JAKKS PACIFIC INC - Quarter Report: 2017 September (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

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(Mark one)                                                                                                              

☒    QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2017

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: 0-28104

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JAKKS Pacific, Inc.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter) 

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Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code: (424) 268-9444

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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  ☒    No  ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes  ☒    No  ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐ 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes  ☐    No  ☒

 

The number of shares outstanding of the issuer’s common stock is 26,987,430 as of November 9, 2017. 

 

JAKKS PACIFIC, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

INDEX TO QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q

QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2017

ITEMS IN FORM 10-Q

 

 

 

DISCLOSURE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This report includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. For example, statements included in this report regarding our consolidated financial position, business strategy and other plans and objectives for future operations, and assumptions and predictions about future product demand, supply, manufacturing, costs, marketing and pricing factors are all forward-looking statements. When we use words like “intend,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “plan,” “expect” or words of similar import, we are making forward-looking statements. We believe that the assumptions and expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable and are based on information available to us on the date hereof, but we cannot assure you that these assumptions and expectations will prove to have been correct or that we will take any action that we may presently be planning. We are not undertaking to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement if we obtain new information or upon the occurrence of future events or otherwise.

 

 

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

JAKKS PACIFIC, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except share amounts)

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

 

JAKKS PACIFIC, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(In thousands, except per share data)

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

 

JAKKS PACIFIC, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

 

See Notes 5, 6 and 9 for additional supplemental information to the consolidated statements of cash flows.

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

 

 

Note 1 — Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared by the Company, without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. However, the Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to prevent the information presented from being misleading. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and the financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, which contains audited financial information for the three years in the period ended December 31, 2016.

The information provided in this report reflects all adjustments (consisting solely of normal recurring items) that are, in the opinion of management, necessary to present fairly the financial position and the results of operations for the periods presented. Interim results are not necessarily, especially given seasonality, indicative of results to be expected for a full year.

 

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of JAKKS Pacific, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (collectively, “the Company”). The consolidated financial statements also include the accounts of DreamPlay Toys, LLC, a joint venture with NantWorks LLC, JAKKS Meisheng Trading (Shanghai) Limited, a joint venture with Meisheng Cultural & Creative Corp., Ltd., and JAKKS Meisheng Animation (HK) Limited, a joint venture with Hong Kong Meisheng Cultural Company Limited.

Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified for consistency with the current period presentation.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)”, which supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in ASC 605, “Revenue Recognition”, and most industry-specific guidance. Under the new model, recognition of revenue occurs when a customer obtains control of promised goods or services in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In addition, the new standard requires that reporting companies disclose the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers – Deferral of the Effective Date”, which defers the effective date of ASU 2014-09 to annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods therein. In 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-08, “Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net)”, ASU 2016-10, “Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing”, and ASU 2016-12, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers - Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients”. Entities have the choice to adopt these updates using either of the following transition methods: (i) a full retrospective approach reflecting the application of the standard in each prior reporting period with the option to elect certain practical expedients, or (ii) a retrospective approach with the cumulative effect of these standards recognized at the date of the adoption. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of these changes, which includes a review of existing contracts with customers, an evaluation of the specific terms of those contracts and the appropriate treatment under the new standards, and a comparison of that new treatment to the Company’s existing accounting policies to identify differences. The Company expects to complete its evaluation in the fourth quarter and anticipates adopting this ASU on January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective approach. However, the Company may opt for the full retrospective method depending on the final outcome of its evaluation.

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, “Financial Instruments - Overall: Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities”. The new guidance is intended to improve the recognition and measurement of financial instruments. The ASU is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those years beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company is currently assessing the potential impact of this ASU on its consolidated financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases”. ASU 2016-02 establishes a right-of-use (“ROU”) model that requires a lessee to record a ROU asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with terms longer than 12 months. Leases will be classified as either finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the income statement. ASU 2016-02 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. A modified retrospective transition approach is required for capital and operating leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements, with certain practical expedients available. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the pending adoption of this new standard on its consolidated financial statements.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments”. The new guidance is intended to reduce diversity in practice in how transactions are classified in the statement of cash flows. This ASU is effective for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

 

In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-16, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other than Inventory”. The amendments in this ASU reduce the complexity in the accounting standards by allowing the recognition of current and deferred income taxes for an intra-entity asset transfer, other than inventory, when the transfer occurs. Historically, recognition of the income tax consequence was not recognized until the asset was sold to an outside party. This ASU is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted. The Company expects the impact of this ASU to be immaterial to its consolidated financial statements.

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash”. The update requires that amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. The new standard will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years, and early adoption is permitted. The Company early adopted this standard during the second quarter of 2017. Restricted cash is now included as a component of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash on the Company’s consolidated statements of cash flows. The inclusion of restricted cash increased the ending balance of the consolidated statements of cash flows by $3.4 million and $2.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-09, “Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope of Modification Accounting”, which clarifies when to account for a change to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award as a modification. Under the new guidance, modification accounting is required only if the fair value, vesting conditions, or the classification of the award (as equity or liability) changes as a result of the change in terms or conditions. ASU 2017-09 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2017-09 on its consolidated financial statements.

Note 2 — Business Segments, Geographic Data, and Sales by Major Customers

The Company is a worldwide producer and marketer of children’s toys and other consumer products, principally engaged in the design, development, production, marketing and distribution of its diverse portfolio of products. The Company has aligned its operating segments into three segments that reflect the management and operation of the business. The Company’s segments are (i) U.S. and Canada, (ii) International, and (iii) Halloween.

The U.S. and Canada segment includes action figures, vehicles, play sets, plush products, dolls, electronic products, construction toys, infant and pre-school toys, role play and everyday costume play, foot to floor ride-on vehicles, wagons, novelty toys, seasonal and outdoor products, kids’ indoor and outdoor furniture, and related products, primarily within the United States and Canada.

Within the International segment, the Company markets and sells its toy products in markets outside of the U.S. and Canada, primarily in the European, Asia Pacific, and Latin and South American regions.

Within the Halloween segment, the Company markets and sells Halloween costumes and accessories and everyday costume play products, primarily in the U.S. and Canada.

Segment performance is measured at the operating income level. All sales are made to external customers and general corporate expenses have been attributed to the various segments based upon relative sales volumes. Segment assets are primarily comprised of accounts receivable and inventories, net of applicable reserves and allowances, goodwill and other assets. Certain assets which are not tracked by operating segment and/or that benefit multiple operating segments have been allocated on the same basis.

Results are not necessarily those which would be achieved if each segment was an unaffiliated business enterprise. Information by segment and a reconciliation to reported amounts for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 and as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are as follows (in thousands):

 

The following tables present information about the Company by geographic area as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 (in thousands):

 

 

Major Customers

Net sales to major customers for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 were as follows (in thousands, except for percentages):

At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company’s three largest customers accounted for approximately 42.6% and 35.8%, respectively, of net accounts receivable. The concentration of the Company’s business with a relatively small number of customers may expose the Company to material adverse effects if one or more of its large customers were to experience financial difficulty. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its top customers and maintains an allowance for potential credit losses.

 

On September 18, 2017, Toys “R” Us, Inc. announced that certain of its U.S. subsidiaries and its Canadian subsidiary voluntarily filed for relief under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code in the U.S. and that its Canadian subsidiary also began parallel proceedings under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (“CCAA”) in Canada. On September 25, 2017, Toys “R” Us, Inc. announced that it had closed on $3.1 billion of debtor-in-possession financing to support its ongoing liquidity needs. While the Company believes there was an impact to sales in the quarter due to the uncertainty caused by the filing, it is not able to estimate an amount. The Company has resumed shipping to Toys “R” Us for the 2017 holiday season and continues to monitor the Toys “R” Us bankruptcy reorganization progress and its overall credit exposure to this customer.

Note 3 — Inventory

Inventory, which includes the ex-factory cost of goods, in-bound freight, duty and capitalized warehouse costs, is valued at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or net realizable value, net of inventory obsolescence reserve, and consists of the following (in thousands):

 

 

During the first quarter of 2017, the Company adopted ASU 2015-11, “Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory (Topic 330)”. The amendments, which apply to inventory that is measured using any method other than the last-in, first-out (LIFO) or retail inventory method, require that entities measure inventory at the lower of cost or net realizable value. ASU 2015-11 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016 and should be applied on a prospective basis. The adoption of ASU 2015-11 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

 

Note 4 — Revenue Recognition and Reserve for Sales Returns and Allowances

Revenue is recognized upon the shipment of goods to customers or their agents, depending upon terms, provided there are no uncertainties regarding customer acceptance, the sales price is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured and not contingent upon resale.

Generally, the Company does not allow product returns. It provides its customers a negotiated allowance for breakage or defects, which is recorded when the related revenue is recognized. However, the Company does make occasional exceptions to this policy and consequently accrues a return allowance based upon historic return amounts and management estimates. The Company occasionally grants credits to facilitate markdowns and sales of slow moving merchandise. These credits are recorded as a reduction of gross sales at the time of occurrence.

The Company also participates in cooperative advertising arrangements with some customers, whereby it allows a discount from invoiced product amounts in exchange for customer purchased advertising that features the Company’s products. Generally, these discounts range from 1% to 10% of gross sales, and are generally based upon product purchases or specific advertising campaigns. Such amounts are accrued when the related revenue is recognized or when the advertising campaign is initiated. These cooperative advertising arrangements are accounted for as direct selling expenses.

The Company’s reserve for sales returns and allowances amounted to $13.0 million as of September 30, 2017, compared to $16.4 million as of December 31, 2016. This decrease is primarily due to timing with certain customers taking their annual allowances related to 2016 sales as well as allowances related to 2017 during 2017. 

Note 5 — Credit Facility

In March 2014, the Company and its domestic subsidiaries entered into a secured credit facility with General Electric Capital Corporation (“GECC”). The loan agreement, as amended and subsequently assigned to Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. pursuant to its acquisition of GECC, provides for a $75.0 million revolving credit facility subject to availability based on prescribed advance rates on certain accounts receivable and inventory (the “WF Loan Agreement”). The amounts outstanding under the credit facility are payable in full upon maturity of the facility on March 27, 2019, and the credit facility is secured by a security interest in favor of the lender covering a substantial amount of the assets of the Company. As of September 30, 2017, the amount of outstanding borrowings was $2.0 million and outstanding stand-by letters of credit totaled $27.7 million which in the aggregate exceeded the borrowing base availability under the credit line by $3.4 million and was funded by the Company resulting in restricted cash of $3.4 million. Such funds will become unrestricted when and as the excess borrowing capacity under the credit line increases to minimum levels. As of December 31, 2016, the amount of outstanding borrowings was $10.0 million and outstanding stand-by letters of credit totaled $28.2 million; the total excess borrowing capacity was $12.1 million.

The Company’s ability to borrow under the WF Loan Agreement is also subject to its ongoing compliance with certain financial covenants, including the maintenance by the Company of a fixed charge coverage ratio of at least 1.25:1.0 based on the trailing four fiscal quarters in the event minimum excess availability under the facility is not achieved. As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company was in compliance with the financial covenants under the WF Loan Agreement.

The Company may borrow funds at LIBOR or at a base rate, plus applicable margins of 225 basis point spread over LIBOR and 125 basis point spread on base rate loans. In addition to standard fees, the facility has a stand-by letter of credit fee of 225 basis points and an unused credit line fee, which ranges from 25 to 50 basis points. As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the interest rate on the credit facility was approximately 3.49% and 3.01%, respectively.

The WF Loan Agreement also contains customary events of default, including a cross default provision and a change of control provision. In the event of a default, all of the obligations of the Company and its subsidiaries under the WF Loan Agreement may be declared immediately due and payable. For certain events of default relating to insolvency and receivership, all outstanding obligations become due and payable.

 

 

Note 6 — Convertible Senior Notes

In July 2013, the Company sold an aggregate of $100.0 million principal amount of 4.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2018 (the “2018 Notes”). The 2018 Notes are senior unsecured obligations of the Company paying interest semi-annually in arrears on August 1 and February 1 of each year at a rate of 4.25% per annum and will mature on August 1, 2018. The initial and still current conversion rate for the 2018 Notes is 114.3674 shares of JAKKS common stock per $1,000 principal amount of notes, equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $8.74 per share of common stock, subject to adjustment in certain events. Upon conversion, the 2018 Notes will be settled in shares of the Company’s common stock. Holders of the 2018 Notes may require that the Company repurchase for cash all or some of their notes upon the occurrence of a fundamental change (as defined in the 2018 Notes). In 2016, the Company repurchased and retired an aggregate of approximately $6.1 million principal amount of the 2018 Notes. In addition, approximately $0.1 million of the unamortized debt issuance costs were written off and a nominal gain was recognized in conjunction with the retirement of the 2018 Notes. During the first quarter of 2017, the Company exchanged and retired $39.1 million principal amount of the 2018 Notes at par for $24.1 million in cash and approximately 2.9 million shares of its common stock. During the second quarter of 2017, the Company exchanged and retired $12.0 million principal amount of the 2018 Notes at par for $11.6 million in cash and 112,400 shares of its common stock, and approximately $0.1 million of the unamortized debt issuance costs were written off and a $0.1 million gain was recognized in conjunction with the exchange and retirement of the 2018 Notes. In August 2017, the Company agreed with Oasis Management and Oasis Investments II Master Fund Ltd., the holder of approximately $21.5 million face amount of its 4.25% Convertible Senior Notes due in 2018, to extend the maturity date of these notes to November 1, 2020. In addition, the interest rate was reduced to 3.25% per annum and the conversion rate was increased to 328.0302 shares of the Company's common stock per $1,000 principal amount of notes, among other things. After execution of a definitive agreement for the modification and final approval by the other members of the Company's Board of Directors and Oasis' Investment Committee the transaction closed on November 7, 2017. Accordingly, as this debt was refinanced after September 30, 2017 however prior to the report issuance date of November 9, 2017, this $21.5 million has been classified as long term debt with the remaining principal amount of $21.2 million classified as short term debt.

In June 2014, the Company sold an aggregate of $115.0 million principal amount of 4.875% Convertible Senior Notes due 2020 (the “2020 Notes”). The 2020 Notes are senior unsecured obligations of the Company paying interest semi-annually in arrears on June 1 and December 1 of each year at a rate of 4.875% per annum and will mature on June 1, 2020. The initial and still current conversion rate for the 2020 Notes is 103.7613 shares of the Company’s common stock per $1,000 principal amount of notes, equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $9.64 per share of common stock, subject to adjustment in certain events. Upon conversion, the 2020 Notes will be settled in shares of the Company’s common stock. Holders of the 2020 Notes may require that the Company repurchase for cash all or some of their notes upon the occurrence of a fundamental change (as defined in the 2020 Notes). In January 2016, the Company repurchased and retired an aggregate of $2.0 million principal amount of the 2020 Notes. In addition, approximately $0.1 million of the unamortized debt issuance costs were written off and a $0.1 million gain was recognized in conjunction with the retirement of the 2020 Notes.

The fair value of the 2018 Notes as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 was approximately $41.4 million and $83.7 million, respectively, based upon the most recent quoted market price. The fair value of the 2020 Notes as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 was approximately $88.6 million and $89.3 million, respectively, based upon the most recent quoted market price. The fair value of the convertible senior notes is considered to be a Level 2 measurement on the fair value hierarchy. 

Convertible senior notes consist of the following (in thousands):

 

 

Amortization expense classified as interest expense related to debt issuance costs was $0.4 million and $0.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and $1.5 million and $1.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Note 7 — Income Taxes

The Company’s income tax expense of $0.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 reflects an effective tax rate of (5.5%). The Company’s income tax expense of $1.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 reflects an effective tax rate of 3.4%. The majority of the tax expense for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 relate to foreign income taxes.

 

The Company’s income tax expense of $0.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 reflects an effective tax rate of (1.7%). The Company’s income tax expense of $2.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 reflects an effective tax rate of 19.8%. The majority of the tax expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 primarily relates to foreign income taxes, partially offset by favorable discrete items. The majority of the tax expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 relates to foreign taxes.

During the first quarter of 2017, the Company adopted ASU 2016-09, “Improvement to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting,” which simplifies several aspects of the accounting for share-based payments, including treatment of excess tax benefits and forfeitures, as well as consideration of minimum statutory tax withholding requirements. Under the new standard, all excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies will be recognized as income tax expense or benefit in the income statement as discrete items in the reporting period in which they occur. No discrete tax expense was recognized related to this during the third quarter of 2017.

Note 8 — Earnings (Loss) Per Share

 

The following table is a reconciliation of the weighted average shares used in the computation of earnings (loss) per share for the periods presented (in thousands, except per share data):

 

 

 

Basic earnings (loss) per share is calculated using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is calculated using the weighted average number of common shares and common share equivalents outstanding during the period (which consist of warrants, options, restricted stock awards, restricted stock units and convertible debt to the extent they are dilutive). The weighted average number of common shares outstanding excludes shares repurchased pursuant to a prepaid forward share repurchase agreement (see Note 9). Common share equivalents that could potentially dilute basic earnings per share in the future, which were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share due to being anti-dilutive, totaled 20,215,325 and 25,495,045 for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and 21,502,935 and 25,265,072 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Note 9 — Common Stock and Preferred Stock

In June 2014, the Company effectively repurchased 3,112,840 shares of its common stock for an aggregate amount of $24.0 million pursuant to a prepaid forward share repurchase agreement entered into with Merrill Lynch International (“ML”). These repurchased shares are treated as retired for basic and diluted earnings per share purposes although they remain legally outstanding. The Company reflects the aggregate purchase price as a reduction to stockholders’ equity classified as Treasury Stock. No shares have been delivered to the Company by ML as of September 30, 2017.

In June 2015, and as subsequently increased, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of an aggregate of $35.0 million of the Company’s outstanding common stock and/or convertible senior notes (collectively, “securities”). During 2015, the Company repurchased and retired 1,547,361 shares of its common stock at an aggregate value of $13.2 million. During 2016, the Company repurchased and retired 1,766,284 shares of its common stock at an aggregate value of $13.5 million, and also repurchased and retired $2.0 million principal amount of its 2020 Notes at a cost of $1.9 million and $6.1 million principal amount of its 2018 Notes at a cost of $6.1 million. As of December 31, 2016, the Company completed the repurchase authorization.

In January 2016, the Company issued an aggregate of 449,120 shares of restricted stock at a value of approximately $3.6 million to two executive officers, all of which were forfeited because certain company financial performance criteria and market conditions were not met. In addition, an aggregate of 62,710 shares of restricted stock at an aggregate value of approximately $0.5 million were issued to its five non-employee directors, which vested in January 2017.

 

 

In March 2016, the Company issued an aggregate of 134,058 shares of restricted stock at a value of approximately $0.9 million to an executive officer, all of which were forfeited because certain company financial performance criteria and market conditions were not met.

In October 2016, the Company issued an aggregate of 2,463 shares of restricted stock at a nominal value to a non-employee director, which vested on January 1, 2017.

In January and February 2017, the Company issued an aggregate of 873,787 shares of restricted stock at a value of approximately $4.5 million to two executive officers, which vest, subject to certain company financial performance criteria and market conditions, over a three year period. In addition, an aggregate of 94,102 shares of restricted stock at an aggregate value of approximately $0.5 million were issued to its five non-employee directors, which vest in January 2018.

In January and February 2017, the Company issued an aggregate of 2,865,000 shares of its common stock at a value of $15.1 million to holders of its 2018 convertible senior notes as partial consideration for the exchange at par of $39.1 million principal amount of such notes.

In March 2017, the Company entered into an agreement to issue 3,660,891 shares of its common stock at an aggregate price of $19.3 million to a Hong Kong affiliate of its China joint venture partner. After their shareholder and China regulatory approval, the transaction closed on April 27, 2017. Upon the closing, the Company added a representative of Meisheng as a non-employee director and issued 13,319 shares of restricted stock at a value of $0.1 million, which vest in January 2018.

In June 2017, the Company issued an aggregate of 112,400 shares of its common stock at a value of approximately $0.4 million to holders of its 2018 convertible senior notes as partial consideration for the exchange at par of $11.6 million principal amount of such notes.

All issuances of common stock, including those issued pursuant to stock option and warrant exercises, restricted stock grants and acquisitions, are issued from the Company’s authorized but not issued and outstanding shares.

Note 10 — Joint Ventures

 

The Company owns a fifty percent interest in a joint venture (“Pacific Animation Partners”) with the U.S. entertainment subsidiary of a leading Japanese advertising and animation production company. The joint venture was created to develop and produce a boys’ animated television show, which it licensed worldwide for television broadcast as well as consumer products. The Company produced toys based upon the television program under a license from the joint venture which also licensed certain other merchandising rights to third parties. The joint venture produced 65 episodes of the show, which began airing in February 2012, and has since ceased production of the television show. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company recognized nil for funds received related to the joint venture. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, the Company recognized nil and $0.7 million of income for funds received related to the joint venture.

 

As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the balance of the investment in the Pacific Animation Partners joint venture is nil.

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, the Company recognized nil and $0.1 million of income for funds received related to a former video game joint venture in partial settlement of amounts owed to the Company when our joint venture partner was liquidated pursuant to their 2012 bankruptcy filing. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, the Company recognized nil and $0.2 million of income for funds received related to a former video game joint venture in partial settlement of amounts owed to the Company when our joint venture partner was liquidated pursuant to their 2012 bankruptcy filing.

 

In September 2012, the Company entered into a joint venture (“DreamPlay Toys”) with NantWorks LLC (“NantWorks”) in which it owns a fifty percent interest. Pursuant to the operating agreement of DreamPlay Toys, the Company paid to NantWorks cash in the amount of $8.0 million and issued NantWorks a warrant to purchase 1.5 million shares of the Company’s common stock at a value of $7.0 million in exchange for the exclusive right to utilize the NantWorks recognition technology platform for toy products. The Company had classified these rights as an intangible asset, which was being amortized over the anticipated revenue stream from the exploitation of these rights. However, the Company has abandoned the use of the technology in connection with its toy products and no future sales are anticipated, and the Company recorded an impairment charge to income of $2.9 million to write off the remaining unamortized technology rights during the quarter ended September 30, 2017 (see Note 12). The Company retains the financial risk of the joint venture and is responsible for the day-to-day operations, which are expected to be nominal in future periods. The results of operations of the joint venture are consolidated with the Company’s results. The owner of NantWorks beneficially owns less than 10% of the Company’s outstanding common stock.

 

 

In addition, in 2012, the Company invested $7.0 million in cash in exchange for a five percent economic interest in a related entity, DreamPlay, LLC, that was expected to monetize the exploitation of the recognition technologies in non-toy consumer product categories. Adoption of the technology has been inadequate to establish a commercially viable market for the technology. As of September 30, 2017, the Company determined the value of this investment will not be realized and that full impairment of the value has occurred. Accordingly, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $7.0 million during the quarter ended September 30, 2017.

In November 2014, the Company entered into a joint venture with Meisheng Cultural & Creative Corp., Ltd., for the purpose of providing certain JAKKS licensed and non-licensed toys and consumer products to agreed-upon territories of the People’s Republic of China. The joint venture includes a subsidiary in the Shanghai Free Trade Zone that sells, distributes and markets these products, which include dolls, plush, role play products, action figures, costumes, seasonal items, technology and app-enhanced toys, based on top entertainment licenses and JAKKS’ own proprietary brands. The Company owns fifty-one percent of the joint venture and consolidates the joint venture since control rests with the Company. The non-controlling interest’s share of the income (loss) from the joint venture for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 was $45,000 and ($83,000), respectively, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 was $256,000 and $173,000, respectively.

In October 2016, the Company entered into a joint venture with Hong Kong Meisheng Cultural Company Limited, a Hong Kong-based subsidiary of Meisheng (“HK Meisheng”), for the purpose of creating and developing original, multiplatform content for children including new short-form series and original shows. JAKKS and HK Meisheng each own fifty percent of the joint venture and will jointly own the content. JAKKS will retain merchandising rights for kids’ consumer products in all markets except China, which Meisheng will oversee through the Company’s existing distribution joint venture. The non-controlling interest’s share of the loss from the joint venture for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 was nil and $125,000, respectively. As of April 27, 2017, Hong Kong Meisheng Cultural Company Limited beneficially owns more than 10% of the Company’s outstanding common stock.

Note 11 — Goodwill

The changes to the carrying amount of goodwill as of September 30, 2017 are summarized as follows (in thousands):

 

 

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, “Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment”, which removes Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. ASU 2017-04 requires that if a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, an impairment charge would be recognized for the excess amount, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. ASU 2017-04 will be effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Early application is permitted after January 1, 2017. The Company early adopted ASU 2017-04 in the third quarter of 2017.

The Company applies a fair value-based impairment test to the carrying value of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets on an annual basis, and if certain events or circumstances indicate that an impairment loss may have been incurred, on an interim basis. Goodwill impairment exists when the estimated fair value of goodwill is less than its carrying value. Based on several factors that have occurred since the Company’s April 1 assessment, the Company determined that the fair values of its reporting units should be retested for potential impairment. Based on the retesting performed by a third-party valuation consultant as of September 30, 2017, it was determined that the fair values of two of its three reporting units were less than their respective carrying amounts. Accordingly, a charge of $8.3 million for goodwill impairment was recorded during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017. No impairment was recorded during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016.

 

Note 12 — Intangible Assets Other Than Goodwill

Intangible assets other than goodwill consist primarily of licenses, product lines, customer relationships and trademarks. Amortized intangible assets are included in intangibles in the accompanying balance sheets. Trademarks are disclosed separately in the accompanying balance sheets. Intangible assets as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 include the following (in thousands, except for weighted useful lives):

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company recorded impairment charges of $2.9 million to write off the remaining unamortized technology rights related to DreamPlay, LLC which were included in Product lines, and $2.3 million to write down several underutilized trademarks and trade names that were determined to have no value. No impairment charges were recorded during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016.

Note 13 — Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The table below presents the components of the Company’s comprehensive income (loss) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 (in thousands):

Note 14 — Litigation

 

The Company is a party to, and certain of its property is the subject of, various pending claims and legal proceedings that routinely arise in the ordinary course of its business, but the Company does not believe that any of these claims or proceedings will have a material effect on its business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

 

Note 15 — Share-Based Payments

The Company’s 2002 Stock Award and Incentive Plan (the “Plan”), as amended, provides for the awarding of stock options and restricted stock to employees, officers and non-employee directors. Under the Plan, the Company grants directors, certain officers and other key employees restricted common stock, with vesting contingent upon completion of specified service periods ranging from one to five years. The Company also grants certain officers performance-based awards, with vesting contingent upon the Company’s achievement of specified financial goals. The Plan is more fully described in Notes 15 and 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the Company’s 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

The following table summarizes the total share-based compensation expense and related tax benefits recognized for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 (in thousands):

 

Restricted stock award activity pursuant to the Plan for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 is summarized as follows:

 

 

As of September 30, 2017, there was $3.0 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested restricted stock awards, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 5.4 years.

The Company granted Restricted Stock Units (“RSUs”) to certain executive and non-executive personnel during the first quarter of 2017. RSUs are not treated in the same manner as Restricted Stock Awards (“RSAs”) as the Company issues the net after-tax number of shares when the units vest. Vesting of RSUs is predicated upon meeting certain criteria related to service, performance and/or market based conditions.

Restricted stock unit activity pursuant to the Plan for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 is summarized as follows:

 

As of September 30, 2017, there was $3.7 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested restricted stock units, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 6.2 years.

 

Note 16 — Subsequent Event

In August 2017, the Company agreed with Oasis Management and Oasis Investments II Master Fund Ltd., the holder of approximately $21.5 million face amount of its 4.25% Convertible Senior Notes due in 2018, to extend the maturity date of these notes to November 1, 2020. In addition, the interest rate was reduced to 3.25% per annum and the conversion rate was increased to 328.0302 shares of the Company’s common stock per $1,000 principal amount of notes, among other things. After execution of a definitive agreement for the modification and final approval by the other members of the Company’s Board of Directors and Oasis’ Investment Committee the transaction closed on November 7, 2017. After such modification the balance of the face amount of the 2018 Notes is reduced to approximately $21.2 million.

 

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

The following discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations should be read together with our Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto, which appear elsewhere herein.

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements and supplementary information were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Significant accounting policies are discussed in Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016. Inherent in the application of many of these accounting policies is the need for management to make estimates and judgments in the determination of certain revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities. As such, materially different financial results can occur as circumstances change and additional information becomes known. The policies with the greatest potential effect on our results of operations and financial position include:

 

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts. Our allowance for doubtful accounts is based upon management’s assessment of the business environment, customers’ financial condition, historical collection experience, accounts receivable aging, customer disputes and the collectability of specific customer accounts. If there were a deterioration of a major customer’s creditworthiness, or actual defaults higher than our historical experience, our estimates of the recoverability of amounts due to us could be overstated, which could have an adverse impact on our operating results. Our allowance for doubtful accounts is also affected by the time at which uncollectible accounts receivable balances are actually written off.

 

Major customers’ accounts are monitored on an ongoing basis; more in-depth reviews are performed based upon changes in a customer’s financial condition and/or the level of credit being extended. When a significant event occurs, such as a bankruptcy filing by a specific customer, and on a quarterly basis, the allowance is reviewed for adequacy and the balance or accrual rate is adjusted to reflect current risk prospects.

 

Revenue Recognition. Our revenue recognition policy is to recognize revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, title transfer has occurred (product shipment), the price is fixed or readily determinable and collectability is probable. Sales are recorded net of sales returns and discounts, which are estimated at the time of shipment based upon historical data. We routinely enter into arrangements with our customers to provide sales incentives and support customer promotions and we provide allowances for returns and defective merchandise. Such programs are primarily based upon customer purchases, customer performance of specified promotional activities and other specified factors such as sales to consumers. Accruals for these programs are recorded as sales adjustments that reduce gross revenue in the period in which the related revenue is recognized.

 

Goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized, but are tested for impairment at least annually at the reporting unit level.

 

Factors we consider important that could trigger an impairment review include the following:

 

Due to the subjective nature of the impairment analysis, significant changes in the assumptions used to develop the estimate could materially affect the conclusion regarding the future cash flows necessary to support the valuation of long-lived assets, including goodwill. The valuation of goodwill involves a high degree of judgment. Based upon the assumptions underlying the valuation, impairment is determined by estimating the fair value of a reporting unit and comparing that value to the reporting unit’s book value. If the implied fair value is more than the book value of the reporting unit, an impairment loss is not indicated. If impairment exists, the fair value of the reporting unit is allocated to all of its assets and liabilities excluding goodwill, with the excess amount representing the fair value of goodwill. An impairment loss is measured as the amount by which the book value of the reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds the estimated fair value of that goodwill.

Goodwill (net), Trademarks (net) and Intangible assets (net) amounted to $59.2 million as of September 30, 2017 and $78.9 million as of December 31, 2016.

 

Reserve for Inventory Obsolescence. We value our inventory at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Based upon a consideration of quantities on hand, actual and projected sales volume, anticipated product selling prices and product lines planned to be discontinued, slow-moving and obsolete inventory is written down to its net realizable value.

 

 

Failure to accurately predict and respond to consumer demand could result in us under-producing popular items or over-producing less popular items. Furthermore, significant changes in demand for our products would impact management’s estimates in establishing our inventory provision.

 

Management’s estimates are monitored on a quarterly basis, and a further adjustment to reduce inventory to its net realizable value is recorded as an increase to cost of sales when deemed necessary under the lower of cost or net realizable value standard.

 

Discrete Items for Income Taxes. ASU 2016-09 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016. No discrete expense was recorded in the three months ended September 30, 2017 related to this. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, a discrete tax benefit of $115,000 related to return to provision adjustments for foreign jurisdictions and favorable audit settlements were recognized. During the comparable period in 2016, a discrete tax benefit of $127,000 was recognized related to the reversal of a previously recognized tax assessment on the Hong Kong income tax audits for the tax year 2010/2011.

Income taxes and interest and penalties related to income tax payable. We do not file a consolidated return for our foreign subsidiaries. We file federal and state returns and our foreign subsidiaries each file returns as required. Deferred taxes are provided on an asset and liability method, whereby deferred tax assets are recognized as deductible temporary differences and operating loss and tax credit carry-forwards and deferred tax liabilities are recognized for taxable temporary differences. Temporary differences are the differences between the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and their tax bases. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects of changes in tax laws and rates on the date of enactment.

Management employs a threshold and measurement process for recording in the financial statements uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. Tax benefits that are subject to challenge by tax authorities are analyzed and accounted for in the income tax provision.

We accrue a tax reserve for additional income taxes, which may become payable in future years as a result of audit adjustments by tax authorities. The reserve is based upon management’s assessment of all relevant information and is periodically reviewed and adjusted as circumstances warrant. As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, our income tax reserves were approximately $1.2 million and $2.3 million, respectively. The $1.2 million balance primarily relates to the potential tax settlement in Hong Kong and adjustments in the area of withholding taxes. Our income tax reserves are accounted for in income taxes payable.

Share-Based Compensation. We grant restricted stock awards to our employees (including officers) and to non-employee directors under our 2002 Stock Award and Incentive Plan (the “Plan”), as amended. The benefits provided under the Plan are share-based payments. We amortize over a requisite service period, the net total deferred restricted stock expense based upon the fair value of the stock on the date of the grants. In certain instances, the service period may differ from the period in which each award will vest. Additionally, certain groups of grants are subject to an expected forfeiture rate calculation.

 

New Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)”, which supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in ASC 605, “Revenue Recognition”, and most industry-specific guidance. Under the new model, recognition of revenue occurs when a customer obtains control of promised goods or services in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In addition, the new standard requires that reporting companies disclose the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers – Deferral of the Effective Date”, which defers the effective date of ASU 2014-09 to annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods therein. In 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-08, “Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net)”, ASU 2016-10, “Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing”, and ASU 2016-12, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers - Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients”. Entities have the choice to adopt these updates using either of the following transition methods: (i) a full retrospective approach reflecting the application of the standard in each prior reporting period with the option to elect certain practical expedients, or (ii) a retrospective approach with the cumulative effect of these standards recognized at the date of the adoption. We are in the process of evaluating the impact of these changes, which includes a review of existing contracts with customers, an evaluation of the specific terms of those contracts and the appropriate treatment under the new standards, and a comparison of that new treatment to our existing accounting policies to identify differences. We expect to complete our evaluation in the fourth quarter and anticipate adopting this ASU on January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective approach. However, we may opt for the full retrospective method depending on the final outcome of our evaluation.

 

 

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, “Financial Instruments - Overall: Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities”. The new guidance is intended to improve the recognition and measurement of financial instruments. The ASU is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those years beginning after December 15, 2017. We are currently assessing the potential impact of this ASU on our consolidated financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases”. ASU 2016-02 establishes a right-of-use (“ROU”) model that requires a lessee to record a ROU asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with terms longer than 12 months. Leases will be classified as either finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the income statement. ASU 2016-02 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. A modified retrospective transition approach is required for capital and operating leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements, with certain practical expedients available. We are currently evaluating the impact of the pending adoption of this new standard on our consolidated financial statements.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments”. The new guidance is intended to reduce diversity in practice in how transactions are classified in the statement of cash flows. This ASU is effective for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-16, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other than Inventory”. The amendments in this ASU reduce the complexity in the accounting standards by allowing the recognition of current and deferred income taxes for an intra-entity asset transfer, other than inventory, when the transfer occurs. Historically, recognition of the income tax consequence was not recognized until the asset was sold to an outside party. This ASU is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted. We expect the impact of this ASU to be immaterial to our consolidated financial statements.

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash”. The update requires that amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. The new standard will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years, and early adoption is permitted. We early adopted this standard during the second quarter of 2017. Restricted cash is now included as a component of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash on our consolidated statements of cash flows. The inclusion of restricted cash increased the ending balance of the consolidated statements of cash flows by $3.4 million and $2.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-09, “Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope of Modification Accounting”, which clarifies when to account for a change to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award as a modification. Under the new guidance, modification accounting is required only if the fair value, vesting conditions, or the classification of the award (as equity or liability) changes as a result of the change in terms or conditions. ASU 2017-09 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2017-09 on our consolidated financial statements.

Results of Operations

 

The following unaudited table sets forth, for the periods indicated, certain statement of income data as a percentage of net sales.

 

 

 

The following unaudited table summarizes, for the periods indicated, certain income statement data by segment (in thousands):

 

 Comparison of the Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 and 2016

 

Net Sales

U.S. and Canada. Net sales of our U.S. and Canada segment were $154.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to $188.4 million for the prior year period, representing a decrease of $34.4 million, or 18.3%. A major customer filed for bankruptcy during the quarter which adversely impacted sales. At the brand level, the decrease in net sales was primarily due to decreases in unit sales of our Disney Frozen line of toddler dolls, Disney Tsum Tsum line of collectibles, XPV line of radio controlled vehicles, and our Star Wars Big Fig products, partially offset by an increase in unit sales of toddler dolls and accessories and role play products featuring Disney Moana.

International. Net sales of our International segment were $50.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to $57.3 million for the prior year period, representing a decrease of $7.2 million, or 12.6%. The decrease in net sales was primarily driven by decreases in unit sales of our Disney Frozen line of toddler dolls, Star Wars Big Figs, and Sofia the First dolls and role play products.

Halloween. Net sales of our Halloween segment were $58.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to $57.1 million for the prior year period, representing an increase of $1.1 million, or 1.9%. The increase in net sales was driven by an increase in unit sales of a variety of products.

Cost of Sales

U.S. and Canada. Cost of sales of our U.S. and Canada segment was $119.6 million, or 77.7% of related net sales for the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to $125.5 million, or 66.6% of related net sales for the prior year period, representing a decrease of $5.9 million, or 4.7%. The decrease in dollars is due to lower overall unit sales in 2017, partially offset by minimum guarantee shortfalls and inventory impairment. The increase as a percentage of net sales, year over year, is primarily due to minimum guarantee shortfalls, inventory impairment and the impact of lower margin sales recognized in the quarter.

 

 

International. Cost of sales of our International segment was $36.6 million, or 73.1% of related net sales for the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to $38.7 million, or 67.5% of related net sales for the prior year period, representing a decrease of $2.1 million, or 5.4%. The decrease in dollars is due to lower overall unit sales in 2017, partially offset by minimum guarantee shortfalls. The increase as a percentage of net sales, year over year, is primarily due to minimum guarantee shortfalls and the impact of lower margin sales recognized in the quarter.

Halloween. Cost of sales of our Halloween segment was $44.4 million, or 76.3% of related net sales for the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to $43.7 million, or 76.5% of related net sales for the prior year period, representing an increase of $0.7 million, or 1.6%. The increase in dollars is primarily due to minimum guarantee shortfalls. The decrease as a percentage of net sales, year over year, is primarily due to product mix.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses were $56.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and $60.5 million for the prior year period constituting 21.3% and 20.0% of net sales, respectively. Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased by $4.5 million from the prior year period due to lower marketing expense, partially offset by bad debt write-offs of $7.3 million.

Goodwill and Other Intangibles Impairment

Goodwill and other intangibles impairment was $13.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, as compared to nil in the prior year period. In the three months ended September 30, 2017, we recorded impairment charges of $8.3 million for goodwill, $2.9 million to write off the remaining unamortized technology rights related to DreamPlay, LLC and $2.3 million to write down several underutilized trademarks and trade names that were determined to have no value.

Interest Expense

 

Interest expense was $2.0 million in the three months ended September 30, 2017, as compared to $3.0 million in the prior year period. In the three months ended September 30, 2017, we booked interest expense of $2.0 million related to our convertible senior notes payable due in 2018 and 2020. In the three months ended September 30, 2016, we booked interest expense of $2.8 million related to our convertible senior notes payable due in 2018 and 2020 and $0.2 million related to our revolving credit facility. The decrease in 2017 is the result of lower average debt balances in 2017 due to debt repurchases and retirements in 2017 and 2016.

Provision for Income Taxes

 

Our income tax expense, which includes federal, state and foreign income taxes and discrete items, was $0.9 million, or an effective tax rate of (5.5%), for the three months ended September 30, 2017. During the comparable period in 2016, our income tax expense was $1.1 million, or an effective tax rate of 3.4%.

 

Comparison of the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 and 2016

 

Net Sales

U.S. and Canada. Net sales of our U.S. and Canada segment were $295.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to $350.3 million for the prior year period, representing a decrease of $55.2 million, or 15.8%. The decrease in net sales was primarily due to decreases in unit sales of our Disney Frozen line of toddler dolls, Disney Tsum Tsum line of collectibles and our XPV line of radio controlled vehicles, partially offset by an increase in unit sales of Disney Moana and Beauty and the Beast products.

International. Net sales of our International segment were $87.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to $97.5 million for the prior year period, representing a decrease of $9.9 million, or 10.2%. The decrease in net sales was primarily driven by decreases in unit sales of our Disney Frozen line of toddler dolls and Star Wars, partially offset by an increase in unit sales of Disney Moana, Smurfs^TM, and Beauty and the Beast.

Halloween. Net sales of our Halloween segment were $93.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to $91.8 million for the prior year period, representing an increase of $2.0 million, or 2.2%. The increase in net sales was driven by an increase in unit sales of a variety of products.

Cost of Sales

U.S. and Canada. Cost of sales of our U.S. and Canada segment was $217.3 million, or 73.6% of related net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to $232.7 million, or 66.4% of related net sales for the prior year period, representing a decrease of $15.4 million, or 6.6%.  The decrease in dollars is due to lower overall unit sales in 2017, partially offset by minimum guarantee shortfalls and inventory impairment. The increase as a percentage of net sales, year over year, is primarily due to minimum guarantee shortfalls and inventory impairment.

 

International. Cost of sales of our International segment was $61.0 million, or 69.6% of related net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to $66.2 million, or 67.9% of related net sales for the prior year period, representing a decrease of $5.2 million, or 7.9%. The decrease in dollars is due to lower overall unit sales in 2017, partially offset by minimum guarantee shortfalls. The increase as a percentage of net sales, year over year, is primarily due to minimum guarantee shortfalls.

Halloween. Cost of sales of our Halloween segment was $72.6 million, or 77.4% of related net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to $69.7 million, or 75.9% of related net sales for the prior year period, representing an increase of $2.9 million, or 4.2%. The increase in dollars is due to higher overall unit sales in 2017 and minimum guarantee shortfalls. The increase as a percentage of net sales, year over year, is primarily due to minimum guarantee shortfalls.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses were $149.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and $151.4 million for the prior year period constituting 31.4% and 28.1% of net sales, respectively. Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased by $1.8 million from the prior year period primarily due lower marketing expense, partially offset by bad debt write-offs of $9.6 million.

Goodwill and Other Intangibles Impairment

Goodwill and other intangibles impairment was $13.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, as compared to nil in the prior year period. In the nine months ended September 30, 2017, we recorded impairment charges of $8.3 million for goodwill, $2.9 million to write off the remaining unamortized technology rights related to DreamPlay, LLC and $2.3 million to write down several underutilized trademarks and trade names that were determined to have no value.

Income from joint ventures

 

We recognized $0.1 million of income for funds received in the nine months ended in September 30, 2017 related to our former video game joint venture in partial settlement of amounts owed to the Company when our joint venture partner was liquidated pursuant to their 2012 bankruptcy filing. It is not known if any additional funds will be received by us. We recognized $0.7 million of income for funds received in the nine months ended September 30, 2016 related to Pacific Animation Partners and $0.2 million of income for funds received in the nine months ended September 30, 2016 related to our former video game joint venture in partial settlement of amounts owed to the Company when our joint venture partner was liquidated pursuant to their 2012 bankruptcy filing.

Interest Expense

 

Interest expense was $7.5 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2017, as compared to $9.5 million in the prior year period. In the nine months ended September 30, 2017, we booked interest expense of $7.2 million related to our convertible senior notes payable due in 2018 and 2020 and $0.2 million related to our revolving credit facility. In the nine months ended September 30, 2016, we booked interest expense of $8.9 million related to our convertible senior notes payable due in 2018 and 2020 and $0.6 million related to our revolving credit facility. The decrease in 2017 is the result of lower average debt balances in 2017 due to debt repurchases and retirements in 2017 and 2016.

Provision for Income Taxes

 

Our income tax expense, which includes federal, state and foreign income taxes and discrete items, was $0.9 million, or an effective tax rate of (1.7%), for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. During the comparable period in 2016, our income tax expense was $2.2 million, or an effective tax rate of 19.8%.

Seasonality and Backlog

 

The retail toy industry is inherently seasonal. Generally, our sales have been highest during the third and fourth quarters, and collections for those sales have been highest during the succeeding fourth and first quarters. Our working capital needs have been highest during the third and fourth quarters.

While we have taken steps to level sales over the entire year, sales are expected to remain heavily influenced by the seasonality of our toy and Halloween products. The result of these seasonal patterns is that operating results and the demand for working capital may vary significantly by quarter. Orders placed with us are generally cancelable until the date of shipment. The combination of seasonal demand and the potential for order cancellation makes accurate forecasting of future sales difficult and causes us to believe that backlog may not be an accurate indicator of our future sales. Similarly, financial results for a particular quarter may not be indicative of results for the entire year.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

As of September 30, 2017, we had working capital of $182.0 million, compared to $236.6 million as of December 31, 2016. The decrease was primarily attributable to the reclassification of $21.0 million of the 2018 convertible senior notes to current liabilities, the exchange and retirement of convertible senior notes, the net loss and higher accounts payable and accrued expenses, partially offset by proceeds from the issuance of common stock to a Hong Kong affiliate of our China joint venture partner during the second quarter of 2017, higher accounts receivable and inventory balances and repayment of credit facility borrowings.

Operating activities used net cash of $6.2 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2017, as compared to using net cash of $20.7 million in the prior year period. Net cash was primarily impacted by an increase in the accounts receivable and inventory balances, partially offset by increases in accounts payable and accrued expenses. Our accounts receivable turnover as measured by days sales for the quarter outstanding in accounts receivable was 79 days as of September 30, 2017, compared to 83 days as of September 30, 2016. Other than open purchase orders issued in the normal course of business, we have no obligations to purchase finished goods from our manufacturers. As of September 30, 2017, we had cash and cash equivalents of $45.4 million and restricted cash of $3.4 million.

 

Our investing activities used net cash of $10.4 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2017, as compared to using net cash of $11.4 million in the prior year period, consisting of cash paid for the purchase of molds and tooling used in the manufacture of our products. As part of our strategy to develop and market new products, we have entered into various character and product licenses with royalties generally ranging from 1% to 20% payable on net sales of such products. As of September 30, 2017, these agreements required future aggregate minimum guarantees of $48.0 million, exclusive of $15.4 million in advances already paid. Of this $48.0 million future minimum guarantee, $34.5 million is due over the next twelve months.

 

Our financing activities used net cash of $24.3 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2017, as compared to using net cash of $17.0 million in the prior year period, primarily consisting of the cash portion of $35.6 million in the exchange of $51.1 million principal amount of our 2018 convertible senior notes, partially offset by the issuance of approximately 3.7 million shares of common stock for cash in the amount of $19.3 million.

 

In March 2014, we and our domestic subsidiaries entered into a secured credit facility with General Electric Capital Corporation (“GECC”). The loan agreement, as amended and assigned to Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. pursuant to its acquisition of GECC (the “WF Loan Agreement”), provides for a $75.0 million revolving credit facility subject to availability based on prescribed advance rates on certain accounts receivable and inventory. The amounts outstanding under the WF Loan Agreement are payable in full upon maturity of the credit facility on March 27, 2019, and the credit facility is secured by a security interest in favor of the lender covering a substantial amount of the assets of the Company. As of September 30, 2017, the amount of outstanding borrowings was $2.0 million and outstanding stand-by letters of credit totaled $27.7 million which exceeded the borrowing base availability under the credit line by $3.4 million and was funded by us resulting in restricted cash of $3.4 million. Such funds will become unrestricted when and as the excess borrowing capacity under the credit line increases to minimum levels.

In July 2013, we sold an aggregate of $100.0 million principal amount of 4.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2018 (the “2018 Notes”). The 2018 Notes are senior unsecured obligations of the Company paying interest semi-annually in arrears on August 1 and February 1 of each year at a rate of 4.25% per annum and will mature on August 1, 2018. The initial and still current conversion rate for the 2018 Notes is 114.3674 shares of our common stock per $1,000 principal amount of notes, equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $8.74 per share of common stock, subject to adjustment in certain events. Upon conversion, the 2018 Notes will be settled in shares of our common stock. Holders of the 2018 Notes may require us to repurchase for cash all or some of their notes upon the occurrence of a fundamental change (as defined in the 2018 Notes). We used $61.0 million of the approximate $96.0 million in net proceeds from the offering to repurchase at par and retire $61.0 million principal amount of then outstanding notes. In 2016, we repurchased and retired an aggregate of approximately $6.1 million principal amount of the 2018 Notes. During the first quarter of 2017, we exchanged at par and retired $39.1 million principal amount of the 2018 Notes for $24.1 million in cash and approximately 2.9 million shares of our common stock. During the second quarter of 2017, we exchanged and retired $12.0 million principal amount of the 2018 Notes at par for $11.6 million in cash and 112,400 shares of our common stock. In August 2017, we agreed with Oasis Management and Oasis Investments II Master Fund Ltd., the holder of approximately $21.5 million face amount of our 4.25% Convertible Senior Notes due in 2018, to extend the maturity date of these notes to November 1, 2020. In addition, the interest rate was reduced to 3.25% per annum and the conversion rate was increased to 328.0302 shares of our common stock per $1,000 principal amount of notes, among other things. After execution of a definitive agreement for the modification and final approval by the other members of our Board of Directors and Oasis' Investment Committee the transaction closed on November 7, 2017. Accordingly, as this debt was refinanced after September 30, 2017 however prior to the report issuance date of November 9, 2017, this $21.5 million has been classified as long term debt with the remaining principal amount of $21.2 million classified as short term debt.

 

In June 2014, we sold an aggregate of $115.0 million principal amount of 4.875% Convertible Senior Notes due 2020 (the “2020 Notes”). The 2020 Notes are senior unsecured obligations of the Company paying interest semi-annually in arrears on June 1 and December 1 of each year at a rate of 4.875% per annum and will mature on June 1, 2020. The initial and still current conversion rate for the 2020 Notes is 103.7613 shares of our common stock per $1,000 principal amount of notes, equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $9.64 per share of common stock, subject to adjustment in certain events. Upon conversion, the 2020 Notes will be settled in shares of our common stock. Holders of the 2020 Notes may require us to repurchase for cash all or some of their notes upon the occurrence of a fundamental change (as defined in the 2020 Notes). We received net proceeds of approximately $110.4 million from the offering of which $24.0 million was used to repurchase 3.1 million shares of our common stock under a prepaid forward purchase contract and $39.0 million was used to redeem the remaining principal amount of then outstanding notes. In 2016, we repurchased and retired $2.0 million principal amount of the 2020 Notes.

We believe that our cash flows from operations, cash and cash equivalents on hand and the availability under our credit facility will be sufficient to meet our working capital and capital expenditure requirements and provide us with adequate liquidity to meet our anticipated operating needs for at least the next 12 months. Although operating activities are expected to provide cash, to the extent we grow significantly in the future and due to the seasonality of our business, our operating and investing activities may use cash and, consequently, this growth may require us to obtain additional sources of financing. There can be no assurance that any necessary additional financing will be available to us on commercially reasonable terms, if at all. As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, we held cash and short term investments held by our foreign subsidiaries of $41.7 million and $72.2 million, respectively. Although a significant portion of our cash is held by our foreign subsidiaries off-shore, we intend to finance our long-term liquidity requirements out of net cash provided by operations and net cash and cash equivalents and availability under our credit facility. As of September 30, 2017, we do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Interest Rate Risk

 

We issued $100.0 million principal amount of convertible senior notes with a fixed interest rate of 4.25% per annum in July 2013 and $115.0 million principal amount of convertible senior notes with a fixed interest rate of 4.875% per annum in June 2014, of which $42.7 million and $113.0 million, respectively, remain outstanding as of September 30, 2017. Accordingly, we are not generally subject to any direct risk of loss arising from changes in interest rates on these issuances.

Our exposure to market risk includes interest rate fluctuations in connection with our revolving credit facility (see Note 5 - Credit Facility in the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements for additional information). Borrowings under the credit facility bear interest at a variable rate based on Prime Lending Rate or LIBOR Rate at the option of the Company. For Prime Lending Rate loans, the interest rate is equal to the highest of (i) the Federal Funds Rate plus a margin of 0.50%, (ii) the rate last quoted by The Wall Street Journal as the “Prime Rate,” or (iii) the sum of a LIBOR rate plus 1.00%, plus a margin of 2.25%. For LIBOR rate loans, the interest rate is equal to a LIBOR rate plus a margin of 2.25%. Borrowings under the credit facility are therefore subject to risk based upon prevailing market interest rates. Interest rate risk may result from many factors, including governmental monetary and tax policies, domestic and international economic and political considerations and other factors that are beyond our control. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the maximum amount borrowed under the facility was $20.0 million and the average amount of borrowings outstanding was $5.2 million. As of September 30, 2017, the amount of total borrowings outstanding was $2.0 million. If the prevailing market interest rates relative to these borrowings increased by 10%, our interest expense during the period ended September 30, 2017 would have increased by less than $0.1 million.

 

Foreign Currency Risk

 

We have wholly-owned subsidiaries in Hong Kong, China, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Spain, Canada and Mexico. Sales are generally made by these operations on FOB China or Hong Kong terms and are denominated in U.S. dollars. However, purchases of inventory and Hong Kong operating expenses are typically denominated in Hong Kong dollars and local operating expenses in the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Spain, Canada, Mexico and China are denominated in local currency, thereby creating exposure to changes in exchange rates. Changes in the U.S. dollar exchange rates may positively or negatively affect our gross margins, operating income and retained earnings. The exchange rate of the Hong Kong dollar to the U.S. dollar has been fixed by the Hong Kong government since 1983 at HK$7.80 to US$1.00 and, accordingly, has not represented a currency exchange risk to the U.S. dollar. We do not believe that near-term changes in these exchange rates, if any, will result in a material effect on our future earnings, fair values or cash flows. Therefore, we have chosen not to enter into foreign currency hedging transactions. We cannot assure you that this approach will be successful, especially in the event of a significant and sudden change in the value of these foreign currencies.

 

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

 

Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, after evaluating the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this Report, have concluded that as of that date, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective. There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation required by Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(d) that occurred during the period covered by this Report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

 

 

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

We are a party to, and certain of our property is the subject of, various pending claims and legal proceedings that routinely arise in the ordinary course of our business, but we do not believe that any of these claims or proceedings will have a material effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

 

There have been no material changes to the risk factors disclosed under Part I, Item 1A “Risk Factors” in the Company’s 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 

During the third quarter of 2017, the Company did not purchase any of its common stock.

Issuer Unregistered Sale of Equity Securities

During the third quarter of 2017, the Company did not sell any unregistered equity securities.

 

Item 6. Exhibits

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

 

 

Item 6. Exhibits