<PAGE> 1
AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON APRIL 13, 1999
REGISTRATION NO. 333-
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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
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FORM S-4
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
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TWEETER HOME ENTERTAINMENT GROUP, INC.
(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
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<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
DELAWARE 5731 04-3417513
(STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION (PRIMARY STANDARD INDUSTRIAL (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
OF INCORPORATION) CLASSIFICATION CODE NUMBER) IDENTIFICATION NO.)
</TABLE>
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10 PEQUOT WAY
CANTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02021
(781) 830-3000
(ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF
REGISTRANT'S PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)
------------------------
JOSEPH MCGUIRE, CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
TWEETER HOME ENTERTAINMENT GROUP, INC.
10 PEQUOT WAY
CANTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02021
(781) 830-3000
(NAME, ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE,
OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)
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COPIES OF COMMUNICATIONS TO:
TIMOTHY B. BANCROFT, ESQ.
GOULSTON & STORRS, P.C.
400 ATLANTIC AVENUE
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02110
APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC: From time
to time after the effective date of this Registration Statement.
If the securities being registered on this form are being offered in
connection with the formation of a holding company and there is compliance with
General Instruction G, check the following box. [ ]
If this form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and
list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective
registration statement for the same offering. [ ]
If this form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering. [ ]
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
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PROPOSED MAXIMUM PROPOSED MAXIMUM
TITLE OF EACH CLASS OF AMOUNT TO BE OFFERING PRICE PER AGGREGATE OFFERING AMOUNT OF
SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED REGISTERED SHARE(1) PRICE(1) REGISTRATION FEE
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<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Common Stock, $.01 par value......... 2,000,000 shares $25.19 $50,380,000 $14,006
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</TABLE>
(1) Estimated solely for the purpose of determining the registration fee
pursuant to Rule 457(c) under the Securities Act of 1933 on the basis of the
average of the high and low prices of the Registrant's common stock on April
9, 1999, as reported by Nasdaq.
------------------------
THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR DATES
AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL FILE
A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT
SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(A) OF THE
SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME
EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(a),
MAY DETERMINE.
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<PAGE> 2
THE INFORMATION IN THIS PROSPECTUS IS INCOMPLETE AND MAY BE CHANGED. WE MAY NOT
SELL THESE SECURITIES UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT FILED WITH THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION IS EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT AN OFFER TO SELL
THESE SECURITIES AND IS NOT A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY THESE SECURITIES
IN ANY STATE WHERE THE OFFER OR SALE IS NOT PERMITTED.
PROSPECTUS
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION
APRIL 13, 1999
2,000,000 SHARES
TWEETER HOME ENTERTAINMENT GROUP, INC.
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<S> <C> <C> <C>
Tweeter Logo Bryn Mawr Logo HIFI Buys Logo Home Entertainment Logo
</TABLE>
COMMON STOCK
This Prospectus relates to 2,000,000 shares of common stock of Tweeter Home
Entertainment Group, Inc. which may be offered and issued from time to time in
the future by Tweeter in connection with its acquisition of the assets, business
or securities of other companies, whether by purchase, merger or any other form
of business combination. It is expected that the terms of acquisitions involving
the issuance and sale by Tweeter of the common stock covered by this Prospectus
will be determined by direct negotiations with the owners or controlling persons
of the assets, businesses or securities to be acquired and that the shares of
Tweeter's common stock so issued in any such business combination transaction
will be valued at prices reasonably related to the market price of the common
stock either at the time the terms of the acquisition are agreed upon or at or
about the time the shares of common stock are delivered.
All expenses of this offering will be paid by Tweeter. No underwriting discounts
or commissions will be paid in connection with the issuance of Tweeter's common
stock, although finder's fees may be paid in connection with specific
acquisitions. Any person receiving a finder's fee may be deemed to be an
"underwriter" within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
"Securities Act").
AN INVESTMENT IN THE COMMON STOCK OF TWEETER INVOLVES A HIGH DEGREE OF RISK. SEE
"RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 6.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities
commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this
prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a
criminal offense.
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THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS , 1999
<PAGE> 3
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
Investors should read the following summary together with the more detailed
information and financial statements and notes thereto appearing elsewhere in
this prospectus before making an investment decision.
This prospectus contains forward-looking statements regarding Tweeter's
performance, strategy, plans, objectives, expectations, beliefs and intentions.
The actual outcome of the events described in these forward-looking statements
could differ materially. Therefore, this prospectus, and especially the sections
entitled "Risk Factors," "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations" and "Business," contains a discussion of
some of the factors and risks that could contribute to those differences.
TWEETER
Tweeter is a specialty retailer of mid to high-end audio and video consumer
electronics products. We operate 61 stores under the Tweeter, etc. name in the
New England market, the Bryn Mawr Stereo & Video name in the Mid-Atlantic
market, the HiFi Buys name in the Southeast market and the Home Entertainment
name in the Dallas and Houston, Texas markets. Our stores feature an extensive
selection of home and car audio systems and components, portable audio equipment
and home video products, including large screen televisions, DVD players,
digital satellite systems, video cassette recorders and camcorders. We
differentiate ourselves by focusing on consumers who seek audio and video
products with advanced features, functionality and performance. We do not offer
personal computers or home office equipment. We seek to build name recognition
and customer loyalty by combining quality products and knowledgeable sales
associates with a high level of service and competitive prices. Audio Video
International Magazine recognized us as the "Consumer Electronics Retailer of
the Year" in both 1996 and 1997. The TWICE Consumer Electronics Retail Registry
named us the fastest growing consumer electronics retailer in the United States
in 1997 and 1998.
BUSINESS STRATEGY
Our goal is to become the nation's leading specialty retailer of high quality
audio and video products to our targeted customer base. To achieve this
objective, we have implemented an operating model in our Tweeter, etc., Bryn
Mawr Stereo & Video and HiFi Buys stores that includes:
- a deep merchandise selection focused on mid to high-end audio and video
products, including limited distribution products which accounted for
approximately 41% of our sales for fiscal 1998;
- exceptional customer service based upon relationship and knowledge-based
selling that is critical to higher-end products;
- every day competitive pricing featuring our patented Automatic Price
Protection program; and
- a dynamic and inviting retail environment.
We believe that the quality and knowledge of our sales associates are critical
to our success and represent a significant competitive advantage. Sales
consultants initially receive five weeks of intensive classroom training and
five to fifteen days of additional training per year, both in the store and at
regional training centers. Our relationship selling model encourages sales
associates to promote a comfortable, trusting, low pressure sales environment
that engenders long term customer loyalty. An integral part of our relationship
selling model is our Automatic Price Protection program. We designed this
program to remove pricing concerns from the purchase decision and to allow
customers and the sales staff to focus on product functionality, performance and
quality. Under the Automatic Price Protection program, if a customer purchases a
consumer electronics product from one of our stores and a competitor within 25
miles of the store advertises a lower price within 30 days, we automatically
send a check to the customer for the difference without requiring the customer
to request the payment. We intend to implement this same business strategy in
the Home Entertainment chain of stores that we acquired in February 1999, as
described below.
1
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STORE FORMAT
Our store prototype is 10,000 square feet with brightly painted interiors, often
in pastel colors. Many stores exhibit hand painted murals and other decorative
artwork. Unlike many competitors whose stores contain large, open spaces, our
stores feature individual sound rooms with practical displays that allow
customers to sample and compare the features and functions of products in
various combinations. The sound rooms architecturally and acoustically resemble
a home or car environment so the customer can hear and see how products will
perform. Each store contains a traditional television wall, and many stores
contain a movie theater room complete with theater-style seats to showcase home
theater products. Some stores display a car on the selling floor that features a
state-of-the-art car stereo system.
INDUSTRY
We believe that the consumer electronics industry is large, growing and
fragmented, with significant consolidation opportunities. We estimate that
retail sales of audio and video products were approximately $30 billion in 1997.
We also estimate that between 1990 and 1997, the audio and video segments
expanded at a compound annual growth rate of 2.3%. We believe that new digital
technologies present the possibility for accelerated growth. The expansion of
large format national chains has created competitive pressures for smaller
specialty stores that may be successfully differentiated but lack an adequate
scale of operations or purchasing power to operate on a stand-alone basis. We
believe that these regional specialty operations provide acquisition
opportunities.
GROWTH STRATEGY
Tweeter has developed an aggressive growth strategy to:
- open new stores in current regional markets and relocate certain stores
to more favorable sites; and
- selectively pursue acquisitions in new regional markets and achieve
operating improvements by converting the acquired company to Tweeter's
core operating model, and leverage distribution, marketing and corporate
infrastructure.
During fiscal 1998, we opened two Tweeter, etc. stores and three Bryn Mawr
stores. We intend to open 11 new stores in fiscal 1999, two of which are now
open. These stores do not include the seven Home Entertainment stores that we
acquired in February 1999. We believe that our acquisitions of Bryn Mawr in May
1996, of HiFi Buys in May 1997 and of Home Entertainment in February 1999, all
described below, provide us with platforms from which to open new stores within
and around their markets.
THE BRYN MAWR ACQUISITION
In May 1996, we acquired the 13 store Bryn Mawr chain located in the
Mid-Atlantic market for $8.7 million, including acquisition costs. We
implemented strategic initiatives within the acquired stores focused on
increasing sales and store contribution. Specifically, we:
- increased advertising expenditures during the quarter following the
acquisition and refocused advertising to emphasize radio, television and
direct marketing rather than print;
- implemented our every day competitive pricing and Automatic Price
Protection programs;
- initiated a substantial sales associate training program to improve
product knowledge and enhance relationship selling skills; and
- focused the sales staff on higher margin products, particularly audio
products.
These initiatives enabled us to generate comparable store sales increases at
Bryn Mawr of 36.9% during the period from June 1, 1996 through September 30,
1996 as compared to the same period of the prior year, 4.7% during fiscal 1997,
and 19.3% during fiscal 1998. Comparable stores sales increased 23.9% for the
three months ended December 31, 1998 compared to the same period of the prior
year. During the three months ended December 31, 1997, comparable store sales
increased 9.0% compared to the same period of the prior
2
<PAGE> 5
year. On a pro forma basis assuming completion of the Bryn Mawr acquisition as
of October 1, 1995, store contribution for Bryn Mawr improved from 3.1% in
fiscal 1996 to 6.8% in fiscal 1997 and 7.8% in fiscal 1998. Store contribution
improved to 13.7% in the three months ended December 31, 1998 from 10.2% in the
same period of the prior year.
THE HIFI BUYS ACQUISITION
In May 1997, we acquired the 10 store HiFi Buys chain located in the greater
Atlanta, Georgia market for $20.1 million, including acquisition costs. Like
Tweeter, etc. and Bryn Mawr, HiFi Buys had created a strong reputation among
consumers with a specialized focus on audio and video products. The HiFi Buys
stores, at an average size of 15,000 square feet, are larger than the Tweeter,
etc. or Bryn Mawr stores. The HiFi Buys stores carried a broader product mix,
however, including more entry level product offerings, and marketed heavily
through promotional newspaper advertising. Our integration strategy in the HiFi
Buys acquisition has been to convert the HiFi Buys product mix to one compatible
with Tweeter's, increase gross margins and reduce operating expenses.
Specifically, following the HiFi Buys acquisition we:
- adjusted the merchandise mix to increase the proportion of mid and
high-end products and reduce the number of lower margin introductory
products;
- altered store employee compensation to reduce the emphasis on promotional
sales and focus incentives on gross margin and store contribution;
- reduced marketing expenditures and shifted marketing emphasis from
promotional advertising toward Tweeter's traditional relationship selling
and everyday competitive price message;
- converted the advertising program to emphasize electronic advertising and
direct mail marketing as opposed to print media;
- implemented the Automatic Price Protection program; and
- eliminated $2.4 million of overhead by centralizing accounting,
purchasing and other support infrastructure.
As a result, comparable store sales decreased 29.9% during the period from the
acquisition through September 30, 1997 and decreased 5.2% in fiscal 1998. For
the three month period ending December 31, 1998, comparable store sales did not
change compared to the same period of the prior year. For the three months ended
December 31, 1997, comparable stores sales decreased 15.0% compared to the same
period of the prior year. At the same time, on a pro forma basis assuming
completion of the HiFi Buys acquisition as of October 1, 1996, store
contribution improved from 6.9% in fiscal 1997 to 9.9% in fiscal 1998. Store
contribution improved to 12.9% in the three months ended December 31, 1998 from
11.5% in the same period of the prior year.
THE HOME ENTERTAINMENT ACQUISITION
In February 1999, we acquired the seven store Home Entertainment of Texas, Inc.
chain located in the Dallas and Houston markets, for approximately $8.2 million
in cash, excluding acquisition costs. Home Entertainment was a focused retailer
of high quality audio and video products with a 42-year operating history. We
believe that there is a significant opportunity to increase sales at the store
level. In addition, Home Entertainment operated a successful custom home
installation business, which we intend to apply in our other stores. We intend
to open, over time, new Home Entertainment stores in Dallas and Houston, as well
as elsewhere in Texas. We expect to continue the operation of the retail stores
as well as the service and distribution facilities. We intend to implement our
business strategy in the Home Entertainment stores, including the implementation
of our Automatic Price Protection Program.
Tweeter was organized as a Massachusetts corporation in 1972 and reorganized as
a Delaware corporation in June 1998. In this prospectus, the terms "Tweeter,"
"we," "us," and "our" mean Tweeter Home Entertainment Group, Inc. and its
predecessors and subsidiaries, unless otherwise required by the context.
"Tweeter, etc." means our New England stores. Tweeter's principal executive
offices are located at 10 Pequot Way, Canton, Massachusetts 02021. Our telephone
number is (781) 830-3000.
3
<PAGE> 6
SUMMARY FINANCIAL AND OPERATING DATA
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AND STORE DATA)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED
FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, DECEMBER 31,
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1994 1995 1996(1) 1997(2) 1998 1997 1998
------- ------- ------- -------- -------- ----------- -----------
(UNAUDITED) (UNAUDITED)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
STATEMENT OF INCOME DATA:
Total revenue.............. $47,401 $60,121 $80,607 $132,525 $232,289 $74,617 $86,784
Gross profit............... 16,489 20,954 28,791 46,210 81,024 25,381 29,551
Income from operations..... 1,344 2,238 1,953 2,053 12,072 6,153 7,796
Interest expense........... 426 629 617 1,808 2,753 865 201
Income before income
taxes................... 918 1,609 1,336 245 9,319 5,288 7,595
Income tax expense
(benefit)(3)............ -- (174) (453) 99 3,724 2,115 3,038
------- ------- ------- -------- -------- ------- -------
Income before extraordinary
item.................... 918 1,783 1,789 146 5,595 3,173 4,557
Extraordinary item(4)...... -- -- -- -- (340) -- --
------- ------- ------- -------- -------- ------- -------
Net income................. 918 1,783 1,789 146 5,255 3,173 4,557
======= ======= ======= ======== ======== ======= =======
Accretion of preferred
stock................... -- -- 1,036 2,156 2,514 792 --
------- ------- ------- -------- -------- ------- -------
Net income (loss) available
to common
stockholders............ $ 918 $ 1,783 $ 753 $ (2,010) $ 2,741 $ 2,381 $ 4,557
======= ======= ======= ======== ======== ======= =======
Basic earnings (loss) per
share
Net income (loss) available
to common stockholders
before extraordinary
item.................... 0.27 0.53 0.39 (1.20) 1.24 1.42 0.72
Extraordinary item...... -- -- -- -- (0.14) -- --
------- ------- ------- -------- -------- ------- -------
Net income (loss)....... $ 0.27 $ 0.53 $ 0.39 $ (1.20) $ 1.10 $ 1.42 $ 0.72
======= ======= ======= ======== ======== ======= =======
Diluted earnings (loss) per
Share
Net income (loss) available
to common stockholders
before extraordinary
item.................... 0.27 0.53 0.38 (1.20) 1.11 0.69 0.64
Extraordinary item...... -- -- -- -- (0.07) -- --
------- ------- ------- -------- -------- ------- -------
Net income (loss)....... $ 0.27 $ 0.53 $ 0.38 $ (1.20) $ 1.04 $ 0.69 $ 0.64
======= ======= ======= ======== ======== ======= =======
Weighted average shares
Outstanding Basic....... 3,371 3,371 1,940 1,673 2,486 1,673 6,357
======= ======= ======= ======== ======== ======= =======
Diluted(5).............. 3,371 3,371 1,983 1,673 5,034 4,589 7,102
======= ======= ======= ======== ======== ======= =======
OPERATING DATA:
Store contribution(6)...... $ 3,985 $ 5,550 $ 6,798 $ 10,642 $ 24,117 $ 8,991 $12,052
Stores open at beginning of
period.................. 14 16 18 33 47 47 52
New stores................. 2 2 2 4 5 3 1
Relocated stores........... 1 1 1 1 2 2 1
Closed stores.............. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Acquired stores............ 0 0 13 10 0 0 0
Stores open at end of
period.................. 16 18 33 47 52 50 53
COMPARABLE STORE SALES DATA:(7)
Tweeter, etc............... 11.2% 12.5% 1.6% - 4.5% 28.6% 35.2% 11.9%
Bryn Mawr.................. 36.9% 4.7% 19.3% 9.0% 23.9%
HiFi Buys.................. - 29.9% - 5.2% - 15.0% 0.0%
Consolidated............... 11.2% 12.5% 5.6% - 7.2% 12.5% 6.9% 10.6%
</TABLE>
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DECEMBER 31, 1998
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ACTUAL AS ADJUSTED
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BALANCE SHEET DATA(8):
Working capital........................................... $ 14,756 $ 39,408
Total assets.............................................. 108,135 132,786
Stockholder's equity...................................... 56,168 80,820
</TABLE>
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(1) The fiscal year 1996 data includes results of the Bryn Mawr acquisition from
May 13, 1996, which was accounted for using the purchase method (see Note 11
of Notes to Tweeter's Consolidated Financial Statements).
(2) The fiscal year 1997 data includes results of the HiFi Buys acquisition from
June 1, 1997, which was accounted for using the purchase method (see Note 11
of Notes to Tweeter's Consolidated Financial Statements).
(3) Tweeter operated as an S corporation through November 1995 and was not
subject to federal and certain state corporate income taxes. In connection
with the recapitalization that occurred on November 26, 1995, Tweeter
revoked its S election, and became subject to taxation as a C corporation.
If Tweeter had been taxed as a C corporation, it would have recorded income
tax expense of $661,000 for fiscal 1995 and $550,000 for fiscal 1996.
(4) In connection with its initial public offering, Tweeter recorded an
extraordinary charge against current period income for the early
extinguishment of debt. Tweeter wrote off deferred financing costs of
$286,009 related to the issuance of certain senior subordinated promissory
notes in 1997. Tweeter also wrote off $280,136 representing the unamortized
portion of the discount related to the warrants issued in conjunction with
the 1997 notes. The gross amount of the extraordinary item was $566,145. The
net effect of $339,687, after tax benefit of $226,458, was recorded in the
consolidated statement of income as an extraordinary item.
(5) Diluted weighted average shares outstanding include 42,865 shares issuable
upon exercise of stock options outstanding as of September 30, 1996, 350,432
shares issuable upon exercise of stock options and warrants outstanding as
of December 31, 1997, 522,410 shares issuable upon exercise of stock options
and warrants outstanding as of September 30, 1998, and 745,539 shares
issuable upon exercise of stock options and warrants outstanding as of
December 31, 1998, after applying the treasury stock method. No common stock
equivalents were included in the fiscal year 1997 computation, since their
effect would be antidilutive. Diluted weighted average shares outstanding
also includes the conversion of preferred stock, when dilutive, for periods
prior to its conversion to common stock.
(6) Refers to gross profit after deducting selling expenses including labor,
advertising, store level operations and pre-opening expenses. Store
contribution is presented to provide additional information about Tweeter
and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for operating
income, cash flow from operating activities and other income or cash flow
data prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles,
or as a measure of Tweeter's profitability or liquidity. Tweeter's
calculation of store contribution may not be comparable to similarly titled
items reported by other companies.
(7) Stores are included in the comparable store base after they are in operation
for 12 full months. Acquired stores are included if the store was open for
12 full months as of the date of acquisition. Remodeled or relocated stores
are excluded from the comparable store base until they have completed 12
full months of operation from the date the remodeling was completed, or
re-opened after relocation.
(8) Adjusted to reflect (i) the sale of 875,000 shares of common stock by
Tweeter in the follow-on offering which was concluded in February, 1999,
after deducting the underwriting discount and the offering expenses paid by
Tweeter, and (ii) the exercise of options and warrants to purchase 197,761
shares of common stock which were sold by certain selling stockholders in
the follow-on offering.
5
<PAGE> 8
RISK FACTORS
The value of an investment in Tweeter is subject to the significant risks
inherent in its business. Investors should consider carefully the risks and
uncertainties described below and the other information in this prospectus
before deciding whether to invest. If any of the events described below actually
occur, our business, financial condition or operating results could be adversely
affected in a material way. This could cause the trading price of our common
stock to decline, perhaps significantly.
This prospectus contains forward-looking statements regarding Tweeter's
performance, strategy, plans, objectives, expectations, beliefs and intentions.
The actual outcome of the events described in these forward-looking statements
could differ materially. The following is a discussion of some of the factors
and risks that could contribute to those differences.
RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH GROWTH
Tweeter's success depends in large part on its ability to open, or acquire
through strategic acquisitions, new stores in both existing and new geographic
markets and to operate those stores profitably. We may not be able to achieve
our planned expansion or to effectively integrate any new stores into our
existing operations. The opening of additional stores in new geographic markets
could present competitive and merchandising challenges different from those we
currently or previously faced within our existing geographic markets. In
addition, we may incur higher costs related to advertising, administration and
distribution as we enter new markets.
There are a number of factors which could affect our ability to open or acquire
new stores consistent with our business plan. These factors also affect the
ability of any newly opened or acquired stores to achieve sales and
profitability levels comparable with our existing stores, or to become
profitable at all. These factors include:
- the identification and acquisition of suitable sites and the negotiation
of acceptable leases for such sites;
- the identification of existing audio and video consumer electronics
retailers appropriate for strategic acquisition;
- the successful consummation of such acquisitions;
- the obtaining of governmental and other third-party consents, permits and
licenses needed to operate such additional sites;
- the hiring, training and retention of skilled personnel;
- the availability of adequate management and financial resources;
- the adaptation of our distribution and other operational and management
systems to an expanded network of stores;
- the ability and willingness of vendors to supply on a timely basis at
competitive prices; and
- continued consumer demand for our products at levels that can support
acceptable profit margins.
In addition, our rapid expansion through the opening or acquisition of new
stores will place significant demands on our management, resources, operations
and information systems. Such expansion requires us to expend significant effort
and additional resources to ensure the continuing adequacy of our financial
controls, operating procedures, information systems, product purchasing and
distribution systems and employee training programs. We also need to attract and
retain additional qualified personnel, including new store managers, for such
new stores.
Our continued growth also depends on our ability to increase sales in our
existing stores. The opening of additional stores in an existing market could
result in lower net sales at our existing stores in that market.
6
<PAGE> 9
RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH ACQUISITIONS
Integration of newly acquired stores may involve significant delay or expense.
Additional suitable acquisition candidates may not be identified. Further, new
stores acquired through such acquisitions may not operate profitably or
integrate successfully into our operations. For example, Tweeter is still in the
process of integrating the Home Entertainment stores into our operations and the
success of such integration cannot yet be determined. Previously acquired stores
have had, and newly acquired stores may have, different merchandising,
advertising, store format and operating approaches from ours, and our success in
integrating such stores will depend on our ability to effect significant changes
in the operations of such stores to conform to our approach in these areas. We
may not be successful in effecting such changes without an adverse effect on the
revenues or profitability of such stores. In addition, future acquisitions could
involve the issuance of equity securities which could dilute the holdings of
existing stockholders. Future acquisitions could also involve the incurrence of
debt and contingent liabilities, and amortization expenses related to goodwill
and other intangible assets, any of which could have a material adverse effect
on our results of operations or financial condition.
DEPENDENCE ON KEY PERSONNEL
Our success depends upon the active involvement of senior management personnel,
particularly Samuel J. Bloomberg, Tweeter's Chief Executive Officer and Chairman
of the Board, and Jeffrey Stone, Tweeter's President and Chief Operating
Officer. The loss of the full-time services of Messrs. Stone or Bloomberg or
other members of senior management could have a material adverse effect on
Tweeter's results of operations and financial condition. Except for employment
contracts with Messrs. Stone and Bloomberg, and with Joseph McGuire, the Chief
Financial Officer and Chief Information Officer of Tweeter, Tweeter does not
have employment agreements with any members of its senior management team.
RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH COMPETITION
The retail consumer electronics industry is highly competitive. Tweeter
currently competes against a diverse group of retailers, including several
national and regional large format merchandisers and superstores, such as
Circuit City and Best Buy, which sell, among other products, audio and video
consumer electronics products similar and often identical to those Tweeter
sells. Tweeter also competes in particular markets with a substantial number of
retailers that specialize in one or more types of consumer electronic products
that Tweeter sells. Certain of these competitors have substantially greater
financial resources than Tweeter that may increase their ability to purchase
inventory at lower costs or to initiate and sustain predatory price competition.
In addition, the large format stores are continuing to expand their geographic
markets, and such expansion may increase price competition within those markets.
Best Buy recently entered the New England market. A number of different
competitive factors could have a material adverse effect on Tweeter's results of
operations and financial condition, including:
- increased operational efficiencies of competitors;
- competitive pricing strategies;
- expansion by existing competitors;
- entry by new competitors into markets in which Tweeter is currently
operating; and
- adoption by existing competitors of innovative store formats or retail
sales methods.
SEASONAL AND QUARTERLY FLUCTUATIONS IN SALES
Seasonal shopping patterns affect our business, like that of many retailers. The
fourth calendar quarter, which is Tweeter's first fiscal quarter and which
includes the December holiday shopping period, has historically contributed, and
is expected to continue to represent, a substantial portion of Tweeter's
operating income for its entire fiscal year. As a result, any factors negatively
affecting Tweeter during such calendar quarter of any year, including adverse
weather or unfavorable economic conditions, would have a material adverse effect
on
7
<PAGE> 10
Tweeter's results of operations for the entire year. More generally, Tweeter's
quarterly results of operations may fluctuate based upon such factors as:
- the timing of new store openings and new store acquisitions;
- the amount of store pre-opening expenses;
- the amount of net sales contributed by new and existing stores;
- the mix of consumer electronic products sold in its stores;
- profitability of sales of particular products; and
- other competitive factors.
FLUCTUATIONS IN COMPARABLE STORE SALES
A number of factors have historically affected, and will continue to affect,
Tweeter's comparable store sales results, including, among other factors:
- competition;
- general regional and national economic conditions;
- consumer trends;
- changes in Tweeter's product mix;
- timing of promotional events;
- new product introductions; and
- Tweeter's ability to execute its business strategy effectively.
Tweeter does not expect comparable store sales to increase at historical rates,
and comparable store sales may decrease in the future. Changes in Tweeter's
comparable store sales results could cause the price of the common stock to
fluctuate substantially.
POTENTIAL NEED FOR ADDITIONAL FINANCING
Tweeter intends to use its common stock for a portion of the consideration for
future acquisitions. If the common stock does not maintain a sufficient
valuation, or potential acquisition candidates are unwilling to accept common
stock as part of the consideration for the sale of their businesses, the Company
may be required to utilize more of its cash resources, if available, in order to
pursue its acquisition program. If the Company does not have sufficient cash
resources, its growth could be limited unless it is able to obtain additional
capital through future debt or equity financings. Such debt or equity financing
may not be available on terms acceptable to Tweeter, if at all.
We estimate that the average cash investment, including pre-opening expenses for
tenant fit-out, demonstration and inventory (net of payables), required to open
a store to be approximately $860,000. The actual cost of opening a store may be
significantly greater than such current estimates, however, and we may need to
seek additional debt and/or equity financing in order to fund our continued
expansion through 1999 and beyond. In addition, our ability to incur additional
indebtedness or issue equity or debt securities could be limited by covenants in
present and future loan agreements and debt instruments. Additional issuances of
equity by Tweeter may result in dilution to existing stockholders.
LACK OF GEOGRAPHICAL DISPERSION
Tweeter currently operates 61 stores, of which:
- 25 are operated under the Tweeter, etc. name in the New England market;
- 18 are operated under the Bryn Mawr name in the Mid-Atlantic market;
8
<PAGE> 11
- 11 are operated under the HiFi Buys name in the Southeast market; and
- 7 are operated under the Home Entertainment name in the Dallas and
Houston markets.
The lack of wider geographical dispersion of Tweeter's current stores makes it
vulnerable to adverse events in these markets, including weather, regional
competition or unfavorable regional economic conditions.
CHANGES IN CONSUMER DEMAND AND PREFERENCES
Tweeter's success depends on its ability to anticipate and respond in a timely
manner to consumer demand and preferences regarding audio and video consumer
electronics products and changes in such demand and preferences. Consumer
spending patterns, particularly discretionary spending for products such as
those Tweeter markets, are affected by, among other things, prevailing economic
conditions. In addition, the periodic introduction and availability of new
products and technologies at price levels which generate wide consumer interest
stimulate the demand for audio and video consumer electronics products. Also,
many products which incorporate the newest technologies, such as DVD and
high-definition television, are subject to significant technological and pricing
limitations and to the actions and cooperation of third parties such as
television broadcasters or movie distributors. It is possible that these
products or other new products will never achieve widespread consumer
acceptance. Furthermore, the introduction or expected introduction of new
products or technologies may depress sales of existing products and
technologies. Significant deviations from the projected demand for products
Tweeter sells would have a materially adverse effect on its results of
operations and financial condition, either from lost sales or lower margins due
to the need to mark down excess inventory. Any sustained failure by Tweeter to
identify and respond to changes in consumer demand and preferences would have a
material adverse effect on Tweeter's results of operations and financial
condition.
DEPENDENCE ON SUPPLIERS
The success of Tweeter's business and growth strategy depends to a significant
degree upon its suppliers, particularly its brand-name suppliers of stereo and
video equipment such as Sony, Mitsubishi, Yamaha, Boston Acoustics and
Panasonic. Tweeter does not have any supply agreements or exclusive arrangements
with any vendors. Tweeter typically orders its inventory through the issuance of
individual purchase orders to vendors. In addition, Tweeter relies heavily on a
relatively small number of suppliers. Tweeter's two largest suppliers accounted
for approximately 36% of its sales during fiscal 1998. The loss of any of these
key vendors or the failure by Tweeter to establish and maintain relationships
with these or other vendors could have a material adverse effect on Tweeter's
results of operations and financial condition and its expansion. It is possible,
especially given Tweeter's growth strategy, that Tweeter will be unable to
acquire sufficient quantities or an appropriate mix of consumer electronic
products at acceptable prices, if at all. Specifically, Tweeter's ability to
establish additional stores in existing markets and to penetrate new markets
depends to a significant extent on the willingness and ability of vendors to
supply those additional stores, and vendors may not be willing or able to do so.
As we continue to open or acquire new stores, the inability or unwillingness of
suppliers to supply some or all of their products to us at acceptable prices in
one or more markets could have a material adverse effect on our results of
operations and financial condition.
INVENTORY PURCHASED FROM FOREIGN VENDORS
Tweeter purchases a significant portion of its inventory from overseas vendors,
particularly vendors headquartered in Japan. Changes in trade regulations,
currency fluctuations or other factors may increase the cost of items Tweeter
purchases from foreign vendors or create shortages of such items, which could in
turn have a material adverse effect on Tweeter's results of operations and
financial condition. Conversely, significant reductions in the cost of such
items in U.S. dollars may cause a significant reduction in retail price levels
of those products and may limit or eliminate Tweeter's ability to successfully
differentiate itself from other competitors, thereby resulting in an adverse
effect on Tweeter's sales, margin or competitive position.
9
<PAGE> 12
DEPENDENCE UPON MEMBERSHIP IN BUYING GROUP
Tweeter is a member of the Progressive Retailers Organization, a volume buying
group currently comprised of 15 consumer electronics retailers located
throughout the country, which provides its members with market information and
negotiates purchase terms with vendors on behalf of its members. Any future
termination of Tweeter's membership in this group could have a material adverse
effect on Tweeter's results of operations and financial condition. In addition,
rebates paid to Tweeter by product manufacturers through this group depend on
the sales volumes achieved by the group's other members, as well as Tweeter, and
therefore decreased sales performance by these other members could reduce the
amounts of such rebates payable to Tweeter. Any such reduction could in turn
have a material adverse effect on Tweeter's results of operations and financial
condition.
UNCERTAINTY OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS
Our "Tweeter, etc." and "Bryn Mawr Stereo" service marks have been registered
with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. We have also registered the
following service marks with the United States Patent and Trademark Office:
"Wise Buys," "The Place for Bass," and "Audio-Video and a Boatload of Know How."
Tweeter has not registered the "HiFi Buys" service mark and is aware that other
consumer electronics retailers use the name "HiFi Buys" outside Tweeter's
current geographical markets. Tweeter has not registered the "Home
Entertainment" service mark. Tweeter's service marks, whether registered or
unregistered, and patents may not be effective to protect its intellectual
property rights, and infringement or invalidity claims may be asserted by third
parties in the future. Any such assertions, if proven to be true, could have a
material adverse effect on Tweeter's results of operations and financial
condition.
SIGNIFICANT OWNERSHIP BY PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS
Our executive officers, directors and principal stockholders and their
affiliates own approximately 13.6% of Tweeter's outstanding common stock. As a
result, those parties might be able to influence significantly Tweeter's affairs
if they were to act together.
EFFECT OF CERTAIN CHARTER AND BY-LAW PROVISIONS; ANTI-TAKEOVER PROVISIONS
Tweeter's corporate charter and by-laws as well as certain provisions of
Delaware General Corporation Law, contain provisions which may deter, discourage
or make more difficult a change in control of Tweeter, even if such a change in
control would be in the interest of a significant number of Tweeter's
stockholders or if such change in control would provide such stockholders with a
substantial premium for their shares over then current market prices. For
example, the charter authorizes Tweeter's Board of Directors to issue one or
more classes of preferred stock, having such designations, rights and
preferences as they determine, and such issuances may, among other things, have
an adverse effect on the rights of holders of common stock.
Tweeter's stockholders have no right to take action by written consent and may
not call special meetings of stockholders. Any amendment of the by-laws by the
stockholders or certain provisions of the charter requires the affirmative vote
of at least 75% of the shares of voting stock then outstanding. The charter also
provides for the staggered election of directors to serve for one, two and
three-year terms, and for successive three-year terms thereafter, subject to
removal only for cause upon the vote of not less than 75% of the shares of
common stock represented at a stockholders' meeting.
In addition, under the terms of Tweeter's Stockholder Rights Plan, in general,
if a person or group acquires more than 15% of the outstanding shares of common
stock (an "Acquiring Person"), all other stockholders of Tweeter would have the
right to purchase securities from Tweeter at a discount to such securities' fair
market value, thus causing substantial dilution to the holdings of the Acquiring
Person. The Stockholder Rights Plan may inhibit a change in control and,
therefore, could adversely affect the stockholders' ability to realize a premium
over the then-prevailing market price for the common stock in connection with
such a transaction.
10
<PAGE> 13
SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
Following the offering of all 2,000,000 shares covered by this prospectus,
Tweeter will have 9,480,384 shares of common stock outstanding. Of such shares,
the 2,710,000 shares sold in Tweeter's initial public offering, the 2,875,000
shares sold in Tweeter's February 1999 follow-on offering and some or all of the
2,000,000 shares offered pursuant to this prospectus will be freely tradable. Of
the remaining outstanding shares, 1,694,122 are subject to lock-up agreements
with the underwriters for the follow-on offering, pursuant to which the holders
of those shares have agreed, with certain exceptions, not to sell, offer or
contract to sell, sell short, engage in certain hedging transactions with
respect to, or otherwise dispose of any shares of common stock for a period of
90 days after the date of the final prospectus for the follow-on offering,
(January 27, 1999) (the "Lock-up Period"), without the prior written consent of
BT Alex. Brown Incorporated, as the representative of the underwriters of the
follow-on offering. Upon expiration of the Lock-up Period, these shares will be
available for sale in the public market, subject in certain circumstances to the
provisions of Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933.
As of March 31, 1999, approximately 987,366 shares of common stock were issuable
pursuant to options under Tweeter's stock plans and 68,945 shares of common
stock were issuable upon the exercise of warrants. Of the 987,366 shares
issuable pursuant to options, 628,138 shares are currently exercisable. Of those
628,138 shares, 197,123 shares are freely tradable and 431,015 shares are
subject to lock-up agreements. Of the 68,945 shares issuable pursuant to
warrants, 68,319 shares are subject to lock-up agreements. In addition, the
holders of approximately 1,828,525 shares of common stock have certain rights to
registration of their shares under the Securities Act of 1933. Sales of
substantial amounts of common stock in the public market, or the perception that
such sales could occur, could have a material adverse effect on the market price
of the common stock.
VOLATILITY OF STOCK PRICE
The trading price of our common stock has been and is likely to continue to be
highly volatile and could be subject to wide fluctuations in response to a
variety of internal and external factors. The stock market in general, and the
Nasdaq National Market in particular, have experienced extreme price and volume
fluctuations that have often been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating
performance of particular companies. The trading prices of many companies'
stocks are at or near historical highs and these trading prices and multiples
are substantially above historical levels. These trading prices and multiples
may not be sustained. These broad market factors may have a material adverse
effect on the market price of our common stock, regardless of our actual
operating performance. In the past, following periods of volatility in the
market price of a company's securities, securities class-action litigation has
often been instituted against such companies. Such litigation, if instituted,
could result in substantial costs and a diversion of management's attention and
resources, which would materially adversely affect Tweeter's results of
operations and financial condition.
YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE
We have begun contacting our suppliers to determine whether Year 2000 issues
will affect their supply of goods to us. Any disruption in our supply chain
could have a material adverse affect on our results of operation and financial
condition. In addition, although we anticipate minimal internal business
interruption due to Year 2000 problems, we expect any problems which may arise
to develop during our peak sales period. During this time, it is possible that
Tweeter may lose communications links with certain store locations, that
Tweeter's stores may close due to loss of electric power, that Tweeter's stores'
and storage facilities' security systems may not operate and that individual
stores may be unable to process transactions, send purchase orders or engage in
similar normal business activities. Any large scale failure to operate during
this period may have a material adverse effect on Tweeter's results of
operations and financial condition.
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<PAGE> 14
PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK
Tweeter's common stock trades on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol
"TWTR." Public trading in the common stock commenced on July 16, 1998. Prior to
that date, there was no public market for the common stock. The following table
sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low sale prices for the
common stock as reported by Nasdaq:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
HIGH LOW
------ ------
<S> <C> <C>
Fourth Quarter Fiscal 1998 (from July 16, 1998)............. $21.13 $11.25
First Quarter Fiscal 1999................................... $31.00 $10.63
Second Quarter Fiscal 1999.................................. $40.00 $26.75
Third Quarter Fiscal 1999 (through April 9, 1999)........... $32.50 $22.13
</TABLE>
As of March 31, 1999, there were approximately 1,000 holders of record of the
common stock.
DIVIDEND POLICY
Tweeter does not anticipate paying any cash dividends. Payment of future
dividends, if any, will depend upon Tweeter's results of operations, financial
condition, cash requirements and other factors deemed relevant by its Board of
Directors. Our current credit facility restricts the payment of dividends. See
"Management Discussion and Analysis -- Liquidity and Capital Resources."
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<PAGE> 15
CAPITALIZATION
The following table sets forth the capitalization of Tweeter as of December 31,
1998, (i) on an actual basis and (ii) as adjusted to reflect the receipt of the
net proceeds from the sale of 875,000 shares of common stock by Tweeter in the
follow-on offering which was concluded in February, 1999, after deducting the
underwriting discount and the offering expenses paid by Tweeter, and the
exercise of options and warrants to purchase 197,761 shares of common stock
which were sold by certain selling stockholders in the follow-on offering. This
table should be read in conjunction with Tweeter's Consolidated Financial
Statements and the Notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this prospectus. The
following table does not give consideration to the offering or offerings of any
of the 2,000,000 shares covered by this Prospectus because of the prospective
nature of any such offering.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ACTUAL AS ADJUSTED
------- -----------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C>
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 10,000,000 shares
authorized, no shares issued and outstanding actual and
as adjusted............................................ $ -- $ --
Common stock, $.01 par value, 30,000,000 shares
authorized; 6,292,512 shares outstanding actual, and
7,365,273 shares as adjusted(1)........................ 75 84
Additional paid-in capital................................ 46,841 71,248
Retained earnings......................................... 10,965 10,965
Treasury stock, 1,229,251 shares actual, and 1,060,490
shares as adjusted, at cost............................ (1,713) (1,477)
------- -------
Total stockholders' equity........................ $56,168 $80,820
======= =======
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) Excludes 133,192 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of warrants
outstanding as of December 31, 1998, with a current weighted average
exercise price of $4.98 per share. Also excludes 1,020,025 shares of common
stock issuable upon exercise of options outstanding as of December 31, 1998,
with a weighted average exercise price of $6.57 per share.
13
<PAGE> 16
SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL AND OPERATING DATA
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AND NUMBER OF STORES DATA)
Set forth below is selected financial and operating data for, and as of the end
of, each of the five years ended September 30, 1998 and for the three months
ended December 31, 1997 and December 31, 1998. The selected statement of income
and balance sheet data for each of the five years ended September 30, 1998 have
been derived from financial statements of Tweeter, which have been audited by
its independent auditors. The balance sheets as of September 30, 1997 and
September 30, 1998, and the related statements of income, stockholders' equity
(deficit), and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended
September 30, 1998, and the audit report thereon, are included elsewhere in this
prospectus. The financial data for the three months ended December 31, 1997 and
December 31, 1998, respectively, has been derived from unaudited financial
statements of Tweeter and reflect all adjustments, consisting only of normal
recurring accruals, that Tweeter considers necessary for a fair presentation of
the financial position and results of operations for these periods. The
information set forth below should be read in conjunction with "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and
Tweeter's Consolidated Financial Statements and the Notes thereto included
elsewhere in this prospectus.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED
FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, DECEMBER 31,
------------------------------------------------- -------------------------
1994 1995 1996(1) 1997(2) 1998 1997 1998
------- ------- ------- -------- -------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
STATEMENT OF INCOME DATA:
Total revenue.................................. $47,401 $60,121 $80,607 $132,525 $232,289 $74,617 $ 86,784
Cost of sales.................................. 30,912 39,167 51,816 86,315 151,265 49,236 57,233
------- ------- ------- -------- -------- ------- --------
Gross profit................................. 16,489 20,954 28,791 46,210 81,024 25,381 29,551
Selling expenses............................... 12,504 15,404 21,993 35,568 56,907 16,390 17,499
Corporate, general and administrative
Expenses..................................... 2,576 3,247 4,716 8,102 11,128 2,617 4,041
Amortization of goodwill....................... 65 65 129 487 917 221 215
------- ------- ------- -------- -------- ------- --------
Income from operations......................... 1,344 2,238 1,953 2,053 12,072 6,153 7,796
Interest expense............................... 426 629 617 1,808 2,753 865 201
------- ------- ------- -------- -------- ------- --------
Income before taxes............................ 918 1,609 1,336 245 9,319 5,288 7,595
Income tax expense (benefit)(3)................ -- (174) (453) 99 3,724 2,115 3,038
------- ------- ------- -------- -------- ------- --------
Income before extraordinary item............... 918 1,783 1,789 146 5,595 3,173 4,557
Extraordinary item (less applicable income
taxes)(4).................................... -- -- -- -- (340) -- --
------- ------- ------- -------- -------- ------- --------
Net income..................................... 918 1,783 1,789 146 5,255 3,173 4,557
======= ======= ======= ======== ======== ======= ========
Accretion of preferred stock................... -- -- 1,036 2,156 2,514 792 --
------- ------- ------- -------- -------- ------- --------
Net income (loss) available to common
Stockholders................................. $ 918 $ 1,783 $ 753 $ (2,010) $ 2,741 $ 2,381 $ 4,557
======= ======= ======= ======== ======== ======= ========
Basic earnings per share
Net income (loss) available to common
stockholders before extraordinary item..... 0.27 0.53 0.39 (1.20) 1.24 1.42 0.72
Extraordinary item........................... -- -- -- -- (0.14) -- --
------- ------- ------- -------- -------- ------- --------
Net income (loss)............................ $ 0.27 $ 0.53 $ 0.39 $ (1.20) $ 1.10 $ 1.42 $ 0.72
======= ======= ======= ======== ======== ======= ========
Diluted earnings per share
Net income (loss) available to common
stockholders before extraordinary item..... 0.27 0.53 0.38 (1.20) 1.11 0.69 0.64
Extraordinary item........................... -- -- -- -- (0.07) -- --
------- ------- ------- -------- -------- ------- --------
Net income (loss)............................ $ 0.27 $ 0.53 $ 0.38 $ (1.20) $ 1.04 $ 0.69 $ 0.64
======= ======= ======= ======== ======== ======= ========
Weighted average shares outstanding Basic...... 3,371 3,371 1,940 1,673 2,486 1,673 6,357
======= ======= ======= ======== ======== ======= ========
Diluted(5)................................... 3,371 3,371 1,983 1,673 5,034 4,589 7,102
======= ======= ======= ======== ======== ======= ========
OPERATING DATA:
Store contribution(6).......................... $ 3,985 $ 5,550 $ 6,798 $ 10,642 $ 24,117 $ 8,991 $ 12,052
Stores open at beginning of period............. 14 16 18 33 47 47 52
New stores..................................... 2 2 2 4 5 3 1
Relocated stores............................... 1 1 1 1 2 2 1
Closed stores.................................. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Acquired stores................................ 0 0 13 10 0 0 0
Stores open at end of period................... 16 18 33 47 52 50 53
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Working capital................................ $ 835 $ 1,590 $ 1,897 $ 11,857 $ 18,263 $11,754 $ 14,756
Total assets................................... 12,562 15,162 38,619 78,688 91,643 93,455 108,135
Long term debt, excluding current portion...... 7,955 8,705 10,700 30,875 5,250 28,275 --
Redeemable convertible preferred stock......... -- -- 11,597 20,591 -- 21,391 --
Stockholder's equity (deficit)................. (4,122) (2,457) (3,984) (5,669) 51,610 (3,162) 56,168
</TABLE>
(footnotes on following page)
14
<PAGE> 17
- ---------------
(1) Includes results of the Bryn Mawr acquisition from May 13, 1996, which was
accounted for using the purchase method. See Note 11 of Notes to Tweeter's
Consolidated Financial Statements.
(2) Includes results of the HiFi Buys acquisition from June 1, 1997, which was
accounted for using the purchase method. See Note 11 of Notes to Tweeter's
Consolidated Financial Statements.
(3) Tweeter operated as an S corporation through November 1995 and was not
subject to federal and certain state corporate income taxes. In connection
with the recapitalization that occurred on November 26, 1995, Tweeter
revoked its S election, and became subject to taxation as a C corporation.
If Tweeter had been taxed as a Corporation, it would have recorded income
tax expense of $661,000 for fiscal 1995 and $550,000 for fiscal 1996.
(4) In connection with its initial public offering, Tweeter recorded an
extraordinary charge against current period income for the early
extinguishment of debt. Tweeter wrote off deferred financing costs of
$286,009, related to the issuance of certain senior subordinated promissory
notes issued in 1997. Tweeter also wrote off $280,136 representing the
unamortized portion of the discount related to the warrants issued in
conjunction with the 1997 notes. The gross amount of the extraordinary item
was $566,145. The net effect of $339,687, after tax benefit of $226,458, was
recorded in the consolidated statement of income as an extraordinary item.
(5) Diluted weighted average shares outstanding include 42,865 shares issuable
upon exercise of stock options outstanding as of September 30, 1996, 350,432
shares issuable upon exercise of stock options and warrants outstanding as
of December 31, 1997, 522,410 shares issuable upon exercise of stock options
and warrants outstanding as of September 30, 1998, and 745,539 shares
issuable upon exercise of stock options and warrants outstanding as of
December 31, 1998, after applying the treasury stock method. No common stock
equivalents were included in the fiscal year 1997 computation, since their
effect would be antidilutive. Diluted weighted average shares outstanding
also assumes the conversion of preferred stock, when dilutive, for periods
prior to its conversion to common stock.
(6) Refers to gross profit after deducting selling expenses including labor,
advertising, store level operations and pre-opening expenses. Store
contribution is presented to provide additional information about Tweeter
and is commonly used as a performance measurement by retail companies. Store
contribution should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for
operating income, cash flow from operating activities and other income or
cash flow data prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles, or as a measure of Tweeter's profitability or liquidity.
Tweeter's calculation of store contribution may not be comparable to
similarly titled items reported by other companies.
15
<PAGE> 18
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
This prospectus contains forward-looking statements regarding Tweeter's
performance, strategy, plans, objectives, expectations, beliefs and intentions.
The actual outcome of the events described in these forward-looking statements
could differ materially. Therefore, this prospectus, and especially this section
and the sections entitled "Risk Factors" and "Business," contains a discussion
of some of the factors and risks that could contribute to those differences.
OVERVIEW
Tweeter is a specialty retailer of mid to high-end audio and video consumer
electronics products under the Tweeter, etc., Bryn Mawr Stereo & Video, HiFi
Buys and Home Entertainment names. We opened our first Tweeter, etc. store in
New England in 1972. Over 27 years, we have refined our retail concept to meet
the needs of consumers seeking brand name products with advanced features,
functionality and performance which we sell through our highly trained,
relationship-driven sales force. We believe that our effective merchandising and
superior customer service has enabled us to generate substantial customer
loyalty.
In 1995, Tweeter adopted an aggressive growth strategy to:
- open new stores in current regional markets and relocate certain stores
to more favorable sites; and
- selectively pursue acquisitions in new regional markets and achieve
operating improvements by converting the acquired companies to its core
operating model and leveraging distribution, marketing and corporate
infrastructure.
To support this growth strategy, we obtained equity investments in fiscal 1996
of approximately $10.6 million, net of issuance costs, from a group of investors
led by Weston Presidio and Advent International. In May 1996, Tweeter completed
the Bryn Mawr acquisition. In May 1997, we raised an additional $21.5 million,
consisting of $6.8 million of equity and $14.7 million of subordinated debt from
those investors and a new group of investors. We used the proceeds primarily to
finance the HiFi Buys acquisition. In February 1999, Tweeter acquired the retail
operations of Home Entertainment. Each of the acquisitions was accounted for by
the purchase method of accounting. By March 31, 1999, Tweeter had grown to 61
stores.
Tweeter seeks to increase sales, profitability and asset productivity at
acquired companies by converting them to our standard operating model with
enhanced training for sales personnel, superior customer service, improved
merchandising focused on higher-end audio and video equipment and more stringent
operating controls. We also have aggressively expanded corporate infrastructure
over the past two years to support anticipated higher levels of growth,
including expanding our management team with the addition of senior financial,
information systems, and buying personnel. We have made enhancements to our
management information systems with the addition of a new mainframe and
operating platform, and to our distribution and administrative infrastructure to
enable us to support all four regions on an integrated basis.
Prior to their acquisition by Tweeter, both Bryn Mawr and HiFi Buys operated at
substantially lower store contribution margins than Tweeter's existing
operations. Consequently, converting these stores to our operating model
adversely affected results in fiscal 1996 and 1997, as we converted these stores
to our operating model. The timing of the acquisitions resulted in the peak,
holiday sales period being excluded from the operations of the acquired stores
during the year of the acquisition, thus exacerbating the negative impact of
these acquisitions on Tweeter's results.
BRYN MAWR
Subsequent to the Bryn Mawr acquisition, we implemented a variety of strategic
initiatives to convert Bryn Mawr to our core operating model. These initiatives
were primarily focused on increasing sales and gross
16
<PAGE> 19
margin, rather than reducing operating expenses, in order to improve store
contribution. These initiatives included:
- increasing advertising expenditures and refocusing advertising to
emphasize radio, television and direct marketing rather than print;
- implementing Tweeter's everyday competitive pricing and Automatic Price
Protection programs;
- initiating a substantial sales associate training program to improve
product knowledge and enhance relationship selling skills; and
- focusing the sales staff on higher margin products, particularly audio
products.
Primarily as a result of these initiatives, comparable store sales increased
36.9% at Bryn Mawr during the period from the acquisition, May 13, 1996, through
September 30, 1996 compared to the same period of the prior year. Comparable
store sales at Bryn Mawr increased 4.7% during fiscal 1997 and 19.3% during
fiscal 1998. Comparable store sales at Bryn Mawr increased 9.0% during the three
months ended December 31, 1997 compared to the same period of the prior year and
23.9% during the three months ended December 31, 1998. On a pro forma basis,
assuming the Bryn Mawr acquisition as of October 1, 1995, store contribution
increased from 3.1% to 6.8% in fiscal 1997 and 7.8% in fiscal 1998, and from
10.2% in the three months ended December 31, 1997 to 13.7% in the three months
ended December 31, 1998, primarily due to the leveraging of expenses on a higher
sales base as well as an increase in gross margin.
The following table sets forth total revenues in thousands and store
contribution as a percentage of total revenues for Bryn Mawr on a standalone
basis:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRO FORMA THREE MONTHS ENDED
YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED ----------------------------
SEPTEMBER 30, SEPTEMBER 30, SEPTEMBER 30, DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31,
1996(1) 1997 1998 1997 1998
------------- ------------- ------------- ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Total revenue............. $33,525 $35,432 $51,768 $15,739 $21,271
Store contribution........ 3.1% 6.8% 7.8% 10.2% 13.7%
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) The pro forma results are presented as if the Bryn Mawr acquisition had
occurred on October 1, 1995 and reflect the results of Bryn Mawr for a
period under prior ownership. The pro forma results are based upon available
information and certain assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the
circumstances. The pro forma results are not necessarily indications of what
our results would have been for the period had we completed the Bryn Mawr
acquisition as of the date indicated.
HIFI BUYS
As with the Bryn Mawr acquisition, Tweeter initiated a series of strategic
initiatives subsequent to the HiFi Buys acquisition. In contrast to Bryn Mawr,
however, these initiatives combined a planned decrease of revenues with a
planned increase in gross margin and a substantial decrease in operating
expenses to generate increased store contribution. Specifically, we:
- adjusted the merchandise mix to increase the proportion of mid and
high-end products and reduce the number of lower margin introductory
products;
- altered store employee compensation to reduce the emphasis on promotional
sales and focused incentives on gross margin and store contribution;
- reduced marketing expenditures and shifted marketing emphasis from
promotional advertising toward our traditional relationship selling and
everyday competitive pricing message;
- converted the advertising program to emphasize electronic advertising and
direct mail marketing as opposed to print media;
- implemented the Automatic Price Protection program; and
- eliminated $2.4 million of overhead by centralizing accounting,
purchasing and other support infrastructure.
17
<PAGE> 20
Primarily as a result of these initiatives, Tweeter experienced a planned
decline in comparable store sales of 29.9% at HiFi Buys during the period from
the acquisition, June 1, 1997, through September 30, 1997 versus the same period
for the prior year. In addition to the elimination of lower end items from the
product mix and reduced advertising, the comparable store sales decline was
exacerbated by a relatively high sales level during June to September 1996 due
to the Olympic Games in Atlanta. Comparable store sales declined 5.2% in fiscal
1998 at HiFi Buys. There was no change in comparable store sales for the three
months ended December 31, 1998 as compared to a decline of 15% for the same
period in the prior year. Pro forma for the HiFi Buys acquisition as of October
1, 1996, store contribution improved to 9.9% in fiscal 1998 from 6.9% in the
prior year. Store contribution improved to 12.9% in the three months ended
December 31, 1998 from 11.5% in the prior year period.
The following table sets forth total revenues in thousands and store
contribution as a percentage of total revenues for HiFi Buys on a standalone
basis:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRO FORMA THREE MONTHS ENDED
YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED ----------------------------
SEPTEMBER 30, SEPTEMBER 30, DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31,
1997(1) 1998 1997 1998
------------- ------------- ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Total revenue........................... $87,065 $82,810 $27,117 $27,968
Store contribution...................... 6.9% 9.9% 11.5% 12.9%
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) The pro forma results are presented as if the HiFi Buys acquisition had
occurred on October 1, 1996 and reflect the results of HiFi Buys for a
period under prior ownership. The pro forma results are based upon available
information and certain assumptions that Tweeter believes are reasonable
under the circumstances. The pro forma results are not necessarily
indications of what our results would have been for the period had we
completed the HiFi Buys acquisition as of the date indicated.
HOME ENTERTAINMENT
In February 1999, Tweeter acquired the retail operations of Home Entertainment,
a seven store chain located in the Dallas and Houston markets for the purchase
price of approximately $8.2 million in cash, excluding acquisition costs. Home
Entertainment reported retail revenue of approximately $25 million for the year
ended June 30, 1998. We intend to open, over time, new Home Entertainment stores
in Dallas and Houston, as well as elsewhere in Texas. We expect to continue the
operation of the retail stores as well as the service and distribution
facilities. We intend to implement our business strategy in the Home
Entertainment stores, including the implementation of our Automatic Price
Protection Program.
18
<PAGE> 21
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following table is derived from Tweeter's Consolidated Financial Statements
and sets forth, for the periods indicated, the actual amounts, in thousands, of
certain income and expense items and their percentages, relative to total
revenue:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FISCAL YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
----------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------
1996 1997 1998 1997 1998
--------------- ---------------- ---------------- --------------- ---------------
(UNAUDITED) (UNAUDITED)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
STATEMENT OF
OPERATIONS:
Total revenue........ $80,607 100.0% $132,525 100.0% $232,289 100.0% $74,617 100.0% $86,784 100.0%
Gross profit......... 28,791 35.7% 46,210 34.9% 81,024 34.9% 25,381 34.0% 29,551 34.1%
Selling expenses..... 21,993 27.3% 35,568 26.8% 56,907 24.5% 16,390 22.0% 17,499 20.2%
Corporate, general
and administrative
expenses........... 4,716 5.9% 8,102 6.1% 11,128 4.8% 2,617 3.5% 4,041 4.7%
Amortization of
goodwill........... 129 0.2% 487 0.4% 917 0.4% 221 0.3% 215 0.2%
Income from
operations......... 1,953 2.4% 2,053 1.5% 12,072 5.2% 6,153 8.2% 7,796 9.0%
Interest expense..... 617 0.8% 1,808 1.4% 2,753 1.2% 865 1.2% 201 0.2%
------- ----- -------- ----- -------- ----- ------- ----- ------- -----
Income before income
taxes.............. 1,336 1.7% 245 0.2% 9,319 4.0% 5,288 7.1% 7,595 8.8%
Income tax expense
(benefit).......... (453) -0.6% 99 0.1% 3,724 1.6% 2,115 2.8% 3,038 3.5%
------- ----- -------- ----- -------- ----- ------- ----- ------- -----
Income before
extraordinary
item............... 1,789 2.2% 146 0.1% 5,595 2.4% 3,173 4.3% 4,557 5.3%
Extraordinary item
(less applicable
income taxes)...... -- 0.0% -- 0.0% (340) -0.1% -- 0.0% -- 0.0%
------- ----- -------- ----- -------- ----- ------- ----- ------- -----
Net income........... 1,789 2.2% 146 0.1% 5,255 2.3% 3,173 4.3% 4,557 5.3%
------- ----- -------- ----- -------- ----- ------- ----- ------- -----
Accretion of
preferred stock.... 1,036 1.3% 2,156 1.6% 2,514 1.1% 792 1.1% -- 0.0%
------- ----- -------- ----- -------- ----- ------- ----- ------- -----
Net income (loss)
available to common
stockholders....... $ 753 0.9% $ (2,010) 1.5% $ 2,741 1.2% $ 2,381 3.2% $ 4,557 5.3%
======= ===== ======== ===== ======== ===== ======= ===== ======= =====
</TABLE>
THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998 AS COMPARED TO THREE MONTHS ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 1997
Total Revenue. Total revenue includes delivered sales, completed service center
work orders, insurance replacement and corporate sales. Total revenue increased
$12.2 million, or 16.3%, to $86.8 million in the three months ended December 31,
1998 from $74.6 million for the three months ended December 31, 1997. The
increase was mainly comprised of $3.8 million from new stores and $7.1 million
from comparable store sales growth. Comparable store sales increased by 10.6%,
made up of an 11.9% increase at Tweeter, etc., a 23.9% increase at Bryn Mawr,
and no change in comparable store sales at HiFi Buys. New technology products
fueled first quarter fiscal 1999 sales performance. DVD players represented
approximately 5.8% of total revenue for the three months ended December 31,
1998, as compared to approximately 2.2% of total revenue for the three months
ended December 31, 1997. In addition, digital televisions and camcorders
contributed to an increase in the average sales ticket.
Gross Profit. Cost of sales includes merchandise, net delivery costs,
distribution costs, purchase discounts, and vendor volume rebates. Cost of sales
increased $8.0 million, or 16.2% to $57.2 million in the three months ended
December 31, 1998 from $49.2 million in the three months ended December 31,
1997. Gross profit increased $4.2 million, or 16.5% to $29.6 million in the
three months ended December 31, 1998 from $25.4 million for the three months
ended December 31, 1997. The gross margin increased slightly to 34.1% for the
three months ended December 31, 1998 from 34.0% for the same period of the prior
year. The increase
19
<PAGE> 22
in margin is primarily due to increased sales of new digital technology
products, such as DVD players, digital televisions and digital camcorders. These
digital technology products realize higher gross margin and higher average
ticket than their analog counterparts. This increase was offset by growth in the
video category relative to other categories that Tweeter sells. Video products
generally realize lower gross margin than audio products. Tweeter expects sales
of digital televisions to accelerate over the next few years, which will tend to
increase video sales as a percentage of Tweeter's overall mix. Tweeter pursues
strategies such as its "Sell Audio with Video" strategy, however, in order to
offset the margin erosion that could occur due to an increase in sales of video
products relative to the other categories of products that Tweeter sells.
Selling Expenses. Selling expenses include the compensation of store personnel,
occupancy, store level depreciation, advertising, preopening expenses and credit
card fees and excludes corporate, general and administrative expenses. Selling
expenses increased $1.1 million, or 6.8%, to $17.5 million in the three months
ended December 31, 1998 from $16.4 million for the three months ended December
31, 1997. However, as a percentage of revenue, selling expenses decreased to
20.2% in the three months ended December 31, 1998 from 22.0% in the prior year
period. This decrease was the result of our leveraging the fixed portion of the
selling expenses over a larger sales base, as well as continued execution of our
expense reduction initiatives.
Corporate, General and Administrative Expenses. Corporate, general and
administrative expenses include the costs of accounting, purchasing, information
systems, human resources, training, executive officers and related support
functions. Corporate, general and administrative expenses for the three months
ended December 31, 1998 increased 54.4% to $4.0 million from $2.6 million for
the three months ended December 31, 1997. As a percentage of total revenue,
corporate general and administrative expenses increased to 4.7% for the three
months ended December 31, 1998 from 3.5% for the prior year period. This
increase was the result of increased administrative infrastructure, consisting
of additional support personnel added since the comparable prior year period.
Tweeter is continuing to build corporate infrastructure in anticipation of
future growth.
Amortization of Goodwill. Amortization of goodwill decreased slightly to
$215,000 in the three months ended December 31, 1998 from $221,000 in the three
months ended December 31, 1997. The decrease was due to the completion during
fiscal 1998 of amortization of the goodwill associated with the repurchase of a
franchise.
Interest Expense. Interest expense decreased to $201,000 in the three months
ended December 31, 1998 from $865,000 in the three months ended December 31,
1997. The decrease was due to Tweeter's using proceeds from its initial public
offering to pay off the majority of long term debt outstanding.
Income Taxes. The effective tax rate for the quarters ended December 31, 1998
and December 31, 1997 was 40.0%.
FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1998 AS COMPARED TO FISCAL YEAR ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30, 1997
Total Revenue. Total revenue increased $99.8 million, or 75.3%, to $232.3
million in fiscal 1998 from $132.5 million in fiscal 1997. The increase was
primarily comprised of $59.8 million from a full year of HiFi Buys revenues,
$9.4 million from new stores, and $20.9 million from comparable store sales
growth. Comparable store sales increased by 12.5%, made up of a 28.6% increase
at Tweeter, etc., a 19.3% increase at Bryn Mawr, and 5.2% decrease at HiFi Buys.
The exit from the New England market of competing retail chains has had a
favorable impact on comparable store sales at Tweeter, etc., while the increase
at Bryn Mawr resulted from the conversion to Tweeter's operating model. The
decrease in HiFi Buys comparable store sales was primarily due to the planned
elimination of entry level products and a decrease in associated promotional
advertising.
Gross Profit. Cost of sales increased $65.0 million, or 75.3%, to $151.3
million in fiscal 1998 from $86.3 million in fiscal 1997. Gross profit increased
$34.8 million, or 75.3% to $81.0 million in fiscal 1998 from $46.2 million in
fiscal 1997. The gross margin remained the same for both periods at 34.9%.
Selling Expenses. Selling expenses increased $21.3 million, or 59.8%, to $56.9
million in fiscal 1998 from $35.6 million in fiscal 1997. The increase, on an
absolute basis, was principally associated with advertising, commissions related
to increased sales, fees related to private label credit card promotions, and
rent and
20
<PAGE> 23
related staff positions for the additional stores acquired as part of the HiFi
Buys acquisition. As a percentage of total revenue, selling expenses declined to
24.5% in fiscal 1998 from 26.8% in the prior year period. This decline was
primarily the result of the inclusion of the HiFi Buys stores, which have lower
advertising expenses as a percentage of revenue than our other stores due to
their concentration in a single market.
Corporate, General and Administrative Expenses. Corporate, general and
administrative expenses increased 37.0% in fiscal 1998 to $11.1 million from
$8.1 million in fiscal 1997. As a percentage of total revenue, corporate,
general and administrative expenses decreased to 4.8% for fiscal 1998 from 6.1%
for the prior year period as we benefited from a larger sales base.
Amortization of Goodwill. Amortization of goodwill increased to $917,000 in
fiscal 1998 from $487,000 in fiscal 1997. This increase is attributable to
goodwill recorded for a full year in connection with the HiFi Buys acquisition.
Interest Expense. Interest expense increased to $2.8 million in fiscal 1998
from $1.8 million in fiscal 1997 due primarily to the increased debt incurred to
fund the HiFi Buys acquisition. The funds from the initial public offering were
used to pay off existing debt. Accordingly, management anticipates that cash
outflows for interest will be reduced in 1999.
Income Taxes. The effective tax rates in fiscal 1998 and fiscal 1997 were 40.0%
and 40.3%, respectively. For an analysis of changes in our effective tax rate,
see Note 10 to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Accretion of Preferred Stock. In periods prior to its initial public offering,
Tweeter had preferred stock outstanding. Tweeter accreted the preferred stock to
its redemption value. Upon completion of the initial public offering, all
preferred stock was converted to common stock and Tweeter eliminated all
balances related to the preferred stock.
FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1997 AS COMPARED TO FISCAL YEAR ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30, 1996
Total Revenue. Total revenue increased $51.9 million, or 64.4%, to $132.5
million in fiscal 1997 from $80.6 million in fiscal 1996. The increase was due
to $23.0 million from stores acquired in the HiFi Buys acquisition as well as a
full year of revenue from stores acquired in May 1996 in the Bryn Mawr
acquisition. Total revenue increased 8.0% at the Tweeter, etc. stores, all of
which came from new stores as comparable store sales decreased 4.5% during
fiscal 1997 versus the prior year. We believe that the decline in comparable
store sales was due to general weakness in the consumer electronics industry and
an ineffective marketing campaign for the first half of the fiscal year.
Comparable store sales increased 4.7% at the Bryn Mawr stores.
Gross Profit. Cost of sales increased $34.5 million, or 66.6%, to $86.3 million
in fiscal 1997 from $51.8 million in fiscal 1996. Gross profit increased $17.4
million, or 60.5%, to $46.2 million in fiscal 1997 from $28.8 million in fiscal
1996. Gross margin declined to 34.9% in fiscal 1997 from 35.7% in fiscal 1996.
The decline was due to the impact on the gross margin at HiFi Buys, which was
lower than the gross margin at the Tweeter, etc. and Bryn Mawr stores. We
incurred lower gross margin at Tweeter, etc. stores due to a reduction in vendor
rebates resulting from lower than expected sales volume and an increase in the
percentage of lower margin video products sold. Gross margin increased at Bryn
Mawr as Tweeter converted the stores to its operating model.
Selling Expenses. Selling expenses increased $13.6 million, or 61.7%, to $35.6
million in fiscal 1997 from $22.0 million in fiscal 1996. As a percentage of
total revenue, selling expenses decreased to 26.8% in fiscal 1997 from 27.3% in
fiscal 1996. The improvement in selling expenses as a percentage of revenue is a
result of having the Bryn Mawr stores for the full year including the peak
holiday selling season.
Corporate, General and Administrative Expenses. Corporate, general and
administrative expenses increased $3.4 million, or 71.8%, to $8.1 million in
fiscal 1997 from $4.7 million in fiscal 1996. The increase was the result of
investment in corporate infrastructure including the addition of purchasing,
accounting and information systems staff in conjunction with the Bryn Mawr and
HiFi Buys acquisitions and Tweeter's accelerated growth strategy. As a
percentage of total revenue, corporate general and administrative expenses
21
<PAGE> 24
increased to 6.1% in fiscal 1997 from 5.9% in fiscal 1996 due to lower than
anticipated sales and the timing of the HiFi Buys acquisition.
Amortization of Goodwill. Amortization of goodwill increased to $487,084, for
fiscal 1997 from $129,273 for fiscal 1996. This increase is attributable to the
additional goodwill recorded in connection with the HiFi Buys acquisition, as
well as a full year of goodwill amortization from the Bryn Mawr acquisition.
Interest Expense. Interest expense for fiscal 1997 increased $1.2 million to
$1.8 million in fiscal 1997 from $616,879 in fiscal 1996. This increase was due
to the issuance of the $15.0 million senior subordinated notes, the proceeds of
which were used for the HiFi Buys acquisition, as well as increased borrowings
on our revolving line of credit. As a percentage of total revenue, interest
expense increased to 1.4% in fiscal 1997 from 0.8% in fiscal 1996.
Income Taxes. For an analysis of changes in our effective tax rate, see Note 10
to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Accretion of Preferred Stock. In periods prior to its initial public offering,
Tweeter had preferred stock outstanding. Tweeter accreted the preferred stock to
its redemption value. Upon completion of the initial public offering, all
preferred stock was converted to common stock and Tweeter eliminated all
balances related to the preferred stock.
SEASONALITY AND QUARTERLY RESULTS
Tweeter's business is subject to seasonal variations. Historically, Tweeter has
realized a significant portion of its total revenue and net income for the year
during the first and fourth fiscal quarters, with a majority of net income for
such quarters realized in the first fiscal quarter. Due to the importance of the
holiday shopping season, any factors negatively impacting the holiday selling
season could have a material adverse effect on Tweeter's financial condition and
results of operations. Tweeter's quarterly results of operations may also
fluctuate significantly due to a number of factors, including the timing of new
store openings and acquisitions and unexpected changes in volume-related rebates
from manufacturers. In addition, operating results may be negatively affected by
increases in merchandise costs, price changes in response to competitive factors
and unfavorable local, regional or national economic developments that result in
reduced consumer spending.
The following tables set forth certain quarterly financial data in thousands and
percentages of total revenue for the nine quarters ended December 31, 1998. The
quarterly information is unaudited but has been prepared on the same basis as
the audited financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. In the
opinion of management, all necessary adjustments (consisting only of normal
recurring adjustments) have been included to present fairly the unaudited
quarterly results when read in conjunction with Tweeter's Consolidated Financial
Statements and Notes thereto included elsewhere in this prospectus. The results
of operations for any quarter are not necessarily indicative of the results for
any future period. See "Risk Factors -- Seasonal and Quarterly Fluctuations in
Sales."
22
<PAGE> 25
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DECEMBER 31, MARCH 31, JUNE 30, SEPTEMBER 30, DECEMBER 31,
1997 1998 1998 1998 1998
--------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Total revenue.......... $74,617 100.0% $54,512 100.0% $49,676 100.0% $53,483 100.0% $86,784 100.0%
Cost of sales.......... 49,236 66.0% 35,044 64.3% 32,257 64.9% 34,729 64.9% 57,233 65.9%
------- ----- ------- ----- ------- ----- ------- ----- ------- -----
Gross profit........... 25,381 34.0% 19,468 35.7% 17,419 35.1% 18,754 35.1% 29,551 34.1%
Selling expenses....... 16,390 22.0% 13,818 25.3% 13,379 26.9% 13,320 25.0% 17,499 20.2%
Corporate, general and
administrative
expenses............. 2,617 3.5% 2,771 5.1% 2,734 5.6% 3,006 5.6% 4,041 4.7%
Amortization of
goodwill............. 221 0.3% 235 0.4% 221 0.4% 240 0.4% 215 0.2%
------- ----- ------- ----- ------- ----- ------- ----- ------- -----
Income from
operations........... 6,153 8.2% 2,644 4.9% 1,085 2.2% 2,188 4.1% 7,796 9.0%
Interest expense....... 865 1.2% 745 1.4% 745 1.5% 397 0.7% 201 0.2%
------- ----- ------- ----- ------- ----- ------- ----- ------- -----
Income before income
taxes................ 5,288 7.0% 1,899 3.5% 340 0.7% 1,791 3.4% 7,595 8.8%
Income tax expense..... 2,115 2.8% 760 1.4% 136 0.3% 713 1.3% 3,038 3.5%
------- ----- ------- ----- ------- ----- ------- ----- ------- -----
Net income............. $ 3,173 4.2% $ 1,139 2.1% $ 204 0.4% $ 1,078 2.1% $ 4,557 5.3%
======= ===== ======= ===== ======= ===== ======= ===== ======= =====
Stores open at
beginning of
period............... 47 50 50 51 52
New stores............. 3 0 1 1 1
Relocated stores....... 2 0 0 0 1
Closed stores.......... 0 0 0 0 0
Acquired stores........ 0 0 0 0 0
Stores open at end of
period............... 50 50 51 52 53
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED
------------------------------------------------------------------------
DECEMBER 31, MARCH 31, JUNE 30, SEPTEMBER 30,
1996 1997 1997(1) 1997(1)
--------------- ---------------- ---------------- ----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Total revenue..................... $34,988 100.0% $25,595 100.0% $28,211 100.0% $43,731 100.0%
Cost of sales..................... 22,688 64.8% 16,493 64.4% 18,552 65.8% 28,582 65.4%
------- ----- ------- ------ ------- ------ ------- ------
Gross profit...................... 12,300 35.2% 9,102 35.6% 9,659 34.2% 15,149 34.6%
Selling expenses.................. 7,927 22.7% 6,870 26.8% 8,160 28.9% 12,611 28.8%
Corporate, general and
administrative expenses......... 1,775 5.0% 2,018 8.0% 2,069 7.4% 2,240 5.1%
Amortization of goodwill.......... 60 0.2% 60 0.2% 122 0.4% 245 0.6%
------- ----- ------- ------ ------- ------ ------- ------
Income (loss) from operations..... 2,538 7.3% 154 0.6% (692) - 2.5% 53 0.1%
Interest expense.................. 274 0.8% 239 0.9% 473 1.7% 822 1.9%
------- ----- ------- ------ ------- ------ ------- ------
Income (loss) before income
taxes........................... 2,264 6.5% (85) - 0.3% (1,165) - 4.2% (769) - 1.8%
Income tax expense (benefit)...... 914 2.6% (38) - 0.1% (467) - 1.7% (310) - 0.7%
------- ----- ------- ------ ------- ------ ------- ------
Net income (loss)................. $ 1,350 3.9% $ (47) - 0.2% $ (698) - 2.5% $ (459) - 1.1%
======= ===== ======= ====== ======= ====== ======= ======
Stores open at beginning of
period.......................... 33 35 35 47
New stores........................ 2 0 2 0
Relocated stores.................. 0 1 0 0
Closed stores..................... 0 0 0 0
Acquired stores................... 0 0 10 0
Stores open at end of period...... 35 35 47 47
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) Includes results of the HiFi Buys acquisition from June 1, 1997, which was
accounted for using the purchase method.
23
<PAGE> 26
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
At December 31, 1998, working capital was $14.8 million as compared to $11.8
million at December 31, 1997. In addition, as of December 31, 1998, Tweeter had
$30.0 million available for borrowing under its credit facility.
Net cash provided by operations was $9.7 million for the three months ended
December 31, 1998, comprised primarily of $4.6 million in net income, an
increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses of $14.1 million, an increase
of $1.0 million in customer deposits and depreciation and amortization of $1.1
million. This was offset by increases in inventory of $5.5 million and accounts
receivable of $5.4 million, as well as minor changes in other operating
accounts. Net cash used in investing activities during the three months ended
December 31, 1998 was approximately $3.7 million, primarily used to open new
stores and relocate existing stores. Net cash used in financing activities
during the three months ended December 31, 1998 was approximately $2.9 million,
comprised of payments of long-term debt of $5.2 million, offset by $2.3 million
of miscellaneous borrowings.
As of September 30, 1998, Tweeter had $18.3 million in working capital compared
to $11.9 million on September 30, 1997. In addition, as of September 30, 1998,
$24.8 million was available for borrowing on our credit facility.
Net cash provided by operations was $4.4 million for fiscal 1998, comprised
primarily of $5.3 million in net income, an increase in accounts payable and
accrued expenses of $2.3 million and depreciation and amortization of $3.9
million. This was offset by increases in inventory of $7.2 million and accounts
receivable of $0.7 million and a decrease in deferred warranty of $1.5 million,
as well as minor changes in other operating accounts. Net cash used in investing
activities during fiscal 1998 was approximately $9.0 million used primarily to
open five new stores, relocate two stores and purchase a facility in Canton,
Massachusetts to serve as a corporate headquarters, service center and
distribution center. Net cash provided by financing activities was $4.2 million
in fiscal 1998 consisting of net proceeds of $32.2 million from our initial
public offering, primarily offset by repayment of $26.4 million of debt
outstanding.
Net cash used in operations was approximately $6.2 million in fiscal 1997,
comprised primarily of an increase in inventory of $6.5 million related to new
stores, including the acquired HiFi Buys stores. Net cash used in investing
activities during fiscal 1997 was approximately $23.5 million, including $19.5
million for the HiFi Buys acquisition and $4.0 million for new stores. Net cash
provided by financing activities was $30.5 million in fiscal 1997, consisting of
$20.7 million of long term debt, $6.8 million from issuance of preferred stock,
and $3.1 million of miscellaneous borrowings.
Tweeter primarily needs cash for working capital to support its inventory
requirements, selling and administrative expenses and capital expenditures,
pre-opening expenses and beginning inventory for new or relocated stores.
Additionally, Tweeter pursues an active acquisition strategy, and capital needs
arise as acquisition opportunities become available.
Prior to its initial public offering, Tweeter financed its operations through
cash flow from operations and its revolving credit facility with BankBoston,
N.A. It funded its acquisitions primarily through private placements of equity
and debt securities. These private placements generated gross proceeds of
approximately $18.0 million from the issuance of preferred stock and
approximately $17.2 million in senior subordinated notes.
Tweeter completed its initial public offering in July 1998, which yielded
approximately $32.2 million, net of offering expenses. Tweeter used these net
proceeds to repay:
- approximately $14.5 million in outstanding indebtedness under its credit
facility;
- approximately $15.0 million in outstanding indebtedness under certain
subordinated promissory notes issued in connection with the HiFi Buys
acquisition;
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<PAGE> 27
- approximately $1.9 million in outstanding indebtedness under the terms of
a certain promissory note dated November 28, 1995, incurred in connection
with a recapitalization pursuant to which Tweeter repurchased common
stock from certain of its stockholders; and
- approximately $771,000 in outstanding indebtedness under a certain
subordinated note dated May 30, 1997 issued in connection with the HiFi
Buys acquisition.
Tweeter's credit facility currently has a maximum availability of $50.0 million
(recently increased from $30.0 million) and a maturity date of July 31, 2001.
Any borrowed funds will be secured by our inventory and certain other assets
(including pledges of stock in certain affiliates). At our election, interest
accrues on borrowings at either (i) the higher of BankBoston's Base Rate or the
Federal Funds rate plus 0.50% or (ii) LIBOR plus an applicable margin varying
from 100 to 175 basis points. The credit agreement contains various financial
covenants, including a maximum ratio of debt to EBITDA, cash flow and interest
coverage tests, and a minimum net worth test, and provides for limitations on
other indebtedness, liens, capital expenditures, mergers, payment of dividends
and certain other matters.
We believe that existing cash, together with cash generated by operations and
available borrowings under our credit facility, will be sufficient to finance
our working capital and capital expenditure requirements for at least the next
twelve months. If we pursue additional acquisitions within this period, however,
such acquisitions could strain our capital resources. Furthermore, due to the
seasonality of our business, our working capital needs are significantly higher
the fiscal third and fourth quarters and there is the possibility that this
could cause unforeseen capital constraints in the future.
RECENT EVENTS
In February 1999 Tweeter completed a follow-on offering of 2,875,000 shares of
its common stock. Of those 2,875,000 shares, 2,000,000 were sold by Tweeter
stockholders and 875,000 shares were sold by Tweeter. The sale of such 875,000
shares by Tweeter yielded approximately $24,186,250 net of offering expenses for
Tweeter. Tweeter used these net proceeds in part to finance the acquisition of
Home Entertainment and for working capital purposes. Tweeter did not receive any
proceeds from the sale of common stock by the selling stockholders. As of March
31, 1999, Tweeter had not drawn on its $50.0 million credit facility and there
was a full $50.0 million in available credit under such credit facility.
YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE
PRODUCTS
Tweeter purchases and sells new mid to high-end consumer electronic products,
which suppliers recently manufactured. Tweeter believes that it is unlikely that
these products have Year 2000 problems or that, even if some products were not
Year 2000 compliant, the warranty expenses to Tweeter would be material. As
such, we do not intend to evaluate individual products. If a large quantity of
these products, however, are non-compliant and consumers learn of this
non-compliance, we could suffer a loss of sales.
SUPPLIERS
Tweeter has begun contacting its suppliers to ensure that Year 2000 issues will
not materially adversely affect its supply chain and inventory levels. We expect
this process to be completed by August 1999. When we have compiled adequate
information regarding the Year 2000 status of our major suppliers we will
formulate contingency plans based upon these assessments. Any failure of
suppliers to provide inventory to Tweeter could have a material adverse effect
on its results of operations and financial condition.
INTERNAL OPERATIONS
Tweeter is currently evaluating its internal business systems, as well as its
stores and storage facilities for Year 2000 problems. We have substantially
completed our assessment of our internal systems and software, and believe that
Year 2000 issues will not materially affect our business. We have already
completed the majority of the required coding conversions on our information
technology, including our patented Automatic
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<PAGE> 28
Price Protection software. All of our other internal software, including our
accounting software, are recently released, off-the-shelf applications, which
are certified as compliant by their licensors. Tweeter anticipates identifying
and completing all known remaining coding conversions during the current fiscal
year.
Although we anticipate minimal business disruption as a result of Year 2000
issues, possible consequences of non-compliance include, but are not limited to,
loss of communications links with certain store locations, loss of electric
power, loss of security systems, and inability to process transactions, send
purchase orders or engage in similar normal business activities.
COSTS OF COMPLIANCE
We estimate the total cost of Tweeter's Year 2000 compliance will not be
material in amount. Tweeter has not hired any outside personnel to assess the
scope of, or provide solutions to, Year 2000 problems. We have not diverted
material resources, including employee resources, and any costs expended are an
immaterial part of our information technology budget.
The Year 2000 expenses incurred to date and the completion dates are based on
management's best estimates and may be updated as additional information becomes
available.
IMPACT OF INFLATION
We do not believe that inflation has had a material adverse effect on Tweeter's
results of operations. However, we cannot predict accurately the effect of
inflation on future operating results.
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) recently issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards "SFAS" No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income,"
SFAS No. 131, "Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related
Information," SFAS No. 132, "Employer's Disclosures About Pensions and Other
Post Retirement Benefits" and SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative
Instruments and Hedging Activities."
SFAS No. 130, 131 and 132 will be implemented during fiscal year 1999. We do not
expect that the adoption of these statements will have a material impact on the
consolidated financial statements. SFAS No. 133 will be implemented during
fiscal year 2000. We are currently evaluating the effects that the adoption of
this statement will have on the consolidated financial statements.
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<PAGE> 29
BUSINESS
OVERVIEW
Tweeter is a specialty retailer of mid to high-end audio and video consumer
electronics products. We operate 61 stores under the Tweeter, etc. name in the
New England market, the Bryn Mawr Stereo & Video name in the Mid-Atlantic
market, the HiFi Buys name in the Southeast market and the Home Entertainment
name in the Dallas and Houston, Texas markets. Our stores feature an extensive
selection of home and car audio systems and components, portable audio equipment
and home video products, including large screen televisions, DVD players,
digital satellite systems, video cassette recorders and camcorders. We
differentiate our stores by focusing on consumers who seek audio and video
products with advanced features, functionality and performance. We do not offer
personal computers or home office equipment. The stores display products in an
inviting retail environment averaging 10,000 square feet and are staffed with
attentive, knowledgeable sales personnel. We seek to build name recognition and
customer loyalty by combining a high level of service with competitive prices
backed by our patented Automatic Price Protection program. Audio Video
International Magazine recognized us as the "Consumer Electronics Retailer of
the Year" in both 1996 and 1997. The TWICE Consumer Electronics Retail Registry
named us the fastest growing consumer electronics retailer in the United States
in 1997 and 1998.
INDUSTRY
According to Tweeter estimates, retail sales of audio and video products were
approximately $30 billion in 1997. Tweeter also estimates that between 1980 and
1997, the audio and video segment expanded at a compound annual growth rate of
4.3%, with faster growth of 5.6% from 1980 to 1990 due to new product
introductions, including compact disc players and video cassette recorders, and
more modest growth of 2.3% between 1990 and 1997 as product categories matured.
Tweeter believes that the following trends in the consumer electronics industry
create significant opportunities for a specialty retailer of audio and video
products such as Tweeter:
POSITIONING OF LARGE FORMAT, HIGH VOLUME RETAILERS
In the 1990s, consumer electronics retailing has become increasingly dominated
by large format stores, including superstores and mass merchandisers. These
stores typically rely on high sales volumes by marketing a wide variety of
products to a broad segment of consumers, with an emphasis on introductory level
products. Many of these retailers have sought to capitalize on the growth of
certain product categories within the overall consumer electronics industry,
including personal computers, software, home office equipment and
telecommunications equipment, which Tweeter believes has contributed to a
decrease in emphasis by those stores on audio and video products. According to
Tweeter estimates, audio and video products accounted for 31% of total sales of
consumer electronic products in 1997 versus 44% in 1990. Tweeter believes that
because of their emphasis on high volume across broad product categories, these
large format stores are unable to match the product knowledge, service and
shopping environment of a specialty audio and video retailer such as Tweeter.
CONSOLIDATION OF CONSUMER ELECTRONICS RETAILERS
The retail consumer electronics industry is highly fragmented, and Tweeter
estimates that the two largest superstore chains accounted for less than 22% of
the total sales attributable to the 100 largest retailers in 1997. Tweeter
believes that the expansion of large format chains has precipitated
consolidation of the industry during the 1990s by placing competitive pressure
on (i) regional broadline consumer electronics retailers with strategies
undifferentiated from consumer electronics superstores and mass merchandisers,
and (ii) smaller specialty retailers that may be successfully differentiated but
which operate at a disadvantage due to limited scale, media inefficiencies,
reduced purchasing power and lack of management depth. Tweeter believes that
regional specialty retailers with strong consumer name recognition represent
attractive acquisition candidates
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<PAGE> 30
and that the smaller or weaker specialty retailers will continue to face
significant competitive pressures, thereby providing opportunities for retailers
with scale advantages to increase market share.
ADVENT OF NEW TECHNOLOGIES
Growth in the audio and video consumer electronics market has historically been
accelerated by the introduction of new products based on technological
innovations. For example, the proliferation of video cassette recorders and
compact disc players helped to accelerate growth in the 1980s. Tweeter believes
that a new generation of technology offers the prospect of increased industry
sales with the introduction of digital products such as DVD players and high
definition televisions, as well as direct broadcast satellite systems and
internet-ready televisions. According to statistics provided by the Consumer
Electronics Manufacturers' Association, approximately 858,800 DVD players were
shipped in the first eleven months of 1998, and sales of DVD players in November
1998 reached 1.4 million units on an annualized basis. The Company believes that
specialty retailers with sales personnel capable of understanding and
communicating the benefits of technologically advanced products to consumers are
well positioned to capture the increased sales that may result should such
products achieve market acceptance.
BUSINESS STRATEGY
Our goal is to become the leading specialty retailer of high-quality audio and
video products. The key elements of our business strategy are as follows:
EXTENSIVE SELECTION OF MID TO HIGH-END AUDIO AND VIDEO PRODUCTS
We concentrate on mid to high-end audio and video consumer electronics products.
This focus differentiates us from larger format superstores and mass
merchandisers, which offer a broad array of consumer electronics and
non-electronics products with a higher emphasis on products priced at
introductory price levels. Tweeter's emphasis on higher-end products positions
it attractively to manufacturers seeking to sell more advanced or limited
distribution products as part of their distribution strategy. Limited
distribution products accounted for approximately 41% of product sales in fiscal
1998. As a result of our higher-end product focus, a historical early adopter
customer base and our extensively trained sales force, we are often among the
earliest retailers to offer new product innovations on behalf of manufacturers.
In addition, we believe that our focused product offering allows for higher
gross margin opportunities, appeals to a more service-conscious consumer and
results in enhanced brand awareness of our regional names to our targeted
customer group.
EXCEPTIONAL CUSTOMER SERVICE
We believe that the quality and knowledge of our sales associates is critical to
our success and represents a significant competitive advantage. Our relationship
selling model encourages sales associates to promote a comfortable, trusting,
low pressure environment. We provide new sales associates with five weeks of
intensive classroom training, and all sales associates receive five to fifteen
days of ongoing training per year, both at the store and at Tweeter's regional
training centers. Our sales force receives technical product and sales training
prior to our introduction of significant new products. We believe that the
success of our operating model has enabled us to engender long-term customer
loyalty.
DYNAMIC, INVITING STORES
Our stores display products in a dynamic and inviting setting intended to
encourage the customer to view and hear products in sound rooms architecturally
and acoustically designed to simulate the customer's home or car environment.
The store prototype is brightly painted, often in pastel colors, with many
stores exhibiting hand-painted murals and other decorative artwork. Innovative
and interactive product displays enable customers to sample and compare a
variety of products. Each store contains a television wall displaying an
extensive selection of televisions and related products, and many stores contain
a movie theater room, complete with theater-style seats, which showcases our
home theater products.
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<PAGE> 31
EVERYDAY COMPETITIVE PRICING
We utilize an "everyday competitive pricing" strategy with fixed prices clearly
marked on our products. Store managers regularly visit local competitors to
ensure that our pricing remains competitive within the store's local market. In
addition, all product sales are backed by our patented Automatic Price
Protection program. Under this program, if a customer purchases a consumer
electronics product from one of our stores and a competitor within 25 miles of
the store advertises a lower price within 30 days of purchase, we automatically
send a check to the customer for the difference without requiring the customer
to request payment. The Automatic Price Protection program is designed to remove
pricing concerns from the purchase decision and, as a result, allows customers
and the sales staff to focus on product functionality, performance and quality.
GROWTH STRATEGY
We opened our first store in 1972 in Boston under the Tweeter, etc. name and
over the next two decades grew exclusively through new store openings in New
England, expanding to 18 stores by 1995. In 1995, Tweeter adopted its current
growth strategy to:
- open new stores in current regional markets and relocate certain stores
to more favorable sites; and
- selectively pursue acquisitions in new regional markets and achieve
operating improvements by converting each acquired company to its core
operating model and leveraging distribution, marketing and corporate
infrastructure.
NEW STORES
We intend to open new stores and relocate a limited number of stores within
existing markets in order to increase penetration and leverage regional
advertising, distribution, and operating efficiencies. During fiscal 1998, we
opened two Tweeter, etc. stores and three Bryn Mawr stores. We intend to open 11
new stores in fiscal 1999, two of which are now open. These stores do not
include the seven Home Entertainment stores which we acquired in February 1999.
We believe that our acquisitions of Bryn Mawr in May 1996, HiFi Buys in May 1997
and Home Entertainment in February 1999 provide us with platforms from which to
open new stores within and around their markets.
STRATEGIC ACQUISITIONS
We believe that we have obtained, and can continue to obtain, significant
benefits from the consummation of strategic acquisitions of existing specialty
retailers with a similar product mix and strong consumer reputation in
geographic markets in which we do not currently operate. We believe that we can
leverage the performance of an acquisition candidate by:
- applying our sales management and sales incentive strategies;
- adjusting the product mix to be compatible with our emphasis on higher
margin audio and video products;
- applying our advertising and marketing strategies and programs, including
our Automatic Price Protection and everyday competitive pricing programs;
- implementing our relationship selling and customer service philosophies;
and
- utilizing our purchasing and distribution capabilities and administrative
infrastructure.
We believe that acquisition opportunities are created by the fragmented nature
of the consumer electronics industry, the limited exit strategies available to
owners of local and regional specialty retailers, the competitive pressures
imposed by larger format retailers, and the insufficiency of capital necessary
to support inventory, advertising or expansion. We believe that we are a well
positioned consolidator because we:
- are known within the industry as a leading specialty retailer;
- utilize a store size and concept which can be readily adapted to the
acquired stores;
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<PAGE> 32
- have successfully consummated three strategic acquisitions;
- have developed an operational, administrative and marketing
infrastructure with the proven capability to successfully integrate
acquisitions;
- enjoy experienced and proven senior management, having an average of 13
years of tenure with us (or our acquired companies); and
- would seek to offer potential employment and managerial opportunities
within the consolidated enterprise to employees of the targeted retailer.
RECENT ACQUISITIONS
ACQUISITION OF BRYN MAWR
In May 1996, we completed the Bryn Mawr acquisition. Like the Tweeter, etc.
stores, the Bryn Mawr stores enjoyed considerable name recognition and targeted
similar service-oriented customers. Since the Bryn Mawr stores offered a product
mix similar to the Tweeter, etc. stores, we consummated the Bryn Mawr
acquisition with the goal of realizing increased revenues and store contribution
through the application of our established operational strategies to the
acquired stores. Towards that goal, we:
- increased advertising expenditures and refocused advertising to emphasize
radio, television and direct marketing rather than print;
- implemented our everyday competitive pricing and Automatic Price
Protection programs;
- initiated a substantial sales associate training program to improve
product knowledge and enhance relationship selling skills; and
- focused the sales staff on higher margin products, particularly audio
products.
ACQUISITION OF HIFI BUYS
In May 1997, we completed the HiFi Buys acquisition. Like Tweeter, etc. and Bryn
Mawr, HiFi Buys had created a strong reputation among consumers as a specialty
retailer of high quality audio and video products. The HiFi Buys stores, at an
average size of 15,000 square feet, are larger than the average Tweeter, etc. or
Bryn Mawr stores. The HiFi Buys stores carried a broader product mix, however,
including more entry level product offerings and marketed heavily through
promotional newspaper advertising. Our integration strategy in the HiFi Buys
acquisition has been to increase store contribution by converting the HiFi Buys
product mix to one compatible with the Tweeter, etc. stores and to manage a
planned decrease in sales while increasing gross margins and reducing operating
expenses. Specifically, following the HiFi Buys acquisition we:
- adjusted the merchandise mix to increase the proportion of mid and
high-end products and reduce the number of lower margin introductory
products;
- altered store employee compensation to reduce the emphasis on promotional
sales and focus incentives on gross margin and store contribution;
- reduced marketing expenditures and shifted marketing emphasis from
promotional advertising toward our traditional relationship selling and
everyday competitive price message;
- converted the advertising program to emphasize electronic advertising and
direct mail marketing as opposed to print media;
- implemented the Automatic Price Protection program; and
- eliminated $2.4 million of overhead by centralizing accounting,
purchasing and other support infrastructure.
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ACQUISITION OF HOME ENTERTAINMENT
In February 1999, we completed the Home Entertainment acquisition, a seven store
chain located in the Dallas and Houston markets, for approximately $8.2 million
in cash, excluding acquisition costs. Home Entertainment was also a focused
retailer of high quality audio and video products with a 42-year operating
history. We believe that there is a significant opportunity to increase sales at
the Home Entertainment store level. In addition, Home Entertainment operated a
successful custom installation business, which we believe can be applied in our
other stores. We intend to open, over time, new Home Entertainment stores in
Dallas and Houston, as well as elsewhere in Texas. We expect to continue the
operation of the retail stores as well as the service and distribution
facilities. We intend to implement our business strategy in the Home
Entertainment stores, including the implementation of our Automatic Price
Protection Program.
STORE FORMAT AND OPERATIONS
STORE FORMAT
We currently operate 61 stores, comprised of 25 Tweeter, etc. stores in the New
England market, 18 Bryn Mawr Stereo & Video stores in the Mid-Atlantic market,
11 HiFi Buys stores in the Southeast market and 7 Home Entertainment stores in
Dallas and Houston markets. While our stores vary in size, the current prototype
is 10,000 square feet, with approximately 70% of square footage devoted to
selling space. Many stores utilize mezzanine level storage space to reduce
overall occupancy expense.
Tweeter's store concept combines the comfort of the home environment with
practical displays enabling consumers to sample and compare the features and
functions of products in various combinations. The store prototype is brightly
painted, often in pastel colors, with many stores exhibiting hand painted murals
and other decorative artwork. Unlike many of the competitors' stores, which
contain large, open spaces in which many different audio and video products are
tested and sampled, our stores feature individual sound rooms. The sound rooms
architecturally and acoustically resemble a home environment to enable the
customer to see and hear how products will perform at home. These sound rooms
allow the customer to listen to and to compare various combinations of
receivers, CD players, tape decks and speakers. In addition, each store contains
a traditional television wall displaying an extensive selection of televisions
and related products, and many stores contain a movie theater room, complete
with theater-style seats, which showcases Tweeter's home theater products. Other
displays, such as the "big red button," allow the customer to change, by pushing
a button, mono television sound into a five speaker or surround sound
experience. Each store also features a camcorder gallery which allows customers
to sample different camcorders, and to shoot videos of their children within the
adjacent children's play area. Some stores display a car on the selling floor
which features a state-of-the-art car stereo system and serves to exhibit our
installation capabilities. Most stores provide car stereo installation through
on-premises installation bays.
STORE OPERATIONS
Stores are typically staffed with a store manager, an assistant manager, 12
sales associates and two mobile electronics installers. We provide new sales
associates with five weeks of intensive classroom training, and all sales
associates receive five to fifteen days of ongoing training per year, both at
the store and at the regional training centers. The sales force receives
technical product and sales training prior to the introduction of significant
new products. Most stores are open seven days a week.
STORE ECONOMICS
Tweeter believes that it benefits from attractive store level economics. The
average investment by Tweeter for the eight new stores opened in the 27 months
ended September 30, 1998, including leasehold improvements, equipment, the cost
of inventory (net of payables), and preopening expenses was approximately
$860,000. The average net sales and store level cash flow for fiscal 1998, which
excludes any preopening expenses, allocated corporate overhead, and depreciation
and interest, but includes occupancy expense and advertising, was approximately
$3,672,000 and $379,000, respectively, for stores owned by Tweeter throughout
the period.
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SITE SELECTION
Tweeter's stores average approximately 10,000 square feet and are typically
located in free-standing buildings or strip shopping centers within high traffic
shopping areas. New store sites are selected on the basis of several factors,
including physical location, demographic characteristics of the local market,
proximity to superstore competitors, access to highways or other major roadways,
and available lease terms. We look for co-tenants, such as bookstores, that are
likely to draw customers whom we would otherwise target within the site's
relevant market and believe that the proximity of superstore competitors is, on
balance, a positive factor due to increased customer traffic. We lease all of
our stores.
Set forth below is a table summarizing the locations, opening years, and years
of relocation where specified, of Tweeter's stores as of March 31, 1999:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TWEETER, ETC. BRYN MAWR HIFI BUYS HOME ENTERTAINMENT
- ---------------------------- ---------------------------------- ----------------------------- -------------------------------
YEAR OPENED/ YEAR OPENED/ YEAR OPENED/ YEAR OPENED/
LOCATION RELOCATED LOCATION RELOCATED LOCATION RELOCATED LOCATION RELOCATED
- -------------- ------------ ------------------- ------------ -------------- ------------ ----------------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Boston, MA 1972 Bryn Mawr, PA 1946 Norcross, GA 1990 Houston, TX 1991
(FM1960)
Cambridge, MA 1974/1998 Maple Shade, NJ 1978 Alpharetta, GA 1991 Dallas, TX 1982
(Galleria)
Newton, MA 1976/1995 Abington, PA 1981 Athens, GA 1991 Houston, TX 1965
(Kirby)
Burlington, MA 1978/1996 Allentown, PA 1982 Buckhead, GA 1993 Plano, TX 1995
Dedham, MA 1980 Montgomeryville, PA 1984 Southlake, GA 1993 Dallas, TX 1990
(Preston)
Framingham, MA 1983 Wilmington, DE 1985/1992 Tucker, GA 1993 Sugar Land, TX 1994
Hyannis, MA 1983/1994 Harrisburg, PA 1986/1994 Marietta, GA 1994 Houston, TX 1968/86
(Westheimer)
New London, CT 1985/1998 Wilmington,DE 1987 Kennesaw, GA 1995
Hanover, MA 1986 Allentown, PA 1987 Smyrna, GA 1995
Danbury, CT 1986/1997 Baltimore, MD 1990 Gwinnet, GA 1996
Seekonk, MA 1988 Timonium, MD 1990 Birmingham, AL 1998
Warwick, RI 1989 King of Prussia, PA 1995
Newington, CT 1990 Glen Burnie, MD 1995
Avon, CT 1993 Princeton, NJ 1997
Peabody, MA 1993 Lancaster, PA 1997
Manchester, CT 1994/1998 Reading, PA 1997
Salem, NH 1994 York, PA 1997
Boston, MA 1995 Deptford, NJ 1998
Milford, CT 1995
Holyoke, MA 1996
Portsmouth, NH 1996
Nashua, NH 1996
Attleboro, MA 1997
Manchester, NH 1998
Auburn, MA 1999
</TABLE>
MERCHANDISE
Our stores feature home and car audio systems and components, video products
such as large screen televisions, digital satellite systems, video cassette
recorders, camcorders, DVD players and other consumer electronics products such
as cellular phones and portable audio equipment. Tweeter offers custom home and
car stereo installation services and provides warranty and non-warranty repair
services through all of its stores. We also offer insurance replacement services
to insurance companies, providing replacement products to the policyholders of
those insurance companies. Additionally, Tweeter has a corporate sales division
which markets and sells to businesses, institutions and other organizations. Our
emphasis on mid to high-end products enables us to offer limited distribution
products and to be among the earliest retailers to offer new product innovations
on behalf of manufacturers. Limited distribution products accounted for
approximately 41% of our sales in fiscal 1998.
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We stock products from over 50 vendors, including Adcom, Aiwa, Alpine, Bose,
Boston Acoustics, Denon, Eclipse, Kenwood, Klipsch, Mirage, Mission, Mitsubishi,
Monster Cable, Panasonic, Pioneer, ProScan, Rockford Fosgate, Sony and Yamaha.
Tweeter seeks to manage its product mix to maximize gross margin performance.
Historically, video products have yielded lower gross margin than audio
products. Total sales of video products have increased at rates faster than the
increases in audio product sales during the last several years as a result of
the increased customer interest in big screen televisions. Accordingly, we have
adopted a "Sell Audio with Video" strategy in order to enhance overall gross
margin through increased sales of higher margin audio products.
The table below sets forth the approximate percentages of revenues for each of
Tweeter's primary product categories for fiscal years 1996, 1997 and 1998 and
for the three months ended December 31, 1997 and 1998. The percentage of
revenues represented by each product category may be affected by, among other
factors, competition, economic conditions, consumer trends, the introduction
into the market of new products, changes in our product mix, and the timing of
marketing events. The percentages are also impacted by acquisitions of stores
offering different mixes of products. In particular, the increase in the
percentage of revenue represented by video products in fiscal 1998 was primarily
driven by inclusion of the acquired HiFi Buys stores. The historical percentages
set forth below may not be indicative of revenue percentages for future periods:
PERCENTAGE OF REVENUES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS
YEAR ENDED ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30, DECEMBER 31,
-------------------- ------------
PRODUCT CATEGORY 1996 1997 1998 1997 1998
- ---------------- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Audio Equipment(1)........................................ 35% 33% 33% 36% 36%
Video Equipment(2)........................................ 36% 36% 43% 43% 43%
Mobile Equipment and Other(3)............................. 29% 31% 24% 21% 21%
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) Includes speakers, cassette decks, receivers, turntables, compact disc
players, mini disc players, amplifiers, preamplifiers, and portable audio
equipment.
(2) Includes video cassette players, camcorders, televisions, projection
televisions, DVD players, and satellite dishes.
(3) Includes car decks, amplifiers and speakers, car security products,
navigation equipment, cellular phones, audio and video accessories, and
extended performance guaranties.
PURCHASING AND INVENTORY
Tweeter's purchasing and inventory control functions are based at its executive
offices in Canton, Massachusetts. The purchasing decisions are made by our
buying team, which has primary responsibility for product selection, stocking
levels and pricing. Purchasing decisions are facilitated by our information
systems which analyze stocking levels and product sell-through. The purchasing
group continuously reviews new and existing products with a view towards
maintaining a wide range of high quality, brand-name consumer electronics
products within the product mix. In order to remain current with new and
developing products, we regularly host presentations by our major suppliers.
In addition to making direct purchases, we are a member of the Progressive
Retailers Organization, a volume-buying group of 15 specialty electronics
retailers across the country. This affiliation often provides us with
opportunities to obtain additional vendor rebates, product discounts and
promotional products. Tweeter is not obligated to make purchases through
Progressive Retailers Organization. Tweeter's President serves on the Board of
Directors of the Progressive Retailers Organization.
Tweeter sources products from more than 50 vendors, the largest of whom, Sony,
accounted for 22% of fiscal 1998 purchases. Tweeter does not maintain long term
commitments or exclusive contracts with any particular vendor, but instead
considers numerous factors, including price, credit terms, distribution, quality
and compatibility with its existing product mix in making its purchasing
decisions. Tweeter utilizes a sophisticated automatic replenishment system for
store inventory, maintaining stock levels and minimizing total dollars
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<PAGE> 36
invested in inventory. We believe that our relationship with our large vendors
is excellent and that our focused merchandising and high degree of customer
service makes us an important distribution channel, particularly for the
introduction of new products.
Tweeter distributes products to stores through five regional distribution and
service centers. In September 1998, we relocated to a new, 80,000 square feet
facility in Canton, Massachusetts which serves as our corporate headquarters and
distribution and service center for the Tweeter, etc. stores. The King of
Prussia, Pennsylvania distribution center is 50,000 square feet and services the
Bryn Mawr stores. The Atlanta, Georgia facility is 80,000 square feet and
services the HiFi Buys stores. The Dallas distribution center is 3,900 square
feet and services the Dallas area Home Entertainment stores. The Houston
distribution center is 11,700 square feet and services the Houston area Home
Entertainment stores. We believe that these facilities are sufficient to handle
our planned expansion in these markets through 1999.
ADVERTISING AND MARKETING
Tweeter targets consumers seeking informed advice concerning product selection
and system integration of audio and video consumer electronics products. Our
marketing strategy differs from our primary competitors in that we rely
substantially on electronic media, primarily radio, and an extensive direct
marketing effort. We believe advertising on specific radio stations and at
specific times allows us the flexibility to tailor our marketing message. Our
radio advertising campaigns seek to generate name recognition and to reinforce
identification of Tweeter as a source of high quality products at competitive
prices, staffed with a knowledgeable, attentive sales force. We complement our
radio strategy from time to time with television and print advertisements. The
specific allocation of advertising dollars among the various types of
advertising media is reviewed from time to time by management and, if necessary,
adjusted to reflect our assessment of advertising results and market conditions.
We also rely on a sophisticated direct marketing campaign to our customers. We
have developed a comprehensive database-marketing program to match past customer
purchasing history to the next logical purchase option for that customer. For
example, we have distributed direct mail regarding surround sound products to
customers who recently purchased large screen televisions. We also distribute an
award-winning 100 page Buyer's Guide once a year and a smaller 36 page catalog
nine times per year. We believe that our relatively inexpensive direct mail
activities leverage and complement our general media advertising campaigns.
We believe that our commitment to providing competitive pricing on our products
is a critical component of our marketing and advertising strategy. In 1993, we
abandoned our promotional marketing approach and adopted an everyday competitive
pricing strategy, with fixed prices clearly marked on our products. Store
managers regularly visit the local competition to ensure the store's pricing
remains competitive. At the same time, our competitive prices are backed by our
Automatic Price Protection program. Under the Automatic Price Protection
program, if a customer purchases a consumer electronics product from one of our
stores and a competitor within 25 miles of that store advertises a lower price
within 30 days of the customer's purchase, we automatically send a check to the
customer for the difference. Unlike other price guarantee programs in place
within the industry, the refund process does not require the customer to call or
return to the store of purchase and request a price match refund. The Automatic
Price Protection program is intended to be hassle-free, customer friendly and
viewed as a reflection of Tweeter's commitment to customer service. Most
recently, in fiscal 1997, we implemented our "Wise Buys" program. Under this
program, Tweeter's buyers identify special, reduced-priced items, often
closeouts or last year's top-of-the-line models, which are purchased from the
manufacturer and offered to the consumer at a substantial discount from the
original retail price. We believe that the pricing of the Wise Buys items
represents substantial value to the consumer with little or no negative impact
to gross margin. Our advertisements frequently describe or refer to the
Automatic Price Protection and Wise Buys programs.
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<PAGE> 37
INFORMATION SYSTEMS
Tweeter utilizes a sophisticated, fully integrated mainframe based management
information system which updates after every transaction, and which is
accessible on a real time basis to management, sales associates and product
buyers. Extensive sales reporting and sales tracking is provided real time on
screen to store managers and individual sales associates which tracks category
sales and benchmarks key sales data for Tweeter. This system enables management
and store managers to review sales volume, gross margin and product mix on a per
store or per sales associate basis, allows for the viewing of open orders,
inventory value and mix, and tracks sales by product category, by sales
associate, and by store. We provide ongoing training and support in the use of
this system and compensate and benchmark the store managers based upon this
information. Tweeter currently utilizes several software systems which require
modification or upgrading to accommodate the "Year 2000" changes needed for
correct recording of dates in the year 2000 and beyond. We believe that all such
systems can be changed by the end of 1999 and do not expect the cost of such
changes to be material to our financial condition or results of operations.
EMPLOYEES
As of March 31, 1999, Tweeter had 1,223 employees, comprised of 1,127 full-time
and 96 part-time employees. None of our employees are covered by collective
bargaining agreements, and we believe our relations with our employees are good.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
The "Tweeter, etc.," "Bryn Mawr Stereo," "The Place for Bass," "Wise Buys" and
"Audio-Video and a Boatload of Know How" service marks have been registered with
the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Tweeter has not registered the
"HiFi Buys" service mark or the "Home Entertainment" service mark. See "Risk
Factors -- Uncertainty of Intellectual Property Rights."
PROPERTIES
In addition to its stores, all of which are leased, Tweeter also leases two
distribution and office facilities in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, and
Atlanta, Georgia, with lease terms expiring in 2011 and 2008, respectively. On
July 9, 1998, we purchased a facility in Canton, Massachusetts that serves as
our corporate headquarters and our New England service and distribution center.
The purchase price and related building improvements were approximately $5.3
million, which has been paid out of available cash or borrowings on our credit
facility.
LITIGATION
From time to time, Tweeter is involved in litigation in the ordinary course of
business. In the opinion of management, no such litigation is likely to have a
material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition.
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<PAGE> 38
MANAGEMENT
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, DIRECTORS AND KEY EMPLOYEES
The following table sets forth certain information with respect to executive
officers, directors and certain other key employees of Tweeter as of the date of
this prospectus:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME AGE POSITION
---- --- --------
<S> <C> <C>
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
Samuel Bloomberg................... 47 Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Director
Jeffrey Stone...................... 42 President, Chief Operating Officer, Treasurer and
Director
Joseph McGuire..................... 38 Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Chief
Information Officer
Jeffrey Bloomberg(1)............... 51 Director
Matthew Bronfman(2)................ 39 Director
Michael Cronin(1)(2)............... 45 Director
Steven Fischman.................... 57 Director
KEY EMPLOYEES
Roy Bertalotto..................... 46 Vice President, New Store Development
Linda Christman.................... 44 Vice President, Human Resources
David Ginsburg..................... 48 Vice President, Southeastern Region
Albert Gordon...................... 39 Vice President, Operations and Corporate Finance
Noah Herschman..................... 36 Vice President, Marketing
Roberta Lewis...................... 36 Vice President, Texas Region
Bernard Sapienza................... 36 Vice President, Purchasing
Paul Shindler...................... 43 Vice President, Training
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) Member of Audit Committee.
(2) Member of Compensation Committee.
Samuel Bloomberg is a co-founder of Tweeter and has served as director and/or
officer since its inception. Mr. Bloomberg has been Chief Executive Officer of
Tweeter since September 1983 and Chairman of the Board since 1986. Mr. Bloomberg
is the brother of Jeffrey Bloomberg.
Jeffrey Stone has served as President and Chief Operating Officer, Treasurer and
director of Tweeter since October 1990. From 1987 to 1990 Mr. Stone served as
the Executive Vice President of Bread & Circus, a specialty natural foods
supermarket chain and from 1983 to 1987 served as Vice President of Human
Resources and Training for Scandinavian Design, a specialty furniture retailer.
Mr. Stone is a Director of the Progressive Retailers Organization, the buying
group of specialty consumer electronics retailers of which Tweeter is a member.
Joseph McGuire has been a Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Chief
Information Officer of Tweeter since May 1996. Prior to joining Tweeter, Mr.
McGuire was the Chief Financial Officer of Bryn Mawr Radio & Television Centre,
Inc. from 1987 to 1996.
Jeffrey Bloomberg has served as director of Tweeter since 1989. Mr. Bloomberg
currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of Big League Broadcasting, LLC, a
radio station operator in Atlanta, Georgia. From 1994 to the present, Mr.
Bloomberg has also served as President of Bloomberg Associates, Inc., an
investment banking company. Prior to that, from 1985 to 1993, Mr. Bloomberg
served as Senior Managing Director at Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc., specializing in
corporate finance and mergers and acquisitions. Mr. Bloomberg also serves as a
director of Asahi/America, Inc. Mr. Bloomberg is the brother of Samuel
Bloomberg.
Matthew Bronfman has served as director of Tweeter since 1989. In 1990 Mr.
Bronfman served as director, and from 1991 to 1995 Mr. Bronfman served as
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, of Sterling Cellular
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<PAGE> 39
Holdings, L.P., a private cellular telephone company. In 1995 Mr. Bronfman
founded Perfumes Isabell, a fragrance and gift company, and has served as its
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer since its foundation.
Michael Cronin has served as director of Tweeter since November 1995. From 1991
to the present Mr. Cronin has served as Managing Partner of Weston Presidio
Capital. Mr. Cronin also serves as director of Tekni-plex, Inc., Casella Waste
Systems, Inc. and AAi.FosterGrant, Inc.
Steven Fischman has served as a director of Tweeter since the completion of
Tweeter's initial public offering. Since 1992, Mr. Fischman has been the
President of New England Development ("NED"), a regional mall developer based in
New England. Since 1996, Mr. Fischman has also served as Vice-Chairman of
WellsPark Group Limited Partnership, a mall management company formed by NED and
an unrelated partner. Prior to joining NED, Mr. Fischman was a director and
shareholder in the Boston law firm of Goulston & Storrs, P.C., which firm is
counsel to Tweeter. Mr. Fischman is also Chairman of the Board of Trustees of
Newton-Wellesley Hospital.
Roy Bertalotto has served as Vice President, New Store Development of Tweeter
since 1992. Prior to that, Mr. Bertalotto served as a District Sales Manager
from 1986 to 1988 and as Regional Vice President, Sales for eight southern New
England stores from 1988 to 1992.
Linda Christman has served as Vice President, Human Resources of Tweeter since
1997. Prior to that time, she served as the Director of Human Resources since
1987.
David Ginsburg has served as Vice President, Southeastern Region of Tweeter
since May 1997. Prior to joining Tweeter, Mr. Ginsburg served as a Vice
President of HiFi Buys Incorporated.
Albert Gordon has served as Vice President, Operations and Corporate Finance of
Tweeter since 1995. From 1990 to 1994, Mr. Gordon served as Chief Financial
Officer of Boston Publishing Co., Inc. From 1987 to 1991, Mr. Gordon held
several management positions at The Westwood Group, a restaurant holding
company, most recently as Vice President of Marketing and as Chief Financial
Officer of its catalog business. From 1981 to 1983 Mr. Gordon served on the
audit staff at KPMG Peat Marwick and from 1985 to 1987 Mr. Gordon was a member
of brand management at Procter & Gamble.
Noah Herschman has served as Vice President, Marketing of Tweeter since 1994.
Prior to that, Mr. Herschman served as a Senior Product Buyer and Marketing
Director from 1990 to 1994 and served as a sales consultant for Tweeter from
1988 to 1990.
Roberta Lewis has served as Vice President, Texas Region since February 1999.
Prior to joining Tweeter, Ms. Lewis served as President of Home Entertainment of
Texas, Inc. from 1996 to February, 1999 and as Vice President of Home
Entertainment from 1987 to 1996.
Bernard Sapienza has served as Vice President, Purchasing of Tweeter since 1994.
Prior to that, from 1989 to 1994, Mr. Sapienza served as a Senior Product Buyer
of Tweeter.
Paul Shindler has served as Vice President, Training of Tweeter since 1994.
Prior to that, Mr. Shindler served as Regional Vice President of Sales for the
northern region and Training Director of Tweeter from 1991 to 1994 and served in
various sales and training capacities for Tweeter from 1977 to 1987.
COMPOSITION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Tweeter's Board of Directors currently consists of six members. The Board is
divided into three staggered classes, consisting of two Class I directors
(Messrs. Bronfman and Fischman), two Class II directors (Messrs. Samuel
Bloomberg and Cronin) and two Class III directors (Messrs. Stone and Jeffrey
Bloomberg). The initial terms of the three classes will expire in 1999, 2000 and
2001, respectively. Beginning at our annual meeting in 1999, directors of each
class were chosen for three-year terms upon the expiration of their current
terms and each year one class of directors will be elected by our stockholders.
Tweeter believes that classification of the Board of Directors facilitates
continuity and stability of its business strategies and policies as determined
by the Board of Directors. Holders of common stock have no right to cumulative
voting in the election of directors. Consequently, at each annual meeting of
stockholders, the holders of a majority of the
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<PAGE> 40
common stock will be able to elect all of the successors of the class of
directors whose terms expire at that meeting.
COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors makes recommendations concerning
the engagement of independent public accountants, reviews the plans for and
results of the audit engagement with the independent public accountants,
approves professional services provided by the independent public accountants
and reviews the adequacy of the Company's internal accounting controls. The
Audit Committee consists of Jeffrey Bloomberg and Michael Cronin.
The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors establishes and implements
compensation policies and programs for Tweeter's executive officers and
exercises all powers of the Board of Directors in connection with Tweeter's
incentive compensation and benefit plans. The Compensation Committee of the
Board consists of Matthew Bronfman and Michael Cronin. In January 1996, the
members of the Board of Directors who were not members of the Compensation
Committee approved the grant to Matthew Bronfman of non-qualified stock options
to purchase 107,584 shares of the common stock at an exercise price of $1.52 per
share. Such options, by their terms, were fully vested on the date of grant. Mr.
Bronfman exercised and sold 25,000 of such shares in the follow-on offering
completed in February 1999.
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS
Tweeter currently pays each Director $1,875 per quarter, provided such Director
attends the meetings of the directors scheduled for such quarter. All Directors
are reimbursed for reasonable expenses incurred in attending meetings. Under
current Director compensation arrangements, upon each subsequent election or re-
election, each Director who is not also an employee or affiliate of Tweeter is
granted options under Tweeter's 1998 Stock Option and Incentive Plan exercisable
into 1,750 shares of common stock, with an exercise price equal to the fair
market value of the common stock at the date of such grant. Such options vest
over a three-year period. Tweeter's policy with respect to the level and timing
of option grants to Directors is currently under review by the Compensation
Committee and the Board of Directors, and may be revised for years subsequent to
fiscal 1998.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The following table sets forth the compensation earned by Tweeter's Chief
Executive Officer and each of the other executive officers of Tweeter (the
"Named Executives") for services rendered in all capacities to Tweeter during
fiscal 1996, 1997 and 1998:
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
LONG-TERM
COMPENSATION
ANNUAL ------------
COMPENSATION(1) SECURITIES
------------------- UNDERLYING ALL OTHER
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION YEAR SALARY BONUS OPTIONS COMPENSATION(2)
- --------------------------- ---- -------- ------- ------------ ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Samuel Bloomberg.................. 1998 $258,769 $10,000 23,038 $ --
CEO and Chairman of the Board 1997 $204,876 $20,000 66,240 $65,818
1996 $181,058 $43,100 142,676 $ --
Jeffrey Stone..................... 1998 $249,106 $10,000 29,000 $ --
President and Chief Operating 1997 $204,037 $20,000 48,610 $ 5,288
Officer 1996 $183,490 $41,042 66,368 $ --
</TABLE>
38
<PAGE> 41
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
LONG-TERM
COMPENSATION
ANNUAL ------------
COMPENSATION(1) SECURITIES
------------------- UNDERLYING ALL OTHER
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION YEAR SALARY BONUS OPTIONS COMPENSATION(2)
- --------------------------- ---- -------- ------- ------------ ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Joseph McGuire.................... 1998 $164,635 $ 5,000 8,000 $ --
Vice President, Chief Financial 1997 $150,244 $ 5,300 2,624 $ --
Officer 1996 $ 48,462 $ -- 20,993 $ --
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) The compensation described in this table does not include medical or other
benefits received by the Named Executives which are generally available to
all salaried employees of Tweeter.
(2) Represents amount distributed to cover personal tax liability from Tweeter's
prior status as a Subchapter "S" corporation for federal income tax
purposes. On November 25, 1995, as part of a recapitalization, Tweeter
elected to be treated as a "C" corporation for federal income tax purposes.
The following table sets forth information relating to grants of stock options
made during fiscal 1998 to each of the Named Executive Officers under Tweeter's
1998 Stock Option and Incentive Plan.
OPTION GRANTS IN FISCAL 1998
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PERCENT OF TOTAL GRANT
NUMBER OF OPTIONS GRANTED DATE
SECURITIES UNDERLYING TO EMPLOYEES EXERCISE PRICE EXPIRATION PRESENT
NAME OPTIONS GRANTED IN FISCAL YEAR PER SHARE DATE VALUE(1)
- ---- --------------------- ---------------- -------------- ---------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Samuel Bloomberg....... 23,038 9.9% $17.00 2004 $121,410
Jeffrey Stone.......... 29,000 12.5% $17.00 2004 $152,830
Joseph McGuire......... 8,000 3.4% $17.00 2004 $ 42,160
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) The fair value of each stock option granted in fiscal 1998 under Tweeter's
existing stock option plan was estimated using the Black-Scholes option
pricing model assuming an expected volatility of 32%, a risk-free interest
rate of 4%, an expected life of 3 years and no dividends.
The following table provides certain information with respect to options to
purchase common stock held by the Named Executives at September 30, 1998. No
options were exercised by Named Executives in fiscal 1998.
AGGREGATED EXERCISABLE OPTIONS IN FISCAL 1998
AND FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION VALUES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF SECURITIES VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
UNDERLYING OPTIONS IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS
AT FISCAL YEAR END AT FISCAL YEAR END
NAME EXERCISABLE/UNEXERCISABLE EXERCISABLE/UNEXERCISABLE
- ---- ------------------------- -------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Samuel Bloomberg................................. 208,916/23,038 $2,031,765/0
Jeffrey Stone.................................... 114,978/29,000 $1,071,284/0
Joseph McGuire................................... 13,579/18,038 $ 141,721/100,786
</TABLE>
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS
The summaries of the various employment agreements set forth below are qualified
in their entirety by reference to such agreements, which are exhibits to the
Registration Statement of which this prospectus is a part.
BLOOMBERG AND STONE AGREEMENTS
Upon the completion of our initial public offering, we entered into five-year
employment agreements with Samuel Bloomberg, to serve as our Chairman of the
Board and Chief Executive Officer, and with Jeffrey Stone, to serve as our
President and Chief Operating Officer. The employment agreements provide that
Messrs. Bloomberg and Stone will each receive a base salary of $300,000 per year
through September 30, 1998, $325,000 from October 1, 1998 to September 30, 1999,
and thereafter at the annual rate of at least $325,000, plus such increases as
may be determined by the Compensation Committee of the Board of
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<PAGE> 42
Directors. Each of Messrs. Bloomberg and Stone will have the opportunity to earn
incentive bonuses based upon certain performance criteria, to be determined by
the Compensation Committee, and the opportunity to receive stock options and
other incentive awards under Tweeter's 1998 Stock Option and Incentive Plan.
The employment agreements provide for continued employment until termination by
either party. Tweeter, however, may terminate either employment agreement with
or without cause at any time. If either executive's employment is terminated by
Tweeter without cause, Tweeter is obligated to pay the respective executive an
amount equal to such executive's unvested accrued benefits under any stock
option plan, incentive plan or retirement plan plus severance pay calculated as
follows:
- if the executive is terminated in during the first three years of the
agreement, he will receive an amount equal to his annual base salary in
effect in the year of termination for three years following termination;
- if the executive is terminated in the fourth year, he will receive an
amount equal to his annual base salary in effect in the year of
termination for two years following termination; and
- if the executive is terminated in the fifth or any subsequent year of the
agreement, he will receive an amount equal to his annual base salary in
the year of termination.
The employment agreements also provide that if Tweeter and Messrs. Bloomberg and
Stone do not renew the agreements upon expiration, Tweeter may elect to pay such
executives two years severance in exchange for a two-year non-competition
arrangement.
MCGUIRE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
Upon the completion of our initial public offering, we entered into an
employment agreement with Joseph McGuire to serve as our Chief Financial Officer
and Chief Information Officer. Under the terms of this three-year agreement, Mr.
McGuire will earn a base annual salary of $185,000 and will have the opportunity
to earn yearly incentive bonuses based on performance criteria (determined by
the Compensation Committee). Mr. McGuire is also entitled to receive stock
options and other incentive awards under Tweeter's stock option and incentive
plans. Tweeter may elect, upon the expiration and non-renewal of the agreements,
to pay Mr. McGuire two years of severance pay in exchange for a two-year
non-competition agreement from Mr. McGuire. If Mr. McGuire's employment is
terminated by Tweeter without cause, Tweeter is obligated to pay Mr. McGuire an
amount equal to his base salary in the year of termination, and shall permit his
options and incentives to continue to vest for one year following termination.
INSURANCE
Tweeter has obtained a directors' and officers' liability insurance policy in
the aggregate amount of $10 million. The directors' and officers' insurance
insures the directors and officers of Tweeter from any claim arising out of an
alleged wrongful act by the directors and officers in their respective
capacities as directors and officers and Tweeter to the extent that it has
indemnified a director or officer for such loss. Tweeter currently maintains
key-man life insurance on the life of Mr. Bloomberg in the amount of $1,000,000
and on the life of Mr. Stone in the amount of $5,000,000.
STOCK PLANS
1995 STOCK OPTION PLAN
On November 28, 1995, Tweeter adopted its 1995 Stock Option Plan. The 1995 Stock
Option Plan allowed Tweeter to issue (i) options to purchase common stock which
qualify as incentive stock options ("ISOs") under Section 422A(b) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to its employees and (ii) options to purchase
common stock which do not qualify as ISOs ("Non-Qualified Options") to
directors, officers, employees and consultants of Tweeter. Payment of the
exercise price may be made in cash, shares of common stock, a combination of
cash or stock or by any other method approved by the Board or the Compensation
Committee. Options are not assignable or transferable except by will or the laws
of descent and distribution.
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<PAGE> 43
On June 1, 1998, Tweeter's Board of Directors voted to terminate the 1995 Stock
Option Plan effective on the consummation of Tweeter's initial public offering.
As of March 31, 1999, Tweeter had outstanding under the 1995 Stock Option Plan
options exercisable into 749,228 shares of common stock.
1998 STOCK OPTION AND INCENTIVE PLAN
Tweeter adopted the 1998 Stock Option and Incentive Plan on June 1, 1998 to
provide incentives to attract and retain executive officers, directors, key
employees and consultants. The summary of the 1998 Plan set forth below is
qualified in its entirety by reference to the 1998 Plan, which is included as an
exhibit to the Registration Statement of which this prospectus is a part.
The aggregate number of shares of common stock issuable under the 1998 Plan is
1,458,217 shares. In addition, the number of shares of common stock issuable
under the 1998 Plan will increase, on each anniversary date of the adoption of
the 1998 Plan, to that number of shares equal to the lesser of (i) 2% of the
total number of shares of common stock that are issued and outstanding on a
fully diluted basis on each such anniversary date or (ii) 150,000 shares of
common stock. As options granted under the 1998 Plan are exercised, the number
of shares represented by such previously outstanding options will again become
available for issuance under the 1998 Plan up to a maximum of 100,000 shares of
common stock annually.
The 1998 Plan will expire five years following its adoption. Awards made
thereunder and outstanding at the expiration of the 1998 Plans will survive in
accordance with their terms.
The 1998 Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of
Directors, and will allow Tweeter to issue one or more of the following: stock
options (ISOs and Non-Qualified Options), restricted stock awards, stock
appreciation rights, common stock in lieu of certain cash compensation, dividend
equivalent rights, performance shares and performance units (collectively, "Plan
Awards").
In any plan year, no more than 25% of the shares reserved for issuance under the
1998 Plan, may be used for Plan Awards consisting of restricted stock. All
grants of restricted stock under the 1998 Plan will be subject to vesting over
seven years, subject, however, at the Compensation Committee's discretion, to
acceleration of vesting upon the achievement of specified performance goals.
The 1998 Plan also provides for the grant or issuance of Plan Awards to
directors of Tweeter who are not employees of Tweeter. These options will vest
over a period of three years, provided such non-employee director is not removed
before the end of his or her term. As of March 31, 1999, Tweeter had outstanding
under the 1998 Plan options exercisable into 238,138 shares of common stock.
INCENTIVE BONUS PLAN
Tweeter maintains an Incentive Bonus Plan for its senior employees and
executives, pursuant to which cash bonuses may be paid to such employees and
executives based on achievement of pre-established performance criteria. The
Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors administers the Bonus Plan, and
determines the applicable performance criteria and amounts issuable under this
plan on an annual basis.
EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
At a special meeting of the stockholders of Tweeter, held in lieu of their
annual meeting, the Tweeter stockholders approved an Employee Stock Purchase
Plan. We designed the Stock Purchase Plan to encourage and assist employees in
acquiring an equity ownership interest in Tweeter. The term of the Stock
Purchase Plan is 20 years.
The aggregate number of shares of common stock which may be sold under the Stock
Purchase Plan is 500,000 shares, subject to adjustment pursuant to the plan.
Under the plan, employees who meet criteria for eligibility may elect to have up
to 10% of their compensation for each payroll period deducted and applied to the
purchase of shares of common stock. The maximum amount that may be deducted for
each employee in any one calendar year is $5,000. As long as the plan is in
effect, on the last business day of each calendar quarter Tweeter will apply the
amounts deducted from each participating employee's compensation to the
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<PAGE> 44
purchase of newly issued shares of common stock. The purchase price of the
shares will be 85% of the market value of the shares on the date of the
purchase.
The summary of the Stock Purchase Plan set forth above is qualified in its
entirety by reference to the Stock Purchase Plan, which is included as an
exhibit to the Registration Statement of which this prospectus is a part.
PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the beneficial
ownership of Tweeter's common stock as of the date of this prospectus by (i)
each person (or group of affiliated persons) known by Tweeter to be the
beneficial owner of more than 5% of the outstanding common stock, (ii) each of
Tweeter's Named Executives and directors and (iii) all of Tweeter's executive
officers and directors as a group. Except as otherwise indicated in the
footnotes to this table, Tweeter believes that the persons named in this table
have sole voting and investment power with respect to all the shares of common
stock indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SHARES
BENEFICIALLY OWNED(1)
----------------------
NAME OF BENEFICIAL OWNER:(2) NUMBER PERCENT
- ---------------------------- ---------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
DIRECTORS AND NAMED EXECUTIVES
Samuel Bloomberg(3)....................................... 762,243 9.9%
Jeffrey Stone(4).......................................... 275,145 3.6
Joseph McGuire(5)......................................... 17,977 *
Michael Cronin(6)......................................... 173,939 2.3
Jeffrey Bloomberg(7)...................................... 237,374 3.2
Matthew Bronfman(8)....................................... 87,443 1.2
Steven Fischman........................................... 4,000 *
Directors and Executive Officers as a Group (7
persons)(9)............................................... 1,558,121 19.7
</TABLE>
- ---------------
* Represents less than 1% of class.
(1) Includes the number of shares and percentage ownership represented by such
shares determined to be beneficially owned by a person in accordance with
the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission. The number of shares
beneficially owned by a person includes shares of common stock that are
subject to options or warrants held by that person that are currently
exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of the date of this prospectus.
Such shares are deemed outstanding for the purpose of computing the
percentage of outstanding shares owned by such person. Such shares are not
deemed outstanding, however, for the purposes of computing the percentage
ownership of any other person.
(2) Unless otherwise specified, the address of all persons who are executive
officers or directors of Tweeter is in care of Tweeter, 10 Pequot Way,
Canton, Massachusetts 02021.
(3) Includes 32,730 shares held, in the aggregate, by the Samuel Bloomberg
Family Trusts for the benefit of Mr. Bloomberg's children and 7,540 shares
held by Carolina Bloomberg, the wife of Mr. Bloomberg. Carolina Bloomberg's
7,540 shares include 313 shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding
warrants. Mr. Bloomberg expressly disclaims beneficial ownership of the
shares held by the Samuel Bloomberg Family Trusts and Carolina Bloomberg.
Also includes 208,916 shares subject to options granted by Tweeter to Mr.
Bloomberg exercisable within 60 days of the date of this prospectus.
(4) Includes 114,978 shares subject to options granted by Tweeter to Mr. Stone
exercisable within 60 days of the date of this prospectus.
(5) Consists of 17,977 shares subject to options granted by Tweeter exercisable
within 60 days of the date of this prospectus.
(6) Includes 173,939 shares held by Weston Presidio Offshore Capital Management
C.V. ("Weston Presidio"). Mr. Cronin is a general partner of WP Capital
Management, L.P., the general partner of Weston Presidio and, as such, may
be deemed to share voting and investment power with respect to all shares
held by Weston Presidio. Mr. Cronin expressly disclaims beneficial ownership
of these shares, except to the extent of his pecuniary interest therein.
(7) Includes 10,839 shares held, in the aggregate, by trusts for the benefit of
Mr. Bloomberg's children. Mr. Bloomberg expressly disclaims beneficial
ownership of these shares. Also includes 32,730 shares held, in the
aggregate, by the Samuel Bloomberg Family Trusts, of which Mr. Bloomberg is
a trustee. Mr. Bloomberg expressly disclaims beneficial ownership of these
shares. Also includes 6,560 shares subject to options granted by Tweeter to
Mr. Bloomberg exercisable within 60 days of the date of this prospectus and
609 shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding warrants.
(8) Includes 82,584 shares subject to options granted by Tweeter exercisable
within 60 days of the date of this prospectus and 84 shares issuable upon
the exercise of outstanding warrants.
(9) See notes (3) through (8).
42
<PAGE> 45
CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS
CERTAIN FINANCING TRANSACTIONS
On May 13, 1996, in connection with the Bryn Mawr acquisition, Tweeter sold
788,349 shares of Series A Preferred Stock for net proceeds of $5.1 million to
Advent Direct Investment Program Limited Partnership and Global Private Equity
II Limited Partnership and to Carolina Bloomberg, the spouse of Samuel
Bloomberg.
On March 7, 1997, and in connection with a $2.0 million bridge loan from a
predecessor of BankBoston, our existing lender, we entered into a Warrant and
Debenture Commitment with certain of our stockholders including Global Private
Equity II Limited Partnership, Weston Presidio Offshore Capital, C.V., Advent
Direct Investment Program Limited Partnership, BNP Venture Holding Corp.,
Jeffrey Bloomberg, Matthew Bronfman, Carolina Bloomberg, Harriet Bloomberg and
Armin Biller. Pursuant to the terms of the Warrant and Debenture Commitment, the
participating stockholders agreed, upon a put by BankBoston or at the request of
the Company, to purchase 10% Convertible Debentures in an aggregate amount of
$2.0 million. In consideration for this obligation, we issued warrants to the
participating stockholders to purchase 37,138 shares of common stock at an
exercise price of $6.46 per share. The debentures were never issued because the
bridge loan was paid in full on May 30, 1997.
On May 30, 1997, in connection with the HiFi Buys acquisition, Tweeter sold an
aggregate of 866,425 shares of its Series B Preferred Stock to additional and
existing investors at $8.08 per share. Among such investors were Weston Presidio
Offshore Capital, C.V., Advent Direct Investment Program Limited Partnership,
BNP Venture Holding Corp., PNC Capital Corp, Jeffrey Bloomberg, Matthew
Bronfman, Carolina Bloomberg and Harriet Bloomberg. At the same time, Tweeter
issued $15 million in senior subordinated notes and detachable warrants to
purchase an aggregate of up to 629,566 shares of common stock with an exercise
price of $.002 per share to PNC Capital Corp, affiliates of Exeter Venture
Management Corp., and Seacoast Capital Partners, L.P. The Exeter Venture
Management Corp. affiliates sold all the shares of common stock issuable upon
exercise of its warrant in Tweeter's initial public offering. Seacoast Capital
Partners, L.P. originally held a warrant exercisable for 209,855 shares of
Tweeter common stock and sold 50,000 of such shares in the initial public
offering and 116,216 shares in the follow-on offering. PNC Capital Corp has also
exercised and sold all the shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of its
warrant.
OTHER TRANSACTIONS AND RELATIONSHIPS
In May 1996, in connection with the Bryn Mawr acquisition, Tweeter entered into
a consulting agreement with Fred Lokoff, the former owner of Bryn Mawr and a
former member of the Tweeter's Board of Directors. This consulting agreement was
amended as of April 23, 1997 and expires May 2000. Pursuant to the amended
agreement, we are obligated to pay Mr. Lokoff out-of-pocket expenses plus a
monthly payment of $20,833 for each month during the first year of the
consulting period, and $4,167 for each month during years three and four of the
consulting period. Tweeter also entered into two leases for facilities in
Pennsylvania and a lease for a facility in New Jersey with an affiliate of Mr.
Lokoff and agreed to sublease a portion of one of the facilities back to another
affiliate of Mr. Lokoff at no rental charge. During each of fiscal 1997 and
fiscal 1998, Tweeter paid approximately $670,000 in total rent under such
leases, and Tweeter paid $168,500 during the three months ended December 31,
1998.
Tweeter leases space for its Crystal Mall store in Waterford, Connecticut from
an affiliate of New England Development. This mall is managed by WellsPark Group
Limited Partnership. Steven Fischman, a member of Tweeter's Board of Directors,
is the President of New England Development and the Vice Chairman of WellsPark
Group Limited Partnership. Tweeter paid such lessor $167,043 in rent and related
charges during fiscal 1997, $275,450 in rent and related charges in fiscal 1998
and $103,159 in rent and related charges during the three months ended December
31, 1998.
43
<PAGE> 46
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
The authorized capital stock of Tweeter consists of 30,000,000 shares of common
stock and 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock.
The following summary description of Tweeter's capital stock is not intended to
be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the provisions of
applicable law and to Tweeter's Amended and Restated Certificate of
Incorporation (the "Charter") and Amended and Restated By-laws (the "By-laws"),
filed as exhibits to the Registration Statement of which this prospectus is a
part.
COMMON STOCK
Holders of common stock are entitled to one vote for each share held on all
matters submitted to a vote of stockholders and do not have cumulative voting
rights. Accordingly, holders of a majority of the shares of common stock
entitled to vote in any election of directors may elect all of the directors
standing for election. Holders of common stock are entitled to receive ratably
such dividends, if any, as may be declared by the Board of Directors out of
funds legally available therefor, subject to any preferential dividend rights of
outstanding preferred stock which Tweeter may designate and issue in the future.
Upon the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of Tweeter, the holders of
common stock are entitled to receive ratably the net assets of Tweeter available
after the payment of all debts and other liabilities and subject to the prior
rights of any outstanding preferred stock. Holders of common stock have no
preemptive, subscription, redemption or conversion rights. The outstanding
shares of common stock are, and the shares offered by Tweeter in any offering
pursuant to this prospectus will be, when issued and paid for, fully paid and
nonassessable. The rights, preferences and privileges of holders of common stock
are subject to, and may be adversely affected by, the rights of the holders of
shares of any series of preferred stock which Tweeter may designate and issue in
the future.
PREFERRED STOCK
Tweeter's Charter authorizes its Board of Directors, subject to any limitations
prescribed by law, without stockholder approval, to issue shares of preferred
stock in one or more series. Each such series of preferred stock shall have such
rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions, including voting rights,
dividend rights, conversion rights, redemption privileges and liquidation
preferences, as shall be determined by the Board of Directors. The purpose of
authorizing the Board of Directors to issue preferred stock and determine its
rights and preferences is to eliminate delays associated with a stockholder vote
on specific issuances. The issuance of preferred stock, while providing
desirable flexibility in connection with possible acquisitions and other
corporate purposes, could have the effect of making it more difficult for a
third party to acquire, or of discouraging a third party from acquiring, a
majority of Tweeter's outstanding voting stock. We have no present plans to
issue any shares of preferred stock. We have, however, authorized and reserved
shares of Series A Junior Preferred Stock for issuance in connection with the
Rights Plan discussed below. See "Risk Factors -- Effect of Certain Charter and
By-law Provisions; Antitakeover Provisions."
DELAWARE LAW AND CERTAIN CHARTER AND BY-LAW PROVISIONS; ANTI-TAKEOVER EFFECTS
Tweeter is subject to the provisions of Section 203 of the Delaware General
Corporation Law (the "DGCL"). Subject to certain exceptions, Section 203
prohibits a publicly-held Delaware corporation from engaging in a "business
combination" with an "interested stockholder" for a period of three years after
the date of the transaction in which the person became an interested
stockholder, unless the interested stockholder attained such status with the
approval of the Board of Directors or the business combination is approved in a
prescribed manner, or certain other conditions are satisfied. A "business
combination" includes mergers, asset sales and other transactions resulting in a
financial benefit to the interested stockholder. Subject to certain exceptions,
an "interested stockholder" is a person who, together with affiliates and
associates, owns, or within three years did own, 15% or more of a corporation's
voting stock.
44
<PAGE> 47
The By-laws provide that:
- the number of directors shall be determined from time to time by
resolution adopted by a majority of the Board of Directors;
- vacancies on the Board of Directors must be filled by the Board unless
and until filled by the stockholders; and
- directors may be removed only for cause by the vote of the holders of at
least 75% of the shares then entitled to vote at an election of
directors.
The By-laws provide for a classified Board of Directors consisting of three
classes of directors having staggered terms of three years each, with each of
the classes being as nearly equal as possible. A single class of directors will
be elected each year at Tweeter's annual meeting of stockholders. Subject to
transition provisions, each director elected at each such meeting will serve for
a term ending on the date of the third annual meeting of stockholders after his
election and until his successor has been elected and duly qualified. See
"Management -- Composition of the Board of Directors."
The Charter empowers the Board of Directors, when considering a tender offer or
merger or acquisition proposal, to take into account any factors that the Board
of Directors determines to be relevant, including, without limitation:
- the interests of Tweeter's stockholders, including the possibility that
these interests might be best served by the continued independence of
Tweeter;
- whether the proposed transaction might violate federal or state laws;
- the consideration offered in the proposed transaction in relation to the
then current market price for Tweeter's outstanding capital stock, the
market price for Tweeter's capital stock of over a period of years, the
estimated price that might be achieved in a negotiated sale of Tweeter as
a whole or in part or through orderly liquidation, the premiums over
market price for the securities of other corporations in similar
transactions, current political, economic and other factors bearing on
securities prices and our financial condition and future prospects; and
- the social, legal and economic effects upon employees, suppliers,
customers, creditors and others having similar relationships with
Tweeter, upon the communities in which it conducts its business and upon
the economy of the state, region and nation.
Under the By-laws, special meetings of the stockholders may be called only by a
majority of the Board of Directors then in office, or by the Chairman of the
Board or the Chief Executive Officer, and only matters set forth in the notice
calling any such meeting may be considered at the meeting. The Charter provides
that stockholder actions must be taken at a meeting at which a quorum of
stockholders is present in person or by proxy and that stockholders will not be
entitled to take action by written consent in lieu of a meeting. The By-laws
provide that the Board of Directors may postpone a scheduled stockholders'
meeting, and the Chairman of the Board may adjourn a stockholders' meeting even
if a quorum is present. Nominations for election to the Board of Directors may
be made either by the Board or by holders of at least 1% of the issued and
outstanding voting shares of Tweeter who have held such stock for at least one
year. Stockholder nominations of director nominees who are not nominated by the
Board of Directors must be submitted to the Secretary of Tweeter not less than
120 days prior to the date when Tweeter first mailed to the stockholders its
proxy statement for the previous year's annual meeting.
The foregoing provisions could have the effect of delaying until the next annual
stockholders meeting stockholder actions which are favored by the holders of a
majority of Tweeter's then outstanding voting securities. These provisions may
also discourage another person or entity from making a tender offer for
Tweeter's common stock, because such person or entity, even if it acquired a
majority of the outstanding voting securities of Tweeter, would be able to take
action as a stockholder (such as electing new directors or approving a merger)
only at a duly called stockholders' meeting, and not by written consent.
45
<PAGE> 48
The DGCL provides generally that the affirmative vote of a majority of the
shares entitled to vote on any matter is required to amend a corporation's
certificate of incorporation or by-laws, unless a corporation's certificate of
incorporation or by-laws, as the case may be, requires a greater percentage. The
Charter requires the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 75% of
Tweeter's outstanding voting stock to amend or repeal any of the foregoing
Charter provisions. A 75% vote of stockholders is required for the stockholders
to adopt, amend or repeal any By-law provisions. The By-laws may also be amended
or repealed by a majority vote of the Board of Directors subject to any
limitations set forth in the By-laws.
STOCKHOLDER RIGHTS PLAN
Tweeter's Board of Directors adopted a Stockholder Rights Plan (the "Rights
Plan") effective upon the consummation of Tweeter's initial public offering. The
Rights Plan makes it more difficult for a third party to acquire Tweeter or
large portions of its common stock. Set forth below is a general summary of the
Rights Plan. Such summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the
Rights Plan, a copy of which is included as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement of which this prospectus is a part.
One preferred stock purchase right (a "Right") is attached to each share of
common stock including any shares of common stock issued in offerings pursuant
to this prospectus. Each Right entitles its holder to purchase one
one-thousandth of one share (each, a "Unit") of Tweeter's Series A Junior
Participating Cumulative Preferred Stock (the "Junior Preferred Stock") at a
cash purchase price per Unit of $100, subject to adjustment. The Rights and
their exercise price will be adjusted to take into account certain dilutive
events.
The Junior Preferred Stock ranks prior and senior to the common stock with
respect to dividends and distributions but junior to any series or class of
preferred stock that is designated as senior to the Junior Preferred Stock. The
holders of the Junior Preferred Stock are entitled to receive quarterly
dividends when, as and if declared by the Board of Directors, commencing on the
first day of March, June, September or December occurring after the first
issuance of a share or fraction of a share of the Junior Preferred Stock, in an
amount per share equal to the greater of $1.00, or 1,000 times the aggregate per
share amount of all dividends declared on the common stock. Dividends accrue and
are cumulative but do not accrue interest. Except as otherwise provided by law
or set forth below, the holders of shares of Junior Preferred Stock vote
together with the common stock, and any other capital stock of Tweeter having
general voting rights, as one class. Each share of Junior Preferred Stock
entitles the holder thereof to 1,000 votes on all matters submitted to a vote.
Whenever dividends payable on any shares of Junior Preferred Stock are in
arrears in an amount equal to two full quarterly dividends (whether or not
declared and whether or not consecutive), the holders of the Junior Preferred
Stock, voting separately as a single class, have the right to elect two
directors of Tweeter at a special meeting of the stockholders or at Tweeter's
next annual meeting of stockholders and at each subsequent annual meeting of
stockholders. In such event, the size of the Board shall be increased
accordingly and the vacancies created thereby shall be filled by the vote of the
holders of the Junior Preferred Stock. Such election right shall terminate at
such time as all arrears in dividends shall have been paid or declared and set
apart for payment, whereupon the terms of office of all such Directors shall
terminate.
Upon the earlier to occur of the tenth calendar day after the announcement that
an "Acquiring Person" has acquired beneficial ownership of more than 15% of the
outstanding shares of common stock, or the tenth business day following the
announcement of a tender offer or exchange offer that, upon consummation, would
result in a person or group becoming the beneficial owner of more than 15% of
the outstanding shares of common stock, the rights separate from the common
stock and become exercisable. An "Acquiring Person" is defined as a person or
group of affiliated or associated persons that has acquired more than 15% of the
outstanding shares of common stock, but is deemed to include any underwriters in
their capacities as such. No person who was a stockholder of Tweeter immediately
prior to the consummation of Tweeter's initial public offering can become an
Acquiring Person unless that person acquires beneficial ownership of more than
20% of the outstanding common stock (other than common stock issuable upon
exercise of stock options granted under an incentive plan approved by the Board
of Directors).
46
<PAGE> 49
At any time after a distribution date, the Board may, in its discretion,
exchange all or any part of the then outstanding and exercisable Rights for
shares of common stock or Units of Junior Preferred Stock. The exchange ratio is
one share of common stock or one Unit of Junior Preferred Stock for each Right.
However, the Board will not have the authority to effect such an exchange after
any person becomes the beneficial owner of 50% or more of Tweeter's common
stock. The Rights may be redeemed in whole but not in part, at a price of $0.001
per Right by the Board of Directors only until the earlier of the tenth calendar
year after a distribution date, or the expiration date of the Rights Plan. The
Board in its sole discretion may amend the Rights Plan until a distribution
date. After a distribution date, the Board may make certain amendments to the
Rights Agreement but none that will adversely affect the interests of Rights
holders.
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION
The Charter contains certain provisions permitted under the DGCL relating to the
liability of directors. These provisions eliminate a Director's personal
liability for monetary damages resulting from a breach of fiduciary duty, except
in certain circumstances involving certain wrongful acts, such as:
- for any breach of the Director's duty of loyalty to Tweeter or its
stockholders;
- for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional
misconduct or a knowing violation of law;
- under Section 174 of the DGCL; or
- for any transaction from which the Director derives an improper personal
benefit.
These provisions do not limit or eliminate Tweeter's or any stockholder's rights
to seek non-monetary relief, such as an injunction or rescission, in the event
of a breach of a director's fiduciary duty. These provisions will not alter a
Director's liability under federal securities laws. The Charter also contains
provisions indemnifying the Directors and officers of Tweeter to the fullest
extent permitted by the DGCL. We believe that these provisions will assist us in
attracting and retaining qualified individuals to serve as Directors.
TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR
The transfer agent and registrar for Tweeter's common stock is Boston Equiserve,
150 Royall Street, Canton, MA 02021.
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
This prospectus relates to the offer and sale of up to 2,000,000 shares of
Common Stock which may be issued from time to time in connection with the
acquisition of other businesses, assets or securities in business combination
transactions. The consideration offered by Tweeter in such acquisitions, in
addition to any shares of common stock offered by this prospectus, may include
assets, debt or other securities or assumption by the Company of liabilities of
the business being acquired, or a combination thereof. We expect that the number
of shares of common stock and the price and other terms at which the common
stock covered hereby will be offered and issued shall be determined by direct
negotiations with the owners or controlling persons of the businesses. We also
expect that the shares of common stock issued will be valued at prices
reasonably related to the prevailing market-price of the common stock either at
the time the terms of the acquisition are agreed upon or at or about the time or
times of delivery of the shares of common stock.
LEGAL MATTERS
Goulston & Storrs, P.C., Boston, Massachusetts, will deliver an opinion as to
the validity of the common stock being offered hereby. Kitt Sawitsky serves as
Tweeter's Secretary and Daniel Avery serves as Tweeter's Assistant Secretary.
Mr. Sawitsky and Mr. Avery are both directors and shareholders of Goulston &
Storrs, P.C., counsel to Tweeter.
47
<PAGE> 50
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements of Tweeter as of September 30, 1997 and
1998 and for each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 1998,
included in this prospectus have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP,
independent auditors, as stated in their report thereon appearing elsewhere
herein, and have been so included in reliance upon such report of Deloitte &
Touche LLP given upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and
auditing.
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
Tweeter files reports, proxy statements and other information with the
Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). Investors may inspect and copy these
reports, proxy statements and other information at the SEC's Public Reference
Room the SEC maintains at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington D.C. 20549 and at
the SEC's Regional Offices at Seven World Trade Center, New York, New York 10048
and 500 West Madison Street, Chicago, Illinois 60661. Investors may obtain
information on the operation of the SEC's Public Reference Room by calling the
SEC at 1(800)SEC-0330. This information also is available at the SEC's World
Wide Web site at http://www.sec.gov. This information also can be inspected at
the offices of Nasdaq Operations, 1735 K Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006.
Tweeter filed a Registration Statement on Form S-4 under the Securities Act with
the SEC in Washington, D.C. relating to the common stock covered by this
prospectus which is to be offered from time to time in connection with future
acquisitions by Tweeter of the assets, securities or businesses of other
companies. This prospectus does not contain all of the information set forth in
the Registration Statement and the exhibits and schedules to the Registration
Statement, certain portions having been omitted from this prospectus in
accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC. Statements contained in
this prospectus concerning the contents of any contract or any other document
referred to are not necessarily complete; reference is made in each instance to
the copy of such contract or document filed as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement, each such statement being qualified in all respects by such
reference. For further information with respect to Tweeter and the common stock
covered hereby, we refer investors to the Registration Statement, the exhibits
thereto and the financial statements, notes and schedules filed as a part
thereof.
48
<PAGE> 51
TWEETER HOME ENTERTAINMENT GROUP, INC.
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Independent Auditors' Report................................ F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 1997 and
1998...................................................... F-3
Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years Ended
September 30, 1996, 1997 and 1998......................... F-4
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)
for the Years Ended September 30, 1996, 1997 and 1998..... F-5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended
September 30, 1996, 1997 and 1998......................... F-6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.................. F-7
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of
December 31, 1998......................................... F-23
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for
the Three Months Ended December 31, 1997 and 1998......... F-24
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
for the Three Months Ended December 31, 1997 and 1998..... F-25
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial
Statements................................................ F-26
</TABLE>
F-1
<PAGE> 52
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Tweeter Home Entertainment
Group, Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Tweeter Home
Entertainment Group, Inc. as of September 30, 1997 and 1998, and the related
consolidated statements of income, stockholders' equity (deficit), and cash
flows for each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 1998. 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, such financial statements present fairly, in all material
respects, the financial position of the Company as of September 30, 1997 and
1998, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three
years in the period ended September 30, 1998, in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
November 24, 1998 (December 9, 1998 as to Note 16)
F-2
<PAGE> 53
TWEETER HOME ENTERTAINMENT GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SEPTEMBER 30,
--------------------------
1997 1998
----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents................................. $ 1,156,837 $ 776,709
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful
accounts of $631,000 at September 30, 1997 and $560,000
at September 30, 1998................................... 5,472,779 6,207,837
Inventory................................................. 31,160,043 38,362,311
Deferred tax assets....................................... 1,220,481 1,598,352
Prepaid expenses and other current assets................. 822,904 590,788
Total current assets...................................... 39,833,044 47,535,997
Property and equipment, net............................... 17,967,504 23,978,118
Deferred tax assets....................................... 59,397 --
Other assets, net......................................... 331,870 35,789
Goodwill, net............................................. 20,496,115 20,093,107
----------- -----------
TOTAL............................................... $78,687,930 $91,643,011
=========== ===========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Current portion of long-term debt......................... $ 400,000 $ --
Amount due to bank........................................ 4,948,702 4,071,310
Accounts payable.......................................... 11,456,967 10,663,216
Accrued expenses.......................................... 8,392,505 12,006,824
Customer deposits......................................... 1,255,024 1,422,557
Deferred warranty......................................... 1,509,481 1,109,325
----------- -----------
Total current liabilities........................... 27,962,679 29,273,232
----------- -----------
LONG-TERM DEBT:
Note payable to bank...................................... 14,500,000 5,250,000
Subordinated debt......................................... 16,387,816 --
----------- -----------
Total long-term debt................................ 30,887,816 5,250,000
----------- -----------
OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:
Rent related accruals..................................... 2,421,082 2,821,202
Deferred warranty......................................... 2,175,577 1,066,251
Deferred tax liabilities.................................. -- 1,423,283
Other long-term liabilities............................... 318,780 198,660
----------- -----------
Total other long-term liabilities................... 4,915,439 5,509,396
----------- -----------
Total liabilities................................... 63,765,934 40,032,628
----------- -----------
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 9) REDEEMABLE
CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK:
Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, $.01 par value,
authorized: 2,624,000 shares; 1,700,136 and 0 shares
issued and outstanding in 1997 and 1998, respectively... 13,399,386 --
Series B Convertible Preferred Stock, $.01 par value,
authorized: 2,624,000 shares; 866,425 and 0 shares
issued and outstanding in 1997 and 1998, respectively... 7,191,221 --
----------- -----------
Total............................................... 20,590,607 --
----------- -----------
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)
Preferred Stock, $.01 par value, 10,000,000 shares
authorized; no shares issued and outstanding............ -- --
Common stock, $.01 par value, 30,000,000 shares
authorized; 2,755,202 shares issued in 1997; 7,521,763
shares issued in 1998................................... 27,552 75,217
Additional paid-in capital................................ (2,732,300) 46,840,737
Retained earnings (deficit)............................... (1,382,346) 6,701,244
Note receivable from officer.............................. (31,500) --
----------- -----------
Total............................................... (4,118,594) 53,617,198
Less treasury stock: 1,698,929 shares in 1997 and
1,439,073 shares in 1998, at cost....................... (1,550,017) (2,006,815)
----------- -----------
Total stockholders' equity (deficit)................ (5,668,611) 51,610,383
----------- -----------
TOTAL............................................... $78,687,930 $91,643,011
=========== ===========
</TABLE>
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-3
<PAGE> 54
TWEETER HOME ENTERTAINMENT GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
--------------------------------------------
1996 1997 1998
------------ ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Total revenue.................................... $ 80,606,727 $132,525,037 $232,288,571
Cost of sales.................................... (51,816,041) (86,314,918) (151,265,382)
------------ ------------ ------------
Gross profit..................................... 28,790,686 46,210,119 81,023,189
Selling expenses................................. 21,993,070 35,567,940 56,906,541
Corporate, general and administrative expenses... 4,715,697 8,102,190 11,127,540
Amortization of goodwill......................... 129,273 487,084 917,442
------------ ------------ ------------
Income from operations........................... 1,952,646 2,052,905 12,071,666
Interest expense................................. 616,879 1,807,660 2,752,810
------------ ------------ ------------
Income before income taxes....................... 1,335,767 245,245 9,318,856
Income tax expense (benefit)..................... (453,448) 98,962 3,723,969
------------ ------------ ------------
Income before extraordinary item................. 1,789,215 146,283 5,594,887
------------ ------------ ------------
Extraordinary item -- early extinguishment of
debt (less applicable income taxes of
$244,557)...................................... -- -- 339,687
------------ ------------ ------------
NET INCOME....................................... $ 1,789,215 $ 146,283 $ 5,255,200
============ ============ ============
Accretion of preferred stock..................... 1,035,942 2,156,356 2,514,043
------------ ------------ ------------
Net income (loss) available to common
stockholders................................... $ 753,273 $ (2,010,073) $ 2,741,157
============ ============ ============
Basic earnings per share:
Income (loss) available to common stockholders
before extraordinary item................... $ 0.39 $ (1.20) $ 1.24
Extraordinary item............................. -- -- (0.14)
------------ ------------ ------------
Net income (loss).............................. $ 0.39 $ (1.20) $ 1.10
============ ============ ============
Diluted earnings per share:
Income (loss) before extraordinary item........ $ 0.38 $ (1.20) $ 1.11
Extraordinary item............................. -- -- (0.07)
------------ ------------ ------------
Net income (loss).............................. $ 0.38 $ (1.20) $ 1.04
============ ============ ============
Weighted-average shares outstanding:
Basic.......................................... 1,940,272 1,672,507 2,486,271
============ ============ ============
Diluted........................................ 1,983,137 1,672,507 5,033,803
============ ============ ============
</TABLE>
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-4
<PAGE> 55
TWEETER HOME ENTERTAINMENT GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NOTE
COMMON STOCK ADDITIONAL RETAINED RECEIVABLE TREASURY STOCK
------------------- PAID-IN EARNINGS FROM -----------------------
SHARES AMOUNT CAPITAL (DEFICIT) OFFICER SHARES AMOUNT
--------- ------- ----------- ----------- ---------- --------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
BALANCE, OCTOBER 1, 1995..... 2,755,202 $27,552 $ -- $(2,453,479) $(31,500) -- $ --
Treasury stock acquired.... 1,698,929 (1,550,017)
Reclassification of
undistributed losses upon
Subchapter S
revocation............... (3,057,683) 3,057,683
Subchapter S
distributions............ (729,750)
Accretion of Series A
Convertible Preferred
Stock.................... (1,035,942)
Net income................. 1,789,215
--------- ------- ----------- ----------- -------- --------- -----------
BALANCE, SEPTEMBER 30,
1996....................... 2,755,202 27,552 (3,057,683) 627,727 (31,500) 1,698,929 (1,550,017)
Issuance of warrants in
connection with
subordinated debt
offering................. 325,383
Accretion of Series A
Convertible Preferred
Stock.................... (1,802,520)
Accretion of Series B
Convertible Preferred
Stock.................... (353,836)
Net income................... 146,283
--------- ------- ----------- ----------- -------- --------- -----------
BALANCE, SEPTEMBER 30,
1997....................... 2,755,202 27,552 (2,732,300) (1,382,346) (31,500) 1,698,929 (1,550,017)
Accretion of Series A
Convertible Preferred
Stock through July 16,
1998..................... (1,640,863)
Accretion of Series B
Convertible Preferred
Stock through July 16,
1998..................... (873,180)
Conversion of warrants..... (363,908) (259,856) 363,908
Additional payment for
treasury stock........... (820,706)
Conversion of Series A
Convertible Preferred
Stock.................... 1,700,136 17,001 10,543,922 4,479,325
Conversion of Series B
Convertible Preferred
Stock.................... 866,425 8,664 6,828,721 1,227,016
Issuance of common stock,
net...................... 2,200,000 22,000 32,200,394
Payment received on note
receivable............... 31,500
Net income................. 5,255,200
--------- ------- ----------- ----------- -------- --------- -----------
BALANCE, SEPTEMBER 30,
1998....................... 7,521,763 $75,217 $46,840,737 $ 6,701,244 $ -- 1,439,073 $(2,006,815)
========= ======= =========== =========== ======== ========= ===========
<CAPTION>
TOTAL
STOCKHOLDERS'
EQUITY
(DEFICIT)
-------------
<S> <C>
BALANCE, OCTOBER 1, 1995..... $(2,457,427)
Treasury stock acquired.... (1,550,017)
Reclassification of
undistributed losses upon
Subchapter S
revocation............... --
Subchapter S
distributions............ (729,750)
Accretion of Series A
Convertible Preferred
Stock.................... (1,035,942)
Net income................. 1,789,215
-----------
BALANCE, SEPTEMBER 30,
1996....................... (3,983,921)
Issuance of warrants in
connection with
subordinated debt
offering................. 325,383
Accretion of Series A
Convertible Preferred
Stock.................... (1,802,520)
Accretion of Series B
Convertible Preferred
Stock.................... (353,836)
Net income................... 146,283
-----------
BALANCE, SEPTEMBER 30,
1997....................... (5,668,611)
Accretion of Series A
Convertible Preferred
Stock through July 16,
1998..................... (1,640,863)
Accretion of Series B
Convertible Preferred
Stock through July 16,
1998..................... (873,180)
Conversion of warrants..... --
Additional payment for
treasury stock........... (820,706)
Conversion of Series A
Convertible Preferred
Stock.................... 15,040,248
Conversion of Series B
Convertible Preferred
Stock.................... 8,064,401
Issuance of common stock,
net...................... 32,222,394
Payment received on note
receivable............... 31,500
Net income................. 5,255,200
-----------
BALANCE, SEPTEMBER 30,
1998....................... $51,610,383
===========
</TABLE>
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-5
<PAGE> 56
TWEETER HOME ENTERTAINMENT GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
--------------------------------------------
1996 1997 1998
------------ ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income................................................. $ 1,789,215 $ 146,283 $ 5,255,200
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
(used in) operating activities:
Extraordinary item....................................... -- -- 566,145
Depreciation and amortization............................ 1,383,235 2,798,404 3,920,362
Loss on disposal of equipment............................ -- 18,845 58,749
Deferred income tax provision (benefit).................. (1,177,420) 71,040 1,104,809
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of
effects from acquisition of business:
Increase in accounts receivable........................ (631,945) (1,251,986) (703,558)
Increase in inventory.................................. (2,411,139) (6,534,336) (7,202,268)
(Increase) decrease in prepaid expenses and other
current assets....................................... (250,391) (277,537) 185,123
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued
expenses............................................. 848,630 (936,490) 2,306,134
Increase (decrease) in customer deposits............... (329,713) (242,565) 167,533
Increase in deferred rent.............................. 1,441,315 357,195 400,120
Decrease in deferred warranty.......................... (157,113) (710,610) (1,509,482)
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities............... -- 318,780 (120,120)
------------ ------------ ------------
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities.... 504,674 (6,242,977) 4,428,747
------------ ------------ ------------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchase of property and equipment....................... (2,865,784) (3,972,465) (8,996,521)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment............. -- -- 13,350
Acquisition of business.................................. (8,368,208) (19,539,800) --
------------ ------------ ------------
Net cash used in investing activities.................. (11,233,992) (23,512,265) (8,983,171)
------------ ------------ ------------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Amount due to bank....................................... 390,000 3,067,959 (877,392)
Proceeds from long-term borrowings, net of debt issue
costs.................................................. 1,994,594 20,668,128 --
Payments of long-term debt............................... -- (100,000) (26,350,000)
Subchapter S distributions............................... (729,750) -- --
Issuance of preferred stock.............................. 10,560,926 6,837,385 --
Issuance of common stock................................. -- -- 32,222,394
Additional payment for treasury stock.................... -- -- (820,706)
Treasury stock acquired.................................. (1,550,017) -- --
------------ ------------ ------------
Net cash provided by financing activities.............. 10,665,753 30,473,472 4,174,296
------------ ------------ ------------
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS........... (63,565) 718,230 (380,128)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF YEAR............... 502,172 438,607 1,156,837
------------ ------------ ------------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF YEAR..................... $ 438,607 $ 1,156,837 $ 776,709
============ ============ ============
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Cash paid during the year for:
Interest................................................. $ 538,718 $ 1,538,077 $ 3,179,757
============ ============ ============
Taxes.................................................... $ 860,541 $ 358,000 $ 3,552,989
============ ============ ============
</TABLE>
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-6
<PAGE> 57
TWEETER HOME ENTERTAINMENT GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1996, 1997 AND 1998
1. BUSINESS OF THE COMPANY
New England Audio Co., Inc. ("NEA") was organized as a Massachusetts corporation
in 1972. On June 1, 1998 NEA effected a 1 for 1.524 reverse stock split. On June
5, 1998 NEA was reorganized as a Delaware holding company, whereby all of the
holders of capital stock, options and warrants of NEA exchanged their NEA
securities for identical securities of Tweeter Home Entertainment Group, Inc.
("TWEETER"), a Delaware corporation on a 1 for 1 basis. All share data in these
consolidated financial statements reflect the impact of the reverse stock split
and the reorganization. The consolidated financial statements include the
accounts of NEA, the wholly owned subsidiary of TWEETER, and NEA Delaware, Inc.,
a Delaware corporation, the wholly owned subsidiary of NEA (collectively
referred to as the "Company"). On July 16, 1998, the Company completed an
initial public offering ("IPO"). As discussed in Notes 3 and 12, the Series A
Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock and the Series B Redeemable Convertible
Preferred Stock (collectively the "Preferred Stock") automatically converted
into 2,566,561 shares of common stock upon the completion of the IPO. The
accompanying consolidated financial statements reflect this conversion as of
July 16, 1998.
The Company sells home audio, video, entertainment and electronic products
through a chain of fifty-two retail stores in New England, Mid-Atlantic and
Atlanta, Georgia markets. The Company operates under the names "Tweeter, Etc.,"
"Bryn Mawr Stereo & Video" and "HiFi Buys." The Company operates in a single
business segment of retailing audio and video consumer electronic products.
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
BASIS OF PRESENTATION -- The consolidated financial statements include the
accounts of Tweeter Home Entertainment Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the
"Company"). All material intercompany transactions have been eliminated in
consolidation.
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS -- The Company considers all highly liquid instruments
purchased with maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents for
balance sheet and cash flow statement purposes.
INVENTORIES -- Inventories, which consist primarily of goods for resale, are
stated at the lower of cost (average cost basis) or market.
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT -- Property and equipment are stated at cost.
Depreciation and amortization are computed by the straight-line method over the
estimated useful lives of the respective assets. Amortization of improvements to
leased properties is based upon the remaining terms of the leases or the
estimated useful lives of such improvements, whichever is shorter. Furniture and
fixtures are depreciated between three and seven years. Automobiles and trucks
are depreciated over three years. Leasehold interests are amortized over the
remaining lives of the leases. The purchased building is depreciated over a
period of fifteen years.
GOODWILL -- Goodwill and other acquisition costs are being amortized on a
straight-line basis over periods from twelve to twenty-five years.
OTHER ASSETS -- Other assets include deferred financing costs that are being
amortized over the term of the financing, using the straight-line method, which
approximates the interest method. Some of the deferred financing costs were
written off during 1998 (see Note 14).
FAIR MARKET VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS -- The fair value of the Company's
assets and liabilities which constitute financial instruments as defined in
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 107, "Disclosure about
Fair Value of Financial Instruments," approximates their recorded value.
LONG-LIVED ASSETS -- On an ongoing basis, the Company evaluates the carrying
value of its long-lived assets based upon estimated future undiscounted cash
flows relying on a number of factors, including operating
F-7
<PAGE> 58
TWEETER HOME ENTERTAINMENT GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
results, business plans and certain economic projections. In addition, the
Company's evaluation considers nonfinancial data such as changes in the
operating environment, competitive information, market trends and business
relationships.
ACCOUNTING FOR ESTIMATES -- In the process of preparing its consolidated
financial statements, the Company estimates the appropriate carrying value of
certain assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources.
The primary estimates underlying the Company's consolidated financial statements
include allowances for potential bad debts, obsolete inventory, goodwill, the
useful lives of its long-lived assets, the recoverability of deferred tax assets
and other matters. Management bases its estimates on certain assumptions, which
they believe are reasonable in the circumstances, and do not believe that any
change in those assumptions in the near term would have a significant effect on
the consolidated financial position or results of operations. Actual results
could differ from these estimates.
REVENUE RECOGNITION -- Revenue from merchandise sales is recognized upon
shipment or delivery of goods. Service revenue is recognized when the repair
service is completed.
AUTOMATIC PRICE PROTECTION -- Under this program, if a customer purchases a
consumer electronics product from one of the Company's stores and a competitor
within twenty-five miles of the store advertises a lower price within thirty
days, the Company automatically sends a check to the customer for the
difference. The Company records the cost of its Automatic Price Protection
policy to costs of sales, and carries a reserve based on management's estimate
of future liability under the program.
EXTENDED WARRANTY SERVICE CONTRACTS -- Except as noted in the following
paragraphs, the Company offers extended warranty service contracts on behalf of
an unrelated third party on most of its products. These contracts are on a
nonrecourse basis to the Company. The Company includes revenues from the sale of
extended warranty contracts in net sales and records as cost of sales the
amounts due to the third party for the cost for such contracts at the time of
sale as the earnings process has been completed.
DEFERRED WARRANTY REVENUE -- On May 13, 1996 the Company acquired substantially
all of the assets, and assumed some of the liabilities, of Bryn Mawr Radio and
Television, Inc. ("Bryn Mawr"). Bryn Mawr sold extended warranty contracts
beyond the normal manufacturer's warranty period, usually with terms of coverage
(including the manufacturer's warranty period) between twelve and sixty months.
All revenue from the sale of extended warranty contracts sold through July 31,
1996 was deferred and the revenue is being amortized on a straight-line basis
over the contract period. All costs related to the contracts are charged to
expense when incurred. On August 1, 1996, the Company changed Bryn Mawr's
warranty sales to a third-party provider, in conformance with the Company's
practice of selling extended warranties. As part of the purchase, the Company
assumed the liability for the deferred warranty on Bryn Mawr's books as of the
transaction date.
On May 30, 1997 the Company acquired certain assets and assumed certain
liabilities of HiFi Buys, Inc. ("HiFi Buys"). HiFi Buys sold extended warranty
contracts beyond the normal manufacturer's warranty period, usually with terms
of coverage (including the manufacturer's warranty period) between twelve and
sixty months. All revenue from the sale of extended warranty contracts sold
through August 7, 1997 was deferred and the revenue is being amortized on a
straight-line basis over the contract period. Sales commission costs related to
the contracts were also deferred and the cost is being amortized on a
straight-line basis over the contract period. On August 8, 1997, the Company
changed HiFi Buys' warranty sales to a third-party provider, in conformance with
the Company's practice of selling extended warranties. As part of the purchase,
the Company assumed the liability for the deferred warranty on HiFi Buys' books
as of the transaction date, and the sales that continued through August 7, 1997.
INCOME TAXES -- Effective September 1, 1987, the stockholders elected to have
the Company taxed as an S Corporation for federal and certain state corporate
income tax purposes. As part of a recapitalization that occurred on November 28,
1995, the Company revoked the election made by it under Section 1362(a) of the
F-8
<PAGE> 59
TWEETER HOME ENTERTAINMENT GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
Internal Revenue Code. Upon revocation, the Corporation was changed from tax
treatment as an S Corporation to tax treatment as a C Corporation. As such, the
Company became responsible for federal and certain state income taxes, which
were formerly the responsibilities of its stockholders.
The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with SFAS No. 109,
"Accounting for Income Taxes." Under SFAS No. 109, deferred tax liabilities or
assets are recognized for the estimated tax effects of temporary differences
between financial reporting and taxable income and for loss carryforwards based
on enacted tax laws and rates.
STORE OPENING COSTS -- Costs of a noncapital nature incurred prior to store
openings are expensed as incurred.
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION -- The Company, for the purposes of presentation in its
financial statements, follows the precepts set forth in Accounting Principles
Board Opinion No. 25 for computing compensatory aspects of stock-based
compensation. In compliance with SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based
Compensation," the Company has disclosed the required pro forma effect on net
income in Note 12.
DEFERRED RENT AND RENTAL EXPENSE -- Minimum rent expense is recorded using the
straight-line method over the related lease term. The difference between current
payments required and rent expense is reflected as deferred rent.
ADVERTISING -- Net costs for advertising, including electronic media, newspaper,
buyer's guides and catalogs, which are expensed as incurred, amounted to
$2,574,340, $3,561,573 and $3,957,746 for the years ended September 30, 1996,
1997 and 1998, respectively.
EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE -- The Company computed earnings (loss) per share in
accordance with SFAS No. 128, "Earnings Per Share". Basic earnings (loss) per
share is calculated based on the weighted-average number of common shares
outstanding, adjusted for the nominal issuance of certain warrants. Diluted
earnings (loss) per share is based on the weighted average number of common
shares outstanding, adjusted for the nominal issuance of certain warrants,
shares of Preferred Stock outstanding, when dilutive, and dilutive potential
common shares (common stock options and warrants).
F-9
<PAGE> 60
TWEETER HOME ENTERTAINMENT GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
The following is a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the
basic and diluted earnings per share:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
---------------------------------------
1996 1997 1998
---------- ----------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
BASIC EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE ("EPS"):
Numerator:
Net income.................................. $1,789,215 $ 146,283 $5,255,200
Accretion of preferred stock dividends...... 1,035,942 2,156,356 2,514,043
---------- ----------- ----------
Net income (loss) available to common
stockholder's............................... 753,273 (2,010,073) 2,741,157
Denominator:
Weighted average common shares
outstanding.............................. 1,570,641 1,302,876 2,116,640
Nominal issuance of warrants................ 369,631 369,631 369,631
---------- ----------- ----------
Weighted average shares outstanding........... 1,940,272 1,672,507 2,486,271
---------- ----------- ----------
Basic EPS..................................... $ 0.39 $ (1.20) $ 1.10
========== =========== ==========
DILUTED EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE:
Numerator..................................... $ 753,273 $(2,010,073) $5,255,200
Denominator:
Weighted average common shares
outstanding.............................. 1,940,272 1,672,507 2,486,271
Potential common stock outstanding.......... 42,865 -- 2,547,532
---------- ----------- ----------
Total......................................... 1,983,137 1,672,507 5,033,803
---------- ----------- ----------
Diluted EPS................................... $ 0.38 $ (1.20) $ 1.04
========== =========== ==========
</TABLE>
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS -- The Financial Accounting Standards Board
recently issued SFAS No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income," SFAS No. 131,
"Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information," SFAS No.
132, "Employees' Disclosures About Pensions and Other Post Retirement Benefits,"
and SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging
Activities." The effect of adopting these Statements is not expected to be
material to the Company's consolidated financial position or results of
operations.
RECLASSIFICATION -- Various financial statement amounts for 1996 and 1997 have
been reclassified to conform to the classifications used in the September 30,
1998 consolidated financial statements.
3. CHANGES IN CAPITAL STRUCTURE
On July 16, 1998, the Company successfully completed an IPO of its common stock,
resulting in net proceeds to the Company of $32.2 million, which was used to
retire outstanding debt. The offering also required the mandatory conversion of
all of the outstanding preferred stock into common stock, thereby eliminating
significant rights enjoyed by the preferred stockholders, and significantly
changing the capital structure of the Company. Among other rights, the preferred
stock had redemption provisions that guaranteed the holders a minimum return on
investment of 15% if the shares were redeemed. Mandatory redemption was to begin
in 2001, if the Company had not successfully completed an IPO resulting in net
proceeds to the Company of at least $15.0 million. In periods prior to the IPO,
the Company accreted preferred stock to its redemption value with a charge to
retained earnings. Upon conversion of the preferred stock to common stock, the
Company eliminated all balances related to the preferred stock through retained
earnings and additional paid-in capital.
F-10
<PAGE> 61
TWEETER HOME ENTERTAINMENT GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
4. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Major classifications of property and equipment are summarized below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SEPTEMBER 30,
--------------------------
1997 1998
----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
Leasehold improvements.................................... $17,050,196 $18,942,726
Furniture and equipment................................... 8,380,734 10,185,549
Building.................................................. -- 3,063,897
Land...................................................... -- 940,000
Automobiles and trucks.................................... 247,950 370,074
Construction in progress.................................. 865,503 475,912
Leasehold interests....................................... 165,000 165,000
----------- -----------
26,709,383 34,143,158
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization............ 8,741,879 10,165,040
----------- -----------
$17,967,504 $23,978,118
=========== ===========
</TABLE>
Depreciation and amortization (excluding amortization of goodwill) for the
fiscal years ended September 30, 1996, 1997 and 1998 aggregated $1,226,109,
$2,258,121 and $2,913,808, respectively.
5. ACCRUED EXPENSES
Accrued expenses consist of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SEPTEMBER 30,
-------------------------
1997 1998
---------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
Compensation............................................... $1,422,106 $ 2,465,064
Advertising................................................ 900,952 1,832,127
Merchandise received not invoiced.......................... 1,576,413 1,748,947
Fringe benefits............................................ 660,790 1,446,030
Sales taxes payable........................................ 616,764 1,069,249
Group insurance............................................ 220,826 255,000
Federal Income Taxes Payable............................... 605,031 --
Other...................................................... 2,389,623 3,190,407
---------- -----------
$8,392,505 $12,006,824
========== ===========
</TABLE>
6. DEFERRED WARRANTY REVENUE
As part of the acquisition of Bryn Mawr in May of 1996, the Company assumed the
deferred revenue on Bryn Mawr's books at that time. Amortization of the deferred
warranty revenue for the years ended September 30, 1996, 1997 and 1998 was
$253,529, $468,418 and $326,247, respectively, (see Note 2). Self-funded
extended warranty contract sales were $96,416 in the year ended September 30,
1996.
As part of the acquisition of HiFi Buys on May 30, 1997, the Company assumed the
deferred warranty revenue and expense related to the sale of self-funded
extended warranty contracts on HiFi Buys' books at the date of the acquisition.
Amortization of deferred warranty revenue was $478,145 and $1,183,234 for the
years ended September 30, 1997 and 1998, respectively, (see Note 2). Self-funded
extended warranty contract sales were $276,720 in the year ended September 30,
1997.
F-11
<PAGE> 62
TWEETER HOME ENTERTAINMENT GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
7. DEBT
Long-term debt consists of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SEPTEMBER 30,
-------------------------
1997 1998
----------- ----------
<S> <C> <C>
Subordinated debt.......................................... $16,787,816 $ --
Revolving term bank loan................................... 14,500,000 5,250,000
----------- ----------
Subtotal................................................... 31,287,816 5,250,000
Less current portion....................................... 400,000 --
----------- ----------
$30,887,816 $5,250,000
=========== ==========
</TABLE>
On November 28, 1995, as part of a recapitalization, the Company repurchased
approximately 1,698,929 shares equaling 60% of its common stock from the
Company's then principal stockholder for cash and subordinated debt of $550,017
and $1,000,000, respectively. The subordinated debt (the "Redemption Note")
carried interest at an effective rate of 10.8% and became due upon the
consummation of the Company's IPO. Interest was payable on a quarterly basis.
The terms of the repurchase arrangement also required that should an IPO by the
Company occur on or before June 30, 1999, an additional payment of $650,000 plus
an amount equal to 9% interest per annum accruing on such amount from November
28, 1995 to the date of such offering be made (approximately $821,000 at the
time of the effective date of the offering). This incremental payment would be
made on the occurrence of an IPO, regardless of whether the Redemption Note was
still outstanding. This additional payment was made upon completion of the
Company's IPO. Also on November 28, 1995, $363,590 of long-term debt due to
officers and related parties was converted to Series A Redeemable Convertible
Preferred Stock ("Series A Preferred Stock") as part of the recapitalization. On
May 13, 1996, the remaining balance of the long-term debt due to officers and
related parties was converted to Series A Preferred Stock as part of the
recapitalization.
On May 13, 1996, in order to partially finance the acquisition of Bryn Mawr, the
Company amended its loan agreement with the bank. Among other things, this
amendment changed (a) the maximum balance from $6,000,000 to $12,000,000, (b)
the maturity date from September 30, 1997 to April 30, 1998, and (c) certain
financial covenants, the most restrictive of which continued to be the
maintenance of certain debt coverage and leverage ratios.
On March 7, 1997, the Company amended its loan agreement with the bank, and
entered into a Warrant and Debenture Commitment with certain of its
stockholders. This financing enabled the Company to borrow from the bank an
additional "Bridge Loan" of up to $2,000,000 due July 7, 1997. The proceeds of
these borrowings were used to fund store expansions. As a condition of providing
the Bridge Loan, the bank required a commitment from a third party to purchase
the Bridge Loan prior to maturity. Certain participating stockholders of the
Company entered into a Bridge Note Purchase Agreement with the bank, agreeing to
purchase upon a put by the bank or upon the Company's request 10% Convertible
Subordinated Debentures due 2000 (the "Debentures"), in an aggregate amount of
$2,000,000. The Debentures were never issued because the related Bridge Loan was
paid in full on May 30, 1997.
To induce the participating stockholders to enter into the Warrant and Debenture
Commitment, the Company issued warrants to the participating stockholders for
each month that they remained obligated under the Warrant and Debenture
Commitment. During the time that this commitment was in effect, the Company
issued warrants to purchase an aggregate of 37,138 shares of the Company's
common stock, with an exercise price of $6.46 per share and a term of five
years. The Company repaid the Bridge Loan on May 30, 1997, and the obligations
of the participating stockholders terminated under the Warrant and Debenture
Commitment.
On May 30, 1997, in order to partially finance the acquisition of HiFi Buys, the
Company replaced its loan agreement with the bank with a new senior acquisition
and working capital financing agreement. Among
F-12
<PAGE> 63
TWEETER HOME ENTERTAINMENT GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
other things, this new agreement changed (a) the maximum balance from
$14,000,000 to $20,000,000, (b) the maturity date from April 30, 1998 to June 1,
2000, and (c) certain financial covenants, the most restrictive of which
continued to be the maintenance of certain debt coverage and leverage ratios.
The amount outstanding under the agreement totaled $14,500,000 at September 30,
1997, and was collateralized by the Company's inventory and certain other
assets. The unpaid balances under this agreement bore interest at the lender's
base rate, or LIBOR plus 2% if the Company committed the balances for a period
of 30 days or more (8.16% at September 30, 1997).
On May 30, 1997, as part of the acquisition of HiFi Buys, the Company entered
into a subordinated debt financing with a predecessor of HFB Associates, LLC
(the "Seller"), and issued a $1,200,000 subordinated term note to the Seller,
with principal payments made in thirty-six equal installments monthly. The
unpaid principal balance bears an annual interest rate of 9.5%. At September 30,
1997, the unpaid balance on this note was $1,100,000. The note was paid in full
in July 1998. In addition, the Company issued warrants to the Seller to purchase
104,960 shares of common stock with a ten-year term and an exercise price of
$8.08 per share.
On May 30, 1997, in order to partially finance the acquisition of HiFi Buys, the
Company entered into a senior subordinated debt financing with a group of
institutional investors, and issued $15,000,000 of Senior Subordinated
Promissory Notes (the "1997 Notes"), with warrants (see Note 12). The 1997 Notes
bore an annual interest rate of 12% on the unpaid principal balance. Principal
payments due under the 1997 Notes were $5,000,000 due on May 30 of 2002, 2003,
and 2004. The 1997 Notes were paid in full upon the completion of the Company's
IPO. The detachable warrants issued with the 1997 Notes are exercisable for up
to 629,566 shares of the Company's common stock, with an exercise price of $.002
per share. Because these warrants had a fair value of $325,383, such discount
was recorded on the debt. The discount accreted over the term of the debt. The
balance of the discount was charged to extraordinary items at the time of
repayment of these Notes (see Note 14).
As stated in Note 3, the Company completed an IPO of 2,710,000 shares of common
stock on July 16, 1998. The Company sold 2,200,000 shares and 510,000 shares
were sold by existing stockholders. Net proceeds received by the Company were
$32,200,000. The Company has used these net proceeds to repay (i) approximately
$14.5 million in outstanding indebtedness under its existing loan agreement with
BankBoston, N.A.; (ii) approximately $15.0 million in outstanding indebtedness
under the Senior Subordinated Promissory Notes dated May 30, 1997 issued in
connection with the HiFi Buys acquisition; (iii) approximately $1.9 million in
outstanding indebtedness under the Redemption Note dated November 28, 1995
issued in connection with a recapitalization pursuant to which the Company
repurchased common stock from certain of its stockholders which amount includes
a one-time payment of approximately $821,000 which became due to these
stockholders upon the consummation of the IPO; and (iv) approximately $771,000
to repay outstanding indebtedness under the Subordinated Note dated May 30, 1997
issued in connection with the HiFi Buys acquisition.
On July 20, 1998, the Company amended its loan agreement with the bank. Among
other things, this amendment changed (a) the maximum balance from $20,000,000 to
$30,000,000 (b) the maturity date from June 1, 2000 to July 31, 2001, and (c)
certain financial covenants, the most restrictive of which continue to be the
maintenance of certain debt coverage and leverage ratios. The amount outstanding
under the agreement totaled $5,250,000 at September 30, 1998, and is
collateralized by the Company's inventory, and certain other assets. The unpaid
balances under this agreement bear interest at the lender's base rate, or LIBOR
plus 2% if the Company commits the balances for a period of thirty days or more
(base rate of 8.5% at September 30, 1998).
F-13
<PAGE> 64
TWEETER HOME ENTERTAINMENT GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
8. EMPLOYEE SAVINGS PLAN
In October 1985, the Company established an employee savings plan covering all
employees. Under the terms of the plan, which was adopted under Section 401(k)
of the Internal Revenue Code, the Company can match employee contributions. Such
matching contributions cannot exceed the employer's established annual
percentage of compensation, which was a maximum of 6% for the years ended
September 30, 1996, 1997 and 1998. The Company's contribution expense was
$75,000, $100,000 and $290,000 for the years ended September 30, 1996, 1997 and
1998, respectively.
9. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
The Company leases most of its stores, installation centers, warehouses and
administrative facilities under operating leases. The lives of these leases
range from five to twenty years with varying renewal options. The leases provide
for base rentals, real estate taxes, common area maintenance charges and, in
some instances, for the payment of percentage rents based on sales volume. Rent
expense for the years ended September 30, 1996, 1997 and 1998 was $3,163,095,
$5,978,819 and $8,637,505 respectively. Percentage rent expense was, $64,964,
$47,243 and $41,833 for the years ended September 30, 1996, 1997 and 1998,
respectively.
Future minimum rental commitments under non cancelable operating leases as of
September 30, 1998 are as follows:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Year ended September 30, 1999......................... $ 8,446,493
Year ended September 30, 2000......................... 8,336,893
Year ended September 30, 2001......................... 7,957,409
Year ended September 30, 2002......................... 7,544,449
Year ended September 30, 2003......................... 6,985,012
Thereafter............................................ 38,053,030
-----------
Total....................................... $77,323,286
===========
</TABLE>
On June 23, 1998 the Company completed the purchase of a facility in
Massachusetts to serve as the corporate headquarters, service center and
distribution center in Massachusetts. The purchase price for this facility was
$3.95 million, and the Company has spent an additional $1.40 million in related
building improvements. The Company expects to finance the purchase and related
improvements with a mortgage of $3.32 million.
Effective upon the consummation of the IPO, the Company has entered into
employment agreements with certain key employees. These agreements provide for
continued employment with termination by either party. Under certain
circumstances, the key employees could receive an amount up to three times their
annual base salary.
10. INCOME TAXES
The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with the provisions of SFAS
No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes." SFAS No. 109 requires an asset and
liability approach, and deferred taxes are determined based on the estimated
future tax effects of differences between the financial statement and tax basis
of assets and liabilities given the provisions of enacted tax laws.
F-14
<PAGE> 65
TWEETER HOME ENTERTAINMENT GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
The provision (benefit) for income taxes under SFAS No. 109 consisted of the
following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
------------------------------------
1996 1997 1998
----------- ------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Current:
Federal....................................... $ 563,777 $21,821 $2,081,039
State......................................... 160,195 6,101 538,121
----------- ------- ----------
723,972 27,922 2,619,160
Deferred:
Current deferral.............................. (176,615) 71,040 1,104,809
Tax rate increase on temporary differences
resulting from the revocation of the S
Corporation election....................... (1,000,805) -- --
----------- ------- ----------
$ (453,448) $98,962 $3,723,969
=========== ======= ==========
</TABLE>
The tax effects of significant temporary differences comprising the Company's
current and long-term net deferred tax assets are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SEPTEMBER 30,
-------------------------
1997 1998
----------- ----------
<S> <C> <C>
Accruals and reserves.............................. $ 574,272 $1,129,773
Deferred revenue................................... 646,209 468,579
----------- ----------
Net deferred tax assets -- current................. 1,220,481 1,598,352
----------- ----------
Deferred rent...................................... 1,036,466 1,191,676
Depreciation....................................... 854,091 663,705
Deferred revenue................................... 931,364 450,384
Amortization and other............................. (2,762,524) (3,729,048)
----------- ----------
Net deferred tax assets
(liabilities) -- long-term....................... 59,397 (1,423,283)
----------- ----------
Total net deferred tax assets...................... $ 1,279,878 $ 175,069
=========== ==========
</TABLE>
The Company has determined that it is more likely than not that it will fully
realize the deferred tax assets. Consequently, no valuation allowance was
established as of September 30, 1997 and September 30, 1998. A reconciliation
between the statutory and effective income tax rates is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
-------------------------
1996 1997 1998
----- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Statutory income tax rate......................... 34.0% 34.0% 34.0%
State income taxes net of federal benefit......... 5.8% 5.8% 5.5%
Change in tax status.............................. (74.9)% --% --%
Other............................................. 1.2% 0.5% 0.5%
----- ---- ----
Effective income tax rate......................... (33.9)% 40.3% 40.0%
===== ==== ====
</TABLE>
11. ACQUISITIONS
BRYN MAWR -- On May 13, 1996, the Company acquired the principal operating
assets and assumed certain liabilities of Bryn Mawr. This transaction has been
accounted for as a purchase and, accordingly, the results of operations of the
Company's business relating to Bryn Mawr have been included in the consolidated
statements of income since the acquisition date. The allocation of the purchase
price resulted in goodwill of
F-15
<PAGE> 66
TWEETER HOME ENTERTAINMENT GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
$5,600,900, which is being amortized over twenty-five years using the
straight-line method. The net assets acquired at fair market value on May 13,
1996 were allocated as follows:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Inventory.............................................. $5,043,100
Property and equipment................................. 6,860,400
Other assets........................................... 837,800
Accounts payable and accrued expenses.................. (9,689,300)
----------
Net assets acquired............................... 3,052,000
Total purchase price and related costs................. 8,652,900
----------
Goodwill.......................................... $5,600,900
==========
</TABLE>
HIFI BUYS -- On May 30, 1997, the Company acquired the principal operating
assets and assumed certain liabilities of HiFi Buys. This transaction has been
accounted for as a purchase and, accordingly, the results of operations of the
Company's business relating to HiFi Buys have been included in the consolidated
statements of income since the acquisition date. The allocation of the purchase
price resulted in goodwill of $15,826,949, which is being amortized over
twenty-five years using the straight-line method. The net assets acquired at
fair market value on May 30, 1997 were allocated as follows:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Inventory............................................. $ 9,273,400
Property and equipment................................ 2,771,700
Accounts receivable................................... 1,428,800
Other assets.......................................... 236,500
Accounts payable and accrued expenses................. (9,483,100)
-----------
Net assets acquired................................. 4,227,300
Total purchase price and related costs................ 20,054,249
-----------
Goodwill............................................ $15,826,949
===========
</TABLE>
The following unaudited pro forma financial information reflects the
consolidated results of operations for the Company for the years ended September
30, 1996 and 1997 as though the acquisitions had occurred on the first day of
each fiscal year. The pro forma operating results are presented for comparative
purposes only and do not purport to present the Company's actual operating
results had the acquisitions been consummated on October 1, 1995 or results
which may occur in the future.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
----------------------------
1996 1997
------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C>
Net sales....................................... $207,359,183 $196,462,686
Net income...................................... 1,441,943 625,748
Net income (loss) available to common
stockholders.................................. 406,001 (1,530,608)
Basic earnings (loss) per share................. 0.21 (0.92)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share............... 0.20 (0.92)
</TABLE>
The Company had also previously recorded approximately $809,000 of goodwill in
connection with prior acquisitions.
Accumulated amortization of goodwill was approximately $1,227,000 and $2,144,000
for the years ended September 30, 1997 and 1998, respectively.
F-16
<PAGE> 67
TWEETER HOME ENTERTAINMENT GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
12. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT) AND REDEEMABLE CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK
COMMON STOCK -- Holders of common stock are entitled to dividends if declared by
the Board of Directors, and each share carries one vote. The common stock has no
cumulative voting, redemption or preemptive rights.
SERIES A AND SERIES B CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK -- Series A and Series B
Convertible Preferred Stock were entitled to significant additional rights
beyond those granted to the common stock. These classes of stock were converted
to common stock upon the IPO of the Company's common stock on July 16, 1998 (see
Note 3). Some of the rights that previously existed on this class of stock are
as follows:
Voting Rights -- Each preferred share was entitled to one vote for each
common stock into which it is then convertible.
Representative Directors -- Holders of a majority of the shares of Series A
and Series B Convertible Preferred Stock and Investor Common Stock, voting
separately as a single class, were entitled to elect two members of the
Board of Directors. Holders of Series A and Series B Convertible Preferred
Stock were also entitled to elect additional members of the Board of
Directors under certain circumstances.
Conversion Provisions -- All Convertible Preferred Stock was automatically
convertible to common stock upon the completion of a public offering
resulting in net proceeds to the Company of not less than $15,000,000. As
of the date of the initial public offering (July 16, 1998), the conversion
price under most circumstances of a Series A Preferred Share was $6.46. The
conversion price of a Series B Preferred Share was $8.08. At the offering
price of $17.00 per share, mandatory conversion was required under the
terms of the Preferred Stock Agreement.
Dividends -- No dividends were to be paid on the Common Stock unless the
shares of Series A and Series B Convertible Preferred Stock received the
same dividends that such shares would have received had they been converted
into Common Stock prior to the record date for such dividend.
Liquidation Preference -- In the event of involuntary liquidation,
dissolution or winding up of the Company, each holder of Series A and
Series B Convertible Preferred Stock was entitled to receive, prior and in
preference to any distribution of any assets to holders of any other
capital stock of the Company, the sum of (a) $6.46 or $8.08 per share for
Series A and Series B, respectively, plus (b) an amount in the form of a
dividend equal to a 15% rate of return compounded annually from the date of
original issuance.
Redemption Provisions -- Series A and Series B Convertible Preferred Stock
were redeemable if (a) such redemption would not violate any of the
existing subordination agreements between the Company and its Senior
Lender, and (b) the Company had the consent of the Senior Subordinated
Noteholders. Mandatory redemption of 6.5% of the total outstanding shares
of both Series A and Series B, was required to occur on the last day of
March, June, September and December commencing in 2001. The redemption
price was equal to $6.46 per share for Series A and $8.08 per share for
Series B, plus an amount in the form of a dividend equal to a 15% rate of
return compounded annually and calculated from the original issue date.
This Preferred Stock dividend was accreted using the interest method from
the time of issuance, and this accretion was reversed upon the conversion
to common stock.
Reserved Shares -- As of September 30, 1997, there were 2,566,561 shares of
common stock reserved for issuance upon conversion of the Preferred Stock.
As of September 30, 1997 and 1998, there were 855,400 and 1,458,217 shares,
respectively, of common stock reserved for issuance upon the exercise of
options granted under the Company's Stock Option Plans.
As of September 30, 1997 and 1998 there were 771,664 shares and 511,808 shares,
respectively, of common stock issuable upon the exercise of outstanding
warrants.
F-17
<PAGE> 68
TWEETER HOME ENTERTAINMENT GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
On November 28, 1995 the Company purchased 1,698,929 shares of common stock from
the former majority stockholder for $1,550,017 in cash and the Redemption Note.
The terms of the repurchase arrangement also required that should an IPO by the
Company occur on or before June 30, 1999, an additional payment of $650,000 plus
an amount equal to 9% interest per annum accruing on such amount from November
28, 1995 to the date of such offering (approximately $821,000 at the time of the
effective date of the Company's IPO). This incremental payment would be made on
the occurrence of the IPO, regardless of whether the Redemption Note was still
outstanding. Also on November 28, 1995, the Company authorized and issued
2,624,000 shares and 911,781 shares, respectively, of Series A Convertible
Preferred Stock. In exchange for the shares issued, the Company received net
cash proceeds of $5,469,110.
On January 16, 1996, the Board of Directors authorized a ten-for-one stock
split. All share data in these financial statements reflect the impact of the
split (see Note 1).
On May 13, 1996, the Company issued an additional 788,349 shares of Series A
Convertible Preferred Stock for net proceeds to the Company of $5,091,818 in
order to partially finance the acquisition of Bryn Mawr.
During the period from March 7, 1997 through May 30, 1997, the Company issued
warrants to purchase 37,138 shares of common stock to certain stockholders who
participated in a Warrant and Debenture Commitment relating to a Bridge Loan
financing (see Note 7). The warrants have a five-year term and an exercise price
of $6.46 per share. The Company hired an independent appraiser to determine the
fair value of the warrants as of the issue date. The warrants were issued at or
above the fair value of the underlying stock; consequently, the Company has not
assigned value to nor recorded an expense for this warrant issuance. All of the
warrants issued as part of this transaction were outstanding and exercisable at
September 30, 1997 and September 30, 1998.
On May 30, 1997, the Company issued 866,425 shares of Series B Convertible
Preferred Stock for net proceeds to the Company of $6,837,385 in order to
partially finance the acquisition of HiFi Buys. Series B Convertible Preferred
Stock is subject to essentially the same terms and conditions as the Series A
Convertible Preferred Stock, except that the conversion price of Series B is
$8.08 per share.
On May 30, 1997, the Company issued warrants to purchase 629,566 shares of
common stock in connection with a subordinated debt offering in order to
partially finance the acquisition of HiFi Buys. The warrants have a ten-year
term, an exercise price of $.01 and are subject to certain transfer
restrictions. The Company hired an independent appraiser to determine the fair
value of the warrants as of the issue date. That value was appraised to be
$0.517 per share. Accordingly, the Company placed an aggregate value on the
warrants of $325,383. All of the warrants issued as part of this transaction
were outstanding as of September 30, 1997 and 369,710 are outstanding as of
September 30, 1998. These warrants became immediately exercisable upon the
consummation of the Company's IPO.
On May 30, 1997, the Company issued warrants to purchase 104,960 shares of
common stock in connection with the subordinated debt issued to the seller of
HiFi Buys. These warrants have a term of five years from the date of the IPO.
The Company hired an independent appraiser to determine the fair value of the
warrants as of the issue date. The warrants were issued at or above the fair
value of the underlying stock; consequently, the Company has not assigned value
to nor recorded an expense for these warrants. The warrants have an exercise
price of $8.08 per share and are outstanding and exercisable at September 30,
1998.
F-18
<PAGE> 69
TWEETER HOME ENTERTAINMENT GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
The weighted average exercise price for all warrants outstanding at September
30, 1997 and 1998, respectively, is $1.42 and $2.13. The following table
summarizes information regarding stock warrants outstanding at September 30,
1998:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER WEIGHTED-
AVERAGE OUTSTANDING AND AVERAGE
EXERCISE EXERCISABLE AT REMAINING
PRICES SEPTEMBER 30, 1998 LIFE (YEARS)
- -------- ------------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C>
$0.01 369,710 8.70
6.46 37,138 8.40
8.08 104,960 8.70
----- ------- ----
$2.13 511,808 8.68
</TABLE>
INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING -- On July 16, 1998, the Company completed an IPO of
2,710,000 shares of common stock. The Company sold 2,200,000 shares and 510,000
shares were sold by existing stockholders. Net proceeds received by the Company
were $32.2 million. Net proceeds were used to repay indebtedness (see Note 7).
There were no payments made to directors or officers of the Company, or to
persons owning ten percent or more of any class of equity securities of the
Company or to any affiliate of the Company, except that the Company repaid
approximately $5.0 million on account of a promissory note, as described in Note
7, to one of the institutional investors. This investor beneficially owned 11.2%
of the Company's common stock, immediately prior to the Offering.
COMMON STOCK INCENTIVE PLANS -- In November of 1995, the Company implemented a
stock option plan, under which incentive and nonqualified stock options could be
granted to management, key employees and outside directors to purchase shares of
the Company's common stock. The exercise price for incentive stock options for
employees and nonqualified options for outside directors range from $.61 to
$17.00 per share. Options are generally exercisable over a period from one to
ten years from the date of the grant and are dependent on the vesting schedule
associated with the grant. Options for 388,779, 568,274 and 658,076 shares were
exercisable under the 1995 Stock Option Plan at September 30, 1996, 1997 and
1998, respectively. There were 30,438 shares available for future grants at
September 30, 1997.
On June 1, 1998, the Company terminated the 1995 Stock Option Plan, and adopted
the 1998 Stock Option and Incentive Plan (the "1998 Plan") to provide incentives
to attract and retain executive officers, directors, key employees and
consultants. The aggregate number of shares of common stock issuable under the
1998 Plan is equal to 1,458,217. In addition, the number of shares of common
stock issuable under the 1998 Plan will increase, on each anniversary date of
the adoption of the 1998 Plan, to that number of shares equal to the lesser of
(i) 2% of the total number of shares of common stock that are issued and
outstanding on a fully diluted basis on each such anniversary date or (ii)
150,000 shares of common stock. As options granted under the 1998 Plan are
exercised, the number of shares represented by such previously outstanding
options will again become available for issuance under the 1998 Plan up to a
maximum of 100,000 shares of common stock annually. There were no shares
exercisable under the 1998 Stock Option Plan at September 30, 1998. There were
1,458,217 shares available for future grants at September 30, 1998.
The 1998 Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of
Directors, and will allow the Company to issue one or more of the following:
stock options (incentive stock option's and non-qualified options), restricted
stock awards, stock appreciation rights, common stock in lieu of certain cash
compensation, dividend equivalent rights, performance shares and performance
units (collectively, "Plan Awards"). The 1998 Plan will expire five years
following its adoption. Awards made thereunder and outstanding at the expiration
of the 1998 Plan will survive in accordance with their terms.
In any plan year no more than 25% of the shares reserved for issuance under the
1998 Plan may be used for Plan Awards consisting of restricted stock. All grants
of restricted stock under the 1998 Plan will be subject to
F-19
<PAGE> 70
TWEETER HOME ENTERTAINMENT GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
vesting over seven years, subject, however, at the Administrator's discretion,
to acceleration of vesting upon the achievement of specified performance goals.
The 1998 Plan also provides for the grant or issuance of Plan Awards to
directors of the Company who are not employees of the Company. These options
will vest over a period of three years; provided such non-employee director is
not removed before the end of his or her term. On June 1, 1998, the Board of
Directors authorized the grant of options ("June 1998 Options") under the 1998
Plan, exercisable for a total of 209,988 shares of common stock, to certain
officers, directors and employees of the Company. All such June 1998 Options
were granted upon the consummation of the IPO, and the exercise price for all
such June 1998 Options is $17.00 per share.
The following summarizes transactions under the stock option plans:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
WEIGHTED-
AVERAGE
NUMBER OF PER SHARE EXERCISE
SHARES OPTION PRICE PRICE
--------- --------------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
October 1, 1995
Granted............................. 604,424 $0.61 to $ 7.10 $ 2.31
Exercised........................... -- -- --
Canceled............................ -- -- --
--------- ------
September 30, 1996.................... 604,424 $0.61 to $ 7.10 $ 2.31
Granted............................. 232,602 $6.46 to $ 8.08 $ 7.59
Exercised........................... -- -- --
Canceled............................ 11,289 $0.61 to $ 6.46 $ 1.77
--------- ------
September 30, 1997.................... 825,737 $0.61 to $ 8.08 $ 3.72
Granted............................. 229,270 $7.24 to $17.00 $15.74
Exercised........................... -- -- --
Canceled............................ 10,282 $0.61 to $ 7.24 $ 3.24
--------- ------
September 30, 1998.................... 1,044,725 $0.61 to $17.00 $ 6.48
========= ======
</TABLE>
The following summarizes information about all stock options outstanding at
September 30, 1998:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
WEIGHTED-
AVERAGE
REMAINING NUMBER OF
SHARES AVERAGE OPTIONS
EXERCISE OUTSTANDING AT CONTRACTUAL EXERCISABLE AT
PRICES SEPTEMBER 30, 1998 LIFE (YEARS) SEPTEMBER 30, 1998
- -------- ------------------ ------------ ------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
$ 0.61........................ 215,676 7.3 172,146
0.67........................ 111,878 7.4 111,878
1.52........................ 107,584 7.2 107,584
6.46........................ 133,023 7.6 98,142
7.10........................ 44,148 7.7 44,148
7.24........................ 179,860 8.8 71,288
8.08........................ 52,890 8.8 52,890
14.21........................ 328 9.4 --
17.00........................ 199,338 3.3 --
--------- -------
Total.................... 1,044,725 6.9 658,076
========= =======
</TABLE>
F-20
<PAGE> 71
TWEETER HOME ENTERTAINMENT GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
The weighted-average exercise price of all options outstanding as of September
30, 1997 and 1998 is $3.72 and $6.48, respectively.
For purposes of determining the disclosure required by SFAS No. 123, the fair
value of each stock option granted in 1996, 1997 and 1998 under the Company's
stock option plan was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes
option-pricing model. Key assumptions used to apply this pricing model were as
follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SEPTEMBER 30,
------------------------
1996 1997 1998
---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Risk free interest rate.................................... 6.21% 5.69% 5.67%
Expected life of option grants (years)..................... 5.0 4.0 3.3
Expected volatility of underlying stock.................... 54.5% 54.5% 32%
</TABLE>
Had compensation cost for stock option grants during the years ended September
30, 1996, 1997 and 1998 been determined under the provisions of SFAS No. 123,
the Company's net income would have been approximately $1,742,600, $136,000 and
$5,033,000, respectively. Pro forma diluted earnings (loss) per share would have
been $0.36, $(1.21) and $1.00 for the years ended September 30, 1996, 1997 and
1998, respectively.
13. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
In May 1996, in connection with the acquisition of Bryn Mawr, the Company
entered into a consulting agreement with Bryn Mawr's former owner and a former
director of the Company ("BMFO") for a term of four years (the "Consulting
Period"). This consulting agreement was amended as of April 23, 1997 and
currently the Company is obligated to pay BMFO a monthly salary of approximately
$21,000 for each month during the first year after the commencement date of the
agreement, and approximately $4,200 for each month during years three and four
of the Consulting Period plus out-of-pocket expenses. No compensation or
expenses were to be paid to BMFO for the second year of the Consulting Period.
The Company also entered into certain lease agreements for three facilities in
Pennsylvania with an affiliate of BMFO. Total yearly payments under these
agreements aggregates to approximately $670,000.
14. EXTRAORDINARY ITEM
In connection with the IPO on July 16, 1998, the Company recorded an
extraordinary charge against current period income for the early extinguishment
of debt. The Company wrote off deferred financing costs of $286,009 related to
the 1997 Notes. The Company also wrote off $280,136 representing the unamortized
portion of the discount related to the warrants issued in conjunction with the
1997 Notes. The gross amount of the extraordinary item was $566,145. The net
effect of $339,687, after tax benefit of $226,458, was recorded in the
consolidated statement of income as an extraordinary item.
F-21
<PAGE> 72
TWEETER HOME ENTERTAINMENT GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
15. QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
The following is a tabulation of the quarterly results of operations for the
fiscal years ended September 30, 1997 and 1998, respectively.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED
------------------------------------------------------
DECEMBER 31, MARCH 31, JUNE 30, SEPTEMBER 30,
1996 1997 1997 1997
------------ --------- -------- -------------
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
FISCAL YEAR 1997
Total revenue................................ $34,988 $25,595 $28,211 $43,731
Gross profit................................. 12,300 9,102 9,659 15,149
Net income (loss)............................ 1,350 (47) (698) (459)
Net income (loss) available to common
stockholders............................... 896 (495) (1,234) (1,178)
Basic earnings (loss) per share.............. 0.54 (0.30) (0.74) (0.70)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share............ 0.4 (0.30) (0.74) (0.70)
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED
------------------------------------------------------
DECEMBER 31, MARCH 31, JUNE 30, SEPTEMBER 30,
1997 1998 1998 1998
------------ --------- -------- -------------
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
FISCAL YEAR 1998
Total revenue................................ $74,617 $54,512 $49,676 $53,483
Gross profit................................. 25,381 19,468 17,419 18,754
Net income................................... 3,173 1,139 204 599
Net income (loss) available to common
stockholders............................... 2,381 347 (588) 738
Basic earnings (loss) per share.............. 1.42 0.21 (0.35) 0.11
Diluted earnings (loss) per share............ 0.69 0.17 (0.35) 0.11
</TABLE>
16. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
On December 9, 1998, the Company reached an agreement in principle to acquire
certain assets and liabilities of the retail operations of Home Entertainment,
Inc. for consideration of approximately $8,200,000. The source of cash for the
purchase price will be borrowings made under the Company's revolving line of
credit. Home Entertainment, Inc. operates seven consumer electronics retail
stores in the Dallas and Houston markets. The Company will continue the
operation of the retail stores as well as the service and distribution
facilities.
F-22
<PAGE> 73
TWEETER HOME ENTERTAINMENT GROUP, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
DECEMBER 31, 1998
(UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents................................. $ 3,912,650
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful
accounts of $560,000................................... 11,568,663
Inventory................................................. 43,885,848
Deferred tax assets....................................... 1,598,352
Prepaid expenses and other current assets................. 420,142
------------
Total current assets.............................. 61,385,655
Property and equipment, net................................. 26,771,456
Other assets, net........................................... 72,660
Goodwill, net............................................... 19,904,854
------------
TOTAL............................................. $108,134,625
============
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Amount due to bank........................................ $ 6,402,324
Accounts payable.......................................... 16,995,715
Accrued expenses.......................................... 19,729,731
Customer deposits......................................... 2,454,200
Deferred warranty......................................... 1,047,632
------------
Total current liabilities......................... 46,629,602
------------
LONG TERM LIABILITIES:
Rent related accruals..................................... 2,927,031
Deferred warranty......................................... 816,067
Deferred tax liabilities.................................. 1,423,283
Other long-term liabilities............................... 170,940
------------
Total long-term liabilities....................... 5,337,321
------------
Total liabilities................................. 51,966,923
------------
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Preferred Stock, $.01 par value, 10,000,000 shares
authorized, no shares issued and outstanding........... --
Common stock, $.01 par value, 30,000,000 shares
authorized; 7,521,763 shares issued.................... 75,217
Additional paid in capital................................ 46,841,157
Retained earnings......................................... 10,964,766
------------
Total............................................. 57,881,140
Less treasury stock: 1,229,251 shares at cost............... (1,713,438)
------------
Total stockholders' equity........................ 56,167,702
------------
TOTAL............................................. $108,134,625
============
</TABLE>
See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
F-23
<PAGE> 74
TWEETER HOME ENTERTAINMENT GROUP, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED
DECEMBER 31,
----------------------------
1997 1998
------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C>
Total revenue............................................... $ 74,617,456 $ 86,784,153
Cost of sales............................................... (49,236,638) (57,233,284)
------------ ------------
Gross Profit.............................................. 25,380,818 29,550,869
------------ ------------
Selling expenses............................................ 16,389,929 17,498,748
Corporate, general and administrative expenses.............. 2,616,574 4,040,692
Amortization of goodwill.................................... 221,301 215,400
------------ ------------
Income from operations...................................... 6,153,014 7,796,029
Interest expense............................................ 864,948 200,498
------------ ------------
Income before income taxes.................................. 5,288,066 7,595,531
Income tax expense.......................................... 2,115,232 3,038,212
------------ ------------
NET INCOME.................................................. $ 3,172,834 $ 4,557,319
============ ============
Accretion of preferred stock................................ 791,820 --
------------ ------------
Net income available to common stockholders................. $ 2,381,014 $ 4,557,319
============ ============
Basic earnings per share.................................... $ 1.42 $ 0.72
============ ============
Diluted earnings per share.................................. $ 0.69 $ 0.64
============ ============
Weighted average shares outstanding
Basic..................................................... 1,672,507 6,356,561
Diluted................................................... 4,589,499 7,102,100
</TABLE>
See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
F-24
<PAGE> 75
TWEETER HOME ENTERTAINMENT GROUP, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED
DECEMBER 31,
--------------------------
1997 1998
----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income................................................ $ 3,172,834 $ 4,557,319
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided
by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization.......................... 1,057,177 1,084,598
Gain on disposal of equipment.......................... (2,000) --
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Increase in accounts receivable...................... (3,853,128) (5,360,826)
Increase in inventory................................ (1,871,769) (5,523,537)
Decrease in prepaid expenses and other assets........ 18,433 103,570
Increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses.... 11,249,365 14,055,406
Increase in customer deposits........................ 993,551 1,031,643
Increase in deferred rent............................ 127,212 105,829
Decrease in deferred warranty........................ (411,362) (311,877)
Decrease in other liabilities........................ (36,960) (27,720)
----------- -----------
Net cash provided by operating activities......... 10,443,353 9,714,405
----------- -----------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchase of property and equipment........................ (1,444,858) (3,659,478)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment.............. 2,000 --
----------- -----------
Net cash used in investing activities............. (1,442,858) (3,659,478)
=========== ===========
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Amount due to bank........................................ 2,375,572 2,331,014
Payments of long-term debt................................ (2,500,000) (5,250,000)
Payments of subordinated debt............................. (100,000) --
----------- -----------
Net cash used in financing activities............. (224,428) (2,918,986)
----------- -----------
INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS....................... 8,776,067 3,135,941
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD.............. 1,156,837 776,709
----------- -----------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD.................... $ 9,932,904 $ 3,912,650
=========== ===========
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest............................................... $ 669,905 $ 567,287
=========== ===========
Taxes.................................................. $ 7,000 $ 1,322,936
=========== ===========
</TABLE>
See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
F-25
<PAGE> 76
TWEETER HOME ENTERTAINMENT GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Tweeter Home
Entertainment Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries ("Tweeter"), included herein,
should be read in conjunction with the consolidated balance sheets as of
September 30, 1997 and 1998, and the related consolidated statements of income,
stockholders' equity (deficit) and cash flows for each of the three years in the
period ended September 31, 1998, and the notes thereto, included elsewhere in
this prospectus.
2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Tweeter's unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. In the opinion of
management, all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring accruals)
considered necessary for a fair presentation of the interim consolidated
financial statements have been included. Operating results for the three-month
period ended December 31, 1998 are not necessarily indicative of the results
that may be expected for the year ending September 30, 1999. Tweeter typically
records its highest revenue and earnings in the first fiscal quarter.
3. EARNINGS PER SHARE
Tweeter computed earnings per share in accordance with Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 128, "Earnings Per Share". Basic earnings per
share is calculated based on the weighted average number of common shares
outstanding, adjusted for the nominal issuance of certain warrants. Diluted
earnings per share is based on the weighted average number of common shares
outstanding, adjusted for the nominal issuance of certain warrants, shares of
preferred stock outstanding, when dilutive, and dilutive potential common shares
(common stock options and warrants).
The following is a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the
basic and diluted earnings per share:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED
DECEMBER 31,
------------------------
1997 1998
---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C>
BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE:
Numerator:
Net income................................................ $3,172,834 $4,557,319
Accretion of preferred stock dividends.................... 791,820 --
---------- ----------
Net income available to common stockholders................. 2,381,014 4,557,319
Denominator:
Weighted average common shares outstanding................ 1,512,670 6,196,724
Nominal issuance of warrants.............................. 159,837 159,837
---------- ----------
Weighted average shares outstanding......................... 1,672,507 6,356,561
---------- ----------
Basic earnings per share.................................... $ 1.42 $ 0.72
========== ==========
DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE:
Numerator................................................... $3,172,834 $4,557,319
Denominator:
Weighted average shares outstanding....................... 1,672,507 6,356,561
Potential common stock outstanding........................ 2,916,992 745,539
---------- ----------
Total....................................................... 4,589,499 7,102,100
---------- ----------
Diluted earnings per share.................................. $ 0.69 $ 0.64
========== ==========
</TABLE>
F-26
<PAGE> 77
TWEETER HOME ENTERTAINMENT GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
4. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
In February 1999, Tweeter completed a follow-on offering of 2,875,000 shares of
its common stock. Of those 2,875,000 shares, 2,000,000 were sold by Tweeter
stockholders and 875,000 shares were sold by Tweeter. The sale of such 875,000
shares by Tweeter yielded approximately $24,186,250 net of offering expenses for
Tweeter. Tweeter used these net proceeds in part to finance the acquisition of
Home Entertainment of Texas, Inc. and for working capital purposes. Tweeter did
not receive any proceeds from the sale of common stock by the selling
stockholders.
F-27
<PAGE> 78
- ------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------
INVESTORS MAY RELY ONLY ON THE INFORMATION IN THIS PROSPECTUS. TWEETER HAS NOT
AUTHORIZED ANYONE TO PROVIDE ANY DIFFERENT OR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. THIS
PROSPECTUS IS NOT AN OFFER TO SELL OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY SHARES
OF TWEETER'S COMMON STOCK TO ANY PERSON IN ANY JURISDICTION WHERE IT IS
UNLAWFUL. NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS NOR ANY SALE OF SHARES MEANS
THAT INFORMATION IN THIS PROSPECTUS IS CORRECT OR COMPLETE AFTER THE DATE OF
THIS PROSPECTUS.
------------------------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
----
<S> <C>
Prospectus Summary.................. 1
Risk Factors........................ 6
Price Range of Common Stock......... 12
Dividend Policy..................... 12
Capitalization...................... 13
Selected Consolidated Financial and
Operating Data.................... 14
Management's Discussion and Analysis
of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations..................... 16
Business............................ 27
Management.......................... 36
Principal Stockholders.............. 42
Certain Transactions................ 43
Description of Capital Stock........ 44
Plan of Distribution................ 47
Legal Matters....................... 47
Experts............................. 48
Available Information............... 48
Index to Financial Statements....... F-1
</TABLE>
- ------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------
2,000,000 SHARES
TWEETER HOME
ENTERTAINMENT
GROUP, INC.
COMMON STOCK
------------------------
PROSPECTUS
------------------------
, 1999
- ------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE> 79
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
ITEM 20. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.
Tweeter's Charter generally limits the liability of its Directors to Tweeter to
the fullest extent permitted from time to time by Delaware law. The DGCL
permits, but does not require, Tweeter to indemnify its directors, officers,
employees or agents, and expressly provides that the indemnification provided
for under the DGCL shall not be deemed exclusive of any indemnification right
under any By-law, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors, or otherwise.
The DGCL permits indemnification against expenses and certain other liabilities
arising out of legal actions brought or threatened against such persons for
their conduct on behalf of a corporation; provided, however, that each such
person acted in good faith and in a manner that he reasonably believed was in or
not opposed to Tweeter's best interests and, in the case of a criminal
proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful.
The DGCL does not allow indemnification of directors in the case of an action by
or in the right of a corporation (including stockholder derivative suits) unless
the directors successfully defend the action or indemnification is ordered by
the court.
The Charter provides that Tweeter's Directors and executive officers shall be
and, in the discretion of the Board of Directors, other officers and non-officer
employees may be, indemnified by Tweeter to the fullest extent authorized by
Delaware law, as it now exists or may in the future be amended, against all
expenses and liabilities actually and reasonably incurred in connection with
service for or on behalf of Tweeter. The By-laws also provide that the right of
directors and officers to indemnification shall be a contract right and shall
not be exclusive of any other right now possessed or hereafter acquired under
any By-law, agreement, vote of stockholders, or otherwise. The Charter contains
a provision permitted by Delaware law that generally eliminates the personal
liability of directors for monetary damages for breaches of their fiduciary
duty, including breaches involving negligence or gross negligence in business
combinations, unless the director has breached his or her duty of loyalty,
failed to act in good faith, engaged in intentional misconduct or a knowing
violation of law, paid a dividend or approved a stock repurchase in violation of
the DGCL or obtained an improper personal benefit. The provision does not alter
a director's liability under the Federal securities laws. In addition, this
provision does not affect the availability of equitable remedies, such as an
injunction or rescission, for breach of fiduciary duty.
ITEM 21. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
(a) See the Exhibit Index included immediately preceding the exhibits to this
Registration Statement.
(b) Schedule II and the related Independent Auditors' Report on Schedule are
included in this Registration Statement. All other schedules are not required
under the instructions relating to the applicable accounting regulations of the
Securities and Exchange Commission or are inapplicable, and therefore have been
omitted.
ITEM 22. UNDERTAKINGS.
(a) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:
(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a
post-effective amendment to this registration statement:
(i) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the
Securities Act of 1933;
(ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the
effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent
post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the
aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth
in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any
increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total
dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was
registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated
maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed
with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the
changes in
II-1
<PAGE> 80
volume and price represent no more than a 20 percent change in the
maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the "Calculation of
Registration Fee" table in the effective registration statement;
(iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan of
distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or
any material change to such information in the registration statement;
(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities
Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new
registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the
offering of such securities at the time shall be deemed to be the initial
bona fide offering thereof.
(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any
of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination
of the offering.
(b) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the
registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant
has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission
such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act
and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification
against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses
incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant
in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being
registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter
has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public
policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final
adjudication of such issue.
(c) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that:
(1) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, the
information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this
registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form
of prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to under Rule 424(b)(1) or
(4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this
registration statement as of the time it was declared effective; and
(2) For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act,
each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be
deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities
offered therein, and that offering of such securities at that time shall be
deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(d) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to respond to requests for
information that is incorporated by reference into the Prospectus pursuant to
Item 4, 10(b), 11, or 13 of this form, within one business day of receipt of
such request, and to send the incorporated documents by first class mail or
other equally prompt means. This includes information contained in documents
filed subsequent to the effective date of the registration statement through the
date of responding to the request.
(e) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to supply by means of a
post-effective amendment all information concerning a transaction, and the
company being acquired involved therein, that was not the subject of and
included in the registration statement when it became effective.
II-2
<PAGE> 81
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has
duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Boston, Commonwealth of
Massachusetts on April 13, 1999.
TWEETER HOME ENTERTAINMENT GROUP, INC.
By: /s/ JOSEPH MCGUIRE
---------------------------------------
Joseph McGuire
Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer
POWER OF ATTORNEY AND SIGNATURES
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS that each individual whose signature appears
below constitutes and appoints Samuel Bloomberg, Jeffrey Stone, and Joseph
McGuire, and each of them singly, as his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and
agents for the undersigned, with full power of substitution, for and in the
name, place and stead of the undersigned, to sign and file with the Securities
and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act any registration statement
relating to the Offering that is to be effective upon filing pursuant to Rule
462(b) under the Securities Act (a "462(b) Registration Statement"), any and all
amendments and exhibits to this Registration Statement or any 462(b)
Registration Statement, and any and all applications and other documents to be
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pertaining to the registration
of the securities covered hereby or thereby, with full power and authority to do
and perform any and all acts and things whatsoever requisite and necessary or
desirable.
In accordance with the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
registration statement has been duly signed below by the following persons in
the capacities and on the dates indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
- --------- ----- ----
<C> <S> <C>
/s/ SAMUEL BLOOMBERG Director, Chairman of the Board and April 13, 1999
- ------------------------------------ Chief Executive Officer
Samuel Bloomberg
/s/ JEFFREY STONE Director and President (Principal April 13, 1999
- ------------------------------------ Executive Officer)
Jeffrey Stone
/s/ JOSEPH MCGUIRE Vice President and Chief Financial April 13, 1999
- ------------------------------------ Officer (Principal Financial Officer
Joseph McGuire and Principal Accounting Officer)
/s/ JEFFREY BLOOMBERG Director April 13, 1999
- ------------------------------------
Jeffrey Bloomberg
/s/ MATTHEW BRONFMAN Director April 13, 1999
- ------------------------------------
Matthew Bronfman
/s/ MICHAEL CRONIN Director April 13, 1999
- ------------------------------------
Michael Cronin
/s/ STEVEN FISCHMAN Director April 13, 1999
- ------------------------------------
Steven Fischman
</TABLE>
II-3
<PAGE> 82
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT ON SCHEDULE
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Tweeter Home Entertainment Group, Inc.:
Our audits were conducted for the purpose of forming an opinion on the basic
financial statements taken as a whole. The additional consolidated financial
statement schedule of Tweeter Home Entertainment Group, Inc., listed in Item
21(b) is presented for the purpose of additional analysis and is not a required
part of the basic financial statements. This financial statement schedule is the
responsibility of the Company's management. Such financial statement schedule
has been subjected to the auditing procedures applied in our audits of the basic
financial statements and, in our opinion, is fairly stated in all material
respects when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as
a whole.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
November 24, 1998
S-1
<PAGE> 83
SCHEDULE II
TWEETER HOME ENTERTAINMENT GROUP, INC.
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
(IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ADDITIONS
-------------------------
BALANCE AT CHARGED CHARGED TO DEDUCTIONS BALANCE
BEGINNING TO COSTS OTHER NET OF AT END
DESCRIPTION OF PERIOD AND EXPENSES ACCOUNTS WRITE-OFFS OF PERIOD
- ----------- ------------ ------------ ---------- ---------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Years ended
September 30, 1998.................... $631 $ 13 $-- $84 $560
September 30, 1997.................... 440 191 -- -- 631
September 30, 1996.................... 15 427 -- 2 440
</TABLE>
S-2
<PAGE> 84
EXHIBIT INDEX
(a) EXHIBITS:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT NO. DESCRIPTION
- ----------- -----------
<C> <C> <S>
*3.1 -- Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the
Company.
*3.2 -- Amended and Restated By-Laws of the Company.
*4.1 -- Specimen Certificate representing the common stock.
*4.2 -- Shareholders' Rights Agreement.
***5.1 -- Opinion of Goulston & Storrs, P.C. with respect to the
legality of the shares being offered.
*10.1 -- Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement, dated as
of May 30, 1997, among the Company and the shareholders and
warrantholders listed therein, as amended.
*10.2 -- Warrant Purchase Agreement among the Company, PNC Capital
Corp, Seacoast Capital Partners, L.P. and Exeter Venture
Lenders, L.P., dated as of May 30, 1997, as amended.
*10.4 -- Stock Purchase Warrant issued to Seacoast Capital Partners,
L.P. dated June 5, 1998 for 209,855 shares of common stock
of the Company.
*10.5 -- Common Stock Warrant issued to HiFi Buys Incorporated dated
June 5, 1998 for 104,960 shares of common stock of the
Company.
*10.6 -- Form of common stock Purchase Warrant dated June 5, 1998
issued by the Company pursuant to the Warrant and Debenture
Commitment.
*10.7 -- 1995 Stock Option Plan.
*10.8 -- 1998 Plan.
*10.9 -- Employment Agreement between the Company and Samuel
Bloomberg.
*10.10 -- Employment Agreement between the Company and Jeffrey Stone.
*10.11 -- Employment Agreement between the Company and Joseph McGuire.
*10.12 -- Employment Agreement between the Company and Fred Lokoff,
dated as of May 13, 1996 and amended as of April 23, 1997.
*10.13 -- Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of May 30, 1997, between
the Company and HiFi Buys Incorporated.
*10.14 -- Purchase and Sale Agreement between Chadwick-Miller Inc. and
New England Audio Co., Inc. for premises at 10 Pequot Way,
Canton, MA, dated March 31, 1998.
*10.15 -- Progressive Retailers Organization, Inc. Policy and
Procedures Manual.
**10.16 -- Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
**11.1 -- Statement Re Computation of Per Share Earnings.
***21.1 -- Subsidiaries of the Company.
***23.1 -- Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP.
23.2 -- Consent of Goulston & Storrs, P.C., counsel to the Company
(included in Exhibit 5.1).
24.1 -- Power of Attorney (included on Signature Page).
**27.1 -- Financial Data Schedule.
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
* Filed as an exhibit to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1
(Registration Number 333-51015) or amendments thereto and incorporated
herein by reference.
** Filed as an exhibit to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1
(Registration Number 333-70543) or amendments thereto and incorporated
herein by reference.
*** Filed herewith.
<PAGE> 1
Exhibit 5.1
[Letterhead of Goulston & Storrs, P.C.]
April 13, 1999
Tweeter Home Entertainment Group, Inc.
40 Hudson Road
Canton, MA 02021
Ladies and Gentlemen:
This opinion is furnished to you in connection with a registration
statement on Form S-4 (the "Registration Statement"), filed by Tweeter Home
Entertainment Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), with the
Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
for the registration of 2,000,000 shares of Common Stock, $.01 par value (the
"Shares"), of the Company that may be offered and issued from time to time by
the Company in connection with its acquisition of the assets, business or
securities of other companies.
We have examined such documents, records and matters of law as we have
deemed necessary for purposes of this opinion, and based thereon we are of the
opinion that the Shares are duly authorized and, when approved for issuance by
the Board of Directors of the Company or a duly appointed committee thereof and
issued by the Company from time to time as described in the prospectus filed as
part of the Registration Statement, will be validly issued, fully paid and
nonassessable.
It is understood that this opinion is to be used only in connection with
the offer and sale of the Shares while the Registration Statement is in effect.
We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as Exhibit 5.1 to the
Registration Statement and to the reference to our firm in the prospectus
contained in the Registration Statement under the caption "Legal Matters."
Very truly yours,
/s/ Goulston & Storrs, P.C.
TBB/DRA
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 21.1
SUBSIDIARIES OF THE COMPANY
Subsidiaries of Tweeter Home Entertainment Group, Inc.:
- New England Audio Co., Inc.
Subsidiaries of New England Audio Co., Inc.:
- NEA Delaware, Inc.
Subsidiaries of NEA Delaware, Inc.
- None.
THEG USA, L.P.:
New England Audio Co., Inc. - 1% General Partner
NEA Delaware, Inc. - 99% Limited Partner
Tweeter Home Entertainment Group Financing Company Trust
(a Massachusetts business trust):
Grantor: New England Audio Co., Inc.
Trustees: Samuel Bloomberg
Jeffrey Stone
-1-
<PAGE> 1
Exhibit 23.1
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT AND REPORT ON SCHEDULE
We consent to the use in this Registration Statement relating to 2,000,000
shares of Common Stock of Tweeter Home Entertainment Group, Inc. on Form S-4 of
our report dated November 24, 1998, except for Note 16, as to which the date is
December 9, 1998, appearing in the Prospectus, which is part of this
Registration Statement, and to the reference to us under the heading "Experts"
in such Prospectus.
Our audits of the consolidated financial statements referred to in our
aforementioned report also included the consolidated financial statement
schedule of Tweeter Home Entertainment Group, Inc., listed in Item 21(b). This
financial statement schedule is the responsibility of the Company's management.
Our responsibility is to express an opinion based on our audits. In our opinion,
such consolidated financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to
the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in
all material respects the information set forth therein.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
April 12, 1999
