Target, and
- catalog merchandising programs targeted at corporate
motorsports sponsors.
As a result of the acquisition of MiniChamps in fiscal 1998, we now
utilize MiniChamps' international wholesale distribution network to sell our
products throughout the world. In addition, our license agreement with Hasbro
has provided us with a source of licensing revenue from the mass-merchandise
market without committing substantial resources to manufacturing and marketing
activities. We believe that targeting products to specific market niches,
distributing our products through the distribution channels of major corporate
sponsors of motorsports, distributing our products in international markets, and
our e-commerce initiatives will represent increasingly important distribution
channels in the future.
In October 1999, we announced a strategic reduction in the number of
our domestic wholesale distributors as part of our effort to strengthen our
distribution system. We reduced the number of domestic distributors as part of
our ongoing strategy to streamline our distribution network by retaining those
distributors with the most extensive dealer networks, the most strategic
geographic territories, the greatest ability to carry our complete product line,
and the proper controls to minimize sales of our products through unauthorized
channels.
We plan to continue to develop opportunities to streamline and enhance our
existing distribution channels, identify and develop or acquire new distribution
channels, and cross-market our products through all of our distribution channels
in the future.
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Develop the goracing.com Network as a Leading Online Destination for
Motorsports Fans
We intend to continue to develop goracing.com as a leading destination
on the Internet for motorsports fans around the world in order to maximize our
e-commerce opportunities. Our strategy to achieve this goal involves the
following elements:
- Take advantage of our relationships with drivers, team owners,
and sponsors by arranging to have them endorse and promote the
goracing.com network to increase fan awareness and increase
traffic on the goracing.com network;
- Continue to offer new products and expand goracing's
e-commerce offerings to include third-party suppliers'
products and services that appeal to our focused audience of
motorsports fans;
- Concentrate on internal development and explore opportunities
for strategic alliances and acquisitions in order to expand
goracing's motorsports-related content, take advantage of new
Internet technologies and capabilities, and add to goracing's
community features;
- Develop sponsorship and advertising programs with new and
existing sponsors of motorsports events;
- Expand the goracing.com network internationally to leverage
our experience in the U.S. motorsports industry. We intend to
expand our international online presence by developing
relationships with additional international drivers, teams,
sponsors, and racing series in order to offer additional
products and services that appeal to the international market;
expanding goracing's coverage of international racing news,
events, and information; and offering news, information, and
products that feature U.S. motorsports to the international
market.
Pursuing Strategic Alliances and Acquisitions
We seek to enter into strategic alliances and to acquire existing
businesses that we believe will enable us to introduce new products or expand
our product lines, to leverage or expand our licensing arrangements, or to
improve our distribution channels. In evaluating a potential strategic alliance
or a proposed acquisition candidate, we analyze the potential synergies that the
alliance or acquisition candidate can provide; the strength of the alliance
partner's or acquisition candidate's product lines, license rights, marketing
capabilities, manufacturing capacities, distribution channels, or management
team; and the potential opportunities presented by the alliance or acquisition.
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, CART, 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:
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SCALE PRODUCT APPROXIMATE SIZE
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1:12 Racing Vehicles 15 inches
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1:16 Pit Wagons 7 inches
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1:18 Racing Vehicles 11 inches
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1:24 and 1:25 Racing Vehicles 8 inches
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1:24 and 1:25 Dually Trucks with Trailers 26 inches
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1:32 Racing Vehicles 6 inches
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1:43 Racing Vehicles and Production Cars 5 inches
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1:64 Racing Vehicles 3 inches
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1:64 Vehicle Transporters 13 inches
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1:96 Vehicle Transporters 9 inches
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1:8 Pedal Cars 10 inches
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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, our e-commerce Web sites, and our mobile trackside stores, and
through corporate promotional programs. See Item 1, "Our Business - Sales and
Distribution."
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 and developing new 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 features the name, likeness, and car number of a popular race
car driver. We continually seek licenses with additional drivers and other
motorsports licensors, and we continually develop new motorsports consumer
products.
Our licensed motorsports apparel items utilize unique and 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, mobile trackside stores, our e-commerce Web sites, and
promotional programs with corporate sponsors of racing teams and racing events.
See Item 1, "Our Business - Sales and Distribution."
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Other Motorsports Collectible and Specialty Items
In addition to our extensive line of collectible die-cast replicas of
racing vehicles, we design and market an increasing variety of other motorsports
collectible and specialty products. These products include the following:
- 1:43 and 1:18 scale plastic driver figurines;
- 1:12, 1:8, 1:4 and 1:3 scale miniature replica helmets with
padded interiors, flip-up visors, and plastic display cases;
- 1:24 scale replicas of racing vehicles made from 26% lead
crystal, which feature laser-engraved graphics and engine
details formed out of crystal; and
- limited edition art prints featuring popular drivers and
racing themes.
The goracing.com Network
Our goracing.com network offers a broad range of news, information, and
features and serves as the online home to our e-commerce enabled Web sites,
various racing associations, driver fan clubs, race tracks, and other
motorsports-related Web sites. The goracing.com network consists of a variety of
motorsports-related Web sites that we develop, operate, and maintain.
Motorsports News and Information. goracing provides a timely,
comprehensive, and worldwide online source for news and information about the
world of motorsports. The goracing.com network is the official online home to
some of the most influential organizations in motorsports. We believe that
goracing's up-to-date news and other information encourage visitors to return
regularly to the network. goracing's field reporters cover races and events
throughout the motorsports community and produce original stories and event
coverage that are exclusive to the goracing.com network. goracing also obtains
news and information from editorial staffs of other Web sites in the
goracing.com network. goracing supplements its motorsports news with stories
from the news wire services.
The goracing Community. The goracing.com network offers an online
community where motorsports fans can
- interact in chat rooms with other motorsports fans that have
similar interests,
- participate in chats with motorsports celebrities,
- join their favorite drivers' fan clubs,
- track the value of and trade their collectibles,
- participate in online auctions, and
- play games and participate in online contests and promotions
related to motorsports.
We believe the traffic generated by these unique features and services will lead
to increased sales on the goracing.com network and makes the network an
attractive advertising medium for providers of motorsports and automotive
products and services.
Motorsports E-Commerce. We intend to capitalize on the unique
capabilities of the Internet to maximize the buying potential of our online
audience. In February 1999, we launched our e-commerce initiative on the
goracing.com network. Our Action Collectibles Store, Action Apparel Store, and
Racing Collectables Club of America Store sell selected lines of our licensed
die-cast scaled replicas of motorsports vehicles, apparel, and souvenirs online.
goracing's operating infrastructure and technology can track the usage
patterns for each visitor to our e-commerce Web sites, allowing us to target
promotions and cross-sell products to repeat visitors. This highly
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personalized approach to selling takes advantage of the Internet's unique
capabilities to structure the presentation of products and information around
the characteristics of a specific audience. We believe this use of technology
will provide a much more personalized shopping experience than more traditional
distribution channels, such as catalogs. Personalized selling also will allow us
to suggest products and potentially create sales that might not otherwise take
place.
Motorsports fans who visit goracing.com also can access SpeedMall, our
online shopping mall that is dedicated to motorsports and automotive products
and services. SpeedMall includes e-commerce enabled Web sites of other
motorsports and automotive-related entities that utilize the traffic generated
by the goracing network to sell their products and services online. Third-party
SpeedMall tenants pay us fees under a variety of arrangements, including fees
based on the amount of traffic the tenant receives on a per click-through basis
or a percentage of revenue that the tenant receives from sales generated by
traffic from SpeedMall.
Online Advertising and Sponsorships. Advertising on the goracing.com
network generated less than 1% of our revenue during the year ended September
30, 1999. We believe that selling sponsorships and advertisements on the
goracing.com network represents a significant opportunity for future revenue
growth. We plan to increase sales of various advertising and sponsorship
packages on the goracing.com network in the future.
Corporate Promotional Programs
We provide comprehensive marketing services designed to create
corporate 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.
In fiscal 1997, we began developing and implementing extensive
corporate 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 vehicles and other collectibles,
apparel, and souvenirs based on these programs. Following the acquisition of IPG
in October 1998, we expanded our efforts to develop and implement large-scale
corporate programs. For example, during fiscal 1999 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;
- collaborated with Pepsi-Cola Company, Gordon-Everham
Motorsports, and Lucasfilm to create a promotion in which Jeff
Gordon drove a specifically painted "Star Wars: Episode 1 -
The Phantom Menace" Busch Series car;
- combined efforts with DC Comics, Jeff Gordon, John Force, Dale
Earnhardt, Jr., and six other popular drivers from four racing
series to produce a program in which each of the drivers drove
a specially painted "Superman" race car in a selected race;
- collaborated with the Fox television network and NASCAR to
create a promotion in which Jeff Gordon, Bobby Labonte, Terry
Labonte, and Kenny Wallace drove specially painted race cars
to introduce the "NASCAR Racers" Saturday morning children's
television program; and
- 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 completed this program
during the first quarter of fiscal 2000.
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 or other promotions. Die-cast replica vehicles that we develop
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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.
We believe that the license agreement with Hasbro allows us to
capitalize on opportunities in the mass-merchandise market. The agreement
enables us to remain focused on our core business of designing and marketing
motorsports collectibles, apparel, and souvenir products while enabling us to
benefit from Hasbro's retail mass-merchandise marketing expertise and resources.
The agreement also provides a means of expanding our product offerings without
committing substantial resources to manufacturing and marketing activities or
subjecting us to the risks inherent in the mass-merchandise market.
Other Products and Services
Fan Clubs. We operate fan clubs for several popular race car drivers,
including "Club E," which is the Dale Earnhardt Fan Club; "Club E Jr.," which is
the Dale Earnhardt, Jr. fan club; the Dale Jarrett Fan Club; the Rusty Wallace
Fan Club; the Bobby Labonte Fan Club; and the John Force Fan Club. Our fan clubs
had a total of approximately 79,000 members as of December 20, 1999. Membership
packages typically include a quarterly newsletter, personalized membership card,
and exclusive benefits and discounts that are provided only to club members. Fan
club members also may purchase an exclusive membership kit that includes an
embroidered logo hat, lapel pin, and 1:64th scale die-cast car. We provide to
fan club members unique product offerings and other benefits that we do not
offer through any other distribution channels.
Chase-branded Apparel. During fiscal 1998, we acquired an 80% interest
in Chase, a motorsports-related apparel and licensing company. Chase licenses
apparel and clothing accessories that bear "Chase" brand marks, including "Chase
Authentics," "Competitor's View," and a stylized "C." 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. During fiscal 1999, we extended our licensing arrangement
with a major apparel manufacturer under which the manufacturer holds the
exclusive right to use the "Chase Authentics" brand for all motorsports-related
apparel products distributed through major department stores, traditional
apparel stores, and sport and athletic specialty stores. The manufacturer pays
us a royalty based on its sales of Chase-branded products.
SALES AND DISTRIBUTION
We market our die-cast collectibles worldwide to approximately 11,500
specialty retailers through our wholesale distributor network; through our
Collectors' Club, our e-commerce Web sites, and mobile 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 5,000 specialty retailers and to major discount
and department stores, retail automotive product outlets, and convenience
stores; through direct
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trackside sales to race fans; through our e-commerce Web sites; 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 6,500 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. Our
employees attend trade shows in an effort to attract new retailers to our
network. 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, K-Mart, and
Target, 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.
In October 1999, we announced a strategic reduction in the number of
our domestic wholesale distributors as part of our effort to strengthen our
distribution system. We reduced the number of domestic distributors as part of
our ongoing strategy to streamline our distribution network by retaining those
distributors with the most extensive dealer networks, the most strategic
geographic territories, the greatest ability to carry our complete product line,
and the proper controls to minimize sales of our products through unauthorized
channels. We plan to continue to develop opportunities to streamline and enhance
our existing distribution channels, identify and develop or acquire new
distribution channels, and cross-market our products through all of our
distribution channels in the future.
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 167,000 members as of September 30,
1999. We advertise the Collectors' Club in publications that focus on
motorsports or the collectibles industry, through banner advertisements on the
Internet, and through limited radio and television advertisements. We 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.
Until February 1999, members of our Collectors' Club purchased products
through our catalog by calling our customer service representatives. Beginning
with the February 1999 launch of our e-commerce initiative on goracing.com,
users also can join the Collectors' Club and view and purchase products online.
Each month, we send e-mail to online club members notifying them of new
product offerings. We attempt to notify all club members of new products either
by e-mail, catalog, or on the goracing.com network
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before accepting orders to ensure that all club members have an equal
opportunity to purchase collectible products. If items that we offer exclusively
to club members do not sell out, we may make them available to non-club members
after a period of time.
We also employ customer service representatives and an automated call
distribution telephone system to accept membership applications, take customer
orders, and handle customer inquiries. We utilize an advanced telephone and
computer system that combines telemarketing functions, computerized order
processing, and automated warehouse operations to process telephone orders from
and ship products to Collectors' Club members.
Trackside Sales
We currently operate 28 fully equipped mobile 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 (34
events in 1999) 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 are in discussions with major race car drivers and corporate
sponsors in our effort to develop such programs on a continuous basis. See Item
1, "Our Business - Products and Services - Corporate Promotional Programs."
Electronic Commerce Sales
In February 1999, we launched our e-commerce initiative consisting of
Web sites featuring our products, as well as SpeedMall, a state-of-the-art
virtual shopping mall linked to the traffic generated by goracing.com. See Item
1, "Our Business Products and Services - The goracing.com Network - Motorsports
E-Commerce."
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
the People's Republic of 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.
Our die-cast collectibles (other than products marketed by MiniChamps)
are primarily manufactured under an agreement with one third-party manufacturer
in China. The term of the agreement currently extends through December 31, 2001
and automatically renews for 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.
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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 $17.0 million in fiscal 1998
and $10.0 million in fiscal 1999 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.
We intend to make additional investments in tooling in order to support the
growth of our business.
We believe that our overseas manufacturer of die-cast collectibles is
dedicated to high quality and productivity as well as support for new product
development. Although we believe that there are alternative manufacturing
arrangements available if needed, 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."
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 unique 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 is 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 continually
strive to strengthen our relationships with licensors and to 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 champions
Dale Earnhardt, Jeff Gordon, and Rusty Wallace and 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
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distribution used by our company, any products bearing his 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 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.
In October 1998, we entered into an amended personal service and
endorsement agreement with Jeff Gordon and an affiliate of Mr. Gordon. During
the term of the endorsement agreement, we have the right to use Mr. Gordon's
name, likeness, signature, and endorsement in connection with the advertisement,
promotion, and sale of the die-cast collectibles and other products approved by
Mr. Gordon and marketed by our company. The endorsement agreement expires on
December 31, 2005.
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); and Dale Earnhardt, Inc. The team owner licenses
provide us with either the exclusive right or a right of first refusal to market
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 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 January 10, 2001
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, 2000
Dale Earnhardt, Jr. (Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
Ron Hornaday through 2005)
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We have non-exclusive endorsement and marketing relationships with many of
the leading motorsports drivers, team owners, and crew chiefs, including the
following:
Dale Earnhardt Rusty Wallace
Jeff Gordon Bobby Labonte
Dario Franchitti Steve Kinser
Mark Martin Tony Stewart
Don Prudhomme Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
Joe Gibbs Racing Richard Childress Racing
Ray Evernham
Each of these personalities has agreed to endorse the goracing.com network
for motorsports and automotive-related products, services, and information.
These endorsements include publicly acknowledging goracing.com when appropriate,
making personal appearances and commercials on our behalf, granting interviews
and participating in online chats on our network, providing us with race-used
items for online auctions and promotions, and permitting us to use the
endorser's name, signature, and likeness for advertising, marketing, and
promotional purposes. Each of these drivers, team owners, and crew chiefs will
either add the endorser's Web site to the goracing.com network or grant us the
right to design, operate, host, and control the endorser's motorsports or
automotive-related Web sites.
Additional Product Licenses
In addition to the driver and team owner licenses described above, we
currently maintain approximately 300 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; NHRA drag racers
Kenny Bernstein, Cruz Pedregon, Larry Dixon, and Warren Johnson; 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., 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. 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 LICENSORS: Either (i) a fixed dollar amount, Same. Same.
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.
- ------------------------ -------------------------------------- ----------------------------- ------------------------
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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. We continually 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.
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) die-cast replicas of motorsports vehicles and a
1:18th-scale plastic toy car, for which Hasbro pays a specified royalty, 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), plush toys, figurines, play sets,
walkie talkies, and other products, for which Hasbro pays a specified royalty.
Hasbro's initial 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 completely distinct from our current products and
do not compete directly with our limited-edition motorsports die-cast
collectible products.
During fiscal 1999, our company and Hasbro amended the license
agreement to provide Hasbro with a 90-day right of first refusal to utilize
licensing rights to new forms of motorsports that we acquire during the term of
the revised agreement. The amended license provides for a term ending on
December 31, 2006. Hasbro may extend the license for an additional three-year
term, provided that total wholesale revenue of licensed products exceeds a
specified amount during the initial term.
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 price of licensed products that we sell,
with minimum guaranteed royalty
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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 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. We will have the right to renew the CART
license for an additional five-year term if we achieve certain minimum sales
requirements.
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. Our goracing.com network currently or potentially
competes with companies that concentrate on or include motorsports-related news
and information, community features, and products and services as part of their
online offerings.
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.
See Item 1, "Special Considerations - 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."
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
Our business depends upon valuable trademarks and other rights that we
license from third parties. See Item 1, "Our Business - Licenses." 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, as
well as the "goracing.com," "SpeedMall," 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.
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Our Internet operations use proprietary software that we have
developed. Our proprietary software is protected by copyright laws. As part of
our confidentiality procedures, we generally enter into agreements with our
employees and consultants and limit access to and distribution of our software,
documentation, and other proprietary information. The steps we take may not
prevent misappropriation of our technology, and the agreements we enter into for
that purpose may not be enforceable. Third parties may independently develop
similar software or they could copy or otherwise obtain and use our software or
other proprietary information without our authorization. It may be difficult or
impossible for us to police unauthorized use of our technology. In addition, the
laws of other countries may afford us little or no effective protection of our
intellectual property outside the United States.
We may receive notices from third parties that claim our software or
other aspects of our Internet 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.
Our Internet operations also rely on a variety of technologies that we
license from third parties. These third-party technology licenses may not
continue to be available to us on commercially reasonable terms. Our loss or
inability to maintain or obtain upgrades to any of these technology licenses
could result in delays in completing our Internet software enhancements and
developments until we identify, license, develop, and integrate equivalent
technology. Any such delays could have an adverse effect on our Internet
business.
GOVERNMENTAL REGULATION
We are not currently subject to direct regulation by any domestic or
foreign governmental agency, other than regulations applicable to businesses
generally and laws or regulations directly applicable to access to online
commerce. As a result of the increasing popularity and use of the Internet and
other online services, however, it is possible that laws and regulations may be
adopted with respect to the Internet or other online services. These laws and
regulations could cover issues such as user privacy, pricing, content,
copyrights, distribution, sales and other taxes, and the characteristics and
quality of products and services. The growth and development of the market for
online commerce may prompt more stringent consumer protection laws, which may
impose additional burdens on companies that conduct business online. Because we
sell to consumers residing throughout the United States and in numerous foreign
countries and the goracing.com network is available over the Internet in every
state and numerous foreign countries, these jurisdictions may claim that we are
required to collect sales or other similar taxes on sales of products in those
jurisdictions. These jurisdictions also may claim that we are required to
qualify to do business as a foreign corporation in each such state and foreign
country. A successful assertion by one or more states or any foreign country
that we should collect sales or other taxes could adversely impact our business.
Our failure to qualify as a foreign corporation in a jurisdiction where we are
required to do so could subject us to taxes and penalties for the failure to
qualify. Any new legislation or regulation, the application of laws and
regulations of jurisdictions whose laws we believe do not currently apply to our
business, or the application of existing laws and regulations to the Internet
and goracing's online services could have a material adverse effect on our
business.
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 $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.
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EMPLOYEES
As of December 20, 1999, we had 648 full-time employees and 9 part-time
employees. 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................................ 58 Chairman of the Board, President, and Chief
Executive Officer
Tod J. Wagenhals................................. 35 Executive Vice President, Secretary, and
Director
David A. Husband................................. 30 Executive Vice President - Finance and
Accounting and Chief Financial Officer
Melodee L. Volosin............................... 35 Executive Vice President - Sales 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.
Tod J. Wagenhals has served as our Executive Vice President since July
1995, as a director since December 1993, and as Secretary since November 1993.
Mr. Wagenhals served as a Vice President of our company from September 1993 to
July 1995. Mr. Wagenhals served in various marketing capacities with our company
from May 1992 until September 1993. Mr. Wagenhals is the son of Fred W.
Wagenhals.
David A. Husband has served as our Executive Vice President - Finance
and Accounting and Chief Financial Officer since December 1999. Mr. Husband
served as Vice President - Finance and Accounting and Chief Accounting Officer
from May 1998 until December 1999. Mr. Husband was employed as an accountant
with Arthur Andersen LLP from July 1992 to May 1998, where he was primarily
engaged in auditing publicly held companies. Mr. Husband 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 Company's
wholesale distribution of die-cast collectibles and other products, including
advertising programs and budgeting.
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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 Internet
business 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, CART, 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 sales of products
licensed under that agreement or the profitability of those sales. The success
of licensing arrangements depends on many factors, including the reasonableness
of license fees in relationship to revenue generated by sales of licensed
products, the continued popularity of the licensors, and 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.
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ANY DOWNTURN IN THE POPULARITY OF THE MOTORSPORTS INDUSTRY IN GENERAL, AND
NASCAR RACING IN PARTICULAR, WOULD HAVE A MATERIAL ADVERSE EFFECT ON OUR
BUSINESS.
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. Any downturn in the popularity of the
motorsports industry, or its appeal to consumers, could reduce sales of
motorsports merchandise or corporation sponsorships, which would materially and
adversely affect our business.
Sales of die-cast replicas and other licensed merchandise related to
NASCAR racing represented approximately 86% of our revenue in fiscal 1999.
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. Any downturn in the popularity of NASCAR-sanctioned racing
could have a material and adverse effect on our business.
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 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 do not have long-term contracts with our third-party manufacturers.
We obtain die-cast products from our primary manufacturer in China under an
agreement that has been in place since 1994 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.
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. 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
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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.
OUR FAILURE TO EFFECTIVELY MANAGE OUR GROWTH COULD IMPAIR OUR BUSINESS.
Since 1993, our business operations have undergone significant changes
and growth, including the expansion of our collectible product lines, the
acquisition of our motorsports consumer products lines, the acquisition or
development of expanded distribution channels, and significant investments in
tooling and licensing arrangements. The failure to manage our growth on an
effective basis could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial
condition, and operating results. In order to manage effectively any significant
future growth, we must
- expand our facilities and equipment and further enhance our
operational, financial, and management systems;
- design, develop, produce, and receive products from
third-party manufacturers on a timely basis;
- develop and maintain our various distribution channels in
order to maximize product sales volumes and profit margins;
- effectively manage inventory levels;
- successfully hire, train, retain, and motivate additional
employees; and
- integrate successfully the operations of any acquired
businesses with our operations.
Our growth has placed, and our anticipated future growth in our
operations will continue to place, a significant strain on our management
systems and resources. We may be required to increase staffing and other
expenses as well as make expenditures on capital equipment and manufacturing
sources in order to meet the anticipated demand of our customers. 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.
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. 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.
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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 MUST DEVELOP AND INTRODUCE NEW PRODUCTS AND SERVICES TO SUCCEED.
Our operating results depend to a significant extent on 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. The success of new product and service
introductions depends on various factors, including the following:
- proper new product and service selection,
- successful sales and marketing efforts,
- timely production and delivery of new products or services,
and
- consumer acceptance of new products and services.
New products or services may not receive or maintain substantial market
acceptance. Our failure to design, develop, and introduce popular products and
services on a timely basis would adversely affect our future operating results.
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 Internet 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 NUMEROUS RISKS RELATED TO OUR INTERNET BUSINESS.
We anticipate that our emphasis on expanding our Internet business will
impact our business operations in a number of ways, including the following:
- we will make significant expenditures to provide new and
enhanced motorsports-related content, community features, and
e-commerce product and service offerings;
- we will make significant investments to enhance our
technology, software, and basic infrastructure; and
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- we may incur substantial costs to form Internet-related
strategic alliances or to make Internet-related acquisitions
and to integrate them with our existing operations.
We face numerous risks and uncertainties associated with our Internet
operations. Some of these risks and uncertainties relate to our ability to
- develop brand awareness and brand loyalty of the
"goracing.com" name to attract a larger audience to the
goracing.com network;
- expand online product and service offerings, provide a
convenient, economical, and secure online shopping experience,
and increase customer acceptance of the online purchase of
motorsports, automotive, and related merchandise and services;
- offer up-to-date news, information, and other features related
to the world of motorsports that are attractive to the
goracing.com network's visitors;
- anticipate and adapt to the changing market for Internet
services and electronic commerce, particularly as those
changes relate to the markets that we target;
- continue to develop, upgrade, maintain, and enhance our
operational, administrative, and other systems and
infrastructure to accommodate the expanded service offerings
and increased consumer traffic that we anticipate will
develop and to avoid service interruptions and delays that
could cause users to stop visiting the goracing.com network;
and
- provide or contract for satisfactory customer service and
order fulfillment, which will be critical to ensure repeat
visits by users of the goracing.com network.
We may not be successful in addressing these risks and uncertainties. The
failure to do so would materially and adversely affect our business.
We also face a variety of risks and uncertainties related to the new
and rapidly evolving Internet market, including the following:
- our future success depends to a significant extent on the
continued growth in use of the Internet;
- our target users may not prefer to obtain their motorsports
news and information online or to make online purchases;
- we may use new technologies ineffectively or fail to adapt our
network, transaction-processing systems, and infrastructure to
meet customer requirements, competitive pressures, or emerging
industry standards;
- any well-publicized compromise of security or inadvertent
transmissions of computer viruses could deter use of the
Internet in general or use of the goracing.com network to
conduct commercial transactions, and could expose us to
litigation or to a material risk of loss;
- legal uncertainties exist regarding Internet user privacy,
pricing issues, the characteristics and quality of products
and services, access charges and connection fees, consumer
protection issues, cross-border commerce, and transmission of
certain types of information over the Internet;
- our e-commerce sales and operating results could be adversely
affected if one or more states or foreign countries
successfully assert that we should collect sales or other
taxes on the sale of our products via the Internet; and
- we may be subjected to claims for defamation, negligence,
copyright, or trademark infringement or claims based on other
theories relating to the information published on the
goracing.com network. We also could be subjected to claims
based upon the content that is accessible from the
goracing.com network through links to other Web sites.
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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 MiniChamps, goracing, and Fantasy Sports Enterprises with
our operations. We may wish to acquire complementary businesses, products,
services, or technologies in the future. We may not be able to identify suitable
acquisition candidates or make acquisitions on commercially acceptable terms. We
also cannot provide assurance that we will be able to
- complete effectively the integration of the operations of the
acquired companies with our operations,
- manage effectively the combined operations of the acquired
businesses,
- achieve our operating and growth strategies with respect to
these businesses,
- obtain increased revenue opportunities as a result of the
anticipated synergies created by expanded product offerings
and additional distribution channels,
- reduce the overall selling, general, and administrative
expenses associated with acquired operations, or
- obtain, renew, or extend licensing agreements necessary to
successfully continue and expand the acquired operations.
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.
As part of our acquisition strategy, 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.
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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.
Our goracing.com network currently or potentially competes with
companies that include motorsports or automotive-related news and information,
community features, and products and services as part of their online offerings.
In addition, online retailers may be acquired by, receive investments from, or
enter into other commercial relationships with larger, well-established, and
well-financed companies as use of the Internet and other online services
increases. 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 Web site and
systems development than we can through goracing.com. The e-commerce market is
new, rapidly evolving, and intensely competitive, and we expect competition to
intensify in the future.
REGULATION OF CORPORATE SPONSORSHIP MAY ADVERSELY AFFECT THE MOTORSPORTS
INDUSTRY.
Tobacco and alcohol companies provide a significant amount of
advertising and promotional support of racing events, drivers, and car owners.
In 1996, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration published final regulations that
would substantially restrict tobacco industry sponsorship of sporting events,
including motorsports. The legality of these regulations has been challenged in
court. The U.S. Supreme Court is reviewing these regulations on appeal, and we
expect the Court to issue its decision during 2000. The FDA regulations, if
ultimately approved, and any other legislation, regulations, or other
initiatives that limit or prohibit advertisements of tobacco and alcohol
products at racing events could ultimately affect the popularity of motorsports,
which could have a material adverse effect on our business and operating
results.
In November 1998, certain major manufacturers of cigarettes and
smokeless tobacco products and the attorneys general of 46 states agreed to
settle certain lawsuits filed by more than 40 of the settling states and
potential claims that could be brought by the remaining settling states. The
terms of the settlement, among other things, limit sponsorship of racing events
by the participating manufacturers and substantially eliminate outdoor
advertising of tobacco products and any marketing or distribution of tobacco
brand name merchandise. The settlement, however, permits the participating
manufacturers to engage in limited sponsorships of racing events, drivers, or
teams. The participating manufacturers may not refer to any sponsored event,
driver, or team in their other advertisements of tobacco products. The terms of
the settlement limit or prohibit our ability to sell licensed motorsports
collectible and consumer products that include a tobacco brand name following
the expiration of existing license agreements for those products. Domestic and
international tobacco advertisers heavily subsidize certain NASCAR, NHRA, CART,
Formula One, and other racing series and teams, and those series and teams may
be challenged to find similar sponsorships. The limitations on tobacco company
sponsorship imposed by the settlement and any further limitations imposed on
tobacco or alcohol sponsorship of racing events could ultimately affect the
popularity of motorsports, which could have a material adverse effect on our
business and operating results.
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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 1999, we derived approximately 44% 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. In addition, as a result of the acquisition of MiniChamps and
Goodsports, we now 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, our plans to expand
our product sales in international markets, and our plans to expand our Internet
operations to include additional Web sites serving 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.
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
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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.
Under the terms of our license agreement with Hasbro, Hasbro's royalty
payments to us for sales by Hasbro in foreign countries are based on the
exchange rates in effect on the last day of the calendar quarter for which such
royalties are owed. As a result, we bear any risks that may be associated with
exchange rate fluctuations between the date on which Hasbro records overseas
sales of products subject to the license agreement and the last day of the
calendar quarter in which the sales are made. Royalties from overseas sales of
products by Hasbro do not represent a material percentage of our total revenue
and we do not expect that such royalties will represent a material percentage of
our total revenue in the future. As a result, we currently do not anticipate
that we will engage in hedging transactions intended to offset potential adverse
consequences of exchange rate fluctuations with respect to royalty payments due
from Hasbro for sales in foreign countries.
WE MAY REQUIRE ADDITIONAL CAPITAL TO SUPPORT GROWTH.
Our business operations have grown considerably in recent years as a
result of various factors, including the following:
- an increase in the number of licensing arrangements with race
car drivers, team owners, sponsors, automobile manufacturers,
and others,
- expansion of our product offerings, including additional lines
of die-cast replicas that have required substantial
investments in new tooling, and
- significant acquisitions of complementary businesses.
We have financed this growth through cash generated by operations, debt and
equity financings, and the issuance of our common stock in acquisitions.
Continued rapid growth, whether externally through additional acquisitions or
internally through new licensing arrangements, new product or service offerings,
or development and expansion of our Internet operations, could require
substantial additional capital in excess of cash resources, cash generated by
operations, and funds available to us through our existing credit facility. We
cannot predict the timing and 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. If such financing is not available on
satisfactory terms, we may be unable to expand our business at the rate 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.
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, including Fred W. Wagenhals, the Company's 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.
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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, 1999, we had outstanding approximately $112.0
million of indebtedness. This indebtedness includes $100.0 million principal
amount of 4-3/4% Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2005 and approximately $12.0
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.
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 (a) our trade names, logos, art, and (b) content of
our Web sites and the software technology that operates goracing's Web sites. We
have copyright protection for all original design and arrangement of the Web
sites on the goracing.com network, as well as any original material that we
produce to promote our products and services and the goracing.com network.
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," "SpeedMall," and
other marks. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has suspended our
"goracing.com" application, pending review and disposition of other possibly
conflicting trademark applications and registrations for marks that include
variations of the word "goracing." The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office also has
informed us that another entity applied for federal registration of the name
"SpeedMall" prior to our application. We believe that we used the "goracing.com"
and "SpeedMall" marks prior in time to the other applications and registrations
cited against us. We also believe that our acquisition of a potentially
conflicting "goracing" trademark gives our "goracing.com" application priority
over the other possibly conflicting applications or registrations. As a result,
we do not believe that anyone else can obtain trademark protection for the
"goracing.com" mark in the United States for an online business similar to the
business that we operate. We may, however, find it necessary to engage in
litigation to prove our "senior user" status with respect to these marks in
order to obtain federal registration. We cannot assure you we will be successful
in obtaining a federal registration for the "goracing.com," "SpeedMall," or
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 online. 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
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unenforceable. Misappropriation of our intellectual property or the litigation
costs associated with our intellectual property could have a material adverse
effect on us.
WE MAY BE UNABLE TO ACQUIRE OR MAINTAIN THE NECESSARY WEB DOMAIN NAMES.
We currently hold several Web domain names, including "goracing.com"
and "SpeedMall.com." Third parties currently own or could acquire similar domain
names that could create confusion and divert traffic to other Web sites, which
could adversely affect our Internet business. We may be unable to acquire or
maintain relevant domain names in all countries in which we conduct business. We
also may be unable to prevent third parties from acquiring domain names that are
similar to, infringe upon, or otherwise decrease the value of our proprietary
rights relating to goracing.
THE MARKET PRICE OF OUR COMMON STOCK AND NOTES MAY BE EXTREMELY VOLATILE.
The market price of our common stock has fluctuated dramatically during
the last three years. See Item 5, "Market for the Registrant's Common Equity and
Related Stockholder Matters." The period was marked by generally rising stock
prices, extremely favorable industry conditions, and substantially improved
operating results by our company. These favorable conditions may not continue.
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.
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.
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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.
OUR BUSINESS COULD BE SEVERELY DISRUPTED IF OUR COMPUTER SYSTEMS OR THE COMPUTER
SYSTEMS OF OTHER PARTIES ON WHICH WE RELY FAIL BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT "YEAR 2000"
COMPLIANT.
We depend upon complex computer software and systems for all phases of
our operations. The failure of any of our software or systems to be Year 2000
compliant could disrupt the operation of our financial and management controls
and reporting systems, could prevent us from being able to process or fulfill
orders from our customers, and could disrupt our Internet operations.
In addition to the systems and software that we use directly, our
operations also depend on the performance of software and systems of our
third-party manufacturers, vendors, and service providers. These include
providers of financial, telecommunications, and parcel delivery services. We
cannot assure you that these third parties have, or will have, operating
software and systems that are Year 2000 compliant.
We have completed an analysis of our material operating software and
systems to assess and assure Year 2000 compliance. We also have been
communicating with our third-party manufacturers, vendors, and service providers
and others with whom we do business to coordinate Year 2000 readiness. The
responses we have received to date have indicated that steps currently are being
undertaken by our third-party manufacturers, vendors, and service providers to
address this concern. However, any failure of our computer software and systems
or the systems of third parties to achieve timely Year 2000 compliance could
have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results, and financial
position.
If widespread failures occur, we believe the worst case scenario would
include
- the failure of our operating system, on which we maintain our
inventory records, accounts payable, accounts receivable,
order fulfillment, and other information vital to the
operation of our business,
- the failure of the servers hosting the goracing.com network,
resulting in the inability of users to connect to the
goracing.com network or to purchase products from us,
- the failure of systems maintained by our critical suppliers
and shippers, which could disrupt our ability to obtain or
ship our products in a timely manner, and
- the failure of third-party credit card systems, resulting in
the inability of our customers to use their credit cards to
purchase products from us.
Any such worst case scenario, if not quickly remedied, would have a
material adverse effect on our business. We have developed contingency plans to
address the failure of our software or systems as a result of
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Year 2000 issues. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations - Year 2000 Compliance."
RIGHTS TO ACQUIRE SHARES WILL RESULT IN DILUTION TO OTHER HOLDERS OF OUR COMMON
STOCK.
As of December 20, 1999, options to acquire a total of approximately
996,400 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 16,937,419 shares of common stock outstanding
as of December 20, 1999, 14,741,546 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 2,195,873 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 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 1,950,000 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 Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, Amended and
Restated 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. The Amended and Restated 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.
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
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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 use approximately 38,000 square feet of this
facility for our corporate headquarters and approximately 102,000 square feet
for warehouse space and packaging operations. The initial term of the lease
expires in August 2007, with two five-year renewal options.
We lease a newly constructed, approximately 65,000 square foot building
in Tempe, Arizona for our goracing operations. The initial term of the lease
expires in October 2009, 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.
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 and Creative Marketing & Promotions, Inc. prior to our
acquisitions of the assets and capital stock, respectively, 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.
On July 31,1997, we acquired all of the outstanding capital stock of
RYP, which is another defendant in the motorsports merchandise antitrust
litigation. Accordingly, we assumed the defense of this matter with respect to
claims based upon actions alleged to have been taken by RYP and will be
responsible for costs, fees, expenses, damages, payments, credits, rebates, and
penalties, if any, arising out of this matter with respect to RYP. The seller of
RYP has agreed to be responsible for amounts, if any, in excess of $400,000. The
$400,000 cap excludes attorneys fees and certain other costs and expenses that
we may incur in defending or settling this matter.
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
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entered into a memorandum of understanding with respect to the settlement of
this lawsuit. Final settlement of this matter will be subject to the negotiation
and execution of definitive settlement agreements, as well as approval by the
court. In connection with the memorandum of understanding, 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 proposed settlement, as well as legal
and other expenses related to the lawsuit and proposed settlement.
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 and Tod J. Wagenhals, directors and
officers of our company, and Christopher S. Besing, a former director and
officer 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 November 4, 1999. The
plaintiffs are requesting an unspecified amount of monetary damages. 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
quarterly high and low closing sale prices of our common stock on the Nasdaq
National Market for the calendar periods indicated.
COMMON STOCK
HIGH LOW
1997:
First Quarter............................................. $24.25 $16.50
Second Quarter............................................ 29.00 18.00
Third Quarter............................................. 36.13 25.38
Fourth Quarter............................................ 38.00 23.00
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 (through December 20, 1999)................ 23.69 9.25
As of December 20, 1999, there were approximately 370 holders of record
of our common stock. On December 20, 1999, the closing sales price of our common
stock on the Nasdaq National Market was $9.25 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, 1999 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,
-------------------------------------------------------------------
1995 1996 1997(1) 1998(2) 1999(3)
------------ ---------- ---------- --------- ----------
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Sales:
Collectibles........................ $ 23,443 $ 40,904 $ 68,932 $ 142,026 $ 214,429
Apparel and souvenirs............... 1,190 1,961 60,430 106,712 119,922
Other(4)............................ 1,498 1,351 1,018 3,139 8,094
------------ ---------- ---------- --------- ----------
Net sales......................... 26,131 44,216 130,380 251,877 342,445
Cost of sales.......................... 15,882 25,296 80,995 157,079 210,768
------------ ---------- ---------- --------- ----------
Gross profit........................... 10,249 18,920 49,385 94,798 131,677
Selling, general and administrative
expenses............................ 6,115 9,262 24,564 45,344 68,036
Settlement costs (5)................... -- -- 5,400 950 3,600
Amortization of goodwill and other
intangibles......................... 4 4 1,286 4,392 6,818
------------ ---------- ---------- --------- ----------
6,119 9,266 31,250 50,686 78,454
------------ ---------- ---------- --------- ----------
Income from operations................. 4,130 9,654 18,135 44,112 53,223
Interest income (expense) and other,
net................................. 24 216 (1,225) (3,134) (6,328)
------------ ---------- ---------- --------- ----------
Income before provision for
income taxes........................ 4,154 9,870 16,910 40,978 46,895
Provision for income taxes............. 1,384 3,917 6,764 16,391 18,526
------------ ---------- ---------- --------- ----------
Net income............................. $ 2,770 $ 5,953 $ 10,146 $ 24,587 $ 28,369
============ ========== ========== ========= ==========
Net income per common
share, assuming dilution(6)......... $ 0.26 $ 0.46 $ 0.69 $ 1.48 $ 1.65
============ ========== ========== ========= ==========
Weighted average number of
common shares, assuming
dilution(6)......................... 10,899 13,028 14,624 16,647 19,179
OTHER FINANCIAL DATA:
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges(7).. 14.8x 44.7x 8.2x 8.2x 7.7x
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET DATA
(AT END OF PERIOD):
Working capital........................ $ 11,922 $ 18,094 $ 56,975 $ 86,939 $ 107,797
Total assets........................... 23,351 31,649 141,325 305,934 335,747
Total debt............................. 288 365 22,586 135,596 111,921
Shareholders' equity................... 18,890 26,996 103,168 136,432 172,991
- --------------------
(1) Fiscal 1997 results include the results of operations of Sports Image,
Motorsports Traditions, RYP, Image Works, and Simpson, beginning as of
their respective dates of acquisition. See Item 7, "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations - Overview."
(2) Fiscal 1998 results include the results of operations of the Rusty
Wallace acquisition, the Revell acquisition, and the acquisitions of
Brookfield, Chase, MiniChamps, and Performance Plus, beginning as
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39
of their respective dates of acquisition. See Item 7, "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations Overview."
(3) Fiscal 1999 includes the results of operations of IPG, Tech 2000, and
Goodsports, beginning as of their respective dates of acquisition. See
Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations - Overview."
(4) Includes (a) the revenue of our mini vehicle operations through the
discontinuation of those operations in March 1995, and (b) royalty and
license fees beginning in fiscal 1997. See Item 7, "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations - Overview."
(5) Represents (a) a one-time charge of approximately $5.4 million for
settlement costs and related legal and other expenses in fiscal 1997,
(b) a one-time charge of approximately $950,000 for settlement costs
and related legal and other expenses in fiscal 1998, and (c) a one-time
charge of approximately $3.6 million for settlement costs and related
legal and other expenses in fiscal 1999.
(6) 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."
(7) 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.
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. We also operate
"goracing.com," which provides worldwide motorsports-related news and
information, an online meeting place and community for motorsports fans, and an
extensive e-commerce marketplace for motorsports-related die-cast collectibles,
apparel, and souvenirs. We also develop promotional programs for sponsors of
motorsports that feature our die-cast replicas or other products and that are
intended to increase brand awareness of the products or services of the
corporate sponsors. 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.
Our company was incorporated in Arizona in May 1992 and we began
marketing die-cast collectibles in July 1992. In August 1994, we acquired
certain assets and liabilities of Fan Fueler, Inc. and began marketing licensed
motorsports consumer products. During fiscal 1993 and 1994 and the first two
quarters of fiscal 1995, we designed and marketed pedal, electric, and
gas-powered mini vehicles, primarily as specialty promotional items. We sold the
assets related to our mini vehicle operations in March 1995.
In November 1996, we acquired Sports Image and in January 1997 we
acquired Motorsport Traditions, both of which marketed and distributed licensed
motorsports apparel, die-cast collectibles, and other souvenir items. In July
1997, we acquired RYP, which had operations similar to those of Sports Image and
Motorsport Traditions. In July 1997, we also acquired Image Works, which
manufactures and markets licensed motorsports apparel through the
mass-merchandising markets. We acquired certain assets and assumed certain
liabilities related to the mini-helmet collectible business of Simpson in August
1997. Following these acquisitions, we took a number of actions intended to
integrate the operations of the acquired companies with our existing operations
and to reduce overall selling, general, and administrative expenses associated
with the acquired entities. These efforts had a meaningful impact on our results
of operations beginning in the second half of fiscal 1997.
In December 1997, we completed an acquisition in which we acquired
assets related to sales of motorsports merchandise licensed by NASCAR driver
Rusty Wallace. In December 1997, we also acquired the assets related to certain
"Revell" trademarked die-cast products. Our company and Revell also entered into
a 10-year license agreement and a long-term strategic alliance involving
extensive marketing and distribution arrangements.
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In January 1998, we acquired the assets and assumed certain liabilities
of Brookfield, which distributes various motorsports collectibles and other
die-cast replicas. In May 1998, we acquired a majority interest in Chase, which
licenses apparel and clothing accessories that bear "Chase" branded marks. In
August 1998, we acquired an 80% interest in MiniChamps, which 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. In
September 1998, we acquired a majority interest in Performance Plus, which
develops and markets driver-endorsed nutritional products, including vitamins,
energy bars, and energy drinks.
In October 1998, we acquired IPG, which expanded our resources and
ability to develop promotional programs for corporate sponsors of motorsports.
In November 1998, we acquired Tech 2000, which operates the goracing.com
network. In January 1999, we acquired Goodsports, which markets and distributes
licensed Formula One apparel and related products.
During fiscal 1999, we significantly expanded our emphasis on
developing the Internet as an important distribution channel for our products.
In February 1999, we launched our e-commerce Web sites dedicated to sales of our
products, as well as SpeedMall, which includes Web sites that sell motorsports
and automotive-related products offered by other companies. In October 1999, we
acquired Fantasy Sports Enterprises, which develops and operates "fantasy" auto
racing and other sports-related games via the Internet and by traditional means.
We believe that the acquisitions described above provide us with
enhanced revenue opportunities as a result of the synergies created by expanded
product offerings and additional distribution channels. For example, in fiscal
1997 we began developing new lines of licensed motorsports apparel and souvenirs
for exclusive sales through our Collectors' Club. These acquisitions also
provide opportunities for additional sales growth of our die-cast, apparel, and
other products through trackside sales, corporate promotional programs, our
e-commerce Web sites and fan clubs.
Prior to the fiscal 1997 and 1998 acquisitions, our revenue consisted
primarily of sales of die-cast collectibles. The revenue of the businesses
acquired during fiscal 1997 and 1998 consisted primarily of sales of 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 63% of net sales in fiscal 1999 and sales of apparel and souvenirs
represented approximately 35% of net sales in fiscal 1999.
In fiscal 1995 and 1996, other revenue consisted primarily of sales
from the mini-vehicle operations that we sold in fiscal 1995. Beginning in
fiscal 1997, other revenue consists of royalty income derived from apparel
licensing activities by Chase and our license agreement with Hasbro, as well as
revenue from Internet advertising and Web site development.
Our 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,
- 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,
- the effect of amortizing the fixed cost components of cost of
sales, primarily depreciation of tooling and dies, over
varying levels of net sales, and
- fluctuations in royalty rates associated with corporate
promotional programs.
Increased sales of licensed apparel and souvenirs following the fiscal
1997 acquisitions resulted in lower overall gross margins during fiscal 1997 and
1998 as a result of lower gross margins generally associated with the
38
41
acquired product lines. Sales of collectible products as a percentage of net
sales increased in fiscal 1999 as a result of the successful completion of
several large - scale corporate promotional programs. As a result, gross margins
improved slightly in fiscal 1999 as compared with fiscal 1997 and 1998.
Selling, general, and administrative expenses include general corporate
expenses. We anticipate that our ongoing efforts to consolidate our operations
and reduce operating costs will enable us to lower selling, general, and
administrative expenses related to our core business operations. We anticipate
that expenses related to our Internet operations, however, will offset any
savings we achieve in other areas. We recorded goodwill and other intangibles of
approximately $50.0 million in connection with the fiscal 1997 acquisitions,
$61.8 million from the acquisitions completed in fiscal 1998, and approximately
$11.1 million from the acquisitions completed in fiscal 1999. We are amortizing
the goodwill and other intangibles over three to 25 years.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the
percentage of total revenue represented by certain expense and revenue items.
YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
--------------------------------------------------------------------
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
Sales
Collectibles......................... 89.7% 92.5% 52.9% 56.4% 62.6%
Apparel and souvenirs................ 4.6 4.4 46.3 42.4 35.0
Other................................ 5.7 3.1 0.8 1.2 2.4
------ ------ ----- ------ ------
Net sales.......................... 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0
Cost of sales........................... 60.8 57.2 62.1 62.4 61.5
------ ------ ----- ------ ------
Gross profit............................ 39.2 42.8 37.9 37.6 38.5
Selling, general and administrative
expenses............................. 23.4 21.0 18.8 18.0 19.9
Settlement costs(1)..................... --- --- 4.2 0.4 1.1
Amortization of goodwill and other
intangibles.......................... --- --- 1.0 1.7 2.0
------ ------ ----- ------ ------
Income from operations.................. 15.8 21.8 13.9 17.5 15.5
Interest income (expense) and other,
net.................................. 0.1 0.5 (0.9) (1.2) (1.2)
------ ------ ------ ------- -------
Minority interest in earnings........... --- --- --- 0.1 0.6
Income before provision for
income taxes......................... 15.9 22.3 13.0 16.3 14.3
Provision for income taxes.............. 5.3 8.8 5.2 6.5 5.4
------ ------ ----- ------ ------
Net income.............................. 10.6% 13.5% 7.8% 9.7% 8.3%
====== ====== ===== ====== ======
- ------------------
(1) Fiscal 1997 includes a one-time charge of approximately $5.4 million for
costs and legal and other expenses related to the settlement of a lawsuit.
Excluding the one-time charge, fiscal 1997 income from operations, income
before provision for income taxes, and net income would have been
approximately 18.1%, 17.1%, and 10.3% of net sales, respectively. Fiscal
1998 includes a one-time charge of approximately $950,000 for costs and
other expenses related to the settlement of a lawsuit. Excluding the
one-time charge, fiscal 1998 income from operations, income before
provision for income taxes, and net income would have been 17.9%, 16.7%,
and 10.0% of net sales, respectively. Fiscal 1999 includes a one-time
charge of approximately $3.6 million for costs and other expenses related
to the settlement of a lawsuit. Excluding the one-time charge, fiscal 1999
income from operations, income before provision for income taxes, and net
income would have been 16.6%, 15.4%, and 8.9% of net sales, respectively.
39
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FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1999 COMPARED WITH FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER
30, 1998
Net sales increased 36% 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 148,000
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.
Settlement costs of $3.6 million for the year ended September 30, 1999
resulted from a one-time charge for the settlement of a lawsuit and related
legal charges. This settlement represented 1.1% of net sales in fiscal 1999.
Amortization of goodwill and other intangibles increased to $6.8
million for the year ended September 30, 1999 from $4.4 million for the year
ended September 30, 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 in fiscal 1999 from approximately $2.9 million in
fiscal 1998. The change was primarily attributable to an increase in interest
expense of approximately $1.4 million related to the convertible subordinated
notes.
FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1998 COMPARED WITH FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER
30, 1997
Net sales increased 93.2% to $251.9 million for the year ended
September 30, 1998 from $130.4 million for the year ended September 30, 1997. We
attribute the improvement in sales during fiscal 1998 primarily to (1) revenue
from our fiscal 1997 and 1998 acquisitions, (2) 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, and (3) an increase in membership in the Collectors' Club to
approximately 148,000 members at September 30, 1998 from approximately 100,000
members at September 30, 1997.
Gross profit increased to $94.8 million in fiscal 1998 from $49.4
million in fiscal 1997, representing 37.6% and 37.9% of net sales, respectively.
The decrease in gross profit as a percentage of net sales resulted primarily
from increased sales of die-cast collectibles through wholesale channels, which
typically provide lower margins than sales of such products through the
Collectors' Club.
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Selling, general and administrative expenses increased to $45.3 million
in fiscal 1998 from $24.6 million in fiscal 1997, representing 18.0% and 18.8%
of net sales, respectively. The decrease in such expenses as a percentage of
sales resulted primarily from cost savings achieved with the integration and
consolidation of operations of the businesses acquired in fiscal 1997 and 1998.
The integration and consolidation included the relocation of Motorsport
Traditions into Sports Image's facility, the integration of management
information systems, and a reduction in excess labor.
Amortization of goodwill and other intangibles increased to $4.4
million for fiscal 1998 from $1.3 million for fiscal 1997. The increase in
amortization of goodwill and other intangibles is related to the acquisitions of
Sports Image, Motorsport Traditions, and other entities. We recorded goodwill
and other intangibles of $50.0 million in connection with the fiscal 1997
acquisitions, and recorded an additional $61.8 million of goodwill and other
intangibles from the acquisitions completed in fiscal 1998. We are amortizing
the goodwill and other intangibles over periods of three to 25 years.
Interest income (expense) and other, net, changed to a net expense of
approximately $2.9 million for fiscal 1998 from a net expense of approximately
$1.2 million for fiscal 1997. The change was primarily attributable to an
increase in interest expense of approximately $3.5 million related to the
issuance of $100.0 million of subordinated notes in March 1998, offset by an
increase in interest income of approximately $1.8 million related to proceeds
from our common stock offering in June 1997 and the sale of the subordinated
notes in March 1998.
PRO FORMA RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following table sets forth the unaudited pro forma income statement
data of our company for the fiscal years ended September 30, 1998 and 1999,
giving effect to (a) the acquisitions of the Rusty Wallace acquisition, the
Revell acquisition, and the acquisitions of Brookfield, Chase, MiniChamps,
Performance Plus, IPG, Tech 2000, and Goodsports as if they had occurred on
October 1, 1997, using the purchase method of accounting for business
combinations, except for IPG, which was accounted for as a pooling of interests,
and (b) the conversion of the 4-3/4% Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2005,
which are convertible at the option of the holders into shares of common stock.
The conversion of the notes had an anti-dilutive effect on earnings per share
for fiscal year 1998 and therefore are not assumed converted during that period.
The unaudited pro forma income statement data presented below does not purport
to represent what our actual results of operations would have been had those
acquisitions occurred on October 1, 1997 or to project our results of operations
for any future period.
FISCAL YEAR ENDED
-------------------------------------------
SEPTEMBER 30, 1998 SEPTEMBER 30, 1999
------------------ ------------------
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
Net sales....................................................... $ 292,753 $ 345,245
Net income(1)................................................... 24,043 27,871
Interest, net of tax, on convertible subordinated notes
payable....................................................... -- 3,216
---------- ----------
Net income attributable to diluted shares outstanding(1)........ 24,043 31,087
Net income per common share, assuming dilution(1)............... $ 1.44 $ 1.62
- --------------------
(1) Pro forma amounts for fiscal 1998 include the one-time charge of
approximately $950,000, or $0.03 per share, for legal settlement costs
and related charges. Pro forma amounts for fiscal 1999 include the
one-time charge of approximately $3.6 million, or $0.11 per share, for
legal settlement costs and related charges.
The pro forma results shown above do not account for efficiencies
gained upon the consolidation of operations, including the elimination of
duplicative functions and reduction of salary expense and other related costs.
The pro forma results of operations for the years ended September 30, 1998 and
1999 reflect the amortization of goodwill and other intangibles arising from the
fiscal 1998 and fiscal 1999 acquisitions and include additional interest expense
associated with any financing of the acquisitions.
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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, 1998 and 1999. 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 1998
----------------------------------------------------------------
1ST QUARTER 2ND QUARTER(1) 3RD QUARTER 4TH QUARTER
----------- -------------- ----------- -----------
Net sales.............................. $ 42,918 $ 53,155 $ 76,793 $ 79,011
Gross profit........................... 15,056 20,061 29,528 30,052
Income from operations................. 6,375 7,467 15,032 15,237
Net income............................. $ 3,656 $ 4,036 $ 8,548 $ 8,347
Net income per common share,
assuming dilution................... $ 0.22 $ 0.24 $ 0.50 $ 0.49
Weighted average number of common
shares, assuming dilution........... 16,568 16,666 18,766 18,781
FISCAL 1999
------------------------------------------------------------------
1ST QUARTER 2ND QUARTER 3RD QUARTER 4TH QUARTER (2)
----------- ----------- ----------- ---------------
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 income 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
- --------------------
(1) Includes a one-time charge of approximately $950,000 for costs and
legal and other expenses related to the settlement of a lawsuit.
Excluding the one-time charge, income from operations, net income, and
net income per common share, assuming dilution, for the second quarter
of fiscal 1998 would have been approximately $8,417, $4,606, and $0.28,
respectively.
(2) Includes a one-time charge of approximately $3.6 million for costs and
legal and other expenses related to the settlement of a lawsuit.
Excluding the one-time charge, income from operations, net income, and
net income per common share, assuming dilution, for the fourth quarter
of fiscal 1999 would have been approximately $13,795, $7,532, and
$0.44, respectively. We had previously accounted for the Tech 2000
acquisition as a pooling of interests. We subsequently determined that
the transaction should be accounted for as a purchase. The effect of
reflecting the Tech 2000 acquisition as a purchase rather than a
pooling is immaterial to our quarterly and year-end operating results.
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 1998
and 1999 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. Our limited Internet operating history and the new and
rapidly evolving Internet markets make it difficult to predict the effects of
seasonality on our business in future periods.
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45
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Our working capital position increased to $106.6 million at September
30, 1999 from $86.9 million at September 30, 1998. The increase of $19.7 million
is primarily attributable to increased inventories and accounts receivables and
decreased accounts payable through results of operations.
Capital expenditures for the year ended September 30, 1999 totaled
approximately $26.7 million, of which we utilized approximately $10.0 million
for our continued investment in tooling.
During the year ended September 30, 1999, we issued 332,922 shares of
common stock upon the exercise of stock options, resulting in total proceeds to
us of approximately $3.8 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 August 5, 1998, we entered into an amended and restated credit
agreement with First Union National Bank of North Carolina. The credit facility
consists of a revolving line of credit for up to $20.0 million, which includes
up to $5.0 million for standby letters of credit (the "Line of Credit") and a
$30.0 million trade letter of credit/bankers' acceptance facility (the "Letter
of Credit/BA Facility"). The Line of Credit bears interest, at our option, at a
rate equal to (i) the Alternate Base Rate (as described below) plus an
applicable margin as defined in the credit agreement or (ii) LIBOR plus an
applicable margin as defined in the credit agreement. The "Alternate Base Rate"
under the Line of Credit is the greater of (a) the bank's publicly announced
prime rate or (b) the Federal Funds Effective Rate (as defined) plus 0.5%. The
Line of Credit matures on April 1, 2001 with respect to the revolving line of
credit portion of the Line of Credit, and on April 1, 2000 with respect to the
standby letter of credit portion of the Line of Credit and the Letter of
Credit/BA Facility, subject to extensions by First Union. Our domestic
subsidiaries have guaranteed our obligations under the Credit Facility. The Line
of Credit contains provisions that require us to comply with certain financial
covenants and that limit our ability to incur additional debt or make certain
investments, to sell assets, to engage in certain mergers or consolidations, or
to pay dividends. We did not have any outstanding borrowings under the Line of
Credit as of September 30, 1999. We had outstanding purchase commitments of
approximately $6.0 million under the Letter of Credit/BA Facility as of
September 30, 1999.
On January 2, 1997, we issued an aggregate of $20.0 million principal
amount of senior notes to three insurance companies. The senior notes bore
interest at the rate of 8.05% per annum, and matured in January 1999. We used
available cash resources, including the proceeds from the convertible
subordinated notes, to repay the senior notes at maturity.
On October 27, 1998, we acquired all of the outstanding stock of IPG in
exchange of 35,000 shares of our restricted common stock. IPG creates and
develops promotional programs for corporate sponsors of motorsports.
On November 23, 1998, we acquired Tech 2000, a privately held Internet
company, through a merger of Tech 2000 and our wholly owned subsidiary goracing
Interactive Services, Inc. (formerly "Action Interactive, Inc."). Under the
terms of the merger agreement, we issued 137,922 shares of restricted common
stock in exchange for all of the issued and outstanding common stock of Tech
2000.
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46
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 formed goracing.com, inc. on May 5, 1999. On July 1, 1999, we
contributed to goracing all of our interest in (a) the Collectors' Club, (b)
goracing Direct Sales, LLC, which provides Internet distribution services for
all of our product lines other than those sold through the Collectors' Club, and
(c) goracing Interactive Services, Inc. (formerly Tech 2000), which develops and
operates the Web sites that constitute the goracing.com network. We contributed
the operations of the Collectors' Club to goracing along with the other Internet
operations because of the increasing migration of club members to use of the
Internet to order our products and the importance of providing seamless order
fulfillment services to them. On July 6, 1999, goracing.com, inc. filed a
registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission for an
initial public offering of its Class A common stock. In December 1999, we
announced that we would indefinitely postpone the goracing public offering. We
will record non-recurring charges of up to $2.0 million in the first quarter of
fiscal 2000 for expenses incurred in connection with the proposed offering, as
well as various management restructuring charges that occurred during the first
quarter of fiscal 2000.
In August 1999, goracing entered into an agreement with a financial
institution under which goracing has available up to $7.0 million for the
purposes of acquiring capital equipment under operating leases. As of September
30, 1999, goracing had executed operating leases totaling approximately $3.7
million under this agreement. We have guaranteed goracing's obligations under
this agreement.
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. See Item 3, "Legal Proceedings." We have
agreed to settle one lawsuit and we recorded a non-recurring pretax charge of
$3.6 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 1999 to reflect the financial terms
of the proposed settlement, as well as legal and other expenses related to the
lawsuit and proposed settlement. The final settlement will be subject to the
negotiation and execution of definitive settlement agreements, as well as court
approval. We have not made any provisions in our financial statements with
respect to the securities class action lawsuit we are defending. The imposition
of any additional damages in the lawsuit we have agreed to settle or the
imposition of damages in the securities class action 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 believe that our current cash resources, our credit facility with
First Union, goracing's commitment for capital equipment lease financing, and
expected cash flow from operations will be sufficient to fund our capital needs
during the next 12 months at our current level of operations, apart from capital
needs resulting from additional acquisitions and the capital required to enable
goracing to fully execute its growth strategy. goracing will require additional
capital from our capital resources or from outside sources to be able to fully
execute its growth strategy. We may be required to obtain additional capital to
fund the planned growth of other aspects of our business during the next 12
months and beyond. Potential sources of any such capital may include the
proceeds from the exercise of outstanding options, bank financing, strategic
alliances, and additional offerings of our equity or debt securities. There can
be no assurance that such capital will be available from these or other
potential sources, and the lack of such capital could have a material adverse
effect on our business.
44
47
YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE
We are heavily dependent upon complex computer software and systems for
our operations. Many existing computer programs and systems use only two digits
to identify a year in the date field. These programs and systems were designed
and developed without considering the impact of the upcoming change in the
century. If not corrected, many computer applications could fail or create
erroneous results by or at January 1, 2000.
State of Readiness
All of our material operating software and our information technology
systems and other systems, including telecommunications and warehouse systems,
were developed or are supported either by our internal staff or by third-party
vendors. During 1997, we engaged Computer Associates International, Inc. to
commence a program to install new information technology, or IT, and non-IT
systems including hardware and software programs that are intended to integrate
management information systems throughout our organizational structure, as well
as to comply with Year 2000 requirements. As of the date of this Report, the
installation is complete and operational with respect to those systems that we
believe were not Year 2000 compliant. We believe that our new software systems
will comply with the Year 2000 requirements, and we do not anticipate any
material disruption to our operations as a result of any failure of any of our
systems to function properly beyond December 31, 1999.
We are coordinating the delivery, receipt, and summary of results of
Year 2000 surveys sent for the purpose of determining Year 2000 readiness of our
significant vendors and suppliers. We have determined that there are 111
significant vendors and suppliers. Of the 111 surveys sent to significant
vendors and suppliers, 35 have provided written affirmation that they are Year
2000 compliant. Another 50 have indicated, through written response, that their
compliance programs are ongoing. These vendors and suppliers have indicated that
their compliance programs will be complete by the end of the fourth quarter of
1999. We continue to monitor the status of all our significant vendors and
suppliers to minimize the risk of any material adverse effect on our operations
that may result from Year 2000 failures of any of our significant vendors or
suppliers. We cannot assure you, however, that our vendors or service providers
have or will have operating software and systems that are Year 2000 compliant.
Risks
The failure of our software or systems to be Year 2000 compliant could
prevent us from being able to process or fulfill orders from our customers,
could cause users of our Web sites to consider alternative Web community and
content providers, or could disrupt our financial and management controls and
reporting systems. We believe the most reasonably likely worst-case scenario
resulting from a Year 2000 problem affecting our systems would be a short-term
inability to process orders, billings, payables, and payroll in a timely manner,
as we would have to resort to alternative manual procedures. However, in view of
our Year 2000 readiness efforts to date, we believe significant disruptions
within our systems are unlikely. Another worst-case scenario could arise because
our customers make a significant portion of purchases of merchandise from us
with credit cards. Our operations may be materially and adversely affected to
the extent our customers are unable to use their credit cards due to Year 2000
issues that are not rectified by the end of calendar year 1999.
Third parties in Asia manufacture a significant portion of our
products. Because the manufacturing processes utilized generally do not rely
upon date-related information, we currently believe that a failure on the part
of our overseas manufacturers to bring their processes and equipment into Year
2000 compliance does not represent a material risk to our ability to obtain
products on a timely basis. Our overseas manufacturers may be at risk with
respect to suppliers of necessary resources, particularly suppliers of power,
water, and telecommunications, if those suppliers are not Year 2000 compliant.
Extended disruptions in the operations of our overseas manufacturers' or
companies that ship our products would materially and adversely impact our
ability to obtain our products on a timely basis.
To date, we have not identified any significant exposure to Year 2000
problems outside of the information technology issues identified above. We have
developed contingency plans to address service interruptions and other failures
that may occur as a result of Year 2000 issues. These contingency plans include
45
48
the development of manually operated alternative procedures, identification of
alternative vendors, development of emergency backup and recovery procedures for
lost data, and development of plans as a result of our assessment of customer
Year 2000 issues, as noted above.
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, 1999, we had $100 million outstanding under our
convertible subordinated notes at an interest rate of 4.75%, and approximately
$12.0 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 currency for our foreign operations is the Deutschmark
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
report thereon, commencing at page F-1 of this Report, which financial
statements, notes, and report are incorporated herein by reference.
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 2000 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 2000 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 2000 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 2000 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
46
49
PART IV
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(a) 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) No Financial Statement Schedules are included because such
schedules are not applicable, are not required, or because
required information is included in the Consolidated Financial
Statements or Notes thereto.
(b) REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
Not applicable.
(c) 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 Company and Early Light International (Holdings) Ltd. dated December 5,
1994(5)
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)
47
50
10.57 Standard Form Industrial Lease (Single Tenant) dated June 28, 1999, between H-B Tempe, L.L.C. and Action
Performance Companies, Inc.
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.
12.1 Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
21.1 List of Subsidiaries of Action Performance Companies, Inc.
23.1 Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP
25.1 Statement of Eligibility of Trustee under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 on Form T-1(12)
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 Registration
Statement on Form S-3 (Registration No. 333-53413).
48
51
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, 1999 /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, 1999
- ------------------------------------ Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)
Fred W. Wagenhals
/s/ Tod J. Wagenhals Executive Vice President, and Director December 28, 1999
- ------------------------------------
Tod J. Wagenhals
/s/ David A. Husband Executive Vice President - Finance and December 28, 1999
- ------------------------------------ Accounting and Chief Financial Officer
David A. Husband (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
/s/ Melodee L. Volosin Executive Vice President - Sales and Director December 28, 1999
- ------------------------------------
Melodee L. Volosin
/s/ John S. Bickford Vice President - Strategic Alliances and Director December 28, 1999
- ------------------------------------
John S. Bickford
/s/ Jack M. Lloyd Director December 28, 1999
- ------------------------------------
Jack M. Lloyd
/s/ Robert H. Manschot Director December 28, 1999
- ------------------------------------
Robert H. Manschot
Director December __, 1999
- ------------------------------------
Edward J. Bauman
Managing Director of MiniChamps and Director December __, 1999
- ------------------------------------
Paul G. Lang
49
52
ACTION PERFORMANCE COMPANIES, INC.
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
PAGE
----
Report of Independent Public Accountants ................................................................. F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 1999 and 1998 ............................................ F-3
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years
Ended September 30, 1999, 1998, and 1997 .............................................................. F-4
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for the Years
Ended September 30, 1999, 1998, and 1997 .............................................................. F-5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years
Ended September 30, 1999, 1998, and 1997 .............................................................. F-6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements ............................................................... F-7
F-1
53
\ 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, 1999 and 1998, and the related consolidated statements of
operations, shareholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in
the period ended September 30, 1999. 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 generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
In our opinion, the 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, 1999 and 1998, and the results of
their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period
ended September 30, 1999, in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.
Phoenix, Arizona /s/ Arthur Andersen LLP
December 28, 1999.
F-2
54
ACTION PERFORMANCE COMPANIES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
SEPTEMBER 30, 1999 AND 1998
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
1999 1998
--------- --------
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents .................................................. $ 58,523 $ 60,867
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,421
and $986, respectively ................................................... 44,988 36,314
Inventories ................................................................ 45,310 35,790
Prepaid royalties .......................................................... 7,271 5,745
Prepaid expenses and other assets .......................................... 2,953 4,961
--------- --------
Total current assets ..................................................... 159,045 143,677
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net ................................................... 56,162 46,053
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES, net ........................................... 111,634 106,146
OTHER ASSETS, net ............................................................. 8,906 10,058
--------- --------
$ 335,747 $305,934
========= ========
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable ........................................................... $ 20,127 $ 11,430
Accrued royalties .......................................................... 13,519 10,589
Accrued expenses and other ................................................. 14,889 10,973
Current portion of long-term debt .......................................... 2,713 23,746
--------- --------
Total current liabilities ................................................ 51,248 56,738
--------- --------
LONG-TERM DEBT:
Convertible subordinated notes ............................................. 100,000 100,000
Other long-term debt ....................................................... 9,208 11,850
--------- --------
Total long-term debt ..................................................... 109,208 111,850
--------- --------
MINORITY INTEREST ............................................................. 2,300 914
--------- --------
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; 16,929,085
and 16,423,238 shares issued and outstanding, respectively ............... 169 164
Additional paid-in capital ................................................. 102,555 91,974
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) .............................. (714) 1,682
Retained earnings .......................................................... 70,981 42,612
--------- --------
Total shareholders' equity ............................................... 172,991 136,432
--------- --------
$ 335,747 $305,934
========= ========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of
these consolidated balance sheets.
F-3
55
ACTION PERFORMANCE COMPANIES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1999, 1998, AND 1997
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
1999 1998 1997
--------- --------- ---------
Sales:
Collectibles ............................... $ 214,429 $ 142,026 $ 68,932
Apparel and souvenirs ...................... 119,922 106,712 60,430
Other ...................................... 8,094 3,139 1,018
--------- --------- ---------
Net sales ................................ 342,445 251,877 130,380
Cost of sales ................................. 210,768 157,079 80,995
--------- --------- ---------
Gross profit .................................. 131,677 94,798 49,385
--------- --------- ---------
Operating expenses:
Selling, general and administrative expenses 68,036 45,344 24,564
Settlement costs ........................... 3,600 950 5,400
Amortization of goodwill and
other intangibles ........................ 6,818 4,392 1,286
--------- --------- ---------
Total operating expenses ................. 78,454 50,686 31,250
--------- --------- ---------
Income from operations ........................ 53,223 44,112 18,135
--------- --------- ---------
Other income (expense):
Minority interest in earnings .............. (1,930) (189) --
Interest income and other, net ............. 2,531 2,588 796
Interest expense ........................... (6,929) (5,533) (2,021)
--------- --------- ---------
Total other income (expense), net ........ (6,328) (3,134) (1,225)
--------- --------- ---------
Income before provision for income taxes ...... 46,895 40,978 16,910
Provision for income taxes .................... 18,526 16,391 6,764
--------- --------- ---------
NET INCOME 28,369 24,587 10,146
Other comprehensive income (loss).............. (2,396) 1,682 --
--------- --------- ---------
Comprehensive income (loss).................... $ 25,973 $ 26,269 $ 10,146
========= ========= =========
NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE:
Basic ...................................... $ 1.69 $ 1.52 $ 0.72
========= ========= =========
Diluted .................................... $ 1.65 $ 1.48 $ 0.69
========= ========= =========
WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING:
Basic ...................................... 16,789 16,135 14,047
========= ========= =========
Diluted .................................... 19,179 16,647 14,624
========= ========= =========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of
these consolidated financial statements.
F-4
56
ACTION PERFORMANCE COMPANIES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
FOR THE YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1999, 1998, AND 1997
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
COMMON STOCK ADDITIONAL ACCUMULATED
---------------------- PAID-IN RETAINED COMPREHENSIVE
SHARES AMOUNT CAPITAL EARNINGS INCOME TOTAL
---------- ------ -------- -------- ------------- ---------
BALANCE, SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 ......... 12,609,769 $126 $ 18,991 $ 7,879 $ -- $ 26,996
Common stock issued in conjunction
with purchase of businesses ........ 765,542 8 10,041 -- -- 10,049
Common stock issued upon exercise
of options ........................ 296,092 3 1,708 -- -- 1,711
Common stock issued in
public offering ................... 2,085,000 21 49,822 -- -- 49,843
Tax benefit from stock options ...... -- -- 1,651 -- 1,651
Issuance of common stock in
private placements ................. 195,680 2 2,771 -- -- 2,773
Net income .......................... -- -- -- 10,146 -- 10,146
---------- ---- -------- ------- ------- ---------
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
Issuance of common stock 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
========== ==== ======== ======= ======= =========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of
these consolidated financial statements.
F-5
57
ACTION PERFORMANCE COMPANIES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1999, 1998, AND 1997
(IN THOUSANDS)
1999 1998 1997
-------- --------- --------
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income ........................................... $ 28,369 $ 24,587 $ 10,146
Adjustments to reconcile net income to
net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization ...................... 22,946 11,839 4,477
Undistributed earnings to minority
shareholders ..................................... 1,634 189 --
Change in assets and liabilities, net of
businesses acquired:
Accounts receivable .............................. (8,065) (12,937) (3,623)
Inventories ...................................... (9,067) (14,406) (5,009)
Prepaid royalties ................................ (3,725) (120) (2,672)
Prepaid expenses and other assets ................ (2,157) (1,233) (665)
Accounts payable ................................. 6,731 (373) (1,633)
Accrued royalties ................................ 2,931 4,106 2,395
Accrued expenses and other ....................... 8,323 6,004 917
-------- --------- --------
Net cash provided by operating activities ....... 47,920 17,656 4,333
-------- --------- --------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of property and equipment ................ (26,693) (21,687) (11,192)
Proceeds from sale of equipment .................... 155 383 321
Acquisition of businesses less cash acquired
and other intangibles ............................. (4,738) (55,885) (11,082)
Collections (issuance) on notes receivable ......... 1,043 (15) --
-------- --------- --------
Net cash used in investing activities ............ (30,233) (77,204) (21,953)
-------- --------- --------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Borrowings on line of credit ....................... -- 9,600 4,879
Payments on line of credit ......................... -- (9,600) (10,279)
Net proceeds from issuance of
common stock ...................................... 3,838 1,637 54,327
Issuance of convertible subordinated notes, net of
offering expenses ................................. -- 96,500 --
Payments on long-term debt, net .................... (24,143) (7,096) (6,972)
-------- --------- --------
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities (20,305) 91,041 41,955
-------- --------- --------
Effect of exchange rate changes on
cash and cash equivalents ........................ 274 56 --
-------- --------- --------
Net change in cash and cash equivalents ............ (2,344) 31,549 24,335
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year ....... 60,867 29,318 4,983
-------- --------- --------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year ............. $ 58,523 $ 60,867 $ 29,318
======== ========= ========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of
these consolidated financial statements.
F-6
58
ACTION PERFORMANCE COMPANIES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 1999, 1998, AND 1997
(1) THE COMPANY
OPERATIONS
Action Performance Companies, Inc., an Arizona corporation, (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 and that are intended to increase
brand awareness of the products or services of the corporate sponsors. The
Company's motorsports collectibles, which are primarily produced in China, and
most of the Company's apparel and souvenirs are manufactured by third parties,
generally utilizing the Company's designs, tools, and dies. The Company screen
prints and embroiders a portion of the licensed motorsports apparel that it
sells.
The Company markets its products to approximately 11,500 specialty retailers
throughout the world either directly or through its wholesale distributor
network; to motorsports enthusiasts through its Racing Collectables Club of
America; via electronic commerce through its "goracing.com" Web site; and
through mobile trackside souvenir stores, promotional programs for corporate
sponsors, and fan clubs.
(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 generally recognizes revenue upon shipment of product. 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 generally accepted
accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of
contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements.
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, 1999 and 1998 was approximately $65.0
million and $78.1 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
59
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 the end of each balance sheet date,
and related revenues and expenses are translated at average exchange rates in
effect during the period.
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 and United States Treasury securities.
INVENTORIES
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out method) or
market, and consist of diecast collectibles, apparel and other. Diecast
collectible inventory cost consist of purchased product and freight-in. Apparel
and other inventory costs consist 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 68% of its
diecast collectible product. Any difficulty by this manufacturer to produce
and deliver diecast collectibles 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.
Property and equipment consist of the following at September 30, 1999 and 1998
(in thousands):
Estimated
Useful
1999 1998 Life
--------- ---------- ---------
Building and land .................................... $ 12,794 $ 6,207 30 years
Tooling and molds .................................... 40,293 30,217 1-5 years
Furniture, fixtures and equipment .................... 21,709 15,099 3-5 years
Autos and truck ...................................... 3,927 3,158 5 years
Leasehold improvements ............................... 4,534 2,984 10 years
---------- ---------
83,257 57,665
Less - accumulated depreciation ...................... (27,095) (11,612)
---------- ---------
$ 56,162 $ 46,053
========== =========
Maintenance and repairs of approximately $738,000, $697,000, and $277,000 for
the years ended September 30, 1999, 1998, and 1997, 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.
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. Other intangibles, which
consist of licenses and sponsorships, are amortized using the straight-line
method over their estimated useful lives, which range from three to 15 years.
Amortization expense of $6.8 million, $4.4 million, and $1.3 million is included
in the accompanying financial statements for the years ended September 30, 1999,
1998, and 1997, respectively. The following table sets forth the components of
goodwill and other intangibles as of September 30, 1999 and 1998, respectively
(in thousands).
Amortization
Period (Years) 1999 1998
-------------- ---------- ---------
3-5 $ 3,882 $ 2,190
6-10 20,610 11,247
11-15 12,294 11,855
16-25 87,344 86,542
---------- ---------
124,130 111,834
Less accumulated amortization (12,496) (5,688)
---------- ---------
$ 111,634 $ 106,146
========== =========
F-8
60
LICENSE AGREEMENTS
Royalties paid under various licensing agreements are recorded as expense at the
time the related sales are made.
LONG-LIVED ASSETS
The Company periodically evaluates the carrying value of long-lived assets in
accordance with SFAS No. 121 "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed Of." Under SFAS No. 121, long-lived
assets and certain identifiable intangible assets to be held and used in
operations are reviewed for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate
that the carrying amount of an asset may not be fully recoverable. An impairment
loss is recognized if the sum of the expected long-term undiscounted cash flows
is less than the carrying amount of the long-lived assets being evaluated.
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
The supplemental cash flow disclosures and non-cash transactions for the years
ended September 30, 1999, 1998, and 1997 are as follows (in thousands):
1999 1998 1997
------- ------- -------
Supplemental disclosures:
Interest paid ....................... $ 4,279 $ 4,690 $ 1,505
Income taxes paid ................... 12,052 10,600 5,396
Non-cash transactions:
Common stock issued in acquisitions . $ 4,298 $ -- $10,049
Debt and liabilities incurred or
assumed in acquisitions ........... 3,999 29,002 44,446
Acquisition of property and equipment
under notes payable and
capital leases .................... 1,078 2,961 1,515
Tax benefits on various common
stock options ..................... 2,450 4,100 1,651
Common stock issued in connection
with licensing and sponsorship
agreements ........................ -- 1,257 --
NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE
Net 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 antidilutive effect. The
Company's Convertible Subordinated Notes (see Note 4) were antidilutive for the
fiscal year ended September 30, 1998. The calculation of diluted net income per
common share for the years ended September 30, 1999, 1998, and 1997 are as
follows (in thousands, except per share data):
1999 1998 1997
------- ------- -------
Shares:
Weighted average number of common
shares outstanding ............................... 16,789 16,135 14,047
Additional shares assuming conversion of:
Stock options .................................... 315 512 577
Convertible subordinated notes payable ........... 2,075 -- --
------- ------- -------
Diluted weighted average shares
outstanding ...................................... 19,179 16,647 14,624
======= ======= =======
Net income ......................................... $28,369 $24,587 $10,146
Interest, net of tax, on convertible
subordinated notes payable...................... 3,216 -- --
------- ------- -------
Net income attributable to diluted
weighted average shares outstanding ............... $31,585 $24,587 $10,146
======= ======= =======
Diluted earnings per share ......................... $ 1.65 $ 1.48 $ 0.69
======= ======= =======
F-9
61
RECENTLY ADOPTED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In fiscal 1999, the Company adopted SFAS No. 130 "Reporting Comprehensive
Income" issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB"). SFAS No.
130 specifies that components of comprehensive income be reported in a financial
statement that is displayed with the same prominence as other financial
statements. Comprehensive income includes certain non-owner changes in equity
that are currently excluded from net income (i.e. foreign currency translation
adjustments). The adoption of SFAS No. 130 did not have a material effect on the
Company's financial position or results of operations. As of September 30, 1999,
the Company's accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) balance consisted of
cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments of approximately $(714,000).
In fiscal 1999, the Company adopted SFAS No. 131 "Disclosures About Segments
of an Enterprise and Related Information." SFAS No. 131 superceded SFAS
No. 14, "Financial Reporting for Segments of a Business Enterprise." SFAS
No. 131 establishes a new method by which companies will report operating
segment information. This method is based on the manner in which management
organizes the segments within a company for making operating decisions and
assessing performance. SFAS No. 131 also establishes standards for related
disclosures about products and services, geographic areas and major customers.
The Company's operations are reported on the basis of segments, as further
discussed in Note 9.
ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS NOT YET REQUIRED TO BE ADOPTED
In June 1998, the FASB issued SFAS No. 133, which establishes accounting and
reporting standards for a comprehensive and consistent standard for the
recognition and measurement of derivatives and hedging activities. The new
statement requires all derivatives to be recorded in the balance sheet as either
an asset or liability measured at its fair value. The Company believes the
adoption of Statement No. 133 will not have any material impact in the Company's
financial position or results of operations. Implementation of this standard has
been delayed by the FASB for a 12-month period. The Company will adopt SFAS No.
133 during fiscal 2001.
(3) ACQUISITIONS AND LICENSING AGREEMENTS
ACQUISITION OF SPORTS IMAGE, INC.
In November 1996, the Company purchased substantially all of the assets and
assumed certain liabilities of Sports Image, Inc.("Sports Image"). The purchase
price was approximately $30.0 million, consisting of a $24.0 million promissory
note due January 2, 1997 and 403,361 shares of the Company's Common Stock valued
at $12.10 per share. On January 2, 1997, the Company paid the $24.0 million
promissory note with the proceeds from the issuance of senior notes and a
portion of the borrowings under the Company's credit facility. The Company
recorded goodwill of approximately $26.9 million, amortized straight line over
25 years. Sports Image sells and distributes a variety of licensed motorsports
products through wholesale distributor networks, corporate sponsors, and mobile
trackside stores. This transaction was accounted for as a purchase.
ACQUISITIONS OF MOTORSPORT TRADITIONS LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AND CREATIVE MARKETING
& PROMOTIONS, INC.
On January 8, 1997, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets and
assumed certain liabilities of Motorsport Traditions Limited Partnership and
acquired all of the stock of Creative Marketing & Promotions, Inc. (collectively
"Motorsport Traditions"). The effective date of the acquisition of Motorsport
Traditions was January 1, 1997. The purchase price paid by the Company for
Motorsport Traditions consisted of (i) cash in the amount of $5.4 million; (ii)
a promissory note in the principal amount of $1.6 million issued by a wholly
owned subsidiary of the Company; and (iii) an aggregate of 342,857 shares of the
Company's Common Stock valued at $13.80 per share. The Company recorded goodwill
of approximately $7.2 million, amortized straight line over 25 years. Motorsport
Traditions sells and distributes licensed motorsports products through a network
of wholesale distributors and mobile trackside stores. This transaction was
accounted for as a purchase.
ACQUISITION OF ROBERT YATES PROMOTIONS, INC.
In July 1997, the Company acquired all of the outstanding common stock of Robert
Yates Promotions, Inc. ("RYP") for $5.7 million. RYP sells licensed motorsports
products through trackside trailers. Concurrent with the acquisition of RYP, the
Company entered into a 15-year license agreement with Robert Yates Racing, Inc.
("Yates Racing"). Pursuant to the license agreement, the Company will pay
royalties for the use of certain trademark rights associated with Yates Racing
Nascar Winston Cup teams. The Company recorded goodwill of approximately $6.5
million, amortized straight line over 15 years. This transaction was accounted
for as a purchase. See Note 10.
F-10
62
ACQUISITION OF IMAGE WORKS, INC.
In July 1997, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets and assumed
certain liabilities of Image Works, Inc. ("Image Works"). The Company paid $4.25
million in cash and issued a three-year promissory note for a minimum principal
amount of $750,000, with additional contingent payments of up to an aggregate of
$1.4 million based upon the attainment of certain revenue objectives through
September 30, 2000. The Company paid the $750,000 and $1.4 million contingent
payments in May 1998. The Company recorded goodwill of approximately $7.1
million, amortized straight line over 25 years. Image Works designs and
manufactures screen printed and embroidered motorsports apparel items for
distribution through mass retailers and corporate accounts. This transaction was
accounted for as a purchase.
ACQUISITION OF COLLECTIBLE BUSINESS FROM SIMPSON PRODUCTS, INC.
In August 1997, the Company acquired certain assets and assumed certain
liabilities related to the licensed mini-helmet collectible business of Simpson
Products, Inc. ("Simpson"). The consideration paid by the Company for the
purchased assets consisted of approximately $653,000 in cash, with additional
contingent payments of up to an aggregate of $1.5 million based upon the
attainment of certain revenue objectives. In connection with the purchase of the
assets and assumption of liabilities of Simpson, the Company also entered into a
25-year license agreement with respect to certain rights used in connection with
the purchased assets. The contingent payments must be earned by August 2000. As
of September 30, 1999, the Company has not made any contingent payments. The
Company recorded goodwill of approximately $2.0 million, amortized straight line
over 25 years. This transaction was accounted for as a purchase.
LICENSING AGREEMENT WITH RICHARD CHILDRESS RACING ENTERPRISES, INC.
On October 3, 1997, the Company entered into a ten-year license agreement with
Richard Childress Racing Enterprises, Inc. ("RCR") with respect to various
rights used in connection with Dale Earnhardt licensed products. In connection
with this agreement, the Company paid RCR a license fee consisting of cash plus
34,940 shares of the Company's Common Stock. The license agreement also requires
the Company to pay to RCR certain minimum annual royalties during the term of
the agreement, plus royalties based on sales of licensed products in each year
during the term of the agreement.
ACQUISITION OF RUSTY WALLACE MERCHANDISE PROGRAM
On December 9, 1997, the Company acquired certain assets and assumed certain
liabilities related to sales of motorsports merchandise licensed by NASCAR
Winston Cup driver Rusty Wallace from an affiliate of Mr. Wallace. The purchase
price consisted of cash of $6.0 million, of which $2.5 million was paid at the
closing and the remaining $3.5 million was paid during fiscal 1998. In
connection with the acquisition of the assets and assumption of the liabilities,
the Company entered into a seven-year license agreement with another affiliate
of Mr. Wallace for the name and likeness of Mr. Wallace and acquired a five-year
sublicense with a wholly owned subsidiary of Penske Motorsports, Inc. The
license agreement and sublicense agreement both contain options that permit the
Company to renew for two additional five-year terms. The license agreement with
the affiliate of Mr. Wallace requires the Company to pay royalties on sales of
licensed products, plus a license fee if sales of licensed products exceed a
specified amount each year during the initial term of the license. The Company
recorded goodwill of approximately $5.2 million, amortized straight line over 15
years. This transaction was accounted for as a purchase.
ACQUISITION OF DIE-CAST DIVISION OF REVELL MONOGRAM, INC.
On December 19, 1997, the Company acquired the assets and assumed certain
liabilities related to the motorsports die-cast collectible product lines of
Revell-Monogram, Inc. ("Revell"). The Company and Revell also entered into a
10-year license agreement under which the Company has the right to utilize
certain "Revell" trademarks in connection with sales of its die-cast products.
The purchase price of $24.8 million, consisted of an initial cash payment of
$14.8 million and $1.0 million per year for 10 years, which is treated as a note
payable with an imputed interest rate of 8% in the accompanying financial
statements. The Company recorded goodwill of approximately $10.0 million,
amortized straight line over 25 years. This transaction was accounted for as a
purchase.
ACQUISITION OF BROOKFIELD COLLECTORS GUILD, INC.
On January 8, 1998, the Company acquired certain assets and assumed certain
liabilities of Brookfield Collectors Guild, Inc. ("Brookfield"). The purchase
price consisted of (i) approximately $800,000 in cash and (ii) up to 27,397
shares of Common Stock, subject to certain adjustments, to be issued upon
completion of certain purchase price adjustments by the Company and the seller.
The purchase price adjustments have not been computed to date. The Company
recorded goodwill of approximately $1.9 million, amortized straight line over 25
years. Brookfield distributed various motorsports die-cast collectibles and
ensembles as well as various other die-cast replicas. This transaction was
accounted for as a purchase.
F-11
63
ACQUISITION OF CONTROLLING INTEREST IN CHASE RACEWEAR, LLC
On May 22, 1998, the Company acquired a majority interest in Chase Racewear,
L.L.C. ("Chase"), a North Carolina motorsports-related apparel branding and
licensing company. Pursuant to the terms of the acquisition and operating
agreements, the Company acquired an 80% interest in Chase for an aggregate of
$10.0 million in cash. The terms of the acquisition agreement also include a
three-year earn-out payment of up to $4.0 million if certain financial criteria
are met. The Company recorded goodwill of approximately $9.9 million, amortized
straight line over 25 years. As of September 30, 1999, the Company has made no
payments related to this earnout. This transaction was accounted for as a
purchase.
ACQUISITION OF CONTROLLING INTEREST IN MINICHAMPS
On August 31, 1998, the Company acquired a majority interest in Paul's Model
Art, GmbH; MiniChamps, GmbH; Lang Miniaturen, GmbH; and Spielwaren Danhausen,
GmbH (collectively referred to as "MiniChamps") by purchasing an 80% interest
for approximately $21.5 million in cash. The Company recorded goodwill of
approximately $19.4 million, amortized straight line over 25 years. MiniChamps
designs and markets die-cast scaled replicas of motor vehicles, including models
of Formula One and GT race cars as well as factory production cars. Its products
are marketed pursuant to licensing agreements with race car drivers, team
owners, and car manufacturers. This transaction was accounted for as a purchase.
ACQUISITION OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES GROUP, INC.
On October 27, 1998, the Company acquired all of the outstanding stock of
Intellectual Properties Group, Inc. ("IPG") in exchange for 35,000 shares of the
Company's restricted common stock. IPG creates and develops promotional programs
for corporate sponsors of motorsports. The transaction was accounted for as a
pooling of interests. Prior period financials were not restated due to IPG's
historical operating results and financial position not being material to the
Company's operating results and financial position.
ACQUISITION OF TECH 2000 WORLDWIDE, INC.
On November 23, 1998, the Company acquired Tech 2000 Worldwide, Inc. ("Tech
2000"), a privately held Massachusetts-based Internet company, through a merger
of Tech 2000 and goracing Interactive Services, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary
of the Company. Under the terms of the merger agreement, the Company issued
137,925 shares of its restricted common stock, valued at $31.00 per share in
exchange for all of the issued and outstanding common stock of Tech 2000. The
Company recorded goodwill of approximately $5.4 million, amortized straight line
over 7 years. This transaction was accounted for as a purchase.
ACQUISITION OF GOODSPORTS HOLDING PTY. LTD.
On January 11, 1999, the Company 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 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 recorded goodwill of approximately
$1.9 million, amortized straight line over 25 years. This transaction was
accounted for as a purchase.
F-12
64
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS DATA
The following unaudited pro forma combined statements of operations data for the
years ended September 30, 1999 and 1998 present the results of operations of the
Company as if (a) the acquisitions of the businesses acquired during fiscal 1999
and 1998 had occurred as of October 1, 1997, and (b) the 4-3/4% Convertible
Subordinated Notes due 2005 (the "Notes") had been converted at the option of
the holders into shares of Common Stock. The conversion of the Notes had an
anti-dilutive effect on earnings per share for fiscal 1998 and therefore are not
assumed converted during that period. Pro forma results are as follows (in
thousands, except per share data):
1999* 1998*
-------- --------
Revenue ................................................ $345,245 $292,753
Net income ............................................. 27,871 24,043
Interest, net of tax, on convertible subordinated
notes payable ...................................... 3,216 --
-------- --------
Net income attributable to diluted shares outstanding .. 31,087 24,043
Net income per common share, diluted ................... $ 1.62 $ 1.44
*Includes charges for legal settlement costs of $3.6 million, or $0.11 per
share, in fiscal 1999, $950,000, or $0.03 per share, in fiscal 1998 and $5.4
million, or $0.22 per share in fiscal 1997.
(4) FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Long-term debt at September 30, 1999 and 1998 consists of the following (in
thousands):
1999 1998
--------- ---------
Senior notes, interest at 8.05% payable semi-
annually, principal paid January 1999, secured
by the Company's subsidiaries ........................ $ -- $ 20,000
4-3/4% Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2005 ....... 100,000 100,000
Unsecured notes payable, interest ranging
from 4% to 8% ........................................ 7,250 7,458
Notes payable, interest ranging from 7.9% to 8.5%,
secured by property and equipment .................... 4,489 7,839
Obligations under capital leases of vehicles and
equipment, interest from 8.0% to 9.5%, payable monthly 182 299
--------- ---------
Total ................................................ 111,921 135,596
Less: current portion ............................... (2,713) (23,746)
--------- ---------
$ 109,208 $ 111,850
========= =========
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 general 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.
F-13
65
CREDIT FACILITY
On January 2, 1997 the Company entered into a credit facility with First Union
National Bank of North Carolina ("First Union"). On August 5, 1998, the Company
entered into an amended and restated credit agreement with First Union (the
"Credit Facility"). The Credit Facility consists of a revolving line of credit
for up to $20.0 million, which includes up to $5.0 million for standby letters
of credit (the "Line of Credit"), and a $30.0 million letter of credit/bankers'
acceptance facility (the "Letter of Credit/BA Facility"). The Company did not
have any outstanding borrowings under the Line of Credit as of September 30,
1999 and 1998. The Company had outstanding purchase commitments of approximately
$6.0 million and $3.7 million under the Letter of Credit/BA Facility as of
September 30, 1999 and 1998, respectively. The Line of Credit bears interest, at
the Company's option, at a rate equal to (i) the Alternate Base Rate (as
described below) plus an applicable margin as defined in the credit agreement or
(ii) LIBOR plus an applicable margin as defined in the credit agreement. The
"Alternate Base Rate" under the Line of Credit is the greater of (a) the bank's
publicly announced prime rate or (b) the Federal Funds Effective Rate (as
defined) plus 0.5%. The Line of Credit matures on April 1, 2001 with respect to
the revolving line of credit portion of the Line of Credit, and on April 1, 2000
with respect to the standby letter of credit portion of the Line of Credit and
the Letter of Credit/BA Facility, subject to extensions by First Union.
DEBT COVENANTS
The Company's Credit Facility agreements contain certain provisions that, among
other things, require the Company to comply with certain financial ratios and
net worth requirements and will limit the ability of the Company and its
subsidiaries to incur additional indebtedness, pay dividends, sell assets, or
engage in certain mergers or consolidations.
FUTURE MATURITIES OF LONG-TERM DEBT
Aggregate future maturities of long-term debt are as follows (in thousands):
Year Ending
September 30,
-------------
2000 $ 2,713
2001 2,817
2002 1,458
2003 1,139
2004 995
Thereafter 102,799
---------
Total $ 111,921
=========
(5) SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
ISSUANCE OF STOCK IN PRIVATE PLACEMENTS AND LICENSING AGREEMENTS
In January 1997, the Company sold 187,500 shares of Common Stock to Hasbro, Inc.
at a price of $14.50 per share, with net proceeds to the Company of
approximately $2.6 million. In August 1997, the Company issued (i) 8,180 shares
of Common Stock valued at $23.02 per share to Dale Jarrett in connection with a
three-year personal services contract, and (ii) 19,324 shares of Common Stock
valued at $22.59 to E.J. Simpson as a portion of the license fee pursuant to a
license agreement. 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.
1997 PUBLIC OFFERING
On June 24, 1997, the Company sold 1,770,000 shares of its Common Stock in
connection with an underwritten public offering. On July 17, 1997, the Company
sold an additional 315,000 shares of its Common Stock pursuant to the exercise
of the underwriters' over-allotment option. The net proceeds to the Company from
this offering were approximately $49.8 million, after deducting offering
expenses and underwriting discounts and commissions.
F-14
66
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,
1999, 1998, and 1997 and for the years then ended is presented in the table
below:
1999 1998 1997
------------------------ --------------------------- ---------------------------
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 930,811 $14.61 1,032,710 $ 6.58 1,110,053 $ 4.16
Granted ........... 419,500 28.50 503,500 27.92 220,250 17.76
Exercised ......... (332,924) 11.53 (425,990) 4.01 (296,092) 5.80
Canceled .......... (21,000) 26.64 (179,409) 30.63 (1,501) 9.43
-------- ------ ---------- ------- ---------- ---------
Outstanding at
end of year .... 996,387 21.23 930,811 14.61 1,032,710 6.58
Options exercisable
at end of year .. 460,668 14.88 563,058 9.79 714,950 3.09
Options available
for grant ....... 174,360 572,860 396,951
Weighted average
fair value of
options granted $13.93 $11.74 $ 7.33
F-15
67
Options outstanding and exercisable by price range as of September 30, 1999 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 - $11.06 248,148 1.9 $ 6.17 248,148 $ 6.17
$11.07 - $25.81 182,072 4.2 20.26 99,396 19.52
$25.82 - $29.50 402,167 6.7 26.28 70,324 26.58
$29.51 - $36.88 164,000 7.9 32.72 42,800 35.37
--------- ------ -------- --------- -------
$ 1.25 - $36.88 996,387 5.3 $ 21.23 460,668 $ 14.88
========= ====== ======== ========= =======
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 purposes, 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: risk-free
interest rates ranging between 5.29% and 5.75%; expected life of three years;
dividend rate of 0.0%; and expected volatility ranging between 54.72% and
66.67%. Using these assumptions, the fair value of the stock options granted,
net of cancellations, is $5,552,181, $3,553,957, and $1,614,623 for the years
ended September 30, 1999, 1998, and 1997, respectively. These amounts are
amortized as compensation expense over the vesting period of the options.
Options generally vest equally over three years. Had compensation costs been
determined consistent with SFAS No. 123, utilizing the assumptions detailed
above, the Company's net income and earnings per share would have been reduced
to the following pro forma amounts:
1999 1998 1997
-------- -------- ---------
Net Income:
As Reported ................................................... $28,369 $ 24,587 $ 10,146
Pro Forma ..................................................... $25,056 22,460 $ 9,305
Basic EPS:
As Reported ................................................... $ 1.69 $ 1.52 $ 0.72
Pro Forma ..................................................... $ 1.49 $ 1.39 $ 0.66
Diluted EPS:
As Reported ................................................... $ 1.65 $ 1.48 $ 0.69
Pro Forma ..................................................... $ 1.47 $ 1.35 $ 0.64
(6) 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. Investments or Mr. Wagenhals rent of approximately $120,000, $175,000,
and $183,000 for the years ended September 30, 1999, 1998, and 1997,
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 of
the current year financial statements.
(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 $206,000, $141,000, and
$41,000 under the plan for the years ended September 30, 1999, 1998, and 1997
respectively.
F-16
68
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. The Purchase
Plan commenced on August 1, 1999. As of September 30, 1999, employee
withholdings totalled $24,106, with share purchases to be made in January 2000,
for the first semi-annual period.
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 will 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 has
been recorded for net operating losses generated by the Company's U.K.
subsidiary as of September 30, 1999. A valuation allowance has not been recorded
as of September 30, 1998.
The provision for income taxes consists of the following for the years ended
September 30 (in thousands):
1999 1998 1997
------- -------- ------
Current:
Federal ...................... $14,877 $ 15,300 $5,828
State ........................ 849 2,181 822
Foreign ...................... 2,641 -- --
------- -------- ------
18,367 17,481 6,650
Deferred income taxes ............ 159 (1,090) 114
------- -------- ------
Provision for income taxes ....... $18,526 $ 16,391 $6,764
======= ======== ======
Reconciliation of the federal income tax rate to the Company's effective rate
for the years ended September 30 are as follows:
1999 1998 1997
----- ----- -----
Statutory federal rate .................. 35.00% 35.00% 35.00%
State taxes, net of federal benefit ..... 2.00 4.35 4.65
Foreign ................................. 2.00 -- --
Other non deductible expense ............ 0.50 0.65 0.35
----- ----- -----
39.50% 40.00% 40.00%
===== ===== =====
The components of deferred taxes are as follows at September 30 (in thousands):
1999 1998
------- -------
Deferred tax assets:
Inventory cost capitalization .............. $ 665 $ 1,179
Reserves and accruals ...................... 2,243 1,902
Deferred compensation ...................... 25 40
Foreign net operating losses ............... 493 --
Valuation allowance ........................ (493) --
------- -------
Net current deferred tax assets .............. 2,933 3,121
======= =======
Deferred tax liabilities:
Accelerated tax depreciation ............... (3,212) (438)
Accelerated tax amortization ............... (1,620) (675)
------- -------
Net long-term deferred tax liabilities ....... (4,832) (1,113)
------- -------
Net deferred tax asset/(liability) ........... $(1,899) $ 2,008
======= =======
F-17
69
(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. 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, 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 & amortization included
in segment profits ........................... 19,243 3,703 22,946
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 & amortization included
in segment profits ........................... 11,688 151 11,839
FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1997 (IN THOUSANDS)
Collectibles ..................................... $ 68,932 $ -- $ 68,932
Apparel and souvenirs ............................ 60,430 -- 60,430
Other ............................................ 1,018 -- 1,018
-------- ------- --------
Total segment revenue .......................... 130,380 -- 130,380
Segment profits ................................ 23,535 -- 23,535
Depreciation & amortization included
in segment profits ........................... 4,477 -- 4,477
Reconciliation of segment profits to consolidated income before taxes, is as
follows: (in thousands)
1999 1998 1997
-------- -------- --------
Fiscal Year Ended September 30,
Segment profits.............................................. $ 56,823 $ 45,062 $ 23,535
Settlement costs............................................. 3,600 950 5,400
Interest income (expense), net .............................. (6,328) (3,134) (1,225)
-------- -------- --------
Consolidated income before taxes $ 46,895 $ 40,978 $ 16,910
======== ======== ========
F-18
70
(10) LEGAL SETTLEMENTS
In June 1997, the Company agreed to settle a breach of contract suit with Action
Products, Inc. for $4.9 million (the "API Settlement"). Pursuant to the API
Settlement, in July 1997 the Company made a payment of $4.9 million to the
plaintiff, and all parties executed mutual releases. The accompanying 1997
financial statements include a charge of $5.4 million for the API Settlement and
related legal fees.
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.
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
antitrust laws. The Company was named a defendant based upon actions alleged to
have been taken by Sports Image, Inc. and Creative Marketing and Promotions,
Inc. prior to the Company's acquisitions of the assets and capital stock,
respectively, of those entities. On July 31, 1997, the Company acquired all of
the outstanding capital stock of RYP, which is another defendant in this matter.
Accordingly, the Company assumed the defense of this matter with respect to
claims based upon actions alleged to have been taken by RYP and agreed to be
responsible for and to pay any costs, fees, expenses, damages, payments,
credits, rebates, and penalties, if any, arising out of this matter with respect
to RYP. The seller of RYP agreed to be responsible for amounts, if any, in
excess of $400,000. 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. Final settlement
of this matter will be subject to the negotiation and execution of definitive
settlement agreements, as well as approval by the court. In connection with the
memorandum of understanding, 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 proposed settlement, as well as legal and other expenses
related to the lawsuit and proposed settlement.
(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 $4.8 million, $3.1 million, and $935,000 for the fiscal years
ended September 30, 1999, 1998, and 1997 respectively.
Future lease payments under noncancellable operating leases are as follows (in
thousands):
Year Ending
September 30,
-------------
2000 $ 6,182
2001 5,585
2002 4,909
2003 3,225
2004 2,908
Thereafter 25,610
----------
Total $ 48,419
==========
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
$49,700,000, $28,400,000 and $13,100,000 for the fiscal years ended September
30, 1999, 1998, and 1997, respectively. The Company expects that future amounts
payable under these licensing agreements will be equal to or exceed the amount
paid in fiscal year ended September 30, 1999. There can be no assurance,
however, that the Company will generate sufficient product sales in the future
to recover such payments.
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.
F-19
71
(12) SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
On October 15, 1999, the Company acquired 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.
This transaction was accounted for as a purchase.
On November 30, 1999, a class action lawsuit was filed against the Company in
the United States District Court for the District of Arizona, case No. CIV'99
2106 PHXROS. Fred W. Wagenhals and Tod J. Wagenhals, directors and officers of
the Company, and Christopher S. Besing, a former director and officer 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 November 4, 1999. The
plaintiffs are requesting an unspecified amount of monetary damages. The Company
intends to vigorously defend the claims asserted in the lawsuit.
On December 17, 1999, the Company announced two strategic initiatives approved
by the Board of Directors. The first initiative included the indefinite
postponement of the proposed initial public offering of its Internet subsidiary,
goracing.com, inc., previously announced in July 1999. As a result, the Company
will record non-recurring charges of up to $2.0 million in the first quarter of
fiscal 2000 for expenses incurred in connection with the proposed offering and
various management restructuring charges that occurred during the first quarter
of fiscal 2000. The second initiative included the authorized 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 will be one year,
subject to extension depending on market conditions.
F-20
72
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit
Number Description
- ------ -----------
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 Company and Early Light International (Holdings) Ltd. dated December 5,
1994(5)
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)
73
10.57 Standard Form Industrial Lease (Single Tenant) dated June 28, 1999, between H-B Tempe, L.L.C. and Action
Performance Companies, Inc.
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.
12.1 Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
21.1 List of Subsidiaries of Action Performance Companies, Inc.
23.1 Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP
25.1 Statement of Eligibility of Trustee under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 on Form T-1(12)
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 Registration
Statement on Form S-3 (Registration No. 333-53413).