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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 20-F
[ ] REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(B) OR 12(G) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
OR
[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended March 31, 1997
OR
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from ________ to ________
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Commission file number ___________________
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Zindart Limited
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
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Zindart Limited Hong Kong
(Translation of Registrant's (Jurisdiction of Incorporation
Name into English) or Organization)
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Flat C & D, 25/F Blk 1
Tai Ping Industrial Centre
57 Ting Kok Road
Tai Po, N.T., Hong Kong
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
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Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Name of Each Exchange
Title of Each Class on Which Registered
------------------- -------------------
American Depositary Shares Nasdaq National Market
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Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
American Depositary Shares
(Title of Class)
Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to
Section 15(d) of the Act:
None
(Title of Class)
Indicate number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer's
classes of capital or common stock as of the close
of the period covered by the annual report.
As of March 31, 1997, 6,500,000 Ordinary Shares were issued and outstanding, of
which 1,500,000 are American Depositary Shares. An additional 225,000 American
Depositary Shares were issued on April 8, 1997.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all
reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes No X
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Indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant
has elected to follow. Item 17 Item 18 X
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
ZINDART LIMITED
Page
Supplemental Information and Exchange Rates........................... (ii)
PART I
Item 1. Description of Business............................................... 1
Item 2. Description of Property............................................... 13
Item 3. Legal Proceedings and Insurance....................................... 15
Item 4. Control of Registrant................................................. 15
Item 5. Nature of Trading Market.............................................. 17
Item 6. Exchange Controls and Other Limitations Affecting Security Holders ... 17
Item 7. Taxation.............................................................. 18
Item 8. Selected Consolidated Financial Data.................................. 20
Item 9. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations............................................. 22
Item 10. Directors and Officers of Registrant.................................. 28
Item 11. Compensation of Directors and Officers................................ 30
Item 12. Options to Purchase Securities from Registrant........................ 31
Item 13. Interest of Management in Certain Transactions........................ 31
PART II
Item 14. Description of Securities to be Registered............................ 32
PART III
Item 15. Defaults Upon Senior Securities....................................... 33
Item 16. Changes in Securities and Changes in Security for Registered
Securities........................................................ 33
PART IV
Item 17. Consolidated Financial Statements..................................... 34
Item 18. Consolidated Financial Statements..................................... 35
Item 19. Consolidated Financial Statements and Exhibits........................ 35
Appendix - Description of Graphics.................................... A-1
(i)
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SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION AND EXCHANGE RATES
All references in this annual report (the "Annual Report") to "U.S.
Dollars," "Dollars," "US$" or "$" alone are to United States dollars; all
references to "HK Dollars" or "HK$" are to Hong Kong dollars, and all references
to "Renminbi" or "Rmb" are to Renminbi, which is the currency of the People's
Republic of China (the "PRC"). This Annual Report contains translations of
certain HK Dollar amounts into U.S. Dollar amounts at specified rates. These
translations should not be construed as representations that the HK Dollar
amounts actually represent or represented such U.S. Dollar amounts or could be
or could have been converted into U.S. Dollars at the rates indicated. Unless
otherwise stated, the translations of HK Dollars into U.S. Dollars have been
made at the rate of US$1.00 = HK$7.73.
The consolidated financial statements presented herein have been
prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the
United States ("U.S. GAAP").
(ii)
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ORGANIZATION OF ZINDART LIMITED
The following chart shows the organization of Zindart Limited
("Zindart"), its principal shareholders and operating subsidiaries as of March
31, 1997:
(iii)
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PART I
This Annual Report contains forward-looking statements that involve
risks and uncertainties. Zindart's actual results could differ materially from
those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of certain
factors, including those set forth under "Item 1 -- Risk Factors" and elsewhere
in this Annual Report.
ITEM 1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
Since its inception, Zindart's goal has been to become the leading
manufacturer of high-quality die-cast and injection-molded products for the
premier U.S. designers and marketers of die-cast collectibles collectible
holiday ornaments and toys. Zindart was founded in Hong Kong in 1978 by George
K. D. Sun, who believed that, in order to succeed, Asian light manufacturers had
to build industry partnerships with their customers by providing them with
consistently high-quality, mass-produced products at affordable prices. It was
Mr. Sun's plan to meet the needs of Zindart's customers and forge the desired
industry partnerships by seeking to manage the entire product engineering and
manufacturing process rather than acting simply as a volume contract
manufacturer. Zindart's long-term relationships with its two largest customers
exemplify the type of industry partnerships envisioned by Mr. Sun. See "Markets,
Products and Customers" below.
In the early 1980s, Zindart decided to capitalize on opportunities in
the People's Republic of China (the "PRC") by moving its manufacturing
operations to Guangdong Province. In so doing, Zindart realized substantial
savings in labor and operating costs and gained access to a large pool of
technically trained craftsmen for its mold- and model-making operations and
other capable but relatively inexpensive laborers for its manufacturing and
assembly operations. Zindart also developed and trained a local PRC management
team resulting both in cost savings and increased synergy between labor and
management. In 1982, Zindart opened the Zhong Xin factory in the Tian He
district of Guangzhou. In 1987, due to expanding sales and the need for
additional production capacity, Zindart opened a second production facility in
the PRC -- the Xin Xing factory in the Henan district of Guangzhou.
In 1987, in order to secure PRC governmental support for Zindart's
operations in the PRC, Mr. Sun, the Ertl Company ("Ertl"), a leading U.S.
designer and marketer of die-cast collectible replicas, and certain members of
management collectively sold a controlling interest in Zindart to certain PRC
entities. In 1993, in order to enable Zindart to gain access to U.S. management
expertise and capital markets, Mr. Sun asked the PRC entities to sell their
shares in Zindart to funds under the management of ChinaVest, Advent and certain
other shareholders, which they did, and concurrently Mr. Sun sold a majority of
his shares to these parties.
By late 1994, in response to growth in sales, Zindart decided to build
the Dongguan Facility in order to expand and consolidate its manufacturing
operations. Phase I of the construction of the Dongguan Facility was completed
in 1996 and Phase II will be completed in late 1997. Upon completion of Phase II
of the construction of the Dongguan Facility, Zindart will increase its current
manufacturing space in the Dongguan Facility by 470,000 square feet. The workers
and production lines from the other facilities will be relocated to the Dongguan
Facility. The relocation is expected to begin in July 1997 and conclude in late
calendar 1997. However, there can be no assurance that such relocation will be
completed successfully, on time or at all. See "Item 2 -- Description of
Property." During the past two decades, Mr. Sun recruited and trained Zindart's
current executive team, and in the past few years gradually transferred to them
responsibility for managing all of Zindart's day-to-day operations.
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Mr. Sun continues to be responsible for providing leadership to and engaging in
strategic planning for Zindart.
Zindart's Xin Xing and Dongguan facilities are owned by Sino-foreign
joint ventures ("CJVs") in which PRC parties own minority interests. Zindart
structured these facilities in this format in order to avail itself of certain
tax holidays granted to CJVs and to gain the assistance of local parties in
establishing and operating the facilities. Such assistance principally involves
representing the CJVs to government authorities responsible for the allocation
and use of land, the provision of municipal services and labor relations.
Zindart continues to rely on such PRC parties for the efficient provision of
services that are material to the conduct of operations at these facilities. See
"Notes to Financial Statements" and "Risk Factors -- Dependence on PRC Parties."
In March and April 1997, Zindart successfully completed its initial
public offering of an aggregate of 1,725,000 American Depositary Shares ("ADSs")
at $10.00 per share. The ADSs are listed solely on the Nasdaq National Market
under the symbol "ZNDTY." As of April 30, 1997, Zindart had 6,725,000 ordinary
shares (the "Ordinary Shares") outstanding.
MARKETS, PRODUCTS AND CUSTOMERS
Die-cast Collectibles
Zindart manufactures a wide range of metal die-cast collectible scale
model replicas of automobiles, such as Mercedes Benz, BMW, Corvette and Mustang,
trucks, planes, farm implements and construction equipment, such as John Deere
and Caterpillar, and classic cars, such as the 1932 Cadillac, the 1964 Aston
Martin and the 1956 Ford Thunderbird. These replicas, which come in various
scales from 1/12th to 1/64th of the size of the original product, are medium-
and high-feature products that must meet exacting standards. Many of the
die-cast replicas manufactured by Zindart have complex designs which require
high-quality workmanship and decorative details, with pad printing of as many as
one hundred imprints. The most complex of these models incorporate up to 200
moveable parts. The die-cast scale model replicas manufactured by Zindart are
sold through hobby shops, collectors' clubs, car and equipment dealers, toy and
gift stores and other channels. These products typically retail in the U.S. for
between $150.00 and $180.00 for the high-feature products between $25.00 and
$60.00 for the medium- feature products and between $5.00 and $10.00 for the
low-feature products. Many of these products have nostalgic appeal to adult
consumers. In addition, some of these products, especially the automobile
replicas, have attracted a following of collectors and are traded on a secondary
market. It is Zindart's belief, based on many years of sales experience, that
many die-cast collectibles have enduring consumer appeal. For example, Zindart
manufactures on an annual basis several products for which molds were made
between five and ten years ago. These include the 70 Ford Mustang, '68 Pontiac
GTO, '67 Corvette convertible, Ford Roadster, Allis Chalmers Model "C" Tractor
and John Deere Skidsteer Loader.
Zindart's primary customer for die-cast collectibles is Ertl, a leading
U.S. designer and marketer of die-cast collectible replicas with fiscal year
("FY") 1995 sales of over $200 million. In calendar year 1996, Ertl had record
sales of its die-cast products line. Ertl was Zindart's first customer in 1978
and has been a customer ever since. In 1982, an Ertl affiliated company, Ertl
(Hong Kong) Limited, acquired a significant equity interest in Zindart.
Currently, Ertl's Chief Executive Officer is a director of Zindart. See "Item 10
- -- Directors and Officers of the Registrant." In FY 1996 and FY 1997, sales to
Ertl accounted for 25.9% and 28.4% of Zindart's net sales, respectively.
Customers of Zindart for die-cast collectibles include other well-known
designers and marketers of such products, such as Revell-
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Monogram, which has been a customer of Zindart since 1987, and SWG of Germany,
which has been a customer of Zindart since 1989. Revell-Monogram is a leading
worldwide designer and marketer of plastic model kits and die-cast replicas of
airplanes, automobiles and ships marketed under the "Revell" and "Monogram"
brand names. SWG is one of the largest designers and marketers of die-cast
replicas in Germany, which are sold under the brand name "Siku." Zindart is
currently manufacturing molds for die-cast collectibles for Mattel, Inc. Zindart
recently received an approximately $2.0 million order from Mattel, Inc. for the
production of Hot Wheels Pro-Racing(TM) automobile replicas for delivery in
Zindart's 1998 fiscal quarter ending June 30, 1997. Zindart believes that this
major order signals that Mattel is developing Zindart into a core supplier in
the metal die-cast Hot Wheels Pro-Racing(TM) and Legend Series(TM).
Collectible Holiday Ornaments
Hallmark, long known as a leading producer of greeting cards, has
successfully diversified into collectible holiday ornaments and giftware
products. Hallmark relies on Zindart to manufacture many of its Keepsake
Ornaments(TM), which consist of a variety of Christmas ornaments, holiday-themed
pieces and other giftware both in die-cast zinc alloy and plastic, Hallmark's
Keepsake Ornaments products also include free-standing decorations such as
die-cast replicas of pedal cars, which were first manufactured by Zindart in
1992. Production of Keepsake Ornaments products requires highly developed hand
spray painting skills and attention to quality by each member of Zindart's
workforce in order to meet Hallmark's exacting aesthetic and quality
requirements. Hallmark reported record sales of its Keepsake Ornaments(TM) line
in FY 1997.
The Keepsake Ornaments(TM) manufactured by Zindart are collectibles
sold through authorized retail outlets. These products typically retail in the
U.S. for between $7.00 and $25.00. Many purchasers of Keepsake Ornaments(TM)
consider these products to be valuable, collectible items. In addition to
traditional holiday themes, many Keepsake Ornaments(TM) depict characters from
storybooks and films such as the Wizard of Oz, Star Trek, Pocahontas, the
Flintstones, and Peanuts, and various American icons such as Lou Gehrig and Babe
Ruth. Sales to Hallmark accounted for 27.0% and 28.4% of Zindart's net sales in
FY 1996 and FY 1997, respectively.
Action Figures and Miniature Figurine Playsets
Zindart also manufactures action figures and miniature figurine
playsets for various designers and marketers such as Hasbro, Inc., Tyco Toys,
Inc. and Lewis Galoob Toys, Inc. These products include miniature replicas of
popular television and movie characters such as Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends
and various Disney and Sesame Street characters. These products typically retail
in the U.S. for between $5.00 and $15.00. Zindart believes that a developing
trend among toymakers is to focus on profitability rather than volume. As a
result, many toymakers are moving into the sale of higher-priced toys, the
production of which requires high-quality and detailed manufacturing skills of
the type offered by Zindart.
EMPLOYEES
Zindart currently employs over 6,800 persons, of whom approximately
5,400 are production workers, 600 are administrative staff and 800 are
engineering and technical personnel. See "Risk Factors -- Risks Relating to
Zindart -- Employees." As is customary for employers in the PRC, each of
Zindart's production facilities includes housing facilities for workers. Zindart
is committed to providing good working and living conditions for its employees
in the PRC. To that end, Zindart has adopted a
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code of conduct relating to human rights, including a prohibition on use of
child labor, and guidelines regarding worker safety, wages and hours. Zindart
intends to retain outside consultants to review and assist in improving the
working and living conditions of its employees. As a result, Zindart believes
its relationship with its employees is good. None of Zindart's employees is a
member of any union.
Zindart provides training to its managers and executives in its Hong
Kong headquarters through courses conducted by industry professionals engaged by
Zindart as well as by senior management. The courses cover management skills,
total quality management, ISO 9000 requirements and the technical aspects of
Zindart's operations. In addition, Zindart sponsors a number of technical staff
to attend night classes and in-house seminars for workers are held semi-annually
by the quality control staff or the factory managers on quality requirements.
COMPETITION
Zindart faces competition from several companies for the manufacture of
die-cast collectibles and from several other companies for the manufacture of
collectible holiday ornaments. Zindart faces competition from numerous companies
for the manufacture of toys. Zindart believes that the basis for competition in
the manufacture of all of these products is price, quality and the ability to
produce in required volumes and to timely meet delivery schedules. Zindart
believes that, to date, it has been able to successfully compete with respect to
each of these criteria. However, no assurance can be given that Zindart will be
able to continue to compete successfully or that it will not face increased
competition from new entrants or increased price competition. Zindart expects
increased competition from manufacturers of low-priced toys that may seek to
enter the higher margin business of manufacturing high-quality toys die-cast
collectibles and collectible holiday ornaments. Some of these potential
competitors may have significantly greater financial, technical, manufacturing
and marketing resources than Zindart. See "Risk Factors -- Risks Relating to
Zindart -- Competition" and " -- Lack of Barriers to Entry."
SUBSIDIARIES
Zindart has a controlling interest in two mold-making subsidiaries. In
August 1994, Zindart acquired a 55% interest in Onchart Industrial Limited, a
British Virgin Islands corporation. In December 1994, Zindart acquired a 51%
interest in Luen Tat Mould. Prior to these acquisitions, Zindart had regularly
contracted with these companies to provide mold-making services to Zindart.
Presently, Luen Tat Mould conducts its mold-making operations in one of
Zindart's factories, and provides Zindart with the largest in-house mold and
model-making capacity in southern China. Both subsidiaries will move their
operations to the Dongguan Facility upon completion of Phase II of the
construction.
Luen Tat Mould owns an 18% interest in Luen Tat Model, which provides
model-making services to Luen Tat Mould.
RAW MATERIALS
Zindart uses zinc alloy and various plastic resins in its manufacturing
operations. The supply and demand for zinc alloy and for both plastic resins and
the petrochemical intermediates from which plastic resins are produced are
subject to cyclical and other market factors and can fluctuate significantly.
Zindart acquires raw materials for its die-cast production primarily from
Australia, Belgium and Canada. Plastics used for manufacturing collectible
holiday ornaments and figurines are obtained from Hong Kong. Zindart's standard
practice is to maintain a supply of raw materials sufficient for approximately
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three months' production. See "Risk Factors -- Risks Relating to Zindart --
Dependence on Raw Materials" below.
BACKLOG AND SEASONALITY
Zindart's customers generally place orders two to three months in
advance of target delivery dates. These purchase orders may be canceled by the
customer upon reimbursement of actual costs incurred and payment of a portion of
lost profits, as determined on a case-by-case basis. As is customary in the PRC,
each year Zindart closes its facilities for two weeks during the months of
January or February in celebration of the Chinese New Year holidays. As a
result, Zindart's fourth fiscal quarter production and revenues have in the past
been lower than in other quarters and are expected to be lower than other
quarters in the future. Except as attributable to the observance of the New
Year, Zindart has not experienced seasonality in its operations, although it
could show quarterly fluctuations based on the timing of orders placed by its
customers.
As of March 31, 1997, Zindart had orders on hand of approximately $21.5
million, compared to $24.1 million at March 31, 1996. Less than 1% of Zindart's
total annual customer orders have been canceled in any of the last three years.
TRADEMARKS AND OTHER PROPRIETARY RIGHTS
Zindart has no registered trademarks or other registered proprietary
rights. Zindart's key employees have entered into confidentiality agreements
with Zindart.
ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
The plants and equipment owned and operated by Zindart and the
construction activity associated with the expansion program are subject to
comprehensive PRC laws and regulations for environmental protection. If Zindart
were found to be in violation of any such regulation, it would be given a period
of time to remedy the problem. If it failed to do so, the PRC government could
impose sanctions including, but not limited to, a shut-down of operations until
such time as Zindart complied with such regulations. Each of Zindart's
manufacturing facilities have been subject to periodic environmental review by
the local authorities and have never incurred a fine or penalty for any breach
or violation of any applicable environmental laws. Zindart believes that its
manufacturing and other operations are in compliance in all material respects
with existing applicable environmental laws. See "Risk Factors -- Risks Relating
to Zindart -- Environmental Matters."
RISK FACTORS
Limited Reporting Requirements
As a foreign private issuer, Zindart is exempt from the rules and
regulations under the Exchange Act prescribing the furnishing and content of
proxy statements, and its officers, directors and principal shareholders are
exempt from the reporting and short-swing profit recovery provisions contained
in Section 16 of the Exchange Act. Under the Exchange Act, Zindart is not
required to publish financial statements as frequently, as promptly or
containing the same information as U.S. companies.
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Risks Relating to Zindart
Dependence on Major Customers, Cancelable Orders. Sales to two major
customers -- Hallmark and Ertl -- account for a majority of Zindart's total net
sales. Sales to these two customers as a percentage of Zindart's total net sales
during the fiscal years ended March 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997 were approximately
63.3%, 52.9% and 56.8%, respectively. The Chief Executive Officer of Ertl is a
director of Zindart. See "Item 10 -- Directors and Officers of the Registrant."
In addition, sales to four other customers, Hasbro, Inc., SWG, Drumwell Limited,
and Tyco (Hong Kong) Limited, as a percentage of Zindart's total net sales
during fiscal years 1995, 1996 and 1997 in the aggregate were approximately
16.3%, 21.3% and 20.2%, respectively. Moreover, Zindart believes that the recent
major order of approximately $2.0 million from Mattel signals that Mattel is
developing Zindart into a core supplier in the metal die-cast Hot Wheels
Pro-Racing(TM) and Legend Series(TM). Zindart's dependence on these customers is
expected to continue in the foreseeable future. Although management believes
that any one of its customers could be replaced eventually, the loss of any one
of its major customers would have a material adverse effect on Zindart's
business, financial condition and results of operations. Zindart's sales
transactions with all of its customers are based on purchase orders received by
Zindart from time to time. While these purchase orders may be canceled by the
customer, to date, such cancellations have not been significant in the
aggregate. Except for these purchase orders, Zindart has no written purchase
agreements with its customers relating to the sale of products.
Introduction of New Products by Customers, Market Acceptance, Economic
Factors. Zindart's long-term operating results depend substantially upon its
customers' ability to continue to conceive of, design and market new products
and upon continuing market acceptance of its customers' existing and future
products. In the ordinary course of their businesses, Zindart's customers
continuously develop new products and create additions to their existing product
lines. Significant delays by Zindart's customers in the introduction of, or
their failure to introduce or market, new products or additions to their
respective product lines would impair Zindart's results of operations. The
die-cast collectible, collectible holiday ornament and toy markets are affected
by changing consumer tastes and interests, which are difficult to predict and
over which Zindart's customers have little, if any, control. Accordingly, there
can be no assurance that the existing or future products of Zindart's customers
will maintain or receive substantial market acceptance. In addition, since most
of the products manufactured by Zindart are sold in the United States, Zindart's
profitability will also depend on the strength of the U.S. economy, which can
affect U.S. consumers' spending habits on such items as die-cast collectibles,
collectible holiday ornaments and toys. Any downturn in the U.S. economy could
have a material adverse effect on Zindart's business, financial condition and
results of operations.
Competition. Zindart expects significantly increased competition, both
from existing and new competitors. Some of these competitors may have
significantly greater financial, technical, manufacturing and marketing
resources than Zindart. The ability of Zindart to compete successfully depends,
in part, upon Zindart s ability to maintain and increase demand for its
manufacturing services and increase production capacity to meet such increased
demand. There can be no assurance that Zindart will be able to compete
successfully in the future or that Zindart will not be subject to increased
price competition. See "Item 1 -- Description of Business -- Competition." In
addition, Zindart's major customers operate in highly competitive markets. There
can be no assurance that these customers will be able to continue to enjoy
market acceptance of their products in the face of such competition. Any failure
by Zindart's major customers to remain competitive could have a material adverse
effect on Zindart's business, financial condition and results of operations.
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Lack of Barriers to Entry. Zindart does not believe that there are any
significant barriers to entry into the manufacture of die-cast collectibles,
collectible holiday ornaments and toys, although Zindart believes that it
currently holds certain competitive advantages. Zindart does not characterize
its business as proprietary and does not own any patents or copyrights or
possess any material trade secrets. There can be no assurance that additional
participants will not enter the market or that Zindart could effectively compete
with such entrants. Any failure by Zindart to compete effectively with such new
entrants would have a material adverse effect on Zindart's business, financial
condition and results of operations.
Ability to Manage Growth and Expansion. Zindart has experienced
significant growth over the past few years and is expanding its manufacturing
operations. The management of Zindart's growth will require continued
improvement and refinement of Zindart's operating, management and financial
control systems, as well as a significant increase in Zindart's manufacturing
quality control, marketing, logistics and service capabilities, any of which
could place a significant strain on Zindart's resources. If Zindart's management
is unable to manage growth effectively, the quality of Zindart's products, its
ability to retain key customers and its business, financial condition and
results of operations could be adversely affected. As part of its proposed
expansion, Zindart will have to hire additional management personnel and other
employees. The expenses associated with hiring, training and integrating such
employees may be incurred prior to the generation of any associated revenues,
with a corresponding adverse effect on Zindart's business, financial condition
and results of operations. In addition, the failure to integrate new personnel
on a timely basis could have an adverse effect on Zindart's business, financial
condition and results of operations.
Reliance on New Production Facility. Historically, Zindart conducted
its manufacturing operations in two facilities in Guangzhou. In February 1996,
Zindart completed Phase I of the construction of the Dongguan Facility. By the
end of 1997, Zindart intends to complete Phase II of the construction of the
Dongguan Facility, to consolidate all manufacturing operations at the Dongguan
Facility and to close the other two facilities. In addition, Zindart intends to
transfer some administrative functions from its Hong Kong headquarters to the
Dongguan Facility. See "Item 2 -- Description of Property."
Although Zindart believes that it will be able to complete Phase II of
the construction of the Dongguan Facility on schedule, no assurance can be given
that such construction will be completed or completed on schedule. Any material
delay in completing, or the inability to complete, Phase II of the construction
of the Dongguan Facility would have a material adverse effect on Zindart's
business, financial condition and results of operations. Consolidating Zindart's
operations into the Dongguan Facility will require Zindart's management to
coordinate a wide array of key decisions and physical logistics, including the
relocation of a majority of Zindart's factory employees and equipment. Failure
to timely and properly execute these tasks could have a material adverse effect
on Zindart's business, financial condition and results of operations.
If a natural disaster, such as a typhoon, fire or flood, were to
destroy or significantly damage the Dongguan Facility or if such facility were
to otherwise become unavailable or inoperable, Zindart would need to obtain
alternative facilities from which to conduct its operations, which would result
in significantly increased operating costs and significant delays in the
fulfillment of customer orders. No assurance can be given that alternative
facilities could be obtained at an affordable price or at all. Such increased
costs or delays, or inability to obtain alternative facilities, would have a
material adverse effect on Zindart's business, financial condition and results
of operations. Zindart maintains business interruption insurance.
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A significant portion of the benefits to be obtained from consolidating
operations in the Dongguan Facility also depends on Zindart's ability to
terminate in a cost-effective and timely manner its obligations under the joint
venture agreement relating to the Xin Xing facility and the sub-contracting
agreement relating to the Zhong Xin Facility. Zindart does not have the right to
terminate at will these agreements and thus must depend on the cooperation of
other parties to attain this objective. There can be no assurance that Zindart
will be able to terminate these agreements on a timely basis or without
incurring substantial costs. Any substantial costs associated with terminating
such agreements could have a material adverse effect on Zindart's business,
financial condition and results of operations. In the event that Zindart is
unable to capitalize its relocation costs, Zindart will have to expense such
costs, which may have an adverse effect on Zindart's reported net income.
Dependence on PRC Parties. Zindart's oldest factory, the Zhong Xin
Facility, located in the Tian He district of Guangzhou, is owned by a local
economic development authority (the "Subcontractor") and operated under a
subcontract operating agreement. The factory located in the Henan district of
Guangzhou, the Xin Xing Facility, and the Dongguan Facility are each owned by
Sino-foreign contractual joint ventures in which Zindart has a majority
interest. The other parties to these contractual joint ventures are entities
(the "PRC Co-Venturers") that are controlled by PRC governmental bodies. The
efficient and cost-effective operation of these facilities depends upon the
cooperation and support of the Subcontractor and the PRC Co-Venturers
(collectively, the "PRC Parties"). Should a dispute develop between Zindart and
any of the PRC Parties, there can be no assurance that Zindart would be able to
enforce its understanding of its agreements with the PRC Parties. Any lack of
cooperation by the PRC Parties could subject Zindart to additional risks and
costs, including the interruption or cessation of its present operations in the
PRC, all of which would have a material adverse effect on Zindart's business,
financial condition and results of operations.
Dependence on Raw Materials. Zindart uses zinc alloy and various
plastic resins in its manufacturing operations. Zindart's financial performance
is dependent to a substantial extent on the cost of such raw materials. The
supply and demand for zinc alloy and for both plastic resins and the
petrochemical intermediates from which plastic resins are produced are subject
to cyclical and other market factors and may fluctuate significantly. As a
result, the cost of raw materials to Zindart is subject to substantial increases
and decreases over which Zindart has no control except by seeking to time its
purchases in order to take advantage of favorable market conditions. In the
past, Zindart has experienced significant increases in the price of certain raw
materials, which increases Zindart was not able to pass on fully to its
customers. See "Item 9 -- Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations." To the extent that future increases in the
cost of raw materials cannot be passed on to customers, such increases could
have a material adverse effect on Zindart's business, financial condition and
results of operations.
Zindart purchased more than five percent of its raw materials from the
following companies in one or more of fiscal years 1995, 1996 and 1997: Sogen
(Far East) Limited, Starlite Printers Limited, Wing Fu Carton & Printing Company
Limited, Lee Kee Metal Company Limited, Y. T. Cheng (Ching Tai) Limited and
Manfield Coatings Company Limited. Zindart has no formal written agreements with
any of its suppliers. Zindart purchases zinc alloy and over 12 different types
of plastics from approximately 10 major suppliers and is not dependent upon any
single supplier for key materials. No assurance can be given that Zindart will
be able to obtain sufficient quantities of such raw materials to meet its needs.
Any lack of sufficient raw materials for its needs would have a material adverse
effect on Zindart's business, financial condition and results of operations. To
the extent Zindart is unable to obtain needed raw materials in such
circumstances in sufficient quantities or at affordable prices, such inability
would have a material adverse effect on Zindart's business, financial condition
and results of operations.
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Reliance on Key Personnel. The success of Zindart is substantially
dependent upon its executive management, as well as upon its ability to attract
and retain additional qualified design, manufacturing and marketing personnel.
The loss of the services of any of Zindart's current executive management for
any reason could have a material adverse effect on the business, financial
condition and results of operations of Zindart. Zindart is not the beneficiary
of any "key person" life insurance policy on any such person. See "Item 10 --
Officers and Directors of the Registrant." Successful expansion of Zindart's
business will require additional management resources and may require the hiring
of additional senior management personnel.
Potential Product Liability. Zindart is engaged in a business that
could result in possible claims for injury or damage resulting from its
products. Zindart is not currently, nor has it been in the past, a defendant in
any product liability lawsuit. Zindart does not maintain product liability
insurance. A successful claim brought against Zindart by a customer of Zindart
or a consumer and the adverse publicity that could accompany any harm caused to
a consumer by a product manufactured by Zindart could have a material adverse
effect on Zindart's business, financial condition and results of operations.
Government Regulations. U.S. customers of Zindart are subject to the
provisions of, among other laws, the Federal Hazardous Substances Act and the
Federal Consumer Product Safety Act. These laws empower the Consumer Product
Safety Commission (the "CPSC") to protect consumers from hazardous toys and
other articles. The CPSC has the authority to exclude from the market articles
that are found to be unsafe or hazardous, and can require a recall of such
products under certain circumstances Similar laws exist in some states and
cities in the United States, as well as in Canada and Europe. Zindart relies on
its customers to design products that comply with such safety standards and to
test the products to ensure compliance with applicable regulatory safety
standards. Zindart has established a strong quality assurance program to meet
Zindart's objective of conforming to its customers' design specifications and
delivering high-quality, safe products to its customers. There can be no
assurance that Zindart's products will not be found to violate applicable laws,
rules and regulations, which could have a material adverse effect on the
business, financial condition and results of operations of Zindart. In addition,
there can be no assurance that more restrictive laws, rules and regulations will
not be adopted in the future, or that Zindart's products will not be marketed in
the future in countries with more restrictive laws, rules and regulations,
either of which could make compliance more difficult or expensive, and which
could have a material adverse effect on the business, financial condition and
results of operations of Zindart.
Reduced Revenue in the Fourth Fiscal Quarter, Possible Fluctuation in
Quarterly Results. Zindart ceases production for a two-week period during
January or February of each year due to the Chinese New Year holiday, which
business cessation in the past has caused revenue during the fourth fiscal
quarter of each year to be somewhat lower than revenue during the other three
quarters. Zindart may also experience fluctuations in quarterly sales and
related net income compared with the prior year's comparable quarter due to the
timing of receipt of orders from customers for die-cast collectibles, toys and
molds and the shipment of such products. As a result, it is possible that
Zindart may experience quarterly variations in operating results, and
accordingly, the trading price of Zindart's ADSs may be subject to fluctuations
in response to such quarterly variations. See "Item 9 -- Management's Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."
Control by Principal Shareholders. Zindart Pte Limited, a Singapore
corporation ("Zindart Singapore") owns approximately 74.3% of the outstanding
Ordinary Shares. As majority shareholder, Zindart Singapore will have the
ability to control the election of Zindart's directors and most corporate
actions of Zindart. Zindart Singapore is controlled by ZIC Holdings Limited, a
Cayman Islands
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corporation ("ZICHL"), which owns approximately 76.0% of the shares of Zindart
Pte Limited. ZICHL, in turn, is currently controlled by limited life private
equity funds managed by ChinaVest (the "ChinaVest private equity funds"), which
own in the aggregate approximately 67.8% of the ordinary shares of ZICHL and
which therefore will be indirectly in control of Zindart. See "Item 4 -- Control
of Registrant."
Taxation. During the past five years, under applicable Hong Kong and
PRC tax laws, only 50% of Zindart's profits have been subject to tax in Hong
Kong and Zindart has been exempt from taxation in the PRC pursuant to a tax
holiday, which tax holiday will change over time from a complete exemption to a
partial exemption, then to no exemption based on profitability of Zindart's
joint ventures. See "Item 7 -- Taxation -- Hong Kong Taxation" and " -- PRC
Taxation." As a result, during the past five years, Zindart has enjoyed a
relatively low effective tax rate of between 8.0% and 10.0%. No assurance can be
given that Zindart's effective tax rate will not increase in the future. The
Hong Kong statutory income tax rate is currently 16.5%, and the PRC tax rate on
joint ventures is currently 27.0%. Since Zindart has historically derived its
revenues primarily from its sales activities in Hong Kong and since Zindart's
PRC joint ventures historically have produced minimal profits and are not
expected to produce significant profits in the future, Zindart does not believe
that the expiration or loss of the PRC tax holiday will have a material impact
on Zindart's net income. In addition, Zindart may elect to develop marketing or
other operations in the U.S., which could subject Zindart to federal and state
income taxes and adversely effect Zindart's business, financial condition and
operating results. In the event that certain special United States federal
income tax rules are applicable to Zindart, there is a risk that holders of ADSs
who are U.S. taxpayers may be required to recognize income prior to the receipt
of dividends or distributions from Zindart.
Tariffs and Quotas. Most of Zindart's products are shipped to customers
in the United States. The United States may, from time to time, impose new
quotas, duties, tariffs, or other charges or restrictions, or adjust presently
prevailing quota, duty or tariff levels, which could have an adverse effect on
Zindart's business, financial condition and results of operations and its
ability to continue to export products to the United States at current or
increased levels. Zindart cannot predict what regulatory changes may occur, if
any, or the type or extent of any financial impact on Zindart that such changes
may have in the future. In addition, various forms of protectionist trade
legislation have been proposed in the United States. Adverse changes in tariff
structures or other trade policies could have a material adverse effect on
Zindart's business, financial condition and results of operations.
Environmental Matters. Zindart's operations involve the use of certain
toxic substances, including plastic resins and oil-based paints. Zindart is, and
is likely to continue to be, subject to PRC national, provincial and local
environmental protection laws and regulations. Such laws and regulations
currently impose a uniform fee on industrial wastewater discharges and a
graduated schedule of pollution fees for the discharge into the environment of
waste substances in excess of applicable standards, require the payment of fines
for violations of laws, regulations or decrees, and provide for possible closure
by the central, provincial or local government of any facility which fails to
comply with orders requiring it to cease or cure certain activities deemed by
such authorities to be causing environmental damage. There can be no assurance
that Zindart has complied or will comply with such laws and regulations and
avoid incurring the consequences of non-compliance, or that PRC authorities will
not impose additional regulatory requirements that would necessitate additional
expenditures for environmental compliance. Any such occurrence could have a
material adverse effect on Zindart's business, financial condition and results
of operations.
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Employees. Substantially all of Zindart's manufacturing and assembly
workers are young women who come from various rural regions in the PRC for the
purpose of working for wages higher than are available in such rural regions.
These employees typically work in Southern China for several years and then
return to their communities. Accordingly, approximately 20% of the factory
employees do not return to Zindart each year after the Chinese New Year holiday,
and Zindart must hire replacements. In many instances, these employees may have
relocated without complying with applicable immigration rules and policies. If
these employees were able to earn similar wages in their communities or higher
wages in other industries, Zindart could experience labor shortages or could be
required to increase salaries to meet its labor needs, either of which could
have a material adverse effect on Zindart's business, financial condition and
results of operations. Zindart's employees are not unionized, and Zindart has
not experienced any labor strife. Union organizing and worker unrest are not
common in the PRC. No assurance can be given, however, that labor conflicts will
not develop. Any labor conflicts could have a material adverse effect on
Zindart's business, financial condition and results of operations.
Country Risks
General. Zindart conducts all of its product engineering, model-making,
mold-making and manufacturing operations in the PRC. In addition, some of
Zindart's administrative, finance and accounting, marketing, and MIS activities
are located in Hong Kong. As a result, Zindart's business, financial condition
and results of operations may be influenced by the general political, social and
economic situation in Hong Kong and the PRC. Accordingly, Zindart may be subject
to political and economic risks, including political instability, currency
controls and exchange rate fluctuations, and changes in import/export
regulations, tariffs, duties and quotas.
Exchange Rate Risk. All of Zindart's sales are denominated either in
U.S. Dollars or Hong Kong Dollars. The largest portion of Zindart's expenses are
denominated in Hong Kong Dollars; the remainder are denominated in Renminbi and
U.S. Dollars. Zindart is subject to a variety of risks associated with changes
among the relative values of the U.S. Dollar, the Hong Kong Dollar and Renminbi.
Zindart does not currently hedge its foreign exchange positions. Any material
increase in the value of the Hong Kong Dollar or Renminbi relative to the U.S.
Dollar would increase Zindart's expenses and therefore would have a material
adverse effect on Zindart's business, financial condition and results of
operations.
Since 1983, the Hong Kong government has maintained a policy of linking
the U.S. Dollar and the Hong Kong Dollar at an exchange rate of approximately
HK$7.80 to U.S. $1.00. There can be no assurance that this link will be
continued, although Zindart is not aware of any intention of the Hong Kong
government or the PRC to abandon the link. There has been significant volatility
in the exchange rates of Renminbi to U.S. Dollars in recent years. Over the last
five years, the Renminbi has experienced significant devaluation against most
major currencies. The January 1, 1994 establishment of the current exchange rate
system produced a significant devaluation of the Renminbi from $1.00 to Rmb 5.7
to approximately 51.00 to Rmb 8.7. The rates at which exchanges of Renminbi into
U.S. Dollars may take place in the future may vary.
Inflation Risk. The annual inflation rate in Hong Kong was
approximately 8.1 %, 8.8% and 8.2% in 1994, 1995 and 1996, respectively. The
annual inflation rate in the PRC was approximately 21.7%, 14.8% and 8.3% in
1994, 1995 and 1996, respectively. Zindart does not believe that inflation in
Hong Kong or the PRC has had a material impact on its results of operations in
recent years. See "Item 9 -- Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations." No
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assurance can be given that inflation in Hong Kong or the PRC will not have a
material adverse effect on the business, financial condition and results of
operations of Zindart in the future.
Risks Relating to Hong Kong
Zindart's business, financial condition and results of operations may
be influenced by the political situation in Hong Kong and by the general state
of the Hong Kong economy. On July 1, 1997, sovereignty over Hong Kong will be
transferred from the United Kingdom to the PRC, and Hong Kong will become a
Special Administrative Region ("SAR") of the PRC. The Sino-British Joint
Declaration on the Question of Hong Kong and the Basic Law of the Hong Kong SAR
of the PRC (the "Basic Law") provides that the Hong Kong SAR will have a high
degree of autonomy except in foreign affairs and defense. Under the Basic Law,
the Hong Kong SAR is to have its own legislature, legal and judicial system and
economic autonomy for 50 years. There can be no assurance, however that changes
in political, legal or other conditions will not result in such an adverse
effect on Zindart's business, financial condition or results of operations.
Risks Relating to the PRC
Investment in Zindart may be adversely affected by the political,
social and economic environment in the PRC. The PRC is controlled by the
Communist Party of China. Under its current leadership, the PRC has been
pursuing economic reform policies, including the encouragement of private
economic activity and greater economic decentralization. There can be no
assurance, however, that the PRC government will continue to pursue such
policies, that such policies will be successful if pursued, or that such
policies will not be significantly altered from time to time. Economic
development may be limited as well by the imposition of austerity measures
intended to reduce inflation, the inadequate development or maintenance of
infrastructure or the unavailability of adequate power and water supplies,
transportation, raw materials and parts, or a deterioration of the general
political, economic or social environment in the PRC, any of which could have a
material adverse effect on Zindart's business, financial condition and results
of operations. Moreover, economic reforms and growth in the PRC have been more
successful in certain provinces than others, and the continuation or increase of
such disparities could affect the political or social stability of the PRC.
MFN Status. The PRC currently enjoys Most-Favored-Nation ("MFN") status
granted by the United States, pursuant to which the United States imposes the
lowest applicable tariffs on PRC exports to the United States. The United States
annually reconsiders the renewal of MFN trading status for the PRC. No assurance
can be given that the PRC's MFN status will be renewed in future years. The
PRC's loss of MFN status could adversely affect Zindart's business by raising
prices for its products in the United States, which could result in a reduction
in demand for Zindart's products by its U.S. customers. Furthermore, trade
friction between the PRC and the United States may have an influence on
after-market prices of the ADSs offered hereby.
Loss of PRC Facilities; Nationalization; Expropriation. If for any
reason Zindart were required to move its manufacturing operations outside of the
PRC, Zindart's profitability, competitiveness and market position could be
materially jeopardized, and there could be no assurance that Zindart could
continue its manufacturing operations. Zindart's business and prospects are
dependent upon agreements with various entities controlled by PRC governmental
instrumentalities. Not only would Zindart's operations and prospects be
materially and adversely affected by the failure of such entities to honor these
contracts, but it might be difficult to enforce these contracts in the PRC.
There can be no assurance that assets and business operations in the PRC will
not be nationalized, which could result in the total
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loss of Zindart's investments in that country. Following the formation of the
PRC in 1949, the PRC government renounced various debt obligations incurred by
predecessor governments, which obligations remain in default, and expropriated
assets without compensation. Accordingly, an investment in Zindart involves a
risk of total loss.
Government Control Over Economy. The PRC only recently has permitted
greater provincial and local economic autonomy and private economic activities.
The PRC central government has exercised and continues to exercise substantial
control over virtually every sector of the PRC economy. Accordingly, PRC
government actions in the future, including any decision not to continue to
support current economic reform programs and to return to a more centrally
planned economy, or regional or local variations in the implementation of
economic reform policies, could have a significant effect on economic conditions
in the PRC or particular regions thereof. Any such developments could affect
current operations of and property ownership by foreign investors.
PRC Law; Evolving Regulations and Policies. The PRC's legal system is a
civil law system based on written statutes in which decided legal cases have
little value as precedents, unlike the common law system in the United States.
The PRC does not have a well-developed, consolidated body of law governing
foreign investment enterprises. As a result, the administration of laws and
regulations by government agencies may be subject to considerable discretion and
variation. In addition, the legal system of the PRC relating to foreign
investments is both new and continually evolving, and currently there can be no
certainty as to the application of its laws and regulations in particular
instances. Definitive regulations and policies with respect to such matters as
the permissible percentage of foreign investment and permissible rates of equity
returns have not yet been published, statements regarding these evolving
policies have been conflicting, and any such policies, as administered, are
likely to be subject to broad interpretation and discretion and to be modified,
perhaps on a case-by-case basis. As the legal system in the PRC develops with
respect to these new types of enterprises, foreign investors may be adversely
affected by new laws, changes to existing laws (or interpretations thereof) and
the preemption of provincial or local laws by national laws. In circumstances
where adequate laws exist, it may not be possible to obtain timely and equitable
enforcement thereof. Zindart's activities in the PRC are by law subject, in some
circumstances, to administrative review and approval by various national and
local agencies of the PRC government. Although Zindart believes that the present
level of support from local, provincial and national governmental entities
enjoyed by Zindart benefits Zindart's operations in connection with
administrative review and the receipt of approvals, there is no assurance that
such approvals, when necessary or advisable in the future, will be forthcoming.
The inability to obtain such approvals could have a material adverse effect on
Zindart's business, financial condition and results of operations.
ITEM 2. DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY
In 1982, Zindart acquired a facility of approximately 14,700 square
feet at Tai Po in Hong Kong's New Territories, which currently serves as
Zindart's headquarters. The Tai Po facility is staffed by approximately 80
persons in Zindart's customer service, quality control, material control and
purchasing, finance and accounting, marketing, project management and
engineering, personnel and other administrative departments.
In 1982, Zindart established its Zhong Xin factory in the Tian He
district of Guangzhou, which is approximately 112 miles northwest of Hong Kong,
on the Pearl River. The factory, which is not owned by Zindart, operates under a
subcontract processing agreement with Guangzhou Tian He Dongpu Economic
Development Company, the local economic development authority, which provides
Zindart
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with the factory building and facilities as well as the pool of labor.
Zindart pays subcontracting fees for the use of these facilities and labor, and
provides machinery, equipment and raw materials. Zindart owns all of the
production machinery and equipment used in the plant. Under the subcontract
processing agreement, Zindart has the right to operate and manage the production
facility, including the authority to hire and dismiss plant workers and to make
decisions on day-to-day operational matters. The Zhong Xin plant has been
expanded over the years and currently provides a factory space of approximately
250,000 square feet and employs a workforce of approximately 2,500. Zindart is
currently negotiating the termination of the subcontract processing agreement as
part of the move to the Dongguan facility. See "Item 1 -- Risk Factors --
Reliance on New Production Facility."
Zindart established its Xin Xing factory in the Henan district of
Guangzhou in 1987. The Xin Xing factory now provides a factory space of
approximately 170,000 square feet, and employs a workforce of approximately
1,500. In December 1993, Zindart entered into a contractual joint venture
agreement with Guangzhou Xinjiao Huangbu Economic Development Company
("Guangzhou Xinjiao"), the PRC party that owned the Xin Xing factory, to operate
the factory through a majority-owned subsidiary of Zindart. Pursuant to the
contractual joint venture agreement, Guangzhou Xinjiao receives an annual fee
from Zindart approximating the rent of this facility, but does not share in the
profits or losses of the venture. Zindart recently negotiated termination of
this contractual joint venture agreement as part of the move to the Dongguan
facility. See "Item 1 -- Risk Factors -- Reliance on New Production Facility."
In October 1994, Zindart decided to build its own production facility
on approximately 20 acres of land in the city of Dongguan, which is located
approximately 60 miles north of Hong Kong, near the Pearl River Delta. Virtually
all land in the PRC is state-owned, but can be leased from the government on a
long-term basis. Operation of the Dongguan Facility is structured as a
contractual joint venture with a PRC governmental entity, Dongguan Hengli
Trading General Company ("Dongguan Hengli"), which will receive an annual fee
from Zindart but which does not share in the profits or losses of the venture.
This contractual joint venture acquired a 50-year lease on the 20 acres of land,
and has a term of 15 years. At the end of this term, Zindart will continue to
own the principle assets of the joint venture, including the 50-year land lease.
Pursuant to the contractual joint venture agreement, Dongguan Hengli receives an
annual service fee but does not share in the profits or losses of the venture.
Phase I of the construction of the Dongguan Facility with a gross floor area of
approximately 560,000 square feet, including living accommodations for up to
3,500 workers, was completed in February 1996. Zindart commenced Phase II of the
construction in late 1997, and intends to complete such construction in early
1998. When Phase II of the construction of the Dongguan Facility is completed,
it will provide approximately 887,000 square feet of manufacturing space and
approximately 385,000 square feet of space for non-production purposes. The
Dongguan Facility has been designed to meet or exceed applicable environmental,
worker and fire safety requirements. Following completion of Phase II of the
construction, Zindart intends to transfer all production activities from the two
Guangzhou factories to the Dongguan Facility. The workers and production lines
from the other facilities will be relocated to the Dongguan Facility starting in
July 1997 and is expected to conclude in late calendar 1997. However, there can
be no assurance that the relocation will be completed successfully, on time or
at all.
The following chart shows the current operating structure of Zindart's
three manufacturing facilities:
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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS AND INSURANCE
Zindart is not a party to any material pending legal or arbitration
proceeding with respect to itself or any of its material properties.
The discussion of certain litigation threatened by certain shareholders
of ZIC Holdings Limited ("ZICHL") against ZICHL and others, including Zindart,
contained in the section entitled "Principal Shareholders -- Dispute Between
Certain Beneficial Shareholders" in Part I of Zindart's Registration Statement
on Form F-1A (Registration No. 333-17973) dated February 21, 1997 is
incorporated herein by reference. As described therein, ZICHL has entered into
an Indemnification Agreement with Zindart in which ZICHL has agreed to hold
Zindart harmless from any claims made by such shareholders. Zindart is unaware
of any further material developments with respect to this potential matter since
the date of such registration statement.
Zindart currently maintains insurance coverage with HSCB Insurance
Ltd., the China Pacific Insurance Co., Ltd. and China Insurance Co., Ltd. on its
property, plant and equipment in an amount in excess of the current net book
value of such assets. It carries business interruption and third-party liability
insurance to cover claims arising out of bodily injury or property or
environmental damage caused by accidents on its property, or otherwise relating
to its operations. Zindart also maintains Directors & Officers Liability
insurance for all of its Directors and Officers.
ITEM 4. CONTROL OF REGISTRANT
The following table sets forth beneficial ownership of the Ordinary
Shares as of April 30, 1997 by (i) each person known by Zindart to own
beneficially more than 10% of the outstanding Ordinary Shares and (ii) the
officers and directors of Zindart as a group.
Zindart Pte Limited ("Zindart Singapore") has control of Zindart
through ownership of 74.35% of the Ordinary Shares. ZICHL is the largest
shareholder of Zindart Singapore by virtue of its ownership of 74.35% of the
shares of Zindart Singapore. Funds under the management of ChinaVest own 67.8%
of the shares of ZICHL.
Zindart is not aware of any present arrangement that may at a
subsequent date result in a change of control of Zindart.
ORDINARY SHARES PERCENT OF
TITLE OF CLASS IDENTITY OF PERSON OR GROUP BENEFICIALLY OWNED(1) CLASS(2)
- -------------- --------------------------- --------------------- --------
Ordinary Shares Zindart Singapore(3) 5,000,000 74.3%
Ordinary Shares ZICHL(4) 5,000,000 74.3%
Ordinary Shares ChinaVest IV Funds(5) 5,000,000 74.3%
Ordinary Shares All executive officers and 5,005,000 74.4%
directors as a group
((4) persons)(6)
- ------------------------------
(1) Beneficial ownership is determined pursuant to Rule 13d-3 of the Exchange
Act.
(2) Based on 6,725,000 Ordinary Shares outstanding as of April 30, 1997 of
which 1,725,000 are American Depositary Shares tradable on the Nasdaq
National Market; there is currently no market for the other Ordinary
Shares.
(3) Zindart Singapore is an investment holding company incorporated in
Singapore. The shareholders of Zindart Singapore are ZICHL (76.0%),
Longvest Management Limited (14.0%) and Ertl (Hong Kong) Limited (10.0%).
The address of Zindart Singapore is 138 Cecil St., #18-00 Cecil Court,
Singapore 069538.
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(4) ZICHL is an investment holding company incorporated in the Cayman Islands.
The address of ZICHL is P.O. Box 309, Ugland House, South Church St.,
George Town, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, British West Indies. The shares
of ZICHL are owned by four shareholders, whose indirect pecuniary interest
in Zindart is outlined below:
ORDINARY SHARES
BENEFICIALLY % OF ORDINARY
NAME OF BENEFICIAL OWNER OWNED (1) SHARES
------------------------ --------------- -------------
ChinaVest IV Funds(a) .................. 2,577,000 38.4%
Advent Funds(b) ........................ 744,000 11.1%
Long Gain Limited(c) ................... 239,500 3.6%
Cititrend International Holdings Ltd.(d) 239,500 3.6%
------------------------------
(a) ChinaVest IV Funds are described in note (5).
(b) Advent Funds consist of the following three limited partnerships:
Advent International Investors II, L.P., a Massachusetts limited
partnership; Advent Asia/Pacific Fund L.P., a Bermuda limited
partnership; and Asia/Pacific Special Situations Fund, L.P., a
Delaware limited partnership, which together hold 19.6% of ZICHL.
The address of Advent Funds is c/o Advent International
Corporation, 5th Floor, 101 Federal St., Boston, Massachusetts
02110.
(c) Long Gain Limited, incorporated in the British Virgin Islands, is
the personal investment holding company of Mr. Henry H. L. Hu, a
former director of ZICHL and a former director and Chief Executive
Officer of Zindart. The address of Long Gain Limited is Creque
Building, P.O. Box 116, Roadtown, Tortola, British Virgin Islands.
(d) Cititrend International Holdings Ltd., incorporated in Bermuda, is
the personal investment holding company of Mr. Carl Tong, a former
director of ZICHL and Zindart. The address of Cititrend
International Holdings Ltd. is 12B Thomson Commercial Building,
4-10 Thomson Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong.
(5) The ChinaVest IV Funds consist of the following three limited partnerships:
ChinaVest IV, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership; ChinaVest IV-A, L.P., a
Delaware limited partnership; and ChinaVest IV-B, L.P., a Bermuda limited
partnership. The address of ChinaVest IV Funds is c/o ChinaVest Ltd., 19/F,
Dina House, Duddell Street, Central, Hong Kong.
(6) Each of Robert A. Theleen and Alexander M. K. Ngan is a partner of
ChinaVest. On that basis, Messrs. Theleen and Ngan may be deemed to own
beneficially the Ordinary Shares held by ChinaVest. Messrs. Theleen and
Ngan each disclaims beneficial ownership of such Ordinary Shares, except to
the extent of his pecuniary interest therein. Leo Paul Koulos beneficially
owns 3,000 ADSs and James Gilleran beneficially owns 2,000 ADSs.
ITEM 5. NATURE OF TRADING MARKET
Zindart's Ordinary Shares are not traded on any market. Since March
1997, The American Depositary Shares of Zindart have been listed and traded on
the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol ZNDTY. As of April 30, 1997, there
were 18 registered holders of American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs") evidencing
1,725,000 ADSs. Since certain of the ADSs are held by nominees, the above number
is not representative of the actual number of U.S. beneficial holders or the
number of ADSs beneficially held by U.S. persons. The depositary for the ADSs is
The Bank of New York, New York, New York.
The table below sets forth for the months indicated the high and low
sales prices for the ADSs on the Nasdaq National Market, as reported by Nasdaq.
PRICE PER ADS
--------------------------
HIGH LOW
------ -------
March 1997 10 1/4 9 1/8
April 1997 10 1/8 9 11/32
ITEM 6. EXCHANGE CONTROLS AND OTHER LIMITATIONS AFFECTING SECURITY HOLDERS
Zindart is a limited liability company incorporated under the Companies
Ordinance of Hong Kong. Zindart is therefore governed by and subject to the
provisions of Hong Kong law.
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Under Hong Kong law, there are currently no restrictions on the degree
of foreign ownership of a company incorporated in Hong Kong. Likewise, there are
currently no restrictions on the rights of non- Hong Kong owners to exercise
voting rights in respect of shares held by them in Hong Kong-incorporated
companies.
There are currently no foreign exchange control restrictions imposed by
Hong Kong law which affect Zindart. There are currently no foreign exchange
control restrictions on the ability of Zindart to transfer funds into and out of
Hong Kong or to pay dividends to United States residents who are holders of the
Ordinary Shares or ADSs.
In accordance with Hong Kong law, share certificates are only issued in
the name of corporations or individuals. In the case of an applicant acting in a
special capacity (for example, as an executor or trustee), certificates may, at
the request of the applicant, record the capacity in which the applicant is
acting. Notwithstanding the recording of any special capacity, Zindart is not
bound to investigate or incur any responsibility in respect of the proper
administration of any such estate or trust. Zindart will take no notice of any
trust applicable to any of its securities whether or not it had notice of such
trust.
The rights and liabilities of the shareholders of Zindart are governed
by the Companies Ordinance and the Memorandum of Association and Articles of
Association. Under Hong Kong law, shareholders are liable to pay the full
purchase price of shares or ADSs registered in their name, but are not otherwise
subject to liabilities vis-a-vis Zindart in their capacity as shareholders. See
"Item 7 -- Taxation -- Hong Kong Taxation."
ITEM 7. TAXATION
The following discussion under "Hong Kong Taxation" generally
summarizes the material Hong Kong tax consequences of an investment in the ADSs
and the material Hong Kong taxes applicable to Zindart's operations in Hong
Kong. The discussion under "PRC Taxation" generally summarizes the material PRC
taxes applicable to Zindart's investment in the PRC. The discussion does not
deal with all possible tax consequences relating to an investment in the ADSs
and does not purport to deal with the tax consequences applicable to all
categories of investors, some of which (such as dealers in securities, insurance
companies and tax-exempt entities) may be subject to special rules.
In particular, the discussion does not address the tax consequences
under the laws of countries other than the United States, Hong Kong and the PRC.
The following discussion is based upon laws and relevant interpretations thereof
in effect as of the date of this Annual Report, all of which are subject to
change.
HONG KONG TAXATION
Profits tax. Zindart is subject to profits tax on all profits
(excluding capital profits) arising in or derived from Hong Kong. The source of
income is therefore the relevant factor, and this is generally regarded as a
question of fact. There are certain situations in which the Hong Kong tax
authorities are prepared to accept apportionment of chargeable profits, for
example when a Hong Kong-based company has manufacturing facilities in the PRC.
The proportion of income originating from the PRC and Hong Kong, respectively,
in such situations is a question of fact. However, where apportionment is
appropriate, the Hong Kong tax authorities usually adopt a 50:50 allocation
unless compelling circumstances dictate otherwise. Profits tax is levied at the
rate of 16.5% for corporations and 15.0% for
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unincorporated entities. Generally speaking, business losses may be carried
forward indefinitely to be offset against future profits of Zindart.
Capital Gains/Taxation of Dividends. Hong Kong does not have any form
of capital gains tax. Neither does it have any form of dividend taxation or
withholding taxes, and hence profits accumulated in a Hong Kong company can be
distributed as dividends without tax deduction in Hong Kong. However, Hong Kong
profits tax will be charged on trading gains from the sale of property that are
derived from or arise in Hong Kong, by persons carrying on a trade in Hong Kong
where such gains are from such trade. Liability for Hong Kong profits tax would
therefore arise in respect of trading gains from the sale of ADSs or Ordinary
Shares realized by persons carrying on a business of trading or dealing in
securities in Hong Kong.
Estate Duty. Estate duties are imposed upon the value of properties
situated in Hong Kong that pass to a person's estate upon his or her death. ADSs
or Ordinary Shares that are registered outside Hong Kong are not regarded as
properties situated in Hong Kong for estate duty purposes.
Stamp Duty. Hong Kong stamp duty is generally payable by the purchaser
on every purchase, and by the seller on every sale, of shares of Hong
Kong-incorporated companies. The duty is charged to both the purchaser and the
seller at the rate of HK$1.50 per HK$1,000 or part thereof of the consideration
for, or (if greater) the value of, the shares transferred. In addition, a fixed
duty of HK$5 is currently payable on an instrument of transfer of such shares.
Under the current practices of the Hong Kong Inland Revenue Department,
if ADSs are not specifically identified to correspond with particular underlying
Ordinary Shares, the issuance of ADSs upon the deposit of Ordinary Shares issued
directly to the Depositary or for the account of the Depositary should not be
subject to stamp duty, nor should any Hong Kong stamp duty be payable upon the
transfer of ADSs outside Hong Kong.
PRC TAXATION
Income Tax. Zindart's investment is subject to the Income Tax Law of
the PRC for Enterprises with Foreign Investment and Foreign Enterprises ("the
Foreign Investment Enterprise Tax Law"). Pursuant to the Foreign Investment
Enterprise Tax Law, Sino-foreign equity and contractual joint venture
enterprises generally are subject to an income tax at an effective rate of 33%,
which is comprised of a state tax of 30% and a local tax of 3%. The Foreign
Investment Enterprise Tax Law generally exempts Sino-foreign equity and
contractual joint venture enterprises engaged in manufacturing with an operating
term of more than ten years from state and local income taxes for two years
starting from the first profitable year of operations, followed by a 50%
reduction for the next three years. The first profitable year for Zindart's
operations at the Xin Xing facility was the year ended March 31, 1995, and the
first profitable year as defined for tax purposes for the Dongguan Facility has
not yet occurred as the joint venture recently started operations.
Value-Added Tax ("VAT"). Effective January 1, 1994, all goods produced
or processed in the PRC, other than real property and goods produced or
processed for export, are subject to a new VAT at each stage or sale in the
process of manufacture, processing and distribution through the sale to the
ultimate consumer of the goods. The new basic VAT rate for Zindart is 17% of the
sale price of the item. The seller of the goods adds 17% to the sale price of
the item, separately invoiced (except in the case of retail sales), and collects
the applicable amount of VAT through the sale of the item. The amount of the
seller's VAT liability to the Tax Bureau is calculated as the amount of sales
multiplied by the applicable
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VAT rate. The amount of the seller's VAT liability may be reduced by deducting
the invoiced amount of VAT included in the materials, parts and other items
purchased by the seller and used in producing the goods.
The Value-Added Tax Provisional Regulations do not permit the seller to
deduct from its VAT liability the amount of VAT included in the purchase price
of fixed assets purchased by the seller. Thus, although the book value of fixed
assets, including plant and equipment purchased by Zindart will be the
depreciated cost (ordinarily the purchase price plus VAT) paid at the time of
such purchase, Zindart is not permitted to deduct from its VAT liability in
respect of products sold.
Taxation of Dividends from the PRC. Dividends distributed to Zindart
can be remitted from the PRC without any PRC taxation. Although the Foreign
Investment Enterprise Tax Law provides that certain remittances of foreign
exchange earnings from the PRC are subject to PRC withholding tax, dividends
received by foreign investors from a foreign investment enterprise are exempt
from withholding tax. Zindart's PRC subsidiaries are qualified as foreign
investment enterprises, so withholding tax is not applicable to dividends
received by Zindart from these subsidiaries. Under the U.S.-China Income Tax
Treaty, China may tax a dividend the Company pays to a U.S. Holder only up to a
maximum of 10% of the gross amount of such dividend and may only tax gains from
the sale or other disposition by U.S. holders of ADSs or Ordinary Shares of the
Company representing a participation of 25% or more in the Company.
Taxation of Disposition of Interest in PRC Subsidiaries. In the event
Zindart transfers its interest in its PRC subsidiaries, the amount received in
excess of its original capital contribution would be subject to PRC withholding
tax at the rate of 20%.
In the event that Zindart's PRC subsidiaries are liquidated, the
portion of the balance of their assets or remaining property, after deducting
undistributed profits, various funds and liquidation expenses, that exceeds
Zindart's paid-in capital would be treated as income from liquidation, which
would be subject to income tax at the same rate that would apply to Zindart's
income as described under "PRC Taxation -- Income Tax."
ITEM 8. SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
The selected consolidated income statement data for the fiscal years
ended March 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997 and the related consolidated balance sheet
data as of March 31, 1996 and 1997 set forth below have been prepared in
accordance with U.S. GAAP and are derived from the consolidated financial
statements and notes thereto included elsewhere in this Annual Report which have
been audited by Arthur Andersen & Co., independent public accountants, whose
report thereon is also included elsewhere in this Annual Report. The selected
consolidated income statement data for the fiscal years ended March 31, 1993 and
1994 and the selected consolidated balance sheet data as of March 31, 1993, 1994
and 1995 not included elsewhere in this Annual Report have been prepared in
accordance with U.S. GAAP and are derived from Zindart's audited financial
statements. The selected consolidated financial data should be read in
conjunction with "Item 9 -- Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations," the consolidated financial statements and
the notes thereto and other financial information which appears elsewhere in
this Annual Report.
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SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
YEARS ENDED MARCH 31,
-------------------------------------------------------------
1993 1994 1995 1996 1997
------- ------- ------- -------- -------
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
INCOME STATEMENT DATA:
Net sales $35,603 $35,583 $36,879 $ 46,930 $62,207
Cost of goods sold 27,309 25,037 25,644 34,116 45,732
------- ------- ------- -------- -------
Gross profit 8,294 10,546 11,235 12,814 16,475
Selling, general and
administrative expenses 5,080 6,351 6,806 6,498 8,945
Operating income 3,214 4,195 4,429 6,316 7,530
Interest expenses 165 150 137 402 868
Interest income 164 129 228 208 145
Other income (expense), net 122 80 492 (416) 390
------- ------- ------- -------- -------
Income before income taxes 3,335 4,254 5,012 5,706 7,197
Provision for income taxes 302 436 483 488 635
Income before minority
interests 3,033 3,818 4,529 5,218 6,562
Minority interests(1) 0 83 337 622 887
------- ------- ------- -------- -------
Net income $ 3,033 $ 3,735 $ 4,192 $ 4,596 $ 5,675
======= ======= ======= ======== =======
Earnings per share(2) $ 0.61 $ 0.75 $ 0.84 $ 0.92 $ 1.11
======= ======= ======= ======== =======
Dividends per share(3) $ 0.29 $ 0.39 $ 0.21 $ 0.60 $ --
======= ======= ======= ======== =======
Weighted average number
of shares outstanding 5,000 5,000 5,000 5,000 5,103
------- ------- ------- -------- -------
AS OF MARCH 31,
-----------------------------------------------------------
1993 1994 1995 1996 1997
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
(IN THOUSANDS)
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 3,912 $ 4,068 $ 4,123 $ 3,294 $12,531
Working capital 3,775 3,210 5,399 3,401 18,207
Property, plant and
equipment, net 1,882 2,545 3,902 10,800 11,746
Construction in progress -- -- -- -- 1,851
Total assets 13,905 16,846 23,070 31,710 45,611
Short-term debt(4) 1,052 1,020 1,780 8,899 2,361
Long-term debt and capital
lease obligations 745 420 859 2,128 1,402
Shareholders' equity 5,112 6,887 10,011 11,608 29,484
AS OF MARCH 31,
-----------------------------------------------------------
1993 1994 1995 1996 1997
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
(IN THOUSANDS)
OTHER DATA:
Capital expenditures $ 1,086 $ 1,491 $ 3,197 $ 7,341 $ 3,315
- ------------------------------
(1) Certain third parties own minority equity interests in Zindart's
manufacturing and mold-making subsidiaries in the PRC. See
"Item 1 -- Description of Business -- Subsidiaries."
(2) See Note 3 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
(3) Dividends per share are computed by dividing the total amount of dividends
for the years ended March 31, 1993, 1994, 1995 and 1996 by 5,000,000 and
for the year ended March 31, 1997 by approximately 5,103,000, the weighted
average
20
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number of ordinary shares outstanding during the years. For the
year ended March 31, 1996, Zindart distributed a dividend in kind of
approximately $2,994,000 of a loan receivable and amounts due from a
related company.
(4) Includes current portions of long-term debt and capital lease obligations.
HISTORICAL EXCHANGE RATES INFORMATION
The following table sets forth certain information concerning exchange
rates between Hong Kong Dollars and U.S. Dollars for the periods indicated:
EXCHANGE RATE (1)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
CALENDAR YEAR
ENDED DECEMBER 31, YEAR END AVERAGE(2) HIGH LOW
------------------ -------- ---------- ----- -----
1993 7.724 7.736 7.755 7.724
1994 7.738 7.728 7.738 7.721
1995 7.735 7.736 7.745 7.731
1996 7.736 7.734 7.739 7.732
- ------------------------------
(1) Exchange rates are extracted from Hong Kong Monthly Digest of Statistics
published by the Hong Kong Government. Figures are the average exchange
rates for the respective periods derived from closing middle market
telegraphic transfer rate.
(2) Determined by averaging the rate on each day during the relevant period.
DIVIDENDS PAYMENTS
Zindart does not contemplate the payment of dividends in the
foreseeable future. In addition, Zindart's lines of credit prohibit the payment
of dividends in excess of 25% of net income. The following table sets forth
certain information concerning the dividends paid by Zindart since 1993:
DIVIDENDS PAYMENTS Amount of Dividends Per Ordinary Share (U.S.$)
Fiscal Year 1993 0.29
Fiscal Year 1994 0.39
Fiscal Year 1995 0.21
Fiscal Year 1996 0.60(1)
Fiscal Year 1997 0
- ------------------------------
(1) In FY 1996, Zindart distributed a dividend in kind of approximately $0.60
per Ordinary Share consisting of $2,994,000 of a loan receivable and
amounts due from a debtor of the Company. The Company did not declare a
cash dividend in FY 1996.
ITEM 9. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction
with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere
herein.
OVERVIEW
Zindart manufactures a wide range of high-quality, detailed die-cast
and injection-molded products including (i) die-cast collectibles, (ii)
collectible holiday ornaments and (iii) action figures and miniature figurine
playsets used primarily as toys. In FY 1997, Zindart manufactured products for
approximately 20 customers, most of which are leading U.S. designers and
marketers. Two of these customers accounted for a majority of Zindart's
production, as they have for the past five fiscal years.
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Net sales in FY 1997 increased approximately 33% to $62.2 million from
$46.9 million in FY 1996. The increase in Zindart's sales in FY 1997 resulted
from a combination of strong growth in orders from two of the Zindart's major
customers, Hallmark and Ertl, and Zindart's success in acquiring new customers.
In calendar year 1996, Hallmark had record sales in its Keepsake Ornaments line
and Ertl had record sales in its die-cast products line. Zindart is the leading
supplier for both of these lines. Zindart added Mattel Vendor Operations Asia
Ltd., Lewis Galoob Toys, Inc., Jakks Pacific, Inc., and Original San Francisco
Toymakers to its customer list in 1996. As previously reported, Zindart received
an approximately $2.0 million order from Mattel for the production of Hot Wheels
Pro-Racing(TM) automobile replicas for delivery in Zindart's first 1998 fiscal
quarter ending June 30, 1997. Zindart believes that this major order signals
that Mattel is developing Zindart into a core supplier in the metal die-cast Hot
Wheels Pro-Racing(TM) and Legend Series(TM). With the increasing popularity of
NASCAR(TM) racing, these models are an important segment of the die-cast
automobile replica business.
As anticipated, Zindart's gross profit margin declined from 27.3% in FY
1996 to 26.5% in FY 1997. This decline was due to costs associated with
operating Zindart's main facility in the southern Guangdong Province (the
Dongguan Facility) at less than full capacity, training new employees and an
increase in the production of Zindart's lower-margin toy products. The net
profit margin also declined in FY 1997 from 9.8% to 9.1% for the prior year.
However, margin improvements were recorded throughout fiscal 1997 as Zindart
focused on improving operating efficiency. Zindart intends to seek to reduce its
cost of goods sold by (i) maintaining the same overall percentage of toy sales
but focusing on high margin toy products; and (ii) improving operating
efficiency by consolidating its operations in the Dongguan Facility. There can
be no assurance, however, that Zindart will be able to achieve a reduction in
the cost of goods sold due to several factors beyond Zindart's control,
including lower customer demand for higher margin products, and an increase in
raw material prices, personnel costs, inflation and other costs.
During FY 1998, the production staff at Zindart's Dongguan Facility,
currently 2,500, is scheduled to expand to 7,000 with the anticipated completion
of the Phase II construction of this modern 20 acre facility. The manufacturing
area of the facility will be 887,000 square feet, 470,000 square feet more than
the manufacturing space of Phase I. Upon completion of the Phase II development,
the workers and production lines from the two other facilities of Zindart will
be relocated; the relocation is expected to begin in July 1997 and conclude by
late calendar 1997. The estimated costs for the relocation, $272,000, were
provided for in fiscal 1997. The consolidation from three factories into one
factory are expected to increase capacity, improve operating efficiency and cut
factory overhead.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The table below sets forth certain statement of operations data as a
percentage of net sales for the fiscal years ended March 31, 1995, 1996, and
1997.
YEAR ENDED MARCH 31,
----------------------------------
1995 1996 1997
----- ----- -----
Net sales........................ 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
Gross profit..................... 30.5% 27.3% 26.5%
Selling, general, and
administrative expenses 18.5% 13.8% 14.4%
Operating income................. 12.0% 13.5% 12.1%
Income before income taxes 13.6% 12.2% 11.6%
Provision for income taxes 1.3% 1.0% 1.0%
Minority interests............... 0.9% 1.3% 1.4%
Net income....................... 11.4% 9.8% 9.1%
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Comparison of Results of Operations for FY 1997 to FY 1996
Net sales. Net sales in FY 1997 totaled $62.2 million, an increase of
$15.3 million or 32.6%, from $46.9 million in FY 1996. This growth resulted from
an increase in sales volume in all finished product categories. Sales of
die-cast collectibles increased by 13.9%, from $19.9 million to $22.7 million.
Sales of collectible holiday ornaments increased by 41.6%, from $12.7 million to
$17.9 million. Sales of action figures and miniature figurine playsets increased
by 107.8%, from $5.7 million to $11.9 million. Mold sales increased by 12.4%,
from $8.6 million to $9.7 million.
Gross Profit. Gross profit totaled $16.5 million in FY 1997, an
increase of $3.7 million or 28.6%, from $12.8 million in FY 1996. Gross margin
was 26.5% in FY 1997 compared to 27.3% in FY 1996. Gross margin decreased
because of the costs associated with operating the new facility in Dongguan at
less than full capacity, training new employees and an increase in the
production of the lower margin toy products. Sales of die-cast collectibles
decreased from 42.5% of net sales to 36.5% of net sales and sales of molds
decreased from 18.3% of net sales of 15.6% of net sales. Sales of collectible
holiday ornaments increased from 27.0% to 28.8%, and sales of action figures and
miniature figurine playsets increased from 12.2% of net sales to 19.1% of net
sales.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. SG&A expenses totaled
$8.9 million in FY 1997, an increase of $2.4 million or 37.7% from $6.5 million
in FY 1996, as a result of an increase in selling expenses and additional staff
cost to support the 32.6% increase in sales, and a $272,000 provision of
relocation expenses made in FY 1997. SG&A expenses were 14.4% of net sales in FY
1997 as compared to 13.8% of net sales in FY 1996, an increase of 0.6%.
Operating Income. Income from operations totaled $7.5 million in FY
1997 compared to $6.3 million in FY 1996, an increase of $1.2 million or 19%.
The operating margin decreased from 13.5% of net sales in FY 1996 to 12.1% of
net sales in FY 1997.
Other Income (Expense) Net. Other income (expenses) totaled a net
income of $390,000 for FY 1997 compared to net expenses of $416,000 in FY 1996,
an increase of $806,000. The increase was due primarily to: (i) a non-recurring
trading net income of $260,000 in FY 1997, (ii) a decrease of $69,000 resulting
from aggregate loss from foreign currency transactions in FY 1997, as compared
to FY 1996 and (iii) as a result of a $358,000 write-off in FY 1996 related to
listing expenses for a proposed public offering in Singapore that was not
completed during FY 1996.
Interest expenses. Interest expenses increased from $402,000 in FY 1996
to $868,000 in FY 1997 because Zindart increased borrowings to undertake Phase I
of the construction and machinery addition of the Dongguan Facility.
Provision for Income Taxes. The effective income tax rate was 8.8% in
FY 1997, comparable to the 8.6% in FY 1996.
Net income. Net income totaled $5.7 million in FY 1997, an increase of
$1.1 million, or 23.5% from $4.6 million for FY 1996.
Comparison of Results of Operations for Fiscal 1996 and 1995
Net Sales. Net sales in FY 1996 totaled $46.9 million, an increase of
$10 million, or 27.3%, from $36.9 million in FY 1995. This growth resulted from
an increase in sales volume in all finished product categories. Sales of
die-cast collectibles increased by 13.9%, from $17.5 million to $19.9
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million. Sales of collectible holiday ornaments increased by 10.0%, from $11.5
million to $12.7 million. Sales of action figures and miniature figurine
playsets increased by 63.9%, from $3.5 million to $5.7 million. Mold sales
increased by 96.4%, from $4.4 million to $8.6 million, as a result of Zindart's
acquisition of a 51% majority interest of Luen Tat Mould Manufacturing Limited
("Luen Tat Mold") and the subsequent consolidation of Luen Tat Mould's financial
results with those of Zindart, as well as an increase in Luen Tat Mould's sales.
Gross Profit. Gross profit totaled $12.9 million in FY 1996, an
increase of $1.6 million, or 14.1%, from $11.2 in FY 1995. Gross Margin was
27.3% in FY 1996 compared to 30.5% in FY 1995. The Gross Margin decreased
because the sale of action figures and miniature figurine playsets and molds as
a percentage of total net sales increased. These products generally have a lower
Gross Margin than Zindart's other products. Sales of die-cast collectibles
decreased from 47.5% of net sales to 42.5% of net sales, and sales of
collectible holiday ornaments decreased from 31.2% of net sales to 27.0% of net
sales. Sales of action figures and miniature figurine playsets increased from
9.5% of net sales to 12.2% of net sales, and sales of molds increased from 11.8%
of net sales to 18.3% of net sales. In FY 1996, Zindart obtained from its
subcontractor a reduction of the subcontracting fee, which resulted in a
reduction in the provision relating to such fee. The prices of Zindart's raw
materials, zinc (approximately 13% of net sales) and plastic (approximately 7%
of net sales) increased substantially in the first half of FY 1996. Zindart was
able to pass on the increase in the cost of zinc to its customers but had to
absorb part of the increase in the cost of plastic. In FY 1996, the annual
average price of zinc alloy increased by approximately 6.5% over the annual
average price in FY 1995, but Zindart was able to increase the average price of
zinc alloy charged to its customers by approximately 5.6%, nearly offsetting the
price increase. The price of a plastic resin frequently used by Zindart
increased by approximately 16.9% from FY 1995 to FY 1996, and Zindart was unable
to pass on the majority of this additional cost to its customers. As a result,
Zindart's gross profit margin suffered in FY 1996. Zindart does not believe that
increases in the price of raw materials have materially affected Zindart's
results of operations in any other period.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. SG&A expenses totaled
$6.5 million in FY 1996 compared to $6.8 million in FY 95, a decrease of
$308,000, or 4.5%, as a result of the transfer of certain engineering and
administrative functions from Hong Kong to the PRC and a reduction in provisions
relating to management bonuses. SG&A expenses were 13.8% of net sales in FY 1996
as compared to 18.5% of net sales in FY 1995, a decrease of 4.7%
Operating Income. Income from operations totaled $6.3 million in FY
1996 compared to $4.4 million in FY 1995, an increase of $1.9 million, or 42.6%.
The operating margin increased from 12.0% of net sales in FY 1995 to 13.5% of
net sales in FY 1996.
Other Income (Expense), Net. Other income (expense) totaled a net
expense of $435,000 for FY 1996 compared to a net income of $455,000, a decrease
of $890,000. The decrease was due primarily to (i) a difference of $342,000
resulting from aggregate losses from foreign currency transactions in FY 1996,
versus aggregate gains from foreign currency transactions in FY 1995 and (ii) a
$358,000 write-off related to listing expenses for a proposed public offering in
Singapore that was not completed during FY 1996.
Interest Expense. Interest expense increased from $137,000 in FY 1995
to $402,000 in FY 1996 because Zindart increased borrowings to undertake Phase I
of the construction of the Dongguan Facility.
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Provision for Income Taxes. The effective income tax rate was 8.6% in
FY 1996 and 9.6% in FY 1995. The effective rate decreased because profit
contributions from subsidiaries of Zindart are not taxable and the proportion of
profits contributed from such subsidiaries was higher in FY 1996 than in FY
1995.
Net Income. Net income totaled $4.6 million in FY 1996, an increase of
$404,000, or 9.6% from $4.2 million in FY 1995.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Zindart increased its capital in March 1997 through an initial public
offering with net proceeds to Zindart of approximately $12.2 million. Share
capital increased by $97,000 and Share premium by $12.1 million. Zindart also
financed its operations through cash generated from operations. Cash and cash
equivalents were $12.5 million at March 31, 1997, while total indebtedness was
$3.8 million in March 31, 1997.
Cash flow from operating activities was $9.1 million in FY 1997. Cash
flow used in investing activities was $3.3 million, primarily as a result of
expenditures for the acquisition of plant and equipment and construction in
progress of Phase II of the Dongguan facility.
Zindart repaid short-term and long-term loans of $8.0 million in FY
1997. In FY 1997, Zindart obtained equipment lease financings in the aggregate
amount of $1.5 million from two equipment lessors. As of March 31, 1997, the
aggregate outstanding amount under leases was $2.1 million. These leases require
repayment in 48 monthly installments. The first and second leases carry interest
rates of 9.3% and 7.2%, respectively.
Zindart has revolving lines of credit with three banks: Standard
Chartered Bank, The Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited and Bank
of China. As of March 31, 1997, these lines of credit allow for aggregate
borrowings of up to $15.2 million. As of March 31, 1997, Zindart had $1.6
million of loans and letters of credit outstanding under these revolving lines
of credit. Zindart draws down from the lines of credit primarily to finance
purchases of raw materials. The lines of credit contain covenants requiring the
maintenance of minimum net worth and limitations on payment of dividends and
bonuses to management without the consent of the lender. In May 1997, Zindart
renegotiated its banking facilities and currently has facilities with lines of
credit which allow for aggregate borrowings of up to US$16.2 million. In
connection with such renegotiation, the banks have released all loan covenants,
mortgages over properties and pledges of bank deposits previously made by
Zindart.
Consistent with practice in the giftware and collectibles industry,
Zindart offers accounts receivable terms to its customers. This practice has
created working capital requirements that Zindart generally has financed with
net cash balances, internally generated cash flow and loans. Zindart's accounts
receivable balance at March 31, 1997 was $9.3 million. Zindart has never
experienced any significant problems with collection of accounts receivable from
its customers.
Capital expenditure for FY 1997 was $3.3 million. Zindart believes that
the proceeds from initial public offering, cash generated from its operations
and its existing credit facilities will be sufficient to satisfy its working
capital and capital expenditure requirements for at least the next 18 months.
25
30
FOREIGN EXCHANGE
All of Zindart's sales are denominated either in U.S. Dollars or Hong
Kong Dollars. The largest portion of Zindart's expenses are denominated in Hong
Kong Dollars, followed by Renminbi and U.S. Dollars. The exchange rate of the
Hong Kong Dollar is currently pegged to the U.S. Dollar, but during the past
several years the market exchange rate has fluctuated within a narrow range. The
PRC government sets the exchange rate between the Renminbi and all other
currencies. As a result, the exchange rate between the Renminbi and the U.S.
Dollar and the Hong Kong Dollar has fluctuated in the past and may fluctuate in
the future. If the value of the Renminbi or the Hong Kong Dollar decreases
relative to the U.S. Dollar, such fluctuation may have a positive effect on
Zindart's results of operations. If the value of the Renminbi or the Hong Kong
Dollar increases relative to the U.S. Dollar, such fluctuation may have a
negative effect on Zindart's results of operations. See "Item 1 -- Risk Factors
- -- Country Risks -- Exchange Rate Risk." Zindart does not currently hedge its
foreign exchange positions.
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS OF REGISTRANT
The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the
directors and executive officers of Zindart and employees who make or are
expected to make significant contributions to the business of Zindart:
NAME POSITION AGE
Robert A. Theleen(1)(2) Chairman of the Board 51
George K. D. Sun Founder, Chief Executive Officer and Director 56
Feather S. Y. Fok(2) Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer and 35
Director
Andrew C. H. Mok EVP - Operations 45
Tony D. H. Lai Vice President of Production 55
C.W. Ng Vice President of Production 38
Koulman N. Zheng Vice President of Engineering 41
Vickie W. K. So Assistant Vice President and Financial Controller 36
Choi S. Leung Assistant Vice President of Marketing and Purchasing 52
Pei J. Yu Assistant Vice President of Production 51
Alexander M. K. Ngan(2) Director 46
George B. Volanakis Director 49
James E. Gilleran(1) Director 64
Leo Paul Koulos Director 63
Stanley Wang(1) Director 54
- ------------------------------
(1) Member of Audit Committee.
(2) Member of Compensation Committee.
Robert A. Theleen, 51, serves as Chairman of the Board of Zindart and
is the founder and Chairman of ChinaVest. Mr. Theleen joined the Board of
Directors in January, 1997. Mr. Theleen is a director of several privately held
ChinaVest portfolio companies. Mr. Theleen is a founding member of the executive
committee of the Hong Kong-Taipei Business Cooperation Committee of the Hong
Kong
26
31
General Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Theleen received a B.A. degree from Duquesne
University and an MBA from the American School of International Management.
George K. D. Sun, 56, founded Zindart in 1978 and served as a Director
and Chief Executive Officer from 1978 to 1994. In 1994, Mr. Sun took a
sabbatical from Zindart to pursue philanthropic activities, including the
creation of Zindart (De Zhen) Foundation, the beneficiaries of which include
Zindart's employees and their families, and other charities and churches. Mr.
Sun returned to Zindart in 1996 as a Director and Chief Executive Officer. Mr.
Sun has transferred to Zindart s current executive team responsibility for
managing all of Zindart's day-to-day operations. Mr. Sun continues to be
responsible for providing leadership to, and engaging in strategic planning for,
Zindart.
Feather S. Y. Fok, 35, has served as a Director since August 1993 and
has served as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer since 1993.
Ms. Fok joined Zindart in January 1989. Before joining Zindart, Ms. Fok worked
in the Audit & Business Advisory division of Arthur Andersen & Co. in Hong Kong.
Ms. Fok is a Certified Public Accountant in Hong Kong and an associate member of
the Hong Kong Society of Accountants. Ms. Fok is also a member of the Chartered
Association of Certified Accountants, United Kingdom. Ms. Fok received a B.S.
degree in Business Administration from the Chinese University of Hong Kong.
Andrew C. H. Mok, 45, was recently promoted to EVP-Operations in April
1997 and is responsible for marketing, production and engineering. Between 1995
and 1997, he was Vice President of Marketing. Mr. Mok has over 20 years of
working experience in the toy industry. Mr. Mok received a B.S. degree in
Mechanical Engineering from the University of Hong Kong.
Tony D. H. Lai, 55, has served as a Vice President of Production since
October 1994 and is responsible for production in the PRC. Mr. Lai served as
Director of Zindart from October 1994 until his resignation from the Board on
May 16, 1997. Mr. Lai graduated from Shanghai Education University and was a
secondary school teacher for 27 years in the PRC before he emigrated to Hong
Kong. He joined Zindart in 1989.
C.W. Ng, 38, joined Zindart on May 1, 1997 as Vice President of
Production. Prior to joining Zindart, Mr. Ng worked for seven years at Mattel.
Mr. Ng has 14 years of production experience. Mr. Ng received a B.S. degree in
Industrial Engineering from the University of Hong Kong in 1982 and an M.B.A.
from Andrew University.
Koulman N. Zheng, 41, has served as Vice President of Engineering since
1993, and is responsible for Luen Tat Mould's operations. Prior to joining
Zindart, Mr. Zheng worked for many years as an engineer and operations manager
in various companies in the U.S. Mr. Zheng holds a 10% interest in Luen Tat
Mould. Mr. Zheng holds a B.S. and an M.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from
San Francisco State University and Northeastern University, respectively. Mr.
Zheng also received a B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from the South
Chinese Institute of Technology in the PRC.
Vickie W K So, 36, has served as the Assistant Vice President and
Financial Controller since September 1996. Prior to joining Zindart, Ms. So
worked as Administration Manager, Group Accountant and Financial Controller of
Pacific Dunlop (Asia) Ltd. for more than ten years. Ms. So is a qualified
accountant in Hong Kong. Ms. So received a B.S. degree in Business
Administration from the Chinese University of Hong Kong in 1984 and an M.B.A.
from the Australian Graduate School of Management, University of New South
Wales.
27
32
Choi S. Leung, 52, has served as the Assistant Vice President of
Marketing and Purchasing since 1992 and is responsible for customer relations of
the Hallmark account, and purchasing. Prior thereto, Mr. Leung worked for 12
years for the Hong Kong-based purchasing arm of Hallmark as a buyer and manager
for its PRC operations.
Pei J. Yu, 51, has served as the Assistant Vice President of Production
since October 1993, and is responsible for production in all of Zindart's
manufacturing facilities. Prior to joining Zindart in 1983, Mr. Yu worked as an
engineer in various companies in the PRC for 15 years. Mr. Yu received a B.S.
degree from the East China Chemical Engineering University. Mr. Yu's uncle is
Mr. George K. D. Sun.
Alexander M K. Ngan, 46, has served as a Director since October 1995.
Mr. Ngan is a partner of ChinaVest, which he joined in 1993. Mr. Ngan is a
director of several privately held ChinaVest portfolio companies. Prior thereto,
Mr. Ngan worked for over 20 years in banking and financial consulting in Canada
and Hong Kong. Mr. Ngan received a Bachelors of Mathematics degree from the
University of Waterloo, Ontario. Mr. Ngan is a representative of ChinaVest.
George B. Volanakis, 49, has served as a Director since November 1992.
Mr. Volanakis joined Ertl in 1988 and has served as President and Chief
Executive Officer of Ertl since 1993. Prior to joining Ertl, Mr. Volanakis was
Senior Vice President of Marketing for Mattel Inc. Mr. Volanakis has served as
President of Matchbox Toys U.S.A., Ltd. and as President and Chief Operating
Officer of Playskool Inc., a subsidiary division of Milton Bradley Company, Inc.
Mr. Volanakis is a former Chairman of the Toy Manufacturing Association in the
United States. Mr. Volanakis received a B.A. degree from Union College. Mr.
Volanakis is a representative of Ertl.
James E. Gilleran, 64, joined the Board immediately following the
closing of the initial public offering. Mr. Gilleran has served as Chairman of
the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Bank of San Francisco since 1994. Prior
thereto, Mr. Gilleran served as Superintendent of Banks of the California State
Banking Department. In addition, Mr. Gilleran serves as a director of The Fritz
Companies and Cooper Development Company. Mr. Gilleran received a B.B.A. degree
from Pace University.
Leo Paul Koulos, 63, joined the Board immediately following the closing
of initial public offering. Mr. Koulos is President and Chief Executive Officer
of National Coupon Redemption Service, Inc., a national clearinghouse for
manufacturers' cents off coupons. Mr. Koulos is also Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer of Coupon Processing Associates, Inc. and of its Mexican
affiliate, Enlace Vital, S.A. de C.V. Mr. Koulos received a B.S. degree from the
University of San Francisco.
Stanley Wang, 54, joined the Board immediately following the closing of
the initial public offering. Mr. Wang is President and Chief Executive Officer
of PanTronix Corporation, which provides manufacturing services for
semiconductor components, subsystems and modules. Mr. Wang received a business
degree from the National Taiwan University and an M.B.A. degree from Temple
University.
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
The liability of officers and directors in Hong Kong is governed by
common law, which imposes general fiduciary duties such as the duty to act for
the benefit of the company, to act with due skill, care and attention, and to
avoid conflicts of interest.
Under Hong Kong law, the organizational documents of a company may not
contain any provisions limiting the personal liability of directors to Zindart
or its shareholders or indemnifying
28
33
directors, officers, employees and agents of Zindart for acts performed in such
capacity. The Underwriting Agreement provides for indemnification by the
Underwriters of Zindart, its directors and officers, and by Zindart of the
Underwriters, for certain liabilities, including liabilities arising under the
Securities Act and affords certain rights of contribution with respect thereto.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The aggregate amount of compensation paid by Zindart to all directors,
executive officers and significant employees as a group in FY 1997 was $1.3
million, of which approximately $550,000 was paid as discretionary bonuses. In
addition, approximately $32,000 was contributed to Zindart's provident fund
(i.e., Zindart's defined contribution benefit plan administered by Jardine
Matheson) in FY 1997 on behalf of such persons.
Zindart's executive officers and other key employees participate in
Zindart's bonus plan, which generally provides for the payment of bonuses in an
aggregate amount not to exceed ten percent of Zindart's pre-tax income. The
Chief Operating Officer recommends the size of the bonus pool to Zindart's Board
of Directors for its approval and the allocation of the bonus amounts to the
Compensation Committee for its approval. An employee's bonus amount is
determined on the basis of the employee's position, performance during the year,
length of service and other factors. The Compensation Committee is comprised of
three directors, Robert A. Theleen, Alex Ngan and Feather S. Y. Fok.
ITEM 12. OPTIONS TO PURCHASE SECURITIES FROM REGISTRANT OR SUBSIDIARY.
No officer or director of Zindart currently has any option or warrant
to purchase any securities of Zindart. Zindart intends to adopt an employee
stock option plan in the near future. The plan is expected to provide for the
issuance of options to purchase up to 10% of the outstanding Ordinary Shares.
ITEM 13. INTEREST OF MANAGEMENT IN CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS
Ertl has been one of Zindart's two largest customers during FY 1997.
Ertl beneficially owns 10% of Zindart's Ordinary Shares and has a representative
on Zindart's Board of Directors. All sales transactions to Ertl are negotiated
on an arm's length basis.
29
34
PART II
ITEM 14. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED
Not Applicable.
30
35
PART III
ITEM 15. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
None.
ITEM 16. CHANGES IN SECURITIES AND CHANGES IN SECURITY FOR REGISTERED
SECURITIES
None.
31
36
PART IV
ITEM 17. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Zindart has elected to provide the financial statements and related
information specified in Item 18 in lieu of Item 17.
ITEM 18. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
ZINDART LIMITED
Report of Independent Public Accountants.......................................... F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 1996 and 1997......................... F-3
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended March 31, 1995,
1996 and 1997................................................................. F-4
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended March 31, 1995,
1996 and 1997................................................................. F-5
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity for the years
ended March 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997........................................... F-6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements........................................ F-8
ITEM 19. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS
(a) See Item 18 for a list of the financial statements filed as part
of this Annual Report.
(b) Exhibits to this Annual Report:
None.
32
37
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 12 of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, the registrant certifies that it meets all of the requirements for
filing on Form 20-F and has duly caused this annual report to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
ZINDART LIMITED
By: /s/ GEORGE K.D. SUN
------------------------------------------------
George K. D. Sun
Chief Executive Officer and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
By: /s/ FEATHER S.Y. FOK
------------------------------------------------
Feather S. Y. Fok
Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer
and Director (Principal Financial Officer)
By: /s/ VICKIE W.K. SO
------------------------------------------------
Vickie W. K. So
Financial Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)
By: /s/ ALEXANDER H.K. NGAN
------------------------------------------------
Alexander H. K. Ngan
Director
Date: June 18, 1997
33
38
APPENDIX
DESCRIPTION OF GRAPHICS
PAGE (iii):
ORGANIZATION OF ZINDART LIMITED
This chart shows the organization of Zindart, its principal
shareholders and subsidiaries as of March 31, 1997.
PAGE 14:
OPERATING STRUCTURE
This chart shows the operating structure of Zindart's three
manufacturing facilities.
A-1
39
ZINDART LIMITED
===============
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF MARCH 31, 1996 AND 1997
AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED MARCH 31, 1995, 1996 AND 1997
TOGETHER WITH AUDITORS' REPORT
F-1
40
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of Zindart Limited:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Zindart Limited
(incorporated in Hong Kong; formerly known as Zindart Industrial Company
Limited; "the Company") and Subsidiaries ("the Group") as of March 31, 1996 and
1997, and the related consolidated statements of operations, cash flows and
changes in shareholders' equity for the years ended March 31, 1995, 1996 and
1997. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards
in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and
perform the audits 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, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Zindart Limited and
Subsidiaries as of March 31, 1996 and 1997, and the results of their operations
and their cash flows for the years ended March 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997, in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of
America.
ARTHUR ANDERSEN & CO.
Certified Public Accountants
Hong Kong
Hong Kong,
June 14, 1997.
F-2
41
ZINDART LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS AS OF MARCH 31, 1996 AND 1997
(Amounts expressed in United States dollars unless otherwise stated)
1996 1997
------ ------
$'000 $'000
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and bank deposits 3,294 12,531
Accounts receivable, net 8,315 9,258
Due from immediate holding company 3 --
Deposits and prepayments 1,528 1,389
Inventories, net 7,514 8,590
------ ------
Total current assets 20,654 31,768
Property, plant, equipment and capital leases, net 10,800 11,746
Construction-in-progress -- 1,851
Long-term investment 179 179
Goodwill, net 77 67
------ ------
Total assets 31,710 45,611
====== ======
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Short-term bank borrowings 7,055 1,641
Long-term bank loans, current portion 811 --
Capital lease obligations, current portion 1,033 720
Accounts payable 4,107 2,035
Receipts in advance 958 1,797
Accrued liabilities 2,806 6,807
Taxation payable 483 561
------ ------
Total current liabilities 17,253 13,561
Long-term bank loans 1,754 --
Capital lease obligations 374 1,402
Deferred taxation 120 120
------ ------
Total liabilities 19,501 15,083
------ ------
Minority interests 601 1,044
------ ------
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock, par value $0.0646 (equivalent of HK$0.5); authorized -
10,000,000 shares in 1997 and 5,000,000 shares in 1996; outstanding and
fully paid - 5,000,000 shares in
1996 and 6,500,000 shares in 1997 323 420
Additional paid-in capital -- 12,104
Retained earnings 11,285 16,960
------ ------
Total shareholders' equity 11,608 29,484
------ ------
Total liabilities, minority interests and shareholders' equity 31,710 45,611
====== ======
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-3
42
ZINDART LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED MARCH 31, 1995, 1996 AND 1997
(Amounts expressed in United States dollars)
1995 1996 1997
------- ------- -------
$'000 $'000 $'000
Net sales 36,879 46,930 62,207
Cost of goods sold (25,644) (34,116) (45,732)
------- ------- -------
Gross profit 11,235 12,814 16,475
Selling, general and
administrative expenses (6,806) (6,498) (8,945)
Interest expenses (137) (402) (868)
Interest income 228 208 145
Other income (expenses), net 492 (416) 390
------- ------- -------
Income before income taxes 5,012 5,706 7,197
Provision for income taxes (483) (488) (635)
------- ------- -------
Income before minority
interests 4,529 5,218 6,562
Minority interests (337) (622) (887)
------- ------- -------
Net income 4,192 4,596 5,675
======= ======= =======
Earnings per common share $ 0.84 $ 0.92 $ 1.11
======= ======= =======
Weighted average number of
shares outstanding 5,000 5,000 5,103
======= ======= =======
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-4
43
ZINDART LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED MARCH 31, 1995, 1996 AND 1997
(Amounts expressed in United States dollars)
1995 1996 1997
------ ------ ------
$'000 $'000 $'000
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income 4,192 4,596 5,675
Adjustments to reconcile net income
to net cash provided by (used in)
operating activities-
Depreciation of property, plant and
equipment 946 1,021 1,666
Amortization of goodwill 10 10 10
Net gain on disposals of property,
plant and equipment (121) (6) (57)
Minority interests 337 622 887
(Increase) Decrease in operating
assets-
Accounts receivable, net (1,395) (4,015) (943)
Deposits and prepayments 266 47 139
Inventories, net (1,589) (2,167) (1,076)
Increase (Decrease) in operating
liabilities-
Accounts payable 82 1,802 (2,072)
Receipts in advance 738 (363) 839
Accrued liabilities 1,112 (1,790) 4,001
Taxation payable (93) (117) 78
------ ------ ------
Net cash provided by (used in)
operating activities 4,485 (360) 9,147
------ ------ ------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Net cash inflow from acquisition of
a subsidiary 168 -- --
Acquisition of long-term investment -- (179) --
Acquisition of property, plant and
equipment (3,197) (7,341) (1,162)
Additions of construction-in-
progress -- -- (1,851)
Proceeds from disposals of
property, plant and equipment 1,040 13 58
------ ------ ------
Net cash used in investing
activities (1,989) (7,507) (2,955)
------ ------ ------
(To be contiued)
F-5
44
ZINDART LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED MARCH 31, 1995, 1996 AND 1997 (Cont'd)
(Amounts expressed in United States dollars)
1995 1996 1997
------ ------ -------
$'000 $'000 $'000
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net proceeds from issuance of
common stock -- -- 12,201
Increase (Decrease) in bank
overdrafts 340 1,910 (725)
Increase (Decrease) in short-term
bank loans 25 3,876 (4,689)
New long-term bank loans 1,035 2,565 --
Repayment of long-term bank loans
(283) (994) (2,565)
New capital lease obligations 107 776 --
Repayment of capital element of
capital lease obligations (300) (330) (736)
(Increase) Decrease in due from
immediate holding company -- (3) 3
(Increase) Decrease in due from
ultimate holding company (95) 95 --
(Increase) Decrease in due from
related companies (1,286) 647 --
Decrease in due from a director 77 -- --
Increase (Decrease) in due to
related companies 52 (52) --
Decrease in due to a director (63) (66) --
Dividends paid (1,959) (1,073) --
Finance from minority interests (33) -- --
Dividends paid by subsidiaries to
their minority shareholders (63) (308) (444)
------ ------ -------
Net cash (used in) provided by
financing activities (2,446) 7,043 3,045
------ ------ -------
Effect of cumulative translation
adjustments 5 (5) --
------ ------ -------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and
bank deposits 55 (829) 9,237
Cash and bank deposits, as of
beginning of year 4,068 4,123 3,294
------ ------ -------
Cash and bank deposits, as of end of
year 4,123 3,294 12,531
====== ====== =======
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-6
45
ZINDART LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
FOR THE YEARS ENDED MARCH 31, 1995, 1996 AND 1997
(Amounts expressed in United States dollars)
Common stock
----------------- Cumulative
Number of Additional Retained translation
shares Amount paid-in capital earnings adjustments
--------- ------ --------------- -------- -----------
'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000
Balance as of March
31, 1994 5,000 323 -- 6,564 --
Net income -- -- -- 4,192 --
Dividend - $0.21 per
share -- -- -- (1,073) --
Translation
adjustments -- -- -- -- 5
----- --- ------ ------ ---
Balance as of March
31, 1995 5,000 323 -- 9,683 5
Net income -- -- -- 4,596 --
Dividend - $0.60 per
share -- -- -- (2,994) --
Translation
adjustments -- -- -- -- (5)
----- --- ------ ------ ---
Balance as of March
31, 1996 5,000 323 -- 11,285 --
Issuance of common
stock 1,500 97 14,903 -- --
Common stock
issuance
expenditures -- -- (2,799) -- --
Net income -- -- -- 5,675 --
Translation
adjustments -- -- -- -- --
----- --- ------ ------ ---
Balance as of March
31, 1997 6,500 420 12,104 16,960 --
===== === ====== ====== ===
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-7
46
ZINDART LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts expressed in United States dollars unless otherwise stated)
1. ORGANIZATION AND PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES
Zindart Limited ("the Company"), formerly known as Zindart Industrial Company
Limited, was incorporated in Hong Kong in July 1977. Prior to August 1993, the
Company was owned by certain individual shareholders. In August 1993, as a
result of a group reorganization, the Company became wholly owned by Zindart
Holdings Limited ("ZHL"; a company incorporated in the Cayman Islands). In
December 1995, ZHL transferred its 100% interest in the Company to Zindart Pte
Limited ("ZPL"; formerly known as Devenish Pte Limited; a company incorporated
in Singapore) in return for 14,689,998 ordinary shares of S$1 each in ZPL. In
January 1996, ZHL underwent a voluntary liquidation and distributed its entire
interest in the 14,689,998 ordinary shares of S$1 each in ZPL to its sole
shareholder. ZPL is majority owned by ZIC Holdings Limited ("ZICHL"; a company
incorporated in the Cayman Islands).
On December 11, 1996, the Company consummated a 20 for 1 stock split ("the Share
Split") and as a result 5,000,000 shares of common stock, par value HK$0.50
each, were outstanding. The Share Split has been reflected retroactively in the
accompanying balance sheets and in all per share computations. On January 31,
1997, the Company increased its authorized share capital from HK$2,500,000 to
HK$5,000,000, by the creation of 5,000,000 new ordinary shares of HK$0.50 each
ranking pari passu in all respects with the then existing shares. On December
27, 1996, the Company changed its name from Zindart Industrial Company Limited
to Zindart Limited, its present one.
In March 1997, the Company issued 1,500,000 shares of common stock, par value
HK$0.50 each, for cash consideration of $10 per share through a public offering,
and raised net proceeds of approximately $12,201,000.
The Company and its subsidiaries are principally engaged in the manufacturing of
die-cast and injection-molded products in the People's Republic of China ("the
PRC") for sale to customers in North America and Europe.
F-8
47
2. SUBSIDIARIES
Details of the Company's subsidiaries (which together with the Company are
collectively referred to as "the Group") as of March 31, 1997 were as follows:
PERCENTAGE OF
PLACE OF EQUITY INTEREST
NAME INCORPORATION HELD
- --------------------------------------- ------------- ---------------
Dongguan Xinda Giftware Company Limited The PRC Note a
Guangzhou Zindart (Xin Xing) (Giftware) The PRC Note b
Company Limited
Luen Tat Mould Manufacturing Limited The British 51% Note c
Virgin Islands
Onchart Industrial Limited The British 55%
Virgin Islands
Onchart Industrial Limited Hong Kong 55%
Wealthy Holdings Limited The British 100%
Virgin Islands
Notes -
a. Dongguan Xinda Giftware Company Limited is a contractual joint venture
established in the PRC to be operated for 15 years up to November 2009.
Under the joint venture contract and the supplemental agreement
thereto, the Group is entitled to 100% of the joint venture's income
after paying to its joint venture partner a pre-determined annual fee.
b. Guangzhou Zindart (Xin Xing) (Giftware) Company Limited is a
contractual joint venture established in the PRC to be operated for 15
years up to December 2008. Under the joint venture contract and the
supplemental agreement thereto, the Group is entitled to 100% of the
joint venture's income after paying to its joint venture partner a
pre-determined rental for the factory premises occupied by Guangzhou
Zindart (Xin Xing) (Giftware) Company Limited.
c. According to a shareholders' agreement dated October 10, 1994, the
Group is only entitled to share 41% of the profit of Luen Tat Mould
Manufacturing Limited.
There is no restriction on the distribution of the subsidiaries' retained
earnings.
F-9
48
3. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
a. Basis of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the
Company, its subsidiaries and its contractual joint ventures which are
considered as de facto subsidiaries. All material intra-group balances
and transactions have been eliminated on consolidation.
b. Goodwill
Goodwill, being the excess of cost over the fair value of the net
assets of a subsidiary acquired in fiscal 1995, is amortized on a
straight-line basis over ten years. The amortization recorded during
the years ended March 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997 was approximately
$10,000, $10,000 and $10,000, respectively. Accumulated amortization as
of March 31, 1996 and 1997 was approximately $20,000 and $30,000,
respectively.
c. Contractual joint ventures
A contractual joint venture is an entity established between the Group
and one or more other parties, with the rights and obligations of the
joint venture partners governed by a contract. If the Group owns more
than 50% of the venture and is able to govern and control its financial
and operating policies and the board of directors, such venture is
considered as a de facto subsidiary and is accounted for as a
subsidiary.
d. Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost, on a first-in first-out
basis, or market value. Costs of work-in-progress and finished goods
are composed of direct materials, direct labour and an attributable
portion of production overheads.
e. Property, plant, equipment and capital leases
Property, plant, equipment and capital leases are recorded at cost.
Gains or losses on disposals are reflected in current operations.
Depreciation for financial reporting purpose is provided using the
straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets as
follows: properties - 10 to 20 years; machinery, tools, furniture and
office equipment, and motor vehicles - 4 to 5 years. All ordinary
repair and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred.
F-10
49
3. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Cont'd)
f. Construction-in-progress
Construction-in-progress represents factories and office buildings
under construction and machinery pending installation.
Interest costs incurred during the period of construction or
acquisition of fixed assets are capitalized and amortized over the
estimated useful lives of the related assets. Interest costs
capitalized during the years ended March 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997 were
approximately $23,000, $206,000 and $68,000, respectively.
g. Long-term investment
Investments held for the long-term are stated at market value. Income
from investments is accounted for to the extent of dividends received
and receivable.
h. Sales
Sales represent the invoiced value of merchandise/moulds supplied to
customers. Sales are recognised upon delivery of goods and passage of
title to customers.
i. Income taxes
The Group accounts for income tax under the provisions of Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, which requires recognition of
deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax
consequences of events that have been included in the financial
statements or tax returns. Deferred income taxes are provided using the
liability method. Under the liability method, deferred income taxes are
recognized for all significant temporary differences between the tax
and financial statement bases of assets and liabilities.
j. Operating leases
Operating leases represent those leases under which substantially all
the risks and rewards of ownership of the leased assets remain with the
lessors. Rental payments under operating leases are charged to expense
on the straight-line basis over the period of the relevant leases.
k. Foreign currency translation
The Company considers United States dollars as its functional currency
as most of the Group's business activities are based in United States
dollars and Hong Kong dollars ("HK$") (Note : Hong Kong dollars are
pegged with United States dollars at the exchange rate of US$1 to
HK$7.8).
F-11
50
3. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Cont'd)
k. Foreign currency translation (Cont'd)
The translation of the financial statements of subsidiaries into United
States dollars is performed for balance sheet accounts using the
closing exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date and for
revenue and expense accounts using an average exchange rate during each
reporting period. The gains or losses resulting from translation are
included in shareholders' equity separately as cumulative translation
adjustments. Aggregate gains (losses) from foreign currency
transactions included in the results of operations for the years ended
March 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997 were approximately $182,000, $(160,000)
and $(91,000), respectively.
l. Basic earnings per common share
Basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing net income for
each year by 5,000,000, 5,000,000 and 5,102,740, the weighted average
number of shares of common stock outstanding for the years ended March
31, 1995, 1996 and 1997, respectively.
m. Use of estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles in the United States of America requires
management to make estimates and assumptions that affect certain
reported amounts and disclosures. Accordingly, actual results could
differ from those estimates.
n. Fair value of financial instruments
The Group's financial instruments consist of cash, cash equivalents,
trade receivables and trade payables. The book values of these
instruments are considered to be representative of their fair values.
4. ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
Accounts receivable comprised:
1996 1997
------ ------
$'000 $'000
Trade receivables 8,354 9,394
Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts (39) (136)
------ ------
Accounts receivable, net 8,315 9,258
====== ======
F-12
51
5. DEPOSITS AND PREPAYMENTS
Deposits and prepayments comprised:
1996 1997
----- -----
$'000 $'000
Deposits for acquisition of moulds 1,083 1,097
Prepayments 352 240
Rental and utility deposits 12 19
Others 81 33
----- -----
1,528 1,389
===== =====
6. INVENTORIES
Inventories comprised:
1996 1997
------ ------
$'000 $'000
Raw materials 5,204 4,959
Work-in-process 1,170 1,448
Finished goods 1,199 2,501
------ ------
7,573 8,908
Less: Allowance for obsolescence (59) (318)
------ ------
Inventories, net 7,514 8,590
====== ======
F-13
52
7. PROPERTY, PLANT, EQUIPMENT AND CAPITAL LEASES
Property, plant, equipment and capital leases comprised:
1996 1997
------- -------
$'000 $'000
Property, plant and equipment:
Properties 7,940 8,142
Machinery and tools 4,212 4,879
Furniture and office equipment 1,087 1,289
Motor vehicles 280 350
Capital leases:
Machinery and tools 1,993 3,364
Furniture and office equipment 321 358
Motor vehicles 315 124
------- -------
Cost 16,148 18,506
Less: Accumulated depreciation
Property, plant and equipment (3,740) (5,488)
Capital leases (1,608) (1,272)
------- -------
Property, plant, equipment and capital leases, net 10,800 11,746
======= =======
As of March 31, 1996 and 1997, properties with a net book value of approximately
$7,225,000 and $7,123,000, respectively, were mortgaged to secure certain of the
Group's banking facilities.
8. CONSTRUCTION-IN-PROGRESS
Construction-in-progress comprised:
1996 1997
----- -----
$'000 $'000
Construction cost -- 1,783
Interest cost capitalized -- 68
----- -----
-- 1,851
===== =====
F-14
53
9. LONG-TERM INVESTMENT
On March 1, 1996, the Group acquired from several individuals, including a
minority shareholder of a subsidiary, an 18% interest in Luen Tat Model Design
Company Limited (a company incorporated in the British Virgin Islands) for a
cash consideration of $179,000. The cost of $179,000 approximates the market
value of this investment as of March 31, 1997.
10. SHORT-TERM BANK BORROWINGS
Short-term bank borrowings comprised:
1996 1997
----- -----
$'000 $'000
Bank overdrafts 2,366 1,641
Short-term bank loans 4,689 --
----- -----
7,055 1,641
===== =====
Short-term bank borrowings are denominated in Hong Kong dollars and bear
interest at the floating commercial bank lending rates in Hong Kong, which
currently range from 8.72% to 9.00% per annum. They are collaterized by certain
properties, bank deposits and inventories of the Group. They are drawn for
working capital purposes and are renewable with the consent of the relevant
banks.
Supplemental information with respect to short-term bank borrowings for the year
ended March 31, 1996 and 1997 are as follows:
Maximum Average Weighted Weighted
amount amount average average
outstanding outstanding interest rate interest rate
during the during the at the end of during the
year year year year
----------- ----------- ------------- -------------
$'000 $'000
Year ended March 31,
1997
- --------------------
Bank overdrafts 3,646 1,455 9.48% 9.57%
===== ===== ======= =======
Short-term bank loans
6,590 3,565 -- 8.95%
===== ===== ======= =======
Year ended March 31,
1996
- --------------------
Bank overdrafts 2,366 1,232 9.66% 9.90%
===== ===== ======= =======
Short-term bank loans
5,551 3,632 8.92% 8.41%
===== ===== ======= =======
F-15
54
11. ACCRUED LIABILITIES
Accrued liabilities comprised:
1996 1997
----- -----
$'000 $'000
Accruals for operating expenses
- Workers' wages and bonus 467 1,054
- Management bonus 535 817
- Rental expenses 408 463
- Subcontracting charges 271 98
Payable for land cost in the PRC 98 --
Accruals for raw materials purchases 339 1,709
Accruals for plant relocation expenses -- 272
Accruals for common stock issuance expenditures -- 810
Others 688 1,584
----- -----
2,806 6,807
===== =====
12. LONG-TERM BANK LOANS
Long-term bank loans were collateralized by certain properties and bank deposits
of the Group. They bore interest rates ranging from 8% to 10% per annum and were
repayable as follows:
1996 1997
----- -----
$'000 $'000
Payable during the following period
- Within one year 811 --
- Over one year but not exceeding two years 1,594 --
- Over two years but not exceeding three years 160 --
----- -----
Total bank loans 2,565 --
Less: current maturities (811) --
----- -----
Long-term bank loans 1,754 --
===== =====
F-16
55
13. CAPITAL LEASE OBLIGATIONS
Future minimum lease payments under the capital leases, together with the
present value of the minimum lease payments are:
1996 1997
------ -----
$'000 $'000
Payable during the following period
- Within one year 1,151 791
- Over one year but not exceeding two years 438 765
- Over two years but not exceeding three years -- 657
- Over three years but not exceeding four years
-- 220
------ -----
Total minimum lease payments 1,589 2,433
Less: Amount representing interest (182 (311)
------ -----
Present value of minimum lease payments 1,407 2,122
Less: Current portion (1,033 (720)
------ -----
Non-current portion 374 1,402
====== =====
14. COMMON STOCK
As described in Note 1, on December 11, 1996, the Company consummated a 20 for 1
stock split and as a result 5,000,000 shares of common stock, par value HK$0.50
each, were outstanding. On January 31, 1997, the Company increased its
authorized share capital from HK$2,500,000 to HK$5,000,000, by the creation of
5,000,000 new ordinary shares of HK$0.50 each ranking pari passu in all respects
with the then existing shares. In March 1997, the Company issued 1,500,000
shares of common stock, par value HK$0.50 each, for cash consideration of $10
per share through a public offering, and raised net proceeds of approximately
$12,201,000.
15. NET SALES
Net sales comprised:
1995 1996 1997
------ ------ ------
$'000 $'000 $'000
Sales of merchandise 32,488 38,306 52,511
Sales of moulds and others 4,391 8,624 9,696
------ ------ ------
36,879 46,930 62,207
====== ====== ======
A substantial portion of the sales of merchandise and moulds are shipped to the
United States of America.
F-17
56
16. INCOME TAXES
The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to income taxes on an entity basis
on income arising in or derived from the tax jurisdiction in which they are
domiciled and operate. The Company is subject to Hong Kong profits tax at a rate
of 16.5%. The British Virgin Islands subsidiaries are incorporated under the
International Business Companies Act of the British Virgin Islands and,
accordingly, are exempted from payment of the British Virgin Islands income
taxes. The joint venture enterprises established in the PRC are subject to PRC
income taxes at a rate of 27% (24% state unified income tax and 3% local income
tax, in the open coastal areas of the PRC). However, they are exempted from
state unified income tax and local income tax for two years starting from the
first year of profitable operations and then are subject to a 50% reduction in
state unified income tax for the next three years. The first profitable year for
Guangzhou Zindart (Xin Xing) (Giftware) Company Limited was the year ended March
31, 1995; and the first profitable year for Dongguan Xinda Giftware Company
Limited can not be determined as the joint venture has just started operations
and is still in a loss position.
If the tax holiday for the joint venture enterprises established in the PRC did
not exist, the Group's income tax liabilities would have been increased by
approximately $63,000 and $52,000 for the years ended March 31, 1996 and 1997,
respectively. Earnings per ordinary share would have been approximately $0.91
and $1.10 for the years ended March 31, 1996 and 1997, respectively.
Provision for income taxes for the years ended March 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997
represented provision for current Hong Kong profits tax. The reconciliation of
the Hong Kong statutory profits tax rate to the effective income tax rate based
on income before income taxes stated in the consolidated statements of
operations is as follows:
1995 1996 1997
----- ----- -----
$'000 $'000 $'000
Hong Kong statutory tax rate 16.5% 16.5% 16.5%
Effect of tax exemption for
Guangzhou Zindart (Xin Xing)
(Giftware) Company Limited (1.4%) (1.1%) (0.7%)
Non-taxable income arising from
activities which qualified as
offshore (5.5%) (6.8%) (7.0%)
---- ---- ----
Effective income tax rate 9.6% 8.6% 8.8%
==== ==== ====
Components of deferred tax balances as of March 31, 1996 and 1997 are as
follows:
1996 1997
----- -----
$'000 $'000
Accumulated difference between taxation allowance
and depreciation expenses 120 120
===== =====
F-18
57
17. DIVIDENDS
Dividends comprised:
1995 1996 1997
----- ----- -----
$'000 $'000 $'000
Cash dividend 1,073 -- --
Dividend in kind -- 2,994 --
----- ----- -----
1,073 2,994 --
===== ===== =====
Dividends for the year ended March 31, 1996 of approximately $2,994,000 were
settled in kind by distributing to the shareholder the loan receivable from a
related company of approximately $1,889,000 and the amount due from that related
company of approximately $1,105,000.
18. COMMITMENTS
a Capital commitments
As of March 31, 1996 and 1997, the Group had capital commitments
amounting to approximately $161,000 and $2,849,000, respectively, in
respect of construction of factories in the PRC.
b. Operating lease commitments
The Group has various operating lease agreements for factory premises
and office equipment which extend through December 1997. Rental
expenses for the years ended March 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997 were
approximately $936,000, $624,000 and $790,000, respectively. Most
leases contain renewal options. Future minimum rental payments as of
March 31, 1997, under agreements classified as operating leases with
non-cancellable terms in excess of one year, are as follows:
March 31,
1997
--------
$'000
Payable during the following period:
Within one year 624
Over one year but not exceeding two years 308
Over two years but not exceeding three years 227
-----
1,159
=====
F-19
58
18. COMMITMENTS (Cont'd)
c. Under the supplementary joint venture agreement for the establishment
of Dongguan Xinda Giftware Company Limited, the Group has committed to
pay a pre-determined annual fee to the third-party joint venture
partner for the period from January 1996 to November 2009. As of March
31, 1997, the total commitment for this pre-determined fee is $504,000,
which is analyzed as follows:
March 31,
1997
---------
$'000
Payable during the following period:
Within one year 39
Over one year but not exceeding two years 39
Over two years but not exceeding three years 39
Over three years but not exceeding four years 39
Over four years but not exceeding five years 39
Thereafter 309
---
504
===
19. RETIREMENT PLAN
The Group's employees in the PRC are all hired on a contractual basis and
consequently the Group has no obligation for pension liabilities to these
employees.
The Group's employees in Hong Kong, after completing a probation period, may
join the Group's defined contribution provident fund managed by an independent
trustee. Both the Group and its Hong Kong employees make monthly contributions
to the scheme of 5% of the employees' basic salaries. The Hong Kong employees
are entitled to receive their entire contribution together with accrued interest
thereon at any time upon leaving the Group, and 100% of the employer's
contribution and the accrued interest thereon upon retirement or leaving the
Group after completing ten years of service or at a reduced scale of between 30%
to 90% after completing three to nine years of service. Any forfeited
contributions made by the Group and the accrued interest thereon are used to
reduce future employer's contributions. The aggregate amount of employer's
contributions made by the Group (net of forfeited contributions) during the
years ended March 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997 were approximately $97,000, $71,000
and $78,000, respectively.
The Group has no other post-retirement or post-employment benefit plans.
F-20
59
20. BANKING FACILITIES
As of March 31, 1997, the Group had banking facilities of approximately
$15,181,000 for overdrafts, loans and trade financing. Unused facilities as of
the same date amounted to approximately $13,541,000. These facilities were
secured by:
a. Mortgages over the Group's properties with a net book value of
approximately $7,123,000 as of March 31, 1997;
b. Pledges of the Group's bank deposits of approximately $1,940,000 as of
March 31, 1997; and
c. The Group's inventories held under trust receipt and import bank loans.
In addition, the Group has agreed to observe certain restrictive bank covenants
on maintenance of net worth, and payment of dividends and management bonuses.
The Group has complied with all such covenants. The Group has also agreed not to
create any debenture without a bank's prior consent.
Subsequent to March 31, 1997, following the listing of the Company's shares, the
banks have released the aforementioned mortgages over the Group's properties,
pledges of the Group's bank deposits and the restrictive bank covenants on
maintenance of net worth, payment of dividends and management bonuses, and
execution of debenture.
21. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The Group entered into the following transactions with related companies:
1995 1996 1997
----- ----- -----
$'000 $'000 $'000
Sales to ERTL and ERTL's related
company (Note a) 11,824 12,081 17,694
Management fee paid to ZICHL 23 -- --
Management fee paid to related
companies 171 -- --
Rental income from a related company
-- 8 --
Interest income from related
companies 85 68 --
Interest expense paid to a related
company -- 3 --
Interest expense paid to a director 1 7 --
====== ====== ======
F-21
60
21. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Cont'd)
The Group had the following outstanding balances with related companies:
1996 1997
----- -----
$'000 $'000
Accounts receivable from ERTL and ERTL's
related company (Note a) 1,536 1,582
Due from immediate holding company (Note b) 3 --
===== =====
Notes -
a. ERTL (Hong Kong) Ltd. ("ERTL") is a minority shareholder of Zindart Pte
Limited, the majority shareholder of the Company.
b. The balance due from immediate holding company was unsecured,
non-interest bearing and without pre-determined repayment terms.
22. SEGMENTAL ANALYSIS
a. Sales
A substantial portion of Group's sales of merchandise and moulds are
shipped to the United States of America.
b. Major customers
Details of individual customers accounting for more than 5% of the
Group's sales are as follows:
1995 1996 1997
---- ---- ----
Hallmark Cards (HK) Limited
(a subsidiary of Hallmark
Cards, Inc.) 31.2% 27.0% 28.4%
ERTL and ERTL's related
company (Note a) 32.1% 25.9% 28.4%
Hasbro Far East Limited 8.1% 9.3% 2.0%
A buying office of Sieper
Werke GmbH 7.4% 6.2% 6.4%
Drumwell Limited 0.7% 4.5% 6.3%
Tyco (Hong Kong) Limited 0.1% 1.3% 5.5%
==== ==== ====
Note:
a. ERTL is a minority shareholder of Zindart Pte Limited, the
majority shareholder of the Company.
F-22
61
22. SEGMENTAL ANALYSIS (Cont'd)
c. Major suppliers
The Group purchases raw materials from a number of suppliers. Details
of individual suppliers accounting for more than 5% of the Group's
purchases are as follows:
1995 1996 1997
---- ---- ----
Starlite Printers Limited 4.8% 8.3% 8.3%
Manfield Coatings Company
Limited 4.0% 4.4% 7.2%
Sogen (Far East) Limited 2.5% 9.8% 4.7%
Wing Fu Carton & Printing
Company Limited 5.5% 6.3% 4.6%
Lee Kee Metal Company
Limited 9.0% 4.8% 4.1%
Y.T. Cheng (Ching Tai)
Limited 7.2% 4.7% 2.3%
=== === ===
23. OPERATING RISK
a. Country risk
The Group's operations are conducted in Hong Kong and the PRC.
Accordingly, the Group's business, financial condition and results of
operations may be influenced by the political, economic and legal
environments in Hong Kong and the PRC, and by the general state of the
Hong Kong and the PRC economies.
On July 1, 1997, sovereignty over Hong Kong will be transferred from
the United Kingdom to the PRC, and Hong Kong will become a Special
Administrative Region of the PRC ("an SAR"). As provided in the
Sino-British Joint Declaration relating to Hong Kong and the Basic Law
of the Hong Kong SAR of the PRC, the Hong Kong SAR will have full
economic autonomy and its own legislative, legal and judicial systems
for fifty years. The Group's management does not believe that the
transfer of sovereignty over Hong Kong will have an adverse impact on
the Company's financial and operating environment. There can be no
assurance, however, that changes in political or other conditions will
not result in such an adverse impact.
The Group's operations in the PRC are subject to special considerations
and significant risks not typically associated with companies in North
America and Western Europe. These include risks associated with, among
others, the political, economic and legal environments and foreign
currency exchange. The Group's results may be adversely affected by
changes in the political and social conditions in the PRC, and by
changes in governmental policies with respect to laws and regulations,
anti-inflationary measures, currency conversion and remittance abroad,
and rates and methods of taxation, among other things.
F-23
62
23. OPERATING RISK (Cont'd)
b. Dependence on strategic relationship
The Group conducts its manufacturing operations through its contractual
joint ventures established between the Group and two PRC parties. The
deterioration of any or all these strategic relationships may have an
adverse effect on the operations of the Group.
c. Concentration of credit risk
Concentration of accounts receivable as of March 31, 1996 and 1997 is
as follows:
1996 1997
---- ----
Five largest accounts receivable 52% 69%
=== ===
The Group performs ongoing credit evaluation of each customer's
financial condition. It maintains reserves for potential credit losses
and such losses in the aggregate have not exceeded management's
projections.
24. SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
a. Cash paid for interest and income taxes comprised:
1995 1996 1997
---- ---- -----
$'000 $'000 $'000
Interest 160 608 936
=== === ===
Income taxes 742 605 557
=== === ===
b. Supplemental disclosure of investing activities:
During the year ended March 31, 1996 and 1997, the Group entered into
capital lease arrangements in respect of (i) originally owned assets
and obtained cash finance of $776,000 and Nil, respectively, and (ii)
newly acquired assets with a capital value of approximately $585,000
and $1,451,000, respectively.
F-24
63
25. OTHER SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
The following items were included in the consolidated statements of operations:
1995 1996 1997
--- ---- -----
$'000 $'000 $'000
Depreciation of property, plant and
equipment
- owned assets 658 759 1,022
- assets held under capital leases 288 262 644
Provision for doubtful accounts 13 -- 97
Provision for obsolete inventories -- -- 259
Interest expenses for
- bank overdrafts and loans 91 519 681
- capital lease obligations 68 79 255
- amount due to a director 1 7 --
- amount due to a related company
-- 3 --
Less: amount capitalized as property,
plant and equipment (23) (206) (68)
--- ---- -----
137 402 868
Operating lease rentals for
- rented premises 913 613 781
- machinery and equipment 23 11 9
Repairs and maintenance expenses 456 514 672
Interest income from
- bank deposits 143 140 145
- amount due from related companies 85 68 --
Net foreign exchange gain (loss) 182 (160) (91)
=== ==== =====
F-25