SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549
FORM 10-Q
[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 1998
--------------
OR
[_] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Commission file number 0-25488
THE L.L. KNICKERBOCKER CO., INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its Charter)
California 33-0230641
(State or Other Jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
Incorporation or Organization) Identification No.)
25800 Commercentre Drive Lake Forest, California 92630
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
Issuer's Telephone Number, Including Area Code: (949)595-7900
Indicate by mark whether the issuer: (1) has filed all reports required to be
filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the
preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required
to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for
the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [_]
The number of shares outstanding of the registrant's Common Stock, as of August
7, 1998 was 19,746,205.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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ITEM PAGE
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PART I-FINANCIAL INFORMATION
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1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
A. Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(unaudited) for the three and six month periods
ended June 30, 1998 and June 30, 1997...................... 1
B. Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at June 30, 1998
(unaudited) and December 31, 1997.......................... 2
C. Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited)
for the six month periods ended June 30, 1998 and
June 30, 1997.............................................. 4
D. Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements......... 6
2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
A. Results of Operations........................................ 11
B. Liquidity and Capital Resources.............................. 15
PART II-OTHER INFORMATION
--------------------------
4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.............. 17
6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K................................. 17
SIGNATURES....................................................... 17
2
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
- ------------------------------
Item 1. Financial Statements
- ------- ---------------------
THE L.L. KNICKERBOCKER CO., INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(unaudited)
Three months ended June 30, Six months ended June 30,
1998 1997 1998 1997
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Sales, net of returns $13,434,000 $17,609,000 $24,916,000 $31,050,000
Cost of sales 6,488,000 8,701,000 11,344,000 15,167,000
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Gross profit 6,946,000 8,908,000 13,572,000 15,883,000
Advertising expense 2,611,000 1,942,000 5,024,000 3,519,000
Selling expense 1,483,000 1,489,000 2,461,000 3,039,000
General and administrative expense 5,230,000 5,570,000 10,023,000 10,466,000
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Operating loss (2,378,000) (92,000) (3,936,000) (1,141,000)
Loss on equity method investments 262,000 571,000 815,000 876,000
Other income (expense), net (Note 8) (163,000) (123,000) 2,667,000 (236,000)
Interest expense (Note 3) 702,000 433,000 1,283,000 3,526,000
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Loss before minority interest and income
tax expense (benefit) (3,505,000) (1,219,000) (3,367,000) (5,779,000)
Minority interest in loss of subsidiary (141,000) (101,000) (274,000) (219,000)
Income tax benefit (826,000) (557,000) (794,000) (1,160,000)
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Net loss $(2,538,000) $ (561,000) $(2,299,000) $(4,400,000)
=========== =========== =========== ===========
Net loss per share:
Basic and diluted $ (0.13) $ (0.03) $ (0.12) $ (0.25)
=========== =========== =========== ===========
Shares used in computing net loss per share:
Basic and diluted 19,126,757 17,867,818 19,038,910 17,379,133
=========== =========== =========== ===========
3
THE L.L. KNICKERBOCKER CO., INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(unaudited)
June 30, December 31,
1998 1997
----------- -----------
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents $ 956,000 $ 92,000
Restricted cash - 250,000
Accounts Receivable 9,992,000 8,021,000
Receivable from stockholder 742,000 1,383,000
Inventories 12,196,000 10,851,000
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 7,858,000 7,486,000
----------- -----------
Total current assets 31,744,000 28,083,000
Property and equipment, net 5,620,000 5,537,000
Notes Receivable 1,800,000 1,800,000
Investments (Note 8) 6,892,000 2,585,000
Deferred income taxes 4,300,000 4,215,000
Other Assets 2,591,000 2,348,000
Goodwill, net of accumulated amortization of
$1,214,000 and $971,000 as of June 30, 1998
and December 31, 1997, respectively 6,254,000 6,393,000
----------- -----------
$59,201,000 $50,961,000
=========== ===========
4
THE L.L. KNICKERBOCKER CO., INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(unaudited)
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
June 30, December 31,
1998 1997
----------- -----------
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses $ 8,601,000 $ 7,838,000
Commissions and royalties payable 660,000 751,000
Notes Payable 5,152,000 3,650,000
Interest payable 405,000 270,000
Income taxes payable 83,000 123,000
Acquisition payable 8,000 8,000
Due to shareholders of Krasner Group, Inc. 745,000 900,000
Loan from stockholder 248,000
Current portion of long-term debt 158,000 242,000
Other current liabilities 66,000 125,000
Deferred income taxes 49,000 49,000
----------- -----------
Total current liabilities 15,927,000 14,204,000
Long-term liabilities:
Long-term debt, less current portion 547,000 661,000
Convertible debentures, net of discounts of $1,454,000
at June 30, 1998 and $444,000 at December 31, 1997 15,195,000 9,455,000
Deferred gain 1,642,000 1,642,000
----------- -----------
Total long-term liabilities 17,384,000 11,758,000
Minority interest - 274,000
----------- -----------
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock 27,719,000 27,282,000
Additional paid-in capital 6,120,000 3,904,000
Accumulated deficit (3,529,000) (1,230,000)
Foreign currency translation adjustment (4,420,000) (5,231,000)
----------- -----------
Total stockholders' equity 25,890,000 24,725,000
----------- -----------
$59,201,000 $50,961,000
=========== ===========
5
THE L.L. KNICKERBOCKER CO., INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(unaudited)
June 30, June 30,
1998 1997
----------- -----------
Cash flows provided by operating activities:
Net loss $(2,299,000) $(4,400,000)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash
used in operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 1,227,000 1,168,000
Debenture inducement 1,899,000
Gain on sale of investment - P.E.C. (2,847,000)
Equity in loss of investee companies 815,000 876,000
Loss on disposition of fixed assets 18,000
Minority interest (274,000) (219,000)
Amortization of debt discount 160,000 589,000
Expense related to stock options 5,000
Deferred income taxes (800,000)
Changes in operating accounts:
Accounts receivable, net (1,971,000) 3,082,000
Receivable from stockholder/officer 641,000 (781,000)
Income tax receivable (1,573,000)
Inventories (1,345,000) (1,981,000)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets (372,000) (1,124,000)
Other assets (108,000) 171,000
Accounts payable and accrued expenses 871,000 (920,000)
Commissions and royalties payable (91,000) 62,000
Income tax payable (40,000)
Other long term liabilities (51,000)
----------- -----------
Net cash used in operating activities (6,410,000) (3,202,000)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisitions of property and equipment (534,000) (1,947,000)
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment 21,000
Investments/advances to investees (487,000) (91,000)
----------- -----------
Net cash used in investing activities (1,000,000) (2,038,000)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net borrowings (repayments) on line of credit 1,502,000 (1,510,000)
Payments on long-term debt (148,000) (150,000)
Proceeds from exercise of common stock purchase warrants/options 478,000
Net proceeds (repayments) from shareholder loan (248,000) 1,000,000
Deferred debt issue costs (427,000)
Proceeds from issuance of convertible debentures 7,000,000
----------- -----------
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 7,679,000 (182,000)
Effect of foreign currency translation 345,000 (47,000)
----------- -----------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 614,000 (5,469,000)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 342,000 6,747,000
----------- -----------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 956,000 $ 1,278,000
=========== ===========
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information:
Cash paid for interest $ 566,000 $ 789,000
=========== ===========
Cash paid (refunded) for income taxes $ 40,000 $ -
=========== ===========
6
THE L.L. KNICKERBOCKER CO., INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Continued)
(unaudited)
Supplemental Schedule of Noncash Investing and Financing Activity:
During the six months ended June 30, 1998 and 1997, $250,000 and $8,173,000 of
convertible debentures and $32,000 and $110,000 of accrued interest,
respectively was converted to common stock.
During the six months ended June 30, 1998 and 1997, the Company issued 38,954
and 156,106 shares of common stock in payment of $155,000 and $976,000,
respectively of liability to former Krasner shareholders.
During the six months ended June 30, 1998, the Company acquired property and
equipment under capital lease obligations totaling $91,000.
During the six months ended June 30, 1998, the Company recorded a $1,788,000
increase to investments in connection with the initial public offering of Ontro,
Inc. (Note 8).
7
THE L.L. KNICKERBOCKER CO., INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1: BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The information set forth in these consolidated financial statements is
unaudited except for the December 31, 1997 balance sheet. These statements have
been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for
interim financial information, the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of
Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and
footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete
financial statements.
The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include the
accounts of The L.L. Knickerbocker Co., Inc.; its wholly-owned subsidiaries The
Krasner Group, Inc., Harlyn International, Ltd., L.L. Knickerbocker (Thai)
Company, Ltd, and S.L.S Trading Co., Ltd.,; and its majority-owned subsidiary
Georgetown Collection, Inc. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been
eliminated.
In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting only of normal
recurring accruals, necessary for a fair presentation have been included. The
results of operations for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 1998
are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year
ended December 31, 1998. For further information, refer to the financial
statements and notes thereto included in the Company's annual report on Form 10-
KSB for the year ended December 31, 1997.
Certain prior period balances have been reclassified to conform with current
presentation.
NOTE 2: EARNINGS PER SHARE
The Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128,
"Earnings per Share" (SFAS 128), in the fourth quarter of 1997. Shares issuable
upon the exercise of common stock warrants and options and shares issuable upon
the conversion of convertible debentures have been excluded from the three and
six month periods ended June 30, 1998 and 1997 per share calculation because
their effect is antidilutive.
NOTE 3: CONVERTIBLE DEBENTURES
In June 1998, the Company issued Convertible Debentures (the 1998 Debentures)
with a face value of $7,000,000 in a private placement to institutional
investors. This private placement yielded net proceeds to the Company totaling
$6,573,000 after deducting costs associated with issuing the 1998 Debentures.
The 1998 Debentures accrue interest at the rate of 6% per annum, payable upon
conversion of the related debt. The 1998 Debentures are convertible at the
option of the holder into shares of the Company's common stock at a conversion
price of $4.02. As of June 30, 1998, none of the 1998 Debentures had been
converted.
The 1998 Debentures are subject to an agreement whereby within 120 days of
issuance of the 1998 Debentures and after approval by the shareholders of the
Company of the issuance of the 1998 Debentures and the creation of a class of
Preferred Stock of the Company, the 1998 Debentures will be exchanged for shares
of newly created Preferred Stock of the Company, the terms of which shall be
substantially similar to that of the 1998 Debentures. The Preferred Stock will
be convertible into shares of common stock of the Company at the lower of $4.02
or a graduated discounted price ranging from 97% to 90% of an average of the 7
lowest trading days of the 30 consecutive trading days prior to conversion.
The discounted price of 90% applies if the investor does not convert prior to
the two-year anniversary of the closing date. To the extent the Company is not
able to exchange the 1998 Debentures for Preferred Stock, under the terms of
8
the agreement, the 1998 Debentures will mature on October 6, 1998. Management
believes the Company will be able to satisfy the conditions of conversion to
Preferred Stock.
The conversion of the securities at a maximum of 90% of the closing price of the
Company's common stock resulted in the 1998 Debentures being issued at a
discount (the conversion discount). The Company is recognizing the conversion
discount as non-cash interest expense over the estimated term of the 1998
Debentures (two years) with a corresponding increase to the original principal
amount of the 1998 Debentures. In connection with the issuance of the 1998
Debentures, the Company issued to the investors warrants to purchase 261,194
shares of common stock. The warrants vest as of the grant date with an exercise
price of $4.72 per share, which was equivalent to 135% of the fair market value
of the Company's common stock at the date of grant and are valid for five years
from the date of the grant. The warrants have an ascribed value of $470,000,
which was recorded as debt discount (the warrant discount) and additional paid-
in capital. The Company is recognizing the warrant discount as non-cash interest
expense over the term of the securities (three years). Upon conversion of the
1998 Debentures any portion of the conversion discount not previously recognized
is recorded as interest expense on the conversion date. During the six months
ended June 30, 1998, a total of $41,000 of non-cash interest expense was
recorded relating to the 1998 Debentures.
In September 1997, the Company issued Convertible Debentures (the 1997
Debentures) with a face value of $5,000,000 in a private placement to an
institutional investor. This private placement yielded net proceeds to the
Company totaling $4,675,000 after deducting costs associated with issuing the
1997 Debentures. The 1997 Debentures accrue interest at the rate of 6% per
annum, payable upon conversion of the related debt or at debt maturity of
September 7, 2000. Interest is payable in either cash or common stock of the
Company at the option of the Company. The 1997 Debentures are convertible at
the option of the holder into shares of the Company's common stock at a
graduated discounted price ranging from 97% to 90% of an average of the 7 lowest
trading days of the 30 consecutive trading days prior to conversion. The
discounted price of 90% applies if the investor does not convert prior to the
two-year anniversary of the closing date. Through June 30, 1998, the Company
issued a total of 67,103 shares of its common stock in connection with the
conversion of $250,000 of the principal amount of the 1997 Debentures, plus
interest accrued through the conversion date.
The conversion of the notes at a maximum of 90% of the closing price of the
Company's common stock resulted in the 1997 Debentures being issued at a
discount (the conversion discount). The Company is recognizing the conversion
discount as non-cash interest expense over the estimated term of the 1997
Debentures (two years) with a corresponding increase to the original principal
amount of the 1997 Debentures. Upon conversion of the 1997 Debentures any
portion of the conversion discount not previously recognized is recorded as
interest expense on the conversion date. During the six months ended June 30,
1998, a total of $255,000 of non-cash interest expense was recorded relating to
the 1997 Debentures, including $19,000 relating to the additional conversion
discount recorded upon conversion.
In September 1996, the Company issued Convertible Debentures (the 1996
Debentures) with a face value of $15,500,000 in a private placement to
institutional investors. This private placement yielded net proceeds to the
Company totaling $14,730,000 after deducting costs associated with issuing the
1996 Debentures. The 1996 Debentures accrue interest at the rate of 7% per
annum, payable quarterly. The 1996 Debentures were convertible at the option of
the holder into shares of the Company's common stock at a price equal to 85% of
the closing price of the Company's common stock at the date of conversion,
subject to a minimum and maximum conversion price of $5.25 and $12.00 per share,
at any time through the second anniversary of the original date of issuance.
Through June 30, 1998, the Company issued a total of 1,903,174 shares of its
common stock in connection with the conversion of $12,499,000 of the original
principal amount of the 1996 Debentures, plus interest accrued through the
conversion dates.
The conversion of the notes at 85% of the closing price of the Company's common
stock resulted in the 1996 Debentures being issued at a discount (the conversion
discount). The conversion discount was being recognized by the Company as non-
cash interest expense over the term of the 1996 Debentures with a
9
corresponding increase to the original principal amount of the Debentures. Upon
conversion of the 1996 Debentures any portion of the conversion discount not
previously recognized was recorded as interest expense on the conversion date.
During the six months ended June 30, 1998 and 1997, a total of $63,000 and
$2,648,000, respectively, of non-cash interest expense was recorded relating to
the 1996 Debentures, including $537,000 in the six months ended June 30, 1997
relating to the additional conversion discount recorded upon conversion. In
January 1997, the Company reached agreement with the 1996 Debenture holders to
tender all outstanding 1996 Debentures to the Company in exchange for new
convertible Debentures (the New Debentures). Under the terms of the agreement,
New Debentures were issued with a face value of 117.5% of the face value of the
tendered debentures. The New Debentures bear interest at 7% per year, payable
quarterly. The New Debentures are convertible at the option of the holder into
shares of the Company's common stock at $8.00 per share. The New Debentures must
be converted by January 1999. As a result of the 17.5% premium given as an
inducement to the Debenture holders to tender the original debentures into New
Debentures, the Company recorded a non-cash charge of $1,899,000 in the first
quarter of 1997.
NOTE 4: BANK FINANCING
The Company has available to use for working capital purposes and to post
letters of credit, a line of credit totaling $20,000,000, subject to certain
limits. The line of credit encompasses The L.L. Knickerbocker Co., Inc. (LLK),
Georgetown Collection, Inc. (GCI) and Krasner Group, Inc. (TKG) and expires in
July 1999. Certain credit limits are established for each company. The credit
limits are $4,000,000 for LLK, $13,000,000 for GCI and $3,000,000 for TKG.
Borrowing availability is determined by an advance rate on eligible accounts
receivable and inventory. The line of credit includes sublimits for letters of
credit and bankers acceptances aggregating $13,000,000, $4,000,000 and
$3,000,000 for GCI, LLK and TKG, respectively. Borrowings bear interest at the
bank's base rate (8.5% at June 30, 1998) plus 2% for GCI and TKG borrowings and
plus 1% for LLK borrowings or, at the Company's option, an adjusted LIBOR rate.
In addition, the Company is charged an Unused Line fee of .25% of the unused
portion of the revolving loans.
At June 30, 1998, the Company had $5,152,000 of cash borrowings outstanding and
outstanding letters of credit totaling $338,000. Available borrowings under the
line of credit aggregated $2,955,000 at June 30, 1998. Borrowings are
collateralized by substantially all assets of the Company. The line of credit
agreement contains, among other things, restrictive financial covenants that
require the Company to maintain certain leverage and current ratios (computed
annually and quarterly), an interest coverage ratio (computed annually) and to
achieve certain levels of annual income. The agreement also limits GCI annual
capital expenditures and prohibits the payment of dividends. At June 30, 1998,
the Company was in compliance with these covenants.
S.L.S. Trading Co., Ltd. and Harlyn International, Inc. have available lines of
credit aggregating 72,000,000 Thai baht (approximately $1,690,000 at June 30,
1998). Outstanding borrowings bear interest at rates ranging from 15% to 18.75%.
NOTE 5: CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES
Effective January 1, 1998, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No 130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income". This statement requires that
all items recognized under accounting standards as components of comprehensive
earnings be reported in an annual financial statement that is displayed with the
same prominence as other annual financial statements. This statement also
requires that an entity classify items of other comprehensive earnings by their
nature in an annual financial statement. For example, other comprehensive
earnings may include foreign currency translation adjustments and unrealized
gains and losses on marketable securities classified as available-for-sale.
Annual financial statements for prior periods will be reclassified, as required.
The Company's total comprehensive loss is as follows:
10
Six months ended: June 30, 1998 June 30, 1997
Net loss $(2,299,000) $(4,400,000)
Foreign currency translation gain (loss) 811,000 (135,000)
----------- -----------
Total Comprehensive loss $(1,488,000) $(4,535,000)
=========== ===========
Three months ended: June 30, 1998 June 30, 1997
Net loss $(2,538,000) $(561,000)
Foreign currency translation gain (loss) (1,038,000) (200,000)
----------- ---------
Total Comprehensive loss $(3,576,000) $(761,000)
=========== =========
Note 6: Goodwill
As of January 1, 1998, the Company determined that, due to operating experience
of Krasner Group, Inc. and Georgetown Collection, Inc. since the acquisition of
these entities, the estimated useful life of goodwill associated with the
acquisitions should be increased to 20 years. The effect of this change was a
decrease in net loss of approximately $142,000 or $.007 per share, for the six
months ended June 30, 1998.
Note 7: Inventories
As of June 30, 1998 and December 31, 1997 inventories consisted of the
following:
June 30, 1998 December 31, 1997
------------- -----------------
Finished goods $10,141,000 $ 8,968,000
Work-in-progress 851,000 342,000
Raw materials 1,204,000 1,541,000
----------- -----------
$12,196,000 $10,851,000
=========== ===========
Note 8: Investments
On March 17, 1998, the Company completed a $3,000,000 transaction whereby it
sold 2% of Pure Energy Corporation in exchange for a 6% interest in Phoenix
Environmental, Ltd. a development-stage corporation. The Company received
34,700 shares of Phoenix Environmental, Ltd. in exchange for 1,364 shares of
Pure Energy Corporation. No cash was exchanged in the transaction. The
transaction resulted in a gain to the Company of $2,847,000. Phoenix
Environmental, Ltd. has developed a patented, proprietary technology that
converts steel mill by-products and other steel-based waste streams into a
marketable industrial product.
In September 1996 the Company purchased an equity interest in Ontro, Inc.
(Ontro). The purchase price consisted of $600,000 in cash for 858,673 common
shares. The investment provided the Company with a 27.8% common equity interest
in Ontro. In May 1998 Ontro successfully completed an initial public offering
whereby Ontro received approximately $15 million and issued 3,400,000 shares of
its common stock. As a result of the sale of previously unissued shares to the
public, the Company's ownership interest in Ontro was reduced to 13.2% and the
Company increased the balance of its investment in Ontro to reflect the enhanced
value of the Company's equity interest in Ontro. The net increase of $1,073,000
was recorded as a capital transaction, resulting in an increase to the Company's
additional paid-in capital account after giving effect to deferred taxes of
$715,000.
11
Note 9: Subsequent Events
In July 1998, the Company issued 761,560 shares of its common stock in
connection with the conversion of $1,750,000 of the principal amount of the 1997
Debentures, plus interest accrued through the conversion date.
In August 1998 the Company entered into an agreement with the 1997 Debenture
holders whereby the Company has the right, until September 1, 1998, to purchase
up to $3,000,000 of the principal amount of the 1997 Debentures, adjusted for
conversions through September 1, 1998, for a purchase price in cash of 110% of
face value. In connection with the agreement the Company issued to the Debenture
holders warrants to purchase an aggregate of 213,132 shares of common stock. The
warrants have an aggregate ascribed value of $228,000, which will be recorded
as non-cash interest expense in the third quarter of 1998. The 10% premium over
face value will be recognized as expense as the Company exercises its right to
purchase the debentures.
12
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion includes the operations of the L.L. Knickerbocker Co.,
Inc. and subsidiaries for each of the periods discussed.
Results of operations
Three months ended June 30, 1998 and 1997
Net Sales
Net sales decreased to $13,434,000 for the three months ended June 30, 1998 from
$17,609,000 for the three months ended June 30, 1997, a decrease of $4,175,000,
or 23.7%. Of the $4,175,000 decrease, $2,017,000 was attributable to a decrease
in net sales from the Company's celebrity-driven collectible doll programs,
$1,313,000 was attributed to the Company's non-celebrity collectible doll
programs, $585,000 was attributed to the Company's celebrity-driven fashion
jewelry programs, and $260,000 was attributed to the Company's fine jewelry
program. The decrease in net sales from celebrity-driven collectible doll
programs related primarily to decreased programming time for new products by the
Company's major customer in the home shopping industry. A higher percentage of
programming time was utilized to reduce the customer's higher than expected
inventory levels remaining from previous orders. Management believes that
increased programming time dedicated to new products will begin in the third
quarter of 1998. The decrease in non-celebrity collectible doll revenues was
primarily attributed to lower than expected response from the Company's direct
response advertisement campaigns. The decrease in net sales from the Company's
fashion jewelry sales is primarily attributable to lower dollar amount orders
from the Company's major customer in the home shopping industry, the primary
distribution channel for fashion jewelry. The decrease in fine jewelry sales
related to decreases in raw stone sales that have been impacted by the downturn
in the economy in Thailand. The Company continues to assess the potential of
sales expansion of existing products through new distribution channels, as well
as continuing to develop new product categories.
Gross Profit
Gross profit decreased to $6,946,000 for the three months ended June 30, 1998
from $8,908,000 for the three months ended June 30, 1997, a decrease of
$1,962,000 or 22.0%. As a percentage of net sales, gross profit for the quarter
increased to 51.7% in 1998 from 50.6% in 1997. The increase in the gross profit
percentage in 1998 over 1997 is due primarily to increases in gross profit
margins in the Company's non-celebrity collectible doll programs and fashion and
fine jewelry programs, offset by a temporary decrease in gross profit margin
from the Company's celebrity-driven collectible doll program. Impacting gross
profit margins of the Company is the percentage of the Company's sales mix that
is generated from collectible products sold via direct response. In the quarter
ended June 30, 1998, 37.9% of the Company's revenues were generated from direct
response distribution, versus 36.4% in 1997. Direct response sales are
generated by catalog mailings and print advertisements placed by the Company.
Direct response sales, as opposed to wholesale, business to business sales,
generate higher margins to the Company as the products are sold at retail prices
to individual consumers. The remaining net sales of the Company, other than the
portion contributed by direct response sales, are generated from wholesale
sales. Therefore, the Company's gross profit percentage will vary depending on
the volume of direct response sales in any particular quarter. Correspondingly,
should the majority of the Company's sales come from fine and costume jewelry
sales in any quarter, the gross profit percentage of the Company will be lower
due to lower historical margins associated with jewelry production and sales.
Advertising expense
13
Advertising expense increased to $2,611,000 for the three months ended June 30,
1998 from $1,942,000 for the three months ended June 30, 1997, due primarily to
the Company's expansion of its direct response advertising campaigns among a
greater number of collectible brands in 1998. Additionally, the Company is
incurring higher advertising costs in 1998 due to the expansion into retail
distribution for the Company's products. Included in advertising expense are
advertisement printing costs, catalog printing costs, media space in magazines,
and advertisement creative and development costs.
Selling expense
Selling expense decreased slightly to $1,483,000 for the three months ended June
30, 1998 from $1,489,000 for the three months ended June 30, 1997, due primarily
to lower royalty expense attributable to lower revenues in 1998, offset by
increases in trade show expenses related to the Company's expansion of its
retail distribution channel. Selling expenses include royalty expense,
commission expense, trade show expenses, and other sales promotion expenses.
General and administrative expenses
General and administrative expenses decreased to $5,230,000 for the three months
ended June 30, 1998 from $5,570,000 for the three months ended June 30, 1997, a
decrease of $340,000, or 6.1%. The percentage of revenues represented by these
expenses increased from 31.6% in 1997 to 38.9% in 1998. The increase in
general and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenues resulted
primarily from the 23.7% decrease in the revenue base in 1998 from 1997. The
$340,000 decrease in general and administrative expenses related primarily to
the Company's aggressive efforts to cut general and administrative expenses
across the Company's diverse product divisions, offset by increased personnel
costs and higher operating costs associated with the Company's new headquarters
in California and its jewelry facility in Thailand.
Loss from equity method investments
Loss from equity method investments decreased to $262,000 for the three months
ended June 30, 1998 from $571,000 for the three months ended June 30, 1997. The
major component of the 1998 loss from equity method investments stems from the
Company's 50% interest in Arkenol Asia, LLC. Included in the June 30, 1997 loss
from equity method investments are losses incurred from independent,
development-stage corporations of which the Company owns a substantial interest,
in most cases greater than 19.9%. Under the equity method of accounting, the
Company must report its percentage ownership of losses incurred by the
development-stage corporations. During the three months ended June 30, 1998, the
Company did not account for investments in Pure Energy Corporation and Ontro,
Inc. under the equity method due to reductions in ownership interest.
Other income (expense)
Other expense increased to $163,000 for the three months ended June 30, 1998
from $123,000 for the three months ended June 30, 1997, an increase of $40,000,
or 32.5%. The increase relates primarily to foreign currency losses realized by
Thailand-based subsidiaries as a result of foreign currency fluctuations.
Interest expense
Interest expense increased to $702,000 for the three months ended June 30, 1998
from $433,000 for the three months ended June 30, 1997, an increase of $269,000,
or 62.1%. The increase occurred primarily as a result of increased interest
charges from the issuance of convertible debentures totaling $5,000,000 and
$7,000,000 in September 1997 and June 1998, respectively. Included in interest
expense are noncash charges of $228,000 that are classified as interest expense.
Net Loss
14
As a result of the foregoing factors, net loss increased to $2,538,000 for the
three months ended June 30, 1998 from net loss of $561,000 for the three months
ended June 30, 1997, an increase in net loss of $1,977,000.
Six months ended June 30, 1998 and 1997
Net Sales
Net sales decreased to $24,916,000 for the six months ended June 30, 1998 from
$31,050,000 for the six months ended June 30, 1997, a decrease of $6,134,000, or
19.8%. Of the $6,134,000 decrease, $2,645,000 was attributable to a decrease in
net sales from the Company's celebrity-driven collectible doll programs,
$1,762,000 was attributed to the Company's celebrity-driven fashion jewelry
programs, $1,119,000 was attributed to the Company's non-celebrity collectible
doll programs, and $608,000 was attributed to the Company's fine jewelry
program. The decrease in net sales from celebrity-driven collectible doll
programs related primarily to decreased programming time for new products by the
Company's major customer in the home shopping industry. A higher percentage of
programming time was utilized to reduce the customer's higher than expected
inventory levels remaining from previous orders. Management believes that
increased programming time dedicated to new products will begin in the third
quarter of 1998. The decrease in non-celebrity collectible doll revenues was
primarily attributed to lower than expected response from the Company's direct
response advertisement campaigns. The decrease in net revenues from the
Company's fashion jewelry sales is primarily attributable to lower dollar amount
orders from the Company's major customer in the home shopping industry, the
primary distribution channel for fashion jewelry. The decrease in fine jewelry
revenues related to decreases in raw stone sales that have been impacted by the
downturn in the economy in Thailand. The Company continues to assess the
potential of sales expansion of existing products through new distribution
channels, as well as continuing to develop new product categories.
Gross Profit
Gross profit decreased to $13,572,000 for the six months ended June 30, 1998
from $15,883,000 for the three months ended June 30, 1997, a decrease of
$2,311,000 or 14.6%. As a percentage of net sales, gross profit for the quarter
increased to 54.5% in 1998 from 51.2% in 1997. The increase in the gross profit
percentage in 1998 over 1997 is due primarily to increases in gross profit
margins in the Company's non-celebrity collectible doll programs, fashion and
fine jewelry programs, offset by a temporary decrease in gross profit margin
from the Company's celebrity-driven collectible doll program. Impacting gross
profit margins of the Company is the percentage of the Company's sales mix that
is generated from collectible products sold via direct response. In the six
months ended June 30, 1998, 44.9% of the Company's revenues were generated from
direct response distribution, versus 39.6% in 1997. Direct response sales are
generated by catalog mailings and print advertisements placed by the Company.
Direct response sales, as opposed to wholesale, business to business sales,
generate higher margins to the Company as the products are sold at retail prices
to individual consumers. The remaining net sales of the Company, other than the
portion contributed by direct response sales, are generated from wholesale
sales. Therefore, the Company's gross profit percentage will vary depending on
the volume of direct response sales in any particular quarter. Correspondingly,
should the majority of the Company's sales come from fine and costume jewelry
sales in any quarter, the gross profit percentage of the Company will be lower
due to lower historical margins associated with jewelry production and sales.
Advertising expense
Advertising expense increased to $5,024,000 for the six months ended June 30,
1998 from $3,519,000 for the six months ended June 30, 1997, due primarily to
the Company's expansion of its direct response advertising campaigns among more
collectible brands in 1998. Additionally, the Company is incurring higher
advertising costs in 1998 due to the expansion of retail distribution for the
Company's products.
15
Included in advertising expense are advertisement printing costs, catalog
printing costs, media space in magazines, and advertisement creative and
development costs.
Selling expense
Selling expense decreased to $2,461,000 for the six months ended June 30, 1998
from $3,039,000 for the six months ended June 30, 1997, due primarily to lower
royalty expense attributable to lower revenues in 1998, offset by increases in
trade show expenses related to the Company's expansion of its products into
retail distribution. Selling expenses include royalty expense, commission
expense, trade show expenses, and other sales promotion expenses.
General and administrative expenses
General and administrative expenses decreased to $10,023,000 for the six months
ended June 30, 1998 from $10,466,000 for the six months ended June 30, 1997, a
decrease of $443,000, or 4.2%. The percentage of revenues represented by these
expenses increased from 33.7% in 1997 to 40.2% in 1998. The increase in
general and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenues resulted
primarily from the 19.8% decrease in the revenue base in 1998 from 1997. The
$443,000 decrease in general and administrative expenses related primarily to
the Company's aggressive efforts to cut general and administrative expenses
across the Company's diverse product divisions, offset by increased personnel
costs and higher operating costs associated with the Company's new headquarters
in California and its jewelry facility in Thailand.
Loss from equity method investments
Loss from equity method investments decreased slightly to $815,000 for the six
months ended June 30, 1998 from $876,000 for the six months ended June 30, 1997.
The major components of the 1998 loss from equity method investments stem from
the Company's 50% interest in Arkenol Asia, LLC and approximately 30% interest
in Pure Energy Corporation, both development-stage corporations. Under the
equity method of accounting, the Company must report its percentage ownership of
losses incurred by the development-stage corporations. Effective April 1, 1998
the Company discontinued the application of the equity method to its investment
in Pure Energy Corporation due to a reduction in ownership interest during 1998.
Other income (expense)
Other income (expense) increased to $2,667,000 for the six months ended June 30,
1998 from $(236,000) for the six months ended June 30, 1997, an increase of
$2,903,000. The increase relates primarily to a sale of a portion of the
Company's interest in Pure Energy Corporation which occurred in the first
quarter of 1998. In exchange for the interest in Pure Energy Corporation, the
Company received a 6% interest in Phoenix Environmental, Ltd., a development-
stage corporation which has developed a patented, proprietary technology that
converts steel mill byproducts and other steel-based waste streams into a
marketable industrial product.
Interest expense
Interest expense decreased to $1,283,000 for the six months ended June 30, 1998
from $3,526,000 for the six months ended June 30, 1997, a decrease of
$2,243,000, or 36.6%. The decrease occurred primarily as a result of a
$1,899,000 noncash restructuring charge and noncash conversion discounts
incurred in 1997 associated with the Company's 1996 convertible debenture
offering, offset by increased interest charges from the issuance of convertible
debentures totaling $5,000,000 and $7,000,000 in September 1997 and June 1998,
respectively. Included in interest expense are noncash charges of $359,000 that
are classified as interest expense.
16
Net Loss
As a result of the foregoing factors, net loss decreased to $2,299,000 for the
six months ended June 30, 1998 from net loss of $4,400,000 for the six months
ended June 30, 1997, a decrease in net loss of $2,101,000.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The Company has financed its operations from its existing cash, short-term
borrowings and equity and debt financings. As of June 30, 1998, the Company had
working capital of $15,817,000, versus working capital of $16,010,000 at June
30, 1997.
Through the second quarter of 1998, the Company has continued to invest most of
its available funds generated from operations and raised in its convertible
debenture financing by capitalizing subsidiaries, purchasing inventory for
seasonal needs and developing new product categories.
The Company has available to use for working capital purposes and to post
letters of credit, a line of credit totaling $20,000,000, subject to certain
limits. The line of credit encompasses The L.L. Knickerbocker Co., Inc. (LLK),
Georgetown Collection, Inc. (GCI) and Krasner Group, Inc. (TKG) and expires in
July 1999. Certain credit limits are established for each company. The credit
limits are $4,000,000 for LLK, $13,000,000 for GCI and $3,000,000 for TKG.
Borrowing availability is determined by an advance rate on eligible accounts
receivable and inventory. The line of credit includes sublimits for letters of
credit and bankers acceptances aggregating $13,000,000, $4,000,000 and
$3,000,000 for GCI, LLK and TKG, respectively. Borrowings bear interest at the
bank's base rate (8.5% at June 30, 1998) plus 2% for GCI and TKG borrowings and
plus 1% for LLK borrowings or, at the Company's option, an adjusted LIBOR rate.
In addition, the Company is charged an Unused Line fee of .25% of the unused
portion of the revolving loans.
At June 30, 1998, the Company had $5,152,000 of cash borrowings outstanding and
outstanding letters of credit totaling $338,000. Available borrowings under the
line of credit aggregated $2,955,000 at June 30, 1998. Borrowings are
collateralized by substantially all assets of the Company. The line of credit
agreement contains, among other things, restrictive financial covenants that
require the Company to maintain certain leverage and current ratios (computed
annually and quarterly), an interest coverage ratio (computed annually) and to
achieve certain levels of annual income. The agreement also limits GCI annual
capital expenditures and prohibits the payment of dividends. At June 30, 1998,
the Company was in compliance with these covenants.
The Company is in the process of expanding distribution and product categories
and is limited in its ability to borrow on the $20,000,000 credit facility based
upon current levels of inventory and receivables. As a result of the
limitations on the usage of the $20,000,000 credit facility, the Company has
looked to outside financing to supplement the credit facility, completing a
$7,000,000 convertible debenture offering in June 1998.
Cash flow used in operations was $6,410,000 in 1998 compared to $3,202,000 in
1997. The increase in cash used in operations was due primarily to the increase
in accounts receivable during the six months ended June 30, 1998, offset by a
decrease in accounts payable and accrued expenses. Cash flow used in investing
activities was $1,000,000 for the six months ended June 30, 1998, primarily
related to acquisitions of property and equipment and advances to Arkenol Asia,
LLC, a joint venture in which the Company has a 50% interest. Cash flow
provided by financing activities was $7,679,000 in 1998 due primarily to
borrowings on the $20,000,000 credit facility and net proceeds from the
convertible debenture
17
offering completed in June 1998. The current ratio for the Company increased
from 1.98 at December 31, 1997 to 1.99 at June 30, 1998.
In August 1998, the Company entered into an agreement with the 1997 Debenture
holders whereby the Company has the right, until September 1, 1998, to purchase
up to $3,000,000 of the principal amount of the 1997 Debentures, for a purchase
price in cash of 110% of face value. The Company anticipates that it will fund
the repurchase of the unconverted debentures from the proceeds of anticipated
future sales of investments held as of June 30, 1998.
Based on current plans and business conditions the Company expects that its
cash, investments and/or available borrowings under its line of credit together
with any amounts generated from operations will be sufficient to meet the
Company's cash requirements for the foreseeable future. However, there can be no
assurance that the Company will not be required to seek other financing sooner
or that such financing, if required, will be available on terms satisfactory to
the Company.
Seasonality and Quarterly Results
The Company's business is subject to seasonal fluctuations. The Company's
celebrity collectible doll and non-celebrity doll programs and to a lesser
extent, its fine jewelry programs, have historically experienced greater sales
in the latter portion of the year. Because of the seasonality of the Company's
business, results for any quarter are not necessarily indicative of the results
that may be achieved for the full fiscal year.
Year 2000
The Year 2000 Issue is the result of computer programs being written using two
digits rather than four to define the applicable year. Any of the Company's
computer programs that have time-sensitive software may recognize a date using
"00" as the year 1900 rather than the year 2000. This could result in a system
failure or miscalculations causing disruptions of operations, including, among
other things, a temporary inability to process transactions, send invoices, or
engage in similar normal business activities.
The Company has initiated a conversion from existing accounting software to
programs that are year-2000 compliant. Management has determined that the year
2000 issue will not pose significant operational problems for its computer
systems.
The Company will utilize both internal and external resources to reprogram, or
replace, and test the software for Year 2000 modifications. The Company
anticipates completing the Year 2000 project within one year but not later than
October 31, 1999, which is prior to any anticipated impact on its operating
systems. The total cost of the Year 2000 project is estimated at $750,000 and
is being funded through operating cash flows and lease financing.
The costs of the project and the date on which the Company believes it will
complete the Year 2000 modifications are based on management's best estimates,
which were derived utilizing numerous assumptions of future events, including
the continued availability of certain resources, third-party modification plans
and other factors. However, there can be no guarantee that these estimates will
be achieved and actual results could differ materially from those anticipated.
Specific factors that might cause such material differences include, but are not
limited to, the availability and cost of personnel trained in this area, the
ability to locate and correct all relevant computer codes, and similar
uncertainties.
Forward-Looking Statements
When used in this document, the words "believes", "anticipates", "expects" and
similar expressions are intended to identify in certain circumstances forward-
looking statements. Such statements are subject to a number of risks and
uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those
projected,
18
including risks related to the dependence on sales to QVC; the acceptance in the
marketplace of new products; the ability to source raw materials at prices
favorable to the Company; currency fluctuations; and other risks outlined in the
Company's previously filed public documents, copies of which may be obtained
without cost from the Company. Given these uncertainties, prospective investors
are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such statements. The Company also
undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements.
19
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
On May 15, 1998, the Company held its Annual Meeting of Shareholders. The
meeting involved the election of Directors of the Company and the ratification
of Deloitte & Touche LLP as independent public accountants for the year 1998. A
brief description of each matter voted on and number of shares cast is as
follows:
1.) Election of Directors: For Withhold Against Abstain
Louis L. Knickerbocker 17,965,860 550,511
Anthony P. Shutts 17,950,610 565,761
Tamara Knickerbocker 17,965,860 550,511
Gerald A. Margolis 17,965,610 550,761
William R. Black 17,929,610 586,761
F. Rene Alvarez, Jr. 17,926,310 590,061
2.) Ratification of Appointment
of Independent Public
Accountants:
Appointment of Deloitte
& Touche LLP 17,972,941 451,557 91,873
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
(a) Exhibits:
27.0 Financial Data Schedule
(b) Reports on Form 8-K:
On June 9, 1998, the Company filed a report on Form 8-K reporting the
issuance of convertible debentures with a face value of $7,000,000.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
THE L.L. KNICKERBOCKER CO., INC.
Date: By: /s/ Anthony P. Shutts
Anthony P. Shutts
Chief Financial Officer
Signing on behalf of the registrant
and as principal financial and
accounting officer.
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