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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
ACT OF 1934 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998
or
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 for the transition period from _________ to _________
Commission file number 0-25488
THE L.L. KNICKERBOCKER CO., INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
CALIFORNIA 33-0230641
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
25800 COMMERCENTRE DRIVE
LAKE FOREST, CA 92630
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE: (949) 595-7900
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OF THE ACT:
NONE
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(g) OF THE ACT:
Common Stock, No Par Value
(title of class)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was
required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X No
--- ---
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405
of Regulation S-K is not contained herein and will not be contained, to the best
of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this
Form 10-K. [ ]
The aggregate market value of the voting stock of held by non-affiliates of the
registrant on March 16, 1999 was $12,916,854. Shares of common stock held by
each officer and director and by each person who owns 5% or more of the
outstanding common stock have been excluded in that such persons may be deemed
to be affiliates. This determination of affiliate status is not necessarily a
conclusive determination for other purposes.
The number of shares outstanding of the registrant's common stock, as of March
15, 1999 was 27,691,185.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Part III incorporates information by reference from the definitive Proxy
Statement for the 1998 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, to be filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission no later than 120 days after the end of the
registrant's fiscal year covered by this Form 10-K.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
ITEM PAGE
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PART I
1. BUSINESS................................................................ 3
A. History.............................................................. 3
B. General Business..................................................... 3
2. PROPERTIES.............................................................. 13
3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS....................................................... 13
4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS..................... 14
PART II
5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.. 15
6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA................................................ 16
7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.............................................. 17
8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA............................ 24
9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING
AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE............................................... 24
PART III
10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT..................... 25
11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION................................................. 25
12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT......... 25
13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS......................... 25
PART IV
14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K........ 25
SIGNATURES.................................................................. 28
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PART I
This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements within the
meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended, which involve risks and uncertainties, including, but
not limited to, economic, competitive, governmental and technological factors
affecting the Company's operations, markets, products, services and prices, and
other factors discussed herein. The Company's actual results could differ
materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of
the factors described in this Report.
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
GENERAL
The L.L. Knickerbocker Co., Inc. (the "Company" or "Knickerbocker") was formed
in 1985 by Louis L. Knickerbocker, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive
Officer, and Tamara Knickerbocker, Executive Vice President, under the name
International Beauty Supply, Ltd., a California corporation (IBS). In May of
1993, the name of International Beauty Supply, Ltd. was changed to The L.L.
Knickerbocker Co., Inc. and succeeded to the operations, assets and liabilities
of Knickerbocker Creations, Ltd, a California corporation formed in 1990 to
operate primarily in the collectible doll and teddy bear industries.
The Company is a designer, manufacturer, importer, marketer, and distributor of
high quality, branded collectibles and collectible toys, specialty giftware
products, and jewelry.
Knickerbocker markets its branded collectible products through diverse
distribution channels including a growing network of independent gift and
collectible retailers, electronic retailing, direct response sales, and an
international distributor base. The Company strives to deliver genuine value to
the consumer through innovative product design and award-winning quality. The
Company has developed relationships with a variety of manufacturers that have
consistently delivered high-quality products. Most of the manufacturing of
collectible items is outsourced to manufacturers in the Far East and Southeast
Asia.
Knickerbocker's jewelry operations consists of designing, manufacturing, and
marketing fashion and fine jewelry through electronic retailing, primarily QVC
and The Home Shopping Network, and an international customer base in 37 foreign
countries. The Company has launched a comprehensive Internet site,
Gemopolis.com, to market its products directly to customers through the
internet. The operations of the jewelry segments are vertically integrated, and
most of the design, stone sourcing, advanced stone cutting, and jewelry
manufacturing is performed by in-house personnel and facilities.
Knickerbocker holds passive investments in two unrelated companies, Pure Energy
Corporation and Ontro, Inc. The Company holds a 31.5% equity interest in Pure
Energy Corporation, a privately-held corporation, and a 13.2% interest in Ontro,
Inc., a publicly-traded corporation.
COLLECTIBLE DOLLS, FIGURINES, TEDDY BEARS AND COLLECTIBLE TOYS
INDUSTRY OVERVIEW
Collectibles are identified as any item that is manufactured and marketed solely
for the enjoyment of the collector. Collectibles include figurines, dolls,
collector plates, plush and die cast toys, sports/entertainment memorabilia,
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cottage/village reproductions and other decorative or limited edition items that
are intended for collecting. Unity Marketing, which is a collectible industry
market research firm and is not affiliated with Knickerbocker, estimates that
consumer sales of collectibles in the United States in 1997 totaled $10.0
billion. Unity Marketing currently estimates that women between the ages of 35
and 64 encompass the majority of collectors. This group, which we believe
constitutes a substantial portion of our collectors, is projected by the U.S.
Census Bureau to grow approximately 12% from 1998 to 2005. Unity Marketing
expects that growth in the collectibles industry will be driven by the increased
number of middle-aged female collectors and higher spending habits of the baby
boom generation.
COLLECTIBLE BRANDS
Georgetown Collection. The Georgetown Collection brand consists of high-quality,
exclusive-edition porcelain dolls designed and developed by artists licensed in
conjunction with an in-house development team. Manufacturing is outsourced to
factories in China and Southeast Asia. The dolls' retail prices range between
$90 and $145. The principal marketing channel is print media, including direct
mail and space ads.
Magic Attic Club. The Magic Attic Club (MAC) is a series of vinyl dolls, doll
clothing and accessories, all of which are based on imaginative theme books,
marketed primarily through a catalog. The books and Magic Attic Club catalogs
target girls in the U.S. between the ages of 6 and 12. The items in the catalog
do not vary much year to year, which keeps creative costs low and minimizes
inventory difficulties. Repeat customers can be highly profitable. In 1998, MAC
mailed approximately 6,200,000 catalogs, down from approximately 6,900,000 from
the prior year, an approximate 10% decrease in catalog mailings. An integral
part of the Magic Attic Club's appeal is a series of 32 illustrated novels based
on five girls and their adventures. The books have achieved national
distribution and have penetrated many of the major book store chains. Each Magic
Attic Club book contains a mail-in card to request a free catalog listing
products offered by the Magic Attic Club.
Marie Osmond Fine Porcelain Collector Dolls. This collection consists of a
diverse collection of more than 420 different styles of porcelain dolls at
retail prices ranging from $20 to $600. Marie Osmond is the celebrity
spokesperson and design director for the collection. The Marie Osmond Doll
Collection, celebrating its seventh anniversary, received 18 hours of
brand-building programmed airtime on QVC in 1998. In addition, Marie Osmond
makes scheduled appearances at retail stores throughout the United States to
promote the collection. On occasion, Marie Osmond appears on QVC in the United
Kingdom and in Germany.
Annette Funicello Collectible Bears Company. This line consists of more than 300
different styles of collectible teddy bears. Retail prices range from $25 to
approximately $200. Annette Funicello is the celebrity image and design director
for the collection. In 1998, the Company received the TOBY (Teddy Bear of the
Year) award, sponsored by Teddy Bear and Friends Magazine, one of two major
magazines in the teddy bear industry. Additionally, the Company received the
Golden Teddy award, naming the top teddy bear as voted by the magazine's
subscription base, sponsored by Teddy Bear Review magazine, the other major
teddy bear magazine in the industry. The Annette Funicello Collectible Bear
Company, celebrating its fifth anniversary, received 17 hours of brand-building
programmed airtime on QVC in 1998.
The Knickerbocker Toy Company. The 77-year-old Knickerbocker name is well
recognized in the toy and collectible teddy bear industries and is the Company's
"house" brand. The Company began selling collectible Knickerbocker products in
October 1986, and was issued the trademark "Knickerbocker" for toys, dolls,
plush stuffed animals and marionettes in January 1996. The collection offers
quality collectible products that have primarily been marketed to retail outlets
nationwide. The Knickerbocker Toy Company had 3 hours of brand-building
programmed airtime on QVC in 1998.
Richard Simmons Collectibles. In 1998 the Company launched a new line of dolls
and resin figurines with Richard Simmons. The largest line, Collection of the
Masters by Richard Simmons, debuted at the 1998 International Toy Fair in New
York and began to be mass-marketed, predominately at retail, in October of 1998.
Richard Simmons also successfully debuted his new line on QVC late in the year
and opened the way for more programming time in 1999.
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Other Brands. The company also markets dolls and collectibles brands such as
Candy Spelling's Fantasy Dolls, Universal Studio's Edith Head Collection, and
Bob Mackie Legendary Beauties.
JEWELRY PRODUCTS
INDUSTRY OVERVIEW
The Jewelry market consists of two major categories: Fine and Fashion. Fine
jewelry is manufactured with precious metals (gold, sterling silver, platinum)
with or without gemstones (precious or semiprecious). Natural and cultured
pearls are also considered fine jewelry. According to the World Gold Council, in
1998 retail sales of gold jewelry grew by almost 10% on a unit basis to 162
million units and by over 8% on a dollar basis to $13.7 billion. According to
Accessories Magazine, sterling silver jewelry retail sales increased
approximately 15% in 1997 to $2.4 billion. Fashion jewelry is manufactured with
non-precious metals (often gold plated), with or without imitation stones and
pearls, and is the largest category of the women's accessories market with
sales, according to Accessories Magazine, in the United States estimated at $2.6
billion dollars.
FASHION JEWELRY BRANDS
Approximately 50% of the Company's jewelry revenues come from fashion jewelry
sales. The Company markets these high-quality, designer fashion jewelry lines
and accessories primarily through QVC. Knickerbocker has its own fashion jewelry
manufacturing facility in Central Falls, Rhode Island but outsources, to a
limited extent, certain non-proprietary manufacturing functions to southeast
Asian manufacturers. The Company's fashion jewelry brands are as follows:
Kenneth Jay Lane: Jewelry's Living Legend -450 different styles of fashion
jewelry at retail prices ranging from $17 to $198. Kenneth Jay Lane is the
designer and spokesperson for the collection, which celebrated its seventh
anniversary and received over 16 hours of brand-building programmed airtime on
QVC in 1998.
The Nolan Miller Glamour Collection - 400 different styles of fashion jewelry at
retail prices ranging from $20 to $280. Nolan Miller is the designer and
spokesperson for the collection, which celebrated its sixth anniversary and
received over 33 hours of brand-building programmed airtime on QVC in 1998.
Barbara Mandrell's Country Sentiments - 50 different styles of fashion jewelry
at retail prices ranging from $19 to $90. Barbara Mandrell is the designer and
spokesperson for the collection, which started on QVC in May 1997.
Jewels of Unity with Cicely Tyson - 14 different styles of fashion jewelry at
retail prices ranging from $17 to $105. Cicely Tyson is the designer and
spokesperson for the collection, which started on QVC in May 1998.
The Dennis Basso Boutique - 90 different styles of fashion accessories at retail
prices ranging from $20 to $220. Dennis Basso is the designer and spokesperson
for the collection, which celebrated its fifth anniversary on QVC in 1998.
Anushka - This line of skin care products was introduced on QVC in 1997 and
appears periodically on the QVC Beauty Solutions program. Anushka, of Anushka
Day Spa in New York City, is the spokesperson for this line.
FINE JEWELRY BRAND
The Company's fine jewelry operation manufactures and markets gold, diamonds,
emeralds, rubies and other semi-precious stones through a sales force with a
presence in 37 countries, with a primary geographic focus in Western Europe and
South America. With expertise in stone sourcing and advanced cutting techniques
of specialty stones, the Company also generates revenue by supplying other
jewelry manufacturers with loose cut stones. The Company is recognized for
creating proprietary technology that enhances the color of gemstones and is
known in particular for its Blue Topaz stones which are exported all over the
world. In addition, the Company produces an assortment of fine jewelry in both
sterling silver and gold for the television retailer, Home Shopping Network
(HSN) and other worldwide recognized television shopping companies such as TVSN
Australia and QVC England. The Company has developed an Internet site,
Gemopolis.com, to market fine jewelry directly to the consumer.
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BRANDS UNDER DEVELOPMENT
Birmingham Bears (Collectible Brand) -The line consists of affordable
collectible plush and mohair items in various sizes and a variety of themes. The
product debuted on Home Shopping Network in February 1999. Knickerbocker plans
to introduce the Birmingham line through its retail distribution channel in the
third quarter of 1999.
Somers & Field Collection (Collectible Brand) - The Company has an exclusive
license agreement to manufacture and distribute the line of dolls designed by
Laura Meisner and Doug James under the Somers and Field Collection. The
collection is vinyl and the concept is based on "mod" British friends, Willow
Somers and Daisy Field whose fathers co-own a fashionable department store.
Costumes and accessories highlight fashion trends from the 1960's. Product
launch is planned for the third quarter of 1999.
Terri Lee (Collectible Brand) - The Company has an exclusive license to
manufacture and distribute the line of dolls, fashion apparel and accessories
with Terri Lee and Associates. The doll is molded in PVC and the concept is
derived from, and is a reproduction of the original 1940's doll. Original molds
were used in the reproduction of the doll and the clothing and accessories will
be designed with consideration to original designs as well as interpretations of
those designs. Terri Lee was launched at Toy Fair 1999.
Kodak Moments (Collectible Brand) - A partnership licensing agreement between
Kodak, Marie Osmond and Knickerbocker. The Company has the rights to manufacture
and distribute a collectible line of figurines, dolls and other items for the
Marie Osmond Porcelain Collector Doll line. Each product would depict a classic
"Kodak Moment" in fine porcelain or other collectible medium. Product launch is
planned for third quarter of 1999.
Although the Company currently believes that the above-listed products can be
developed and produced as commercially viable product line additions, there can
be no assurance that the new products will be introduced or, if introduced, that
they will be successful.
CONSUMER BRANDS DISCONTINUED
After a review of the Company's brand focus it was determined that it would be
in its best interest to discontinue the product development, manufacturing and
marketing of those programs not meeting certain sales expectations and re-focus
the brand selections on those that better suited the Company's current core
products. In 1998, the Company discontinued the Pilar Crespi Collection, Joyous
Jewels with Wendy Gell, Framm, and Enchanted Evenings with Albert Capraro. In
1998, the agreement for World Class Accessories by Mary McFadden was cancelled
by the licensor.
MARKETING STRATEGIES
The Company's marketing strategy is to develop products and build brands that
are marketed through diverse channels of distribution. In implementing this
strategy, the Company plans to continue to focus on building brand recognition,
developing new and innovative products, and selling those branded products
through appropriate channels of distribution. Generally, new brand programs are
tested conservatively prior to any roll-out.
The diverse channels of distribution of the branded products includes, but are
not limited to, electronic retailing through the television shopping industry,
direct response print advertisements, direct mail, catalogs, Internet, and
through retail outlets and distributors domestically and internationally. Each
brand has unique distribution strategies based on the product; however, where
possible, the distribution channels cross over from brand to brand. The wide
variety of branded items and distribution channels provides diversification to
the Company's risk profile.
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THE DIRECT MARKETING INDUSTRY
Direct marketing has five major areas: Electronic retailing through Television
Marketing, Print Media Advertising, Catalogs, Direct Mail and the Internet.
TELEVISION SHOPPING CHANNELS
Television Shopping Channels, as well as independent Infomercials, make up this
segment of the direct marketing industry.
The largest television shopping cable network is QVC, followed by HSN and a
number of smaller companies. The shopping networks purchase products from
vendors and generally require the vendors to ship the products to the networks'
warehouses before the networks will sell the items on the air. Generally, the
format of the home shopping channels is to present approximately 12 items per
hour. Each hour can be comprised of a special program (i.e., all Marie Osmond
Dolls) or a mix of products (i.e. a gift hour with different kinds of gift
items). Special programs, such as celebrity programs, can be given as much as
three straight hours of prime time. These types of programs must be
high-dollar-volume programs to warrant the allocation of this time. The shopping
channels then ship customer orders directly from their warehouses/fulfillment
centers.
The Company's expertise in marketing to home shopping channels has been to
identify its key product segments, such as jewelry and collectibles, and build
brand recognition within those product segments. Television shopping represents
over 19% of the Company's Collectible sales and 45% of Jewelry sales.
Additionally, sales to QVC accounted for 25%, 29% and 43% of the Company's
consolidated revenues in 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
DIRECT MAIL
The Company manages Direct Mail programs by utilizing an in-house consumer
database to test and expand new product offers. The company maintains a large
database of customer names acquired through list rentals, Sunday newspaper
supplements, and magazine and catalog advertising. These names, after the
initial acquisition, are consistently marketed select offers that either contain
solo or multi-ad product presentations. The Company uses this marketing format
primarily for its Georgetown brand but has begun to expand these offerings into
all brands.
CATALOGS
The Company has four branded catalogs varying in size and content generally
being marketed in quarterly or half year segments. The Company develops a
wholesale/retail catalog, and three consumer catalogs; one for its Magic Attic
Brand, one for its Georgetown brand, and one for all Collectible brands. These
catalogs are used either for repeat buyers of a particular brand who would like
to see multiple product offerings or as a vehicle to prospect for new customers.
MEDIA ADVERTISING
The Company also utilizes direct response print advertising as a vehicle to
highlight new product offerings that have potentially high-dollar-volume sales.
The Company continues to market the collectible brands through this marketing
channel. In addition to scores of mainstream publications such as McCalls,
Ladies Home Journal, National Enquirer, the Company uses collectible
trade-specific niche publications including Dolls, Doll Crafter, Doll Reader,
Contemporary Dolls, Collectors Mart, Teddy Bear Review and Teddy Bear & Friends.
This type of advertising serves to replenish the database with new customer
names so the direct mail marketing can remain as a consistent growth vehicle for
sales.
INTERNET COMMERCE
The Company also maintains a corporate and a product web site on the World Wide
Web. The Company uses the Internet to give potential consumers the ability to
see a multiplicity of product and product specials and simultaneously order
without using the traditional marketing routes.
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TRADITIONAL RETAIL AND INTERNATIONAL DISTRIBUTORS
The Company markets to a wide variety of traditional retail outlets and to the
less traditional catalog retailers and international distributors. The Company
expanded its outside sales representative force domestically in 1998 and
currently covers the entire United States with defined sales territories. In
addition, the Company continues to market to specialty stores and other
customers such as Disney via its own internal sales organization and retail
support group. International distributors make up another portion of the
Company's collectible sales primarily marketing in the United Kingdom, Germany,
and other Benelux countries.
PRODUCTION PROCEDURES
CONTRACTED PRODUCTION
The Collectibles and some of the Jewelry brand managers develop products, locate
an appropriate contract manufacturing facility and prepare samples, which are
presented to the customer for approval. Upon approval of the samples, the
Company issues a purchase order to the manufacturer for the desired quantity of
the product. In some cases, the purchase order is secured by an irrevocable and
transferable letter of credit from the customer. All goods are inspected for
quality by either in-house quality assurance personnel or by an independent
quality assurance resource prior to shipment.
COMPANY-OWNED PRODUCTION
The Company manufactures fashion jewelry at its own 26,000 square-foot-facility
in Rhode Island. Almost all of the fashion jewelry manufacturing is done against
open purchase orders.
The Thailand jewelry operation manufactures fine jewelry for a diverse group of
international distributors and wholesalers, including the television shopping
industry. The majority of goods are manufactured in the Company's fully
integrated 35,000 square-foot-facility. The Company's 3,500-square-foot showroom
and the design and development divisions are located in the jewelry district of
Bangkok, making it convenient for customers to visit the showroom, inspect the
product lines and develop future programs with the Company's skilled design
team.
OPERATIONS STRATEGIES (CONSOLIDATION EFFORTS)
The company has recognized that acquisitions made in 1996 would be better
managed if those operations were consolidated to maximize efficiency in its
marketing and development strategy. In 1998 the Company embarked on a
restructuring plan that would consolidate or restructure the various operating
subsidiaries into more streamlined and focused marketing and development
divisions.
The Company began its consolidation with the closure of Magic Attic Press's
(MAP) New York Office. The Company realized that its future in publishing for
the Magic Attic Brand line would be better served if the book operations were
outsourced. In May 1998, the Company entered into a marketing and distribution
agreement with Millbrook Press, Inc. of Brooklyn, New York. Any future
publishing of the existing series of books will be handled by third party
arrangement enabling the company to realize cost savings by reducing overhead
tied to the MAP division.
In May 1998, the Company began exploring reducing its dependency on some of its
distribution operations in Maine by outsourcing those operations to a third
party. This would enable the Company to reduce manpower and overhead, as well as
shift other fixed expenses to a variable basis. During its three-month search
the Company found a fulfillment and customer service operation that would be
able, after extensive systems work, to accommodate the direct response business
for its Georgetown Brand. In September 1998, the Company signed a two-year
distribution agreement with Keystone Fulfillment. In October, the Company
elected to close one 45,000 square foot facility by moving those operations to
Keystone Fulfillment, Inc., a Hanover Direct (HNV:Amex) subsidiary.
In September 1998, the Company decided to move the remaining operations of the
Georgetown brand to California. As a result, the Company's Philadelphia
Development Office was closed.
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In November 1998, the Company decided to restructure its fashion jewelry
manufacturing operations by shifting certain non-proprietary manufacturing
functions to Southeast Asia and to domestic contractors. The Company's
manufacturing facility in Rhode Island has been reorganized to provide product
development and proprietary manufacturing functions.
By completing the consolidation of production and operations in the U. S., the
Company recently closed its overseas Trading Office in China and has elected to
manage overseas production either factory direct or through its California
sourcing group.
The Company continues to move forward on plans to complete its consolidation by
redirecting operations related to its Magic Attic Club Brand, currently residing
in Maine.
As a result of these consolidation efforts, manpower worldwide over the last 12
months has been reduced by approximately 25%, with most of those manpower
reductions occurring from streamlined efforts in the United States. Manpower in
the U.S. was reduced from approximately 250 personnel to approximately 160
personnel. In addition to streamlining manpower the Company has reduced other
employee-related costs as well as facilities costs worldwide.
EQUITY INVESTMENTS
Knickerbocker holds passive investments in two unrelated, independent companies,
as follows:
PURE ENERGY CORPORATION
The Company holds a 31.5% equity interest in Pure Energy Corporation (PEC).
Other shareholders include PEC's founders and officers, Donaldson, Lufkin &
Jenrette (DLJ), an investment banking firm and private individuals.
PEC has developed a cleaner-burning alternative automotive motor fuel designed
in response to the more stringent emission standards and vehicle purchase
requirements of the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPACT) and the Clean Air Act
Amendment of 1990 (CAAA). The fuel will be produced regionally, substantially
from renewable biomass, and distributed through existing infrastructure.
Currently produced flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) can operate on the fuel. PEC's
strategy is to serve fleet customers initially and eventually a broader segment
of the motoring public. PEC has the exclusive worldwide license from Princeton
University to commercialize the fuel.
In December 1997 PEC was notified that the United States Patent and Trademark
Office had issued a patent on the new, non-petroleum substitute for gasoline
called P-series, U.S. Patent No. 5697987, to Princeton University, entitled
"Alternative Fuel." The fuel, which is non-petroleum and as much as 70 percent
renewable, is designed to operate in existing flexible-fuel vehicles. P-series
is a unique blend of ethanol, natural gas liquids and a co-solvent. Both ethanol
and the co-solvent are derived from renewable resources such as cellulosic
biomass. Use of the fuel as an alternative to gasoline will contribute to
significant reductions in greenhouse gases and lower tailpipe emissions.
In July 1997 PEC filed a formal petition with the Department of Energy (DOE)
seeking a ruling to designate its proprietary, non-petroleum motor fuel as an
alternative fuel under EPACT. The DOE has established three primary criteria for
official certification of an alternative motor fuel: (1) substantially not
petroleum, (2) substantial energy security and (3) substantial environmental
benefit. DOE certification is pending.
Due to the development stage nature of Pure Energy Corporation, the cost per
gallon of the product has not been established. Pure Energy Corporation had no
sales during 1998. The Company's risk in its investment in Pure Energy
Corporation is that the investment's value could be severely impacted by two
factors: The Department of Energy not approving the fuel as a designated
alternative fuel; and a lack of funding for the development of refineries in
which to produce the fuel.
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ONTRO, INC. (FORMERLY SELF-HEATING CONTAINER CORP.)
Knickerbocker holds a 13.2% equity interest in Ontro, Inc. (Ontro), engaged in
the development of integrated thermal containers. Ontro has the rights to
exploit a unique propriety technology which it has incorporated into a proposed
product line of fully contained self-heating beverage containers designed to
heat liquid contents such as coffee, tea, hot chocolate, soups and baby formula.
Ontro entered into an evaluation agreement with Nestle which allows Nestle an
exclusive period to review Ontro's designs and technology in order to determine
Nestle's interest in acquiring rights for the commercial use of the self-heating
food and beverage containers and to cooperate with Ontro in evaluating certain
commercial uses and markets for the technology and includes an obligation to pay
for one-half of the cost of certain market research studies that are currently
underway.
In June 1997, the Company signed a Distributorship Agreement with Ontro to
market products packaged in Ontro's thermal containers. The terms of the
Agreement call for Ontro to sell its containers to Knickerbocker for their use
in manufacturing and selling of approved products and for Knickerbocker to be
designated as exclusive distributor for such approved products. The Company may
also contract with manufacturers to produce approved products for the Company
and to package such products using Ontro's containers purchased by the Company.
Due to the development stage nature of Ontro, Inc., the price of the product has
not been established. The product heats the contents of the container only one
time and is not renewable. The container heats the beverage to a temperature of
180 degrees. Ontro, Inc. had no sales during 1998.
ARKENOL ASIA, INC.
Arkenol Asia, Inc. is a Delaware corporation owned 50% by Knickerbocker and 50%
by Arkenol Holdings, LLC. In 1997 the joint venture acquired an exclusive
license to exploit Arkenol Holdings' technology and related intellectual
property to produce ethanol and other chemicals for sale and consumption in
certain Asian countries. The joint venture had limited activity in 1998.
SUMMARY OF REVENUE BY PRODUCT LINE
In 1998, the Company's revenue was $60,427,000. The revenue by product line in
1998 is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Category $000's Percent
- -------- -------- -------
<S> <C> <C>
Collectible dolls and bears $ 39,424 65.2%
Fashion jewelry and accessories 9,241 15.3%
Fine Jewelry 11,762 19.5%
-------- -----
Total $ 60,427 100.0%
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</TABLE>
MATERIAL CONTRACTS
RICHARD SIMMONS
On February 1, 1999, the Company entered into a License Agreement with Richard
Simmons, Inc. to license the name, likeness and trademarks of Richard Simmons.
The Company has been granted the exclusive license to manufacture and distribute
the line of angel figurines under development with Richard Simmons. The lines of
collectible dolls and figurines were introduced at the 1998 International Toy
Fair in New York.
10
<PAGE> 11
CELLO, INC.
The Company entered into a License Agreement with Cello, Inc. (Cello) on May 13,
1994 with respect to the services of Annette Funicello. The material terms of
the Agreement provide that the Company will design, develop and manufacture
collectible teddy bears and dolls, and such other products as the parties shall
agree on, with the approval of Cello. Cello retains all intellectual property
rights to the products, and the Company is solely responsible for the costs of
manufacturing, distribution, advertising and sales. The initial term of the
Agreement terminated in January 1998, and the Agreement automatically renewed
for an additional term through January 2001.
MARIE, INC.
The Company entered into a License Agreement with Marie, Inc. on April 1, 1993
with respect to the services of Marie Osmond. The material terms of the
Agreement provide that the Company will design, develop and manufacture dolls,
and such other products as the parties shall agree on, with the approval of
Marie, Inc. The Company retains all intellectual property rights to the products
unless they contain Marie Osmond's name, and the Company is solely responsible
for the costs of manufacturing, distribution, advertising and sales. Marie, Inc.
is bound to provide the services of Marie Osmond as the spokesperson for the
products, subject to Marie, Inc.'s approval of commentary and production, for a
minimum of eight personal appearances per year. The Agreement is for a five-year
term, and expired on April 1, 1998. The Company has exercised its option for the
renewal of the Agreement for an additional term through April 2003.
TRADEMARKS AND LOGOS
The Company has the right to use the trademark names of the following
spokespersons and celebrities currently under contract: Marie Osmond, Annette
Funicello, Bob Mackie, Richard Simmons, Gleason, the Honeymooners, Jim Yehl,
Nolan Miller, Kenneth Jay Lane, Dennis Basso, Barbara Mandrell, Anushka, and
Cicely Tyson. The Company has also been issued trademarks under the following
names: American Dairy Dolls, Portraits of Perfection, Baby Kisses, Quick Fox,
Hearts in Song, Children of the Great Spirit, Faraway Friends, Artists? Edition,
Sweethearts of Summer, Little Bit of Heaven, and Magic Attic Club.
Trademark applications have been filed for: Adorabell, Beauty Bug Ball, Betsy
Clark, Bob Mackie Legendary Beauties, Collection of the Masters, Folkbook
Friends, Greeting Card Treasures, KL, Knickerbocker, Knickerbocker Direct,
Legendary Beauties, Pendant Collection, Pendant Press, Storybook Bears by
Knickerbocker, Storybook Dolls by Knickerbocker, Teddy Tales by Annette
Funicello and Webbie Debbie.
COMPETITION
The direct marketing business is highly competitive and many of the Company's
competitors have substantially greater financial and personnel resources than
the Company. The Company believes that its primary competitors in direct
marketing are difficult to distinguish because the Company is involved in four
types of direct marketing: Television Shopping, Print Media Advertising,
Catalogs and Direct Mail. The Company feels, however, that its main competitors
are Aston Drake, Hamilton Mint, Franklin Mint, Mattel, the Boyds Bears, and
JMAM, Inc. The Company also competes with a wide variety of wholesalers,
retailers and other direct marketers.
EMPLOYEES
The Company employs a total of 463 employees.
The Company had 74 full-time employees at its main office in Lake Forest,
California as of February 10, 1999, consisting of 5 executives, 25 product
development, 4 sales, 14 administrative, 6 customer service, 6 marketing and 14
warehouse employees.
The Company had 28 full-time employees at its Magic Attic Club offices in
Portland, Maine as of February 10, 1999, consisting of 1 executive, 21 customer
service, general sales and office administrative, and 6 warehouse employees.
11
<PAGE> 12
The Company has 6 full-time employees at its Krasner Group, Inc. office in New
York, New York as of February 10, 1999, consisting of 2 executives and 4 general
sales and office administrative employees.
The Company has 48 full-time employees at its Charisma Manufacturing Company,
Inc. factory in Central Falls, Rhode Island as of February 10, 1999, consisting
of 2 executives, 10 general sales and office administrative and 36 product
development, warehouse and factory employees.
The Company has 307 full-time employees at its L.L. Knickerbocker (Thai) Co.,
Ltd., offices in Bangkok, Thailand as of February 10, 1999. The 307 full-time
employees are comprised of 6 executives, 111 general sales and office
administrative and 190 factory/warehouse employees.
12
<PAGE> 13
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
As of March 15, 1999, the Company had eight principal facilities where it leased
or owned an aggregate of 190,500 square feet of space. The location, function
and general description of the principal properties owned or leased by the
Company are set forth in the table below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SQUARE
LOCATION PRINCIPAL FUNCTION FOOTAGE OWNERSHIP
- -------- ------------------ ------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
CORPORATE
Lake Forest, CA Corporate headquarters, finance,
purchasing, service division
headquarters 51,000 Leased
COLLECTIBLE DOLLS AND BEARS
Portland, ME Administration, product development,
marketing and warehousing 40,000 Leased
COSTUME JEWELRY
New York, NY Administration, product development
and marketing 5,000 Leased
Central Falls, RI Manufacturing 26,000 Leased
Pawtucket, RI Fulfillment and warehousing 30,000 Leased
FINE JEWELRY
Bangkok, Thailand Administration, product development,
marketing and showroom 3,500 Owned
Bangkok, Thailand Manufacturing and administration 35,000 Owned
</TABLE>
The Company believes that the properties are in good condition, suitable for its
operations and adequately insured.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Plaintiff Michael Elam filed an action in Orange County Superior Court (Case No.
759883) on or about February 16, 1996, against Louis L. Knickerbocker, Tamara
Knickerbocker and the Company alleging causes of action for conversion, breach
of fiduciary duty, fraud, debitatus assumpsit, intentional interference with
contract, constructive trust, breach of oral agreement, specific performance,
money had and received, open book account and spoliation of evidence. The
plaintiff is seeking money damages and/or shares of stock of the Company ranging
between $500,000 and $35,000,000 as a result of prior business affiliations with
Mr. Knickerbocker, alleging that the Company is liable as a successor-in-
interest for the debts of Mr. Knickerbocker's prior companies, and that Mr.
Knickerbocker was obligated to allow the plaintiff to participate in the Company
when it was created. The defendants are vigorously opposing the lawsuit. A
motion for summary judgment filed in August 1998 eliminated those causes of
action claiming an interest in the company's predecessor, Knickerbocker
Creations, Ltd. The case is set for trial on May 24, 1999. The Company has made
an offer to the plaintiff to settle the litigation in exchange for shares of
Pure Energy Corporation held by the Company with a carrying value of $168,000.
13
<PAGE> 14
The Company's predecessor, Knickerbocker Creations, Ltd., filed an action in the
Los Angeles Superior Court in 1991 (Case No. 060405) against Excess, Inc.,
Beverly Johnson and Alan Johnson. The suit seeks repayment of $157,000, together
with pre-judgment interest and lost profits, as a result of defendants' failure
to manufacture and ship various clothing goods. A cross-complaint was filed by
Beverly Johnson against Knickerbocker Creations, Ltd. and Louis Knickerbocker
for $25,000 for commissions allegedly owed to her. The Company became involved
in the case in the fall of 1998 when a motion to substitute The L.L.
Knickerbocker Company, Inc. as plaintiff and cross-defendant for Knickerbocker
Creations, Ltd., an inactive corporation, was granted by the court. The matter
is currently set for trial on April 5, 1999.
The Company brought claims against State Street Bank and Trust Company ("State
Street") in federal district court in Boston, Massachusetts (Civil Action No.
97-12573-NO, U.S. District Court, D. MA) for conversion, breach of contract,
unjust enrichment, a declaratory judgment and violation of Massachusetts General
Laws, c. 93A arising from State Street's wrongful retention of 72,188 shares of
the Company's common stock after the Company's obligations to State Street under
a Settlement Agreement of the prior indebtedness of Georgetown Collection, Inc.,
a subsidiary acquired in 1996, had been paid in full. The stock retained by
State Street had an original value of $617,000. State Street denies liability
and brought a counterclaim against the Company for breach of contract and
specific performance seeking $102,000 in damages, plus attorneys fees and costs.
Discovery is substantially complete, and the final pre-trial conference is
scheduled on June 1, 1999.
Finance Authority of Maine, Costal Enterprises, Inc, and the Southern Maine
Economic Development District brought claims in federal district court in
Portland, Maine (Civil Action No.98-2235-8, U.S. District Court, D. Maine) for
breach of contract, indemnification and specific performance arising from the
Company's performance under certain settlement documents following the
acquisition of the subsidiary, Georgetown Collection, Inc., in 1996. The
plaintiffs are seeking an order requiring the Company to purchase 63,030 shares
of the Company's stock previously transferred to plaintiffs for $11.50 per
share, plus interest and attorneys fees. The Company answered and denied
liability on plaintiffs' claims. The plaintiffs moved for summary judgment, and
the motion is currently under advisement. No discovery has been conducted and
the current scheduling order provides for a trial date in September 1999.
The Company is involved in certain other legal and administrative proceedings
and threatened legal and administrative proceedings arising in the normal course
of its business. While the outcome of such proceedings and threatened
proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, in the opinion of management,
the ultimate resolution of these matters individually or in the aggregate will
not have a material adverse effect on the Company.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
On December 8, 1998, the Company held a Special Meeting of Shareholders. The
meeting involved (1) the approval of a proposed amendment to the Company's
articles of incorporation to authorize the issuance of 10,000,000 shares of
preferred stock, and (2) the approval of transactions contemplated by a June 8,
1998 Securities Purchase Agreement, including the issuance by the Company of
convertible term debentures. The meeting was adjourned and rescheduled for
January 5, 1999.
14
<PAGE> 15
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
STOCK MARKET AND OTHER INFORMATION
The Company's common stock is listed on the NASDAQ National Market System under
the symbol "KNIC" and has been so listed since January 25, 1995. Previous to
such date, there was no public trading market for the Company's equity
securities. In addition, warrants to purchase up to 2,357,500 shares of the
Company's common stock were listed on the NASDAQ National Market System under
the symbol "KNICW." On January 25, 1997, the warrants expired. The registration
of the warrants under Section 12(g) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended, was terminated on January 25, 1997 and the listing of such warrants on
NASDAQ National Market System was terminated on January 25, 1997. The terms of
the warrants provide that one warrant plus $1.30 was required to purchase one
additional share of the Company's common stock. The warrants were redeemable at
the Company's option commencing March 15, 1995 upon 30 days notice to the
warrant holders at $0.01 per share if the closing bid price of the common stock
averaged in excess of 110% of the then current exercise price of the warrants
for a period of 20 consecutive trading days ending within 15 days of the notice
of redemption.
On March 15, 1999, the common stock bid price closed at $.63 per share. The
closing bid price of the Company's stock on December 31, 1998 was $.53 per
share. The total volume of shares traded during the year ended December 31, 1998
was 37,948,643 shares. As of March 15, 1999, there were 203 holders of record of
the Company's common stock.
The following table presents information on the high and low prices per share
for the Company's common stock for each fiscal quarter in 1998 and 1997 as
reported by the NASDAQ National Market System. The following quotations reflect
inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up, mark-down or commission, and may
not represent actual transactions.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997
-------------- --------------
High $ Low $ High $ Low $
------ ----- ------ -----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
First Quarter 8.13 4.63 7.75 4.93
Second Quarter 5.60 2.38 6.62 4.62
Third Quarter 4.75 1.00 9.00 5.87
Fourth Quarter 1.50 .44 7.93 5.50
</TABLE>
DIVIDENDS
The Company has never paid any dividends on its common stock. The Company
intends to retain earnings and capital for use in its business and does not
expect to pay any dividends within the foreseeable future. Any payment of cash
dividends in the future on the common stock will be dependent on the Company's
financial condition, results of operations, current and anticipated cash
requirements, plans for expansion, restrictions, if any, under debt obligations,
as well as other factors that the Board of Directors deems relevant. The
Company's line of credit agreement prohibits the payment of dividends without
the prior written consent of the lender.
TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR
American Securities Transfer, Inc. of Colorado has been appointed and serves as
transfer agent and registrar of the Company's common stock.
15
<PAGE> 16
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The following table sets forth certain selected financial data regarding the
Company, which is qualified by reference to, and should be read in conjunction
with, the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto (see "Index to
Consolidated Financial Statements" and Item 7, "Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations"). The statement of
operations and balance sheet data presented below has been derived from the
Company's consolidated financial statements. The Company's consolidated
financial statements as of December 31, 1998 and 1997 and for each of the three
years in the period ended December 31, 1998 have been audited by Deloitte &
Touche LLP, the Company's independent auditors, as indicated in their report,
which contains an explanatory paragraph regarding substantial doubt about the
Company's ability to continue as a going concern, included elsewhere herein.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
--------------------------------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
--------------------------------------------------------------
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Net sales $ 60,427 $68,290 $42,095 $13,140 $7,780
Cost of sales 29,383 30,790 21,451 6,327 4,212
--------------------------------------------------------------
Gross profit 31,044 37,500 20,644 6,813 3,568
Operating expenses 51,412 39,542 16,794 4,767 2,384
--------------------------------------------------------------
Operating (loss) income (20,368) (2,042) 3,850 2,046 1,184
Loss on equity method investments 1,347 1,857 629
Other (income) expense (47) (3,316) 62 (133) (53)
Interest expense 3,658 4,831 1,205 27 18
--------------------------------------------------------------
Income (loss) before income taxes (25,326) (5,414) 1,954 2,152 1,219
Minority interest in (loss) income of subsidiary (274) 10 132
Income tax expense (benefit) 3,663 (1,047) 450 883 494
--------------------------------------------------------------
Net (loss) income $(28,715) $(4,377) $ 1,372 $ 1,269 $725
==============================================================
Net (loss) income per share, diluted $ (1.46) $ (.24) $ .09 $ .10 $.10
==============================================================
Weighted average shares outstanding, diluted 19,630 18,052 16,471 13,280 7,139
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Working capital (deficit) $ (7,785) $12,496 $15,702 $ 7,847 $289
Total assets 38,742 50,961 57,572 11,214 2,202
Total debt 18,769 14,008 19,471
Stockholders' equity 3,268 24,725 24,263 8,600 607
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) The Company's consolidated financial statements include the results of
operations of Krasner Group, Inc.; S.L.S. Trading Co., Ltd. and Harlyn
International Co., Ltd.; and Georgetown Collection, Inc. since June 18,
1996; July 1, 1996; and October 18, 1996, respectively.
(2) Per share amounts and shares outstanding have been adjusted to reflect a
five-for-one stock split effected in August 1995.
16
<PAGE> 17
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the financial
statements and the notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this Form 10-K.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year ended December 31,
------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
----- ----- ------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net Sales 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
Cost of sales 48.6% 45.1% 51.0%
Gross profit 51.4% 54.9% 49.0%
Operating expenses 85.1% 57.9% 39.9%
Operating income (loss) -33.7% -3.0% 9.1%
Other (income) expense 8.2% -4.9% 4.5%
Net income (loss) -47.5% -6.4% 3.3%
</TABLE>
Year ended December 31, 1998 compared to year ended December 31, 1997
Net Sales
Net sales decreased to $60,427,000 for the year ended December 31, 1998 from
$68,290,000 for the year ended December 31, 1997, a decrease of $7,863,000, or
11.5%. The $7,863,000 decrease in annual net sales was comprised of decreases of
$7,986,000 in the Company's non-celebrity, direct response and catalog-driven
collectible doll programs and $2,466,000 in the Company's fashion jewelry
program, offset by increases in net sales of $1,838,000 in the Company's
celebrity-driven collectible doll program and $751,000 in the Company's fine
jewelry program. The decrease in non-celebrity collectible doll revenues was
primarily attributed to lower than expected response from the Company's catalog
mailings and direct response advertisement campaigns, combined with a planned
reduction from 1997 in direct response advertising spending in the second half
of 1998. The decrease in net sales from the Company's fashion jewelry program
was primarily attributed to lower dollar amount orders from the Company's major
customer in the home shopping industry, the primary distribution channel for the
Company's fashion jewelry. The increase in net sales from celebrity-driven
collectible doll programs is due primarily to increased sales from the Company's
retail base of customers, an area the Company focused on in the second half of
1998. The increase in fine jewelry sales related to an expanded customer base
established by the Company in 1998. The Company continues to assess the
potential of sales expansion of existing products through new distribution
channels, as well as continuing to develop new product categories.
Gross Profit
Gross profit decreased to $31,044,000 for the year ended December 31, 1998 from
$37,500,000 for the year ended December 31, 1997, a decrease of $6,456,000, or
17.2%. As a percentage of net sales, gross profit for the year decreased to
51.4% in 1998 from 54.9% in 1997. The decrease in the gross profit percentage in
1998 from 1997 is due primarily to a change in the sales mix of products sold
directly to the consumer, versus products sold by the Company at wholesale
prices. In 1998, 44.1% of the Company's sales were directly to the consumer
through catalogs and print advertisements, referred to as direct response sales,
versus 50.7% in 1997. Direct response sales, as opposed to wholesale, business
to business sales, generate higher margins to the Company as the products are
sold at retail prices to individual consumers. Therefore, the Company's gross
profit percentage will vary depending on the relationship of direct response
sales to total sales for the Company during the year. Correspondingly, should
the majority of the Company's sales come from fine and costume jewelry sales in
any year, the gross profit percentage of the Company will be lower due to lower
historical margins associated with jewelry production and sales.
17
<PAGE> 18
Advertising Expense
Advertising expense increased to $14,196,000 for the year ended December 31,
1998 from $10,926,000 for the year ended December 31, 1997, due primarily to the
Company's expansion of its direct response advertising campaigns among more
collectible brands in 1998 and its attempt, in early 1998, to aggressively
prospect for new customers for its Georgetown Collection non-celebrity
collectible doll brand. Additionally, the Company incurred higher advertising
costs in 1998 related to the expansion of its retail distribution channel for
the Company's products and the write off of approximately $1,643,000 of prepaid
advertising and related costs in connection with the revised marketing strategy
for the Company's Georgetown and Magic Attic Club brands. Included in
advertising expense are advertisement printing costs, catalog printing costs,
media space in magazines, and advertisement creative and development costs.
Selling Expense
Selling expense increased to $7,029,000 for the year ended December 31, 1998
from $6,488,000 for the year ended December 31, 1997, an increase of $541,000,
or 8.3%. As a percentage of net sales, selling expense increased from 9.5% in
1997 to 11.6% in 1998. The increase in selling expense is due primarily to
increases in trade show and commission expenses related to the Company's
expansion of its products into the retail distribution channel, offset by lower
variable royalty expense attributable to lower revenues in 1998. Selling
expenses include royalty expense, commission expense, trade show expenses, and
other sales promotion expenses.
General and Administrative Expense
General and administrative expense increased to $27,196,000 for the year ended
December 31, 1998 from $22,128,000 for the year ended December 31, 1997, an
increase of $5,068,000, or 22.9%. The percentage of revenues represented by
these expenses increased from 32.4% in 1997 to 45.0% in 1998. The increase in
general and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenues resulted
primarily from the 11.5% decrease in the revenue base in 1998 from 1997. The
increase in general and administrative expenses was due in part to higher
personnel costs due to the addition of members of management, and higher
operating costs associated with the Company's new headquarters in California and
jewelry facility in Thailand. Included in general and administrative expense in
1998 is approximately $2 million of legal costs incurred in connection with
various legal proceedings, of which approximately $1.4 million was incurred in
the fourth quarter.
Also included in general and administrative expense in the fourth quarter of
1998 is a $1 million goodwill impairment charge. This charge is the result of
the Company's review of the carrying value of goodwill related to the 1996
acquisition of Krasner Group, Inc. Based upon projected undiscounted cash flows
of Krasner Group, Inc. over the remaining goodwill amortization period, the
Company determined that goodwill aggregating approximately $1 million would not
be recoverable.
Restructuring Charge
In the fourth quarter of 1998, the Company recorded a restructuring charge of
$2,991,000, related to the consolidation of Georgetown Collection and Magic
Attic Club lines (collectively GCI) into the Company's California facility and
outsourcing of fulfillment and order processing for these brands. The
restructuring charge includes $2,342,000 for write-downs of certain long-lived
assets, including goodwill; $500,000 for lease termination payments, net of
estimated sub-lease income; and $149,000 for employee severance and termination
benefits. The write-down of long-lived assets includes the write-down to
estimated fair value of tangible assets to be disposed of ($909,000) and
elimination of goodwill associated with the GCI acquisition ($1,433,000) due to
nonrecoverability based upon projected undiscounted cash flows over the
remaining amortization period.
Loss on Equity Method Investments
Loss on equity method investments decreased to $1,347,000 for the year ended
December 31, 1998 from $1,857,000 for the year ended December 31, 1997. The
major components of the 1998 loss from equity method investments stem from the
Company's 50% interest in Arkenol Asia, LLC and its interest in Pure Energy
Corporation, both development-stage corporations. Under the equity method of
accounting, the Company recorded loss on equity method investments equal to the
investees' net loss multiplied by the Company's ownership percentage. Effective
April 1, 1998, the Company discontinued the application of the equity method to
its investment in Pure Energy Corporation due to a reduction in ownership
interest during 1998. Additionally, during the year ended December 31, 1998, the
Company wrote off its investment in Arkenol Asia LLC due to the inactivity of
the joint venture.
18
<PAGE> 19
Other (Income) Expense
Other income decreased to $47,000 for the year ended December 31, 1998 from
income of $3,316,000 for the year ended December 31, 1997, a change of
$3,269,000. The primary reason for the substantial change from 1997 to 1998 is
that the 1997 comparative amount included $1,280,000 of foreign currency gains
from transactions of the Company's Thailand operations, compared to foreign
currency transaction losses of $333,000 in 1998, due to fluctuations in the Thai
baht. Included in other income in 1997 is a net gain of $1,710,000 from the sale
of a portion of the Company's interest in Pure Energy Corporation, compared to
1998 net gain on sales of Pure Energy stock of $769,000.
Interest Expense
Interest expense decreased to $3,658,000 for the year ended December 31, 1998
from $4,831,000 for the year ended December 31, 1997, a decrease of $1,173,000,
or 24.3%. The decrease occurred primarily as a result of a $1,899,000 noncash
restructuring charge and noncash conversion discounts incurred in 1997
associated with the Company's 1996 convertible debenture offering, offset by
increased interest charges from the issuance of convertible debentures totaling
$5,000,000 and $7,000,000 in September 1997 and June 1998, respectively.
Included in interest expense for the year ended December 31, 1998 and 1997, are
noncash charges of $2,183,000 and $3,099,000, respectively, that are classified
as interest expense. The remaining balance of interest expense includes interest
on borrowings from working capital lines of credit, mortgages on buildings owned
by the Company, and interest paid in cash on the remaining balance of the
September 1996 convertible debentures.
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Income tax expense (benefit) changed from an income tax benefit of $1,047,000 in
1997 to income tax expense of $3,663,000 in 1998. The 1998 expense includes
$3,451,000 to increase the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets due to
recurring tax losses and uncertain future taxable income. The remaining amount
of income tax expense includes estimated minimum state taxes payable based on
factors other than income and foreign taxes related to profitable Thai
operations.
Net Loss
As a result of the foregoing factors, net loss increased to $28,715,000 for the
year ended December 31, 1998 from net loss of $4,377,000 for the year ended
December 31, 1997, an increase in net loss of $24,338,000.
Year ended December 31, 1997 compared to year ended December 31, 1996
Net Sales
Net sales increased to $68,290,000 for the year ended December 31, 1997 from
$42,095,000 for the year ended December 31, 1996, an increase of $26,195,000, or
62.2%. Of the $26,195,000 increase, $22,463,000 was attributable to a full
twelve months of 1997 net sales generated by the Georgetown Collection and Magic
Attic Club product lines that were acquired in October of 1996. The comparative
1996 year included approximately two and one half months of revenues of the
Georgetown Collection and Magic Attic Club lines totaling $12,162,000. The
remaining balance of the increase in sales for 1997 of $3,732,000 consists of an
increase in fashion jewelry sales of $5,902,000, offset by net decreases in
celebrity-driven collectible doll, bear and other consumer products and fine
jewelry sales of $2,094,000 and $76,000, respectively. The increases in fashion
jewelry sales were primarily attributed to the inclusion of a full twelve months
of sales in 1997, versus approximately six months of sales in 1996. The Company
acquired the fashion and fine jewelry subsidiaries in June 1996.
19
<PAGE> 20
Gross Profit
Gross profit increased to $37,500,000 for the year ended December 31, 1997 from
$20,644,000 for the year ended December 31, 1996, an increase of $16,856,000, or
81.7%. As a percentage of net sales, gross profit increased to 54.9% in 1997
from 49.0% in 1996. The improvement of 5.9% in gross profit as a percentage of
net sales was primarily attributable to the inclusion in 1997 of a full year of
activity of Georgetown Collection and Magic Attic Club lines. The gross profit
margins generated by the collectible doll sales of Georgetown Collection and the
Magic Attic Club lines were 67.6% during 1997, while the Company's fashion and
fine jewelry lines generated gross profit margins of approximately 40% in 1997.
The net sales generated by the Georgetown Collection and Magic Attic Club lines,
which are distributed through catalogs, print advertisements and direct mail
aimed at consumers, will result in higher gross margins than the Company's
historical margins. Approximately one half of the Company's net sales, excluding
the portion contributed by Georgetown Collection and Magic Attic Club lines,
come from wholesale sales that typically carry lower gross margins than do
retail sales. Therefore, the Company's gross profit percentage will vary
depending on the volume of catalog, print advertisement, and direct response
sales in any particular quarter. Correspondingly, should the majority of the
Company's sales come from fine and costume jewelry sales in any period, the
Company's gross profit percentage will be lower due to lower historical margins
associated with wholesale jewelry sales. In the future, the Company expects its
direct response sales to make up a large percentage of its annual sales.
Advertising Expense
Advertising expense increased to $10,926,000 for the year ended December 31,
1997 from $4,882,000 for the year ended December 31, 1996, an increase of
$6,044,000, or 123.8%. The increase is due primarily to the inclusion in 1997 of
a full year of activity of the Company's direct response lines, Georgetown
Collection and Magic Attic Club. The comparative 1996 year included
approximately two and one half months of activity from the Georgetown Collection
and Magic Attic Club lines. The Company will continue to incur significant
advertising expense through its direct response business. While the Company
enjoys higher gross margins on direct response sales, substantial advertising
expense is incurred in generating direct response sales. The Company will
continue to focus in 1998 on improving returns from advertising dollars spent.
Included in advertising expense are advertisement printing costs, catalog
printing costs, media space in magazines, postage on mailings, infomercial
costs, and advertisement development costs.
Selling Expense
Selling expense increased to $6,488,000 for the year ended December 31, 1998
from $3,514,000 for the year ended December 31, 1997, an increase of $2,974,000,
or 84.6%. As a percentage of net sales, selling expense increased from 8.3% in
1996 to 9.5% in 1997. Selling expenses include royalty expense, commission
expense, trade show expenses and other sales promotion expenses.
General and Administrative Expense
Total selling, general and administrative expenses increased to $28,616,000 for
the year ended December 31, 1997 from $11,912,000 for the year ended December
31, 1996, an increase of $16,704,000, or 140.2%. The $16,704,000 increase is
primarily due to the inclusion of a full year of activity in 1997 from the
Company's 1996 acquisitions of the Georgetown Collection and Magic Attic Club
product lines and fashion and fine jewelry lines. All of the acquisitions were
completed in the second half of 1996. Therefore, the 1996 comparative base did
not include a full year of activity of the entities, which were included in
1997. As a result of the acquisitions completed in 1996, $661,000 of goodwill
amortization is included in 1997 selling, general and administrative expenses.
The Company also experienced increases in overhead costs such as higher
personnel costs, higher legal and public relations costs and higher operating
costs associated with the Company's new headquarters in California and its
jewelry facility in Thailand. In addition, the Company has incurred higher
travel and lodging costs due to its expansion of operations into southeast Asia.
The percentage of revenues represented by selling, general and administrative
expenses increased from 28.3% in 1996 to 41.9% in 1997. The Company also incurs
general and administrative expenses in connection with overseeing its investment
division that includes investments in Pure Energy Corporation, Ontro, Inc., and
Arkenol Asia, Inc.
20
<PAGE> 21
Loss on Equity Method Investments
Loss on equity method investments increased to $1,857,000 in 1997 from $629,000
in 1996, an increase of $1,228,000. Equity in loss of investee companies
represents the Company's percentage share of losses, accounted for under the
equity method of accounting, incurred by entities in which the Company has a
greater than 20% percentage ownership, and has the ability to influence the
business decisions of the investee companies.
Other (Income) Expense
Other (income) expense increased to income of $3,316,000 for the year ended
December 31, 1997 from expense of $62,000 for the year ended December 31, 1997,
an increase of $3,378,000. The increase of $3,378,000 is primarily comprised of
$1,280,000 of net gains realized by Thailand-based subsidiaries in foreign
currency exchanges, $1,710,000 gain on the sale of shares in Pure Energy
Corporation, an investment held by the Company, offset by losses on infomercial
marketing joint ventures.
Interest Expense
Interest expense increased to $4,831,000 for the year ended December 31, 1997
from $1,205,000 for the year ended December 31, 1996, an increase of $3,626,000.
Included in the $4,831,000 of 1997 interest expense is $3,099,000 of noncash
charges in the form of noncash conversion discounts associated with the
Company's convertible debenture financings which occurred in September of 1996
and 1997, and a restructuring charge of $1,899,000 in February of 1997 incurred
to refinance the remaining convertible debenture completed in the September 1996
offering. The noncash conversion discount of 10% on conversions of convertible
debt into common stock is charged as interest expense. The total conversion
discount charged as interest expense in 1997 totaled $644,000. The remaining
balance of interest expense includes $1,732,000 of interest on borrowings from
working capital lines of credit, mortgages on buildings owned by the Company,
and interest paid in cash on the remaining balance of the September 1996
convertible debentures.
Net Income (Loss)
As a result of the above, net loss increased to $4,377,000 for the year ended
December 31, 1997 from net income of $1,372,000 for the year ended December 31,
1996, a decrease of $5,748,000. The Company's Thailand-based fine jewelry
operations enjoy lower operating costs and overhead and thus generate a higher
percentage of operating income relative to sales than do the Company's domestic
operations. The savings in labor pool and overhead is accomplished by its
location in southeast Asia, where labor and operating costs are typically less
expensive than in the United States.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The Company has financed its operations from internally generated cash flow,
short-term borrowings and equity financings. As of December 31, 1998 the Company
had negative working capital of $7,785,000. Working capital decreased from
$12,496,000 at December 31, 1997.
Throughout 1998, the Company has continued to invest most of its available funds
generated from operations and raised in its convertible debenture financing by
capitalizing subsidiaries, purchasing inventory for seasonal needs and
developing new product categories.
The Company has available to use for working capital purposes and to post
letters of credit, a line of credit totaling $15,000,000, subject to certain
limits. The line of credit encompasses The L.L. Knickerbocker Co., Inc. (LLK),
Georgetown Collection, Inc. (GCI) and Krasner Group, Inc. (TKG) and expires in
July 1999. Certain credit limits are established for each company. The credit
limits are $5,000,000 for LLK, $7,000,000 for GCI and $3,000,000 for TKG.
Borrowing availability is determined by an advance rate on eligible accounts
receivable and inventory. The line of credit includes sublimits for letters of
credit and bankers acceptances aggregating $7,000,000, $5,000,000 and $3,000,000
for GCI, LLK and TKG, respectively. Borrowings bear interest at the bank's base
rate (7.75% at December 31, 1998) plus 2% for GCI and TKG borrowings and plus 1%
for LLK borrowings or, at the Company's option, an adjusted LIBOR rate. In
addition, the Company is charged an Unused Line fee of .25% of the unused
portion of the revolving loans.
21
<PAGE> 22
At December 31, 1998, the Company had $4,324,000 of cash borrowings outstanding.
Borrowings are collateralized by substantially all assets of the Company. The
line of credit agreement contains, among other things, restrictive financial
covenants, which require the Company to maintain certain leverage and current
ratios (computed annually and quarterly), an interest coverage ratio (computed
annually) and to achieve certain levels of annual income. The agreement also
limits GCI annual capital expenditures and prohibits the payment of dividends.
At December 31, 1998, the Company was not in compliance with certain of these
covenants. As a result of noncompliance under the terms of the line of credit
agreement, the lender has the right to demand immediate repayment of the
outstanding balance. Absent the rights of the lender due to non-compliance,
available borrowings under the line of credit aggregated $1,997,000 at December
31, 1998. The two-year term of the line of credit is expiring in July 1999,
which, at expiration will need to either be paid off in full or renewed. The
Company currently does not have sufficient funds to pay off the line of credit
should the facility not be renewed. The Company believes that the facility will
be renewed, but no assurances can be made that the Company will be successful in
renewing the line of credit.
The Company is in the process of expanding distribution and product categories
and is limited in its ability to borrow on the $15,000,000 credit facility based
upon current levels of inventory and receivables. As a result of the limitations
on the usage of the $15,000,000 credit facility, the Company has looked to
outside financing to supplement the credit facility, completing a $7,000,000
convertible debenture offering in a private placement to institutional investors
in June 1998 (the 1998 Debentures). The 1998 Debentures were subject to an
agreement whereby after approval by the shareholders of the Company of the
issuance of the 1998 Debentures and the creation of a class of Preferred Stock
of the Company, the 1998 Debentures would be exchanged for shares of newly
created Preferred Stock of the Company, the terms of which would be
substantially similar to that of the 1998 Debentures. The Preferred Stock would
be convertible into shares of common stock of the Company at the lower of $4.02
or a graduated discounted price ranging from 97% to 90% of an average of the 7
lowest trading days of the 30 consecutive trading days prior to conversion. The
discounted price of 90% would have applied if the investor did not convert prior
to the two-year anniversary of the closing date. Citing the decline in the
Company's stock price, the holders of the 1998 Debentures chose not to complete
the exchange into Preferred Stock. As a result, under the terms of the
agreements related to the 1998 Debentures (the Agreements), the 1998 Debentures
matured on December 28, 1998. The Company has received a demand for payment from
one of the holders of the 1998 Debentures and currently does not have sufficient
funds to pay off the balance. The Company is negotiating with the holders of the
1998 Debentures to extend the note, but no assurances can be made that the
Company will be successful in the negotiations. As a result, the Company has
reflected the 1998 Debentures as a current liability in the accompanying
financial statements.
Cash flow used in operations was $6,324,000 in 1998 compared to $1,612,000 in
1997. The increase in cash used in operations was due primarily to the increase
in operating loss for the year ended December 31, 1998, offset by certain
noncash items included in operating loss such as depreciation and amortization,
a write-down of a deferred tax asset, a restructuring charge, a goodwill
impairment charge and amortization of debt discount associated with convertible
debenture financings. The cash items impacting cash flow from operations was a
$4,741,000 reduction in the Company's prepaid advertising account and a
$5,032,000 increase in the Company's accounts payable and accrued expenses.
Cash flow used in investing activities was $993,000 for the year ended December
31, 1998, primarily related to acquisitions of property and equipment and
advances to Arkenol Asia, LLC, a joint venture in which the Company has a 50%
interest, offset by proceeds from the sale of investments. Cash flow provided by
financing activities was $6,697,000 in 1998 due primarily to borrowings on the
$15,000,000 credit facility and net proceeds from the convertible debenture
offering completed in June 1998. The current ratio for the Company decreased
from 1.88 at December 31, 1997 to (.76) at December 31, 1998.
The Company believes it will be necessary to raise additional funds from
additional debt or equity financing or asset sales, to sustain its operations.
There can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in raising such
funds on terms acceptable to it, or at all. The Company's future success is
dependent upon raising additional financing to provide for the necessary
operations of the Company and to repay existing financing, as necessary. If the
Company is unable to obtain additional financing, there would be a material
adverse effect on the Company's business, financial position and results of
operations.
22
<PAGE> 23
SEASONALITY AND QUARTERLY RESULTS
The Company's business is subject to seasonal fluctuations. Georgetown
Collection, Inc., which was acquired effective October 18, 1996, has
historically experienced greater sales in the latter portion of the year.
Because of the seasonality of the Company's business, results for any quarter
are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be achieved for the full
fiscal year.
INFLATION
The Company does not believe that inflation has had a material effect on the
results of operations in the recent past. There can be no assurance that the
Company's business will not be affected by inflation in the future.
YEAR 2000 READINESS DISCLOSURE
The Company has undertaken a Year 2000 Compliance Project ("Y2K Project") that
is designed to ensure that the Company can effectively conduct business beyond
January 1, 2000, and that disruption from December 31, 1999 to January 1, 2000
is minimized. Although no assurances can be given regarding the result of the
Year 2000 event itself, major components of the Company's Y2K Project are
expected to be completed by the end of the third quarter of fiscal 1999.
The Company's Y2K Plan addresses reporting compliance and legal concerns and
contains various phases, including evaluation of systems, planning for system
fixes, implementation of system fixes, development of contingency plans, and
testing of system fixes. The Company has completed the evaluation phase related
to internal systems and is in the process of evaluating the state of readiness
of its major suppliers and customers. The planning phase for fixing internal
systems is completed, and currently the Company is implementing and testing
system fixes. The Company's main accounting system software, including general
ledger, accounts receivable and accounts payable modules, and related hardware
have been upgraded. Such software has been certified as Y2K compliant, and the
related hardware and operating system software has been warranted as Y2K
compliant. The components of the Company's LAN-based software and hardware that
require upgrading should be upgraded and tested through the first three quarters
of fiscal 1999.
The Company outsources its fulfillment and warehousing functions related to its
direct response businesses to an independent provider of such services. The
independent provider has warranted that it is actively taking steps so that its
hardware, software and data feeds, and other machinery and equipment, which
consider and process date-related information, will continue to function
properly after January 1, 2000. The independent provider has, among other
things, (i) taken an inventory of its hardware, software, and data feeds, and
applicable machinery and equipment, (ii) has adopted a testing and remediation
plan, (iii) is currently in progress regarding such testing and remediation for
application software, operating system software, embedded chips and firmware.
The Company is assessing the state of readiness of its major suppliers and
customers through written inquiry and evaluation of responses. The Company
intends to follow up with those suppliers or customers that indicate material
problems. Alternate suppliers or service providers will be identified for those
whose responses indicate an unusually high risk of a Y2K problem. The Company's
evaluation of business processes that are not related to information systems,
and the development of contingency plans where such evaluation identifies a high
risk of a Y2K problem should be completed by the third quarter of fiscal 1999.
The main risks of the Company's Y2K Project are the uncertainties as to whether
the Company's suppliers can continue to perform their services for the Company
uninterrupted by the Y2K event, and whether the Company's customers can continue
to operate their business uninterrupted by the Y2K event. Although the state of
readiness of the Company's suppliers and customers will be monitored and
evaluated, and contingency plans will be developed, no assurances can be given
as to the eventual state of readiness of the Company's suppliers and/or
customers. Nor can any assurance be given as to eventual effectiveness of the
Company's contingency plans.
23
<PAGE> 24
When the Company's systems were upgraded as part of its Y2K Project, other
improvements to the Company's system were made. The cost of the Company's Y2K
Project, including such system upgrades, is estimated to be approximately
$10,000 through December 31, 1998 with $5,000 expected to be incurred in fiscal
1999.
NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive
Income," effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1997. This
Statement requires that all items that are required to be recognized under
accounting standards as components of comprehensive income be reported in a
financial statement that is displayed with the same prominence as other
financial statements. This Statement further requires that an entity display an
amount representing total comprehensive income for the period in that financial
statement. This Statement also requires that an entity classify items of other
comprehensive income by their nature in a financial statement. For example,
other comprehensive income may include foreign currency items, minimum pension
liability adjustments, and unrealized gains and losses on certain investments in
debt and equity securities. Reclassification of financial statements for earlier
periods, provided for comparative purposes, is required. The Company adopted
SFAS No. 130 in the first quarter of 1998. The adoption of SFAS No. 130 required
additional disclosures in the consolidated financial statements but did not have
a material effect on the Company's financial position, results of operations or
liquidity.
In June 1997, the FASB issued SFAS No. 131, "Disclosures about Segments of an
Enterprise and Related Information," effective for fiscal years beginning after
December 15, 1997. This Statement establishes standards for reporting
information about operating segments in annual financial statements and requires
selected information about operating segments in interim financial reports
issued to shareholders. It also establishes standards for related disclosures
about products and services, geographic areas and major customers. Operating
segments are defined as components of an enterprise about which separate
financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the chief
operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing
performance. This Statement requires reporting segment profit or loss, certain
specific revenue and expense items and segment assets. It also requires
reconciliations of total segment revenues, total segment profit or loss, total
segment assets, and other amounts disclosed for segments to corresponding
amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements. Restatement of
comparative information for earlier periods presented is required in the initial
year of application, at which time comparative information is required. The
Company adopted SFAS No. 131 beginning with this annual report. The adoption of
SFAS No. 131 required additional disclosures in the consolidated financial
statements but did not have a material effect on the Company's financial
position, results of operations or liquidity.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
When used in this document, the words "believes," "anticipates," "expects" and
similar expressions are intended to identify in certain circumstances
forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to a number of risks and
uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those
projected, including risks related to the dependence on sales to QVC; the
acceptance in the marketplace of new products; the ability to source raw
materials at prices favorable to the Company; currency fluctuations; and other
risks outlined in the Company's previously filed public documents, copies of
which may be obtained without cost from the Company. Given these uncertainties,
prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such
statements. The Company also undertakes no obligation to update these
forward-looking statements.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
See "Index to Consolidated Financial Statements" for a listing of the
consolidated financial statements submitted as part of this report.
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
24
<PAGE> 25
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
Information with respect to this item is incorporated by reference from the
registrant's definitive Proxy Statement to be filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission not later than 120 days after the end of the registrant's
fiscal year.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Information with respect to this item is incorporated by reference from the
registrant's definitive Proxy Statement to be filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission not later than 120 days after the end of the registrant's
fiscal year.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
Information with respect to this item is incorporated by reference from the
registrant's definitive Proxy Statement to be filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission not later than 120 days after the end of the registrant's
fiscal year.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Information with respect to this item is incorporated by reference from the
registrant's definitive Proxy Statement to be filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission not later than 120 days after the end of the registrant's
fiscal year.
PART IV
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(a)(1) See page 29 for a listing of financial statements submitted as part of
this report.
(a)(2) All schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting
regulation of the Securities and Exchange Commission are not required
under the related instructions, are shown in the financial statements
in Schedule II.
(a)(3) The following exhibits are included in this report:
Exhibit
Number Description
- ------- -----------
3.1 Articles of Incorporation of International Beauty Supply, Ltd. ("IBS")
dated July 11, 1985.(1)
3.2 Amendment to Articles of Incorporation of IBS dated May 24, 1993.(1)
3.3 Certificate of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation of The L. L.
Knickerbocker Company Inc. (the "Company") dated June 20, 1994.(1)
3.4 Certificate of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation of the Company
dated September 27, 1994.(1)
3.5 Bylaws of the Company.(2)
4.1 Qualified Stock Option Plan adopted by the Company on September 27,
1994, along with form of Stock Option Agreement.(3)
25
<PAGE> 26
Exhibit
Number Description
- ------- -----------
4.2 Form of Warrant Agreement.(3)
4.3 Form of Representative's Warrant issued to W.B. McKee Securities, Inc.
upon consummation of the Company's offering on January 25, 1995.(3)
4.4 Form of Common Stock Purchase Warrant issued to Shoreline Pacific, the
Institutional Finance Division of Financial West Group. (6)
4.5 Form of 7% Convertible Debenture.(6)
10.1 Employment Agreement, dated July 1, 1996, between the Company and Louis
L. Knickerbocker.(10)
10.2 Employment Agreement, dated July 1, 1996, between the Company and Tamara
Knickerbocker.(10)
10.3 Employment Agreement, dated July 1, 1996, between the Company and
Anthony P. Shutts.(10)
10.4 Employment Agreement, dated April 1, 1997, between the Company and
William R. Black.(11)
10.5 Agreement between Marie, Inc. and the Company dated April 1, 1993 re the
services of Marie Osmond in the design, production, and sale of products
and licensing to the Company of the use of Marie Osmond's name in
conjunction with the Company's products.(3)
10.6 Agreement between Bob Mackie (US), Inc. and the Company dated May 1,
1994 re the services of Bob Mackie in the design, production and sale of
products and licensing to the Company of the use of Bob Mackie's name in
conjunction with the Company's products. (3)
10.7 Agreement between Cello, Inc. and the Company dated May 13, 1994 re
services of Annette Funicello in the design, development, manufacture
and the sale of products, with Acceptance by Annette Funicello and
Cancellation of Prior Agreement dated October 30, 1991 between Cello,
Inc. and Creations.(3)
10.8 Lease Agreement between the Company and Security Capital Industrial
Trust for 25800 Commercentre Drive, Lake Forest, CA dated February 15,
1995.(2)
10.9 Agreement between the Company and Grant King International Co., Ltd.,
dated November 28, 1995 re the acquisition of 49% of the issued and
outstanding stock of Grant King International Co., Ltd. (5)
10.10 Agreement between the Company and Grant King Design Co., Ltd., dated
November 27, 1995 re the distribution of the jewelry products of Grant
King Design Co., Ltd. (5)
10.11 Agreement of Purchase and Sale of the Capital Stock of Pure Energy
Corporation between the Company and Pure Energy Corporation, dated
February 7, 1996 re the acquisition of 40% of the issued and outstanding
capital stock of Pure Energy Corporation. (5)
10.12 Letter of intent between Pure Energy Corporation and Biofine, Inc.,
dated March 3, 1996 re the licensing of the patents of Biofine, Inc. (5)
10.13 License Agreement between the Company and SIM-GT Licensing Corp., dated
May 1, 1995 re the licensing of the name, likeness and trademarks of
Richard Simmons. (5)
10.14 Employment Agreement, dated April 1, 1998, between the Company and
Robert L. West, Jr. (12)
10.15 Agreement of Purchase and Sale of the Capital Stock of Krasner Group,
Inc., dated June 15, 1996 re the acquisition of 100% of the issued and
outstanding capital stock of Krasner Group,. (7)
10.16 Stock Purchase Agreement dated September 30, 1996, by and among Harlyn
Products, Inc., Harlyn International Co., Ltd. and the Company.(6)
26
<PAGE> 27
Exhibit
Number Description
- ------- -----------
10.17 First Amendment to Stock Purchase Agreement dated October 15, 1996, by
and among Harlyn Products, Inc., Harlyn International Company, Ltd. and
the Company.(6)
10.18 Second Amendment to Stock Purchase Agreement dated November 7, 1996, by
and among Harlyn Products, Inc., Harlyn International Company, Ltd. and
the Company.(6)
10.19 Agreement of Purchase and Sale of the Capital Stock of Self Heating
Container, Inc., dated September 17, 1996 by and between Self Heating
Container Corporation of California and the Company(10)
10.20 Agreement of Purchase and Sale of the Capital Stock of Insta-Heat, Inc.,
dated September 17, 1996, by and between Insta-Heat, Inc. and the
Company.(10)
10.21 Agreement of Purchase and Sale of the Capital Stock of Georgetown
Collection, Inc., dated November 20, 1996, by and between Consumer
Venture Partners I, L.P., Vermont Capital Venture Fund, North Atlantic
Venture Fund, Merchant Partners and the Company.(8)
10.22 Form of Private Securities Subscription Agreement.(6)
10.23 Form of Registration Rights Agreement.(6)
21.1 Subsidiaries of Registrant.(11)
23.0 Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent auditors. (12)
27.0 Financial Data Schedule (12)
- -----------------------
(1) Filed as part of Exhibit 3.1 to The L. L. Knickerbocker Co., Inc. Form
SB-2 Registration Statement No. 33-85230-LA as filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission on or about October 13, 1994.
(2) Filed as an exhibit to the L. L. Knickerbocker Co., Inc. Annual Report
on Form 10-KSB filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or
about March 29, 1995.
(3) Filed as an Exhibit to The L. L. Knickerbocker Co., Inc. Form SB-2
Registration Statement No. 33-85230-LA as filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on or about October 13, 1994.
(4) Filed as Exhibit to The L. L. Knickerbocker Co., Inc. report on Form 8-K
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or about March 21,
1995.
(5) Filed as an exhibit to The L. L. Knickerbocker Co., Inc. Annual Report
on Form 10-KSB filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or
about April 15, 1996.
(6) Filed as an Exhibit to The L. L. Knickerbocker Co., Inc. Form 10-QSB/A
as filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission on or about November
27, 1996.
(7) Filed as Exhibit to The L. L. Knickerbocker Co., Inc. report on Form 8-K
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or about July 3,
1996.
(8) Filed as Exhibit to The L. L. Knickerbocker Co., Inc. report on Form 8-K
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or about December
5, 1996.
(9) Filed as an exhibit to The L. L. Knickerbocker Co., Inc. Annual Report
on Form 10-KSB filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or
about April 15, 1997.
(10) Filed as an exhibit to The L. L. Knickerbocker Co., Inc. Amended Annual
Report on Form 10-KSB/A filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on or about August 15, 1997.
(11) Filed as an exhibit to the L.L. Knickerbocker Co., Inc. Form 10-KSB
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or about March 31,
1998.
(12) Filed herewith.
(b) Reports on Form 8-K
There were no reports on Form 8-K filed during the fourth quarter of
1998.
(c) See (a)(2) above for a listing of the exhibits included as a part of
this report.
27
<PAGE> 28
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, the Registrant has caused this report to be signed on its behalf by
the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
The L. L. Knickerbocker Co., Inc.
(Registrant)
Date: April 14, 1999 By: /s/ Louis L. Knickerbocker
-------------------------------
Louis L. Knickerbocker
Chief Executive Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report
has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and
in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Signature Title Date
--------- ----- ----
<S> <C> <C>
/s/ Louis L. Knickerbocker Chief Executive Officer, April 14, 1999
- ---------------------------------- President and Chairman
Louis L. Knickerbocker (Principal Executive Officer)
/s/ Anthony P. Shutts Chief Financial Officer April 14, 1999
- ---------------------------------- and Director
Anthony P. Shutts (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
/s/ Robert L. West, Jr. Chief Operating Officer April 14, 1999
- ----------------------------------
Robert L. West, Jr.
/s/ Tamara Knickerbocker Executive Vice President and Director April 14, 1999
- ----------------------------------
Tamara Knickerbocker
/s/ Gerald A. Margolis Director April 14, 1999
- ----------------------------------
Gerald A. Margolis
/s/ F. Rene Alvarez, Jr. Director April 14, 1999
- ----------------------------------
F. Rene Alarez, Jr.
</TABLE>
28
<PAGE> 29
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
PAGE
----
Independent Auditors' Report 30
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1998 and 1997 31
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended
December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 32
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income/Loss for the
Years Ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 33
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the
Years Ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 34
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the
Years Ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 36
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 38
29
<PAGE> 30
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
The L.L. Knickerbocker Co., Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of The L.L.
Knickerbocker Co., Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 1998
and 1997, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive
income/loss, stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in
the period ended December 31, 1998. Our audits also included the financial
statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 14 (a)(2). These financial
statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the
Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements and financial statement schedule 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 consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all
material respects, the financial position of The L.L. Knickerbocker Co., Inc.
and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1998 and 1997, and the results of their
operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended
December 31, 1998, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
Also, in our opinion, such financial statement schedule, when considered in
relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in
all material respects, the information set forth therein.
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that the
Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 2 to the
consolidated financial statements, certain conditions exist, including the
Company's non-compliance with terms of certain of its debt agreements, recurring
operating losses and negative working capital position, which raise substantial
doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern. Management's plans
concerning these matters are also described in Note 2. The financial statements
do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this
uncertainty.
As discussed in Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company is
a party to litigation and threatened litigation relating to several matters.
/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
March 31, 1999
Costa Mesa, California
30
<PAGE> 31
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1998 AND 1997
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997
------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 199,000 $ 92,000
Restricted cash (Note 1) 310,000 250,000
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of
$658,000 (1998) and $669,000 (1997) 8,365,000 8,021,000
Inventories (Note 5) 10,989,000 10,851,000
Prepaid expenses and other current assets, including $1,188,000
(1998) and $4,155,000 (1997) of prepaid advertising 2,745,000 7,486,000
Notes receivable (Note 8) 1,800,000
------------ ------------
Total current assets 24,408,000 26,700,000
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net (Note 6) 4,970,000 5,537,000
NOTES RECEIVABLE (Note 8) 1,800,000
RECEIVABLE FROM STOCKHOLDER (Note 7) 1,072,000 1,383,000
INVESTMENTS (Note 8) 3,541,000 2,585,000
GOODWILL, net of accumulated amortization of $1,395,000
(1998) and $971,000 (1997) 3,409,000 6,393,000
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES (Note 15) 4,215,000
OTHER ASSETS 1,342,000 2,348,000
------------ ------------
$ 38,742,000 $ 50,961,000
============ ============
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable $ 9,461,000 $ 5,943,000
Accrued expenses 3,080,000 2,028,000
Notes payable (Note 9) 4,324,000 3,650,000
Commissions and royalties payable 1,368,000 751,000
Interest payable 595,000 270,000
Current portion of long-term debt (Note 13) 215,000 242,000
Income taxes payable 279,000 123,000
Loan from stockholder (Note 7) 248,000
Due to former shareholders of Krasner Group, Inc. (Note 3) 280,000 900,000
Deferred gain (Note 8) 1,642,000
Deferred income taxes (Note 15) 49,000
Convertible debentures, net of discount of $491,000 (Note 10) 10,949,000
------------ ------------
Total current liabilities 32,193,000 14,204,000
LONG-TERM DEBT, less current portion (Note 13) 541,000 661,000
CONVERTIBLE DEBENTURES, net of discount of $110,000 (1998) and
$444,000 (1997) (Note 10) 2,740,000 9,455,000
DEFERRED GAIN (Note 8) 1,642,000
------------ ------------
Total long-term liabilities 3,281,000 11,758,000
MINORITY INTEREST (Note 1) 274,000
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Notes 9 and 12)
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Note 11):
Common stock, no par value, authorized shares-100,000,000;
issued and outstanding shares - 20,659,309 (1998) and
18,754,693 (1997), stated at 30,757,000 27,282,000
Additional paid-in capital 6,112,000 3,904,000
Accumulated deficit (29,945,000) (1,230,000)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (3,656,000) (5,231,000)
------------ ------------
Total stockholders' equity 3,268,000 24,725,000
------------ ------------
$ 38,742,000 $ 50,961,000
============ ============
</TABLE>
See Independent Auditors' Report and Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
31
<PAGE> 32
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998, 1997 AND 1996
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997 1996
------------ ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net sales $ 60,427,000 $ 68,290,000 $ 42,095,000
Cost of sales 29,383,000 30,790,000 21,451,000
------------ ------------ ------------
Gross profit 31,044,000 37,500,000 20,644,000
Advertising expense 14,196,000 10,926,000 4,882,000
Selling expense 7,029,000 6,488,000 3,514,000
General and administrative expense 27,196,000 22,128,000 8,398,000
Restructuring charge (Note 4) 2,991,000
------------ ------------ ------------
Operating income (loss) (20,368,000) (2,042,000) 3,850,000
Loss on equity method investments 1,347,000 1,857,000 629,000
Other (income) expense, net (47,000) (3,316,000) 62,000
Interest expense (Notes 9 and 10) 3,658,000 4,831,000 1,205,000
------------ ------------ ------------
Income (loss) before minority interest
and income tax expense (benefit) (25,326,000) (5,414,000) 1,954,000
Minority interest in income (loss) of subsidiary (Note 1) (274,000) 10,000 132,000
Income tax expense (benefit) 3,663,000 (1,047,000) 450,000
------------ ------------ ------------
Net income (loss) $(28,715,000) $ (4,377,000) $ 1,372,000
============ ============ ============
Net income (loss) per share:
Basic $ (1.46) $ (0.24) $ 0.09
============ ============ ============
Diluted $ (1.46) $ (0.24) $ 0.09
============ ============ ============
Shares used in computing net income (loss) per share:
Basic 19,630,175 18,052,081 14,713,903
============ ============ ============
Diluted 19,630,175 18,052,081 16,470,624
============ ============ ============
</TABLE>
See Independent Auditors' Report and Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
32
<PAGE> 33
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME/LOSS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998, 1997 AND 1996
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997 1996
------------ ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net income (loss) $(28,715,000) $ (4,377,000) $ 1,372,000
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments 1,575,000 (5,247,000) 16,000
------------ ------------ ------------
Comprehensive income (loss) $(27,140,000) $ (9,624,000) $ 1,388,000
============ ============ ============
</TABLE>
See IndependentAuditors' Report and Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
33
<PAGE> 34
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998, 1997 AND 1996
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Retained Accumulated
Common Stock Additional earnings other
-------------------------- paid-in (Accumulated comprehensive
Shares Amount capital deficit) income (loss) Total
---------- ----------- ---------- ------------ ------------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
BALANCE, January 1, 1996 13,752,285 $ 6,575,000 $ 250,000 $ 1,775,000 $ -- $ 8,600,000
Exercise of stock warrants 687,472 1,176,000 1,176,000
Exercise of stock options 885,514 728,000 728,000
Exercise of stock options in connection
with Krasner Group, Inc. acquisition
(Note 3) 62,090 903,000 (427,000) 476,000
Issuance of common stock pursuant to
Krasner Group, Inc. acquisition
(Note 3) 85,162 516,000 516,000
Issuance of common stock in connection
with convertible debentures (Note 10) 282,824 1,505,000 (81,000) 1,424,000
Issuance of stock purchase warrants
pursuant to investment in Pure Energy
Corporation (Note 11) 1,875,000 1,875,000
Issuance of stock purchase warrants
pursuant to S.L.S. Trading Co., Ltd.
acquisition (Note 3) 405,000 405,000
Issuance of stock purchase warrants
pursuant to Krasner Group, Inc.
acquisition (Note 3) 1,674,000 1,674,000
Issuance of common stock pursuant to
Georgetown Collection, Inc. acquisition
(Note 3) 196,377 1,679,000 1,679,000
Issuance of stock purchase warrants in
connection with convertible debenture
offering (Note 10) 233,000 233,000
Discount on convertible debenture offering
(Note 10) 2,735,000 2,735,000
Tax benefit related to exercise of stock
options (Note 15) 1,354,000 1,354,000
Foreign currency translation gain 16,000 16,000
Net income 1,372,000 1,372,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BALANCE, December 31, 1996 15,951,724 13,082,000 8,018,000 3,147,000 16,000 24,263,000
Exercise of stock options 431,250 513,000 513,000
Exercise of stock warrants 317,237 280,000 280,000
Issuance of common stock in connection
with Krasner Group, Inc. acquisition
(Note 3) 243,606 1,253,000 1,253,000
Issuance of common stock in connection
with convertible debentures (Note 10) 1,620,350 11,262,000 11,262,000
Exchange of stock warrants for
common stock (Notes 3 and 11) 190,526 892,000 (892,000) --
Cancellation of stock warrants in
connection with sale of partial interest
in Pure Energy Corporation (Note 8) (1,874,000) (1,874,000)
Issuance of stock purchase warrants in
connection with convertible debenture
offering (Note 10) 434,000 434,000
Discount on convertible debenture
offering (Note 10) (1,782,000) (1,782,000)
Foreign currency translation loss (5,247,000) (5,247,000)
Net loss (4,377,000) (4,377,000)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BALANCE, December 31, 1997 18,754,693 27,282,000 3,904,000 (1,230,000) (5,231,000) 24,725,000
</TABLE>
See Independent Auditors' Report and Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
34
<PAGE> 35
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998, 1997 AND 1996 (CONTINUED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Retained Accumulated
Common Stock Additional earnings other
------------------------- paid-in (Accumulated comprehensive
Shares Amount capital deficit) income(loss) Total
---------- ------------ ----------- ------------- ------------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
BALANCE, December 31, 1997 18,754,693 $ 27,282,000 $ 3,904,000 $ (1,230,000) $ (5,231,000) 24,725,000
Cashless exercise of stock options 72,364 -- --
Cancelation of sahres received in
payment of receivable from shareholder (200,000) (150,000) (150,000)
Issuance of stock options to nonemployee 5,000 5,000
Issuance of common stock in connection with
Krasner Group, Inc. acquisition (Note 3) 394,389 620,000 620,000
Issuance of common stock in connection
with Georgetown Collection, Inc.
acquisition (Note 3) 250,000 258,000 258,000
Issuance of common stock in connection with
convertible debentures (Note 10) 1,387,863 2,747,000 (268,000) 2,479,000
Issuance of stock purchase warrants in
connection with convertible debentures
(Note 10) 228,000 228,000
Discount on convertible
debenture offering (Note 10) 1,170,000 1,170,000
Increase as a result of Ontro, Inc.'s
sale of stock, net of income taxes
(Note 8) 1,073,000 1,073,000
Foreign currency translation gain 1,575,000 1,575,000
Net loss (28,715,000) (28,715,000)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BALANCE, December 31, 1998 20,659,309 $ 30,757,000 $ 6,112,000 $(29,945,000) $ (3,656,000) $ 3,268,000
====================================================================================
</TABLE>
See Independent Auditors' Report and Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
35
<PAGE> 36
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998, 1997 AND 1996
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997 1996
------------ ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net (loss) income $(28,715,000) $ (4,377,000) $ 1,372,000
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash
(used in) provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 3,056,000 2,727,000 833,000
Expense related to issuance of stock options, warrants
and common stock 491,000 -- --
Debenture inducement -- 1,899,000 --
Deferred income taxes 3,451,000 (1,095,000) (184,000)
Amortization of deferred revenue -- -- (95,000)
Loss on investment -- 78,000 238,000
Gain on sale of investment (769,000) (1,710,000) --
Loss on equity method investments 1,347,000 1,857,000 629,000
Loss on disposition of joint venture -- 302,000 --
Loss on disposition of fixed assets 290,000 -- --
Restructuring charge 2,342,000 -- --
Goodwill impairment 1,000,000 -- --
Minority interest (274,000) 10,000 132,000
Amortization of debt discount 1,005,000 644,000 391,000
Changes in operating accounts, net of effect of
acquisitions:
Accounts receivable, net (344,000) 5,709,000 (3,612,000)
Note receivable -- -- 150,000
Income tax receivable -- 733,000 943,000
Inventories (384,000) (2,377,000) 495,000
Prepaid expenses and other assets 4,741,000 (1,823,000) 2,709,000
Other assets 634,000 (1,068,000)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses 5,032,000 (3,116,000) (1,889,000)
Commissions and royalties payable 617,000 (77,000) 121,000
Income taxes payable 156,000 123,000 (1,330,000)
Other long-term liabilities -- (51,000) 11,000
------------ ------------ ------------
Net cash (used in) provided by operating
activities (6,324,000) (1,612,000) 914,000
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Acquisitions of property, plant and equipment (1,429,000) (2,778,000) (2,018,000)
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment 21,000 -- --
Receivable from stockholder 161,000 (787,000) (335,000)
Proceeds from sales of investment 818,000 -- --
Investments/advances to investees (564,000) (965,000) (3,329,000)
Cash paid for acquisitions, less cash acquired -- -- (2,902,000)
------------ ------------ ------------
Net cash used in investing activities (993,000) (4,530,000) (8,584,000)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net borrowings (payments) on line of credit 674,000 (3,358,000) (5,025,000)
Payments on long-term debt (347,000) (226,000) (155,000)
Proceeds from borrowings on long-term debt 45,000 831,000 --
Proceeds from exercise of stock options and warrants -- 793,000 2,380,000
Deferred debt issue costs (427,000) (365,000) (149,000)
Proceeds from issuance of convertible debentures 7,000,000 5,000,000 14,880,000
Net payments (borrowings) on stockholder loan (248,000) 248,000 --
------------ ------------ ------------
Net cash provided by financing activities 6,697,000 2,923,000 11,931,000
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH 787,000 (3,186,000) 16,000
------------ ------------ ------------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 167,000 (6,405,000) 4,277,000
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of year 342,000 6,747,000 2,470,000
------------ ------------ ------------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of year $ 509,000 $ 342,000 $ 6,747,000
============ ============ ============
</TABLE>
See Independent Auditors' Report and Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
36
<PAGE> 37
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1998 AND 1996 (CONTINUED)
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION -
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997 1996
----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Cash paid (refunded) during the year for:
Interest $ 1,218,000 $ 1,643,000 $ 899,000
=========== =========== ===========
Income taxes $ 56,000 $ (806,000) $ 499,000
=========== =========== ===========
</TABLE>
SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULE OF NONCASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITY:
During the years ended December 31, 1998 and 1997, the Company issued 394,389
and 243,606 shares of common stock in payment of $620,000 and $1,253,000,
respectively, of liability to former Krasner shareholders (Note 3).
During the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996, $2,610,000, $11,169,000
and $1,330,000 of convertible debentures and $137,000, $93,000 and
$175,000 of accrued interest, respectively, were converted to common
stock (Note 10).
During the year ended December 31, 1998, the Company acquired property and
equipment under capital lease obligations totaling $91,000.
During the year ended December 31, 1998, the Company cancelled 200,000 shares of
previously issued common stock in settlement of $150,000 receivable from
stockholder.
During the year ended December 31, 1998, the Company recorded a $1,788,000
increase to investments in connection with the initial public offering of
Ontro, Inc. (Note 8).
During the year ended December 31, 1997, the Company sold a portion of its
investment in Pure Energy Corporation with a carrying value of $164,000
in exchange for 397,500 common stock purchase warrants with an ascribed
value of $1,874,000, resulting in a gain of $1,710,000. Also during the
year ended December 31, 1997, the Company recorded a deferred gain of
$1,642,000 in connection with the sale of a portion of its Pure Energy
Corporation investment with a carrying value of $158,000 in exchange for
a note receivable of $1,800,000 (Note 8).
During the year ended December 31, 1996, the Company issued 400,000 warrants in
conjunction with the acquisition of an interest in Pure Energy
Corporation. The warrants have an ascribed value of $1,875,000 (Note 8).
During the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996, the Company issued 150,000
and 46,971 warrants with an ascribed value of $434,000 and $233,000,
respectively as debt issuance cost in connection with convertible
debenture offerings (Note 10).
During the year ended December 31, 1996, the Company recorded an increase to
additional paid-in capital of $1,354,000 related to tax benefits
associated with the exercise of non-qualified stock options.
During the year ended December 31, 1996, the Company acquired interests in
certain entities as follows (Note 3):
Fair value of assets acquired $ 34,553,000
Cash paid to sellers, acquisition payables and
transaction costs 4,239,000
Value of common stock and stock purchase
warrants issued 4,274,000
------------
Liabilities assumed $ 26,040,000
============
See Independent Auditors' Report and Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
37
<PAGE> 38
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998, 1997 AND 1996
1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Description of Business - The Company is in the businesses of developing and
selling celebrity and non-celebrity products which include collectible items
such as porcelain and vinyl dolls, teddy bears, figurines, fine and costume
jewelry, and other consumer products. The Company's customers include major
networks in the home shopping industry, retail and wholesale distributors, and
consumers. The dolls, bears and figurines are manufactured by independent
manufacturing facilities to the Company's specifications. The fine and costume
jewelry is manufactured by the Company. The Company's distribution includes home
shopping channels, catalog mailings, direct mailings from customer lists, retail
stores, wholesale distributors, and the Internet.
Principles of Consolidation - The financial statements presented herein include
the accounts of The L.L. Knickerbocker Co., Inc.; its wholly-owned subsidiaries,
Krasner Group, Inc.; Harlyn International Co., Ltd.; S.L.S. Trading Co., Ltd.;
L.L. Knickerbocker (Thai) Co., Ltd., and its majority-owned subsidiary
Georgetown Collection, Inc. (collectively, the "Company"). Intercompany accounts
and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Cash and Cash Equivalents - For purposes of the statement of cash flows, the
Company considers all highly liquid instruments with original maturities of
three months or less and with an insignificant interest rate risk to be cash
equivalents.
Restricted Cash - Restricted cash represents funds deposited with a financial
institution to serve as collateral for a line of credit (Note 9).
Inventories - Inventories consist of finished products and related packaging,
work-in-process, and raw materials, and are stated at the lower of cost
(first-in, first-out basis) or market.
Prepaid Advertising Costs - The Company capitalizes certain direct-response
advertising costs and amortizes such costs over the period during which future
period revenues are expected to be received from each direct-response
advertising campaign, generally 3 to 12 months. The nature of the direct
response advertising costs is primarily production costs associated with media
costs for print advertising, and catalog printing costs.
Property and Equipment - Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation
is being provided on the straight-line method over estimated useful lives of
five to seven years. Depreciation on buildings is being provided on the
straight-line method over an estimated useful life of twenty years.
Investments in Investees - Investments in the common stock of unconsolidated
entities (Note 8) in which the Company's interest is in excess of 20% and in
which the Company has an ability to influence the business decisions of the
investee company, are accounted for using the equity method of accounting.
Intangible Asset - Excess of cost over net assets acquired (goodwill), which
arose from the acquisition of certain entities (Note 3) is being amortized on a
straight-line basis over 10 years. The Company evaluates the recoverability of
goodwill at each balance sheet date by comparing the carrying value of the
goodwill to the estimated operating income of the related entity on an
undiscounted cash flow basis. Any impairment is recorded at the date of
determination. During the year ended December 31, 1998, the Company recorded an
aggregate impairment charge of $2,433,000 (Notes 3 and 4).
Long-Lived Assets - The Company accounts for the impairment and disposition of
long-lived assets in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
(SFAS) No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for
Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of." In accordance with SFAS No. 121,
long-lived assets are reviewed for events or changes in circumstances, which
indicate that their carrying value may not be recoverable. During the year ended
December 31, 1998, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $2,342,000 (Note
4) related to long-lived assets.
38
<PAGE> 39
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998, 1997 AND 1996 (CONTINUED)
Deferred Debt Issuance Costs - Deferred debt issuance costs which are included
in other assets, relate to the issuance of Convertible Debentures (Note 10).
These costs totaled $1,801,000 at December 31, 1998 and 1997, and are being
amortized over the estimated life of the debentures. The related accumulated
amortization at December 31, 1998 and 1997, is $1,539,000 and $1,005,000,
respectively. Upon conversion of the Convertible Debentures, any portion of the
deferred debt issuance costs not previously amortized is recorded as a debit to
additional paid-in capital on the conversion date.
Revenue Recognition - Revenues from sales of products are recognized when
merchandise is shipped to customers. The Company offers credit to its customers
and performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers.
Income Taxes - The Company accounts for income taxes using SFAS No. 109,
"Accounting for Income Taxes," which requires that the Company recognize
deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the differences between the
financial statement carrying amounts and the tax bases of assets and
liabilities, using enacted tax rates in effect in the years in which the
differences are expected to reverse. A valuation allowance related to deferred
tax assets is recorded when it is more likely than not that some portion or all
of the deferred tax asset will not be realized.
Net Income (Loss) Per Share - The Company adopted SFAS No. 128, "Earnings Per
Share," beginning with the Company's fourth quarter of fiscal 1997. All prior
period earnings per common share data have been restated to conform to the
provisions of this statement. Basic earnings per common share is computed using
the weighted average number of shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per common
share assumes conversion of convertible debentures, elimination of the related
interest expense, and the issuance of common stock for all other potentially
dilutive equivalent shares outstanding.
Stock-Based Compensation - In October 1995, the Financial Accounting Standards
Board (FASB) issued SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation." The
Company has determined that it will not change to the fair value method and will
continue to use Accounting Principles Board (APB) Opinion No. 25 for measurement
and recognition of employee stock-based transactions. See Note 11 for disclosure
of the pro forma effect on net income (loss) and net income (loss) per share.
Reclassifications - Certain amounts previously reported have been reclassified
to conform to the 1998 financial statement presentation.
Foreign Currency - The Company's primary functional currency is the U.S. dollar,
while the functional currency of the Company's Thailand subsidiaries is the Thai
baht. Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated at
the rate of exchange on the balance sheet date. Revenues and expenses are
translated using the average exchange rate for the period. Translation gains and
losses are included in other comprehensive income in the accompanying financial
statements. Gains and losses on foreign currency transactions are recognized as
incurred (Note 14).
Use of Estimates - The preparation of financial statements in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles necessarily requires management to make
estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and
liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of
the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses
during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments - SFAS No. 107, "Disclosures About Fair
Value of Financial Instruments," requires management to disclose the estimated
fair value of certain assets and liabilities defined by SFAS No. 107 as
financial instruments. Financial instruments are generally defined by SFAS No.
107 as cash, evidence of ownership interest in equity, or a contractual
obligation that both conveys to one entity a right to receive cash or other
financial instruments from another entity and imposes on the other entity the
obligation to deliver cash or other financial instruments to the first entity.
At December 31, 1998, management believes that the carrying amount of cash and
cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued expenses and
short-term debt approximates fair value because of the short maturity of these
financial instruments. Management also believes the carrying amount of long-term
debt approximates fair value as the underlying interest rates approximate market
rates.
39
<PAGE> 40
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998, 1997 AND 1996 (CONTINUED)
New Accounting Pronouncements - The Company adopted SFAS No. 130, "Reporting
Comprehensive Income" in the first quarter of 1998. SFAS No. 130 establishes
standards for the reporting and display of comprehensive income. Components of
comprehensive income may include net earnings (loss), foreign currency
translation adjustments and unrealized gains and losses on marketable securities
classified as available-for-sale. The adoption of SFAS No. 130 required
additional disclosures but did not have a material effect on the Company's
financial position, results of operations or liquidity.
2. GOING CONCERN AND MANAGEMENT PLANS
During the year ended December 31, 1998, the Company incurred a net loss of
$28,715,000. This loss results primarily from the following factors:
- a decrease in net sales and gross margin of $7,863,000 and
$6,456,000, respectively, from the prior year
- an increase in advertising costs of $3,270,000 over prior year
amounts without a related increase in sales
- charges aggregating $1,643,000 to write down certain prepaid
advertising and related costs
- recognition of impairment of goodwill aggregating $2,433,000 of
which $1,433,000 is included in restructuring charge (Notes 3 and 4)
- severance and other costs associated with restructuring certain
operations aggregating $1,558,000 (Note 4)
- recognition of costs aggregating $1,967,000 associated with certain
litigation against the Company (Note 12)
- recognition of a valuation allowance of $3,415,000 for deferred tax
assets (Note 15)
Additionally, at December 31, 1998, the Company had a negative working capital
position of $7,785,000 and an accumulated deficit of $29,945,000. As more fully
described in Notes 9 and 10 the Company is not in compliance with certain terms
and conditions of its credit facility and convertible debenture agreements. As a
result of noncompliance, under the terms of the credit facility and convertible
debenture agreements the lenders have the right to demand repayment of the
outstanding balances, which aggregate $14,014,000. These circumstances raise
substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern.
Management is currently evaluating and implementing several steps to improve the
liquidity and operations of the Company. While there can be no assurance that
ultimate implementation will be successful, these steps include:
- Renegotiating the terms associated with its credit facility (Note 9)
- Renegotiating the terms associated with the convertible debenture
agreement or repaying the debenture holders with non-cash assets of
the Company (Note 10)
- Seeking additional financing either in the form of equity or
additional debt
- Restructuring the Company's operations by consolidating certain
subsidiary operations in one location (Note 4)
- Implementation of expense reduction strategies
- Expanding the distribution channels in which several of the
Company's products are sold
3. ACQUISITIONS
The Company completed a number of acquisitions during 1996. The following
describes the transactions completed during the year ended December 31, 1996.
The funds for the acquisitions were obtained primarily from the proceeds of the
convertible debenture offering described in Note 10, and through the issuance of
the Company's common stock and common stock purchase warrants (Note 11).
Krasner Group, Inc.
Effective June 18, 1996, the Company acquired all of the outstanding capital
stock of Krasner Group, Inc. (TKG), which designs, manufactures, and markets
costume jewelry. The aggregate acquisition cost of $4,435,000 included the
issuance of 723,157 shares of the Company's common stock valued at $2,389,000,
the issuance of 250,628 stock purchase warrants with an ascribed value of
$1,674,000 (determined utilizing the Black-Scholes option-pricing model) and
related acquisition costs. At December 31, 1998, $280,000 was still owing and is
included in Due to shareholders of Krasner Group, Inc. During the year ended
December 31, 1997, the Company exchanged 70,000 unexercised stock purchase
warrants with an intrinsic value of $240,000 for 50,526 shares of the Company's
common stock. The acquisition was accounted for as a purchase and resulted in
the recording of goodwill aggregating $3,339,000 which is being amortized over
10 years.
40
<PAGE> 41
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998, 1997 AND 1996 (CONTINUED)
At December 31, 1998, the Company reviewed the carrying value of goodwill and
determined that based upon projected undiscounted cash flows of TKG over the
remaining amortization period, goodwill aggregating $1,000,000 would not be
recoverable. Consequently, in December 1998, the Company recorded an impairment
of TKG goodwill of $1,000,000 in the accompanying financial statements.
Grant King International, Ltd.
Effective July 1, 1996, the Company acquired the remaining 51% interest in Grant
King International Co., Ltd. (GKI) that the Company did not previously own (Note
11), in exchange for the forgiveness of $414,000 owed by GKI to the Company.
This transaction increased the Company's investment to $664,000. The operations
and assets of GKI have been merged with S.L.S Trading Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of
the Company.
S.L.S. Trading Co., Ltd.
Effective July 1, 1996, the Company acquired certain assets and assumed certain
liabilities of S.L.S. Trading Co., Ltd., (S.L.S.) which sources gemstones and
develops certain proprietary stone-cutting technologies. The aggregate
acquisition cost of $555,000 includes $150,000 cash, the issuance of 108,000
warrants to purchase common stock of the Company with an ascribed value of
approximately $405,000 (determined utilizing the Black-Scholes option-pricing
model) and related acquisition costs. During the year ended December 31, 1997,
the Company exchanged 108,000 unexercised stock purchase warrants with an
intrinsic value of $402,000 for 80,000 shares of the Company's common stock.
Harlyn International Co., Ltd.
Effective July 1, 1996, the Company acquired all of the outstanding capital
stock of Harlyn International Co., Ltd. (Harlyn), which manufactures and markets
fine jewelry. The aggregate acquisition cost of $2,711,000 includes cash
payments to the former shareholder of $2,358,000 and related acquisition costs.
In addition, the Company repaid $234,000 of Harlyn's bank debt, concurrent with
consummation of the purchase transaction.
Georgetown Collection, Inc.
Effective October 18, 1996, the Company acquired approximately 82% of the
outstanding capital stock of Georgetown Collection, Inc. (GCI), which markets
collectible dolls through direct response mediums. The aggregate acquisition
cost of $3,199,000 includes issuance of 196,377 restricted shares of the
Company's common stock with an intrinsic value of $1,679,000 at the acquisition
date plus related acquisition costs. In addition, the Company repaid $1,500,000
of GCI's bank debt, concurrent with consummation of the purchase transaction.
The purchase agreement also provides for future consideration in an amount equal
to 15% of GCI's pretax earnings during calendar year 1997 and 4.5% of pretax
earnings in each of calendar years 1998 through 2001. Future contingent payments
based on pretax earnings, if payable, will be recorded as additional purchase
price consideration and will increase goodwill recorded in conjunction with this
acquisition. As of December 31, 1998, the Company recorded an increase to
goodwill of $8,000 pursuant to contingent payments. The Company guaranteed the
value of the 196,377 restricted shares of the Company's common stock issued in
conjunction with this acquisition to be $1,679,000 at the first anniversary of
the acquisition. In accordance with this guarantee an additional 32,735 shares
of the Company's common stock were issuable at December 31, 1997. During 1998,
due to a further decrease in the fair market value of the Company's common stock
the Company issued 250,000 shares of its common stock in connection with this
guarantee, and an additional 157,996 shares were issuable as of December 31,
1998. As a result of the increase in shares to be issued, the Company recorded
$347,000 as other expense in 1998, representing the fair value of the
incremental shares at date of issuance.
During 1998, the Company acquired for $10,000 cash, 232,335 additional shares of
GCI capital stock from a minority shareholder, which increased the Company's
ownership to 87%.
41
<PAGE> 42
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998, 1997 AND 1996 (CONTINUED)
Each of the acquisitions was accounted for under the purchase method of
accounting and, accordingly the operating results of each of the subsidiaries
are included in the Company's consolidated financial statements since the
respective acquisition dates.
4. RESTRUCTURING CHARGE
In the fourth quarter of 1998, the Company recorded a restructuring charge of
$2,991,000, related to the consolidation of GCI into the Company's California
facility and the outsourcing of fulfillment for these brands. This charge
includes $2,342,000 for write-downs of certain long-lived assets, including
goodwill; $500,000 for lease termination payments, net of estimated sub-lease
income; and $149,000 for employee severance and termination benefits. The work
force reductions anticipated under this plan, 31 of which occurred prior to
December 31, 1998, total approximately 44 positions in general sales and office
administrative functions and warehouse-related areas. The write-down of
long-lived assets, resulting from the restructuring of GCI operations, includes
the write-down to estimated fair value of fixed assets to be disposed of
($909,000) and elimination of goodwill associated with the GCI acquisition
($1,433,000) due to its nonrecoverability based upon GCI's projected
undiscounted cash flows over the remaining amortization period. As of December
31, 1998, $81,000 of the severance and termination benefits had been paid. The
remaining liability of $568,000, lease termination and severance costs, is
included in Accrued Expenses at December 31, 1998.
5. INVENTORIES
1998 1997
------------- ------------
Finished goods $ 11,710,000 $ 10,892,000
Work-in-process 663,000 428,000
Raw materials 1,532,000 1,680,000
Inventory reserves (2,670,000) (2,149,000)
============ ============
$ 11,235,000 $ 10,851,000
============ ============
6. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
At December 31, 1998 and 1997, property and equipment consist of the
following:
1998 1997
------------ -----------
Land, buildings and improvements $ 2,994,000 $ 2,064,000
Computer equipment and software 726,000 932,000
Production models, molds and tools 1,487,000 1,228,000
Autos 217,000 194,000
Office furniture and equipment 929,000 1,331,000
Machinery and equipment 807,000 1,738,000
----------- -----------
7,160,000 7,487,000
Accumulated depreciation (2,190,000) (1,950,000)
=========== ===========
$ 4,970,000 $ 5,537,000
=========== ===========
7. RECEIVABLE FROM STOCKHOLDER/LOAN FROM STOCKHOLDER
Receivable from stockholder bears interest at the prime rate plus 1% and is
payable in installments of $200,000 on March 31, 2000 and September 30, 2000
with any unpaid principal and interest due on April 11, 2001.
42
<PAGE> 43
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998, 1997 AND 1996 (CONTINUED)
Loan from stockholder of $248,000 at December 31, 1997 bears interest at the
prime rate plus 2% and was repaid in 1998.
8. INVESTMENTS
At December 31, 1998, the Company had the following equity investments:
The Company owns 400,000 and 1,000 shares of Tracker Corporation and Camelot
Corporation, respectively, which were received in exchange for marketing
services provided to these companies. The shares represent an ownership interest
of less than 10% in each of these companies and are restricted as to the
Company's ability to sell them. The aggregate estimated carrying value of these
shares at December 31, 1998 and 1997 is $24,000, which approximates fair value.
During 1996, the Company acquired a 38.3% interest in Pure Energy Corporation
(PEC) in exchange for $2 million in cash and the issuance of stock purchase
warrants with an ascribed value of $1,875,000 (determined utilizing the
Black-Scholes option-pricing model). Additionally, the Company agreed to fund up
to $1,000,000 of PEC expenses. Through December 31, 1997 the Company had
fulfilled its funding commitment and funded a total of $507,000, which increased
the Company's investment to $4,382,000. Effective April 1, 1998, the Company
discontinued the application of the equity method of accounting to its
investment in Pure Energy Corporation due to the Company's lack of significant
influence over the operations of PEC.
During the year ended December 31, 1997, the Company sold a portion of its
investment in PEC with a carrying value of $164,000 in exchange for 397,500
previously issued Company common stock purchase warrants with an ascribed value
of $1,874,000 (determined utilizing the Black-Scholes option-pricing model). The
sale resulted in a gain to the Company of $1,710,000, which is included in other
income. Also during the year ended December 31, 1997, the Company recorded a
deferred gain of $1,642,000 in connection with the sale of a portion of its
investment in PEC with a carrying value of $158,000 in exchange for a note
receivable of $1,800,000. The note receivable is collateralized by the
underlying securities sold and accrues interest at 7.5% per annum. The note
receivable and accrued interest are due and payable on December 30, 1999. The
resulting gain has been deferred on the accompanying balance sheet until such
time that the note is repaid.
In September 1998, the Company sold a portion of its investment in Pure Energy
Corporation with a carrying value of $49,000 for net cash proceeds of $818,000.
The sale resulted in a gain to the Company of $769,000, which is included in
other income.
In September 1996, the Company purchased an equity interest in Ontro, Inc.
(Ontro). The purchase price consisted of $650,000 in cash for 858,673 common
shares. The investment provided the Company with a 27.8% common equity interest
in Ontro. In May 1998, Ontro successfully completed an initial public offering
whereby Ontro received approximately $15 million and issued 3,400,000 shares of
its common stock. As a result of the sale of previously unissued shares to the
public, the Company's ownership interest in Ontro was reduced to 13.2% and the
Company increased the balance of its investment in Ontro to reflect the enhanced
value of the Company's equity interest in Ontro. The net increase of $1,073,000
was recorded as a capital transaction, resulting in an increase to the Company's
additional paid-in capital account after giving effect to deferred taxes of
$715,000. The Company is restricted, until May 1999, from selling its Ontro
shares, which had a fair market value at December 31, 1998 of approximately
$2,790,000.
During 1997 the Company entered into a joint venture, Arkenol Asia, Inc., a
Delaware corporation owned 50% by LLK and 50% by Arkenol Holdings, LLC. The
joint venture acquired an exclusive license to exploit Arkenol Holdings
technology and related intellectual property to produce ethanol and other
chemicals for sale and consumption in Thailand, Cambodia, Burma, Vietnam, Laos,
India, China and Japan, and non-exclusive licenses for Indonesia and California.
As of December 31, 1998, the joint venture was inactive and the Company reduced
its investment to $0.
9. LINE OF CREDIT AND NOTES PAYABLE
The Company has available to use for working capital purposes and to post
letters of credit, a line of credit totaling $15,000,000, subject to certain
limits. The line of credit encompasses The L.L. Knickerbocker Co., Inc. (LLK),
43
<PAGE> 44
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998, 1997 AND 1996 (CONTINUED)
Georgetown Collection, Inc. (GCI) and Krasner Group, Inc. (TKG) and expires in
July 1999. Certain credit limits are established for each company. The credit
limits are $5,000,000 for LLK, $7,000,000 for GCI and $3,000,000 for TKG.
Borrowing availability is determined by an advance rate on eligible accounts
receivable and inventory. The line of credit includes sublimits for letters of
credit and bankers acceptances aggregating $7,000,000, $4,000,000 and $3,000,000
for GCI, LLK and TKG, respectively. Borrowings bear interest at the bank's base
rate (7.75% at December 31, 1998) plus 2% for GCI and TKG borrowings, and plus
1% for LLK borrowings or, at the Company's option, an adjusted LIBOR rate. In
addition, the Company is charged an Unused Line fee of .25% of the unused
portion of the revolving loans.
At December 31, 1998, the Company had $4,324,000 of cash borrowings outstanding
and no outstanding letters of credit. Borrowings are collateralized by
substantially all assets of the Company. The line of credit agreement contains,
among other things, restrictive financial covenants, which require the Company
to maintain certain leverage and current ratios (computed annually and
quarterly), an interest coverage ratio (computed annually) and to achieve
certain levels of annual income. The agreement also limits GCI annual capital
expenditures and prohibits the payment of dividends. At December 31, 1998, the
Company was not in compliance with certain of these covenants. As a result of
noncompliance under the terms of the line of credit agreement, the lender has
the right to demand immediate repayment of the outstanding balance (Note 2).
Absent the rights of the lender due to noncompliance, available borrowings under
the line of credit aggregated $1,997,000 at December 31, 1998.
S.L.S. and Harlyn have available lines of credit aggregating 66,000,000 Thai
baht (approximately $1,784,000 at December 31, 1998). Outstanding borrowings
bear interest at rates ranging from 8.5% to 10.5%. One such line of credit was
secured by a $250,000 standby letter of credit in 1997 and by restricted cash of
$310,000 at December 31, 1998.
10. CONVERTIBLE DEBENTURES
1998 Debentures - In June 1998, the Company issued Convertible Debentures (the
1998 Debentures) with a face value of $7,000,000 in a private placement to
institutional investors. This private placement yielded net proceeds to the
Company totaling $6,573,000 after deducting costs associated with issuing the
1998 Debentures. The 1998 Debentures accrue interest at the rate of 6% per
annum, payable upon conversion of the related debt. The 1998 Debentures are
convertible at the option of the holder into shares of the Company's common
stock at the lower of $4.02 or a graduated discounted price ranging from 97% to
90% of an average of the 7 lowest trading days of the 30 consecutive trading
days prior to conversion. The discounted price of 90% applies if the investor
does not convert prior to the two-year anniversary of the closing date. Through
December 31, 1998, the Company issued a total of 290,213 shares of its common
stock in connection with the conversion of $160,000 of the principal amount of
the Debentures, plus interest accrued through the conversion date of $4,000.
The 1998 Debentures were subject to an agreement whereby after approval by the
shareholders of the Company of the issuance of the 1998 Debentures and the
creation of a class of Preferred Stock of the Company, the 1998 Debentures would
be exchanged for shares of newly created Preferred Stock of the Company, the
terms of which would be substantially similar to that of the 1998 Debentures.
However, the 1998 Debenture Holders chose not to exchange the 1998 Debentures
for Preferred Stock, citing a "material adverse effect," which was the decline
in the price of the Company's common stock. Under the terms of the related
agreements the 1998 Debentures matured on December 28, 1998. The Company was
unable to repay the 1998 Debenture Holders as of December 31, 1998 and is
default of the 1998 Debenture Agreement. Although the company is attempting to
negotiate an extension of the maturity date, under the terms of the 1998
Debentures the face amount of the Debentures, aggregating $6,840,000, is due and
payable by the Company (Note 2).
The conversion of the securities at a maximum of 90% of the closing price of the
Company's common stock resulted in the 1998 Debentures being issued at a
discount (the conversion discount). The Company is recognizing the conversion
discount as non-cash interest expense over the estimated term of the 1998
Debentures (two years) with a corresponding increase to the original principal
amount of the 1998 Debentures. Upon conversion of the 1998 Debentures any
portion of the conversion discount not previously recognized is recorded as
interest expense on the conversion date. In connection with the issuance of the
1998 Debentures, the Company issued to the investors warrants to purchase
261,194 shares of common stock. The warrants vest as of the grant date with an
exercise price of $4.72 per share, which was equivalent to 135% of the fair
market value of the Company's common stock at the date of grant and are
44
<PAGE> 45
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998, 1997 AND 1996 (CONTINUED)
valid for five years from the date of the grant. The warrants have an ascribed
value of $470,000 (determined utilizing the Black-Scholes option-pricing model),
which was recorded as debt discount (the warrant discount) and additional
paid-in capital. The Company recognized the warrant discount as noncash interest
expense over the approximate seven-month term of the securities in 1998. During
the year ended December 31, 1998, a total of $1,324,000 of noncash interest
expense was recorded relating to the 1998 Debentures, including $12,000 relating
to the additional conversion discount recorded upon conversion and $470,000
related to the warrant discount.
1997 Debentures - In September 1997, the Company issued Convertible Debentures
(the 1997 Debentures) with a face value of $5,000,000 in a private placement to
an institutional investor. This private placement yielded net proceeds to the
Company totaling $4,675,000 after deducting costs associated with issuing the
1997 Debentures. The 1997 Debentures accrue interest at the rate of 6% per
annum, payable upon conversion of the related debt or at debt maturity of
September 7, 2000. The 1997 Debentures are convertible at the option of the
holder into shares of the Company's common stock at a graduated discounted price
ranging from 97% to 90% of an average of the 7 lowest trading days of the 30
consecutive trading days prior to conversion. The discounted price of 90%
applies if the investor does not convert prior to the two-year anniversary of
the closing date. As of December 31, 1998, the Company issued a total of
1,060,150 shares of its common stock in connection with the conversion of
$2,150,000 of the principal amount of the 1997 Debentures, plus interest accrued
through the conversion date of $111,000.
The conversion of the notes at a maximum of 90% of the closing price of the
Company's common stock resulted in the 1997 Debentures being issued at a
discount (the conversion discount). The conversion discount is being recognized
by the Company as noncash interest expense over the estimated term of the 1997
Debentures (two years) with a corresponding increase to the original principal
amount of the 1997 Debentures. Upon conversion of the 1997 Debentures, any
portion of the conversion discount not previously recognized is recorded as
interest expense on the conversion date. During the years ended December 31,
1998 and 1997, a total of $786,000 and $188,000, respectively, of noncash
interest expense was recorded relating to the 1997 Debentures, including
$143,000 in 1998 relating to the additional conversion discount recorded upon
conversion (none in 1997).
In August 1998, the Company entered into an agreement with the 1997 Debenture
holders whereby the Company had the right, until September 1, 1998, to purchase
up to $3,000,000 of the principal amount of the 1997 Debentures, adjusted for
conversions through September 1, 1998, for a purchase price in cash of 110% of
face value. In connection with the agreement the Company issued warrants to the
Debenture holders to purchase an aggregate of 213,132 shares of common stock.
The warrants have an aggregate ascribed value of $228,000 (determined utilizing
the Black-Scholes option-pricing model), which was recorded as other expense in
the third quarter of 1998. The Company did not purchase any of the debentures
under the agreement.
1996 Debentures - In September 1996, the Company issued Convertible Debentures
(the 1996 Debentures) with a face value of $15,500,000 in a private placement to
institutional investors. This private placement yielded net proceeds to the
Company totaling $14,730,000 after deducting costs associated with issuing the
1996 Debentures. The Debentures accrued interest of the rate of 7% per year,
payable quarterly. The Debentures were convertible at the option of the holder
into shares of the Company's common stock at a price equal to 85% of the closing
price of the Company's common stock at the date of conversion, subject to a
minimum and maximum conversion price of $5.25 and $12.00 per share, at any time
through the second anniversary of the original date of issuance. Through
December 31, 1998, the Company issued a total of 1,940,674 shares of its common
stock in connection with the conversion of $12,799,000 of the original principal
amount of the Debentures, plus interest accrued through the conversion date of
$268,000.
The conversion of the notes at 85% of the closing price of the Company's common
stock resulted in the Debentures being issued at a discount (the conversion
discount). The conversion discount is being recognized by the Company as
non-cash interest expense over the term of the Debentures with a corresponding
increase to the original principal amount of the Debentures. Upon conversion of
the Debentures any portion of the conversion discount not previously recognized
is recorded as interest expense on the conversion date. During the years ended
December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996, a total of $73,000, $644,000 and $391,000,
respectively, of noncash interest expense was recorded relating to the
Debentures, including $537,000 and $220,000 in 1997 and 1996, respectively,
relating to the additional conversion discount recorded upon conversion.
45
<PAGE> 46
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998, 1997 AND 1996 (CONTINUED)
In January 1997, the Company reached agreement with the debenture holders to
tender all outstanding Debentures to the Company in exchange for new convertible
Debentures (the New Debentures). Under the terms of the agreement, New
Debentures were issued with a face value of 117.5% of the face value of the
tendered debentures. The New Debentures bear interest at 7% per year, payable
quarterly. The New Debentures are convertible at the option of the holder into
shares of the Company's common stock at $8.00 per share. The New Debentures must
be converted by January 31, 1999. As a result of the 17.5% premium given as in
inducement to the Debenture holders to tender the original debentures into New
Debentures, the Company recorded a noncash charge of $1,899,000 in the first
quarter of 1997. Subsequent to December 31, 1998, the Company issued 586,650
shares of its common stock in connection with the conversion of the remaining
$4,600,000 principal amount of the New Debentures, plus interest accrued through
January 31, 1999 of $93,000.
11. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Warrants - On November 21, 1995, the Company issued warrants to purchase 200,000
shares of common stock to Shamrock Partners, Ltd., in consideration of financial
and business consulting services to be provided to the Company. The warrants
vest as of the grant date with an exercise price of $5.00 per share, which was
equivalent to the fair market value of the Company's common stock at the date of
grant and are valid for five years from the date of the grant. As of December
31, 1998, none of the warrants had been exercised.
On November 28, 1995, the Company entered into an agreement to issue warrants to
purchase 300,000 shares of common stock to Grant G. King in consideration of the
purchase by the Company of 49% of the issued and outstanding capital stock of
Grant King International Co., Ltd. The warrants vest as of the grant date with
an exercise price of $5.50 per share, which was equivalent to the fair market
value of the Company's common stock at the date of grant and are valid for five
years from the date of the grant. The warrants have an ascribed value of
$250,000 (determined utilizing the Black-Scholes option-pricing model), which
was recorded as an investment and additional paid-in capital. During the year
ended December 31, 1997, the Company exchanged the 300,000 unexercised warrants
for 60,000 shares of the Company's common stock.
On March 13, 1996, the Company entered into an agreement to issue warrants to
purchase 200,000 shares each of common stock to two individuals in consideration
of the purchase by the Company of 40% of the outstanding capital stock of Pure
Energy Corporation. The warrants vest as of April 30, 1996 with an exercise
price of $8.50 per share (200,000 warrants) and $12.00 per share (200,000
shares). The warrants are valid through April 30, 2001. The warrants have an
ascribed value of $1,875,000, which was recorded as an investment and additional
paid-in-capital. As of December 31, 1997, 2,500 of the warrants were exercised.
During the year ended December 31, 1997, the remaining 397,500 warrants were
canceled in connection with the sale of a portion of the Company's investment in
PEC (Note 8).
During the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996, the Company issued 150,000
and 46,971 warrants as commission in connection with the 1997 and 1996
convertible debenture offerings, respectively (Note 10). The 1997 warrants vest
as of the grant date with an exercise price of $5.60, which was equivalent to
the fair market value of the Company's common stock at the date of grant and are
valid for three years from the date of grant. The 1996 warrants vest as of the
grant date with an exercise price of $11.87, which was equivalent to the fair
market value of the Company's common stock at the date of grant and are valid
for five years from the date of grant. The 1997 and 1996 warrants have an
ascribed value, determined utilizing the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, of
$434,000 and $233,000, respectively, which was recorded as deferred debt issue
costs and additional paid-in capital. As of December 31, 1998, none of the
warrants had been exercised.
In conjunction with the acquisitions described in Note 3 the Company issued
stock purchase warrants as part of the consideration paid for these
acquisitions. The following table summarizes the warrants issued:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Outstanding
Warrants Exercise at December Expiration
Acquisition issued Price Exercised Canceled 31, 1998 Date
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Krasner Group, Inc. 250,628 $ 7.75 62,090 70,000 118,538 April 10, 2004
S.L.S. Trading Co., Ltd. 108,000 $ 7.75 -- 108,000 -- April 10, 2004
</TABLE>
46
<PAGE> 47
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998, 1997 AND 1996 (CONTINUED)
During 1997, 70,000 and 108,000 warrants issued in conjunction with the TKG and
S.L.S. acquisitions, respectively, were exchanged for shares of the Company's
common stock (Note 3). There were no warrants exercised during 1997 or 1998.
During the year ended December 31, 1998, the Company issued 261,194 warrants in
connection with the issuance of the 1998 Debentures (Note 10). The warrants vest
as of the grant date with an exercise price of $4.72 per share, which was
equivalent to 135% of the fair market value of the Company's common stock at the
date of grant and are valid for five years from the date of grant. As of
December 31, 1998, none of the warrants had been exercised.
During the year ended December 31, 1998, the Company issued 213,132 warrants in
connection with a repurchase agreement with the 1997 Debenture holders. The
warrants vest as of the grant date with an exercise price of $3.00 per share,
which was equivalent to the fair market value of the Company's common stock at
the date of grant and are valid for five years from the date of grant. As of
December 31, 1998, none of the warrants had been exercised.
The L.L. Knickerbocker 1995 Amended and Restated Stock Option Plan - The
shareholders approved and the Company adopted a Stock Option Plan on September
27, 1994 which was amended and restated on June 15, 1995 as the L.L.
Knickerbocker Amended and Restated Stock Option Plan (the Plan). The Plan is
administered by a committee appointed by the Board of Directors and provides
that options may be granted at exercise prices determined by the Board of
Directors at its sole discretion. The Plan is designed as an incentive for
employees, non-employee directors and persons providing services of special
importance to the Company. Unless otherwise specified, the options expire ten
years from the date of grant. The Plan covered an aggregate of 2,000,000 shares
when granted. In 1996, the Board of Directors authorized an increase in the
number of shares covered by the Plan to a total of 5,000,000. Non-employee
directors of the Company are automatically granted options to purchase 10,000
shares of common stock at the fair market value at the date of grant each year
that such person remains a director of the Company.
The L.L. Knickerbocker Stock Incentive Compensation Plan - On March 27, 1997,
the Company's Board of Directors adopted the L.L. Knickerbocker Stock Incentive
Compensation Plan (the ISO Plan). The ISO Plan provides that incentive and
nonstatutory options to purchase a total of 5,000,000 shares of common stock may
be granted thereunder. The ISO Plan permits the granting of options intended to
qualify as "incentive stock options" (ISO's), the granting of options that do
not so qualify (NSO's), and the granting of stock appreciation rights (SAR's).
The exercise price of any option is established by the Administrator, who is
appointed by the Board of Directors, at the time of grant. The exercise price of
any NSO's or ISO's granted under the Plan may not be less than 100% of the fair
market value of one share of common stock on the date of grant. The exercise
price of any ISO granted to an optionee who owns stock possessing more than 10%
of the voting rights of the Company's outstanding shares must be at least 110%
of the fair market value of the shares subject to the option on the date of
grant. Options granted under the ISO Plan have a maximum term of 10 years.
The Board may from time to time, with respect to any shares at the time not
subject to options, suspend or discontinue the ISO Plan or revise or amend it in
any respect whatsoever except that, without the approval of the Company's
shareholders, no such revision or amendment shall increase the number of shares
subject to the ISO Plan or change the classes of persons eligible to receive
options. Options may be granted pursuant to the ISO Plan until the expiration of
the Plan on March 27, 2007.
47
<PAGE> 48
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998, 1997 AND 1996 (CONTINUED)
Option activity under the plans is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
WEIGHTED
AVERAGE
NUMBER OF PRICE PER
SHARES SHARE
---------- ---------
<S> <C> <C>
Outstanding, January 1, 1996 2,000,000 $ 0.75
Granted 273,309 7.65
Exercised (885,514) 0.82
Canceled (32,500) 0.75
----------
Outstanding, December 31, 1996 1,355,295 2.10
Granted 1,315,617 4.81
Exercised (431,250) 1.21
Canceled (250) 7.75
----------
Oustanding, December 31, 1997 2,239,412 3.86
Granted 2,423,814 1.29
Exercised (72,398) 4.62
Canceled (1,594,143) 4.85
----------
Oustanding, December 31, 1998 2,996,685 1.49
==========
</TABLE>
During 1998, as an incentive to employees, key officers and directors, 1,593,643
options were canceled and exchanged for 1,471,456 options at an exercise price
of $.64 (120% of fair market value at the date of grant). At December 31, 1998,
1997 and 1996, 2,215,785, 1,692,545 and 652,040 options were exercisable at a
weighted average exercise price of $1.78, $4.33 and $2.92, respectively. The
weighted average fair value of options granted during 1998, 1997 and 1996, was
$.74 $3.29 and $6.65, respectively.
Additional information regarding options outstanding as of December 31, 1998 is
as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
OPTIONS OUTSTANDING OPTIONS EXERCISABLE
------------------------------ -------------------------------
WEIGHTED AVG.
REMAINING WEIGHTED AVG. WEIGHTED AVG.
RANGE OF NUMBER CONTRACTUAL EXERCISE NUMBER EXERCISE
EXERCISE PRICES OUTSTANDING LIFE PRICE EXERCISABLE PRICE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$0.64-1.00 2,586,022 9.29 years $ 0.66 1,805,122 $ 0.67
$3.00-$10.00 410,663 8.37 years $ 6.67 410,663 $ 6.67
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2,996,685 9.16 years $ 1.49 2,215,785 $ 1.78
</TABLE>
At December 31, 1998, 5,614,153 shares were available for future grants under
the Option plans.
The fair value of each option grant was estimated as of the grant date using the
Black-Scholes option-pricing model for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997
and 1996 assuming risk-free interest rates of 5.5%, 5.5% and 6.5%, respectively,
volatility of 73%, 68% and 85%, respectively, zero dividend yield, and expected
lives of 10 years for all periods. Forfeitures are recognized as they occur. If
compensation expense was determined based on the fair value method beginning
with grants in the year ended December 31, 1996, the Company's net (loss) income
and net (loss) income per share would have been reduced to the approximate pro
forma amounts indicated below for the years ended December 31:
48
<PAGE> 49
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998, 1997 AND 1996 (CONTINUED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997 1996
------------- ------------ -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Actual net (loss) income $ (28,715,000) $ (4,377,000) $ 1,372,000
Pro forma net (loss) income $ (29,662,000) (6,657,000) 335,000
Actual net (loss) income per share:
Basic and diluted $ (1.46) $ (0.24) $ 0.09
Pro forma net (loss) income per share:
Basic and diluted $ (1.51) $ (0.37) $ 0.02
</TABLE>
12. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Leases - The Company is committed under operating lease agreements for
facilities and equipment. The facility leases contain provisions for annual
rental increases.
Minimum annual rental commitments under operating leases are as follows:
Year ending December 31:
1999 $ 803,000
2000 755,000
2001 714,000
2002 673,000
2003 386,000
Thereafter 1,326,000
-------------
$4,657,000
=============
Rent expense for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 was
$1,153,000, $578,000 and $650,000, respectively.
Contractual Arrangements - The Company has contractual arrangements with several
celebrities and other third parties, including Marie Osmond, Annette Funicello,
Richard Simmons and Bob Mackie. Under the terms of these contracts, the
celebrities agree to act as spokesperson for their respective products, promote
the product, approve the design and make a minimum number of public appearances.
The Company is obligated to manufacture a safe product approved by the
celebrity, hold the celebrity harmless from liability, maintain specified levels
of liability insurance and pay royalties based on a percentage of net wholesale
and retail sales. Each contract has a termination clause in the event certain
minimum annual sales are not attained (ranging from $50,000 to $500,000). In
certain instances, the celebrity or other third party has the right to terminate
the contract if the minimum sales level is not attained for any single year. The
contracts generally run from 18 months to 5 years and contain audit clauses,
with penalties for errors or omissions.
Letters of Credit - The Company finances certain collectible program purchases
and other product utilizing irrevocable, transferable letters of credit. These
letters of credit are issued to the Company by its major customer's bank, with
the Company as the beneficiary. The Company then transfers a portion of the
letter of credit to the Company's supplier to secure payment of the purchase.
The Company and the supplier draw down the letter of credit when the supplier
ships the product directly to the Company's customer.
Employment Contracts - The Company has entered into eight employment agreements
with Company officers with five-year terms. The agreements call for aggregate
annual compensation of $1,300,000 and a discretionary bonus of up to 10% of
operating income.
Litigation - Plaintiff Michael Elam filed an action in Orange County Superior
Court (Case No. 759883) on or about February 16, 1996, against Louis L.
Knickerbocker, Tamara Knickerbocker and the Company alleging causes of action
for conversion, breach of fiduciary duty, fraud, debitatus assumpsit,
intentional interference with contract, constructive trust, breach of oral
agreement, specific performance, money had and received, open book account and
spoliation of
49
<PAGE> 50
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998, 1997 AND 1996 (CONTINUED)
evidence. The plaintiff is seeking money damages and/or shares of stock of the
Company ranging between $500,000 and $35,000,000 as a result of prior business
affiliations with Mr. Knickerbocker, alleging that the Company is liable as a
successor-in-interest for the debts of Mr. Knickerbocker's prior companies, and
that Mr. Knickerbocker was obligated to allow the plaintiff to participate in
the Company when it was created. The defendants are vigorously opposing the
lawsuit. A motion for summary judgment filed in August 1998 eliminated those
causes of action claiming an interest in the Company's predecessor,
Knickerbocker Creations, Ltd. The case is set for trial on May 24, 1999. The
Company has made an offer to the plaintiff to settle the litigation in exchange
for shares of Pure Energy Corporation held by the Company with a carrying value
of $168,000. This amount is included in accrued liabilities at December 31,
1998.
The Company's predecessor, Knickerbocker Creations, Ltd., filed an action in the
Los Angeles Superior Court in 1991 (Case No. 060405) against Excess, Inc.,
Beverly Johnson and Alan Johnson. The suit seeks repayment of $157,000, together
with pre-judgment interest and lost profits, as a result of defendants' failure
to manufacture and ship various clothing goods. A cross-complaint was filed by
Beverly Johnson against Knickerbocker Creations, Ltd. and Louis Knickerbocker
for $25,000 for commissions allegedly owed to her. The Company became involved
in the case in the fall of 1998 when a motion to substitute The L.L.
Knickerbocker Company, Inc. as plaintiff and cross-defendant for Knickerbocker
Creations, Ltd., an inactive corporation, was granted by the court. The matter
is currently set for trial on April 5, 1999.
The Company brought claims against State Street Bank and Trust Company ("State
Street") in federal district court in Boston, Massachusetts (Civil Action No.
97-12573-NO, U.S. District Court, D. MA) for conversion, breach of contract,
unjust enrichment, a declaratory judgment and violation of Massachusetts General
Laws, c. 93A arising from State Street's wrongful retention of 72,188 shares of
the Company's common stock after the Company's obligations to State Street under
a Settlement Agreement of the prior indebtedness of Georgetown Collection, Inc.,
a subsidiary acquired in 1996, had been paid in full. The stock retained by
State Street had an original value of $617,000. State Street denies liability
and brought a counterclaim against the Company for breach of contract and
specific performance seeking $102,000 in damages, plus attorneys fees and costs.
Discovery is substantially complete, and the final pre-trial conference is
scheduled on June 1, 1999.
Finance Authority of Maine, Costal Enterprises, Inc, and the Southern Maine
Economic Development District brought claims in federal district court in
Portland, Maine (Civil Action No.98-2235-8, U.S. District Court, D. Maine) for
breach of contract, indemnification and specific performance arising from the
Company's performance under certain settlement documents following the
acquisition of the subsidiary, Georgetown Collection, Inc., in 1996. The
plaintiffs are seeking an order requiring the Company to purchase 63,030 shares
of the Company's stock previously transferred to plaintiffs for $11.50 per
share, plus interest and attorneys fees. The Company answered and denied
liability on plaintiffs' claims. The plaintiffs moved for summary judgment, and
the motion is currently under advisement. No discovery has been conducted and
the current scheduling order provides for a trial date in September 1999.
A former shareholder of GCI alleges that the Company is liable for a $750,000
note payable to the former shareholder. No accrual for potential loss related to
this note has been recorded as of December 31, 1998, as the Company believes
that the note payable was settled in connection with the acquisition of GCI and
that the Company is not liable for this amount.
In connection with the matters discussed above, the Company incurred legal
expense during the year ended December 31, 1998 of approximately $2 million,
which is included in general and administrative expense. At December 31, 1998,
approximately $1.6 million of this amount is included in accounts payable.
The Company is involved in certain other legal and administrative proceedings
and threatened legal and administrative proceedings arising in the normal course
of its business. While the outcome of such proceedings and threatened
proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, in the opinion of management,
the ultimate resolution of these matters individually or in the aggregate will
not have a material adverse effect on the Company.
50
<PAGE> 51
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998, 1997 AND 1996 (CONTINUED)
13. LONG-TERM DEBT AND CAPITAL LEASE OBLIGATIONS
Long-term debt at December 31, 1998 and 1997 consists of:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997
--------- ---------
<S> <C> <C>
Building mortgage, interest at 11.0% per annum,
payable in monthly installments of $7,000, including
interest, collateralized by real estate $ 423,000 $ 349,000
Building mortgage, interest at 14.75% per annum,
payable in monthly installments of $17,000 including
interest, collateralized by real estate 75,000 263,000
Equipment leases, interest ranging from 4.90% to 24.93%
per annum, payable in aggregate monthly installments of
$16,000, including interest, collateralized
by equipment 258,000 291,000
--------- ---------
756,000 903,000
Less current portion (215,000) (242,000)
--------- ---------
$ 541,000 $ 661,000
========= =========
</TABLE>
Principal payments on long-term debt and capital lease obligations are due
approximately as follows:
1999 $215,000
2000 104,000
2001 94,000
2002 74,000
2003 51,000
Thereafter 218,000
--------
$756,000
========
14. SIGNIFICANT CONCENTRATIONS AND RISKS
Customer Concentration - During the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and
1996, the Company conducted business with one customer whose aggregate net sales
volume comprised approximately 25%, 29% and 43% of the Company's revenues,
respectively. A reduction in sales to this customer could adversely impact the
financial condition and operations of the Company.
Merchandise Risk - The Company's success is largely dependent on its ability to
provide to its customers merchandise that satisfies consumer tastes and demand.
Any inability to provide appropriate merchandise in sufficient quantities and in
a timely manner could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business,
operating results, and financial condition.
Foreign Currency - Approximately 13% of the Company's revenues are derived from
subsidiaries operating in Thailand. In an attempt to reduce economic risks
associated with devaluations of the Thai baht, the Company's Thailand
subsidiaries require their customers to remit payment in U.S. dollars. Included
in other income for the years ended December 31, 1998 and 1997 is $(333,000) and
$1,094,000, respectively, in transaction gains (losses) associated with this
strategy.
51
<PAGE> 52
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998, 1997 AND 1996 (CONTINUED)
15. INCOME TAXES
The provision (benefit) for income taxes consists of the following for the years
ended December 31:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997 1996
------------ ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Current federal and state income taxes $ 99,000 $ 37,000 $ 227,000
Current foreign taxes 113,000 11,000 408,000
Deferred federal and state income taxes (9,137,000) (3,282,000) (185,000)
Valuation allowance, federal and state income taxes 12,588,000 2,187,000
------------ ------------ ------------
Provision (benefit) for income taxes $ 3,663,000 $ (1,047,000) $ 450,000
============ ============ ============
</TABLE>
A reconciliation of the statutory federal rate and the provision (benefit) for
income taxes is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997 1996
------------ ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Federal tax at statutory rate $ (8,864,000) $ (1,895,000) $ 684,000
State taxes 505,000 (28,000) (8,000)
Goodwill amortization 524,000 125,000 59,000
Residual U.S. tax on foreign earnings (140,000) (883,000) (313,000)
Valuation allowance 10,520,000 325,000 --
Non-deductible interest on
convertible debentures 764,000 1,219,000 --
Other 354,000 90,000 28,000
------------ ------------ ------------
$ 3,663,000 $ (1,047,000) $ 450,000
============ ============ ============
</TABLE>
52
<PAGE> 53
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998, 1997 AND 1996 (CONTINUED)
Significant components of the Company's deferred tax assets and liabilities at
December 31 are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997
------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C>
Deferred tax assets
Bad debt reserve $ 277,000 $ 261,000
Difference between book and tax basis of fixed
assets and goodwill 30,000 --
Uniform capitalization 185,000 154,000
Inventory reserves 1,160,000 796,000
Returns and allowances 635,000 419,000
Pre-acquisition net operating loss carryforward 2,370,000 2,370,000
Post-acquisition net operating loss carryforward 7,719,000 4,585,000
Difference between book and tax basis of investments 1,108,000
Restructuring reserve 1,282,000
State income taxes 44,000
Other 188,000
Valuation allowance (14,775,000) (2,187,000)
------------ ------------
Total deferred tax assets 223,000 6,398,000
Deferred tax liabilities
Difference between book and tax basis of fixed
assets and goodwill $ -- $ (271,000)
Prepaids (223,000) (1,563,000)
State income taxes (308,000)
Other (90,000)
------------ ------------
Total deferred tax liabilities (223,000) (2,232,000)
============ ============
$ -- $ 4,166,000
============ ============
</TABLE>
The Company has provided a full valuation allowance on the net deferred tax
asset at December 31, 1998 due to the uncertainty regarding its realization.
The Company has not provided any residual U.S. tax on approximately $401,000 of
the Company's foreign subsidiaries' undistributed earnings, as the Company
intends to indefinitely reinvest such earnings in the foreign subsidiaries.
The Company recorded a credit to equity of $1,354,000 as a result of the tax
benefit from the exercise of stock options in 1996. During 1997, the Company had
a tax deduction from exercises of stock options in the amount of $2,162,000.
Since the Company does not have sufficient taxable income or carry back
potential to utilize the deductions generated from the exercise of the options,
approximately $5,319,000 of deductions for 1997 and 1996 have not been recorded
in the accompanying financial statements. As these losses are utilized in future
years, the tax benefit will be recorded to equity.
The Company has an approximate $4,395,000 loss carryforward related to GCI and
TKG which can be used to reduce future taxable income. Sections 382 and 383 of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 place certain limitations on the use of these
acquired losses. A maximum of $405,000 of the net operating loss carryforward
can be utilized annually in 1998 and subsequent years. Any net operating loss
not utilized will begin expiring in 2010.
53
<PAGE> 54
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998, 1997 AND 1996 (CONTINUED)
16. BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION
The Company adopted SFAS No. 131, "Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise
and Related Information", beginning with this annual report. SFAS No. 131
requires segments to be determined and reported based on how management measures
performance and makes decisions about allocating resources.
The Company is engaged primarily in the design, manufacture and marketing of
branded collectibles and jewelry. The Company has three reportable segments: (1)
collectible brands, (2) fashion jewelry brands and (3) fine jewelry. The
collectible brands segment encompasses collectible dolls, toys, teddy bears and
figurines. The fashion jewelry brands encompass items manufactured by the
Company from non-precious metals, for sale primarily to the home shopping
industry. The fine jewelry segment encompasses jewelry manufactured by the
Company with precious metals. Corporate activities including financing
transactions are reflected in the tables below as "Corporate". The Company
evaluates performance based on profit or loss from operations. The operating
segments are managed separately because each segment requires different
marketing strategies.
54
<PAGE> 55
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998, 1997 AND 1996 (CONTINUED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997 1996
------------ ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net sales
Collectible brands $ 39,424,000 $ 46,311,000 $ 26,094,000
Fashion jewelry brands 9,241,000 11,707,000 5,805,000
Fine jewelry 11,762,000 10,272,000 10,196,000
Corporate -- -- --
------------ ------------ ------------
Consolidated $ 60,427,000 $ 68,290,000 $ 42,095,000
Operating (loss) income
Collectible brands $(14,708,000) $ (2,271,000) $ 1,216,000
Fashion jewelry brands (2,638,000) 416,000 395,000
Fine jewelry 294,000 986,000 2,932,000
Corporate (3,316,000) (1,173,000) (693,000)
------------ ------------ ------------
Consolidated $(20,368,000) $ (2,042,000) $ 3,850,000
Interest expense
Collectible brands $ -- $ -- $ --
Fashion jewelry brands -- -- --
Fine jewelry -- -- --
Corporate 3,658,000 4,831,000 1,205,000
------------ ------------ ------------
Consolidated $ 3,658,000 $ 4,831,000 $ 1,205,000
Total assets
Collectible brands $ 15,702,000 $ 23,130,000 $ 26,813,000
Fashion jewelry brands 2,787,000 3,948,000 3,338,000
Fine jewelry 10,431,000 7,507,000 12,787,000
Corporate 9,822,000 16,376,000 14,634,000
------------ ------------ ------------
Consolidated $ 38,742,000 $ 50,961,000 $ 57,572,000
Geographic areas Sales to
external customers:
United States $ 50,616,000 $ 59,230,000 $ 32,858,000
Thailand 9,811,000 9,060,000 9,237,000
------------ ------------ ------------
Consolidated 60,427,000 68,290,000 42,095,000
Long-lived assets:
United States 3,272,000 7,823,000 6,098,000
Thailand 5,107,000 4,107,000 6,983,000
------------ ------------ ------------
Consolidated $ 8,379,623 $ 11,930,000 $ 13,081,000
</TABLE>
55
<PAGE> 56
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998, 1997 AND 1996 (CONTINUED)
17. EARNINGS PER SHARE
Earnings per common share (EPS) data were computed as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Per-Share
1998: Income (Loss) Shares Amount
- ---- ------------- ---------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net Loss $(28,715,000)
============
Basic EPS:
Loss available to common shareholders (28,715,000) 19,630,175 $(1.46)
======
Effect of Dilutive Securities -- --
------------ ----------
Diluted EPS:
Loss available to common stockholders and assumed
conversions $(28,715,000) 19,630,175 $(1.46)
============ ========== ======
1997:
Net Loss $ (4,377,000)
============
Basic EPS:
Loss available to common shareholders (4,377,000) 18,052,081 $(0.24)
======
Effect of Dilutive Securities -- --
------------ ----------
Diluted EPS:
Loss available to common stockholders and assumed
conversions $ (4,377,000) 18,052,081 $(0.24)
============ ========== ======
1996:
Net Income $ 1,372,000
============
Basic EPS:
Income available to common shareholders 1,372,000 14,713,903 $0.09
=====
Effect of Dilutive Securities:
Options and Warrants 1,373,584
Convertible debentures 1,480,000 383,137
------------ ----------
Diluted EPS:
Income available to common stockholders and assumed
conversions $ 1,520,000 16,470,624 $0.09
============ ========== =====
</TABLE>
Options and warrants to purchase 246,971 shares of common stock at $12 per share
were outstanding during 1996 but were not included in the computation of diluted
EPS because the options' exercise price was greater than the average market
price of the common shares.
18. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN
Georgetown Collection, Inc. maintains a defined contribution plan (401(K) Plan)
covering employees who have completed six months of service. Effective January
1, 1998, the 401(K) Plan was amended to cover all U.S. employees of the Company
who meet eligibility requirements. Matching Company contributions are made based
upon a minimum of 2% of participant contributions. During the years ended
December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996, the Company made contributions of $5,000,
$37,000 and $32,000, respectively.
56
<PAGE> 57
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998, 1997 AND 1996 (CONTINUED)
19. QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
First Second Third Fourth
Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter
------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Year ended December 31, 1998:
Net sales $ 11,482,000 $ 13,434,000 $ 15,769,000 $ 19,742,000
Gross profit 6,626,000 6,946,000 8,064,000 9,408,000
Net income (loss) (2,576,000) (2,680,000) (1,690,000) (21,769,000)
Net income (loss) per share,
diluted $ (0.14) $ (0.14) $ (0.09) $ (1.06)
Year ended December 31, 1997:
Net sales $ 13,441,000 $ 17,609,000 $ 14,112,000 $ 23,128,000
Gross profit 6,975,000 8,908,000 7,635,000 13,982,000
Net income (loss) (3,839,000) (561,000) (586,000) 609,000
Net income (loss) per share,
diluted $ (0.23) $ (0.03) $ (0.03) $ 0.04
</TABLE>
Fourth Quarter Adjustments
Net loss for the fourth quarter of 1998 includes a $2,991,000 restructuring
charge related to the consolidation of GCI into the Company's California
facility (Note 4). In connection with the revised marketing strategy for the
Company's Georgetown and Magic Attic Club brands, in the fourth quarter of 1998,
the Company recorded an approximate $1,643,000 charge to write down prepaid
advertising and related costs.
Based on management's year-end evaluation of the carrying value of intangible
assets, an impairment charge of $1,000,000 was recorded in the fourth quarter of
1998 to reduce the carrying value of goodwill related to the TKG acquisition to
management's estimate of fair value (Note 3).
The fourth quarter of 1998 also includes an $840,000 adjustment for estimated
excess inventory quantities and obsolescence of inventory and production models
related to discontinued product lines. Also included in the fourth quarter of
1998 is approximately $1,446,000 of expense related to litigation and other
legal matters (Note 12).
At December 31, 1998, the Company wrote off $712,000 of unamortized debt
discount and deferred debt issuance costs related to the 1998 Debentures, due to
the maturity of the debentures prior to exchange of the debentures to preferred
stock. This amount is included in interest expense for the year ended December
31, 1998.
The Company also recorded in the fourth quarter of 1998, a $4,683,000 adjustment
to increase its valuation allowance for net deferred tax assets due to recurring
tax losses (Note 15).
20. SUBSEQUENT EVENT
Subsequent to December 31, 1998, the Company issued 6,136,010 shares of its
common stock in connection with the conversion of $950,000 and $1,800,000 of the
principal amount of the 1997 and 1998 Debentures, respectively, plus interest
accrued through the conversion date.
57
<PAGE> 58
SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998, 1997 AND 1996
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Balance at Additions
beginning of charged to Balance at
period expense Deductions Adjustments(1) end of period
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
For the year ended December 31, 1996:
Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 741,000 $ 1,638,000 $(1,657,000) $ 370,000 $ 1,092,000
=========== =========== =========== =========== ===========
Inventory reserve $ -- $ 121,000 $ (946,000) $ 3,630,000 $ 2,805,000
=========== =========== =========== =========== ===========
For the year ended December 31, 1997:
Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 1,092,000 $ 1,710,000 $(2,133,000) $ 669,000
=========== =========== =========== =========== ===========
Inventory reserve $ 2,805,000 $ 1,633,000 $(2,289,000) $ 2,149,000
=========== =========== =========== =========== ===========
For the year ended December 31, 1998:
Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 669,000 $ 1,872,000 $(1,883,000) $ 658,000
=========== =========== =========== =========== ===========
Inventory reserve $ 2,149,000 $ 2,347,000 $(1,826,000) $ 2,670,000
=========== =========== =========== =========== ===========
</TABLE>
- ------------------
(1) Additions attributable to acquisitions.
58
<PAGE> 59
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit
Number Description
- ------- -----------
3.1 Articles of Incorporation of International Beauty Supply, Ltd. ("IBS")
dated July 11, 1985.(1)
3.2 Amendment to Articles of Incorporation of IBS dated May 24, 1993.(1)
3.3 Certificate of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation of The L. L.
Knickerbocker Company Inc. (the "Company") dated June 20, 1994.(1)
3.4 Certificate of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation of the Company
dated September 27, 1994.(1)
3.5 Bylaws of the Company.(2)
4.1 Qualified Stock Option Plan adopted by the Company on September 27,
1994, along with form of Stock Option Agreement.(3)
4.2 Form of Warrant Agreement.(3)
4.3 Form of Representative's Warrant issued to W.B. McKee Securities, Inc.
upon consummation of the Company's offering on January 25, 1995.(3)
4.4 Form of Common Stock Purchase Warrant issued to Shoreline Pacific, the
Institutional Finance Division of Financial West Group. (6)
4.5 Form of 7% Convertible Debenture.(6)
10.1 Employment Agreement, dated July 1, 1996, between the Company and Louis
L. Knickerbocker.(10)
10.2 Employment Agreement, dated July 1, 1996, between the Company and Tamara
Knickerbocker.(10)
10.3 Employment Agreement, dated July 1, 1996, between the Company and
Anthony P. Shutts.(10)
10.4 Employment Agreement, dated April 1, 1997, between the Company and
William R. Black.(11)
10.5 Agreement between Marie, Inc. and the Company dated April 1, 1993 re the
services of Marie Osmond in the design, production, and sale of products
and licensing to the Company of the use of Marie Osmond's name in
conjunction with the Company's products.(3)
10.6 Agreement between Bob Mackie (US), Inc. and the Company dated May 1,
1994 re the services of Bob Mackie in the design, production and sale of
products and licensing to the Company of the use of Bob Mackie's name in
conjunction with the Company's products. (3)
10.7 Agreement between Cello, Inc. and the Company dated May 13, 1994 re
services of Annette Funicello in the design, development, manufacture
and the sale of products, with Acceptance by Annette Funicello and
Cancellation of Prior Agreement dated October 30, 1991 between Cello,
Inc. and Creations.(3)
10.8 Lease Agreement between the Company and Security Capital Industrial
Trust for 25800 Commercentre Drive, Lake Forest, CA dated February 15,
1995.(2)
10.9 Agreement between the Company and Grant King International Co., Ltd.,
dated November 28, 1995 re the acquisition of 49% of the issued and
outstanding stock of Grant King International Co., Ltd. (5)
10.10 Agreement between the Company and Grant King Design Co., Ltd., dated
November 27, 1995 re the distribution of the jewelry products of Grant
King Design Co., Ltd. (5)
10.11 Agreement of Purchase and Sale of the Capital Stock of Pure Energy
Corporation between the Company and Pure Energy Corporation, dated
February 7, 1996 re the acquisition of 40% of the issued and outstanding
capital stock of Pure Energy Corporation. (5)
10.12 Letter of intent between Pure Energy Corporation and Biofine, Inc.,
dated March 3, 1996 re the licensing of the patents of Biofine, Inc. (5)
<PAGE> 60
EXHIBIT INDEX (continued)
Exhibit
Number Description
- ------- -----------
10.13 License Agreement between the Company and SIM-GT Licensing Corp., dated
May 1, 1995 re the licensing of the name, likeness and trademarks of
Richard Simmons. (5)
10.14 Employment Agreement, dated April 1, 1998, between the Company and
Robert L. West, Jr. (12)
10.15 Agreement of Purchase and Sale of the Capital Stock of Krasner Group,
Inc., dated June 15, 1996 re the acquisition of 100% of the issued and
outstanding capital stock of Krasner Group,. (7)
10.16 Stock Purchase Agreement dated September 30, 1996, by and among Harlyn
Products, Inc., Harlyn International Co., Ltd. and the Company.(6)
10.17 First Amendment to Stock Purchase Agreement dated October 15, 1996, by
and among Harlyn Products, Inc., Harlyn International Company, Ltd. and
the Company.(6)
10.18 Second Amendment to Stock Purchase Agreement dated November 7, 1996, by
and among Harlyn Products, Inc., Harlyn International Company, Ltd. and
the Company.(6)
10.19 Agreement of Purchase and Sale of the Capital Stock of Self Heating
Container, Inc., dated September 17, 1996 by and between Self Heating
Container Corporation of California and the Company(10)
10.20 Agreement of Purchase and Sale of the Capital Stock of Insta-Heat, Inc.,
dated September 17, 1996, by and between Insta-Heat, Inc. and the
Company.(10)
10.21 Agreement of Purchase and Sale of the Capital Stock of Georgetown
Collection, Inc., dated November 20, 1996, by and between Consumer
Venture Partners I, L.P., Vermont Capital Venture Fund, North Atlantic
Venture Fund, Merchant Partners and the Company.(8)
10.22 Form of Private Securities Subscription Agreement.(6)
10.23 Form of Registration Rights Agreement.(6)
21.1 Subsidiaries of Registrant.(11)
23.0 Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent auditors. (12)
27.0 Financial Data Schedule (12)
- -----------------------
(1) Filed as part of Exhibit 3.1 to The L. L. Knickerbocker Co., Inc. Form
SB-2 Registration Statement No. 33-85230-LA as filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission on or about October 13, 1994.
(2) Filed as an exhibit to the L. L. Knickerbocker Co., Inc. Annual Report
on Form 10-KSB filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or
about March 29, 1995.
(3) Filed as an Exhibit to The L. L. Knickerbocker Co., Inc. Form SB-2
Registration Statement No. 33-85230-LA as filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on or about October 13, 1994.
(4) Filed as Exhibit to The L. L. Knickerbocker Co., Inc. report on Form 8-K
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or about March 21,
1995.
(5) Filed as an exhibit to The L. L. Knickerbocker Co., Inc. Annual Report
on Form 10-KSB filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or
about April 15, 1996.
(6) Filed as an Exhibit to The L. L. Knickerbocker Co., Inc. Form 10-QSB/A
as filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission on or about November
27, 1996.
(7) Filed as Exhibit to The L. L. Knickerbocker Co., Inc. report on Form 8-K
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or about July 3,
1996.
(8) Filed as Exhibit to The L. L. Knickerbocker Co., Inc. report on Form 8-K
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or about December
5, 1996.
(9) Filed as an exhibit to The L. L. Knickerbocker Co., Inc. Annual Report
on Form 10-KSB filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or
about April 15, 1997.
(10) Filed as an exhibit to The L. L. Knickerbocker Co., Inc. Amended Annual
Report on Form 10-KSB/A filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on or about August 15, 1997.
(11) Filed as an exhibit to the L.L. Knickerbocker Co., Inc. Form 10-KSB
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or about March 31,
1998.
(12) Filed herewith.
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 10.14
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
This Employment Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into at Lake Forest,
California, effective as of April 1,1998, between the L. L. Knickerbocker Co.,
Inc., a California corporation ("Employer") and Robert L. West, Jr.
("Employee"), with reference to the following:
a. Employee has valuable experience and unique skills in the
business currently conducted by Employer.
b. Employer desires to retain the exclusive services of Employee
and Employee desires to be employed by Employer for the term of this
Agreement.
In consideration of the foregoing and the commitments made herein,
Employer and Employee agree as follows:
1. Employment. During the term of this Agreement, Employee shall be
employed by Employer and shall render such services to, and perform such duties
on behalf of , Employer and shall exercise such authority as the Board of
Directors of Employer shall from time to time provide. The nature and scope of
Employee's responsibilities and duties shall generally be consistent with in
character with those performed by persons holding the position of Chief
Operating Officer of similarly sized companies in similar industries in the
United States of America. Employee agrees to apply his best skill, efforts and
knowledge and to devote such time, energies and attention to the business of
Employer as shall be necessary to perform his responsibilities and duties
hereunder.
2. Salary. Employee shall begin this employment under this Agreement at
a base salary of $160,000 per year (the "Base Salary") Such amount shall be paid
periodically in accordance with the normal payroll procedures of Employer in
effect from time to time during the term of this Agreement. The Base Salary
provided above shall be adjusted incrementally on January 1 in the years 1999,
2000, 2001 and 2002 to reflect any increase in the cost of living. The positive
adjustment shall be in the same proportion as the proportional differences
between the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers,
all items (Los Angeles - Long Beach - Anaheim statistical area) published by the
United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics (the "CPI") in
effect on January 1, 1999, and on each of the adjustment dates, respectively,
when compared to the base index in effect on January 1, 1998 for the initial
adjustment, and for each subsequent adjustment, the index in effect on January 1
of such year shall be compared to the index in effect on January 1 of the
previous year. Under no circumstances will there be a negative adjustment to the
Employee's Base Salary as a result of cost of living changes. Should said Bureau
discontinue the publication of the CPI, publish the same less frequently, or
alter the same in some other manner, then Employer may adopt a substitute
procedure which reasonably reflects and monitors consumer prices.
<PAGE> 2
3. Management Bonus.In addition to the Base Salary, Employee shall be
entitled to participate in the current Management Bonus Plan in effect from time
as determined by the Board of Directors of Employer and the Compensation
Committee as appointed by the Board. The Bonus payable to Employee, if any,
shall be paid out of a Management Bonus Fund equal to 10% of the profits before
taxes of Employer based upon the audited financial statements of Employer. The
Compensation Committee shall make recommendations to the Board of Directors for
the payment to Employee of such sums out of the Management Bonus Fund as the
Board shall, in its sole discretion, determine or approve, and such sums will be
payable to Employee, in cash, for each fiscal year during the term of this
Agreement, including fiscal years 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2002; as well as
any fiscal years falling within any extension of this Agreement. In order to
determine the amount of the Management Bonus Fund, a calculation will be made
from the audited fiscal year end financial statements within 45 days of the
availability of such audited statements. If, upon such calculation, it is
determined that sufficient funds exist for the payment of bonus amounts under
the Management Bonus Plan, the Board of Directors shall determine such amounts
as shall be paid to all participants under the Management Bonus Plan, and such
amounts shall be paid within 60 days of the availability the audited fiscal year
end financial statements.
4. Stock Options. In addition to the Salary and Management Fee provided
for hereunder, Employee shall be entitled to receive 250,000 Stock Options for
the purchase of shares of the Common Stock of Employer, vesting 50,000 per year
during the term of this Agreement, ad such additional options or other
compensation as determined by the Board of Directors of Employer and the
Compensation Committee as appointed by the Board. The Stock Options will be
provided pursuant to the terms of a separate qualified stock option plan adopted
by Employer.
5. Benefits. Employee shall be entitled to participate in all medical,
dental, state disability insurance, and related welfare benefit plans as well as
any qualified profit sharing and other qualified employee benefit plans
generally applicable to employees of Employer, subject in each case to all
applicable provisions of the plans.
6. Additional Benefits and Perquisites. Employee shall be entitled to 15
days of paid vacation per year in addition to all normal public holidays
available to all of Employer's employees. Additionally, Employee shall be paid
an automobile allowance in the amount of $600 per month during the Term of this
Agreement.
7. Term. The term of this Agreement and the employment of Employee
hereunder shall begin as of April 1, 1998 and shall continue until (i) March 31,
2003, (ii) the end of the Extension Option period if exercised by Employer (as
defined below) or (iii) the earlier termination of Employee at the election of
either Employer for Cause (as defined below) or Employee for other than Good
Reason (as defined below).
<PAGE> 3
Employer shall have a one-time right to extend this agreement for a
period of five additional years from April 1, 2003 upon written notice to
employee not later than six months prior to the expiration of the term of this
Agreement (the "Extension Option"). During the term of the Extension Option, the
terms and conditions of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.
In the event of termination of Employee's employment by Employer for
Cause (as defined below) or by Employee for any reason other than Good Reason
(as defined below) Employee shall have no further rights to payments or benefits
under this Agreement. For the purpose of this Agreement, Cause for termination
shall exist whenever (i) Employee has been convicted of a felony, (ii) Employee
has engaged in gross misconduct or a dereliction of his duties, (iii) Employee
is otherwise in breach of any of the material provisions of this Agreement, or
(iv) Employee is unable to discharge his duties as a result of death or physical
or mental disability. Good Reason for termination by Employee shall exist
whenever (i) a voluntary or involuntary petition under the Bankruptcy Code has
been filed by or against Employer or Employer is otherwise insolvent, or (ii)
Employer is in breach of any of the material provisions of this Agreement.
8. Trade Secrets and Confidential Information. The following provisions
further set forth Employee's obligations to safeguard Trade Secrets and
Confidential Information of Employer obtained in the course and scope of his
employment with Employer, whether or not during the term of this Agreement.
8.1. The term "Trade Secret" is defined as the whole or any
portion or phrase of any scientific or technical or business information
particular to Employer, including, but not limited to, any design,
process, procedure, business procedure or system, formula, improvement,
or invention that (1) derives independent economic value, actual or
potential, from not being generally known to the public or to other
persons who can obtain economic value from its disclosure or use, and
(2) is the subject of Employer's reasonable efforts to maintain its
secrecy. In addition to information belonging to Employer, information
furnished to Employer by other parties can be a Trade Secret. Employee
acknowledges and accepts the obligation to apply the definition of Trade
Secrets in this Agreement to information coming to Employee's attention,
and to safeguard such information from further disclosure except to
perform his duties hereunder.
8.2. The term "Confidential Information" is defined as all
items, materials and information (whether or not reduced to writing and
whether or not patentable or copyrightable) which belong to Employer and
which reflect, consist of or refer to:
(a) The names of those customers and vendors of Employer which
are not generally known in the industry;
<PAGE> 4
(b) Information compiled, collected or developed by Employer
reflecting identities and characteristics of any customers of Employer
or customer representatives including product or service preferences or
requirements, cost or price information for goods or services offered or
sold, credit terms and credit performance, actual or likely order
cycles, the nature of supplies delivered or services performed, and
research or development plans or activities;
(c) Information compiled, collected, or developed by Employer
reflecting identities and characteristics of any vendors or suppliers of
Employer or vendor or supplier representatives, including cost or price
information for goods or services offered or purchased, credit terms and
credit performance, product quality and reliability, delivery terms, and
prior, current or future research or development plans or activities;
(d) The prices, discounts, selling techniques and distribution
methods used by Employer;
(e) Personal and private information about any of Employer's
employees, employees of any customer or supplier, or any artist or
spokesperson;
(f) Business plans, strategies, goals or objectives of Employer;
or
(g) Any other confidential or proprietary information obtained
directly or indirectly while performing Employee's duties on behalf of
Employer.
8.3. The term "Confidential Information" includes information
which may also be a Trade Secret, but does not include anything
described above which is now generally known by parties other than
Employer, its affiliates and employees, or become generally known,
through no act or failure to act of Employee.
8.4 Employee agrees to hold all such Confidential Information in
confidence and to not disclose Confidential Information to any person
not employed by Employer.
8.5. Employee will, immediately upon the termination of this
Agreement, surrender to Employer any and all business records and
materials which may have received from Employer during the term of this
Agreement, or which pertain to Employer's business, and all copies
thereof, however made or obtained.
8.6. Employee acknowledges that the foregoing provisions of this
Paragraph 8 are necessary to protect Employer's Trade Secrets and
Confidential Information.
<PAGE> 5
9. Ownership of Programs and Documents. All work product produced by
Employee in performing Services for Employer, including without limitation,
designs, programs, product lines, program descriptions of any type, reports and
business records shall be and shall remain the property of Employer. Employee
agrees to execute such documents, including assignment of copyrights, as may be
provided from time to time by counsel for Employer in order to perfect
Employer's rights in such work product.
10. Place of Employment. During the term of this Agreement, Employer
shall maintain its principal executive offices in the County of Orange, and the
Employee's place of employment shall remain in the County of Orange, subject to
reasonable business travel. The parties hereto may amend the provisions of this
section by mutual agreement.
11. Withholding Taxes. All payments by Employer to Employee hereunder
shall be subject to reduction in the amount of any withholding taxes.
12. Conflicts of Interest. During the term of this Agreement, Employee
will not, directly or indirectly, either for himself or for any other person,
partnership, corporation or company participate in any enterprise operating
where Employer conducts its business or sells its products or services which
involves the business in which Employer is engaged at any time during Employee's
employment including, but not limited to, the marketing, sale, distribution,
processing or manufacturing of products within the same industries as Employer's
products. Employee acknowledges that this covenant is reasonable with respect to
its duration, geographical area and scope.
In performing his obligations for Employer, Employee shall act in the
best interest of, and with complete loyalty to, Employer and shall not exercise
his duties or responsibilities in his own self-interest, at the expense of the
best interest of Employer.
13. Arbitration and Remedies. Employee understands that he may not agree
with the discretionary judgment of Employer's management regarding matters
between him and Employer, including without limitation matters relating to his
employment or its termination. Subject to the other provisions of this Paragraph
on Arbitration and Remedies, Employee agrees to attempt to resolve informally
with Employer any dispute that may arise regarding such matters, including his
employment or the termination of his employment, in accordance with reasonable
Company procedures for informal dispute resolution that may then be applicable
to him.
Any controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement,
or its breach, termination or validity, including without limitation any claim
arising from Employee's employment or the termination of such employment, shall
be exclusively and finally settled by arbitration before a single arbitrator in
accordance with the Employment Dispute Resolution
<PAGE> 6
Rules of the American Arbitration Association, and judgment upon the award
rendered by the Arbitrator may be entered in any court having jurisdiction
thereof. Claims subject to exclusive final and binding arbitration under this
Agreement include, without limitation, claims that otherwise could be tried in
court to a jury in the absence of this Agreement. Such claims include, without
limitation, statutory claims for employment discrimination based on race, color,
national origin, sex, religion, disability, and other statutory claims for
employment discrimination; claims for wrongful termination including employment
termination in violation of public policy; and claims for personal injury
including, without limitation, defamation, fraud, and infliction of emotional
distress. Employee acknowledges that by entering into this Agreement he is
giving up any right he might otherwise have to a jury trial. The arbitration
shall be held in the principal city of the federal judicial district in which
Employee resides as of the time of the alleged acts or omissions giving rise to
arbitration under this Agreement; provided, that arbitration of claims rising
wholly or partially out of Employee's employment termination shall be conducted
in the principal city of the federal judicial district in which Employee resides
at the time of such employment termination. Employer shall pay the fees and
costs of the Arbitrator, however each party shall pay for its or his attorneys'
fees and costs including, without limitation, costs of any experts. However, if
any party prevails on a statutory claim which entitles the prevailing party to a
reasonable attorneys' fee (with or without expert fees) as part of the costs,
the Arbitrator may award reasonable fees (with or without expert fees) to the
prevailing party in accordance with such statute. Any controversy over whether a
dispute is an arbitrable dispute or as to the interpretation or enforceability
of this paragraph with respect to such arbitration shall be determined by the
Arbitrator. The parties agree that this Agreement is to be construed broadly in
favor of final and binding arbitration except, and only to the extent, that such
remedy is prohibited by applicable federal or state laws.
Employee acknowledges that he has ongoing contractual obligations
contained in this Agreement together with noncontractual fiduciary obligations
to Employer which will survive the termination of his employment. Employee
agrees that any breach of any of these obligations could not reasonably or
adequately be compensated in damages in arbitration or in an action at law and
that if Employee breaches any of these obligations Employer shall be entitled to
injunctive relief in any court of competent jurisdiction. The parties understand
that injunctive relief may include, but shall not be limited to, restraining
continuing breaches of such obligations. Any such injunctive proceedings shall
be without prejudice to Employer's rights under this Agreement to obtain relief
in arbitration with respect to such matters.
14. General Provisions.
14.1. Complete Agreement. This Agreement embodies the complete
agreement and understanding among the parties and supersedes and
preempts any prior understandings, agreements or representations by or
among the parties, written or oral, which may have related to the
subject matter hereof in any way.
<PAGE> 7
14.2. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by,
construed and enforced in accordance with the internal laws of the State
of California.
14.3. Waiver of Breach.Any waiver by either party of a breach of
the terms and conditions of this Agreement shall not be considered as a
waiver of any subsequent breach of the same or any other term and
condition hereof.
14.4. Amendment and Waivers. Any provision of this Agreement may
be amended or waived only with the prior written consent of the Employer
and Employee.
14.5. Assignment. This Agreement is intended to bind and inure
to the benefit of and be enforceable by the parties hereto, and their
respective successors and assigns, except that any purported assignment
by Employee of any of his rights or obligations hereunder shall be void.
14.6. Severability. In event that any provision or any part of
any provision of this Agreement is held to be illegal, invalid or
unenforceable, such illegality, invalidity or unenforceability shall not
affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision or part
hereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have duly executed this Agreement as of
the date first above mentioned.
/s/ Robert L. West, Jr.
- -----------------------------------
Robert L. West, Jr.
THE L. L. KNICKERBOCKER CO., INC.
By: /s/ Louis L. Knickerbocker
-------------------------------
Title: Chairman and CEO
<PAGE> 1
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT
We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement No.
333-1146 of The L.L. Knickerbocker Co. Inc. on Form S-8 and in Registration
Statements No. 333-15185, No. 333-37101 and No. 333-59169 on Form S-3 of our
report, which contains an explanatory paragraph regarding substantial doubt
about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern, dated March 31,
1999, appearing in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of The L.L. Knickerbocker Co.,
Inc. for the year ended December 31, 1998.
/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Costa Mesa, California
April 14, 1999
59
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<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-START> JAN-01-1998
<PERIOD-END> DEC-31-1998
<CASH> 509,000
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 8,365,000
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