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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C.DC 20549
------------------------
FORM 10-K
(MARK ONE)
[X]10-K/A
AMENDMENT NO. 1
FOR ANNUAL REPORTAND TRANSITION REPORTS PURSUANT TO SECTIONSECTIONS 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended July[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
ACT OF 1934
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED JULY 31, 1998
orOR
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)15(D) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from to
Commission file numberCOMMISSION FILE NUMBER 001-09630
CML GROUP, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
DELAWARE 04-2451745
(STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
OF INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION) IDENTIFICATION NO.)
524 MAIN STREET, ACTON, MASSACHUSETTS 01720
(ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES) (ZIP CODE)
OFFICES)
REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE: (978) 264-4155
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) of the Act:12(B) OF THE ACT:
TITLE OF EACH CLASS NAME OF EACH EXCHANGE TITLE OF EACH CLASS ON WHICH REGISTERED
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COMMON STOCK, $.10 PAR VALUE NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(g) of the Act:OF THE ACT:
NONE
(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 approximate aggregate market value of votingthe Common Stock held by
non-affiliates of the registrant was approximately $23,330,287 based on the
closing price of the Common Stock as reported on the New York Stock Exchange on
October 21, 1998.
Number of shares of Common Stock outstanding as of October 21, 1998:
62,214,099 shares.62,214,099.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
None.
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DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
PART OF REPORT INTO
DOCUMENTS WHICH INCORPORATED
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Portions of Proxy Statement for the Annual Items 10, 11, 12 & 13 of Part III
Meeting of Stockholders to be held in
December 1998 to be filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission in
November 1998 pursuant to Reg. 240.14a-6(b)
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
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PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS.
CML Group, Inc. (the "Company" or "CML") was incorporatedhereby amends the following items of its
Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
November 13, 1998 as set forth in the pages attached hereto:
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
The information required by this item is contained in part under the
lawscaption "Executive Officers of the State of DelawareCompany" in 1969. Unless the context otherwise requires, the term
"Company" as used herein includes CML and its subsidiaries.
CML is a specialty marketing company whose principal operations are
NordicTrack, Inc. ("Nordic Track") and Smith Hawken, Ltd. ("Smith & Hawken").
NordicTrack, which was acquired in June 1986, designs, sources, and sells
physical fitness and exercise equipment and other health-related products under
the trade names NordicTrack(R) and Nordic Advantage(TM). Smith & Hawken, which
was acquired in February 1993 and conducts its business under the trade name
Smith & Hawken(R), sells gardening tools, work wear, outdoor furniture, plants
and accessories. On November 5, 1998, NordicTrack and Nordic Advantage Inc.
("Nordic Advantage") filed petitions with the United States Bankruptcy Court for
the Western Division of the District of Massachusetts seeking protection under
Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code. A plan of reorganization which
may include a partial or complete liquidation of NordicTrack's operations is
being prepared and will be submitted to the Court.
The bankruptcy petitions filed by NordicTrack and Nordic Advantage on
November 5, 1998 constitute defaults under the Company's revolving credit
agreement. On November 5, 1998, however, lenders under the Company's revolving
credit facility and the holders of the 15% secured convertible redeemable
subordinated notes due 2003 agreed to forbear from exercising their rights under
the guaranties issued by the Company and its subsidiaries until the earlier of
January 31, 1999 or an event of default under the forbearance agreement. The
forbearance agreement increases the total borrowing capacityPart I of the Company's subsidiaries underAnnual
Report on Form 10-K filed with the revolving credit facilitySecurities and Exchange Commission on
November 13, 1998.
The following table sets forth certain information with respect to $72.0 million, including
$1.5 million of debtor in possession financing for NordicTrack.
The Company decided to dispose of one of its subsidiaries in fiscal 1995
and two other subsidiaries in fiscal 1996. Britches of Georgetowne ("Britches"),
which was sold in April 1996, operated a chain of retail stores that sold men's
apparel under the
trade names Britches of Georgetowne(R) and Britches Great
Outdoors(TM). Substantially alldirectors of the assetsCompany:
DIRECTORS WHOSE TERMS EXPIRE IN 1998 (CLASS B DIRECTORS)
Warren J. Isabelle President of Ironwood Capital Management, LLC, an investment
advisory company, since August 1997; Chief Investment
Officer of Equities at Keystone Investment Management Co.,
an investment management company, from February 1997 to May
1997; Senior Vice President, Head of Domestic Equities at
Pioneering Management Corp. from June 1984 to February 1997.
Age 46, director of the Company since September 1998.
Martin E. Welch, III Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Kmart
Corporation, a national mass merchandise retailer, since
1995; Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of
Federal-Mogul Corporation from 1991 to 1995. Age 50,
director of the Company since September 1998.
DIRECTOR WHOSE TERM EXPIRES IN 1999 (CLASS C DIRECTOR)
John A.C. Pound Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company since
January 1998, Acting Chief Executive Officer from February
1998 to April 1998 and Chief Executive Officer since April
1998; Consultant on business strategy and corporate
governance from January 1988 to January 1998; Lecturer,
Harvard Law School from September 1994 to June 1997; member
of the faculty at the Kennedy School of Government, Harvard
University from September 1987 to June 1994. Age 43,
director of the Company since 1997.
DIRECTORS WHOSE TERMS EXPIRE IN 2000 (CLASS A DIRECTORS)
Thomas H. Lenagh Financial Consultant since 1986; director of Adams Express
Company, Clemente Global Growth Fund, Gintel Fund, Inc., ASD
Group, Inc., ICN Biomedicals, V-Band Corp., Franklin Covey
Co. and Styles on Video, Inc. Age 78, director of the
Company since 1976.
Kathleen Tierney Chief Executive Officer of Smith & Hawken, Ltd. ("Smith &
Hawken") since February 1998 and President since 1993;
Executive Vice President of The Nature Company from 1986
until 1993. Age 53, director of the Company since September
1998.
SECTION 16(A) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of The Nature Company, which
conducted its business under the trade name The Nature Company(TM),Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, requires
the Company's directors, executive officers and Hear
Music were soldholders of more than 10% of the
Common Stock to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission initial reports
of ownership and reports of changes in June 1996ownership of Common Stock and October 1996, respectively.
The Company's major sales channels consistother
equity securities of Company-operated specialty
retail storesthe Company. Except as described below, and kiosks,based solely
upon a review of reports submitted, and direct marketing, primarily through mail order
catalogs and on the Internet. At July 31, 1998,representations made, to the Company,
operated 131 retail
stores and 28 mall kiosks and had proprietary mail order customer lists
containing approximately 1.7 million names. NordicTrack also markets exercise
equipment through its wholesale sales channel and has derived significant sales
in the past from advertisements in print and on television and from catalog
mailings. In the second quarter of fiscal 1998, however, NordicTrack decided to
discontinue direct response advertising and catalog mailings, thereby
eliminating these channels as sources. In October 1998, Nordic Advantage also
announced the closing of substantially all of its seasonal kiosks.
ForCompany believes that during the fiscal year ended July 31, 1998, approximately 62.0%its
executive officers, directors and holders of the
Company's total revenues were derived from retail stores and mall kiosks
compared with approximately 57.7% in fiscal 1997 and 68.2% in fiscal 1996. In
fiscal 1998, direct response and mail order sales accounted for approximately
33.6% of total revenues compared with 42.3% in fiscal 1997 and 31.8% in fiscal
1996. Wholesale sales were 4.4% of total revenues in fiscal 1998. In fiscal
1998, NordicTrack's Ellipse(TM) machines, motorized treadmills and UltraLift(TM)
weight machines provided 21.0%, 13.0% and 7.1% of total revenues, respectively.
NordicTrack's cross-country skiers accounted for 17.1% of total revenues in
fiscal 1997, and its AbWorks(TM) product provided an additional 16.1% of
revenues. In fiscal 1996, approximately 24.8% of the Company's consolidated net
sales were derived from NordicTrack's cross-country skiers, and 18.1% came from
the sale of non-motorized treadmills.
CML continues to operate in two industry segments: (i) NordicTrack and (ii)
Smith & Hawken. Additional information on each of these industry segments is
provided below and in Note 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
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NORDICTRACK (IN BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDINGS)
NordicTrack experienced operating losses in fiscal 1998 and 1997 and, as a
result of the continued losses, on November 5, 1998, NordicTrack and Nordic
Advantage filed petitions with the United States Bankruptcy Court for the
Western Division of the District of Massachusetts seeking protection under
Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code. A plan of reorganization which
may include a partial or complete liquidation of NordicTrack's and Nordic
Advantage's assets is being prepared and will be submitted to the Court. In
October 1998, NordicTrack also announced the termination of up to 800 employees
at its Chaska, Minnesota headquarters and Glencoe, Minnesota facility, and the
closing of substantially all of its seasonal kiosks. The Company undertook a
reorganization of NordicTrack during the second quarter of fiscal 1998, at which
time the decision was made to exit manufacturing and eliminate the catalog and
direct response sales channels.
NordicTrack designs, sources and sells high quality aerobic and anaerobic
exercise equipment and related accessories which it markets to consumers
primarily through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Nordic Advantage. Nordic
Advantage operates specialty retail stores and kiosks located primarily in the
United States and Canada. NordicTrack began the wholesale marketing of its
exercise equipment in fiscal 1998, although the wholesale channel is not
expected to become a major source of revenues to NordicTrack.
NordicTrack's principal aerobic products consist of its new line of
total-body exercise machines marketed under the Ellipse(TM) and eMotion(TM)
trade names and sold at prices ranging from $400 to $900; several models of
cross-country ski exercisers sold at prices ranging from $430 to $600; and
several motorized treadmills marketed under the PowerTread(TM) trade name and
sold at prices ranging from $900 to $1,600. NordicTrack's cross-country ski
exercisers utilize a flywheel mechanism that replicates the non-jarring motion
of cross-country skiing and provides a complete upper and lower body workout.
Exercisers marketed under the Ellipse(TM) trade name use the Ellipta Glide(TM)
design with a floating crank mechanism to provide a smooth, fluid elliptical
motion.
NordicTrack's principal anaerobic products are its UltraLift(TM) line of
weight machines which sell at prices ranging from $600 to $1,000. UltraLift(TM)
weight machines provide health club quality strength training at home.
UltraLift(TM) weight machines utilize a four-bar linkage system that gives the
user weight resistance without the inconvenience of weight stacks or weight
plates.
During fiscal 1998, approximately 67.8% of NordicTrack's net sales were
derived from Nordic Advantage's retail operations, 25.8% came from its direct
response and mail order operations and the remaining 6.4% were from wholesale
sales.
Retail stores and kiosks have allowed Nordic Advantage to reach that
portion of the fitness market which does not traditionally purchase by direct
response or mail order. At the end of fiscal 1998, Nordic Advantage operated 102
stores, down from 123 stores at July 31, 1997 and 126 stores at July 31, 1996.
Two retail stores were opened during fiscal 1998 compared with three stores
during fiscal 1997 and 12 stores during fiscal 1996. Nordic Advantage's stores
vary in size from 1,077 to 4,500 square feet and average approximately 1,900
square feet. The stores generally are located in high traffic urban and suburban
malls in affluent areas and in discount outlet malls. A portion of Nordic
Advantage's retail sales have come from seasonal kiosks which generally have
been open for only a portion of the year. In October 1998, however, Nordic
Advantage announced the closing of substantially all of its seasonal kiosks.
NordicTrack's international sales are not a significant percentage of
revenues.
NordicTrack's operations, including personnel, stores, purchasing,
distribution, order fulfillment, accounting and management information systems,
are separate and distinct from the Company's other industry segment.
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SMITH & HAWKEN
The Smith & Hawken segment currently comprises the Company's Smith & Hawken
subsidiary, but included The Nature Company, Smith & Hawken and Hear Music prior
to fiscal 1997. Substantially all of the assets of The Nature Company and Hear
Music were sold in June 1996 and October 1996, respectively.
Smith & Hawken is a leading marketer of gardening-related products. Its
merchandise categories include furniture, plants, clothing, gardening tools and
equipment, and garden-related accessories, including containers, housewares,
gifts, and books. Smith & Hawken sells its products through its own Smith &
Hawken stores and mail order catalogs. As of July 31, 1998, Smith & Hawken
operated 29 retail stores ranging in size from 1,600 to 7,926 square feet and
averaging approximately 4,600 square feet. Many of the stores have indoor and
outdoor selling space. All of the stores are located in the United States and
generally can be found on main streets or in high traffic urban and suburban
malls located in affluent communities. Smith & Hawken's retail sales accounted
for 49.9% of its fiscal 1998 net sales; the remaining 50.1% of Smith & Hawken's
net sales in fiscal 1998 were primarily mail order sales. Approximately 19.0
million catalogs were mailed by Smith & Hawken during fiscal 1998. In fiscal
1999, Smith & Hawken plans to open between 7 and 12 stores and mail
approximately 20.3 million catalogs, depending on financing.
Prior to the sale of The Nature Company in June 1996, the companies
included in the Smith & Hawken segment shared real estate services, order
processing services, fulfillment and distribution services, and management
information services and systems. When The Nature Company business was sold,
Smith & Hawken contracted with the buyer to continue providing these services on
a negotiated fee basis. In August 1998, Smith & Hawken moved the management
information functions in-house but continues to purchase order processing,
fulfillment and distribution services from the buyer of The Nature Company's
business. Smith & Hawken's operations, including personnel, stores, purchasing,
merchandising, distribution, order fulfillment, accounting and management
information systems, are separate and distinct from the Company's other industry
segment.
TRADE NAMES
The Company believes that the names under which it conducts its business
are of significant value because they are established, well-known and respected.
Shown below are the Company's principal trade names and trademarks and
their estimated number of years in existence:
PRINCIPAL TRADE NAMES YEARS IN
AND TRADEMARKS EXISTENCE
--------------------- ---------
NordicTrack(R).............................................. Over 21
Nordic Advantage(TM)........................................ Over 7
Smith & Hawken(R)........................................... Over 13
The Company has entered into licensing agreements with third parties for
the use of patents in connection with the manufacture of certain products,
including Ellipse(TM), eMotion(TM) and UltraLift(TM).
DISTRIBUTION
The manufacture of NordicTrack's products is outsourced in the United
States and overseas. Inventory shipments are received at NordicTrack's Glencoe,
Minnesota facility from which retail orders are fulfilled. Prior to fiscal 1999,
NordicTrack also received products at and distributed them from its Sioux Falls,
South Dakota distribution center. NordicTrack intends to sell its Glencoe,
Minnesota property and contract with third-party storage and transportation
companies to warehouse and distribute products. Certain NordicTrack products are
sold by NordicTrack to its wholly-owned subsidiary, Nordic Advantage, for resale
through its retail stores and kiosks. In October 1998, however, Nordic Advantage
announced the closing of substantially all of its seasonal kiosks. NordicTrack
also sells certain products on a wholesale basis to select third-party
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retailers, although the wholesale channel is not expected to become a major
source of revenues to NordicTrack.
Prior to the sale of The Nature Company's business to The Discovery Channel
Store ("DCS") in fiscal 1996, Smith & Hawken's products were shipped by
suppliers to a Florence, Kentucky distribution center leased by both Smith &
Hawken and The Nature Company. The Company's interest in the Florence, Kentucky
distribution center was sold with the assets of The Nature Company in June 1996.
When the Company's interest in the Kentucky distribution center terminated,
Smith & Hawken contracted with DCS to continue providing Smith & Hawken with
certain services on a fee-for-service basis. This service contract terminated on
August 31, 1998 and was replaced with a new fee-for-service contract that was
signed on October 22, 1998. Under the new contract, DCS provides Smith & Hawken
with warehousing, distribution and call center services, including the receipt
and processing of customer orders and customer service. The new agreement
requires written notice 180 days in advance to terminate it and may not be
terminated before August 31, 1999 for receiving and distribution services or
before August 31, 2000 for call center services.
Shipping charges associated with acquiring products and merchandise and
distributing them to customers are significant factors in the operation of the
Company's businesses. Increases in shipping costs, or disruptions in delivery
and shipping services, could adversely affect the Company's operating results.
SUPPLIERS
The Company has various domestic and foreign suppliers, none of which
accounts for more than 10% of its purchases, except for ICON Health & Fitness,
Inc. ("ICON Health & Fitness"). ICON Health & Fitness, which manufactures
motorized treadmills to specification for NordicTrack, accounted for
approximately 13%the Common Stock
complied with all Section 16(a) filing requirements.
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On January 9, 1998, John A.C. Pound, Chairman of the Company's total purchases in fiscal 1998. Generally,Board of Directors and
Chief Executive Officer of the Company, is not dependent upon any single source for any raw materials or
itemsfiled a corrected Form 3, Initial
Statement of merchandise. SeveralBeneficial Ownership of NordicTrack's products, however, are produced
by single but separate manufacturers, from which a disruptionSecurities, to report his beneficial
ownership of supply could
adversely affect the Company's operating results. In general, Smith & Hawken
contracts with one or more printers and paper suppliers for its mail order
catalogs.
MANUFACTURING
The Company's principal manufacturing activity was conducted at
NordicTrack's Glencoe, Minnesota facility, which is approximately 284,000 square
feet in size. During the second quarter2,500 shares of fiscal 1998, the Company decided to
cease manufacturing operations at NordicTrack and sell the Glencoe, Minnesota
facility. The facility is currently listed for sale. Cross-country ski
exercisers and the Ellipse(TM) line of exercise machines were produced at the
Glencoe facility prior to the cessation of manufacturing activities.
COMPETITION
The markets in which the Company is engaged are highly competitive.
NordicTrack competes with several companies which design, manufacture and
distribute physical fitness and exercise equipment, have greater financial
resources and offer a greater selection of products. Its competitors include
such companies as ICON Health & Fitness, Inc., Precise Exercise Equipment,
Precor Incorporated, Fitness Quest Inc., Road Master Industries, Inc.,
Diversified Products Corp., Health Rider, Inc., Soloflex, Inc. and Consumer
Direct, Inc. In recent years, NordicTrack's competitors have introduced several
new and competitive products at competitive prices.
ManyCommon Stock of the competitorsCompany. Mr. Pound's original
Form 3 filing on December 22, 1997 had inadvertently reported the ownership of
Smith & Hawken are larger companies with greater
financial resources, a greater selection of merchandise and nationwide
distribution. Smith & Hawken's retail competitors include a large number and
wide variety of specialty retail stores, discount stores, hardware stores, and
department stores which carry similar product lines. Smith & Hawken's mail order
catalogs compete with those of other companies selling garden-related
merchandise, such as Gardener's Eden, David Kay, Calyx & Corolla and Gardener's
Supply. Smith & Hawken competitors also include independent garden stores and
plant nurseries in towns and cities throughout the United States.
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Competition in the mail order business has intensified in recent years due
to increases in the number of competitors, the number of catalogs mailed and the
increasing popularity of e-commerce on the Internet.
SEASONALITY
The Company's businesses are seasonal, with a higher percentage of retail
sales in the second fiscal quarter.only 2,000 shares.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
SUMMARY COMPENSATION
The following table showssets forth certain information with respect to the
approximate
percentage of consolidated sales in each quarter of fiscal 1998:
PERCENTAGE
FISCAL QUARTER ENDED OF SALES
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October.............................................. 21%
January.............................................. 40%
April................................................ 22%
July................................................. 17%
---
Total...................................... 100%
===
WORKING CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS
The Company has a working capital deficiency of $112.9 million at July 31,
1998 compared with working capital of $9.7 million at July 31, 1997. Inventory
purchases represent the most significant use of working capital. The Company
believes that its working capital requirements follow the seasonal patterns of
other companies operating within its industry segments. Inventory represented
approximately 69%annual and 67%long-term compensation of the two persons who served as the Company's
working capital assets, excluding
cash and cash equivalents, and refundable and deferred income taxes, at July 31,Chief Executive Officer during fiscal 1998 and 1997, respectively. Inventory purchases are based on future anticipated
sales and typically reach their highest levelseach of the year in the fall in
anticipation of the Christmas holiday and winter seasons and early spring in
anticipation of the primary gardening season.
The bankruptcy petitions filed by NordicTrack and Nordic Advantage on
November 5, 1998 constitute defaults under the Company's revolving credit
agreement. On November 5, 1998, however, the lenders under the Company's
revolving credit facility and the holders of the 15% secured convertible
redeemable subordinated notes due 2003 agreed to forbear from exercising their
rights under the guaranties issued by the Company and its subsidiaries until the
earlier of January 31, 1999 or an event of default under the forbearance
agreement. The forbearance agreement increases the total borrowing capacity of
the Company's subsidiaries under the revolving credit facility to $72.0 million,
including $1.5 million of debtor in possession financing for NordicTrack.
BACKLOG, CONTRACTS AND RESEARCH
Backlog is not a significant factor in the Company's business.
The Company does not have any material contracts which are subject to
renegotiation. The Company's research and development activities primarily
consist of the design and development of new products and the improvement of
existing products at NordicTrack and Smith & Hawken.
ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
On June 3, 1991, the Company received from the United States Environmental
Protection Agency ("EPA") a Special Notice Letter containing a formal demand on
the Company as a Potentially Responsible Party ("PRP") for reimbursement of the
costs incurred and expected to be incurred in response to environmental problems
at a so-called "Superfund" site in Conway, New Hampshire. The EPA originally
estimated the costs of remedial action and future maintenance and monitoring
programs at the site at about
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$7.3 million. The Superfund site includes a vacant parcel of land owned by a
subsidiarythree other most
highly compensated executive officers of the Company as well as adjoining property owned by a third party.
No manufacturing or other activities involving hazardous substances have ever
been conducted by the Company or its affiliates on the Superfund site in Conway.
The environmental problems affecting the land resulted from activities by the
owners of the adjoining parcel. Representatives of the Company have engaged in
discussions with the EPA regarding responsibility for the environmental problems
and the costs of cleanup. The owners of the adjoining parcel are bankrupt. The
EPA commenced cleanup activities at the site in July 1992.
The EPA expended approximately $1.4 million for the removal phase of the
site cleanup, which has now been completed. The EPA had estimated that the
removal costs would exceed $3.0 million, but only a small portion of the solid
waste removed from the site was ultimately identified as hazardous waste.
Therefore, the EPA's actual response costs for the removal phase were less than
it originally estimated. The EPA implemented the groundwater phase of the
cleanup, which the EPA originally estimated would cost approximately $4.0
million.
The Company believes that the EPA's estimated cost for cleanup, including
the proposed remedial actions, is excessive and involves unnecessary actions. In
addition, a portion of the proposed remedial cost involves cleanup of the
adjoining property that is not owned by the Company or any of its affiliates.
Therefore, the Company believes it is not responsible for that portion of the
cleanup costs.
In May 1998, settlement discussions with the EPA resumed regarding
responsibility for the environmental problems and the costs of cleanup. An
agreement in principle has been reached pursuant to which the Company will be
required to pay $600,000 to the EPA in return for a release from liability. The
terms of the settlement document, including the release, are under negotiation.
The Company's primary insurer has agreed to pay $575,000 of the settlement and
the Company will pay $25,000.
In June 1992, the EPA notified the Company that it may be liable for the
release of hazardous substances by the Company's former Boston Whaler subsidiary
at a hazardous waste treatment and storage facility in Southington, Connecticut.
The EPA has calculated the Company's volumetric contribution at less than two-
tenths of one percent. Because complete cleanup cost estimates for the site are
not yet available, an accurate assessment of the Company's likely range of
liability cannot be made. Accordingly, the impact on the Company's business,
financial condition and results of operations is not presently determinable.
EMPLOYEES
During fiscal 1998, NordicTrack and Smith & Hawken employed approximately
2,400 people on average, including full-time, part-time and seasonal employees.
On January 28, 1998, NordicTrack announced the immediate termination of 51
full-time employees and 65 seasonal telemarketing representatives located at its
Chaska, Minnesota headquarters and Glencoe, Minnesota manufacturing and
distribution facility. At that time, NordicTrack announced plans to phase out an
additional 217 positions in May 1998 and an additional 70 positions in September
1998 at the Glencoe, Minnesota facility. NordicTrack also announced an
operational restructuring on October 14, 1998, including the reduction of its
Chaska, Minnesota and Glencoe, Minnesota work force by up to 300 employees, or
approximately 25 percent, from approximately 1,200 full-time equivalent
employees. On October 22, 1998, the Company announced further actions to
restructure NordicTrack and additional work force reductions of up to 500
employees.
The Company employs a large number of part-time employees from time to time
because of the seasonality of the Company's sales. The Company considers its
employee relations to be satisfactory. On November(the "Named Executive
Officers").
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1998, NordicTrack, Inc.,
the NordicTrack Severance Pay Plan and CML Group, Inc. were named as defendants
in a Class Action Complaint in United States District Court for the District of
Minnesota. The named plaintiffs are five former NordicTrack employees. See Note
10 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
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FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC OPERATIONS
To date, international sales, licensing revenues and export sales have
accounted for less than five percent of the Company's total annual sales. The
Company's NordicTrack subsidiary operates a retail store and several kiosks in
the United Kingdom.
Intercompany sales between the Company's operating units are not
significant.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES.
Most of the Company's facilities, including its retail stores, are leased
from third parties. However, its principal NordicTrack administrative and
distribution facilities are owned by NordicTrack. The Company also owns its
corporate offices in Acton, Massachusetts.
Shown below is a summary of the square footage of Smith & Hawken's and
NordicTrack's principal facilities at July 31, 1998, by primary function:4
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
SQUARE FEET
-----------------------------------------------------------
SMITH & HAWKEN NORDICTRACKLONG-TERM COMPENSATION
---------------------------
----------------------------
OWNED LEASED TOTAL OWNED LEASED TOTAL
----- ------- ------- ------ ------- -------AWARDS(2)
ANNUAL COMPENSATION ---------------------------
------------------- RESTRICTED SECURITIES ALL OTHER
SALARY BONUS STOCK UNDERLYING COMPENSATION
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION YEAR ($) ($)(1) AWARDS($)(3) OPTIONS (#) ($)(4)
- --------------------------- ---- -------- -------- ------------ ------------ ------------
Distribution.............. -- 8,802 8,802 18,000 7,500 25,500
Retail Selling............ 1,805 132,176 133,981 -- 189,443 189,443
Office & Administration... -- 26,000 26,000 70,000 28,900 98,900
----- ------- ------- ------ ------- -------
Total........... 1,805 166,978 168,783 88,000 225,843 313,843
===== ======= ======= ====== ======= =======
The information excludes the Company's 8,900 square foot corporate offices
which are listed for sale, and NordicTrack's Glencoe, Minnesota, St. Peter,
Minnesota and Sioux Falls, South Dakota facilities. The Glencoe and St. Peter
facilities are for sale and are approximately 284,000 and 15,000 square feet,
respectively. The Sioux Falls facility, which is leased and available for
subleasing, is approximately 130,000 square feet in size.
Smith & Hawken has been notified by the landlord of its corporate offices
of the landlord's intent to terminate the lease in the Spring of 2000. The
current facility is approximately 26,000 square feet and is included in the data
shown above. Smith & Hawken is seeking to negotiate a new lease for a larger
space to accommodate future growth.
Most of the retail store leases have initial terms ranging from five to ten
years, with options to renew in certain cases. Retail store leases generally
provide for minimum or base rents, additional expenses for common area
maintenance charges and additional rent calculated as a percentage of sales in
excess of specified levels. Rental expense under all leases for fiscal 1998 was
approximately $21.6 million. For additional information regarding the Company's
lease obligations, see Note 10 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
NORDICTRACK AND NORDIC ADVANTAGE BANKRUPTCY FILING
On November 5, 1998, NordicTrack and Nordic Advantage filed petitions with
the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Western Division of the District of
Massachusetts seeking protection under Chapter 11 of the United States
Bankruptcy Code. A plan of reorganization which may include a partial or
complete liquidation of NordicTrack's operations is being prepared and will be
submitted to the Court.
LITIGATION
NordicTrack is named as the defendant in a Consolidated Class Action
Complaint ("Consolidated Complaint") filed on September 25, 1996 in the United
States District Court for the Southern District of New York and subsequently
transferred to the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota on
January 30, 1997. The named plaintiffs, Elissa Crespi and John Lucien Ware, Jr.,
allege in the Consolidated
7
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Complaint that NordicTrack made false and misleading claims in its advertising
concerning the weight loss of persons using its ski exercisers by
misrepresenting and failing to disclose material findings of weight loss studies
conducted by or on behalf of NordicTrack. The named plaintiffs assert claims of
common law fraud, fraudulent concealment, negligent misrepresentation and
omission, breach of express and implied warranties, and violation of Section 349
of the State of New York General Business Law. The named plaintiffs also seek to
represent a class allegedly consisting of all persons in the United States who
purchased a NordicTrack ski exerciser during the period from November 15, 1993
to April 10, 1996, excluding NordicTrack and its employees. On September 2,
1997, the named plaintiffs filed a motion to remand the case to state court in
New York, which NordicTrack opposed. On January 5, 1998, the parties reached an
agreement-in-principle concerning the general terms and conditions of a class
action settlement of the case which was memorialized in a Memorandum of
Understanding filed with the Minnesota Court. On January 8, 1998, the United
States District Court for the District of Minnesota remanded the case to the
Supreme Court for the State of New York for consideration of whether the
proposed settlement should be approved and a final judgment and order entered
thereon. Since the filing of the Memorandum of Understanding, the parties have
executed the comprehensive terms of a Stipulation of Settlement. Management
believes the settlement will not have a material adverse impact on the Company's
business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, there can
be no assurance that the New York Court will ultimately approve the class
settlement. If the New York Court does approve the settlement, there can be no
assurance that it will not be reversed or modified on appeal.
NordicTrack is the defendant in a lawsuit in the United States District
Court for the District of Minnesota which commenced on August 12, 1996. In this
action, the plaintiff, Precise Exercise Equipment ("Precise"), alleges that
NordicTrack misappropriated trade secrets regarding Precise's abdominal exercise
product and further breached a non-competition agreement. The parties have
entered into settlement discussions and are in the process of negotiating and
drafting an acceptable written settlement agreement. Management believes the
contemplated settlement will not have a material adverse impact on the Company's
business, financial condition and results of operations. There can be no
assurance, however, that the parties will be successful in negotiating a
mutually acceptable written agreement or that the proposed settlement will
ultimately receive court approval.
In a complaint dated September 30, 1997, filed by Precor Incorporated
("Precor") in the United States District Court for the Western District of
Washington in Seattle, Precor alleges that the manufacture, offering for sale
and sale by NordicTrack of its exercisers marketed under the Ellipse(TM)
trademark infringe a United States patent which Precor has licensed from the
inventor, Larry Miller (the "Miller Patent"). The technology used in
NordicTrack's Ellipse(TM) exercisers is licensed by NordicTrack from a third
party, and the Company believes that NordicTrack's products do not infringe the
Miller Patent. In February 1998, Precor amended the complaint to add
infringement claims against a major wholesale customer of NordicTrack's and the
licenser of NordicTrack's technology. In March 1998, Precor added as parties the
two manufacturers of the Ellipse(TM) exercisers, one in Taiwan and one in
Tennessee. The complaint is scheduled for trial in 1999. Precor has returned the
Miller Patent to the United States Patent and Trademark Office for further
examination. NordicTrack filed a separate reexamination request in April 1998
and requested a stay of the litigation pending completion of the reexaminations.
The Court has denied the stay petition. Meanwhile, discovery has recently
commenced. While NordicTrack believes it has meritorious defenses to the
complaint and intends to vigorously defend against the allegations, this lawsuit
is in an early stage, and the Company is unable to determine the likelihood and
possible impact on the Company's business, financial condition and results of
operations of an unfavorable outcome.
On May 8, 1998, NordicTrack was named as a defendant in a complaint filed
by Fitness Quest Inc. ("Fitness Quest") in the United States District Court for
the Eastern Division of the Northern District of Ohio. Fitness Quest alleges the
marketing by NordicTrack of a line of elliptical exercise products under the
Ellipse(TM) trademark infringes the Eclipse Trainer(R) trademark used by Fitness
Quest on its elliptical motion exercise machines and also alleges various
violations of state and federal unfair competition laws. This complaint was
settled on September 28, 1998. Management believes the contemplated settlement
will not have a material adverse impact on the Company's business, financial
condition and results of operations.
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On May 21, 1998, NordicTrack was named as a defendant in a complaint filed
by Michael L. Richey ("Richey"), an individual inventor and patentee of United
States Patent No. 4,949,958 entitled "Weight Lifting Machine", in the United
States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana at Indianapolis.
Richey alleges that the NordicTrack UltraLift and Isolift exercise machines
infringe his patent. He seeks an injunction under the patent to block sale by
NordicTrack of those machines. No request for a preliminary injunction has yet
been filed. Discovery has recently begun. While NordicTrack believes it has
meritorious defenses to the complaint and intends to vigorously defend against
the allegations, this lawsuit is in its earliest stages, and the Company is
unable to determine the likelihood and possible impact on the Company's
business, financial condition and results of operations of an unfavorable
outcome.
On November 2, 1998, NordicTrack, Inc., the NordicTrack Severance Pay Plan
and CML Group, Inc. were named as defendants in a Class Action Complaint (the
"Class Action Complaint") filed in United States District Court for the District
of Minnesota by five former NordicTrack employees on behalf of themselves and
other persons similarly situated. The named plaintiffs, Jay Miller, Carol
Hamlin, Denisa Pulk, Colleen Entinger and Bernadine Venske allege in the Class
Action Complaint that NordicTrack and CML Group violated the Worker Adjustment
and Retraining Notification Act (the "WARN Act") by failing to provide sixty
days written notice to employees advising them that NordicTrack facilities in
Chaska, Minnesota and Glencoe, Minnesota were going to be shut down. The
plaintiffs further allege that NordicTrack and CML Group violated the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act ("ERISA") by breaching their fiduciary duty to
pay terminated NordicTrack employees benefits pursuant to the NordicTrack
Severance Pay Plan. The plaintiffs are seeking back pay and damages pursuant to
the WARN Act and severance benefits under the NordicTrack Severance Pay Plan.
While NordicTrack and CML Group believe they have meritorious defenses to the
Class Action Complaint and intend to vigorously defend against the allegations,
this lawsuit is in its earliest stages and the Company is unable to determine
the likelihood and possible impact on the Company's financial condition or
results of operations of an unfavorable outcome.
The Company is involved in various other legal proceedings which have
arisen in the ordinary course of business. Management believes the outcome of
such other legal proceedings will not have a material adverse impact on the
Company's consolidated financial condition or results of operations. See Note 10
of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for information on environmental
matters.
TAX MATTERS
The Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") has been engaged in an examination of
the Company's tax returns for the fiscal years 1987 through 1991. The IRS issued
a "30-day letter" to the Company proposing certain adjustments which, if
sustained, would result in a tax deficiency for the years under examination. The
Company has filed an appeal with the IRS protesting the proposed adjustments.
The adjustments proposed by the IRS primarily relate to: (i) the disallowance of
deductions taken by the Company with respect to incentive compensation payments
of $43.0 million made to the former owners of NordicTrack (acquired in June
1986) pursuant to their employment contracts; and (ii) incentive compensation
payments made to the former owners of Britches of Georgetowne (acquired in
August 1983 and sold in April 1996) pursuant to the terms of an earnout
agreement and the valuation of certain assets acquired in connection with the
acquisition of Britches of Georgetowne in the amount of $9.2 million. The net
federal tax due relating to the proposed adjustments approximates $15.9 million.
Interest on the proposed deficiencies approximates $22.2 million as of July 31,
1998.
The incentive compensation payments to the former owners of NordicTrack
were attributable to substantial increases in sales and profits at NordicTrack
during the years under examination. The Company believes that the tax deductions
taken were valid and in accordance with the Internal Revenue Code and intends to
vigorously oppose the proposed adjustments. However, at this stage no assurance
can be given of a favorable outcome on these matters. If the IRS proposed
adjustments are sustained, any back taxes owed and associated interest would
have a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated operating results
for the period in which such issues are finally resolved and would also have a
material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated financial condition.
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ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.
No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth
quarter of the fiscal year ended July 31, 1998.
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY
The executive officers of the Company are as follows:
NAME AGE POSITION
- ---- --- --------
John A. C. Pound..................... 43A.C. Pound(5)........ 1998 $120,000 $150,000 $ -0- $351,429 $ -0-
Chairman of the Board of Directors and
Chief Executive Officer
MichaelCharles M. Leighton(6).... 1998 267,500 -0- 71,831 50,000 979,896
Chairman of the Board 1997 517,937 -0- -0- 50,000 25,934
and Chief Executive 1996 595,000 -0- -0- -0- 25,958
Officer
G. Koppel.................... 42Robert Tod(7).......... 1998 324,167 -0- 74,226 50,000 995,883
President and Chief 1997 517,937 -0- -0- 50,000 12,652
Operating Officer 1996 595,000 -0- -0- -0- 12,536
Glenn E. Davis....................... 44Davis............ 1998 185,000 100,000 -0- 95,000 5,120
Executive Vice 1997 165,000 -0- -0- 41,000 5,076
President of Finance 1996 152,500 -0- -0- 35,000 5,324
and Administration, Chief
Financial Officer,
Treasurer and TreasurerSecretary
Paul J. Bailey....................... 41Bailey............ 1998 100,500 30,000 -0- 6,000 3,331
Vice President,
Controller, Assistant
Treasurer and ControllerAssistant
Secretary
- ---------------
(1) Amounts in this column represent bonuses earned under the Company's
executive compensation program for the respective fiscal years.
(2) The Company does not have a long-term compensation program that includes
long-term incentive payouts. No restricted stock awards or stock
appreciation rights (SARs) were granted to any of the Named Executive
Officers during fiscal 1998.
(3) The amounts shown in this column for fiscal 1998 represent the value of
common stock distributed to Messrs. Leighton and Tod under the Company's
Incentive Deferred Compensation Plan. These distributions were made earlier
than otherwise provided for under the terms of the Company's Incentive
Deferred Compensation Plan pursuant to severance agreements entered into by
the Company with Messrs. Leighton and Tod.
(4) The amounts shown in this column for fiscal 1998 represent split-dollar life
insurance premiums of $633 paid by the Company for Mr. Leighton and the
Company's contributions under its 401(k) savings plan of $980, $2,820,
$5,120 and $3,331 to each of Messrs. Leighton, Tod, Davis and Bailey,
respectively. The amounts in this column for fiscal 1998 also include
severance payments of $240,000 to be paid to each of Messrs. Leighton and
Tod and $738,283 and $753,063 representing the cash surrender value of life
insurance contracts delivered to Messrs. Leighton and Tod, respectively, in
connection with their separation from the Company. See "Employment
Agreements and Severance Arrangements," for a description of the timing of
these severance payments.
(5) Mr. Pound became a director ofhas served as the Company in December 1997. He was named
Chairman of the Board of Directors in January 1998, ActingCompany's Chief Executive Officer in February 1998 andsince April
14, 1998.
(6) Mr. Leighton served as the Company's Chief Executive Officer ofuntil February
20, 1998.
(7) Mr. Tod served as the Company in April
1998. Prior to joining the Company, he was a consultant on business strategyCompany's President and
corporate governance to investment organizations and corporations from January
1988 until January 1998, a lecturer at Harvard Law School from September 1994
until June 1997, and a member of the faculty at the Kennedy School of Government
at Harvard University from September 1987 until June 1994.
Mr. Koppel became Chief Operating Officer of the Company and Chief
Financial Officer of NordicTrack in Septemberuntil
June 30, 1998.
Prior to joining the Company
and NordicTrack, he was Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Lids
Corporation from March 1997 until August 1998, Vice President and Controller of
the Filenes division of May Department Stores from March 1993 until February
1997, and Vice President and Controller of the G. Fox & Co. division of May
Department Stores from January 1988 until February 1993.
Mr. Davis was named Executive Vice President of Finance and Administration
in February 1998. He has been a Vice President of the Company since November
1989 and served as Controller of the Company from May 1984 through June 1996. He
was named Chief Financial Officer in March 1996 and Treasurer in June 1996.
Mr. Bailey has been a Vice President of the Company since August 1998. He
joined the Company in January 1985 as the Director of Financial Operations. In
June 1996, he became Controller of the Company.
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON3
5
STOCK AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.
The Company's common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under
the symbol "CML."OPTIONS
The following table sets forthsummarizes certain information regarding options
granted during fiscal 1998 to the Named Executive Officers. No SARs were granted
during fiscal 1998.
OPTION GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
INDIVIDUAL GRANTS POTENTIAL REALIZABLE
----------------------------------------------------- VALUE AT ASSUMED
NUMBER OF PERCENT OF ANNUAL RATES OF STOCK
SECURITIES TOTAL PRICE APPRECIATION FOR
UNDERLYING OPTIONS EXERCISE OPTION TERM(4)
OPTIONS GRANTED TO OR BASE ----------------------
GRANTED EMPLOYEES IN PRICE EXPIRATION 5% 10%
NAME (#) FISCAL YEAR ($/SHARE) DATE ($) ($)
- ---- ---------- ------------ --------- ---------- --------- ---------
John A.C. Pound......... 300,000(1) 23% $1.4375 2/10/08 $271,211 $687,301
51,429(2) 4 3.50 12/4/07 113,202 286,876
Charles M. Leighton..... 50,000(3) 4 3.125 8/20/07 98,265 249,022
G. Robert Tod........... 50,000(3) 4 3.125 8/20/07 98,265 249,022
Glenn E. Davis.......... 75,000(1) 6 1.50 2/11/08 70,751 179,296
20,000(3) 2 3.125 8/20/07 39,306 99,609
Paul J. Bailey.......... 6,000(3) -0- 3.125 8/20/07 11,792 29,883
- ---------------
(1) Options become exercisable on a cumulative basis under the following
schedule: 50% of the shares covered thereby becoming exercisable on the date
of grant, 25% of the shares exercisable on July 31, 1998 and 25% of the
shares exercisable on December 31, 1998.
(2) Options granted on December 5, 1997 under the 1996 Director Option Plan and
become exercisable on a cumulative basis under the following schedule:
33.33% of the shares covered thereby becoming exercisable on December 5,
1998, 33.33% of the shares exercisable on December 5, 1999 and 33.33%
becoming exercisable on December 5, 2000.
(3) Options become exercisable on a cumulative basis, with 20% of the shares
covered thereby becoming exercisable on the date of grant and an additional
20% of the shares becoming exercisable on each successive anniversary date,
with full vesting occurring on the fourth anniversary date.
(4) Amounts represent hypothetical gains that could be achieved for the options
if exercised at the end of the option terms. These gains are based on
assumed rates of stock appreciation of 5% and 10% compounded annually from
the date the respective options were granted. This table does not take into
account the actual change in the price of the Common Stock. Actual gains, if
any, on stock option exercises will depend on the future performance of the
Common Stock and the date on which the options are exercised. The gains
shown are net of the option exercise price, but do not reflect taxes or
other expenses associated with the exercise.
YEAR-END OPTION TABLE
The following table summarizes certain information regarding stock options
held as of July 31, 1998 by the Named Executive Officers. No SARs were held
during fiscal periods indicated1998.
AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR AND
FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION VALUES
NUMBER OF SHARES VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
UNDERLYING UNEXERCISED IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS
OPTIONS AT FISCAL YEAR-END AT FISCAL YEAR-END
SHARES ACQUIRED ON VALUE REALIZED (EXERCISABLE/UNEXERCISABLE) (EXERCISABLE/UNEXERCISABLE)
NAME EXERCISE(#) ($) (#) ($)(1)
---- ------------------ -------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
John A.C. Pound.......... -0- $ -0- 225,000/126,429 $ -0-/-0-
Charles M. Leighton...... 149,400 114,665 -0-/-0- -0-/-0-
G. Robert Tod............ -0- -0- 429,081/82,177 -0-/-0-
Glenn E. Davis........... -0- -0- 169,958/75,963 -0-/-0-
Paul J. Bailey........... -0- -0- 47,400/18,800 -0-/-0-
- ---------------
(1) Value based on the high
and low sales priceslast sale price per share ($.875) of the common stockCommon Stock on
July 31, 1998, as reported on the New York Stock Exchange.Exchange, less the exercise
price.
4
6
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS AND SEVERANCE ARRANGEMENTS
On February 12, 1998, the Governance Committee of the Board of Directors
(the "Governance Committee") approved the following compensation arrangements
for John A.C. Pound: a salary of $20,000 per month, a signing bonus of $50,000,
and an incentive payment of $100,000, to be awarded if the Board, in its
discretion, was satisfied with Mr. Pound's performance through the end of fiscal
1998. The Governance Committee also granted Mr. Pound options for the purchase
of 300,000 shares of Common Stock, of which 50% would vest at the time of grant,
25% on July 31, 1998 and the remaining 25% on December 31, 1998 (or sooner in
the event of a change in control). On August 10, 1998, the Board authorized the
payment of a performance bonus of $100,000 to Mr. Pound for services rendered to
the Company in fiscal 1998. At a meeting on September 15, 1998, the Board
approved a resolution increasing Mr. Pound's salary to $295,000, effective
August 1, 1998.
On February 12, 1998, the Governance Committee authorized the Company to
pay Glenn E. Davis an incentive payment of $75,000 on July 31, 1998 if the Board
determined, in its discretion, that Mr. Davis' performance warranted such
payment and to grant Mr. Davis a stock option for the purchase of 75,000 shares.
On August 10, 1998, the Board authorized the payment of a performance bonus of
$100,000 to Mr. Davis.
On June 19, 1998, the Company entered into an agreement relating to the
continued employment of Kathleen Tierney as President and Chief Executive
Officer of Smith & Hawken. This agreement, which was subsequently amended on
September 1, 1998, provides for Ms. Tierney to receive: (i) a base salary of
$300,000, (ii) a bonus of 10-100% of base salary, (iii) stock options for up to
350,000 shares exercisable at current market value when approved by the Board
(two-year vesting), (iv) severance payments for 30 months, (v) sale
participation if Smith & Hawken is sold and (vi) retention benefits to be
addressed as part of the fiscal 1998 bonus.
On April 14, 1998, G. Robert Tod was appointed to the position of Vice
Chairman of the Board of Directors with an annual salary of $90,000.
On August 10, 1998, the Company executed a severance agreement with Mr. Tod
in connection with Mr. Tod's separation from the Company, effective June 30,
1998. Under the agreement, the Company agreed to distribute to Mr. Tod life
insurance policies held in a Rabbi Trust and pay Mr. Tod $240,000, including
nine equal monthly installments of $20,000 beginning August 15, 1998 and a final
payment of $60,000 on May 1, 1999. In addition, the Company would continue to
make available a currently leased auto until the lease terminated in December
1998. Mr. Tod agreed to reimburse the Company for lease payments at the rate of
$200 per month until the Rabbi Trust was made available to him. After this had
occurred, and until December 1998, Mr. Tod would be responsible for all auto
expenses (lease plus insurance payments).
On March 17, 1998, the Company executed a severance agreement with Charles
M. Leighton in connection with Mr. Leighton's separation from the Company,
effective March 31, 1998. Under the agreement, the Company agreed to distribute
to Mr. Leighton life insurance policies held in a Rabbi Trust and pay Mr.
Leighton $240,000 in three equal payments on August 1, 1998, November 1, 1998
and January 1, 1999.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
During the 1998 fiscal year, the members of the Governance Committee were
Lauren M. Tyler, Howard H. Callaway, Thomas H. Lenagh, John A.C. Pound, and
Ralph F. Verni, as Chairman. Current members of the Governance Committee include
Mr. Lenagh, Warren J. Isabelle and Martin E. Welch, III. No Governance Committee
interlocks or insider participation existed during fiscal 1998.
5
7
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION AND STOCK OPTIONS
Compensation for Directors
From the beginning of the 1998 fiscal year until August 10, 1998, directors
who were not officers or employees of the Company were entitled to $3,000 for
each Board of Directors' meeting attended ($750 for each telephonic meeting),
plus expenses. Members of the Audit Committee of the Company and the Governance
Committee received $750 for each committee meeting attended and the chairman of
each of these committees received $2,000 for services as chairman. Until his
resignation on June 25, 1998, Mr. Callaway was paid an additional $2,000 as lead
director of the Board of Directors.
On August 10, 1998, the Board of Directors adopted a resolution, effective
August 11, 1998, that all fees paid to non-employee directors for attending
meetings of the Board of Directors and committees thereof would be reduced 50%
and that no director would receive any fees for participating in telephonic
meetings of the Board or any committee thereof.
Deferred Compensation Plan
The Company's Incentive Deferred Compensation Plan provides for the grant
of incentive compensation awards in the form of shares of Common Stock to senior
executive employees of the Company and its subsidiaries. These shares (the
"Deferred Shares") will be issued to the participants and distributed to them no
later than one year after their retirement, disability or death, or their 65th
birthday, whichever occurs first. Messrs. Leighton and Tod were issued the
Deferred Shares in connection with their termination arrangements. See "Summary
Compensation Table." As of October 23, 1998, there were no Deferred Shares
credited to the accounts of any of the executive officers.
1987 Employees' Severance Benefit Plan
The Board of Directors believes that it is in the best interest of the
Company and its stockholders to foster the continuous employment of personnel of
the Company and its subsidiaries. The Board of Directors recognizes that, as is
the case with many corporations, the possibility of a change in control of the
Company exists and that such possibility, and the uncertainty and questions
which it may raise among employees, may result in the departure or distraction
of employees to the detriment of the Company and its stockholders. Thus, in
October 1987, the Board of Directors adopted an Employees' Severance Benefit
Plan (the "Severance Plan"), which provides for the lump sum cash payment to a
participant of his or her annual base salary upon a change in control of the
Company, as defined in the Severance Plan, and termination of the participant's
employment within one year of such change in control. The Severance Plan may be
terminated or amended at any time by a vote of two thirds of the Board of
Directors of the Company, unless a change of control has occurred.
All employees who have been full-time employees of the Company or any of
its subsidiaries for a period of at least two consecutive years prior to the
date of a change in control of the Company, or who have been designated by the
Company's Chief Executive Officer or Chief Operating Officer, or their
authorized designees, are eligible to participate in the Severance Plan, except
that no employee of the Company or its subsidiaries who is or has been a
director of the Company is eligible to participate in the Severance Plan.
The Severance Plan's term commenced on October 7, 1987 and will continue
through July 31, 1999 and thereafter, unless the Board of Directors takes
affirmative action to terminate the Severance Plan at least six months prior to
the beginning of any succeeding fiscal year. The Severance Plan is administered
by the Governance Committee.
Agreement Concerning Qualified Termination
On June 3, 1997, the Board of Directors approved a form of "Agreement
Concerning Qualified Termination," providing for severance payments and health
and life insurance and long-term disability benefits to the Company's executive
officers and corporate staff in the event of a "Major Company Event." A Major
Company Event is defined as the acquisition of the Company's business by a third
party or the
6
8
disposition by the Company of one or more principal business assets or segments,
or the formation of a strategic alliance or similar business arrangement. In
such case, if the employment of the executive officer or corporate staff member
is terminated, such person would be entitled to a severance payment equal to his
or her monthly salary times the number of years of service (not to exceed 24),
as well as continued health and life insurance and long-term disability benefits
for a period of between 6 and 24 months, depending on the length of service.
Retirement Income and Survivor Security Program
The Company maintains a Retirement Income and Survivor Security Program
(the "Program") which covers certain former executive officers of the Company
and certain former officers of the Company's subsidiaries. The Program is funded
by permanent life insurance policies covering each of these former officers. The
policies are owned by the Company and purchased at its expense. The right to
receipt of benefits under the Program is fully vested. Vesting was contingent on
continued employment by the Company. Retirement benefits are payable for a
period of ten years in equal monthly installments generally after the employee
reaches age 65.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF COMMON STOCK
The following table sets forth certain information, as of October 23, 1998,
with respect to the beneficial ownership of Common Stock by (i) each person
known by the Company to own beneficially more than 5% of the outstanding shares
of Common Stock; (ii) each director and director nominee of the Company; (iii)
each named executive officer of the Company named in the Summary Compensation
Table set forth in this Proxy Statement; and (iv) all directors and executive
officers of the Company as a group.
FISCAL 1998 FISCAL 1997
-------------- --------------
QUARTER HIGH LOW HIGH LOWNUMBER OF SHARES PERCENTAGE OF
BENEFICIALLY COMMON STOCK
BENEFICIAL OWNER OWNED(1) OUTSTANDING
- ------- ----- ----- ----- --------------------- ------------------- -------------
First............................................... $5.13 $2.81 $5.75 $3.13
Second.............................................. 4.13 1.50 4.88 2.88
Third............................................... 2.38 1.06 3.25 1.88
Fourth.............................................. 3.75 0.63 3.69 1.75Principal Stockholders:
DDJ Capital Management, LLC................................. 12,800,004(2) 20.6%
141 Linden Street, Suite 4
Wellesley, MA 02482-7910
State of Wisconsin Investment Board......................... 10,093,000(3) 15.0
P.O. Box 7842
Madison, WI 53702
Directors and Nominees(4)
Thomas H. Lenagh............................................ 114,055(5) *
Warren J. Isabelle.......................................... 44,200 *
John A. C. Pound............................................ 244,643 *
Kathleen Tierney............................................ 146,895 *
Martin E. Welch, III........................................ -0- *
Named Executive Officers(4)
Charles M. Leighton......................................... 310 *
G. Robert Tod............................................... -0-(6) *
Glenn E. Davis.............................................. 177,373 *
Paul J. Bailey.............................................. 56,240 *
All directors, director nominees and executive officers as a
group (9 persons)(4)...................................... 783,716 1.2
- ---------------
* Percentage is less than 1% of the total number of outstanding shares of
Common Stock.
(1) The Company didinclusion herein of any shares deemed beneficially owned does not
declare any cash dividends on its common stock during
fiscal 1998constitute an admission of beneficial ownership of those shares. Unless
otherwise indicated, each stockholder referred to above has sole voting and
declared one cash dividend aggregating $0.01 perinvestment power with respect to the shares listed.
7
9
(2) DDJ Capital Management, LLC ("DDJ") may be deemed to beneficially own the
shares of Common Stock as investment manager to certain affiliated companies
(collectively, the "Funds"), including B III Capital Partners, L.P. ("B III
Capital"), a Delaware Limited Partnership, and The Copernicus Fund, L.P.
("Copernicus"), a Delaware Limited Partnership, and as investment manager to
General Motors Domestic Group Pension Trust (the "Account"). DDJ's share
on its
common stock during fiscal 1997. The Companyownership assumes conversion of a 5 1/2% Subordinated Convertible Debenture
due 2003 (38,586 shares). This information is 10
13
prohibited from paying cash dividends under the terms of its financing
agreements. Although in the past the Company has occasionally paid dividends to
its shareholdersbased on a quarterly basis,Form 13D filed by
DDJ with the Company currently hasSecurities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") on August
7, 1998. See "Certain Transactions."
(3) The State of Wisconsin Investment Board ("SWIB") is a retained
earnings deficit and has no present intentiongovernment agency that
manages public pension funds. This information is based on a Form 13G/A
filed by SWIB with the Commission on August 10, 1998. See "Certain
Transactions."
(4) Includes shares of Common Stock which may be acquired pursuant to pay dividendsstock
options exercisable within 60 days after October 23, 1998. The following
persons have the right to its
shareholders. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations -- Liquidity and Capital Resources" and Note 6 of
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Theacquire within such 60-day period the number of
shareholdersshares set forth after their respective names: Mr. Pound, 242,143 shares;
Ms. Tierney, 145,175 shares; Mr. Lenagh, 74,388 shares; Mr. Isabelle, -0-
shares; Mr. Welch, -0- shares; Mr. Davis, 166,439 shares; Mr. Bailey, 54,500
shares; and all directors and executive officers as a group, 682,645 shares.
(5) Does not include 40,000 shares of recordCommon Stock held by Mr. Lenagh's wife, as
to which Mr. Lenagh disclaims beneficial ownership.
(6) Does not include 5,000 shares of the Company's common stockCommon Stock held by Mr. Tod's wife on her
own behalf and as of
October 21, 1998 was 6,162.custodian for their children, as to which Mr. Tod
disclaims beneficial ownership.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
On July 27, 1998, the Company sold a secured convertible redeemable
subordinated noteSecured Convertible Redeemable
Subordinated Note Due 2003 in the principal amount of $20 million (the "Note"$20,000,000 ("Note 1") to
the State of Wisconsin Investment Board ("SWIB") at par, and established a
senior credit facility (the "Purchaser""Senior Credit Facility") of up to $65,000,000 with
a maturity date of August 1, 1999 with certain funds managed by DDJ Capital
Management LLC (the "Funds") and BankBoston, N.A. ("BankBoston"). TheOn October 14,
1998, SWIB assigned a $16,004,600 interest in Note is1 to SWIB, as trustee of the
Fixed Retirement Investment Trust of the Wisconsin Retirement Board (the "Fixed
Trust") ("Note 2") and a $3,995,400 interest to SWIB, as trustee of the Variable
Retirement Investment Trust of the Wisconsin Retirement Board (the "Variable
Trust") ("Note 3").
Notes 2 and 3 are (i) due July 27, 2003, and is(ii) convertible, at the option of
the Purchaser, at any time prior to
5:00 P.M. on July 27, 2003, at an initial rate of one share for each $4.00 of
principal amount surrendered, subject to adjustment ("Conversion Price"). The
Note is also convertible upon election by the Company: (i)holders, into Common Stock at a conversion rate
based upon trading pricesprice of the common stock prior to conversion, if the
Company receives gross proceeds of $30 million or more from the sale of its
equity securities and (ii) at the Conversion Price, if trading prices of common
stock exceed the Conversion Price for a specified period. The Note bears$4.00 per share, (iii) bear
interest at the rate of 15% per annum, is(iv) are prepayable at any time by the
Company and may(v) must be redeemed in full at the election of the Purchaserholders after
September 1, 2000. The Company's obligations under the NoteNotes 2 and 3 are secured by
a junior lien in substantially all of the assets of the Company and its
subsidiaries. The Company also granted the Purchaserholders a right of first refusal in
connection with future issuances of equity by the Company.
For thisIn addition to the issuance of equity to the Funds and BankBoston, the
terms of the Senior Credit Facility include (i) the payment of annual interest
equal to the base rate (as defined in the Senior Credit Facility) plus 4%, and,
in the event of the Company's failure to reduce its Senior Credit Facilities to
specified levels by April 1, 1999 through cash generated from operations, the
sale of assets or the raising of equity, additional interest payable in the form
of a payment-in-kind ("PIK") note accruing interest at the rate of 1.5% per
month, and all PIK notes shall bear interest at the rate of 1.5% compounded
monthly, (ii) a maturity date of August 1, 1999, (iii) a senior security
interest in all the assets of the Company has relied
upon an exemption from registration under Section 4(2)and its subsidiaries and (iv) the
payment of the Securities Actletters of 1933 as an issuance not involving a public offering. No principal underwriter
was involvedcredit and commitment fees plus certain additional fees
and expenses. The Funds and BankBoston were granted anti-dilution protection in
order to enable them to maintain their equity position in the above issuance. See Note 7 of Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements.
Pursuant to aCompany while the
Senior Credit Facility is outstanding.
8
10
On July 27, 1998, the Company entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement by and among the
Company,(the
"Stock Purchase Agreement") with B III Capital Partners, L.P. ("B III Capital")
and Mellon Bank, N.A. ("Mellon"), solely in its capacity as Trustee for General
Motors Employees Domestic Group Pension Trust as directed by DDJ Capital
Management, LLC,LLC. Under the terms of the Stock Purchase Agreement, Mellon and B
III Capital purchased 1,905,600 and 9,909,118 shares of common stock,Common Stock,
respectively, for a purchase price of $.10 per share.
For this issuance, the
Company has relied upon an exemption from registration under Section 4(2) of the
Securities Act of 1933 as an issuance not involving a public offering. No
principal underwriter was involved in the above issuance.
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.
YEAR ENDED JULY 31,
---------------------------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
--------- -------- -------- -------- --------
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
Net sales.......................... $ 274,360 $341,315 $544,905 $712,613 $655,791
Income (loss) from continuing
operations before extraordinary
gain............................. (127,378) (40,214) (84,809) 15,906 50,563
Income (loss) per share from
continuing operations before
extraordinary gain............... (2.54) (0.81) (1.72) 0.32 0.98
Cash dividends declared per
share............................ -- 0.01 0.06 0.09 0.08
Working capital (deficiency)....... (112,915) 9,695 56,163 116,533 103,742
Total assets....................... 94,332 146,336 213,351 340,081 384,663
Noncurrent liabilities............. 10,427 51,489 48,794 69,021 84,356
Stockholders' equity
(deficiency)..................... (66,658) 45,728 85,797 188,552 219,237
The Company sold its Hear Music subsidiary in fiscal 1997, its Britches of
Georgetowne and The Nature Company subsidiaries in fiscal 1996, and undertook
the reorganization of NordicTrack in fiscal 1998. See Notes 3, 4 and 5 of Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements.
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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS.
INTRODUCTION
The Company operates two subsidiaries, NordicTrack and Smith & Hawken, each
of which is treated as a separate segment in the accompanying consolidated
financial statements. On November 5, 1998, NordicTrack and Nordic Advantage
filed petitions with the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Western Division
of the District of Massachusetts seeking protection under Chapter 11 of the
United States Bankruptcy Code. A plan of reorganization which may include a
partial or complete liquidation of NordicTrack's and Nordic Advantage's assets
is being prepared and will be submitted to the Court. NordicTrack's assets,
liabilities and results of operations are included in the accompanying
Consolidated Financial Statements.
Prior to the Company's decision to divest The Nature Company and Hear Music
in the third quarter of fiscal 1996, both subsidiaries were included in the
results of the Smith & Hawken segment. In connection with its decision to sell
The Nature Company and Hear Music, the Company recorded a charge against
earnings which is included in the fiscal 1996 results for the Smith & Hawken
segment in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. In fiscal 1995,
the Company decided to sell its Britches of Georgetowne ("Britches") subsidiary,
which is accounted for as a discontinued operation in the accompanying
consolidated financial statements.
NordicTrack designs, sources and markets physical fitness and exercise
equipment and other health-related products through specialty stores and kiosks
operated by its wholly-owned subsidiary, Nordic Advantage; through direct
response advertising on the Internet; and to wholesale customers. Smith & Hawken
markets fine gardening tools, clothing, furniture, plants and accessories
through its catalogs and specialty retail stores. Industry segment information
is presented in Note 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
This Annual Report contains forward-looking statements. For this purpose,
any statements contained herein that are not statements of historical fact may
be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Without limiting the foregoing, the
words "believes," "anticipates," "plans," "expects," and similar expressions are
intended to identify forward-looking statements. There are a number of factors
that could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those
indicated by such forward-looking statements. These factors include, without
limitation, those set forth below under the caption "Certain Factors that May
Affect Future Results." See also Note 10 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements for information on commitments and contingencies.
RESULTS OF CONTINUING OPERATIONS -- FISCAL 1998 AND 1997
CML Consolidated
The Company had net sales of $274.4 million in fiscal 1998, a decrease of
$66.9 million, or 19.6%, from fiscal 1997. During fiscal 1998, the Company had a
net loss from continuing operations of $127.4 million compared with a net loss
from continuing operations of $40.2 million in fiscal 1997.
During fiscal 1998, retail sales decreased $26.9 million to $170.2 million,
or 13.7% below fiscal 1997's retail sales. The decrease in retail sales was
primarily due to lower retail sales at Nordic Advantage, offset in part by an
increase in retail sales at Smith & Hawken. During fiscal 1998, Smith & Hawken
and Nordic Advantage opened four stores and two stores, respectively.
Direct response and mail order sales decreased $52.0 million in fiscal
1998, or 36.1% below the prior year, to $92.2 million. The decrease in direct
response and mail order sales was primarily attributable to lower direct
response and mail order sales at NordicTrack offset in part by an increase in
mail order sales at Smith & Hawken. During the third quarter of fiscal 1998,
NordicTrack exited the direct response and mail order businesses. See Note 3 of
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
In November 1997, NordicTrack began distributing its products through other
retailers and during fiscal 1998 recorded $12.0 million of sales to wholesale
customers. The Company does not expect wholesale sales to become a significant
source of revenues for NordicTrack.
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The Company expects future sales growth, if any, will result primarily from
the addition of new Smith & Hawken stores. The Company's international
operations were not significant during fiscal 1998 and are not expected to be
significant for the next several years.
Cost of goods sold increased as a percentage of sales from 48.1% in fiscal
1997 to 59.0% in fiscal 1998. The increase in cost of goods sold as a percentage
of sales was primarily attributable to lower margins on the Company's
NordicTrack products.
Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased as a percentage of
sales from 69.1% in fiscal 1997 to 67.7% in fiscal 1998 primarily as a result of
a decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of
sales at Smith & Hawken offset in part by an increase in selling, general and
administrative expenses as a percentage of sales at NordicTrack.
During the second quarter of fiscal 1998, NordicTrack announced that it
would focus on its retail sales channel and that it planned to exit the direct
response and catalog businesses. NordicTrack also announced that it would cease
manufacturing and distribution activities at its Glencoe, Minnesota facility. As
a result of those decisions, NordicTrack recorded asset impairment and
restructuring charges of $2.9 million and $8.9 million, respectively, during
fiscal 1998 to reposition its operations. Through July 31, 1998, $6.4 million
was charged against the reserve including $1.0 million for items which required
the expenditure of cash. The restructuring reserve balance at July 31, 1998 was
$2.1 million. Through July 31, 1998, NordicTrack had eliminated 65 telemarketing
positions, 98 manufacturing positions and 51 other full-time positions in
connection with the strategic repositioning of its operations. In October 1998,
NordicTrack announced the elimination of up to 800 additional full-time
equivalent positions throughout the company.
Net interest expense was $11.1 million, or 4.0% of net sales, in fiscal
1998 compared with $1.8 million, or 0.5% of net sales, in fiscal 1997. Net
interest expense increased primarily due to higher borrowings under the
Company's revolving credit agreement, higher interest rates on those borrowings
and transactions costs relating to the renegotiation during the year of the
Company's revolving credit agreement.
During fiscal 1998, the Company recorded an income tax provision of $31.4
million as a result of valuation reserves recorded against net deferred tax
assets. During fiscal 1997, the Company recorded an income tax benefit of $20.7
million or 34.0% of the pre-tax loss from continuing operations. See Notes 8 and
10 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for information related to
income taxes and tax matters.
The increase in the loss from continuing operations in fiscal 1998 was
primarily due to higher operating losses at NordicTrack and higher interest
expense, partially offset by improved operating results at Smith & Hawken.
NordicTrack (In Bankruptcy Proceedings)
On November 5, 1998, NordicTrack and Nordic Advantage filed petitions with
the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Western Division of the District of
Massachusetts seeking protection under Chapter 11 of the United States
Bankruptcy Code. A plan of reorganization which may include a partial or
complete liquidation of NordicTrack's and Nordic Advantage's assets is being
prepared and will be submitted to the Court.
Overall net sales decreased 30.4% from $267.7 million in fiscal 1997 to
$186.4 million in fiscal 1998. Retail sales decreased $33.2 million, or 20.8%,
to $126.3 million in fiscal 1998 compared with $159.5 million in fiscal 1997.
During fiscal 1998, NordicTrack opened two retail stores and closed 23 retail
stores. Comparable store sales decreased 19.0% during fiscal 1998.
Direct response and mail order sales decreased $60.1 million, or 55.5%, to
$48.1 million in fiscal 1998 from $108.2 million in fiscal 1997. The decrease in
retail, direct response and mail order sales was primarily due to lower sales of
cross-country skiers, non-motorized treadmills, riders and abdominal and thigh
exercisers, partially offset by higher sales of motorized treadmills and sales
of the new line of elliptical exercise products. During the third quarter of
fiscal 1998, NordicTrack exited the direct response and mail order businesses.
NordicTrack accounted for approximately 67.9% and 78.4% of the Company's
consolidated net
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sales in fiscal 1998 and fiscal 1997, respectively. NordicTrack accounted for
over 100.0% of the consolidated pre-tax operating loss before interest,
corporate and other expenses in each fiscal year.
NordicTrack's gross margin decreased to 35.8% in fiscal 1998 from 51.7% in
fiscal 1997, primarily due to: (i) reduced margins on cross-country skiers,
non-motorized treadmills and abdominal products which experienced lower sales
and higher discounting; (ii) the change in sales mix toward motorized treadmills
which have lower margins; (iii) sales promotions and after-sale product costs of
the elliptical exercise machines; (iv) the liquidation of inventories of
discontinued product lines; (v) inefficiencies which arose from capacity
underutilization at the Glencoe, Minnesota manufacturing plant; (vi) the
write-down of inventories resulting from the decision to exit direct response
and catalog operations; and (vii) discounts to wholesale customers. The effects
of these changes were partially offset by lower cost of goods sold as a
percentage of net sales from sales of NordicTrack's UltraLift(TM) line of
strength training machines. Selling, general and administrative expenses
increased as a percentage of sales from 73.6% in fiscal 1997 to 75.4% in fiscal
1998 primarily due to the decrease in sales, including comparable store sales,
over which fixed costs are spread, and higher customer shipping costs, partially
offset by a decrease in advertising expense primarily due to the elimination of
the direct response and mail order operations.
NordicTrack had an operating loss of $85.6 million in fiscal 1998 compared
with an operating loss of $58.6 million in fiscal 1997. The increase in the
operating loss was primarily attributable to lower sales, lower gross margins
and higher asset impairment and restructuring charges, offset in part by lower
advertising and other selling, general and administrative expenses.
Smith & Hawken
Smith & Hawken experienced a 19.6% increase in net sales in fiscal 1998,
with net sales increasing from $73.6 million in fiscal 1997 to $88.0 million in
fiscal 1998. Retail sales at Smith & Hawken increased $6.3 million, or 16.8%,
from $37.6 million in fiscal 1997 to $43.9 million in fiscal 1998 primarily due
to the opening of four new retail stores and an 8.3% increase in comparable
store sales during fiscal 1998. Mail order sales of the Smith & Hawken segment
increased $8.1 million, or 22.5%, to $44.1 million in fiscal 1998 from $36.0
million in fiscal 1997. The increase was primarily due to an increase in the
number of catalog pages circulated and an increase in average order size.
Smith & Hawken's gross margin decreased to 52.1% in fiscal 1998 from 52.7%
in fiscal 1997. The decrease in gross margin was primarily due to higher
markdowns taken to clear holiday catalog merchandise and to counteract lower
than expected retail sales due to poor weather in February and March. Selling,
general and administrative expenses decreased as a percentage of sales from
50.0% in fiscal 1997 to 48.8% in fiscal 1998. The decrease in selling, general
and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales was primarily due to
improved cost controls within the retail sales channel and the leveraging of
fixed costs over higher sales. During fiscal 1998, Smith & Hawken's operating
income increased by $0.8 million, or 40.0%, from $2.0 million in fiscal 1997 to
$2.8 million in fiscal 1998.
Smith & Hawken expects to spend approximately $8.0 million, net of landlord
allowances, in fiscal 1999 primarily on new stores, store remodels and computer
hardware and software, depending on financing.
RESULTS OF CONTINUING OPERATIONS -- FISCAL 1997 AND 1996
CML Consolidated
The Company had net sales of $341.3 million in fiscal 1997, a decrease of
$203.6 million, or 37.4%, from fiscal 1996. During fiscal 1997, the Company had
a net loss from continuing operations of $40.2 million compared with a net loss
from continuing operations of $84.8 million in fiscal 1996.
During fiscal 1997, retail sales decreased $174.7 million to $197.1
million, or 47.0% below fiscal 1996's retail sales. The decrease was primarily
due to the decision during the third quarter of fiscal 1996 to divest The Nature
Company and Hear Music, and lower sales at Nordic Advantage, offset in part by
an increase in retail sales at Smith & Hawken. The decrease in Nordic
Advantage's retail sales was primarily due to lower sales of
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cross-country skiers, non-motorized treadmills and riders. During fiscal 1997,
Smith & Hawken and Nordic Advantage opened one store and three stores,
respectively.
Direct response and mail order sales decreased $28.9 million in fiscal
1997, or 16.7% below the prior year, to $144.2 million. The decrease in direct
response and mail order sales was primarily attributable to lower direct
response sales at NordicTrack, resulting from lower sales of cross-country
skiers, non-motorized treadmills and riders, offset in part by an increase in
mail order sales at Smith & Hawken.
The Company's international operations were not significant during fiscal
1997 and fiscal 1996.
Cost of goods sold as a percentage of sales increased from 47.1% in fiscal
1996 to 48.1% in fiscal 1997. The increase in cost of goods sold as a percentage
of sales was primarily attributable to increased sales promotions by NordicTrack
in response to lower demand for cross-country skiers, non-motorized treadmills
and riders and a change in the mix of product sales toward lower-margin
products.
Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased as a percentage of
sales from 70.8% in fiscal 1996 to 69.3% in fiscal 1997, primarily due to
improved cost controls at NordicTrack and Smith & Hawken. The cost control
improvements were accomplished despite higher fixed costs as a percentage of
sales at Nordic Advantage stores that experienced a decrease in comparable store
sales.
The decrease in the loss from continuing operations in fiscal 1997 was due,
in part, to improved operating results at Smith & Hawken, reduced operating
losses at NordicTrack, and the elimination of losses resulting from the
operation and sale of The Nature Company and Hear Music. In June 1996, the
Company sold substantially all of the assets of The Nature Company for $39.9
million plus the assumption of certain liabilities. In October 1996, the Company
completed the sale of substantially all of Hear Music's assets for $371,000 in
cash plus the assumption of certain liabilities.
Net interest expense was $1.8 million, or 0.5% of net sales, in fiscal 1997
compared with $3.1 million, or 0.6% of net sales, in fiscal 1996. Net interest
expense decreased primarily due to lower bank borrowings and interest earned
from the investment of excess cash balances in money market mutual funds.
The Company's income tax benefit as a percentage of the pre-tax loss from
continuing operations was 34.0% in fiscal 1997 compared with 35.4% in 1996.
NordicTrack
Overall net sales decreased 27.3% from $368.1 million in fiscal 1996 to
$267.7 million in fiscal 1997. Retail sales decreased $72.9 million, or 31.4%,
to $159.5 million in fiscal 1997 compared with $232.4 million in fiscal 1996.
The decrease in retail sales was primarily due to the reduction in the number of
kiosks during fiscal 1997, the closing of six retail stores and a 24.9% decrease
in comparable store sales. Direct response and mail order sales decreased $27.5
million, or 20.3%, to $108.2 million in fiscal 1997 from $135.7 million in
fiscal 1996. The decrease in retail, direct response and mail order sales was
primarily due to lower sales of cross-country skiers, non-motorized treadmills
and riders. In fiscal 1996, approximately 67.6% of the Company's consolidated
net sales and 60.4% of the Company's consolidated pre-tax operating loss before
interest, corporate and other expenses were attributable to NordicTrack.
NordicTrack's gross margin decreased to 51.7% in fiscal 1997 from 55.4% in
fiscal 1996, primarily due to increased sales promotions on cross-country
skiers, non-motorized treadmills and riders in response to lower demand and a
more competitive consumer environment, and a change in the sales mix toward
lower-margin products with royalty arrangements. Selling, general and
administrative expenses decreased as a percentage of sales from 74.9% in fiscal
1996 to 73.6% in fiscal 1997, primarily due to improved cost controls that were
offset, in part, by higher fixed costs as a percentage of sales at retail store
locations experiencing a decrease in comparable store sales.
NordicTrack had an operating loss of $58.6 million in fiscal 1997 compared
with an operating loss of $72.6 million in fiscal 1996. The decrease in the
operating loss, which was accomplished in a declining sales environment, was
primarily due to a reduction in selling, general and administrative expenses.
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Smith & Hawken
The Smith & Hawken segment experienced a 58.4% decrease in net sales in
fiscal 1997, with net sales declining from $176.8 million in fiscal 1996 to
$73.6 million in fiscal 1997. The decrease was due to the divestitures of The
Nature Company and Hear Music. Smith & Hawken's net sales increased $9.5
million, or 14.9%, to $73.6 million from $64.0 million in fiscal 1996. Retail
sales of the Smith & Hawken segment decreased $101.8 million, or 73.1%, from
$139.4 million in fiscal 1996 to $37.6 million in fiscal 1997 due to the sale of
The Nature Company and Hear Music. Smith & Hawken's retail sales increased $6.2
million, or 19.7%, in fiscal 1997 to $37.6 million. Comparable store sales at
Smith & Hawken increased 3.4% in fiscal 1997. Mail order sales of the Smith &
Hawken segment decreased $1.4 million, or 3.6%, to $36.0 million in fiscal 1997
from $37.4 million in fiscal 1996. The decrease was due to the divestiture of
The Nature Company. Smith & Hawken experienced a 10.3% increase in mail order
sales in fiscal 1997 compared with fiscal 1996.
The Smith & Hawken segment's gross margin increased to 52.7% in fiscal 1997
from 47.4% in fiscal 1996 and selling, general and administrative expenses
decreased as a percentage of net sales from 56.8% in fiscal 1996 to 50.0% in
fiscal 1997. The increase in gross margin and decrease in selling, general and
administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales were primarily due to the
divestitures of The Nature Company and Hear Music businesses. Operating results
of the Smith & Hawken segment improved from a loss of $47.7 million in fiscal
1996 to operating income of $2.0 million in fiscal 1997 primarily due to the
divestitures of The Nature Company and Hear Music. The Company recorded a
pre-tax loss of $30.8 million during the third quarter of fiscal 1996 as a
result of the decision to sell The Nature Company and Hear Music.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Indebtedness and High Degree of Leverage
The Company is highly leveraged. As of July 31, 1998, the Company had $32.0
million of advances and $3.5 million of letters of credit outstanding under its
new $65.0 million revolving credit facility managed by DDJ Capital Management,
LLC and BankBoston, N.A., maturing on August 1, 1999. In addition, the Company
had outstanding $20.0 million of 15.0% secured convertible redeemable
subordinated notes due 2003 that were issued to the State of Wisconsin
Investment Board (the "Notes") and $41.6 million of 5.5% convertible
subordinated debentures due 2003 (the "Convertible Subordinated Debentures").
The Company's high degree of leverage may have important consequences for the
Company. These include the following:
(1) It may be difficult or impossible for the Company and its subsidiaries
to obtain additional financing for working capital, capital
expenditures or other purposes, if necessary.
(2) The Company will use a substantial portion of its cash flow and that of
its subsidiaries to pay interest expense. This will reduce the funds
which would otherwise be available for operations and future business
opportunities.
(3) The governing documents for the Notes, the Convertible Subordinated
Debentures and the revolving credit facility all contain covenants
that, among other things, limit the ability of the Company to take
various actions that might otherwise be beneficial to the Company. See
"Certain Factors That May Affect Future Results -- Certain
Restrictions."
(4) The Company may be more highly leveraged than its competitors, which
may place it at a competitive disadvantage.
(5) The Company's high degree of leverage will make it more vulnerable to a
downturn in its business or the economy generally.
(6) The Company's high degree of leverage may render advisable the
divestiture of all or some of its subsidiaries.
There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to reduce its
financial leverage significantly or that the Company will achieve an appropriate
balance between acceptable growth and future reductions in financial leverage.
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Cash Flows from Operating Activities
The Company used internally generated funds, proceeds from the sale of
assets and borrowings under its revolving credit agreement to finance its
operations during fiscal 1998. In addition, in prior fiscal years the Company
used proceeds from the sale of one or more of its subsidiaries to finance its
operating needs. Operating activities used $53.9 million of cash in fiscal 1998,
compared with a net cash use of $13.3 million in fiscal 1997 and a net cash use
of $448,000 in fiscal 1996. Depreciation and amortization was $17.0 million in
fiscal 1998, $14.8 million in fiscal 1997 and $28.7 million in fiscal 1996. The
increase in depreciation and amortization was primarily due to higher
amortization of costs related to the renegotiation of the Company's revolving
credit agreement, partially offset by lower depreciation resulting from the
writedown to estimated net realizable value of certain NordicTrack assets. The
Company's investment in working capital items decreased $16.4 million in fiscal
1998, increased $22.3 million in fiscal 1997 and decreased $12.9 million in
fiscal 1996.
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
During fiscal 1998, net cash used in investing activities was $1.1 million
compared with net cash provided by investing activities of $136,000 in fiscal
1997 and $25.0 million in fiscal 1996. Cash provided by investing activities in
fiscal 1998 decreased relative to fiscal 1997 primarily due to a higher level of
investment in new stores at Smith & Hawken and lower cash proceeds generated
from discontinued and divested businesses, partially offset by higher cash
proceeds from the sale of assets.
Capital expenditures were $6.7 million in fiscal 1998, of which NordicTrack
spent approximately $1.7 million and Smith & Hawken spent approximately $4.9
million. During fiscal 1997 and 1996, capital expenditures were $5.9 million and
$21.6 million, respectively. The fiscal 1998 capital expenditures were primarily
for new stores, product tooling, store remodeling and computer equipment.
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
The Company generated $52.4 million of cash from financing activities in
fiscal 1998 and used $177,000 and $15.2 million of cash for financing activities
in fiscal 1997 and fiscal 1996, respectively. At July 31, 1998, loans
outstanding under the Company's revolving credit agreement totaled $32.0
million. No loans were outstanding under the revolving credit agreement at the
end of fiscal 1997 and 1996. In July 1998, the Company received cash proceeds of
$20.0 million from the issuance of Notes to a stockholder of the Company (see
Note 7 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements). The Company repurchased
$1.3 million of its common stock in fiscal 1996. Dividends of $494,000 and $4.2
million were paid on the Company's common stock during fiscal 1997 and 1996,
respectively.
Capital Resources
In July 1998, the Company amended and restated its senior secured revolving
credit agreement which provides for borrowings and letters of credit of up to
$65.0 million through August 1, 1999. A portion of the borrowings and letters of
credit permitted under the amended and restated revolving credit agreement is
based upon a percentage of eligible accounts receivable and inventories. The
amended and restated agreement also provides for an overadvance facility which
varies from month to month of up to an additional $49.9 million. The agreement,
which is secured by the Company's assets and the shares and guarantees of the
Company's subsidiaries, requires the Company to comply with certain financial
and operating covenants. The Company is prohibited from paying cash dividends
and capital expenditures are limited under the agreement. The agreement also
requires the Company to reduce the total commitment to $35.0 million by April 1,
1999. If the Company is unsuccessful in reducing the total commitment to the
specified level, the Company must issue notes to the lenders in the principal
amount equal to interest which would have accrued at the rate of 1.5% per month,
compounded monthly, on the outstanding principal amount of the loans from
January 1, 1999 through the date on which the total commitment is reduced to the
specified level. The agreement also provides for a reduction in the commitment
for net cash proceeds received from the sale of assets not in the ordinary
course of business or from the issuance of subordinated debt or equity
securities. At July 31, 1998, loans outstanding under the revolving credit
agreement totaled $32.0 million and letters of credit outstanding at July 31,
1998
17
20
totaled $3.5 million. Unused borrowing and letter of credit capacity under the
revolving credit agreement was $1.0 million at July 31, 1998. Total bank
borrowings averaged $25.4 million during fiscal 1998, $8.0 million during fiscal
1997 and $14.3 million during fiscal 1996.
The bankruptcy petitions filed by NordicTrack and Nordic Advantage on
November 5, 1998 constitute defaults under the Company's revolving credit
agreement. On November 5, 1998, however, the lenders under the Company's
revolving credit facility and the holders of the 15% secured convertible
redeemable subordinated notes due 2003 agreed to forbear from exercising their
rights under the guaranties issued by the Company and its subsidiaries until the
earlier of January 31, 1999 or an event of default under the forbearance
agreement. The forbearance agreement increases the total borrowing capacity of
the Company's subsidiaries under the revolving credit facility to $72.0 million,
including $1.5 million of debtor in possession financing for NordicTrack. See
Notes 1, 6 and 7 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
If the Company is unable to achieve its fiscal 1999 business plan, the
Company may require significant additional funds to continue its ongoing
operations, and if such funds are not available when needed, the Company may be
required to curtail parts of its business, sell one of its two operating
companies or seek protection under the insolvency laws.
CERTAIN FACTORS THAT MAY AFFECT FUTURE RESULTS
The following important factors, among others, could cause actual results
to differ materially from those indicated by forward-looking statements made in
this Annual Report on Form 10-K and presented elsewhere by management from time
to time.
Recent Operating Losses; Chapter 11 Filing by NordicTrack
The Company incurred substantial operating losses during fiscal 1998, 1997
and 1996, and may continue to incur losses in the future. The potential for
continued losses has had an adverse effect on the Company's liquidity and has
caused concern among the Company's customers, suppliers and employees about the
Company's future viability.
On November 5, 1998, NordicTrack and Nordic Advantage filed petitions with
the United States Bankruptcy Court for Western Division of the District of
Massachusetts seeking protection under Chapter 11 of the United States
Bankruptcy Code. A plan of reorganization is being prepared and will be
submitted to the Court. This plan may include a partial or complete liquidation
of NordicTrack's operations.
Certain Restrictions
The governing documents for the revolving credit facility impose certain
operating and financial restrictions on the Company. For example, the revolving
credit facility limits or restricts, among other things, the Company's ability
to:
(1) declare dividends, redeem or repurchase capital stock or make
distributions and restricted payments;
(2) issue equity;
(3) engage in mergers, consolidations, acquisitions and asset sales;
(4) alter its lines of business or accounting methods or make capital
expenditures in excess of stated amounts;
(5) prepay, redeem or purchase debt;
(6) make loans and investments;
(7) incur indebtedness and contingent obligations;
(8) incur liens and engage in sale/leaseback transactions;
18
21
(9) amend or otherwise alter debt and other material agreements; and
(10) engage in transactions with affiliates.
The Note Purchase Agreement dated July 27, 1998 between the Company and the
State of Wisconsin Investment Board (the "Note Purchase Agreement") contains
many similar restrictions.
Events beyond the Company's control, such as prevailing economic and
financial conditions, may affect its ability to comply with such covenants. A
breach of any of these covenants could result in a default under the revolving
credit facility and the convertible subordinated debentures and notes. Upon the
occurrence of an event of default, the lenders could elect to declare all
outstanding borrowings to be immediately due and payable. If the Company were to
fail to repay any such amounts, the lenders could proceed against the collateral
securing such indebtedness. If the lenders were to accelerate the payment of
such indebtedness, there can be no assurance that the assets of the Company
would be sufficient to repay in full such indebtedness and the other
indebtedness of the Company and its subsidiaries. In addition, because the
revolving credit facility and the Note Purchase Agreement limit the ability of
the Company to engage in certain transactions except under certain
circumstances, the Company may be prohibited from entering into transactions
that could be beneficial to the Company.
Available Funds
The Company's future financial performance will also depend on its ability
to purchase goods and services on credit and to borrow funds under its revolving
credit agreement. If the Company is unable to purchase goods and services on
credit or the Company's lenders do not provide the Company with credit
arrangements on acceptable terms, the Company may need to seek additional funds
from other parties. There can be no assurance, however, that the Company would
be able to obtain any such third-party funding or obtain such funding on terms
as favorable as those offered by its lenders. Also, in the event the Company
elects to raise additional funds through the sale of assets or securities or
both, the Company may not be able to complete such sales in a timely manner or
on terms favorable to the Company.
Consumer Spending
The success of the Company is influenced by a number of economic conditions
affecting disposable consumer income, such as employment levels, business
conditions, interest rates and taxation rates. Adverse changes in these economic
conditions may restrict consumer spending, thereby negatively affecting the
Company's results of operations. In addition, the Company's results of
operations could be adversely affected if consumer spending is lower than
anticipated during the holiday season.
Competition
The markets in which the Company is engaged are highly competitive.
NordicTrack competes with several companies which design, manufacture and
distribute physical fitness and exercise equipment, have greater financial
resources and offer a greater selection of products. During the past several
years, NordicTrack's competitors have introduced several new and competitive
products at competitive prices which have adversely affected NordicTrack's
revenues and profits. The future success of NordicTrack depends in part upon its
ability to introduce new and competitive products successfully, on a timely
basis and at competitive prices. The failure of NordicTrack to successfully
compete with its competitors could materially adversely affect the financial
condition of the Company.
Many of the competitors of Smith & Hawken are larger companies with greater
financial resources, a greater selection of merchandise and nationwide
distribution, including a large number and wide variety of specialty retail
stores, discount stores and department stores. Smith & Hawken also competes with
mail order catalogs that sell gardening-related merchandise and independent
garden stores and plant nurseries in towns and cities throughout the United
States. The failure of Smith & Hawken to successfully compete with these
companies could adversely affect the Company's operating results.
19
22
New Products
Several new and enhanced products were introduced by the Company in fiscal
1998 and 1997. The Company's future financial performance will depend on the
continued market acceptance of the Company's existing products and the
successful development, introduction and customer acceptance of new and enhanced
products. If these products do not receive favorable market acceptance, the
Company's future operating results would be adversely affected. There can be no
assurance that the Company will be successful in developing new products and
marketing its existing or new products.
New Management Team
The Company has replaced a number of key executives. There can be no
assurance, however, that the new personnel will be able to successfully increase
revenues or reduce costs in the future.
Seasonality
The Company's businesses are seasonal, with a higher percentage of retail
sales in the second fiscal quarter. The Company expects this seasonality to
continue in the future. Because of this seasonality, the Company's revenues and
earnings have fluctuated and will continue to fluctuate from quarter to quarter.
Advertising and Marketing Programs
The Company's success in the markets in which it competes depends in part
upon the effectiveness of advertising and marketing programs of the Company and
the Company's ability to successfully manage its advertising in-house. The
inability of the Company to periodically design and successfully execute new and
effective advertising and marketing programs could adversely affect the
Company's operating results.
Cost Reduction Programs
In fiscal 1998 and 1997, the Company was able to reduce its operating costs
as net sales decreased. There can be no assurance, however, that the Company
will be able to further reduce operating costs if sales decline in the future.
In addition, postage expenses associated with mailing catalogs and shipping
charges associated with acquiring and distributing products and merchandise to
customers are significant factors in the operation of the Company's businesses.
Increases in postage or shipping costs, or disruptions in delivery and shipping
services, could adversely affect the Company's operating results.
Intellectual Property Rights
The Company will continue to be subject to the risk of adverse claims and
litigation alleging infringement of intellectual property rights. There can be
no assurance that third parties will not assert infringement claims in the
future with respect to the Company's current or future products or that any such
claims will not require the Company to enter into royalty arrangements or result
in costly litigation. While the Company believes that it currently has all
licenses necessary to conduct its business, no assurance can be given that
additional licenses will not be required in the future. Furthermore, no
assurance can be given that, if any additional licenses are required, such
licenses could be obtained on commercially reasonable terms.
Tax Matters
The Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") has conducted an examination of the
Company's tax returns for the fiscal years 1987 through 1991 and has issued a
"30-day letter" to the Company proposing certain adjustments which, if
sustained, would result in a significant tax deficiency for the years under
examination. The Company has filed an appeal with the IRS protesting the
proposed adjustments. The Company believes that the tax deductions taken were
valid and in accordance with the Internal Revenue Code and intends to vigorously
oppose the proposed adjustments. However, at this stage no assurance can be
given of a favorable outcome on these matters. If the IRS proposed adjustments
are sustained, any back taxes owed and associated
20
23
interest would have a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated
operating results for the period in which such issues are finally resolved and
would also have a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated
financial condition. See Note 10 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
for additional information on this and other contingent liabilities.
Year 2000 Software Issues
NordicTrack, Smith & Hawken and the corporate office of the Company each
have separate and distinct computer systems and applications. The Company and
its subsidiaries have reviewed the implications of year 2000 compliance and have
taken steps designed to ensure that their computer systems and applications will
manage dates beyond 1999. The Company believes that it has allocated adequate
resources for this purpose and that planned software upgrades, which are in the
normal course of business, will address the Company's internal year 2000 needs.
However, there can be no assurance that the systems of other parties upon which
the Company's businesses also rely will be converted on a timely basis. The
Company's business, financial condition and results of operations could be
materially adversely affected by the failure of its systems and applications or
those operated by other parties to properly operate or manage dates beyond 1999.
NordicTrack estimates that its year 2000 compliance effort is approximately
50% complete and due to NordicTrack's recent Chapter 11 bankruptcy filings may
not be 100% complete by December 31, 1999. NordicTrack's most critical year 2000
systems include its AS400 applications, including accounting, order processing,
inventory, distribution, payroll and host merchandising systems; store
point-of-sale system; certain older personal computers and personal computer
applications; vendor EDI documents and applications; telephone systems; and
security systems. The majority of NordicTrack's year 2000 exposure will be
resolved as a byproduct of the implementation of a new internal software package
needed to improve business processes and productivity. NordicTrack's and Nordic
Advantage's Chapter 11 bankruptcy petitions filed on November 5, 1998 and the
layoffs announced in October 1998, may impact NordicTrack's ability to continue
implementing its new software package as originally planned. Failure to
implement the new software package could have a material impact on the
operations of NordicTrack and its timely ability to address year 2000 problems.
NordicTrack has surveyed its outside vendors for year 2000 compliance and has
received assurance of timely compliance by some but not all major vendors.
NordicTrack will continue to monitor its major vendors' ability to address year
2000 issues and will seek assurances that they will be year 2000 compliant.
NordicTrack does not currently have a contingency plan in place in the event a
particular system is not year 2000 compliant. Contingency plans will be adopted
if it becomes clear that NordicTrack is not going to achieve its scheduled
compliance objectives.
Critical hardware and software configurations supporting Smith & Hawken's
business include its AS400 applications, including accounting, inventory and
merchandising software; internal personal computer network hardware, software
and applications; store polling and point-of-sale systems; telephone system
hardware and software; and the systems of major outside vendors, including The
Discovery Channel Store, which is the buyer of The Nature Company's business,
and which continues to provide order processing, fulfillment and distribution
services to Smith & Hawken. Smith & Hawken has completed the replacement of its
telephone switch, voicemail system, network server hardware and software, and
desktop computer hardware and software in order to make them year 2000
compliant. Projects in process which will address the year 2000 issue include
the upgrade of accounting, inventory and merchandising software (expected
completion date of May 1999); e-mail software conversion (expected completion
date of May 1999); and replacement of in-store systems hardware and software
(expected completion date of May 1999). Contingency plans will be developed as
part of the calendar 1999 planning process and modified based on the
effectiveness of the new system implementations at meeting Smith & Hawken's year
2000 compliance goals. In addition, Smith & Hawken will survey its major
third-party vendors to evaluate their year 2000 compliance status.
On or prior to December 31, 1999, the Company plans to transfer all
functions performed at the corporate office to one or more of its operating
subsidiaries, thereby resolving any corporate-office year 2000 issues.
21
24
OTHER
Inflation has not had a significant effect on the Company's operations.
The Company is involved in various legal proceedings and claims and two
former subsidiaries of the Company are involved in two separate environmental
matters. See Note 10 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for
additional information on commitments and contingencies.
The Company plans to adopt Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
("SFAS") No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income," and SFAS No. 131,
"Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information," in fiscal
1999. The Company is evaluating the impact that implementation of SFAS Nos. 130
and 131 will have on the consolidated financial statements.
The adoption of Statement of Position 98-5, "Reporting on the Costs of
Start-up Activities," did not affect the Company's financial position or results
of operations.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.
Market risk is the potential change in a financial instrument's value
caused by fluctuations in interest and currency exchange rates and equity and
commodity prices. The Company's operating activities expose it to many risks
that are continually monitored, evaluated and managed. Proper management of
these risks helps reduce the likelihood of earnings volatility. At July 31,
1998, the Company was not a party to any derivative arrangement and the Company
does not engage in trading, market-making or other speculative activities in the
derivatives markets. The Company's foreign currency exposure is not material and
the Company does not engage in regular hedging activities to minimize the impact
of foreign currency fluctuations. As discussed in Note 6 of Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements, loans outstanding under the company's
revolving credit agreements bear interest at 4.0% above the lenders' base rate
which may vary over time.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.
See the Index to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements and
Financial Statement Schedule and the accompanying consolidated financial
statements, notes and schedules which are filed as part of this Form 10-K
following the signature page.
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.
Not applicable.
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT.
The response to this item is contained in part under the caption "Executive
Officers of the Company" in Part I hereof, and the remainder is incorporated by
reference to the Company's Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of
Stockholders to be held in December 1998 (the "1998 Proxy Statement") at
"Election of Directors."
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.
The response to this item is incorporated herein by reference to the
Company's 1998 Proxy Statement at "Election of Directors," "Compensation
Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation," "Summary Compensation," "Stock
Option Grants," "Year-End Option Table" and "Employment Agreements and Severance
Arrangements."
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT.
The response to this item is incorporated herein by reference to the
Company's 1998 Proxy Statement at "Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial
Owners and Management."
22
25
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS.
The response to this item is incorporated herein by reference to the
Company's 1998 Proxy Statement at "Certain Transactions" and "Employment
Agreements and Severance Arrangements."
PART IV
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.
(a) Documents filed as a part of this Form 10-K.
1. Consolidated Financial Statements. The Consolidated Financial
Statements listed in the Index to Consolidated Financial Statements
and Financial Statement Schedule are filed as part of this Annual
Report on Form 10-K.
2. Financial Statement Schedule. The Financial Statement Schedule
listed in the Index to Consolidated Financial Statements and
Financial Statement Schedule is filed as part of this Annual Report
on Form 10-K.
3. Exhibits. The Exhibits listed in the Exhibit Index immediately
preceding such Exhibits are filed as part of this Annual Report on
Form 10-K.
(b) Reports on Form 8-K.
On July 28, 1998, the Company filed a Current Report on Form 8-K
announcing under Item 5 (Other Events) the sale to the State of Wisconsin
Investment Board of a redeemable subordinated note for a purchase price of
$20 million and establishment of a senior revolving credit facility
maturing August 1, 1999 of up to $65 million, with funds managed by DDJ
Capital Management LLC (the "Funds") and BankBoston, N.A. ("BankBoston").
In consideration of the senior revolving credit facility, the Company
issued to the Funds and BankBoston equity in the Company representing 19%
of the Company's outstanding common stock, calculated on a fully diluted
basis.
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26
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this reportamendment to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Date: November 30, 1998 CML GROUP, INC.
By: /s/ JOHN A.C. POUND
-----------------------------------
John A.C. Pound
ChairmanGLENN E. DAVIS
--------------------------------------
Glenn E. Davis
Executive Vice President of Finance
and Administration, Chief ExecutiveFinancial
Officer, Date: November 13, 1998
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
registrantTreasurer and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
NAME TITLE DATE
---- ----- ----
Chairman of the Board of
/s/ JOHN A.C. POUND Directors and Chief Executive
- --------------------------------------------- Officer (Principal Executive
John A.C. Pound Officer)
/s/ GLENN E. DAVIS Executive Vice President of
- --------------------------------------------- Finance and Administration, and
Glenn E. Davis Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
/s/ PAUL J. BAILEY Vice President and Controller
- --------------------------------------------- (Principal Accounting Officer)
Paul J. Bailey
/s/ WARREN J. ISABELLE Director
- ---------------------------------------------
Warren J. Isabelle
/s/ THOMAS H. LENAGH Director
- ---------------------------------------------
Thomas H. Lenagh
/s/ KATHLEEN TIERNEY Director
- ---------------------------------------------
Kathleen Tierney
/s/ MARTIN E. WELCH, III Director
- ---------------------------------------------
Martin E. Welch, III
November 13, 1998
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27
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AND
FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE
OF
CML GROUP, INC.
PAGE NO.
--------
Independent Auditors' Report................................ 26
Consolidated Financial Statements:
Consolidated Statements of Operations -- Years Ended July
31, 1998, 1997 and 1996................................ 27
Consolidated Balance Sheets -- July 31, 1998 and July 31,
1997................................................... 28-29
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows -- Years Ended July
31, 1998, 1997 and 1996................................ 30
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity
(Deficiency) -- Years Ended July 31, 1998, 1997 and
1996................................................... 31
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements................ 32-47
Financial Statement Schedule:
Schedule II -- Valuation and Qualifying Accounts.......... 48
All other schedules are omitted because either they are not applicable or
the required information is included in the consolidated financial statements or
notes thereto.
26
28
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
To the Stockholders and Directors of CML Group, Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of CML Group,
Inc. and its subsidiaries as of July 31, 1998 and 1997, and the related
consolidated statements of operations, changes in stockholders' equity
(deficiency), and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period
ended July 31, 1998. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule
listed in Item 14.(a)2. These financial statements and financial statement
schedule are the responsibility of CML Group, Inc. 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 CML Group, Inc. and its
subsidiaries at July 31, 1998 and 1997, and the results of their operations and
their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended July 31,
1998, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our
opinion, such financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the
basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all
material respects the information set forth therein.
The accompanying consolidated financial statements for the year ended July
31, 1998 have been prepared assuming that CML Group, Inc. will continue as a
going concern. As discussed in Note 1 to the financial statements, CML Group,
Inc.'s recurring losses from operations, stockholders' deficiency and
non-compliance with its financing agreements raise substantial doubt about its
ability to continue as a going concern. Management's plans concerning these
matters are also described in Note 1 to the financial statements. The financial
statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of
this uncertainty.
As further discussed in Note 1, on November 5, 1998 the Company filed a
petition with the United States Bankruptcy Court seeking protection for the
Company's NordicTrack subsidiary under Chapter 11 of the United States
Bankruptcy Code. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that
might result from this event.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
September 28, 1998 (except for Note 1, the second
paragraph of Note 7 and the tenth paragraph of Note 10
as to which the dates are November 5, October 14 and
November 12, 1998, respectively)
27
29
CML GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
YEAR ENDED JULY 31,
--------------------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
-------------- -------------- --------------
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
Net sales........................................... $ 274,360 $ 341,315 $ 544,905
----------- ----------- -----------
Less costs and expenses:
Cost of goods sold................................ 161,875 164,081 256,738
Selling, general and administrative expenses...... 185,606 235,765 385,539
Impairment charges................................ 2,877 603 --
Restructuring charges............................. 8,890 -- --
Provision for loss on disposition of businesses
held for sale.................................. -- -- 30,824
Interest expense, net............................. 11,074 1,797 3,088
----------- ----------- -----------
370,322 402,246 676,189
----------- ----------- -----------
Loss from continuing operations before income
taxes............................................. (95,962) (60,931) (131,284)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes................ 31,416 (20,717) (46,475)
----------- ----------- -----------
Loss from continuing operations..................... (127,378) (40,214) (84,809)
----------- ----------- -----------
Loss from discontinued operations:
Loss from operations, net of income taxes......... -- -- --
Provision for loss on disposal of discontinued
operations, net of income tax benefit.......... -- -- (15,615)
----------- ----------- -----------
-- -- (15,615)
----------- ----------- -----------
Net loss............................................ $ (127,378) $ (40,214) $ (100,424)
=========== =========== ===========
Loss per share, basic and diluted (Note 1):
Loss from continuing operations................... $ (2.54) $ (0.81) $ (1.72)
Net loss.......................................... $ (2.54) $ (0.81) $ (2.04)
Weighted average number of shares................... 50,207,014 49,837,026 49,339,007
----------- ----------- -----------
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
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30
CML GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
JULY 31,
---------------------
1998 1997
-------- ---------
(IN THOUSANDS,
EXCEPT SHARE AMOUNTS)
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents................................. $ 1,851 $ 4,359
Accounts receivable -- trade, less allowance for doubtful
accounts of $2,115 in 1998 and $2,706 in 1997.......... 7,290 8,151
Refundable income taxes................................... 108 --
Deferred income taxes..................................... -- 3,903
Inventories:
Raw materials.......................................... 2,151 1,971
Work in process........................................ 178 836
Finished goods......................................... 22,424 31,115
------- --------
Total inventories........................................... 24,753 33,922
Other current assets........................................ 3,646 8,479
------- --------
Total current assets........................................ 37,648 58,814
------- --------
Property, plant and equipment:
Land and buildings........................................ 12,663 19,404
Machinery and equipment................................... 33,983 45,257
Leasehold improvements.................................... 28,773 30,020
------- --------
75,419 94,681
Less accumulated depreciation............................. (43,474) (46,223)
------- --------
Property, plant and equipment, net.......................... 31,945 48,458
Goodwill.................................................... 8,309 8,546
Deferred income taxes....................................... -- 24,412
Other assets................................................ 16,430 6,106
------- --------
$94,332 $146,336
======= ========
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
28
31
CML GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
JULY 31,
---------------------
1998 1997
--------- --------
(IN THOUSANDS,
EXCEPT SHARE AMOUNTS)
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIENCY)
Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term debt......................... $ 237 $ 35
Revolving line of credit.................................. 31,982 --
Convertible subordinated debentures and notes............. 61,593 --
Accounts payable.......................................... 16,247 10,839
Accrued compensation...................................... 5,641 4,339
Accrued advertising....................................... 991 1,514
Accrued insurance......................................... 3,857 4,544
Accrued lease termination costs........................... 2,375 2,587
Other accrued expenses.................................... 27,640 25,261
--------- --------
Total current liabilities................................... 150,563 49,119
--------- --------
Noncurrent liabilities:
Long-term debt............................................ -- 245
Convertible subordinated debentures....................... -- 41,593
Other noncurrent liabilities.............................. 10,427 9,651
--------- --------
Total noncurrent liabilities................................ 10,427 51,489
Commitments and contingencies (Note 10).....................
Stockholders' equity (deficiency):
Common stock, par value $.10 per share
Authorized -- 120,000,000 shares Issued -- 64,927,274
shares in 1998 and 52,738,268 shares in 1997........... 6,493 5,274
Additional paid-in capital................................ 93,370 80,654
Retained deficit.......................................... (131,020) (3,642)
--------- --------
(31,157) 82,286
Less treasury stock, at cost, 2,817,471 shares in 1998 and
2,901,401 shares in 1997.................................. (35,501) (36,558)
--------- --------
(66,658) 45,728
--------- --------
$ 94,332 $146,336
========= ========
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
30
32
CML GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
YEAR ENDED JULY 31,
----------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
--------- -------- ---------
(IN THOUSANDS)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss............................................... $(127,378) $(40,214) $(100,424)
--------- -------- ---------
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided
by (used in) operating activities:
Impairment charges.................................. 2,877 603 --
Restructuring charges............................... 8,890 -- --
Depreciation and amortization....................... 17,023 14,830 28,738
Provision for loss on disposition of businesses held
for sale.......................................... -- -- 30,824
Provision for loss on disposal of discontinued
operations........................................ -- -- 24,023
Royalty settlement.................................. -- -- 1,367
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment... 47 1,197 2,465
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable -- trade...................... (190) 2,419 35,663
Refundable income taxes........................... (108) 53,874 (53,874)
Inventories....................................... 7,568 (3,488) 3,864
Other current assets.............................. 13,099 1,345 19,955
Deferred income taxes............................. 28,315 (16,918) 2,135
Accounts payable and accrued expenses............. 5,917 (29,627) 6,470
Accrued income taxes.............................. -- -- (1,833)
Other assets and noncurrent liabilities........... (9,914) 2,706 179
--------- -------- ---------
Total adjustments........................................ 73,524 26,941 99,976
--------- -------- ---------
Net cash used in operating activities.................... (53,854) (13,273) (448)
--------- -------- ---------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisitions of property, plant and equipment.......... (6,666) (5,931) (21,555)
Net proceeds from sale of discontinued operations...... -- 1,658 11,618
Net proceeds from sale of business held for sale....... 768 4,368 34,870
Net proceeds from the sale of assets................... 4,782 -- --
Reduction in notes receivable.......................... 42 41 52
--------- -------- ---------
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities...... (1,074) 136 24,985
--------- -------- ---------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Increase in long-term debt............................. 31,982 -- 289
Reduction in long-term debt............................ (43) (45) (10,249)
Proceeds from the sale of convertible debentures and
notes............................................... 20,000 -- --
Dividends paid......................................... -- (494) (4,189)
Exercise of stock options and employee stock purchase
rights.............................................. 481 362 242
Acquisition of treasury shares......................... -- -- (1,295)
--------- -------- ---------
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities...... 52,420 (177) (15,202)
--------- -------- ---------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents..... (2,508) (13,314) 9,335
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year........... 4,359 17,673 8,338
--------- -------- ---------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year................. $ 1,851 $ 4,359 $ 17,673
--------- -------- ---------
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Cash paid during the year for:
Interest............................................... $ 6,637 $ 2,579 $ 3,520
--------- -------- ---------
Income taxes........................................... $ 115 $ 444 $ 1,317
--------- -------- ---------
The Company did not record any tax benefits resulting from the exercise of
stock options in fiscal 1998 or 1997 and recorded tax benefits of $59 during
fiscal 1996.
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
31
33
CML GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIENCY)
COMMON STOCK TREASURY STOCK
---------------------- ADDITIONAL RETAINED -------------------
SHARES PAR VALUE PAID-IN-CAPITAL EARNINGS (DEFICIT) SHARES COST
---------- --------- --------------- ------------------ --------- -------
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
BALANCE, JULY 31, 1995.... 52,076,674 $5,207 $79,805 $ 140,444 2,797,791 $36,904
Exercise of stock
options................. 102,360 10 311 -- 38,857 204
Employee stock purchase
plan sales & benefit
plan contributions...... 91,729 9 (425) -- (62,215) (790)
Royalty settlement........ 352,941 36 1,332 -- -- --
Tax benefit from exercise
of stock options........ -- -- 59 -- -- --
Acquisition of treasury
shares.................. -- -- -- -- 189,000 1,295
Cash dividends ($0.06 per
share).................. -- -- -- (2,954) -- --
Net loss.................. -- -- -- (100,424) -- --
---------- ------ ------- --------- --------- -------
BALANCE, JULY 31, 1996.... 52,623,704 5,262 81,082 37,066 2,963,433 37,613
Exercise of stock
options................. 138,960 14 366 -- 29,333 99
Employee stock purchase
plan sales & benefit
plan contributions...... (24,396) (2) (794) -- (91,365) (1,154)
Cash dividends ($0.01 per
share).................. -- -- -- (494) -- --
Net loss.................. -- -- -- (40,214) -- --
---------- ------ ------- --------- --------- -------
BALANCE, JULY 31, 1997.... 52,738,268 5,274 80,654 (3,642) 2,901,401 36,558
Exercise of stock
options................. 183,614 18 462 -- -- --
Employee stock purchase
plan sales & benefit
plan contributions...... 114,054 11 (689) -- (83,930) (1,057)
Issuance of deferred
compensation plan
shares.................. 76,620 8 68 -- -- --
Shares issued to senior
secured lenders......... 11,814,718 1,182 9,895 -- -- --
Warrants issued to senior
secured lenders......... -- -- 2,980 -- -- --
Net loss.................. -- -- -- (127,378) -- --
---------- ------ ------- --------- --------- -------
BALANCE, JULY 31, 1998.... 64,927,274 $6,493 $93,370 $(131,020) 2,817,471 $35,501
========== ====== ======= ========= ========= =======
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
32
34
CML GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
NOTE 1 -- BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of
CML Group, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (the "Company") and have been
prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets
and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. As shown
in the accompanying financial statements, during the years ended July 31, 1998,
1997 and 1996, the Company's losses from continuing operations before income
taxes aggregated $95,962, $60,931 and $131,284, respectively, and, as of July
31, 1998, the Company's current liabilities exceeded its current assets by
$112,915 and its total liabilities exceeded its total assets by $66,658. These
factors among others may indicate that the Company will be unable to continue as
a going concern for a reasonable period of time.
The financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to the
recoverability and classification of recorded asset amounts or the amounts and
classification of liabilities that might be necessary should the Company be
unable to continue as a going concern. As described in Notes 6 and 7 of Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company is not in compliance with its
financing agreements. On November 5, 1998, however, the lenders under the
Company's revolving credit facility and the holders of the 15% secured
convertible redeemable subordinated notes due 2003 agreed to forebear from
exercising their rights under the guaranties issued by the Company and its
subsidiaries until the earlier of January 31, 1999 or an event of default under
the forbearance agreement. The Company has classified amounts due under its
financing agreements as current liabilities in the accompanying balance sheet as
July 31, 1998. The Company's continuation as a going concern is dependent upon
its ability to generate sufficient cash flow to meet its obligations on a timely
basis, to comply with the terms and covenants of its financing agreements, to
obtain additional financing or refinancing as may be required, and ultimately to
attain successful operations.
On November 5, 1998, the Company's NordicTrack and Nordic Advantage
subsidiaries filed petitions with the United States Bankruptcy Court for the
Western Division of the District of Massachusetts seeking protection under
Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code. A plan of reorganization which
may include a partial or complete liquidation of NordicTrack's and Nordic
Advantage's assets is being prepared and will be submitted to the Court. In
addition, management intends to pursue a recapitalization plan which, if
successful, would result in a reduction in the amount of indebtedness
outstanding under the Company's revolving credit agreement to $35,000 or less by
April 1, 1999, to comply with the existing revolving credit agreement. The Plan
would also raise capital to fund expansion at Smith & Hawken. If the Company is
unable to execute its recapitalization plan, it could be forced to sell Smith &
Hawken or seek protection under the insolvency laws.
Summarized unaudited financial information with respect to NordicTrack as
of July 31, 1998 and 1997 and statement of operations information for each of
the fiscal years in the three year period ended July 31, 1998 is presented
below:
JULY 31,
-------------------
BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION: 1998 1997
- -------------------------- -------- -------
Current assets.......................................... $ 20,170 $37,400
Noncurrent assets....................................... 16,747 50,894
-------- -------
Total assets....................................... $ 36,917 $88,294
======== =======
Current liabilities..................................... $ 62,358(1) $31,543
Noncurrent liabilities.................................. -- 220
Stockholders' equity (deficiency)....................... (25,441) 56,531
-------- -------
Total liabilities and stockholder's equity......... $ 36,917 $88,294
======== =======
- ---------------
(1) Includes $24,735 of debt under the Company's revolving credit agreement
which is guaranteed by the Company and subsidiaries.
32
35
CML GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
YEAR ENDED JULY 31,
--------------------------------
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS INFORMATION: 1998 1997 1996
- ------------------------------------ -------- -------- --------
Sales.................................... $186,319 $267,740 $368,151
-------- -------- --------
Less costs and expenses:
Cost of goods sold.................... 119,679 129,269 163,849
Selling, general and administrative
expenses............................ 140,522 197,112 276,911
Impairment and restructuring
charges............................. 11,767 -- --
Interest (income) expense, net........ 2,533 (1,273) 135
-------- -------- --------
274,501 325,108 440,895
-------- -------- --------
Loss from continuing operations before
income taxes.......................... $(88,182) $(57,368) $(72,744)
======== ======== ========
NOTE 2 -- SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Principles of Consolidation
All significant intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated.
Cash Equivalents
The Company considers all highly liquid debt instruments with purchased
remaining maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market with cost being
determined by either the first-in, first-out or average cost methods.
Direct Response Advertising and Catalog Costs
Catalog costs are capitalized and amortized in proportion to the sales they
generate over periods not exceeding three months and six months, respectively.
Unamortized catalog costs are included in other current assets. Direct response
advertising expenses of the Company were $33,402, $72,149 and $113,213 in fiscal
1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost and depreciated using the
straight-line method over their estimated useful lives which range from three to
forty years or over the terms of the related leases, if such periods are
shorter.
Goodwill
Goodwill associated with the purchase of the Company's Smith & Hawken
subsidiary is being amortized on a straight-line basis over forty years. On an
annual basis, the Company reviews the carrying value of goodwill against
projections of undiscounted cash flows to evaluate the propriety of its carrying
value and amortization period. Accumulated amortization was $1,203 at July 31,
1998 and $966 at July 31, 1997. The Company wrote off the goodwill and
accumulated amortization relating to The Nature Company in fiscal 1996 in
connection with its disposition.
33
36
CML GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
Income Taxes
Deferred income taxes reflect the tax effects of temporary differences
between financial reporting and income tax reporting which result principally
from the valuation of finished goods inventories, the treatment of prepaid and
accrued expenses, net operating losses and depreciation methods.
Loan Origination Costs
Loan origination costs associated with the Company's revolving credit
facility are amortized over the life of the revolving credit facility.
Capitalized costs associated with the July 27, 1998 amendment to the revolving
credit facility total $13,819 as of July 31, 1998. These costs will be amortized
through interest expense over the 12 month period ended July 31, 1999.
Capitalized costs at July 31, 1998 include $11,077 for the issuance of
11,814,718 shares of common stock to the lenders, a commitment fee of $2,275 and
$467 for various other closing costs.
Per Share Data
Earnings per share data is presented in accordance with Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 128, "Earnings per Share," which was
implemented by the Company in the second quarter of fiscal 1998. The Company
calculated loss per share for each fiscal year by dividing the net loss by the
weighted average number of common shares outstanding. The net losses and the
number of shares included in the calculations of basic and diluted net losses
per share are the same during each fiscal year. Certain securities that could
potentially dilute basic earnings per share in the future were not included in
the computations of diluted net losses per share because to do so would have
been antidilutive for the periods presented. These securities include the
Company's convertible subordinated debentures, convertible subordinated notes,
warrants, and stock options; 2,435,505 shares associated with these securities
would have been included in the weighted average share calculation for the year
ended July 31, 1998 had their inclusion not been antidilutive.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
The Company evaluates impairment of long-lived assets in compliance with
SFAS No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for
Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of." As such, the carrying values of impaired
assets are compared with their discounted expected future cash flows to
determine the extent of any impairment charge. For purposes of SFAS No. 121,
assets are grouped at the retail store level which is the lowest level for which
there is identifiable and independent cash flow information. The Company
recorded impairment charges of $2,877 in fiscal 1998 and $603 in fiscal 1997.
Employee Stock-Based Compensation
The Company measures employee stock-based compensation in its consolidated
financial statements according to the provisions of Accounting Principles Board
("APB") Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees." Compensation
expense is recognized under APB Opinion No. 25 when employee stock-based awards
are granted at prices different from the market price of the stock on the date
of grant. The Company discloses the pro forma impact on earnings and earnings
per share from application of the fair value method of calculating employee
stock-based compensation in accordance with SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for
Stock-Based Compensation."
New Accounting Standards
The Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No. 130, "Reporting
Comprehensive Income," and SFAS No. 131, "Disclosures about Segments of an
Enterprise and Related Information," in June 1997. SFAS No. 130 is effective for
fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1997. SFAS No. 131 is also effective
35
37
CML GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1997 but is not applicable to
interim financial statements in the initial year of application.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles requires the Company to make estimates
and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingencies at the date of the consolidated financial statements
and the reported amount of revenues and expenses during the period. Actual
results could differ from those estimates.
Reclassifications
Certain fiscal 1997 and 1996 amounts have been reclassified to conform to
the fiscal 1998 presentation.
NOTE 3 -- NORDICTRACK IMPAIRMENT AND RESTRUCTURING CHARGES
During the second quarter of fiscal 1998, NordicTrack announced plans to
strategically reposition its operations by outsourcing its manufacturing and
distribution activities and closing its Glencoe, Minnesota production facility;
exiting or outsourcing its direct response and catalog businesses; and closing
underperforming stores. As a result of these strategic initiatives, NordicTrack
recorded non-recurring restructuring charges of $8,890 during the second and
fourth quarters of fiscal 1998 for severance, plant shutdown and other costs. As
of July 31, 1998, $6,750 of the reserve had been utilized leaving a balance of
$2,140 to cover future costs. Of the costs charged against the reserve in the
third and fourth quarters of fiscal 1998, $1,042 required the expenditure of
cash, primarily for severance.
During the second quarter of fiscal 1998, NordicTrack also recorded $2,877
of asset impairment charges in compliance with Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for
Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of." Impaired assets included tooling used to
manufacture cross-country skiers and non-motorized treadmills in Glencoe,
Minnesota and retail store fixed assets. Tooling costs were written off in their
entirety. Store fixed asset write-downs were measured based on a comparison of
the assets' net book value to the net present value of the stores' estimated
future net cash flows.
In addition, in the second quarter of fiscal 1998, NordicTrack wrote down
inventory by $1,086, which was included in cost of goods sold, and accrued
$2,023 for lease termination and other costs related to the reorganization plan.
In October 1998, NordicTrack also announced the closing of substantially all of
its seasonal kiosks and additional layoffs of up to 800 employees at its Chaska,
Minnesota and Glencoe, Minnesota facilities.
NOTE 4 -- DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
During fiscal 1995, the Company decided to sell its wholly-owned
subsidiary, Britches of Georgetowne ("Britches"), and accounted for Britches as
a discontinued operation. On April 12, 1996, the Company sold the common stock
of Britches for $13,400 in cash plus the assumption of certain liabilities. The
Company recorded a provision for loss on the disposal of Britches of $15,615,
net of an income tax benefit of $8,408 in fiscal 1996. Britches' net sales were
$89,285 in fiscal 1996.
NOTE 5 -- DIVESTITURE OF THE NATURE COMPANY AND HEAR MUSIC
The Company decided to divest its Nature Company and Hear Music
subsidiaries during the third quarter of fiscal 1996. Included in the loss from
continuing operations for fiscal 1996 is a pre-tax charge of $30,824 to write
down the net assets of The Nature Company and Hear Music to estimated net
realizable value and to accrue estimated lease termination and assignment costs
and other transaction costs. The Nature Company and Hear Music had sales of
$112,705 and pre-tax operating losses of $14,242 in fiscal 1996,
35
38
CML GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
excluding the $30,824 write-down recorded in anticipation of the sale of The
Nature Company and Hear Music.
On June 6, 1996, substantially all of the assets of The Nature Company were
sold for $39,870 in cash and the assumption of certain liabilities. The Company
sold substantially all of the assets of Hear Music on October 23, 1996 for $371
in cash plus the assumption of certain liabilities.
NOTE 6 -- REVOLVING CREDIT AGREEMENT AND LONG-TERM DEBT
Long-term debt consisted of the following at July 31:
1998 1997
-------- ----
Revolving credit loan..................................... $ 31,982 $ --
Note payable.............................................. 212 233
Obligations under capital leases (Note 9)................. 25 47
-------- ----
32,219 280
Less current portion...................................... (32,219) (35)
-------- ----
Long-term debt............................................ $ -- $245
======== ====
Revolving Credit Agreement
On July 27, 1998, the Company's senior secured revolving credit agreement
was amended to, among other things, increase the total borrowing capacity of the
Company's subsidiaries for loan advances and letters of credit from $50,000 to
$65,000 and increase the maximum overadvance amount from $35,000 to $49,896. The
amended agreement, which expires on August 1, 1999, allocates the total
commitment between NordicTrack and Smith & Hawken. Loan advances under the
agreement bear interest at 4.0% above the lenders' "base rate" which
approximates the prime rate. At July 31, 1998, the lenders' prime rate was 8.5%.
The agreement provides for a reduction in the total commitment for net cash
proceeds received from the sale of assets not in the ordinary course of business
or the issuance of subordinated debt or equity securities. To the extent the
Company is not successful in reducing the total commitment to $35,000, or less,
by April 1, 1999, the Company must issue notes to the lenders in the principal
amount equal to interest which would have accrued at the rate of 1.5% per month,
compounded monthly, on the outstanding principal amount of the loans from
January 1, 1999 through the date on which the total commitment is reduced to not
more than $35,000. Thereafter and until the total commitment is reduced to
$35,000, all loans bear interest at the base rate plus 4.0%, payable monthly in
arrears in cash, plus 1.5% per month, payable monthly in arrears by issuance of
notes in the principal amount of such accrued unpaid interest. Overdue principal
and interest on loans and all other overdue amounts bear interest compounded
monthly and payable on demand at a rate per annum equal to 2.0% above the
otherwise applicable interest rate. An unused line fee of 0.5% per annum of the
unused commitment is payable quarterly in arrears. The Company may not pay cash
dividends and its capital expenditures are limited under the agreement. In
connection with an interim financing agreement obtained during April 1998, the
Company issued warrants to one of the lenders to purchase 1,621,741 shares of
the Company's common stock at a nominal exercise price. Prior to July 31, 1998,
approximately 1,045,400 warrants expired. In connection with the July 27, 1998
amendment, the Company issued 11,814,718 shares of common stock, with a market
value of $11,077 on July 27, 1998, to the other two lenders. The market value of
the common stock, together with a commitment fee of $2,275 and other closing
costs, are capitalized into other assets and will be amortized over the 12 month
period ending July 31, 1999. Advances under the Company's revolving line of
credit are classified as current liabilities in the consolidated financial
statements. An event of default under the revolving credit agreement, if not
waived by the senior secured lenders, constitutes a default under the terms of
the convertible subordinated debentures and notes described in Note 7 of Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements.
36
39
CML GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
The bankruptcy petitions filed by NordicTrack and Nordic Advantage on
November 5, 1998 (see Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements)
constitute defaults under the Company's revolving credit agreement. On November
5, 1998, however, the lenders under the Company's revolving credit facility and
the holders of the 15% secured convertible redeemable subordinated notes due
2003 agreed to forbear from exercising their rights under the guaranties issued
by the Company and its subsidiaries until the earlier of January 31, 1999 or an
event of default under the forbearance agreement. The forbearance agreement
increases the total borrowing capacity of the Company's subsidiaries under the
revolving credit facility to $72,000 including $1,500 of debtor in possession
financing for NordicTrack. In addition, the forbearance agreement included a
commitment fee of $1,380 payable in cash to the senior secured lenders. A
commitment fee of $400 also is due to the State of Wisconsin Investment Board,
which is the holder of $20,000 of secured convertible subordinated notes (see
Note 7 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements).
Loan advances outstanding under the Company's revolving credit agreement
averaged $25,398 in fiscal 1998 with a maximum of $48,518 outstanding at any
time. The average interest rate on advances outstanding during the year was
10.6% and the average effective rate, after giving effect to loan origination
costs and commitment fees, was 29.7%. At July 31, 1998, the Company had advances
of $31,982 and letters of credit of $3,549 outstanding under the agreement.
Note Payable
The note payable, which bears interest at 6.0%, is due in monthly
installments of approximately $3 and matures on August 1, 2006. As a result of
the Company's non-compliance with covenants in its revolving credit agreement,
all amounts payable under the note may be accelerated. Accordingly, the note
payable is classified as a current liability in the consolidated financial
statements.
Product Financing Arrangements
The Company has entered into two product financing arrangements, one in
fiscal 1996 with limited recourse and the other in fiscal 1997 with full
recourse. Under the arrangement with limited recourse, the Company assumes all
risk of credit loss on bad debts between 4% and 8% of average receivables; at
July 31, 1998 the receivable portfolio balance under this arrangement was
$17,962. The Company is responsible for all bad debts under the financing
arrangement with full recourse; the receivable portfolio balance under this
arrangement was $1,267 at July 31, 1998. Both arrangements require the Company
to pay the financing company, on a monthly basis, an amount equal to the
difference between the average monthly high-grade commercial paper rate, which
was 5.52% at July 31, 1998, and 5.75% on the average portfolio balance. The
arrangement with limited recourse is a five year contract that may be terminated
during the first three years upon six months notice. The arrangement with full
recourse expired in November 1997.
NOTE 7 -- CONVERTIBLE SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES AND NOTES (CLASSIFIED AS CURRENT
LIABILITIES)
On January 20, 1993, the Company issued $57,500 of 5 1/2% convertible
subordinated debentures due January 15, 2003. As of July 31, 1998, debentures
with a par value of $41,593 were outstanding. Interest on
37
40
CML GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
the outstanding debentures is payable semiannually in arrears on January 15 and
July 15 of each year. The debentures are convertible into shares of the
Company's common stock at a conversion price of $25.917 per share, subject to
adjustment under certain circumstances. The debentures are redeemable at the
option of the Company, in whole or in part, at par. The estimated fair value of
the convertible subordinated debentures based upon quoted market prices was
approximately $22,980 and $30,155 at July 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively. The
convertible subordinated debentures are subject to redemption at the option of
the holders if the Company's common stock is neither listed for trading on a
United States national securities exchange nor approved for trading on an
established automated over-the-counter trading market in the United States. The
Company's common stock continues to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange,
although the Company does not currently meet the listing requirements of the
exchange. The New York Stock Exchange is reviewing the continued listing status
of the Company.
On July 27, 1998, the Company issued a $20,000 secured convertible
subordinated note to the State of Wisconsin Investment Board which, on October
14, 1998, was replaced with two notes totaling $20,000 payable to the State of
Wisconsin Investment Board. The notes mature on July 27, 2003 and bear interest
at 15% payable semiannually in arrears on June 30 and December 31. The notes are
convertible into shares of the Company's common stock at the rate of one share
of common stock for each $4.00 of principal amount surrendered for conversion,
subject to adjustment under certain circumstances. The notes are redeemable at
par at the option of the Company, in whole or in part, or at the option of the
holder after September 1, 2000. The estimated fair value of the secured
convertible subordinated notes was approximately $20,000 at July 31, 1998. The
Company's non-compliance with covenants contained in its revolving credit
agreement discussed in Note 6 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements,
constitutes defaults on the notes. The State of Wisconsin Investment Board,
however, agreed to forbear from exercising its rights and remedies under the
notes until January 31, 1999, in exchange for a commitment fee of $400 which
will be added to the principal amount of the notes. Under the terms of the
forbearance agreement, the State of Wisconsin Investment Board also agreed to
defer the due date of the first interest payment on the notes from December 31,
1998 until January 31, 1999.
NOTE 8 -- INCOME TAXES
The provision (benefit) for income taxes consists of the following:
YEAR ENDED JULY 31,
-------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
------- -------- --------
Current
Federal........................................... $ -- $ 31 $(48,740)
State and foreign................................. 78 106 143
------- -------- --------
78 137 (48,597)
Deferred
Federal........................................... 31,757 (20,084) 778
State and foreign................................. (419) (770) 1,344
------- -------- --------
Total............................................... $31,416 $(20,717) $(46,475)
======= ======== ========
Continuing operations............................... $31,416 $(20,717) $(46,475)
Discontinued operations (Note 3).................... -- -- (8,408)
------- -------- --------
Total............................................... $31,416 $(20,717) $(54,883)
======= ======== ========
38
41
CML GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
The sources of prepaid and deferred income taxes and the related tax effect
are as follows:
JULY 31,
-------------------
1998 1997
-------- -------
Current Assets
Inventories............................................... $ 2,711 $ 2,343
Depreciation and amortization............................. 399 --
Compensation expenses..................................... 882 380
Occupancy expenses........................................ 191 335
Receivable reserves....................................... 573 853
Other..................................................... 3,026 2,015
Less valuation allowance.................................. (7,200) (1,134)
-------- -------
582 4,792
-------- -------
Noncurrent Assets
Depreciation and amortization............................. 1,610 999
Net operating losses...................................... 54,394 27,221
Insurance expenses........................................ 1,322 1,554
Occupancy expenses........................................ 632 897
Alternative minimum tax credit............................ 2,270 2,270
Other..................................................... 3,163 20
Less valuation allowance.................................. (61,885) (7,095)
-------- -------
1,506 25,866
-------- -------
Total assets................................................ $ 2,088 $30,658
======== =======
Current Liabilities
Catalog costs............................................. $ 414 $ 494
Advertising costs......................................... -- 234
Other..................................................... 168 161
-------- -------
582 889
-------- -------
Noncurrent Liabilities
Goodwill.................................................. 1,506 1,454
-------- -------
1,506 1,454
-------- -------
Total liabilities........................................... $ 2,088 $ 2,343
======== =======
Total net deferred taxes.................................... $ -- $28,315
======== =======
See Note 10 "Tax Matters" for additional tax information.
The valuation allowance increased by $60,856 during fiscal 1998 to $69,085
at July 31, 1998 primarily due to net operating losses and a change in estimate
with respect to the future realization of the Company's deferred tax assets. The
July 31, 1998 valuation allowance primarily relates to net operating loss
carryforwards that may not be realized. The valuation allowance increased by
$446 during fiscal 1997 to $8,229 at July 31, 1997 primarily due to foreign
related losses. The July 31, 1997 valuation allowance primarily relates to
foreign net operating loss carryforwards that may not be realized and the
alternative minimum tax credit. Net operating loss carryforwards begin expiring
in 2000.
39
42
CML GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
A reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate to the effective
tax rate for continuing operations is as follows:
1998 1997 1996
----- ----- -----
Statutory federal income tax rate........................... (34.0)% (34.0)% (35.0)%
State and foreign income taxes net of federal tax effect.... 0.1 0.2 (0.5)
Increase in valuation allowance, net........................ 66.6 -- --
Benefit of foreign sales corporation........................ -- (0.1) (0.2)
Other....................................................... -- (0.1) 0.3
----- ----- -----
Effective tax rate.......................................... 32.7% (34.0)% (35.4)%
===== ===== =====
NOTESecretary
9 -- EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
Stock Option Plans
At July 31, 1998, there were 340,458 and 2,629,436 shares reserved for
issuance pursuant to the Company's 1982 and 1991 Stock Option Plans,
respectively. The terms of both Plans generally provide for options to be
granted at fair market value as of the date of grant for a term of no longer
than ten years. The options generally become exercisable over the first four
years. However, options that fully vest over their first two years representing
760,000 shares of common stock were granted in fiscal 1998.
At July 31, 1998, there were 54,000 and 250,000 shares reserved for
issuance pursuant to the Company's 1993 and 1996 Director Option Plans,
respectively. The terms of both Plans generally provide for options to be
granted to non-employee directors at fair market value as of the date of grant
for a term of ten years. The options vest in three equal annual installments
beginning on the first anniversary of the date of grant.
Combined activity under the Company's option plans is summarized as
follows:
OUTSTANDING OPTIONS EXERCISABLE OPTIONS
----------------------------- ----------------------------
WEIGHTED AVERAGE WEIGHTED AVERAGE
NUMBER EXERCISE PRICE NUMBER EXERCISE PRICE
---------- ---------------- --------- ----------------
BALANCE AT AUGUST 1, 1995......... 2,038,195 $ 8.97 1,359,209 $7.39
Granted......................... 553,728 5.03
Exercised....................... (102,360) 3.14
Terminated...................... (212,160) 13.72
---------- ------ --------- -----
BALANCE AT JULY 31, 1996.......... 2,277,403 $ 7.83 1,422,192 $7.91
Granted......................... 584,000 3.53
Exercised....................... (138,960) 2.74
Terminated...................... (385,475) 9.45
---------- ------ --------- -----
BALANCE AT JULY 31, 1997.......... 2,336,968 $ 6.79 1,438,088 $8.01
Granted......................... 1,280,929 2.30
Exercised....................... (183,614) 2.62
Terminated...................... (1,034,322) 6.89
---------- ------ --------- -----
BALANCE AT JULY 31, 1998.......... 2,399,961 $ 4.67 1,408,867 $5.88
========== ====== ========= =====
40
43
CML GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
A summary of outstanding options as of July 31, 1998 follows:
OUTSTANDING OPTIONS EXERCISABLE OPTIONS
-------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------
REMAINING
RANGE OF EXERCISE NUMBER OF WEIGHTED AVERAGE CONTRACTUAL LIFE NUMBER OF WEIGHTED AVERAGE
PRICES SHARES EXERCISE PRICE IN YEARS SHARES EXERCISE PRICE
- ----------------- --------- ---------------- ------------------- --------- ----------------
$1.44 - $5.00........ 1,744,812 $ 2.48 7.81 836,683 $ 2.32
$5.01 - $10.00....... 477,499 7.57 6.00 394,534 7.77
$10.01 & higher...... 177,650 18.41 4.58 177,650 18.41
--------- ------ ---- --------- ------
2,399,961 $ 4.67 7.21 1,408,867 $ 5.88
========= ====== ==== ========= ======
Employee Stock Purchase Plans
The Company's 1996 Employee Stock Purchase Plan authorizes the issuance of
975,000 shares in three annual offerings of 325,000 shares, plus the shares not
purchased in prior offerings. Under the third offering, which ends June 14,
1999, 202 employees have elected to receive 296,327 shares. The first offering
which ended June 14, 1997, and the second offering which ended June 14, 1998,
resulted in the issuance of 37,819 and 83,410 shares to 43 and 56 employees at
prices of $2.13 and $1.54 per share, respectively.
Employee Benefit Plan
The Company maintains a defined contribution benefit plan covering
substantially all of its employees. The Company makes annual contributions to
the plan, either in cash or the Company's common stock, based on a percentage of
employee compensation as provided by the terms of the plan. Contributions by the
Company to the plan charged to operations in fiscal 1998, 1997 and 1996 were
$563, $501 and $1,010, respectively.
Deferred Compensation Plan
The Company's Incentive Deferred Compensation Plan provides for the grant
of incentive compensation awards in the form of shares of common stock to senior
executive employees of the Company and its subsidiaries. These shares will be
issued to the participants and distributed to them no later than one year after
their retirement, disability or death, or their sixty-fifth birthday, whichever
occurs first. No awards have been made under the plan in the last ten fiscal
years. During fiscal 1998, the Company issued 76,620 shares of common stock to
plan participants leaving a balance of 28,140 shares in the plan as of July 31,
1998.
SFAS No. 123 Pro Forma Disclosures
Compensation cost based on the fair value method of valuing stock-based
awards would have resulted in the following pro forma losses and losses per
share, in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for
Stock-Based Compensation:"
41
44
CML GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
YEAR ENDED JULY 31,
----------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
--------- -------- ---------
NET LOSS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS:
As reported.................................... $(127,378) $(40,214) $ (84,809)
Pro forma...................................... (128,480) (40,704) (85,093)
NET LOSS:
As reported.................................... $(127,378) $(40,214) $(100,424)
Pro forma...................................... (128,480) (40,704) (100,708)
BASIC & DILUTED NET LOSS PER SHARE FROM
CONTINUING OPERATIONS:
As reported.................................... $ (2.54) $ (0.81) $ (1.72)
Pro forma...................................... (2.56) (0.82) (1.72)
BASIC & DILUTED NET LOSS PER SHARE:
As reported.................................... $ (2.54) $ (0.81) $ (2.04)
Pro forma...................................... (2.56) (0.82) (2.04)
Fair values were calculated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.
Key assumptions used in the model were:
1998 1997 1996
--------------- -------------- --------------
Dividend yield...................... 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%
Volatility.......................... 94.83 - 115.17% 61.73 - 76.89% 38.96 - 72.47%
Risk-free interest rate............. 5.42 - 6.33% 5.72 - 6.88% 5.82 - 6.81%
Expected life in years.............. 9.26 7.12 9.16
Weighted average grant date fair
value............................. $2.01 $1.49 $2.80
NOTE 10 -- COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Leases
The Company leases certain office, distribution and retail space, as well
as vehicles and equipment, under agreements expiring over the next 15 years.
Most of the leases for retail space provide for renewal options, contain normal
escalation clauses and require the Company to pay real estate taxes and other
expenses.
Capital leases, which consist of vehicles included in machinery and
equipment in the consolidated financial statements, are as follows:
JULY 31,
------------
1998 1997
---- ----
Machinery and equipment..................................... $ 40 $ 73
Less accumulated amortization............................... (37) (41)
---- ----
Machinery and equipment, net................................ $ 3 $ 32
==== ====
42
45
CML GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
Future minimum lease payments under leases that have initial or remaining
noncancelable lease terms in excess of one year at July 31, 1998 are as follows:
CAPITAL OPERATING
LEASES LEASES
------- ---------
Year ending July 31:
1999...................................................... $25 $12,375
2000...................................................... -- 11,548
2001...................................................... -- 9,708
2002...................................................... -- 7,786
2003...................................................... -- 6,725
Thereafter................................................ -- 18,341
--- -------
Total minimum lease payments.............................. 25 66,483
Less portion representing interest........................ -- --
--- -------
$25 $66,483
=== =======
The total minimum payments required under operating leases do not include
contingent rentals which may be paid under certain store leases on the basis of
a percentage of sales in excess of stipulated amounts. Total rentals charged to
operations in fiscal 1998, 1997 and 1996 were $21,601, $25,633 and $53,616,
respectively. Contingent rentals were approximately $350 in fiscal 1998, $500 in
fiscal 1997 and $3,317 in fiscal 1996. Store construction credits of $2,153 and
$1,387 and deferred rent liabilities of $521 and $366 were included in other
noncurrent liabilities at July 31, 1998 and July 31, 1997, respectively.
Litigation
NordicTrack is named as the defendant in a Consolidated Class Action
Complaint ("Consolidated Complaint") filed on September 25, 1996 in the United
States District Court for the Southern District of New York and subsequently
transferred to the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota on
January 30, 1997. The named plaintiffs, Elissa Crespi and John Lucien Ware, Jr.,
allege in the Consolidated Complaint that NordicTrack made false and misleading
claims in its advertising concerning the weight loss of persons using its ski
exercisers by misrepresenting and failing to disclose material findings of
weight loss studies conducted by or on behalf of NordicTrack. The named
plaintiffs assert claims of common law fraud, fraudulent concealment, negligent
misrepresentation and omission, breach of express and implied warranties, and
violation of Section 349 of the State of New York General Business Law. The
named plaintiffs also seek to represent a class allegedly consisting of all
persons in the United States who purchased a NordicTrack ski exerciser during
the period from November 15, 1993 to April 10, 1996, excluding NordicTrack and
its employees. On September 2, 1997, the named plaintiffs filed a motion to
remand the case to state court in New York, which NordicTrack opposed. On
January 5, 1998, the parties reached an agreement-in-principle concerning the
general terms and conditions of a class action settlement of the case which was
memorialized in a Memorandum of Understanding filed with the Minnesota Court. On
January 8, 1998, the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota
remanded the case to the Supreme Court for the State of New York for
consideration of whether the proposed settlement should be approved and a final
judgment and order entered thereon. Since the filing of the Memorandum of
Understanding, the parties have executed the comprehensive terms of a
Stipulation of Settlement. Management believes the settlement will not have a
material adverse impact on the Company's business, financial condition and
results of operations. In addition, there can be no assurance that the New York
Court will ultimately approve the class settlement. If the New York Court does
approve the settlement, there can be no assurance that it will not be reversed
or modified on appeal.
43
46
CML GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
NordicTrack is the defendant in a lawsuit in the United States District
Court for the District of Minnesota which commenced on August 12, 1996. In this
action, the plaintiff, Precise Exercise Equipment ("Precise"), alleges that
NordicTrack misappropriated trade secrets regarding Precise's abdominal exercise
product and further breached a non-competition agreement. The parties have
entered into settlement discussions and are in the process of negotiating and
drafting an acceptable written settlement agreement. Management believes the
contemplated settlement will not have a material adverse impact on the Company's
business, financial condition and results of operations. There can be no
assurance, however, that the parties will be successful in negotiating a
mutually acceptable written agreement or that the proposed settlement will
ultimately receive court approval.
In a complaint dated September 30, 1997, filed by Precor Incorporated
("Precor") in the United States District Court for the Western District of
Washington in Seattle, Precor alleges that the manufacture, offering for sale
and sale by NordicTrack of its exercisers marketed under the Ellipse(TM)
trademark infringe a United States patent which Precor has licensed from the
inventor, Larry Miller (the "Miller Patent"). The technology used in
NordicTrack's Ellipse(TM) exercisers is licensed by NordicTrack from a third
party, and the Company believes that NordicTrack's products do not infringe the
Miller Patent. In February 1998, Precor amended the complaint to add
infringement claims against a major wholesale customer of NordicTrack's and the
licenser of NordicTrack's technology. In March 1998, Precor added as parties the
two manufacturers of the Ellipse(TM) exercisers, one in Taiwan and one in
Tennessee. The complaint is scheduled for trial in 1999. Precor has returned the
Miller Patent to the United States Patent and Trademark Office for further
examination. NordicTrack filed a separate reexamination request in April 1998
and requested a stay of the litigation pending completion of the reexaminations.
The Court has denied the stay petition. Meanwhile, discovery has recently
commenced. While NordicTrack believes it has meritorious defenses to the
complaint and intends to vigorously defend against the allegations, this lawsuit
is in an early stage and the Company is unable to determine the likelihood and
possible impact on the Company's business, financial condition and results of
operations of an unfavorable outcome.
On May 8, 1998, NordicTrack was named as a defendant in a complaint filed
by Fitness Quest Inc. ("Fitness Quest") in the United States District Court for
the Eastern Division of the Northern District of Ohio. Fitness Quest alleges the
marketing by NordicTrack of a line of elliptical exercise products under the
Ellipse(TM) trademark infringes the Eclipse Trainer(R) trademark used by Fitness
Quest on its elliptical motion exercise machines and also alleges various
violations of state and federal unfair competition laws. This complaint was
settled on September 28, 1998. Management believes the contemplated settlement
will not have a material adverse impact on the Company's business, financial
condition and results of operations.
On May 21, 1998, NordicTrack was named as a defendant in a complaint filed
by Michael L. Richey ("Richey"), an individual inventor and patentee of United
States Patent No. 4,949,958 entitled "Weight Lifting Machine", in the United
States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana at Indianapolis.
Richey alleges that the NordicTrack UltraLift and Isolift exercise machines
infringe his patent. He seeks an injunction under the patent to block sale by
NordicTrack of those machines. No request for a preliminary injunction has yet
been filed. Discovery has recently begun. While NordicTrack believes it has
meritorious defenses to the complaint and intends to vigorously defend against
the allegations, this lawsuit is in its earliest stages and the Company is
unable to determine the likelihood and possible impact on the Company's
business, financial condition and results of operations of an unfavorable
outcome.
On November 2, 1998, NordicTrack, Inc., the NordicTrack Severance Pay Plan
and CML Group, Inc. were named as defendants in a Class Action Complaint (the
"Class Action Complaint") filed in United States District Court for the District
of Minnesota by five former NordicTrack employees on behalf of themselves and
other persons similarly situated. The named plaintiffs, Jay Miller, Carol
Hamlin, Denisa Pulk, Colleen Entinger and Bernadine Venske allege in the Class
Action Complaint that NordicTrack and CML Group violated the Worker Adjustment
and Retraining Notification Act (the "WARN Act") by failing to
44
47
CML GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
provide sixty days written notice to employees advising them that NordicTrack
facilities in Chaska, Minnesota and Glencoe, Minnesota were going to be
shutdown. The plaintiffs further allege that NordicTrack and CML Group violated
the Employee Retirement Income Security Act ("ERISA") by breaching their
fiduciary duty to pay terminated NordicTrack employees benefits pursuant to the
NordicTrack Severance Pay Plan. The plaintiffs are seeking back pay and damages
pursuant to the WARN Act and severance benefits under the NordicTrack Severance
Pay Plan. While NordicTrack and CML Group believe they have meritorious defenses
to the Class Action Complaint and intend to vigorously defend against the
allegations, this lawsuit is in its earliest stages and the Company is unable to
determine the likelihood and possible impact on the Company's financial
condition or results of operations of an unfavorable outcome.
The Company is involved in various other legal proceedings which have
arisen in the ordinary course of business. Management believes the outcome of
such other legal proceedings will not have a material adverse impact on the
Company's consolidated financial condition or results of operations.
Environmental Matters
On June 3, 1991, the Company received from the United States Environmental
Protection Agency ("EPA") a Special Notice Letter containing a formal demand on
the Company as a Potentially Responsible Party ("PRP") for reimbursement of the
costs incurred and expected to be incurred in response to environmental problems
at a so-called "Superfund" site in Conway, New Hampshire. The EPA originally
estimated the costs of remedial action and future maintenance and monitoring
programs at the site at about $7,276. The Superfund site includes a vacant
parcel of land owned by a subsidiary of the Company as well as adjoining
property owned by a third party. No manufacturing or other activities involving
hazardous substances have ever been conducted by the Company or its affiliates
on the Superfund site in Conway. The environmental problems affecting the land
resulted from activities by the owners of the adjoining parcel. Representatives
of the Company have engaged in discussions with the EPA regarding responsibility
for the environmental problems and the costs of cleanup. The owners of the
adjoining parcel are bankrupt. The EPA commenced cleanup activities at the site
in July 1992.
The EPA expended approximately $1,415 for the removal phase of the site
cleanup, which has now been completed. The EPA had estimated that the removal
costs would exceed $3,000, but only a small portion of the solid waste removed
from the site was ultimately identified as hazardous waste. Therefore, the EPA's
actual response costs for the removal phase were less than it originally
estimated. The EPA implemented the groundwater phase of the cleanup, which the
EPA originally estimated would cost approximately $4,020.
The Company believes that the EPA's estimated cost for cleanup, including
the proposed remedial actions, is excessive and involves unnecessary actions. In
addition, a portion of the proposed remedial cost involves cleanup of the
adjoining property that is not owned by the Company or any of its affiliates.
Therefore, the Company believes it is not responsible for that portion of the
cleanup costs.
In May 1998, settlement discussions with the EPA resumed regarding
responsibility for the environmental problems and the costs of cleanup. An
agreement in principle has been reached pursuant to which the Company will be
required to pay $600 to the EPA in return for a release from liability. The
terms of the settlement document, including the release, are under negotiation.
The Company's primary insurer has agreed to pay $575 of the settlement and the
Company will pay $25.
In June 1992, the EPA notified the Company that it may be liable for the
release of hazardous substances by the Company's former Boston Whaler subsidiary
at a hazardous waste treatment and storage facility in Southington, Connecticut.
The EPA has calculated the Company's volumetric contribution at less than two-
tenths of one percent. Because complete cleanup cost estimates for the site are
not yet available, an accurate assessment of the Company's likely range of
liability cannot be made. Accordingly, the impact on the Company's business,
financial condition and results of operations is not presently determinable.
45
48
CML GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
Tax Matters
The Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") has been engaged in an examination of
the Company's tax returns for the fiscal years 1987 through 1991. The IRS issued
a "30-day letter" to the Company proposing certain adjustments which, if
sustained, would result in a tax deficiency for the years under examination. The
Company has filed an appeal with the IRS protesting the proposed adjustments.
The adjustments proposed by the IRS primarily relate to: (i) the disallowance of
deductions taken by the Company with respect to incentive compensation payments
of $43,000 made to the former owners of NordicTrack (acquired in June 1986)
pursuant to their employment contracts; and (ii) incentive compensation payments
made to the former owners of Britches of Georgetowne (acquired in August 1983
and sold in April 1996) pursuant to the terms of an earnout agreement and the
valuation of certain assets acquired in connection with the acquisition of
Britches of Georgetowne in the amount of $9,200 . The net federal tax due
relating to the proposed adjustments approximates $15,900. Interest on the
proposed deficiencies approximates $22,200 as of July 31, 1998.
The Company believes that its positions with respect to these issues taken
were valid and in accordance with the Internal Revenue Code and intends to
vigorously oppose the proposed adjustments. However, at this stage no assurance
can be given of a favorable outcome on these matters. If the IRS proposed
adjustments are sustained, any back taxes owed and associated interest would
have a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated operating results
for the period in which such issues are finally resolved and would also have a
material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated financial condition.
Letters of Credit
At July 31, 1998, the Company was contingently liable for outstanding
letters of credit in the amount of $3,549.
NOTE 11 -- PREFERENCE STOCK
Preference Stock
The Company has 2,000,000 shares, $.10 par value, of preference stock
authorized, none of which was issued and outstanding at July 31, 1998.
NOTE 12 -- INDUSTRY SEGMENTS
The Company operates in two industry segments, NordicTrack and Smith &
Hawken. NordicTrack sells physical fitness exercise products. The Smith & Hawken
segment currently includes only Smith & Hawken which sells gardening related
products. Prior to April 28, 1996, the Smith & Hawken segment included The
Nature Company and Hear Music, in addition to Smith & Hawken, and sold nature,
music and gardening related items.
Britches of Georgetowne is treated as a discontinued operation in the
following industry segment information and in the accompanying consolidated
financial statements.
46
49
CML GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
YEAR ENDED JULY 31,
---------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
-------- -------- ---------
Net Sales:
NordicTrack............................................. $186,319 $267,740 $ 368,151
Smith & Hawken.......................................... 88,041 73,575 176,754
-------- -------- ---------
$274,360 $341,315 $ 544,905
======== ======== =========
Operating Income (Loss):
NordicTrack............................................. $(85,649) $(58,641) $ (72,609)
Smith & Hawken (Note 5)................................. 2,801 2,008 (47,691)
-------- -------- ---------
(82,848) (56,633) (120,300)
Interest, Corporate and Other Expenses.................... (13,114) (4,298) (10,984)
-------- -------- ---------
$(95,962) $(60,931) $(131,284)
======== ======== =========
Identifiable Assets at July 31:
NordicTrack............................................. $ 36,917 $ 88,294 $ 138,431
Smith & Hawken.......................................... 45,075 43,744 45,898
Corporate and Other..................................... 12,340 14,298 29,022
-------- -------- ---------
$ 94,332 $146,336 $ 213,351
======== ======== =========
Depreciation and Amortization:
NordicTrack............................................. $ 8,886 $ 11,277 $ 11,369
Smith & Hawken.......................................... 3,095 2,800 12,412
Discontinued Operations................................. -- -- 4,454
Corporate and Other..................................... 5,042 753 503
-------- -------- ---------
$ 17,023 $ 14,830 $ 28,738
======== ======== =========
Capital Expenditures:
NordicTrack............................................. $ 1,714 $ 4,523 $ 7,551
Smith & Hawken.......................................... 4,941 1,403 12,459
Discontinued Operations................................. -- -- 1,536
Corporate and Other..................................... 11 5 9
-------- -------- ---------
$ 6,666 $ 5,931 $ 21,555
======== ======== =========
47
50
SCHEDULE II
CML GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
(IN THOUSANDS)
BALANCE
AT CHARGED BALANCE
BEGINNING TO COSTS AT END
DESCRIPTION OF YEAR AND EXPENSES DEDUCTIONS OF YEAR
- ----------- --------- ------------ ---------- -------
(IN THOUSANDS)
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable:
Year Ended July 31, 1996..................... $2,141 $ 4,652 $ 3,305 $ 3,488
Year Ended July 31, 1997..................... 3,488 1,553 2,335 2,706
Year Ended July 31, 1998..................... 2,706 1,026 1,617 2,115
Allowance for Doubtful Notes Receivable:
Year Ended July 31, 1996..................... $ 9 $ -- $ -- $ 9
Year Ended July 31, 1997..................... 9 -- 3 6
Year Ended July 31, 1998..................... 6 -- 6 --
Accrual for Loss on Disposals:
Year Ended July 31, 1996..................... $6,276 $54,847 $58,416 $ 2,707
Year Ended July 31, 1997..................... 2,707 -- 2,707 --
Year Ended July 31, 1998..................... -- -- -- --
Income Tax Valuation Allowance:
Year Ended July 31, 1996..................... $3,522 $ 4,261 $ -- $ 7,783
Year Ended July 31, 1997..................... 7,783 446 -- 8,229
Year Ended July 31, 1998..................... 8,229 60,856 -- 69,085
48
51
EXHIBIT INDEX
2(a) -- Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of April 11, 1996 among
Britches of Georgetowne, Inc., the Company, Britches
Acquisition Corp. and Damrak Company Limited is incorporated
herein by reference to Exhibit 2 to the Company's Current
Report on Form 8-K filed April 29, 1996.
2(b) -- Asset Purchase and Sale Agreement dated as of June 6, 1996
by and among the Company, The Nature Company, The Nature
Company International, Inc. and Nordic Advantage of Ontario,
Discovery Communications, Inc. and The Discovery Channel
Store, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2
to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 21,
1996.
3(a) -- Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, of the
Company is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1
to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed
December 11, 1992 (File No. 33-55660)
3(b) -- By-Laws, as amended, of the Company are incorporated herein
by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company's Registration
Statement on Form S-8 filed January 23, 1992 (File No.
33-45073)
4(a) -- Specimen certificate for shares of Common Stock of the
Company is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4 to
the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No.
2-86828)
4(b) -- Specimen certificates for the Company's 5 1/2% Convertible
Subordinated Debentures Due 2003 are incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report
on Form 10-Q filed March 16, 1993.
4(c) -- Terms of the Company's 5 1/2% Convertible Subordinated
Debentures Due 2003 are incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit A to Exhibit 19.2 to the Company's Quarterly Report
on Form 10-Q filed March 16, 1993.
4(d) -- Secured Redeemable Subordinated Note Due 2003 dated as of
July 27, 1998 between the Company and the State of Wisconsin
Investment Board
*10(a) -- 1982 Stock Option Plan, as amended, and Forms of Option
Agreements are incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit
10(y) to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1
(File No. 2-86828)
*10(b) -- Amendment to Section 18 of the 1982 Stock Option Plan, dated
October 7, 1987, is incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 10(g) to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K
filed October 28, 1988.
*10(c) -- Amendment to Section 5(a) of the 1982 Stock Option Plan,
dated December 5, 1991, is incorporated herein by reference
to Exhibit 10(c) to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K
filed October 21, 1992, as amended by the Company's Form 8
filed October 28, 1992.
10(d) -- Revolving Credit Agreement dated as of April 17, 1996 and
amended and restated as of July 27, 1998 among the Company,
NordicTrack, Inc., Nordic Advantage, Inc. and Smith &
Hawken, Ltd., as Borrowers, and BankBoston, N.A. and the
other Lending Institutions listed on Schedule 1 thereto, as
Lenders.
*10(e) -- 1987 Employees' Severance Benefit Plan, dated October 7,
1987, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10(bb)
to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed October
28, 1988.
*10(f) -- 1991 Stock Option Plan and Forms of Option Agreements are
incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10(m) to the
Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed October 21, 1992,
as amended by the Company's Form 8 filed October 28, 1992.
*10(g) -- Form of Split Dollar Life Insurance Policy for the Benefit
of Certain Executive Officers is incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit 10(n) to the Company's Annual Report on
Form 10-K filed October 21, 1992, as amended by the
Company's Form 8 filed October 28, 1992.
*10(h) -- 1993 Director Option Plan is incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit 10(n) to the Company's Annual Report on
Form 10-K filed October 29, 1993.
49
52
*10(i) -- 1993 Employee Stock Purchase Plan is incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit 10(o) to the Company's Annual Report on
Form 10-K filed October 29, 1993.
10(j) -- Subscription Agreement, dated as of January 12, 1993, among
the Company, Lehman Brothers International (Europe),
Deutsche Bank A.G. London, Lombard Odier International
Underwriters, S.A., Swiss Bank Corporation and S.G. Warburg
Securities is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit
19.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed
March 16, 1993.
10(k) -- Fiscal Agency Agreement, dated as of January 20, 1993,
between the Company and Chemical Bank is incorporated herein
by reference to Exhibit 19.2 to the Company's Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q filed March 16, 1993.
*10(l) -- 1996 Director Option Plan is incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit 10(a) to the Company's Quarterly Report
on Form 10-Q filed March 12, 1996.
*10(m) -- 1996 Employee Stock Purchase Plan is incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit 10(b) to the Company's Quarterly Report
on Form 10-Q filed March 12, 1996.
*10(n) -- Form of Agreement Concerning Qualified Termination is
incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10(p) to the
Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed October 29, 1997.
*10(o) -- Severance agreement dated as of March 17, 1998 between the
Company and Charles M. Leighton.
*10(p) -- Employment Agreement dated as of June 18, 1998 among the
Company, Smith & Hawken, Ltd. and Kathleen Tierney.
10(q) -- NordicTrack Note dated as of July 27, 1998 among
NordicTrack, Inc., Nordic Advantage, Inc. and B III Capital
partners, L.P.
10(r) -- S&H Note dated as of July 27, 1998 between Smith & Hawken,
Ltd. and BankBoston, N.A.
10(s) -- Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of July 27, 1998 among the
Company, B III Capital Partners, L.P. and Mellon Bank, N.A.
solely in its capacity as Trustee for General Motors
Employees Domestic Group Pension Trust as directed by DDJ
Capital Management, LLC, and not in its individual capacity.
10(t) -- Registration Rights Agreement dated as of July 27, 1998
among the Company, B III Capital Partners, L.P. and Mellon
Bank, N.A. solely in its capacity as Trustee for General
Motors Employees Domestic Group Pension Trust as directed by
DDJ Capital Management, LLC, and not in its individual
capacity.
10(u) -- Amendment No. 1 to Common Stock Purchase Warrant No. 3 dated
as of July 27, 1998 between FSC Corp. and the Company.
10(v) -- Common Stock Purchase Warrant No. 1 dated as of March 11,
1998 between Rothschild Recovery Fund, L.P. and the Company.
10(w) -- Note Purchase Agreement dated as of July 27, 1998 between
the Company and the State of Wisconsin Investment Board.
*10(x) -- Severance agreement dated as of August 10, 1998 between the
Company and G. Robert Tod.
*10(y) -- First Amendment to Kathleen Tierney Employment Agreement
dated as of August 14, 1998 among the Company, Smith &
Hawken, Ltd. and Kathleen Tierney.
*10(z) -- Employment Agreement among the Company, Smith & Hawken, Ltd.
and David McCreight.
21 -- Subsidiaries of the Registrant.
23 -- Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP.
27 -- Financial Data Schedule.
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* Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement filed herewith in
response to Item 14(a)(3) of the instructions to Form 10-K.
50