2,152,032 SHARES
SUNGLASS HUT
INTERNATIONAL
COMMON STOCK
----------
This Prospectus relates to the proposed sale from time to time of up to
2,152,032 shares (the "Shares") of the Common Stock, in the amount and in the
manner and on terms and conditions described herein, by the Selling
Stockholders, who are former stockholders of companies acquired by Sunglass
Hut International, Inc. (the "Company"). See "Selling Stockholders." The
Selling Stockholders may sell the Shares in one or more transactions (which
may include "block" transactions) on the Nasdaq National Market, in the
over-the-counter market, in negotiated transactions or in a combination of
such methods of sales, at fixed prices which may be changed, at market prices
prevailing at the time of sale, at prices related to such prevailing market
prices or at negotiated prices. The Selling Stockholders may effect such
transactions by selling the Shares directly to purchasers, or may sell to or
through agents, dealers or underwriters designated from time to time and such
agents, dealers or underwriters may receive compensation in the form of
discounts, concessions or commissions from the Selling Stockholders and/or
the purchaser(s) of Shares for whom they may act as agent or to whom they may
sell as principals, or both. See "Plan of Distribution" and "Selling
Stockholders." The Company will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale
of the Shares and will bear all of the expenses of registering this offering
of the Shares.
The Common Stock of the Company is traded on the Nasdaq National Market
under the symbol "RAYS." On June 7, 1996, the last reported sale price of the
Common Stock on the Nasdaq National Market System was $28.00. See "Price Range
of Common Stock."
----------
SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 7 IN THE PROSPECTUS FOR A DISCUSSION OF
CERTAIN FACTORS THAT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED BY PROSPECTIVE
PURCHASERS OF THE COMMON STOCK OFFERED HEREBY.
----------
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES
COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS
PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
----------
NO DEALER, SALESPERSON OR OTHER PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY
INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS
PROSPECTUS AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATION MUST NOT
BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE COMPANY OR THE SELLING
STOCKHOLDERS. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR
SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY ANY OF THE SECURITIES OFFERED HEREBY IN ANY
JURISDICTION TO ANY PERSON TO WHOM IT IS UNLAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH OFFER IN SUCH
JURISDICTION. NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS NOR ANY SALE MADE
HEREUNDER SHALL, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, CREATE ANY IMPLICATION THAT THE
INFORMATION HEREIN IS CORRECT AS OF ANY TIME SUBSEQUENT TO THE DATE HEREOF OR
THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO CHANGE IN THE AFFAIRS OF THE COMPANY SINCE SUCH DATE.
June 11, 1996
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
---------
Available Information .............................. 2
Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference ... 2
Prospectus Summary ................................. 3
Risk Factors ....................................... 7
Price Range of Common Stock ........................ 9
Dividend Policy .................................... 9
Selling Stockholders ............................... 10
Plan of Distribution ............................... 11
Legal Matters ...................................... 12
Additional Information ............................. 12
----------
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and in accordance
therewith files reports, proxy statements and other information with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission"). Such reports, proxy
statements and other information filed by the Company may be inspected and
copied (at prescribed rates) at the public reference facilities maintained by
the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Room 1024, Washington, D.C. 20549
and at the Commission's regional office located at Seven World Trade Center,
13th Floor, New York, New York 10048 and at 500 West Madison Street, Suite
1400, Chicago, Illinois 60611. Quotations relating to the Company's Common
Stock appear on the Nasdaq National Market and such reports, proxy statements
and other information concerning the Company can also be inspected at the
offices of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., 1735 K
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006.
----------
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The following documents heretofore filed by the Company with the
Commission pursuant to the Exchange Act are incorporated by reference in this
Prospectus:
(1) the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, for the fiscal year ended
February 3, 1996;
(2) the Company's Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed on April 30,
1993, registering the Company's Common Stock under Section 12(g) of
the Exchange Act; and
(3) the Company's Proxy Statement for its 1996 Annual Meeting of
Stockholders.
All documents filed by the Company pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14
or 15(d) of the Exchange Act subsequent to the date of this Prospectus and
prior to the termination of offering of the Common Stock registered hereunder
shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference herein and to be a part
hereof from the date of the filing of such reports and documents. The Company
will provide a copy of any or all of such documents (exclusive of exhibits
unless such exhibits are specifically incorporated by reference therein),
without charge, to each person to whom this Prospectus is delivered, upon
written or oral request to Larry G. Petersen, Senior Vice President--Finance
and Chief Financial Officer, 255 Alhambra Circle, Coral Gables, Florida
33134, telephone (305) 461-6225.
Any statement contained in a document incorporated or deemed to be
incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded
for the purposes of this Prospectus to the extent that a statement contained
herein or in any other subsequently filed document which also is or is deemed
to be incorporated by reference herein modifies or supercedes such statement.
Any statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so
modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this Prospectus.
----------
AS USED IN THIS PROSPECTUS, "FISCAL 1990," "FISCAL 1991," "FISCAL 1992,"
"FISCAL 1993," "FISCAL 1994," "FISCAL 1995" AND "FISCAL 1996" REFER TO THE
COMPANY'S FISCAL YEAR ENDED JANUARY 31, 1991, FEBRUARY 1, 1992, JANUARY 30,
1993, JANUARY 29, 1994, JANUARY 28, 1995, FEBRUARY 3, 1996 AND ENDING
FEBRUARY 1, 1997, RESPECTIVELY.
2
<PAGE>
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
THE FOLLOWING SUMMARY IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY THE MORE DETAILED
INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS AND THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS AND THE RELATED NOTES INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE. THIS
PROSPECTUS, INCLUDING THE INFORMATION INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE, CONTAINS
CERTAIN FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS WHICH INVOLVE RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES. THE
COMPANY'S ACTUAL RESULTS MAY DIFFER SIGNIFICANTLY FROM THE RESULTS DISCUSSED
IN THE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS. FACTORS THAT MIGHT CAUSE SUCH A DIFFERENCE
INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO, THOSE DISCUSSED IN "RISK FACTORS."
----------
THE COMPANY
Sunglass Hut International ("Sunglass Hut" or the "Company") is the
world's largest specialty retailer of sunglasses with over 1,850 locations
worldwide. Since opening its first kiosk in Miami, Florida in 1971, the
Company has grown rapidly both through internal expansion and acquisitions,
increasing from 156 stores at February 1, 1988 to 1,860 locations at June 1,
1996.
During fiscal 1995, the Company (i) opened or acquired 379 stores and 37
licensed sunglass departments, and closed 22 stores, (ii) acquired an
additional 351 stores from Sunsations Sunglass Company ("Sunsations") in a
pooling of interests transaction and (iii) acquired the remaining 50%
interest in Sunglass World Holdings Pty Ltd. ("Sunglass World"), a premier
specialty retailer of sunglasses in Australia, which operated 85 stores at the
time of acquisition.
Sunglass Hut's business strategy is to enhance its position as the largest
specialty retailer of sunglasses by emphasizing:
(i) Dominant Merchandise Selection--The Company strives to offer the most
extensive selection of brand name function, sport and fashion sunglasses in
the industry. A typical store carries approximately 1,000 stock keeping
units, including sunglasses made by Ray-Ban, Oakley, Serengeti, Revo, Diesel,
Vuarnet, Giorgio Armani and DKNY, as well as private label sunglasses sold
primarily under the Sungear brand name.
(ii) Competitive Everyday Low Pricing--The Company's market-by-market
pricing policy is to maintain everyday low prices that are competitive within
each market. The Company supports this policy by regularly monitoring price
levels at its competitors' stores and by offering a lowest price guarantee.
(iii) Flexible Innovative Formats--The relatively small size of sunglasses
gives the Company the ability to operate many sizes of in-line and kiosk
formats. In addition to operating in traditional regional malls, management
believes that the flexibility of the Company's store formats permits it to
operate stores in (a) quality outlet malls, (b) on-street sites in
high-traffic locations, (c) mixed use, festival, hotel and other specialty
locations, (d) airports and other transportation terminals and (e) licensed
departments within department stores and mass merchandisers.
(iv) Exceptional Customer Service--The Company believes that its
knowledgeable and personalized customer service differerentiates it from its
competitors and is a critical component of its success. The Company has
implemented extensive employee training programs designed to ensure that its
sales associates are both thoroughly familiar with the technical, fashion and
function elements of its sunglass offerings and committed to achieving total
customer satisfaction.
(v) Key Vendor Partnerships--The Company views its key suppliers as
partners and works with these vendors on an ongoing basis to develop new
products and sunglass styles. From time to time, the Company negotiates
exclusive and favorable volume purchasing terms for merchandise. Sunglass Hut
believes that it is the largest customer of Bausch & Lomb, Oakley and
Serengeti, as well as other leading sunglass manufacturers.
3
<PAGE>
The following table shows the historical growth of the Company's
locations:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FISCAL(1)
--------------------------------------------- June 1,
STORE LOCATION: 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996
- --------------- ------- ------- ------- -------- -------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Sunglass Hut ................. 501 716 872 1,202 1,686 1,751
Licensed Sunglass Departments -- -- 1 1 38 100
EyeX Optical Stores .......... -- -- -- -- 2 8
------- ------- ------- -------- -------- -----
Total ....................... 501 716 873 1,203 1,726 1,860
======= ======= ======= ======== ======== =====
</TABLE>
- ----------
(1) Historical store location information has been restated to reflect
Sunsations store locations.
At June 1, 1996, the Company operated 1,472 stores and 99 licensed sunglass
departments throughout the United States as well as 92 stores in Canada, 94 in
Australia, one store in Singapore, 70 locations (including 69 stores and one
licensed department) throughout ten countries in Europe, 11 stores in Puerto
Rico, six in the U.S. Virgin Islands and six in Mexico as well as eight EyeX
optical stores, and one Watch Station store for a total of 1,860 locations.
The Company believes that its general business strategies and established
infrastructure will enable it to continue to grow profitably through the
following strategies:
SUNGLASS SPECIALTY FUTURE UNIT EXPANSION
---SUNGLASS HUT. The Company believes that the flexibility of its Sunglass
Hut store format and its attractive unit level economics provide it with
access to a wide range of leasing opportunities which will facilitate its
continued expansion. The Company is pursuing opportunities to continue to
expand Sunglass Hut locations both domestically and internationally.
Management plans to open approximately 200 domestic locations and up to 150
international locations in fiscal 1996.
--LICENSED SUNGLASS DEPARTMENTS. Due to the Company's successful merchandising
in Company owned stores, leading retailers are providing the Company with the
opportunity to establish licensed departments within their stores. At June 1,
1996, the Company operated 100 licensed Sunglass Departments (37 "Sunspot"
licensed departments in selected Sears stores throughout the U.S., 18 licensed
departments in Dayton Hudson department stores in the midwest, 44 licensed
departments in Burdines, a division of Federated Department Stores, throughout
Florida, and one licensed department in Selfridges, a department store in the
United Kingdom). To date, during fiscal 1996, the Company has reached
agreements in principle to open an additional 84 licensed departments,
including (i) 83 licensed departments in Eaton's department stores, a premier
department store in Canada and (ii) one licensed department in Innos, the
largest department store chain in Belgium. The Company is actively seeking
additional licensed retail sunglass department opportunities with other
retailers and believes that it has the opportunity to expand eventually into
1,000 department stores and mass merchants.
ADDITIONAL SUNGLASS SPECIALTY GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES
--DIRECT MAIL. The Company launched a catalog program in 1994 to further
increase retail store and mail order sales and reinforce brand recognition
of Sunglass Hut and its principal vendors. The catalog program has grown
rapidly, with 2.6 million catalogs distributed in 1994 and approximately
nine million in 1995. The Company expects to distribute approximately 14
million catalogs in 1996.
--SUNSCRIPTIONS. During 1995, the Company initiated a test of
"Sunscriptions," a prescription sunglass program, at 13 existing Sunglass
Hut in-line stores in an effort to address the prescription sunglass needs
of the significant number of consumers who need corrective lenses. During
1996, the Company plans to expand this program to over 250 locations.
4
<PAGE>
NEW SPECIALTY STORE CONCEPTS
--EYEX. The Company believes that the market for prescription glasses
represents an attractive new store expansion opportunity. During 1995, the
Company initiated testing of a separate optical store concept under the
tradename "EyeX" in an effort to address the prescription glass needs of the
significant number of consumers who need corrective lenses (primarily clear
but also sunglass). The Company plans to open up to 50 EyeX stores by the
end of fiscal 1996. Management's goal is to apply the key business
strategies utilized in its existing Sunglass Hut stores to these
prescription optical stores. The EyeX stores target affluent consumers under
age 45, and offer a broad assortment of premium optical frames in an
updated, easy to shop environment that emphasizes customer service.
--WATCH STATION. During 1996, the Company also plans to implement a
separate store concept focusing on retail watch sales consistent with the
successful kiosk and in-line store formats that the Company developed for
its sunglass stores. The Company believes an opportunity exists to develop
"Watch Station" as a watch specialty store concept which caters to a market
demographic that is similar to the existing demographics for sunglasses--a
younger, more affluent shopper. The stores will offer the customer a unique
product assortment in a fun, casual environment. A typical Watch Station
store will offer from 1,000 to 1,500 styles of fashion, sport, function and
novelty watches retailing typically from $45-$500.
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
On June 10, 1996, the Company commenced a 144A private offering of $100
million principal amount of Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2003 to certain
qualified institutional buyers. The purpose of the offering is to refinance
outstanding senior indebtedness and to finance the Company's expansion plans.
Offers will be made only by means of an offering memorandum.
Earnings per share for the first quarter of fiscal 1996 (ended May 4, 1996)
increased 44.4% to $0.13 per share or $7.2 million, compared to $0.09 per share
or $5.0 million for the first quarter of fiscal 1995. Net sales for the first
quarter of fiscal 1996 were $122.8 million, an increase of 40.2% from sales of
$87.6 million for the first quarter of fiscal 1995. Comparable store sales for
this period increased 7.6% over the comparable period in 1995. Net sales for the
four weeks ended June 1, 1996 were $48.7 million, an increase of 29.2% from the
$37.7 million reported for the same period last year. Comparable store sales for
the four-week period increased 7.0% over the same period in 1995. Year-to-date
sales for the 17 weeks ended June 1, 1996 increased 33.8% to $171.5 million, as
compared to sales of $128.2 million for the same period in 1995. Year-to-date
comparable store sales increased 7.4%.
The Board of Directors and stockholders of the Company have approved a
proposal to reincorporate the Company from Delaware to Florida. Reference is
made to the Company's Proxy Statement for the Company's 1996 Annual Meeting of
Stockholders, which was filed with the Commission on May 3, 1996 and is
incorporated herein by reference, for more details relating to the
reincorporation, which is expected to become effective in early July 1996. See
"Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference." At such time, the Company
will become subject to (i) the Florida Control Share Act, which generally
provides that shares acquired in excess of certain specified thresholds will not
possess any voting rights unless such voting rights are approved by a majority
vote of the corporation's disinterested shareholders, and (ii) the Florida Fair
Price Act, which generally requires supermajority approval by disinterested
directors or shareholders of certain specified transactions between a
corporation and holders of more than 10% of the outstanding shares of the
corporation (or their affiliates).
----------
Unless the context otherwise requires, the terms "Company" and "Sunglass
Hut" as used in this Prospectus refer to Sunglass Hut International, Inc.,
its predecessors and consolidated subsidiaries. The Company's principal
executive offices are located at 255 Alhambra Circle, Coral Gables, Florida
33134, and its telephone number is (305) 461-6100.
THE OFFERING
Common Stock offered by the Selling Stockholders ..... 2,152,032 shares
Common Stock outstanding ............................. 54,176,516 shares
Nasdaq National Market symbol ........................ RAYS
5
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SUMMARY CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL AND OPERATING DATA(a)
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AND OPERATING DATA)
FISCAL(a)
-------------------------------------
1993 1994 1995
----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
INCOME STATEMENT DATA:
Net sales ........................................................... $206,005 $289,985 $418,228
Cost of goods sold, occupancy and buying expenses ................... 115,314 162,631 235,292
----------- ----------- -----------
Gross profit ....................................................... 90,691 127,354 182,936
----------- ----------- -----------
Selling, general and administrative expenses:
Operating expenses ................................................. 63,176 82,515 114,045
Depreciation and leasehold amortization ............................ 8,660 11,832 16,604
Amortization of cost in excess of net assets of acquired businesses 834 1,106 1,746
Amortization of noncompete agreements .............................. 5,000 -- --
Management incentive compensation .................................. 476 -- --
Expenses related to acquisitions ................................... 1,485 -- 10,100
----------- ----------- -----------
Total ........................................................... 79,631 95,453 142,495
----------- ----------- -----------
Earnings before interest, taxes and extraordinary item ............. 11,060 31,901 40,441
Interest expense .................................................... 2,926 2,670 3,292
----------- ----------- -----------
Earnings before income taxes and extraordinary item ................. 8,134 29,231 37,149
Provision for income taxes .......................................... 4,559 10,913 15,512
----------- ----------- -----------
Earnings before extraordinary item .................................. 3,575 18,318 21,637
Extraordinary charge on debt retirement, net of tax ................. (1,573) -- --
----------- ----------- -----------
Net income .......................................................... 2,002 18,318 21,637
Pro forma adjustment for income taxes(b) ............................ (541) (1,007) (775)
----------- ----------- -----------
Pro forma net income ................................................ 1,461 17,311 20,862
Redeemable preferred stock dividends ................................ (472) -- --
----------- ----------- -----------
Pro forma net income applicable to common stockholders ............. $ 989 $ 17,311 $ 20,862
=========== =========== ===========
Pro forma net income per share ...................................... $ 0.02 $ 0.34 $ 0.38
=========== =========== ===========
Weighted average shares outstanding ................................. 45,269 50,481 55,009
Supplemental pro forma earnings per share ........................... $ 0.20(c) $ 0.52(d)
=========== ===========
SELECTED OPERATING DATA:
Number of locations open at end of period ........................... 873 1,203 1,726
Comparable store net sales increase(e) .............................. 10.6% 13.5% 10.3%
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Working capital ..................................................... $ 20,889 $ 35,863 $ 87,925
Total assets ........................................................ 98,695 153,614 267,076
Total debt .......................................................... 18,307 48,528 69,561
Stockholders' equity ................................................ 53,682 72,216 152,824
<FN>
- ----------
(a) In June 1995, the Company acquired Sunsations through the exchange of
7,411,764 shares of the Company's Common Stock for all of the outstanding
common stock of Sunsations. The acquisition was accounted for as a
pooling of interests, and accordingly, the accompanying selected
financial data have been retroactively adjusted to include the operations
of Sunsations for all periods prior to the merger. Prior to the merger,
Sunsations used a calendar year-end. Accordingly, the selected financial
data for fiscal 1993 and 1994 combine Sunsations' historical selected
financial data on a calendar year-end basis with the Company's historical
selected financial data on a fiscal year-end basis. As a result of the
merger, effective January 29, 1995 (the first day of the Company's fiscal
1995 year), Sunsations' year-end was changed to conform to the Company's
fiscal year-end.
(b) The pro forma adjustment for income taxes reflects the additional tax
provision that would have been recorded at the corporation level had
Sunsations not been an S corporation during the respective period.
(c) Supplemental pro forma earnings per share for fiscal 1993 excludes certain
specific selling, general and administrative expenses (net of taxes) that
did not continue beyond fiscal 1993, including amortization of noncompete
agreements, management incentive compensation and expenses related to
acquisitions. Supplemental pro forma earnings per share also excludes the
interest expense, extraordinary charge on debt retirement and preferred
stock dividends related to the debt and preferred stock retired with the
proceeds of the Company's initial public offering of Common Stock in June
1993 (the "IPO"), assuming that the IPO occurred as of the beginning of
fiscal 1993.
(d) Supplemental pro forma earnings per share for fiscal 1995 excludes $10.1
million of nonrecurring expenses (net of taxes) related to the acquisition
of Sunsations.
(e) A store becomes comparable after it has been operated by the Company for
more than 12 months. All comparable store results reflect the operations of
Sunsations.
</FN>
</TABLE>
6
<PAGE>
RISK FACTORS
IN ADDITION TO THE OTHER INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS, THE
FOLLOWING FACTORS SHOULD BE CONSIDERED CAREFULLY IN EVALUATING THE COMPANY
AND ITS BUSINESS BEFORE PURCHASING ANY OF THE COMMON STOCK OFFERED HEREBY.
ABILITY TO MANAGE GROWTH
The Company has grown significantly in the past several years, and intends
to continue to pursue an aggressive growth strategy. The continued growth of
the Company is dependent, in large part, upon the Company's ability to open
and operate new stores on a timely and profitable basis. However, the rate of
new store openings is subject to various contingencies, many of which are
beyond the Company's control. These contingencies include, among others, the
Company's ability to secure suitable store sites on a timely basis and on
satisfactory terms, the Company's ability to hire, train and retain qualified
personnel, the availability of adequate capital resources and the successful
integration of new stores into existing operations. There can be no assurance
that the Company's new stores will achieve sales and profitability comparable
to the Company's existing stores.
There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to successfully
execute other components of its specialty sunglass growth strategies. The
Company's expansion plans include both its "Sunscriptions" prescription
sunglass program and an increasing percentage of non-traditional retail
locations, including licensed departments, with respect to which the Company
has substantially less experience. Moreover, the Company's continued
international expansion may subject the Company to certain risks and
limitations not associated with its current U.S. operations, including (i)
the uncertainty of market acceptance of specialty retailers and/or the
Company's product offerings, (ii) the Company's ability to hire and train
local personnel, (iii) the Company's dependence on local business practices,
(iv) foreign currency losses, (v) the impact of foreign taxes, and (vi)
foreign investment restrictions and limitations. In addition, although the
Company has acquired competitors in the past and considers acquiring
additional smaller chains of specialty sunglass retailers on an ongoing
basis, there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to consummate
acquisitions on satisfactory terms or that any acquired operations will be
successfully integrated.
RISKS OF NEW SPECIALTY STORE CONCEPTS
The Company opened its first EyeX store in October 1995 and opened its
first Watch Station store in May 1996. Accordingly, their operations will be
subject to the numerous risks of establishing new business enterprises,
including unanticipated operating problems, lack of experience and customer
acceptance, significant competition from existing and new retailers and the
extent of existing relationships between such retailers and
manufacturers/distributors. Moreover, the Company's EyeX operations (as well
as its "Sunscriptions" program) subject the Company to governmental
regulation of opticians. There can be no assurance that the Company will be
able to operate any one or more of the foregoing concepts profitably.
CONCENTRATION OF SUPPLIERS
In fiscal 1995, Bausch & Lomb and Oakley, the Company's largest suppliers,
accounted for approximately 31% and 25%, respectively, of the Company's total
merchandise purchases. The Company has not experienced any significant
difficulty in obtaining satisfactory sources of supply in the past. However,
the Company has no long-term purchase contracts or other contractual
assurance of continued supply, pricing or access to new product offerings.
The inability or failure of one or more key vendors to supply merchandise, or
a material change in the Company's current purchase terms, would have a
material adverse effect on the Company's business.
IMPACT OF CONSUMER SPENDING
The success of the Company's operations depends to a significant extent
upon a number of factors relating to discretionary consumer spending,
including economic conditions affecting disposable
7
<PAGE>
consumer income such as employment, business conditions, interest rates and
taxation, as well as the ability of mall anchor tenants and other attractions
to generate customer traffic in the vicinity of the Company's stores. There
can be no assurance that consumer spending will not be affected by economic
conditions, thereby impacting the Company's growth, net sales and
profitability. In addition, there can be no assurance that the rate of
comparable store sales growth experienced by the Company in recent periods
will continue. Moreover, comparable store sales may fluctuate significantly
on a month-to-month basis.
DEPENDENCE ON KEY PERSONNEL
The Company's success depends to a significant extent upon the performance
of its senior management team, particularly Jack B. Chadsey, the Company's
President and Chief Executive Officer. While the Company believes that its
senior management team has significant depth, the loss of services of any of
the Company's executive officers could have a material adverse impact on the
Company. The Company does not maintain key man life insurance on the life of
Mr. Chadsey or any other executive officer.
ANTI-TAKEOVER EFFECT OF CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE COMPANY'S CERTIFICATE OF
INCORPORATION AND BYLAWS
Certain provisions of the Company's Restated Certificate of Incorporation and
Bylaws may be deemed to have anti-takeover effects and may delay, defer or
prevent a takeover attempt that a stockholder might consider in its best
interest. These provisions (i) classify the Company's Board of Directors into
three classes, each of which will serve for different three-year periods, (ii)
provide that only the Board of Directors or Chief Executive Officer may call
special meetings of the stockholders, and (iii) establish certain advance notice
procedures for nomination of candidates for election as directors and for
stockholder proposals to be considered at stockholders' meetings. In addition,
the Company's Board of Directors and stockholders have approved the
reincorporation of the Company from Delaware to Florida. Such proposed
reincorporation is expected to become effective in early July 1996 and at such
time the Company will become subject to certain provisions of the Florida
Business Corporation Act (the "FBCA") which may have the effect of delaying,
deferring or preventing a change in control of the Company.
POSSIBLE VOLATILITY OF STOCK PRICE
The market price of the Company's Common Stock has risen substantially
since the Company's IPO, which closed in June 1993. The Common Stock is
quoted on the Nasdaq National Market, which stock market has experienced and
is likely to experience in the future significant price and volume
fluctuations which could adversely affect the market price of the Common
Stock without regard to the operating performance of the Company. In
addition, the Company believes that factors such as quarterly fluctuations in
the financial results of the Company, monthly comparable store sales results,
shortfalls in earnings or sales below analyst expectations, the overall
economy and the financial markets could cause the price of the Common Stock
to fluctuate substantially. See "Price Range of Common Stock."
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND ASSOCIATED RISK
This Prospectus, including the information incorporated by reference,
contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the
Securities Act and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
including statements regarding, among other items, (i) the Company's growth
strategies, (ii) anticipated trends in the Company's business and
demographics, and (iii) the Company's ability to enter into contracts with
certain suppliers. These forward-looking statements are based largely on the
Company's expectations and are subject to a number of risks and
uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the Company's control. Actual
results could differ materially from these forward-looking statements as a
result of the factors described in "Risk Factors," including, among others,
regulatory or economic influences. In light of these risks and uncertainties,
there can be no assurance that the forward-looking information contained in
this Prospectus will in fact transpire.
8
<PAGE>
PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK
The Company's Common Stock is traded on the Nasdaq National Market under
the symbol "RAYS." The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated,
the high and low sale prices of shares of the Common Stock as reported on the
Nasdaq National Market.
HIGH LOW
------ -------
Fiscal 1994:
First Fiscal Quarter (January 30 to April 30) ...... 10 3/8 7 13/16
Second Fiscal Quarter (May 1 to July 30) ............ 9 7/16 5 7/8
Third Fiscal Quarter (July 31 to October 29) ....... 10 5/8 7 7/8
Fourth Fiscal Quarter (October 30 to January 28) ... 12 5/8 9 11/16
Fiscal 1995:
First Fiscal Quarter (January 29 to April 29) ...... 15 1/4 11 1/8
Second Fiscal Quarter (April 30 to July 29) ........ 20 7/8 13 5/8
Third Fiscal Quarter (July 30 to October 28) ....... 25 7/16 18 7/8
Fourth Fiscal Quarter (October 29 to February 3) ... 29 18 1/2
Fiscal 1996:
First Fiscal Quarter (February 4 to May 4) ......... 36 15/16 25
Second Fiscal Quarter to date (May 5 to June 7)...... 30 25
On June 7, 1996, the last reported sale price for the Company's Common Stock
on the Nasdaq National Market was $28.00 per share. As of June 7, 1996, the
Company had 159 stockholders of record (including brokerage firms and other
nominees).
DIVIDEND POLICY
The Company intends to retain its earnings to finance the growth and
development of its business and does not anticipate paying cash dividends on
its capital stock in the foreseeable future. Future dividends, if any, will
depend, among other things, on the future earnings, capital requirements and
financial condition of the Company, and on such other factors as the
Company's Board of Directors may consider relevant. In addition, the
Company's Credit Facility prohibits the payment of cash dividends if an event
of default exists and generally limits payment of cash dividends to 10% of
the Company's net income.
9
<PAGE>
SELLING STOCKHOLDERS
The following table sets forth information regarding the ownership of the
Company's Common Stock by the Selling Stockholders as of the date of this
Prospectus and as adjusted to reflect the sale of the shares of Common Stock
offered hereby. All of these shares were issued by the Company in connection
with the acquisition of sunglass retailers.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
OWNERSHIP NUMBER OF SHARES OWNERSHIP
PRIOR TO THE OFFERING OFFERED HEREBY AFTER THE OFFERING
------------------------ ---------------- --------------------
NAME AND ADDRESS SHARES PERCENTAGE SHARES PERCENTAGE
- ---------------- ---------- ---------- ------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
D&L Partners, L.P.(1)(2)(3)(4)..................... 864,708 1.6% 355,000 509,708 *
Douglas J. Von Allmen, Trustee U/T/I Dated 4/25/89
f/b/o Douglas J. Von Allmen(1)(2)(3)(4).......... 144,000 * 144,000 0 0
Linda L. Von Allmen, Trustee U/T/I Dated 4/25/89
f/b/o Linda L. Von Allmen(1)(2)(3)(4)............ 114,000 * 114,000 0 0
Bruce A. Olson and Kimberly A. Olson,
Co-Trustees U/T/I Dated 6/27/89
f/b/o Bruce A. Olson(1)(2)(3)(5)................. 615,338 * 347,000 268,338 *
Bruce A. Olson and Kimberly A. Olson,
Co-Trustees U/T/I Dated 6/27/89
f/b/o Kimberly A. Olson(1)(2)(3)(5).............. 456,634 * 216,000 240,634 *
Kimberly A. Olson, Custodian for
Alexa K. Olson(1)(2)(3).......................... 50,736 * 50,000 736 *
NGNG, Inc.(1)(2)(3)(6)............................. 1,111,764 2.1% 500,000 611,764 1.1%
D. Michael Cannady(1)(2)(3)(7)..................... 180,000 * 60,000 120,000 *
Daniel J. and Rebecca Paetz,
as joint tenants(2)(3)(8). ...................... 160,586 * 83,000 77,586 *
Jenifer Louise Deeter Giddens(2)(3)(9)............. 160,586 * 83,000 77,586 *
Mark S. Crawford(1)(2)(3)(10)...................... 144,000 * 48,000 96,000 *
Frederick O. Wingate(11)........................... 76,016 * 76,016 0 0
Shirley P. Wingate(11)............................. 57,516 * 57,516 0 0
Shirley P. Wingate, Trustee
under Charitable Trust
Instrument Dated 6/14/96(11)....................... 18,500 * 18,500 0 0
<FN>
- ----------
* Less than 1%.
(1) The Selling Stockholder has agreed not to sell or otherwise transfer any
shares of Common Stock until, at the earliest, July 1, 1996.
(2) The Selling Stockholder is either a former shareholder of Sunsations or the
assignee thereof. The Selling Stockholder is participating in this offering
pursuant to contractual "piggyback" registration rights granted by the
Company in connection with the acquisition of Sunsations. The Company has
agreed to pay all fees and expenses incident to the registration of this
offering, including all registration and filing fees, all fees and expenses
of complying with state blue sky or securities laws, all costs of
preparation of the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a
part and fees and disbursements of counsel for the Company and its
independent public accountants.
(3) Pursuant to the Sunsations acquisition agreement, the owner is obligated
to indemnify the Company for breaches of certain representations,
warranties and covenants made by Sunsations and its shareholders. In
general, the indemnification liability of any shareholder may not exceed
the value of 20% of the shares which the shareholder received in the
acquisition (such value to be determined by averaging the closing sale
price for the Common Stock on the Nasdaq National Market during the ten
trading days preceding June 29, 1995). Any claims of indemnification
against the former shareholders of Sunsations may be satisfied by the
Company cancelling a portion of the shares of Common Stock received by such
shareholders in connection with the acquisition. To secure their
indemnification obligations, the former Sunsations shareholders have placed
10% of their shares received in connection with the acquisition into escrow
with a trust company to be held in accordance with the terms of a set-off
escrow agreement, which escrowed shares will be returned to the former
Sunsations shareholders on or about June 29, 1996.
(4) Douglas J. Von Allmen, Trustee U/T/I dated 4/25/89 F/B/O Douglas J. Von
Allmen ("Von Allmen Trust A") and Linda L. Von Allmen, Trustee U/T/I dated
4/25/89 F/B/O Linda L. Von Allmen ("Von Allmen Trust B") transferred
864,708 shares to D&L Partners, L.P., a limited partnership in exchange for
interests in the partnership. D&L Management Corporation is the sole
general partner of D&L Partners, L.P. The sole shareholders of D&L
Management Corporation are Von Allmen Trust A and Von Allmen Trust B. Von
Allmen Trust A and Von Allmen Trust B are the sole limited partners of D&L
Partners, L.P. D&L Partners, L.P. has pledged 258,000 shares to a bank to
secure a loan and has entered into a series of transactions with a
brokerage firm pursuant to which 500,000 shares owned by D&L Partners, L.P.
are pledged until April 1998. Mr. and Ms. Von Allmen are husband and wife
and their address is 9 Isla Bahia, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida 33316. Mr. Von
Allmen was Vice President and a Director of Sunsations prior to the
Company's acquisition of Sunsations.
10
<PAGE>
(5) Bruce A. Olson and Kimberly A. Olson, Co-Trustees U/T/I Dated 6/27/89 f/b/o
Bruce A. Olson ("Olson Trust A") has entered into a transaction with a
brokerage firm pursuant to which 339,338 shares owned by Olson Trust A are
pledged until February 7, 1998. Bruce A. Olson and Kimberly A. Olson,
Co-Trustees U/T/I Dated 6/27/89 f/b/o Kimberly A. Olson ("Olson Trust B")
has entered into a transaction with a brokerage firm pursuant to which
165,634 shares owned by Olson Trust B are pledged until February 7, 1998.
Mr. and Ms. Olson are husband and wife. Mr. Olson was the Chairman of the
Board of Sunsations prior to the Company's acquisition of Sunsations. Mr.
and Mrs. Olson's address is c/o Group One Capital, Inc., 1611 DesPeres
Road, St. Louis, Missouri 63131.
(6) NGNG, Inc. is a corporation 50% owned by Douglas J. Von Allmen and his and
his wife's children and 50% by Bruce A. Olson and his children. Mr. Von
Allmen was Vice President and a Director and Mr. Olson was Chairman of the
Board of Sunsations prior to the Company's acquisition of Sunsations. NGNG,
Inc.'s address is c/o Group One Capital, Inc., 1611 Des Peres Road, St.
Louis, Missouri 63131.
(7) Mr. Cannady has entered into a transaction with a brokerage firm pursuant
to which 120,000 shares owned by Mr. Cannady are pledged until September
1997. Mr. Cannady was the President and Chief Executive Officer of
Sunsations prior to the Company's acquisition of Sunsations. Mr. Cannady's
address is c/o Group One Capital, Inc. 1611 Des Peres Road, St. Louis,
Missouri 63131.
(8) Mr. and Mrs. Paetz's address is c/o Paetz Enterprises, Inc., 615 Dorchester
Dr., Noblesville, Indiana 46060.
(9) Ms. Giddens' address is 6624 West Sweet Creek Drive, New Palestine,
Indiana 46163.
(10) Mr. Crawford has entered into a transaction with a brokerage firm pursuant
to which 96,000 shares owned by Mr. Crawford are pledged until September
1997. Mr. Crawford was Secretary, Treasurer and a Director of Sunsations
prior to the Company's acquisition of Sunsations. Mr. Crawford's address is
c/o Group One Capital, Inc., 1611 Des Peres Road, Suite 395, St. Louis,
Missouri 63131.
(11) The owner is either a former shareholder of Sun Shades 501, Ltd., a North
Carolina corporation ("Sun Shades"), acquired by the Company in December
1995, or the assignee thereof. The owner is participating in this offering
pursuant to certain contractual "demand" registration rights granted by the
Company in connection with the acquisition of Sun Shades. The Company has
agreed to pay all fees and expenses incident to the registration of this
offering, including all registration and filing fees, all fees and expenses
of complying with state blue sky or securities laws, all costs of
preparation of the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a
part and fees and disbursements of counsel for the Company and its
independent public accountants. Pursuant to the Sun Shades acquisition
agreement, the owner is obligated to indemnify the Company for breaches of
certain representations, warranties and covenants made by Sun Shades and
its shareholders. Any claims for indemnification against the former
shareholders may be satisfied by the Company cancelling a portion of the
shares of Common Stock received by such shareholders in connection with the
acquisition. To secure their indemnification obligations, the former Sun
Shades shareholders have placed 10% of their shares received in connection
with the acquisition to be held in accordance with the terms of an escrow
agreement. Upon any sale of such shares pursuant to this Prospectus, the
proceeds thereof will be substituted as the collateral to be held under
such escrow arrangement. Mr. Wingate was the President, Treasurer and a
Director of Sun Shades prior to the Company's acquisition of Sun Shades.
Mrs. Wingate was a Vice President and Secretary of Sun Shades prior to the
Company's acquisition of Sun Shades. Mr. and Mrs. Wingate's address is 3762
Abingdon Road, Charlotte, North Carolina 28211.
</FN>
</TABLE>
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
The Selling Stockholders may sell the Shares offered hereby in one or more
transactions (which may include "block" transactions) on the Nasdaq National
Market, in the over-the-counter market, in negotiated transactions or a
combination of such methods of sale, at fixed prices which may be changed, at
market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices related to such
prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices. The Selling Stockholders
may effect such transactions by selling the Shares directly to purchasers, or
may sell the Shares to or through agents, dealers or underwriters designated
from time to time, and such agents, dealers or underwriters may receive
compensation in the form of underwriting discounts, concessions or
commissions from the Selling Stockholders and/or the purchasers of Shares for
whom they may act as agent or to whom they sell as principals, or both. The
Selling Stockholders and any agents, dealers or underwriters that act in
connection with the sale of Shares might be deemed to be "underwriters"
within the meaning of Section 2(11) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended
(the "Securities Act"), and any discount or commission received by them and any
profit on the resale of Shares as principal might be deemed to be underwriting
discounts or commissions under the Securities Act. Certain selling stockholders
holding an aggregate of 1,834,000 shares of Common Stock covered by this
Prospectus (the "Specified Stockholders") have agreed that they will not sell or
otherwise transfer any shares of Common Stock until, at the earliest, July 1,
1996. See "Selling Stockholders."
Pursuant to the registration rights agreement between the Company and the
former shareholders of Sun Shades, the Company has agreed to use its best
efforts to cause the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a
part to become effective and to remain effective for a period of 90 days,
11
<PAGE>
subject to certain limitations and subject, in the case of the Specified
Stockholders, to an extension until November 1, 1996. The Selling Stockholders
will also have certain "piggyback" registration rights in connection with a
registration statement expected to be filed to permit the public resale of the
Convertible Subordinated Notes that are the subject of the Company's pending
Rule 144A offering, as well as the Common Stock issuable upon conversion
thereof.
To the extent required, the number of Shares to be sold, the purchase
price and public offering price, the name or names of any agent, dealer or
underwriter, and any applicable commissions or discounts with respect to a
particular offering will be set forth in a supplement to this Prospectus to be
filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424 under the Securities Act.
The Company will receive no portion of the proceeds from the sale of the
Shares and will bear all expenses related to the registration of this
offering of the Shares. The Selling Stockholders will also be indemnified by
the Company against certain civil liabilities, including certain liabilities
which may arise under the Securities Act.
LEGAL MATTERS
Certain legal matters with respect to the Common Stock offered hereby will
be passed upon for the Company by Greenberg, Traurig, Hoffman, Lipoff, Rosen
& Quentel, P.A., Miami, Florida.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The Company has filed with the Commission a Registration Statement on Form
S-3 under the Securities Act with respect to the Common Stock offered hereby.
This Prospectus does not contain all of the information set forth in the
Registration Statement and the exhibits. For further information with respect
to the Company and the Common Stock, reference is hereby made to such
Registration Statement and the exhibits. Statements contained in this
Prospectus as to the contents of any contract or other document are not
necessarily complete and, in each instance, reference is made 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. Copies
of the Registration Statement, including all exhibits thereto, may be
obtained from the Commission's principal office in Washington, D.C., upon
payment of the fees prescribed by the Commission, or may be examined without
charge at the offices of the Commission.
12
