a50199573.htm
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
 
 
FORM 10-K

(Mark One)
x
ANNUAL REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2011
   
o
TRANSITION REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d)OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from ____________ to ____________

Commission File Number 0-28104
 
JAKKS PACIFIC, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
95-4527222
(State or other jurisdiction of
(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)
Identification No.)

22619 Pacific Coast Highway
 
Malibu, California
90265
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (310) 456-7799

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act:

Title of each class
Name of each exchange
on which registered
Common Stock, $.001 par value per share
Nasdaq Global Select

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act:

Title of Class

Common Stock, $.001 par value per share

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.  Yes ¨ No x

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15 of the Act.  Yes ¨ No x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes x No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).   Yes xNo ¨

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.    ¨
 
 
 
 

 
 
Indicate by a check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer,  a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definition of “large accelerated filer,”  “large accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (check one):
 
¨     Large Accelerated Filer
x     Accelerated Filer
 ¨     Non-Accelerated Filer
 ¨     Smaller Reporting Company
  
  
     (Do not check if a Smaller Reporting Company)
  

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

The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity (the only such common equity being Common Stock, $.001 par value per share) held by non-affiliates of the registrant (computed by reference to the closing sale price of the Common Stock on June 30, 2011 of $18.41) is $475,685,809.

The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s Common Stock, $.001 par value (being the only class of its common stock), is  26,017,763 (as of March 14, 2012).
 
Documents Incorporated by Reference

None.
 
 
 
 

 
 
JAKKS PACIFIC, INC.

INDEX TO ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K

For the Fiscal Year ended December 31, 2011

Items in Form 10-K

     
Page
 
PART I  
  2  
  11  
Item 1B.
Unresolved Staff Comments
 
None
 
  16  
  17  
Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures
     
PART II  
  19  
  23  
  25  
  38  
  40  
Item 9.
Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
 
None
 
  75  
Item 9B.
Other Information
 
None
 
PART III  
  78  
  80  
  94  
  96  
  96  
PART IV  
  98  
    100  
Certifications
       

DISCLOSURE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

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

Item 1. Business

In this report, “JAKKS,” the “Company,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to JAKKS Pacific, Inc. and its subsidiaries.

Company Overview

We are a leading multi-line, multi-brand toy company that designs, produces, markets and distributes toys and related products, pet toys, consumables and related products, electronics and related products, kids indoor and outdoor furniture, and other consumer products. We focus our business on acquiring or licensing well-recognized trademarks and brand names, most with long product histories (“evergreen brands”). We seek to acquire these evergreen brands because we believe they are less subject to market fads or trends. We also develop proprietary products marketed under our own trademarks and brand names, and have historically acquired complementary businesses to further grow our portfolio.  For accounting purposes, our products can be divided into two segments:  (i) traditional toys and electronics and (ii) role play, novelty and seasonal toys.  Segment information with respect to revenues, assets and profits or losses attributable to each segment is contained in Footnote 3 to the audited financial statements contained below in Item 8, Our products include:

Traditional Toys and Electronics

 
  ●
Action figures and accessories, including licensed characters, principally based on Ultimate Fighting Champion (UFC), Total Non-Stop Action (TNA) wrestling, Pokémon® franchises;
 
 
  ●
Toy vehicles, including Road Champs®, Fly Wheels® and MXS®  toy vehicles and accessories;

 
  ●
Electronics products, including SpyNet spy products, EyeClops™ Bionic Eye products, Laser Challenge® and Plug It In & Play TV Games ™ based on Disney® brands and other popular brands;
 
 
 
Dolls and accessories, including small dolls, large dolls, fashion dolls and baby dolls based on licenses, including Disney Princess®, Disney Fairies®, Cabbage Patch Kids®, Hello Kitty®, Graco® and Fisher Price® plush, infant and pre-school toys;
 
 
 
Private label products as “exclusives” for a myriad of retail customers in many product categories; and
 
 
  ●
Pet products, including toys, consumables, and accessories, branded JAKKS Pets®, some of which also feature licenses, including Kong®.  In 2011, we launched our proprietary brand of assorted pet products under American Classics.


Role Play, Novelty and Seasonal Toys

 
  ●
Food play and activity kits, including, Creepy Crawlers™ and BloPens®,
 
 
  ●
Role-play, dress-up, pretend play and novelty products for boys and girls based on well known brands and entertainment properties such as Black & Decker®, McDonald’s®, Dirt Devil®, Disney Princess®, Disney Fairies®,  Barbie® and Dora the Explorer®, as well as those based on our own proprietary brands;

 
  ●
Indoor and outdoor kids’ furniture, activity trays and tables and room décor; kiddie pools, seasonal and outdoor products, including those based on Crayola®, Disney® characters and more, and Funnoodle® pool floats; and

 
  ●
Halloween and everyday costumes for all ages based on licensed and proprietary non-licensed brands, including Spiderman®, Iron Man, Toy Story®, Sesame Street®, Power Rangers®¸Hasbro® brands and Disney Princess®, and related Halloween accessories.
 
 
 
2

 
 
We continually review the marketplace to identify and evaluate popular and evergreen brands and product categories that we believe have the potential for growth. We endeavor to generate growth within these lines by:

 
  ●
creating innovative products under our established licenses and brand names;

 
  ●
adding new items to the branded product lines that we expect will enjoy greater popularity;
 
 
  ●
infusing innovation and technology when appropriate to make them more appealing to today’s kids; and
 
 
  ●
focusing our marketing efforts to enhance consumer recognition and retailer interest.
 
Our Business Strategy

In addition to developing our own proprietary brands and marks, licensing popular trademarks enables us to use these high-profile marks at a lower cost than we would incur if we purchased these marks or developed comparable marks on our own. By licensing trademarks, we have access to a far greater range of marks than would be available for purchase. We also license technology developed by unaffiliated inventors and product developers to enhance the design and functionality of our products.

We sell our products through our in-house sales staff and independent sales representatives to toy and mass-market retail chain stores, department stores, office supply stores, drug and grocery store chains, club stores, toy specialty stores and wholesalers. Our three largest customers are Wal-Mart, Target and Toys ‘R’ Us, which accounted for approximately 24.6%, 19.4% and 12.6%, respectively, of our net sales in 2011. No other customer accounted for more than 10.0% of our net sales in 2011.

Our Growth Strategy

The execution of our growth strategy has normally resulted in increased levels of revenues and earnings. However, in 2010 and 2011, we experienced a decline in sales mainly due to declines in a few key product lines and a challenging economy.  In 2010 and 2011, we generated net sales of $747.3 million and $677.8 million, respectively, and net income of $47.0 million and $8.5 million, respectively. Approximately 27.7% and 32.2% of our net sales in 2010 and 2011, respectively, were attributable to our acquisitions since 2008. Key elements of our growth strategy include:

●       Expand Core Products.    We manage our existing and new brands through strategic product development initiatives, including introducing new products, modifying existing products and extending existing product lines to maximize their longevity. Our marketing teams and product designers strive to develop new products or product lines to offer added technological, aesthetic and functional improvements to our extensive portfolio.

●       Enter New Product Categories.    We use our extensive experience in the toy and other consumer product industries to evaluate products and licenses in new product categories and to develop additional product lines. We began marketing licensed classic video games for simple plug-in use with television sets and expanded into several related categories by infusing additional technologies such as motion gaming and through the licensing of this category from our current licensors, such as Disney and MTV Networks which owns Nickelodeon.

●       Pursue Strategic Acquisitions.    We supplement our internal growth with selected strategic acquisitions. Most recently, in October 2011 we acquired the business of Moose Mountain Toymakers Limited, a leading manufacturer of licensed foot to floor ride-ons, inflatable environments, wagons, pinball machines and tents.  We will continue focusing our acquisition strategy on businesses or brands that we believe have compatible product lines and/or offer valuable trademarks or brands.
 
 
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●       Acquire Additional Character and Product Licenses.    We have acquired the rights to use many familiar brand and character names and logos from third parties that we use with our primary trademarks and brands. Currently, among others, we have license agreements with Nickelodeon, Disney®, UFC and Warner Bros®, as well as with the licensors of the many popular licensed children’s characters previously mentioned, among others. We intend to continue to pursue new licenses from these entertainment and media companies and other licensors. We also intend to continue to purchase additional inventions and product concepts through our existing network of inventors and product developers.

●       Expand International Sales.    We believe that foreign markets, especially Europe, Australia, Canada, Latin America and Asia, offer us significant growth opportunities. In 2011, our sales generated outside the United States were approximately $108.5 million, or 16.0% of total net sales. We intend to continue to expand our international sales and in 2009 and 2010 opened sales offices and expanded distribution agreements in Europe to capitalize on our experience and our relationships with foreign distributors and retailers. We expect these initiatives to continue to contribute to our international growth in 2012.

●       Capitalize On Our Operating Efficiencies.    We believe that our current infrastructure and operating model can accommodate growth without a proportionate increase in our operating and administrative expenses, thereby increasing our operating margins.

The execution of our growth strategy, however, is subject to several risks and uncertainties and we cannot assure you that we will continue to experience growth in, or maintain our present level of net sales (see “Risk Factors,” beginning on page 11). For example, our growth strategy will place additional demands on our management, operational capacity and financial resources and systems. The increased demand on management may necessitate our recruitment and retention of additional qualified management personnel. We cannot assure you that we will be able to recruit and retain qualified personnel or expand and manage our operations effectively and profitably. To effectively manage future growth, we must continue to expand our operational, financial and management information systems and to train, motivate and manage our work force. While we believe that our operational, financial and management information systems will be adequate to support our future growth, no assurance can be given they will be adequate without significant investment in our infrastructure. Failure to expand our operational, financial and management information systems or to train, motivate or manage employees could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Moreover, implementation of our growth strategy is subject to risks beyond our control, including competition, market acceptance of new products, changes in economic conditions, our ability to obtain or renew licenses on commercially reasonable terms and our ability to finance increased levels of accounts receivable and inventory necessary to support our sales growth, if any.

Furthermore, we cannot assure you that we can identify attractive acquisition candidates or negotiate acceptable acquisition terms, and our failure to do so may adversely affect our results of operations and our ability to sustain growth.

Finally, our acquisition strategy involves a number of risks, each of which could adversely affect our operating results, including difficulties in integrating acquired businesses or product lines, assimilating new facilities and personnel and harmonizing diverse business strategies and methods of operation; diversion of management attention from operation of our existing business; loss of key personnel from acquired companies; and failure of an acquired business to achieve targeted financial results.
 
 
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Industry Overview

According to Toy Industry Association, Inc., the leading toy industry trade group, the United States is the world’s largest toy market, followed by Japan and Western Europe. Total retail sales of toys, excluding video games, in the United States, were approximately $21.2 billion in 2011. We believe the two largest United States toy companies, Mattel and Hasbro, collectively hold a dominant share of the domestic non-video toy market. In addition, hundreds of smaller companies compete in the design and development of new toys, the procurement of character and product licenses, and the improvement and expansion of previously introduced products and product lines.

Over the past few years, the toy industry has experienced substantial consolidation among both toy companies and toy retailers. We believe that the ongoing consolidation of toy companies provides us with increased growth opportunities due to retailers’ desire to not be entirely dependent on a few dominant toy companies. Retailer concentration also enables us to ship products, manage account relationships and track point of sale information more effectively and efficiently.

Products

We focus our business on acquiring or licensing well-recognized trademarks or brand names, and we seek to acquire evergreen brands which are less subject to market fads or trends. Generally, our license agreements for products and concepts call for royalties ranging from 1% to 14% of net sales, and some may require minimum guarantees and advances. Our principal products include:

Traditional Toys and Electronics

Electronics Products

Our electronic products category includes our Plug It In & Play TV Games, Spynet Spy products, EyeClops™ Bionic Eye products and Laser Challenge® product lines. Our current Plug It In & Play TV Games titles, geared to the pre-school and leisure gamer segments, include licenses from Namco®, Disney, Marvel® and Nickelodeon, and feature such games as SpongeBob SquarePants®, Big Buck Hunter® Pro, Golden Tee Golf, Dora the Explorer®, Disney Princess®, Ms. Pac-Man® and Pac-Man®.

In 2012, we expect to launch a game based on the popular arcade game Walking Dead as well as portable baby monitors and digital cameras.

Wheels Products

Motorized and plastic toy vehicles and accessories.

Our extreme sports offerings include our MXS line of motorcycles with generic and well-known riders and other vehicles include off-road vehicles and skateboards, which are sold individually and with playsets and accessories.

Action Figures and Accessories

We currently develop, manufacture and distribute other action figures and action figure accessories including those based on the animated series Pokémon, UFC and TNA wrestling, capitalizing on the expertise we built in the action figure category. In 2011, we launched a line of action figures, playsets and accessories based on the Pirates of the Caribbean and Real Steel movie franchises; and figurines based on Smurfs and Phineas and Ferb.

In 2012, we expect to launch a line of action figures, playsets and accessories based on the boys animated television show Monsuno premiering domestically on Nick Toons in February 2012 and internationally beginning in the fall of 2012.
 
 
5

 
 
Dolls

Dolls and accessories include small dolls, large dolls, fashion dolls and baby dolls based on licenses, including Disney Princess®, Disney Fairies®, Cabbage Patch Kids®, Hello Kitty®, Graco® and Fisher Price®, including an extensive line of baby doll accessories that emulate real baby products that mothers today use; plush, infant and pre-school toys, and private label fashion dolls for other retailers and sold to Disney Stores and Disney Parks and Resorts.

Pet Products

We entered the Pet Products category with our acquisition of Pet Pal, whose products include pet toys, treats, beds, clothes and related pet products. These products are marketed under JAKKS Pets® and licenses include Kong®, as well as numerous other entertainment and consumer product properties.  In 2011, we launched our own proprietary brand of assorted pet products under the brand American Classics.
 
Role Play, Novelty & Seasonal

Role-play and Dress-up Products

Our line of role-play and dress-up products for boys and girls features entertainment and consumer products properties such as Disney Princess®, Disney Fairies®, Dora the Explorer®, and Black & Decker®.  These products generated a significant amount of sales in 2011, and we expect that level of sales to continue in 2012.
 
Seasonal/ Outdoor Products

We have a wide range of seasonal toys and outdoor and leisure products. Our Funnoodle pool toys include the basic Funnoodle pool floats and a variety of other pool toys.

Indoor and Outdoor Kids’ Furniture

We produce an extensive array of licensed indoor and outdoor kids' furniture and activity tables, and room decor.  Our licensed portfolio includes character licenses, including Crayola®, Disney Princess®, Toy Story®, Mickey Mouse®, Dora the Explorer®, and others. Products include children’s puzzle furniture, tables and chairs to activity sets, trays, stools and a line of licensed molded kiddie pools, among others.
 
Halloween and Everyday Costume Play

We produce an expansive and innovative line of Halloween costumes and accessories which includes a wide range of non-licensed Halloween costumes such as horror, pirates, historical figures and aliens to animals, vampires, angels and more, as well as popular licensed characters from top intellectual property owners including Disney®, Hasbro®, Marvel®, Sesame Workshop®, Mattel®, and many others.
 
 
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World Wrestling Entertainment Video Games

In June 1998, we formed a joint venture with THQ, a developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment software for the leading hardware game platforms in the home video game market. The joint venture entered into a license agreement with the WWE under which it acquired the exclusive worldwide right to publish WWE video games on all hardware platforms. Pursuant to a Settlement Agreement and Mutual Release dated December 22, 2009, the joint venture was terminated on December 31, 2009 and we received and recorded as income as received fixed payments from THQ of $6.0 million in each of June 2010 and 2011 and are to receive the remaining additional fixed payments of $4.0 million on each of June 30, 2012 and 2013 which we will record as income on a cash basis as received (see “Legal Proceedings”).
 
Sales, Marketing and Distribution

We sell all of our products through our own in-house sales staff and independent sales representatives to toy and mass-market retail chain stores, department stores, office supply stores, drug and grocery store chains, club stores, toy specialty stores and wholesalers. Our three largest customers are Wal-Mart, Target and Toys ‘R’ Us, which accounted for approximately 53.4% of our net sales in 2010 and 56.6% of our net sales in 2011. With the Pet Pal® product line, we distribute pet products to key pet supply retailers Petco and Petsmart in addition to many other pet retailers and our existing customers. We generally sell products to our customers pursuant to letters of credit or, in some cases, on open account with payment terms typically varying from 30 to 90 days. From time to time, we allow our customers credits against future purchases from us in order to facilitate their retail markdown and sales of slow-moving inventory. We also sell our products through e-commerce sites, including Toysrus.com and Amazon.com.

We contract the manufacture of most of our products to unaffiliated manufacturers located in The People’s Republic of China (“China”). We sell the finished products on a letter of credit basis or on open account to our customers, many of whom take title to the goods in Hong Kong or China. These methods allow us to reduce certain operating costs and working capital requirements. A portion of our sales originate in the United States, so we hold certain inventory in our warehouse and fulfillment facilities. To date, a significant portion of all of our sales has been to domestic customers. We intend to continue expanding distribution of our products into foreign territories and, accordingly, we have:

 
engaged representatives to oversee sales in certain territories,

 
engaged distributors in certain territories,

 
established direct relationships with retailers in certain territories,
 
 
opened sales offices in Europe,
 
 
opened sales offices and a distribution center in Canada,
 
 
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expanded in-house resources dedicated to product development and marketing of our lines.

Outside of the United States, we currently sell our products primarily in Europe, Australia, Canada, Latin America and Asia. Sales of our products abroad accounted for approximately $113.4 million, or 15.2% of our net sales, in 2010 and approximately $108.5 million, or 16.0% of our net sales, in 2011. We believe that foreign markets present an attractive opportunity, and we plan to intensify our marketing efforts and further expand our distribution channels abroad.
 
We establish reserves for sales allowances, including promotional allowances and allowances for anticipated defective product returns, at the time of shipment. The reserves are determined as a percentage of net sales based upon either historical experience or on estimates or programs agreed upon by our customers and us.

We obtain, directly, or through our sales representatives, orders for our products from our customers and arrange for the manufacture of these products as discussed below. Cancellations generally are made in writing, and we take appropriate steps to notify our manufacturers of these cancellations. We may incur costs or other losses as a result of cancellations.

We maintain a full-time sales and marketing staff, many of whom make on-site visits to customers for the purpose of showing product and soliciting orders for products. We also retain a number of independent sales representatives to sell and promote our products, both domestically and internationally. Together with retailers, we occasionally test the consumer acceptance of new products in selected markets before committing resources to large-scale production.

We publicize and advertise our products in trade and consumer magazines and other publications, market our products at international, national and regional toy and other specialty trade shows, conventions and exhibitions and carry on cooperative advertising programs with toy and mass market retailers and other customers which include the use of print and television ads and in-store displays. We also produce and broadcast television commercials for several of our product lines, if we expect that the resulting increase in our net sales will justify the relatively high cost of television advertising.

Product Development

Each of our product lines has an in-house manager responsible for product development. The in-house manager identifies and evaluates inventor products and concepts and other opportunities to enhance or expand existing product lines or to enter new product categories. In addition, we create proprietary products to fully exploit our concept and character licenses. Although we do have the capability to create and develop products from inception to production, we also use third-parties to provide a portion of the sculpting, sample making, illustration and package design required for our products in order to accommodate our increasing product innovations and introductions. Typically, the development process takes from three to nine months from concept to production and shipment to our customers.

We employ a staff of designers for all of our product lines. We occasionally acquire our other product concepts from unaffiliated third parties. If we accept and develop a third party’s concept for new toys, we generally pay a royalty on the sale of the toys developed from this concept, and may, on an individual basis, guarantee a minimum royalty. In addition, we engage third party developers to program our line of Plug it in & Play TV Games. Royalties payable to inventors and developers generally range from 1% to 5% of the wholesale sales price for each unit of a product sold by us. We believe that utilizing experienced third-party inventors gives us access to a wide range of development talent. We currently work with numerous toy inventors and designers for the development of new products and the enhancement of existing products.

Safety testing of our products is done at the manufacturers’ facilities by quality control personnel employed by us or by independent third-party contractors engaged by us. Safety testing is designed to meet or exceed regulations imposed by federal and state, as well as applicable international governmental authorities, our retail partners, licensors and the Toy Industry Association. We also closely monitor quality assurance procedures for our products for safety purposes. In addition, independent laboratories engaged by some of our larger customers and licensors test certain of our products.
 
 
8

 
 
Manufacturing and Supplies

Most of our products are currently produced by overseas third-party manufacturers, which we choose on the basis of quality, reliability and price. Consistent with industry practice, the use of third-party manufacturers enables us to avoid incurring fixed manufacturing costs, while maximizing flexibility, capacity and production technology. Substantially all of the manufacturing services performed overseas for us are paid for on open account with the manufacturers. To date, we have not experienced any material delays in the delivery of our products; however, delivery schedules are subject to various factors beyond our control, and any delays in the future could adversely affect our sales. Currently, we have ongoing relationships with over eighty different manufacturers. We believe that alternative sources of supply are available to us, although we cannot be assured that we can obtain adequate supplies of manufactured products.

Although we do not conduct the day-to-day manufacturing of our products, we are extensively involved in the design of the product prototype and production tools, dyes and molds for our products and we seek to ensure quality control by actively reviewing the production process and testing the products produced by our manufacturers. We employ quality control inspectors who rotate among our manufacturers’ factories to monitor the production of substantially all of our products.

The principal raw materials used in the production and sale of our toy products are plastics, zinc alloy, plush, printed fabrics, paper products and electronic components, all of which are currently available at reasonable prices from a variety of sources. Although we do not manufacture our products, we own the majority of the tools, dyes and molds used in the manufacturing process, and these are transferable among manufacturers if we choose to employ alternative manufacturers. Tools, dyes and molds represent a substantial portion of our property and equipment with a net book value of $10.1 million in 2010 and $10.4 million in 2011. Substantially all of these assets are located in China.
 
Trademarks and Copyrights

Most of our products are produced and sold under trademarks owned by or licensed to us. We typically register our properties, and seek protection under the trademark, copyright and patent laws of the United States and other countries where our products are produced or sold. These intellectual property rights can be significant assets. Accordingly, while we believe we are sufficiently protected, the loss of some of these rights could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Competition

Competition in the toy industry is intense. Globally, certain of our competitors have greater financial resources, larger sales and marketing and product development departments, stronger name recognition, longer operating histories and benefit from greater economies of scale. These factors, among others, may enable our competitors to market their products at lower prices or on terms more advantageous to customers than those we could offer for our competitive products. Competition often extends to the procurement of entertainment and product licenses, as well as to the marketing and distribution of products and the obtaining of adequate shelf space. Competition may result in price reductions, reduced gross margins and loss of market share, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In each of our product lines we compete against one or both of the toy industry’s two dominant companies, Mattel and Hasbro.  In addition, we compete in our Halloween costume lines with Rubies and in our toy vehicle and pre-school lines, with RC2. We also compete with numerous smaller domestic and foreign toy manufacturers, importers and marketers in each of our product categories.

Seasonality and Backlog

In 2011, approximately 69.9% of our net sales were made in the third and fourth quarters. Generally, the first quarter is the period of lowest shipments and sales in our business and the toy industry generally and therefore the least profitable due to various fixed costs. Seasonality factors may cause our operating results to fluctuate significantly from quarter to quarter. However, our seasonal products are primarily sold in the spring and summer seasons. Our results of operations may also fluctuate as a result of factors such as the timing of new products (and related expenses) introduced by us or our competitors, the advertising activities of our competitors, delivery schedules set by our customers and the emergence of new market entrants. We believe, however, that the low retail price of most of our products may be less subject to seasonal fluctuations than higher priced toy products.

We ship products in accordance with delivery schedules specified by our customers, which generally request delivery of their products within three to six months of the date of their orders for orders shipped FOB China or Hong Kong and within three days on orders shipped domestically. Because customer orders may be canceled at any time without penalty, our backlog may not accurately indicate sales for any future period.
 
 
9

 
 
Government and Industry Regulation

Our products are subject to the provisions of the Consumer Product Safety Act (“CPSA”), the Federal Hazardous Substances Act (“FHSA”), the Flammable Fabrics Act (“FFA”) and the regulations promulgated thereunder. The CPSA and the FHSA enable the Consumer Products Safety Commission (“CPSC”) to exclude from the market consumer products that fail to comply with applicable product safety regulations or otherwise create a substantial risk of injury, and articles that contain excessive amounts of a banned hazardous substance. The FFA enables the CPSC to regulate and enforce flammability standards for fabrics used in consumer products. The CPSC may also require the repurchase by the manufacturer of articles. Similar laws exist in some states and cities and in various international markets. We maintain a quality control program designed to ensure compliance with all applicable laws.

Employees

As of February 28, 2012, we employed 865 persons, all of whom are full-time employees, including three executive officers. We employed 367 people in the United States, 10 people in Canada, 332 people in Hong Kong, 147 people in China, 7 people in the United Kingdom, 1 person in Spain, and 1 person in France. We believe that we have good relationships with our employees. None of our employees are represented by a union.

Environmental Issues

We are subject to legal and financial obligations under environmental, health and safety laws in the United States and in other jurisdictions where we operate. We are not currently aware of any material environmental liabilities associated with any of our operations.
 
Available Information

We make available free of charge on or through our Internet website, www.jakks.com, our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to these reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC.  The contents of our website are not incorporated in or deemed to be a part of any such report.

Our Corporate Information

We were formed as a Delaware corporation in 1995. Our principal executive offices are located at 22619 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, California 90265. Our telephone number is (310) 456-7799 and our Internet Website address is www.jakks.com. The contents of our website are not incorporated in or deemed to be a part of this Annual Report Form 10-K.
 
 
10

 
 
Item 1A.   Risk Factors

From time to time, including in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we publish forward-looking statements, as disclosed in our Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements, beginning immediately following the Table of Contents of this Annual Report. We note that a variety of factors could cause our actual results and experience to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed or anticipated in our forward-looking statements. The factors listed below are risks and uncertainties that may arise and that may be detailed from time to time in our public announcements and our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, such as on Forms 8-K, 10-Q and 10-K. We undertake no obligation to make any revisions to the forward-looking statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of the filing of this report.

Our inability to redesign, restyle and extend our existing core products and product lines as consumer preferences evolve, and to develop, introduce and gain customer acceptance of new products and product lines, may materially and adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our business and operating results depend largely upon the appeal of our products. Our continued success in the toy industry will depend on our ability to redesign, restyle and extend our existing core products and product lines as consumer preferences evolve, and to develop, introduce and gain customer acceptance of new products and product lines. Several trends in recent years have presented challenges for the toy industry, including:

 
The phenomenon of children outgrowing toys at younger ages, particularly in favor of interactive and high technology products;

 
Increasing use of technology;

 
Shorter life cycles for individual products; and

 
Higher consumer expectations for product quality, functionality and value.

We cannot assure you that:

 
our current products will continue to be popular with consumers;

 
the product lines or products that we introduce will achieve any significant degree of market acceptance; or

 
the life cycles of our products will be sufficient to permit us to recover licensing, design, manufacturing, marketing and other costs associated with those products.
 
Our failure to achieve any or all of the foregoing benchmarks may cause the infrastructure of our operations to fail, thereby adversely affecting our business, financial condition and results of operations.

The failure of our character-related and theme-related products to become and/or remain popular with children may materially and adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.

The success of many of our character-related and theme-related products depends on the popularity of characters in movies, television programs, live sporting exhibitions, and other media and events. We cannot assure you that:

 
media associated with our character-related and theme-related product lines will be released at the times we expect or will be successful;

 
the success of media associated with our existing character-related and theme-related product lines will result in substantial promotional value to our products;

 
we will be successful in renewing licenses upon expiration on terms that are favorable to us; or

 
we will be successful in obtaining licenses to produce new character-related and theme-related products in the future.

Our failure to achieve any or all of the foregoing benchmarks may cause the infrastructure of our operations to fail, thereby adversely affecting our business, financial condition and results of operations.
  
 
11

 
 
There are risks associated with our license agreements.

 
Our current licenses require us to pay minimum royalties

Sales of products under trademarks or trade or brand names licensed from others account for substantially all of our net sales. Product licenses allow us to capitalize on characters, designs, concepts and inventions owned by others or developed by toy inventors and designers. Our license agreements generally require us to make specified minimum royalty payments, even if we fail to sell a sufficient number of units to cover these amounts. In addition, under certain of our license agreements, if we fail to achieve certain prescribed sales targets, we may be unable to retain or renew these licenses.
 
 
Some of our licenses are restricted as to use

Under the majority of our license agreements the licensors have the right to review and approve our use of their licensed products, designs or materials before we may make any sales. If a licensor refuses to permit our use of any licensed property in the way we propose, or if their review process is delayed, our development or sale of new products could be impeded.

 
New licenses are difficult and expensive to obtain

Our continued success will depend substantially on our ability to obtain additional licenses. Intensive competition exists for desirable licenses in our industry. We cannot assure you that we will be able to secure or renew significant licenses on terms acceptable to us. In addition, as we add licenses, the need to fund additional royalty advances and guaranteed minimum royalty payments may strain our cash resources.

 
A limited number of licensors account for a large portion of our net sales

We derive a significant portion of our net sales from a limited number of licensors. If one or more of these licensors were to terminate or fail to renew our license or not grant us new licenses, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.

The toy industry is highly competitive and our inability to compete effectively may materially and adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.

The toy industry is highly competitive. Globally, certain of our competitors have financial and strategic advantages over us, including:

 
greater financial resources;

 
larger sales, marketing and product development departments;
 
 
stronger name recognition;

 
longer operating histories; and

 
greater economies of scale.

In addition, the toy industry has no significant barriers to entry. Competition is based primarily on the ability to design and develop new toys, to procure licenses for popular characters and trademarks and to successfully market products. Many of our competitors offer similar products or alternatives to our products. Our competitors have obtained and are likely to continue to obtain licenses that overlap our licenses with respect to products, geographic areas and markets. We cannot assure you that we will be able to obtain adequate shelf space in retail stores to support our existing products or to expand our products and product lines or that we will be able to continue to compete effectively against current and future competitors.
 
 
12

 
 
We may not be able to sustain our growth of product lines, which may prevent us from increasing our net revenues.

We have experienced rapid growth in our product lines which was achieved through acquisitions of businesses, products and licenses.  This growth in product lines has contributed significantly to our total revenues over the last few years. For example, revenues associated with companies we acquired since 2008 were approximately $207.0 million and $218.5 million, in 2010 and 2011, respectively, representing 27.7% and 32.2% of our total revenues for those periods. As a result, comparing our period-to-period operating results may not be meaningful and results of operations from prior periods may not be indicative of future results. We cannot assure you that we will continue to experience growth in, or maintain our present level of, net sales.

Our growth strategy calls for us to continuously develop and diversify our toy business by acquiring other companies, entering into additional license agreements, refining our product lines and expanding into international markets, which will place additional demands on our management, operational capacity and financial resources and systems. The increased demand on management may necessitate our recruitment and retention of qualified management personnel. We cannot assure you that we will be able to recruit and retain qualified personnel or expand and manage our operations effectively and profitably. To effectively manage future growth, we must continue to expand our operational, financial and management information systems and to train, motivate and manage our work force. There can be no assurance that our operational, financial and management information systems will be adequate to support our future operations. Failure to expand our operational, financial and management information systems or to train, motivate or manage employees could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 In addition, implementation of our growth strategy is subject to risks beyond our control, including competition, market acceptance of new products, changes in economic conditions, our ability to obtain or renew licenses on commercially reasonable terms and our ability to finance increased levels of accounts receivable and inventory necessary to support our sales growth, if any. Accordingly, we cannot assure you that our growth strategy will be successful.

If we are unable to acquire and integrate companies and new product lines successfully, we will be unable to implement a significant component of our growth strategy.

Our growth strategy depends in part upon our ability to acquire companies and new product lines. Revenues associated with our acquisitions since 2008 represented approximately 27.7% and 32.2% of our total revenues in 2010 and 2011, respectively. Future acquisitions, if any, may succeed only if we can effectively assess characteristics of potential target companies and product lines, such as:

 
attractiveness of products;

 
suitability of distribution channels;

 
management ability;

 
financial condition and results of operations; and

 
the degree to which acquired operations can be integrated with our operations.

We cannot assure you that we can identify attractive acquisition candidates or negotiate acceptable acquisition terms, and our failure to do so may adversely affect our results of operations and our ability to sustain growth. Our acquisition strategy involves a number of risks, each of which could adversely affect our operating results, including:

 
difficulties in integrating acquired businesses or product lines, assimilating new facilities and personnel and harmonizing diverse business strategies and methods of operation;

 
diversion of management attention from operation of our existing business;

 
loss of key personnel from acquired companies; and

 
failure of an acquired business to achieve targeted financial results.
 
 
13

 
 
A limited number of customers account for a large portion of our net sales, so that if one or more of our major customers were to experience difficulties in fulfilling their obligations to us, cease doing business with us, significantly reduce the amount of their purchases from us or return substantial amounts of our products, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our three largest customers accounted for 56.6% of our net sales in 2011. Except for outstanding purchase orders for specific products, we do not have written contracts with or commitments from any of our customers and pursuant to the terms of certain of our vendor agreements, even some purchase orders may be cancelled without penalty up until delivery. A substantial reduction in or termination of orders from any of our largest customers could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, pressure by large customers seeking price reductions, financial incentives, changes in other terms of sale or for us to bear the risks and the cost of carrying inventory also could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. If one or more of our major customers were to experience difficulties in fulfilling their obligations to us, cease doing business with us, significantly reduce the amount of their purchases from us or return substantial amounts of our products, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, the bankruptcy or other lack of success of one or more of our significant retailers could negatively impact our revenues and bad debt expense.

We depend on our key personnel and any loss or interruption of his services could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
 
Our success has been largely dependent upon the experience and continued services of Stephen G. Berman, our President and Chief Executive Officer. We cannot assure you that we would be able to find an appropriate replacement for Mr. Berman if the need should arise, and any loss or interruption of the services of Mr. Berman could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
 
We depend on third-party manufacturers, and if our relationship with any of them is harmed or if they independently encounter difficulties in their manufacturing processes, we could experience product defects, production delays, cost overruns or the inability to fulfill orders on a timely basis, any of which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We depend on many third-party manufacturers who develop, provide and use the tools, dyes and molds that we generally own to manufacture our products. However, we have limited control over the manufacturing processes themselves. As a result, any difficulties encountered by the third-party manufacturers that result in product defects, production delays, cost overruns or the inability to fulfill orders on a timely basis could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We do not have long-term contracts with our third-party manufacturers. Although we believe we could secure other third-party manufacturers to produce our products, our operations would be adversely affected if we lost our relationship with any of our current suppliers or if our current suppliers’ operations or sea or air transportation with our overseas manufacturers were disrupted or terminated even for a relatively short period of time. Our tools, dyes and molds are located at the facilities of our third-party manufacturers.

Although we do not purchase the raw materials used to manufacture our products, we are potentially subject to variations in the prices we pay our third-party manufacturers for products, depending on what they pay for their raw materials.

We have substantial sales and manufacturing operations outside of the United States subjecting us to risks common to international operations.

We sell products and operate facilities in numerous countries outside the United States. For the year ended December 31, 2011 sales to our international customers comprised approximately 16.0% of our net sales. We expect our sales to international customers to account for a greater portion of our revenues in future fiscal periods. Additionally, we utilize third-party manufacturers located principally in China which are subject to the risks normally associated with international operations, including:

 
currency conversion risks and currency fluctuations;

 
limitations, including taxes, on the repatriation of earnings;

 
political instability, civil unrest and economic instability;
 
 
14

 

 
greater difficulty enforcing intellectual property rights and weaker laws protecting such rights;

 
complications in complying with laws in varying jurisdictions and changes in governmental policies;

 
greater difficulty and expenses associated with recovering from natural disasters;
 
 
transportation delays and interruptions;

 
the potential imposition of tariffs; and

 
the pricing of intercompany transactions may be challenged by taxing authorities in both Hong Kong and the United States, with potential increases in income taxes.

Our reliance on external sources of manufacturing can be shifted, over a period of time, to alternative sources of supply, should such changes be necessary. However, if we were prevented from obtaining products or components for a material portion of our product line due to medical, political, labor or other factors beyond our control, our operations would be disrupted while alternative sources of products were secured. Also, the imposition of trade sanctions by the United States against a class of products imported by us from, or the loss of “normal trade relations” status by China, could significantly increase our cost of products imported from that nation. Because of the importance of our international sales and international sourcing of manufacturing to our business, our financial condition and results of operations could be significantly and adversely affected if any of the risks described above were to occur.

Our business is subject to extensive government regulation and any violation by us of such regulations could result in product liability claims, loss of sales, diversion of resources, damage to our reputation, increased warranty costs or removal of our products from the market, and we cannot assure you that our product liability insurance for the foregoing will be sufficient.

Our business is subject to various laws, including the Federal Hazardous Substances Act, the Consumer Product Safety Act, the Flammable Fabrics Act and the rules and regulations promulgated under these acts. These statutes are administered by the CPSC, which has the authority to remove from the market products that are found to be defective and present a substantial hazard or risk of serious injury or death. The CPSC can require a manufacturer to recall, repair or replace these products under certain circumstances. We cannot assure you that defects in our products will not be alleged or found. Any such allegations or findings could result in:

 
product liability claims;

 
loss of sales;

 
diversion of resources;

 
damage to our reputation;

 
increased warranty costs; and

 
removal of our products from the market.

Any of these results may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. There can be no assurance that our product liability insurance will be sufficient to avoid or limit our loss in the event of an adverse outcome of any product liability claim.

We depend on our proprietary rights and our inability to safeguard and maintain the same, or claims of third parties that we have violated their intellectual property rights, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We rely on trademark, copyright and trade secret protection, nondisclosure agreements and licensing arrangements to establish, protect and enforce our proprietary rights in our products. The laws of certain foreign countries may not protect intellectual property rights to the same extent or in the same manner as the laws of the United States. We cannot assure you that we or our licensors will be able to successfully safeguard and maintain our proprietary rights. Further, certain parties have commenced legal proceedings or made claims against us based on our alleged patent infringement, misappropriation of trade secrets or other violations of their intellectual property rights. We cannot assure you that other parties will not assert intellectual property claims against us in the future. These claims could divert our attention from operating our business or result in unanticipated legal and other costs, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
 
 
15

 
 
Market conditions and other third-party conduct could negatively impact our margins and implementation of other business initiatives.

Economic conditions, such as rising fuel prices and decreased consumer confidence, may adversely impact our margins. In addition, general economic conditions were significantly and negatively affected by the September 11th terrorist attacks and could be similarly affected by any future attacks. Such a weakened economic and business climate, as well as consumer uncertainty created by such a climate, could adversely affect our sales and profitability. Other conditions, such as the unavailability of electronics components, may impede our ability to manufacture, source and ship new and continuing products on a timely basis. Significant and sustained increases in the price of oil could adversely impact the cost of the raw materials used in the manufacture of our products, such as plastic.
 
We may not have the funds necessary to purchase our outstanding convertible senior notes upon a fundamental change or other purchase date, as required by the indenture governing the notes.

On November 10, 2009, we sold an aggregate of $100.0 million of 4.50% Convertible Senior Notes due 2014 (the “Notes”). The Notes are senior unsecured obligations of JAKKS, will pay interest semi-annually at a rate of 4.50% per annum and will mature on November 1, 2014. Prior to August 1, 2014, holders of the Notes may convert their Notes only upon specified events. Upon conversion, the Notes may be settled, at our election, in cash, shares of our common stock, or a combination of cash and shares of our common stock. Holders of the Notes may require us to repurchase for cash all or some of their Notes upon the occurrence of a fundamental change (as defined in the Notes).
 
Item 2. Properties

The following is a listing of the principal leased offices maintained by us as of February 28, 2012:

Property
 
Location
  
Approximate
Square Feet
  
Lease Expiration
Date
Domestic
           
Corporate Office
 
Malibu, California
   
29,500
 
February 28, 2015
Showroom and Design Center
 
Santa Monica, California
   
28,200
 
February 28, 2016
Distribution Center
 
City of Industry, California
   
800,000
 
April 30, 2018
Distribution Center
 
Newton, NC
   
109,000
 
August 31, 2012
Sales Office / Showroom
 
New York, New York
   
11,700
 
November 1, 2015
Moose Mountain Office
 
Township of Parisippany-Troy Hills, NJ
   
2,100
 
March 31, 2014
Sales Office/Showroom
 
Bentonville, Arkansas
   
9,000
 
September 30, 2014
Sales Office
 
Palatine, Illinois
   
2,100
 
March 31, 2012
Kids Only Office
 
Westborough, MA
   
5,500
 
December 31, 2013
Disguise Office
 
Poway, California
   
24,200
 
December 31, 2012
International
             
Distribution Center
 
Brampton, Ontario, Canada
   
105,700
 
December 31, 2014
Europe Office
 
Berkshire, UK
   
2,215
 
February 25, 2015
Hong Kong Headquarters
 
Kowloon, Hong Kong
   
36,600
 
June 30, 2013
Hong Kong Showroom
 
Kowloon, Hong Kong
   
21,000
 
May 31, 2012
Production Inspection and Testing Office
 
Shenzhen, China
   
5,400
 
May 14, 2012
Production Inspection Office
 
Nanjing, China
   
2,000
 
September 15, 2012
Moose Mountain HK Office
 
Kowloon, Hong Kong
   
9,959
 
June 30, 2012
Moose Mountain Warehouse
 
Sha Tin, Hong Kong
   
1,407
 
November 30, 2012
Moose Mountain China Office
 
Shenzhen, China
   
4,347
 
June 30, 2012
France Office
 
Paris, France
   
160
 
May 31, 2012
 
 
16

 

Item 3. Legal Proceedings


We are a party to, and certain of our property is the subject of, various other pending claims and legal proceedings that routinely arise in the ordinary course of our business, but we do not believe that any of these claims or proceedings will have a material effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. See Note 20 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information on litigation.
 
 
17

 
 
 

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.
 
 
18

 
 
PART II

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Market Information

Our common stock is traded on the Nasdaq Global Select exchange under the symbol “JAKK.” The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the range of high and low sales prices for our common stock on this exchange.

   
Price Range of
Common Stock
  
   
High
   
Low
 
2010:
           
First quarter
 
$
14.41
   
$
10.80
 
Second quarter
   
16.74
     
13.11
 
Third quarter
   
18.04
     
13.17
 
Fourth quarter
   
19.96
     
17.26
 
2011:
               
First quarter
   
19.46
     
16.58
 
Second quarter
   
21.21
     
17.46
 
Third quarter
   
20.37
     
14.01
 
Fourth quarter
   
19.76
     
13.45
 

Performance Graph

The graph and tables below display the relative performance of our common stock, the Russell 2000 Price Index (the “Russell 2000”) and a peer group index, by comparing the cumulative total stockholder return (which assumes reinvestment of dividends, if any) on an assumed $100 investment in our common stock, the Russell 2000 and the peer group index over the period from January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2011.

In accordance with recently enacted regulations implemented by the Securities and Exchange Commission, we retained the services of an expert compensation consultant.  In the performance of its services, such consultant used a peer group index for its analysis of our compensation policies.   We believe that these companies represent a cross-section of publicly-traded companies with product lines and businesses similar to our own throughout the comparison period and, accordingly, we are using the same peer group for purposes of the performance graph, except that RC2 Corp was not included in the performance peer group and EMak Worldwide Inc. was not included in the compensation peer group. Our peer group index includes the following companies: Activision, Inc., Electronic Arts, Inc., EMak Worldwide, Inc., Hasbro, Inc., Leapfrog Enterprises, Inc., Mattel, Inc., Kid Brands, Inc., Take-Two Interactive, Inc. and THQ Inc.   
 
 
19

 
 
The historical performance data presented below may not be indicative of the future performance of our common stock, any reference index or any component company in a reference index.
   
Chart
 
 
  
December 31,
2007
  
  
December 31,
2008
  
  
December 31,
2009
  
  
December 31,
2010
  
  
December 31,
2011
 
JAKKS Pacific
   
8.1
%
   
(12.6
)%
   
(41.3
)%
   
50.4
%
   
(21.6
)%
Peer Group
   
11.4
     
(48.0
   
23.2
     
19.5
     
     0.9
 
Russell 2000
   
(1.6
   
(33.8
   
27.2
     
26.9
     
      (4.2
 
Indexed Returns

 
  
January 1,
2006
  
  
December 31,
2007
  
  
December 31,
2008
  
  
December 31,
2009
  
  
 December  31,
2010
  
  
December 31,
2011
  
JAKKS Pacific
 
$
100.00
   
$
108.1
   
$
94.4
   
$
55.5
   
$
83.4
   
$
65.4
 
Peer Group
   
100.00
     
111.4
     
57.9
     
71.3
     
85.2
     
86.0
 
Russell 2000
   
100.00
     
98.5
     
65.2
     
82.9
     
105.2
     
100.8
 
  
Security Holders

To the best of our knowledge, as of March 12, 2012, there were 126 holders of record of our common stock. We believe there are numerous beneficial owners of our common stock whose shares are held in “street name.”

Dividends

In July 2011, we implemented a cash dividend program in the amount of $0.40 per share annually, payable on a quarterly basis to holders of record of our common stock. During 2011, we paid total dividends per share of $0.10 to holders of our common stock. During 2011, the Board of Directors declared dividends on a quarterly basis in July and November, and we paid the dividends during the subsequent quarter in which the dividends were declared in October 2011 and January 2012, respectively. The payment of dividends on common stock is at the discretion of the Board of Directors and is subject to customary limitations.  While no assurances can be given, it is the intention of our Board of Directors to continue authorizing the quarterly dividend to the extent  the Board determines that we have sufficient funds available.
 
 
20

 

On March 5, 2012, our board of directors unanimously adopted a stockholder rights plan and declared a dividend of one right for each outstanding share of our common stock.  The Board adopted the rights plan in response to Oaktree Capital Management's unsolicited and highly conditional indication of interest as well as a recent indication by Oaktree Capital Management that it may accumulate additional shares of our stock in the open market.
 
The rights plan is designed to protect against any potential coercive or abusive takeover techniques and to help ensure that our stockholders are not deprived of the opportunity to realize full and fair value on their investment.  The plan, which was adopted following evaluation and consultation with our outside advisors, is similar to plans adopted by numerous publicly traded companies.
 
In connection with the adoption of the stockholder rights plan, our board of directors declared a dividend of one right for each share of our common stock held by stockholders of record as of the close of business on March 15, 2012.  Initially, the rights will not be exercisable and will trade with the shares of the Company's common stock. Under the plan, the rights will generally be exercisable only 10 business days either after a person or group becomes an "acquiring person" by acquiring beneficial ownership of 10% or more of the Company's common stock or if a person or group commences a tender or exchange offer which, if consummated, would result in a person owning 10% or more of our common stock.  In addition, if a person or group acquires beneficial ownership of 10% or more of our common stock, each right will generally entitle the holder, other than the acquiring person or group, to acquire, for the exercise price of $80.00 per right, shares of our common stock (or, in certain circumstances, other consideration) having a market value equal to twice the right's then-current exercise price.  Our board of directors may redeem the rights at a price of $0.01 per right at any time up to ten business days after a person or group acquires beneficial ownership of 10% or more of our common stock.
 
The rights plan will continue in effect until March 4, 2013, unless earlier redeemed or exchanged for shares of common stock by the Company.
 
Stockholders are not required to take any actions to receive the rights distribution.  Until the rights become exercisable, outstanding stock certificates will represent both shares of our common stock and the rights.  The issuance of the rights will have no dilutive effect and will not impact our reported earnings per share.
 
 
21

 
 
Equity Compensation Plan Information

The table below sets forth the following information as of the year ended December 31, 2011 for (i) all compensation plans previously approved by our stockholders and (ii) all compensation plans not previously approved by our stockholders, if any:
 
(a)  the number of securities to be issued upon the exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights;
 
(b)   the weighted-average exercise price of such outstanding options, warrants and rights; and
 
(c)   other than securities to be issued upon the exercise of such outstanding options, warrants and rights, the number of securities remaining available for future issuance under the plans.

Plan Category
  
Number of
Securities to
be Issued
upon
Exercise of
Outstanding
Options,
Warrants
and Rights
(a)
  
Weighted-
Average Exercise
Price of
Outstanding
Options,
Warrants and
Rights
(b)
  
Number of 
Securities
Remaining 
Available for
Future Issuance 
Under
Equity 
Compensation
Plans (Excluding
Securities Reflected 
in
Column (a))
(c)
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders
   
182,665
   
$
19.11
     
801,068
 
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders
   
     
     
 
Total
   
182,665
   
$
19.11
     
801,068
 
 
Equity compensation plans approved by our stockholders consists of the 2002 Stock Award and Incentive Plan. Equity compensation plans not approved by our security holders consist of a fully-vested warrant issued by us in 2003 (and expiring in 2013) in connection with license costs relating to our video game joint venture. As of December 31, 2011, all warrants were exercised.
 
 
22

 
  
Item 6. Selected Financial Data

You should read the financial data set forth below in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” (included in Item 7) and our consolidated financial statements and the related notes (included in Item 8).

   
Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2007
   
2008
   
2009
   
2010
   
2011
 
   
(In thousands, except per share data)
 
Consolidated Statement of Income Data:
                             
Net sales
 
$
857,085
   
$
903,397
   
$
803,704
   
$
747,268
   
$
677,751
 
Cost of sales
   
533,435
     
582,184
     
600,776
     
502,318
     
483,761
 
Gross profit
   
323,650
     
321,213
     
202,928
     
244,950
     
193,990
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
   
216,652
     
241,301
     
227,036
     
194,753
     
192,710
 
Write-down of intangible assets
   
     
9,076
     
8,221
     
     
 
Write-down of goodwill
   
     
     
407,125
     
     
 
Reorganization charges
   
     
     
12,994
     
     
 
Income (loss) from operations
   
106,998
     
70,836
     
(452,448
)
   
50,197
     
1,280
 
Profit (loss) from video game joint venture
   
21,180
     
17,092
     
(16,128
)
   
6,000
     
6,000
 
Equity in net income/(loss) of Joint Venture
   
     
     
     
             (56
   
(34
Interest income
   
6,819
     
3,396
     
318
     
333
     
412
 
Interest expense
   
(5,456
)
   
(2,425
)
   
(7,930
)
   
(6,732
)
   
(8,196
Income (loss) before provision (benefit) for income taxes
   
129,541
     
88,899
     
(476,188
)
   
49,742
     
(538
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
   
40,550
     
12,842
     
(90,678
)
   
2,693
     
(9,010
Net income (loss)
 
$
88,991
   
$
76,057
   
$
(385,510
)
 
$
47,049
   
$
8,472
 
Basic earnings (loss) per share
 
$
3.22
   
$
2.78
   
$
(14.02
)
 
$
1.71
   
$
0.32
 
Basic weighted average shares outstanding
   
27,665
     
27,379
     
27,502
     
27,491
     
26,760
 
Diluted earnings (loss) per share
 
$
2.77
   
$
2.42
   
$
(14.02
)
 
$
1.52
   
$
0.32
 
Diluted weighted average shares and equivalents outstanding
   
33,149
     
32,637
     
27,502
     
34,513
     
26,893
 

During the fourth quarter of 2011, we acquired Moose Mountain Toymakers.

During the fourth quarter of 2009, we incurred reorganization charges of $13.0 million related to office space consolidations and headcount reductions to right-size our general and administrative expenses, given the decrease in sales in 2009.

During the second and third quarters of 2009, we booked an aggregate cumulative write-down of $23.5 million related to our Preferred Return Receivable from our THQ joint venture as a result of the arbitration ruling which lowered the preferred return payment from a rate of 10% of net sales of the WWE video games sold by the joint venture to a rate of 6% of net sales.

During the second quarter of 2009, we booked a charge of $24.0 million related to the write-down of certain excess and impaired inventory.  We also booked a charge of $33.2 million related to the write-down of license advances and minimum guarantees that are not expected to be earned through sales of that licensed product.
 
 
23

 

During the second quarter of 2009, we determined that the tradenames “Child Guidance,”  “Play Along” and certain tradenames associated with our Crafts and Activities product lines would either be discontinued, or were under-performing.   Consequently, the intangible assets associated with these tradenames were written off to “Write-down of Intangible Assets”, resulting in a non-cash charge of $8.2 million.  During the second quarter of 2009, we determined that the significant decline in our market capitalization is likely to be sustained.   Our market capitalization did not change significantly despite the dismissals subject to appeal of the WWE lawsuit, and the lower revenue expectations for 2009 versus 2008 were factors that indicated that an interim goodwill impairment test was required. As a result, we determined that $407.1 million, or all of the goodwill related to previous acquisitions, including the acquisition of Disguise in December 2008, was impaired. This amount is included in “Write-down of Goodwill” in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations.  
 
During the fourth quarter of 2008, we acquired Tollytots, Kids Only and Disguise.

During the third quarter of 2008, we decided to discontinue the use of the “Toymax” and “Trendmaster” tradenames on products and market these products under the JAKKS Pacific trademark . Consequently, the intangible assets associated with these tradenames were written off to write-down of intangible assets, resulting in a charge of $3.5 million. Also, we adjusted the value of the Child Guidance trademark to reflect lower sales expectations for this tradename, resulting in a charge to Write-down of Intangible Assets of $5.6 million.


  
   
At December 31,
 
   
2007
   
2008
   
2009
   
2010
   
2011
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Consolidated Balance Sheet Data:
                             
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
241,250
   
$
169,520
   
$
254,837
   
$
278,346
   
$
257,258
 
Working capital
   
352,452
     
325,061
     
352,189
     
387,252
     
374,652
 
Total assets
   
983,664
     
1,028,124
     
634,093
     
633,406
     
615,234
 
Short-term debt
   
     
     
20,262
     
     
 
Long-term debt
   
98,000
     
98,000
     
86,728
     
89,458
     
92,188
 
Total stockholders’ equity
   
690,997
     
746,953
     
372,109
     
412,408
     
393,591
 
 
 
24

 
 
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. You should read this section in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes (included in Item 8).

Critical Accounting Policies

The accompanying consolidated financial statements and supplementary information were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Significant accounting policies are discussed in Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, Item 8. Inherent in the application of many of these accounting policies is the need for management to make estimates and judgments in the determination of certain revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities. As such, materially different financial results can occur as circumstances change and additional information becomes known. The policies with the greatest potential effect on our results of operations and financial position include:

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

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

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

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

Factors we consider important which could trigger an impairment review include the following:
 
significant underperformance relative to expected historical or projected future operating results;
 
significant changes in the manner of our use of the acquired assets or the strategy for our overall business; and
 
significant negative industry or economic trends.

Due to the subjective nature of the impairment analysis significant changes in the assumptions used to develop the estimate could materially affect the conclusion regarding the future cash flows necessary to support the valuation of long-lived assets, including goodwill. The Company first assesses qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test. The valuation of goodwill involves a high degree of judgment and consists of a comparison of the fair value of a reporting unit with its book value. Based on the assumptions underlying the valuation, impairment is determined by estimating the fair value of a reporting unit and comparing that value to the reporting unit’s book value. If the implied fair value is more than the book value of the reporting unit, an impairment loss is not indicated. If impairment exists, the fair value of the reporting unit is allocated to all of its assets and liabilities excluding goodwill, with the excess amount representing the fair value of goodwill. An impairment loss is measured as the amount by which the book value of the reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds the estimated fair value of that goodwill.
 
 
25

 

During the second quarter of 2009, the Company determined that the significant decline in its market capitalization is likely to be sustained.   The Company’s market capitalization was not significantly affected by the substantial resolution of the WWE lawsuit, and the lower revenue expectations for 2009 versus 2008 were factors that indicated that an interim goodwill impairment test was required. As a result, the Company determined that $407.1 million, or all of the goodwill related to previous acquisitions, including the acquisition of Disguise in December 2008, was impaired. This amount is included in Write-down of Goodwill in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

During the second quarter of 2009, the Company determined that the tradenames “Child Guidance” and “Play Along” and certain tradenames associated with our Craft and Activity product lines would either be discontinued, or were under performing.   Consequently, the intangible assets associated with these tradenames were written off to Write-down of Intangible Assets, resulting in a non-cash charge of $8.2 million.
 
Goodwill and intangible assets amounted to $48.1 million as of December 31, 2011.

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

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

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

Income Allocation for Income Taxes.   Our annual income tax provision and related income tax assets and liabilities are based on actual income as allocated to the various tax jurisdictions based upon our transfer pricing study, US and foreign statutory income tax rates, and tax regulations and planning opportunities in the various jurisdictions in which the Company operates.  Significant judgment is required in interpreting tax regulations in the US and foreign jurisdictions, and in evaluating worldwide uncertain tax positions.  Actual results could differ materially from those judgments, and changes from such judgments could materially affect our consolidated financial statements.

Income taxes and interest and penalties related to income tax payable.   We do not file a consolidated return with our foreign subsidiaries.  We file federal and state returns and our foreign subsidiaries each file in their respective jurisdictions, as applicable.  Deferred taxes are provided on a liability method whereby deferred tax assets are recognized as deductible temporary differences and operating loss and tax credit carry-forwards and deferred tax liabilities are recognized for taxable temporary differences.  Temporary differences are the differences between the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and their tax basis.  Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects of changes in tax laws and rates on the date of enactment.
 
 We accrue a tax reserve for additional income taxes and interest, which may become payable in future years as a result of audit adjustments by tax authorities.  The reserve is based on management’s assessment of all relevant information, and is periodically reviewed and adjusted as circumstances warrant.  As of December 31, 2011, our income tax reserves are approximately $5.0 million and relate to the potential income tax audit adjustments, primarily in the areas of income allocation, foreign depreciation allowances and state taxes.

We recognize current period interest expense and the reversal of previously recognized interest expense that has been determined to not be assessable due to the expiration of the related audit period or other compelling factors on the income tax liability for unrecognized tax benefits as interest expense, and penalties and penalty reversals related to the income taxes payable as other expense in our consolidated statements of operations.
 
 
26

 

Share-Based Compensation. We grant restricted stock and options to purchase our common stock to our employees (including officers) and non-employee directors under our 2002 Stock Award and Incentive Plan (the “Plan”), which incorporated the shares remaining under our Third Amended and Restated 1995 Stock Option Plan. The benefits provided under the Plan are share-based payments. We estimate the value of share-based awards on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The determination of the fair value of share-based payment awards on the date of grant using an option-pricing model is affected by our stock price, as well as assumptions regarding a number of complex and subjective variables. These variables include our expected stock price volatility over the term of the awards, actual and projected employee stock option exercise behaviors, cancellations, terminations, risk-free interest rates and expected dividends.
 
Recent Developments
 
In December 2009 we entered into a Settlement Agreement and Mutual Release pursuant to which our joint venture with THQ was terminated as of December 31, 2009 and we are to receive fixed payments from THQ in the aggregate amount of $20.0 million. We received and recorded as income $6.0 million in each of June 2010 and 2011 and we expect to receive $4.0 million on each of June 30, 2012 and 2013 which we will record as income on a cash basis as received.

On October 14, 2011, we acquired all of the stock of Moose Mountain Toymakers Limited, a Hong Kong company, and a related New Jersey company, Moose Mountain Marketing, Inc. (collectively, “Moose Mountain”).  The total initial consideration of $31.5 million consisted of $16.0 million in cash and the assumption of liabilities in the amount of $15.5 million, and resulted in goodwill of $13.5 million. In addition, the Company agreed to pay an earn-out of up to an aggregate amount of $5.3 million in cash over the three calendar years following the acquisition based on the achievement of certain financial performance criteria.  The fair value of the expected earn-out is included in goodwill and assumed liabilities as of December 31, 2011.  Moose Mountain is a leading designer and producer of foot to floor ride-ons, inflatable environments, wagons, pinball machines and tents and was included in our results of operations from the date of acquisition.
 
 
27

 
 
Results of Operations

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

   
Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2010
   
2011
 
Net Sales
   
100.0
%
   
100.0
%
   
100.0
%
Cost of Sales
   
74.8
     
67.2
     
71.4
 
Gross profit
   
25.2
     
32.8
     
28.6
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
   
28.2
     
26.1
     
28.4
 
Write-down of intangible assets
   
1.0
     
     
 
Write-down of goodwill
   
50.7
     
     
 
Reorganization charges
   
1.6
     
     
 
Income (loss) from operations
   
(56.3
   
6.7
     
0.2
 
Profit (loss) from video game joint venture
   
(2.0
   
0.8
     
0.9
 
Equity in net income (loss) of joint venture
   
     
     
 
Interest income
   
     
     
0.1
 
Interest expense
   
(1.0
)
   
(0.9
)
   
(1.2
Income (loss) before provision (benefit) for income taxes
   
(59.3
   
6.6
     
 
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
   
(11.3
   
0.3
     
(1.3
Net income (loss)
   
(48.0
)%
   
6.3
%
   
1.3
%

The following table summarizes, for the periods indicated, certain income statement data by segment (in thousands).
 
 
  
Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2010
   
2011
 
                   
Net Sales
                 
Traditional Toys and Electronics
 
$
439,382
   
$
358,356
   
$
348,852
 
Role Play, Novelty and Seasonal Toys
   
364,322
     
388,912
     
328,899
 
     
803,704
     
747,268
     
677,751
 
Cost of Sales
                       
Traditional Toys and Electronics
   
339,791
     
238,157
     
247,951
 
Role Play, Novelty and Seasonal Toys
   
260,985
     
264,161
     
235,810
 
     
600,776
     
502,318
     
483,761
 
Gross Margin
                       
Traditional Toys and Electronics
   
99,589
     
120,199
     
100,901
 
Role Play, Novelty and Seasonal Toys
   
103,339
     
124,751
     
93,089
 
   
$
202,928
   
$
244,950
   
$
193,990
 
 
As of December 31, 2010 the Company realigned its segments to align more closely with how management evaluates the business performance of the Company. The products included in the realigned segments are detailed in Part I, Item 1 of the Company’s 10K report. Prior period results have been conformed to the new segment reporting structure.
 
 
28

 
 
Comparison of the Years Ended December 31, 2011 and 2010

Net Sales

Traditional Toys and Electronics.   Net sales of our Traditional Toys and Electronics segment were $348.9 million in 2011, compared to $358.4 million in 2010, representing a decrease of $9.5 million, or 2.7%.  The decrease in net sales was primarily due to lower unit sales of our UFC® and TNA® action figures and accessories, JAKKS™ dolls based on Taylor Swift®, JAKKS™ dolls based on Disney Fairies® and Disney Princess®, electronics based on TV Games and EyeClops® brands, and other JAKKS products, including Real Construction™ activity products , Girl Gourmet® and pet toy products. This was offset in part by increases in unit sales of some products, including In My Pocket & Friends™, Cabbage Patch Kids®, Smurfs® and Pokémon® figures and accessories. 
 
Role Play, Novelties and Seasonal Products.  Net sales of our Role Play, Novelties and Seasonal Products were $328.9 million in 2011, compared to $388.9 million in 2010, representing a decrease of $60.0 million, or 15.4%.  The decrease in net sales was primarily due to decreases in unit sales of our Halloween costumes and accessories, and role-play and dress-up toys, including those based on Disney Princess® and Disney Fairies®.
 
Cost of Sales
 
Traditional Toys and Electronics.  Cost of sales of our Traditional Toys and Electronics segment was $248.0 million, or 71.1% of related net sales, in 2011, compared to $238.2 million, or 66.5% of related net sales in 2010, representing an increase of $9.8 million, or 4.1%.  This percentage cost of sales increase is primarily due to charges in 2011 of $12.8 million related to the write-down of license advances and minimum guarantees that are not expected to be earned through sales of that licensed product. Excluding these one-time charges, cost of sales was $235.2 million in 2011, representing a decrease of $3.0 million in 2011 , or 1.3%, which primarily consisted of a decrease in product costs of $4.6 million, which is in line with the lower volume of sales.  Excluding the one-time charges, product costs as a percentage of sales increased primarily due to the mix of the product sold and higher sales of closeout product.  Excluding the one-time charges, royalty expense for our Traditional Toys and Electronics segment increased by $3.0 million and increased as a percentage of net sales due to changes in the product mix to more products with higher royalty rates from products with lower royalty rates or proprietary products with no royalty rates.  Our depreciation of molds and tools decreased by $1.4 million primarily due to decreased purchases of molds and tools in this segment.

Role Play, Novelties and Seasonal Products.  Cost of sales of our Role Play, Novelties and Seasonal Products segment was $235.8 million, or 71.7% of related net sales in 2011, compared to $264.2 million, or 67.9% of related net sales in 2010, representing a decrease of $28.4 million, or 10.7%.  This percentage cost of sales increase is partially due to charges in 2011of $5.3 million related to the write-down of license advances and minimum guarantees that are not expected to be earned out through sales of that licensed product.  Excluding these one-time charges, cost of sales was $230.5 million, representing a decrease of  $33.7 million in 2011, or 12.8%, which primarily consisted of a decrease in product costs of $28.0 million, which is in line with the lower volume of sales.  Product costs as a percentage of net sales increased primarily due to the mix of the product sold.  Excluding the one-time charges, royalty expense decreased by $5.8 million, which is in line with the lower volume of sales.  Royalty expense as a percentage of net sales was comparable year over year.   Our depreciation of molds and tools is comparable year over year.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses were $192.7 million in 2011 and $194.8 million in 2010, constituting 28.4% and 26.1% of net sales, respectively.  The overall decrease of $2.1 million in such costs was primarily due to decreases in direct selling expenses ($5.5 million), stock based compensation ($2.8 million), and depreciation and amortization ($1.4 million), offset by increases in general and administrative expenses ($6.5 million), and  product development ($1.1 million).  The increase in general and administrative expenses is primarily due to increases in legal and financial advising fees related to the unsolicited indication of interest to acquire the Company ($3.7 million), legal expense ($1.6 million), other professional fees ($0.7 million) and travel expenses ($1.2 million), and employee relocation expenses ($0.5 million), offset in part by decreases in donation expenses ($0.9 million) and insurance expense ($0.4 million).  Product development expenses increased as a result of new product line launches in 2012 such as Monsuno™ and Winx Club®.  The decrease in direct selling expenses is primarily due to decreases in variable selling expenses related to the lower volume of sales in 2011.  The decrease in depreciation and amortization is mainly due to a decrease in amortization expense related to intangible assets other than goodwill ($0.9 million).  
 
 
29

 
 
Reorganization Charges

We incurred reorganization charges in 2009 to consolidate and stream-line our existing business functions.  This was necessary given the decreased volume of consolidated sales in 2009 from 2008 and the added general and administrative expenses from the three acquisitions made at the end of 2008.  Restructuring charges relate to the termination of lease obligations, one-time severance termination benefits, fixed asset write-offs and other contract terminations and are accounted for in accordance with “Exit and Disposal Cost Obligations”, ASC 420-10.  We established a liability for a cost associated with an exit or disposal activity when a liability is incurred, rather than at the date we commit to an exit plan.

These reorganization charges relate to our Traditional segment and are included in Reorganization Charges in the consolidated statements of operations.  The components of the reorganization charges are as follows (in thousands):
 
   
Accrued Balance
               
Accrued Balance
 
  
 
December 31, 2010
   
Accrual
   
Actual
   
December 31, 2011
 
Lease abandonment costs
 
$
5,264
     
   
 $
(1,780)
   
$
3,484
 
                                 
Total reorganization charges
 
$
5,264
     
   
 $
(1,780)
   
$
3,484
 
 
Profit from Video Game Joint Venture
 
We recognized $6.0 million in income related to our video game joint venture in 2010 and 2011.  Pursuant to a Settlement Agreement and Mutual Release dated December 22, 2009, the joint venture was terminated on December 31, 2009.  On each of June 30, 2010 and 2011, we received a fixed payment from THQ in the amount of $6.0 million, which was recognized as income during the second quarter.  Additionally, we are to receive future payments in the amount of  $4.0 million on each of June 30, 2012 and 2013 which we will record as income on a cash basis over the term (see “Legal Proceedings”).
 
 
30

 
 
Interest Income
 
Interest income in 2011 was $0.4 million, comparable to $0.3 million in 2010.
 
Interest Expense
 
Interest expense was $8.2 million in 2011, as compared to $6.7 million in 2010.  In 2011, we recorded interest expense of $8.0 million related to our convertible senior notes payable and net interest expense of $0.2 million related to uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return.  In 2010, we recorded interest expense of $8.9 million related to our convertible senior notes payable and offset in part by a net benefit of $1.6 million related to uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return.

Provision for Income Taxes
 
Our income tax benefit, which includes federal, state and foreign income taxes, was $9.0 million, or an effective tax rate of 1,671% for 2011. During 2010, the income tax expense was $2.7 million, or an effective tax provision rate of 5.41%.

Included in the tax benefit of $9.0 million are discrete tax benefits of $2.1 million. These tax benefits are comprised of $0.3 million reduction of uncertain tax positions related to foreign depreciation due to statute expiration, $1.7 million benefit related to state tax apportionment changes and an adjustment to record various outstanding state tax refunds. (see Note 12 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements). Absent these discrete tax benefits, the Company’s effective tax rate for 2011 is 1,288%, primarily due to a decrease in the Company’s consolidated earnings.

In 2010, included in the tax expense of $2.7 million were discrete tax benefits of $10.3 million. These tax benefits were comprised of $4.7 million reduction of uncertain tax positions due to settlement of 2003-2006 IRS exams and statute expirations, $4.0 million benefit related to a refund received from the IRS for previously filed amended returns, and $1.7 million benefit attributable to a transfer pricing adjustment.  Absent these discrete tax benefits, the Company’s effective tax rate for 2010 would have been 26.2%.  

As of December 31, 2011, we had net deferred tax assets of approximately $81.6 million.

Comparison of the Years Ended December 31, 2010 and 2009

Net Sales

Traditional Toys and Electronics.   Net sales of our Traditional Toys and Electronics segment were $358.4 million in 2010, compared to $439.4 million in 2009, representing a decrease of $81.0 million, or 18.4%.  The decrease in net sales was primarily due to lower unit sales of our WWE® and Pokémon® action figures and accessories, JAKKS™ dolls based on Hannah Montana®, electronics based on Ultimotion™ and EyeClops® brands, and other JAKKS products, including GX Racers® and other vehicles, Cabbage Patch Kids®, In My Pocket & Friends™, Girl Gourmet® and pet toy products. This was offset in part by increases in unit sales of some products, including UFC® and TNA® action figures and accessories, Real Construction™ activity products, electronics based on the Spy Net™ brand, JAKKS™ dolls based on Disney Fairies®, and Disney Princess.
 
Role Play, Novelties and Seasonal Products.  Net sales of our Role Play, Novelties and Seasonal Products were $388.9 million in 2010, compared to $364.3 million in 2009, representing an increase of $24.6 million, or 6.8%.  The increase in net sales was primarily due to increases in unit sales of our kid’s indoor and outdoor furniture products, Halloween costumes and accessories, and role-play and dress-up toys, including those based on Disney Princess® and Disney Fairies®.
 
Cost of Sales
 
Traditional Toys and Electronics.  Cost of sales of our Traditional Toys and Electronics segment was $238.2 million, or 66.5% of related net sales, in 2010, compared to $339.8 million, or 77.3% of related net sales in 2009, representing a decrease of $101.6 million, or 29.9%.  This percentage margin decrease is primarily due to charges in 2009 of $24.0 million related to the write-down of certain excess and impaired inventory and $28.4 million related to the write-down of license advances and minimum guarantees that are not expected to be earned through sales of that licensed product. Excluding these one-time charges, cost of sales was $287.4 million in 2009, representing a decrease of $49.2 million in 2010 , or 13.7% of net sales, which primarily consisted of a decrease in product costs of $41.1 million, which is in line with the lower volume of sales.  Product costs as a percentage of sales increased primarily due to the mix of the product sold and higher sales of closeout product.  Excluding the one-time charges, royalty expense for our Traditional Toys and Electronics segment decreased by $2.2 million due to lower volume of sales.  Royalty expense as a percentage of net sales was comparable year-over-year. Our depreciation of molds and tools decreased by $6.0 million primarily due to decreased purchases of molds and tools in this segment.
 
 
31

 

Role Play, Novelties and Seasonal Products.  Cost of sales of our Role Play, Novelties and Seasonal Products segment was $264.2 million, or 67.9% of related net sales in 2010, compared to $261.0 million, or 71.6% of related net sales in 2009, representing an increase of $3.2 million, or 1.2%.  This percentage margin increase is partially due to charges in 2009 of $4.8 million related to the write-down of license advances and minimum guarantees that are not expected to be earned out through sales of that licensed product.  Excluding these one-time charges, cost of sales was $256.2 million in 2009, representing an increase of  $8.0 million in 2010, or 2.1% of net sales, which primarily consisted of an increase in product costs of $7.0 million, which is in line with the higher volume of sales.  Product costs as a percentage of net sales decreased primarily due to the mix of the product sold.  Excluding the one-time charges, royalty expense increased by $0.8 million and decreased as a percentage of net sales due to changes in the product mix to more products with lower royalty rates or proprietary products with no royalty rates from products with higher royalty rates.   Our depreciation of molds and tools is comparable year over year.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses were $194.8 million in 2010 and $227.0 million in 2009, constituting 26.1% and 28.2% of net sales, respectively.  The overall decrease of $32.2 million in such costs was primarily due to decreases in general and administrative expenses ($14.1 million), product development ($5.3 million), direct selling expenses ($9.0 million) and depreciation and amortization ($3.8 million).  The decrease in general and administrative expenses is primarily due to decreases in salary and employee benefits expense ($3.5 million), temporary help expense ($1.3 million), rent expense ($4.5 million) and legal expense ($3.7 million), net of insurance reimbursements, offset in part by increases in travel and entertainment expenses ($0.8 million).  Product development expenses decreased as a result of tighter control of spending on product development.  The decrease in direct selling expenses is primarily due to decreases in advertising and promotional expenses of $4.0 million in 2010 in support of several of our product lines, sales commissions ($1.7 million) and other direct selling expenses of $3.3 million that support our domestic operations.   The decrease in depreciation and amortization is mainly due to a decrease in amortization expense related to intangible assets other than goodwill ($3.2 million).


Write-down of Intangible Assets
 
As of June 30, 2009, we determined that the tradenames “Child Guidance,” “Play Along” and certain tradenames associated with our Crafts and Activities product lines would either be discontinued, or were under-performing. Consequently, the intangible assets associated with these tradenames were written off to “Write-down of Intangible Assets”, resulting in a non-cash charge of $8.2 million.

Write-down of Goodwill
 
As of June 30, 2009, we determined that the significant decline in our market capitalization is likely to be sustained.   Our market capitalization did not change significantly despite the dismissals subject to appeal of the WWE lawsuit, and the lower revenue expectations for 2009 versus 2008 were factors that indicated that an interim goodwill impairment test was required. As a result, we determined that $407.1 million, or all of the goodwill related to previous acquisitions, including the acquisition of Disguise in December 2008, was impaired. This amount is included in “Write-down of Goodwill” in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations.
 
Reorganization Charges

We incurred reorganization charges in 2009 to consolidate and stream-line our existing business functions.  This was necessary given the decreased volume of consolidated sales in 2009 from 2008 and the added general and administrative expenses from the three acquisitions made at the end of 2008.  Restructuring charges relate to the termination of lease obligations, one-time severance termination benefits, fixed asset write-offs and other contract terminations and are accounted for in accordance with “Exit and Disposal Cost Obligations”, ASC 420-10.  We established a liability for a cost associated with an exit or disposal activity when a liability is incurred, rather than at the date we commit to an exit plan.

These reorganization charges relate to our Traditional segment and are included in Reorganization Charges in the consolidated statements of operations.  The components of the reorganization charges are as follows (in thousands):
 
   
Accrued Balance
               
Accrued Balance
 
  
 
December 31, 2009
   
Accrual
   
Actual
   
December 31, 2010
 
Lease abandonment costs
 
$
9,842
     
   
 $
(4,578
 
$
5,264
 
Employee severance
   
  3
     
     
(3
   
 
Fixed asset write-off
   
134
     
     
(134
   
 
Other
   
  165
     
     
(165
   
 
Total reorganization charges
 
$
10,144
     
   
 $
(4,880
 
$
5,264
 
 
 
32

 
 
Profit from Video Game Joint Venture
 
We recognized $6.0 million in income related to our video game joint venture in 2010, as compared to a loss of $16.1 million in 2009 related primarily to an adjustment of $23.5 million to our preferred return from prior years as a result of an arbitration decision.  Pursuant to a Settlement Agreement and Mutual Release dated December 22, 2009, the joint venture was terminated on December 31, 2009.  On June 30, 2010, we received a fixed payment from THQ in the amount of $6.0 million, which was recognized as income during the second quarter.  Additionally, we are to receive future payments in the amount of $6.0 million on June 30, 2011 and $4.0 million on each of June 30, 2012 and 2013 which we will record as income on a cash basis over the term (see “Legal Proceedings”).

Interest Income
 
Interest income in 2010 was $0.3 million, comparable to $0.3 million in 2009.
 
Interest Expense
 
Interest expense was $6.7 million in 2010, as compared to $7.9 million in 2009.  In 2010, we recorded interest expense of $8.9 million related to our convertible senior notes payable and offset in part by a net benefit of $1.6 million related to uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return.  In 2009, we recorded interest expense of $7.1 million related to our convertible senior notes payable and net interest expense of $0.8 million related to uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return.

Provision for Income Taxes
 
Our income tax expense, which includes federal, state and foreign income taxes, was $2.7 million, or an effective tax rate of 5.41% for 2010. During 2009, the income tax benefit was $90.7 million, or an effective tax provision rate of 19.0%.

Included in the tax expense of $2.7 million are discrete tax benefits of $10.3 million. These tax benefits are comprised of $4.7 million reduction of uncertain tax positions due to settlement of 2003-2006 IRS exams and statute expirations, $4.0 million benefit related to a refund received from the IRS for previously filed amended returns, and $1.7 million benefit attributable to a transfer pricing adjustment. (see Note 12 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements).  Absent these discrete tax benefits, the Company’s effective tax rate for 2010 is 26.2%.  

In 2009, the impairment of goodwill and trademarks, totaling $90.7 million, the correction of purchase accounting of $6.2 million, and write-down of NOLs and tax credits of $6.1 million were reductions to the tax benefit rate realized, partially offset by discrete adjustments for uncertain tax positions of $3.2 million.  Exclusive of the discrete items, the 2009 effective tax benefit rate would be 40.1%.

As of December 31, 2010, we had net deferred tax assets of approximately $82.4 million.
 
 
33

 
                                                                        
 Quarterly Fluctuations and Seasonality

We have experienced significant quarterly fluctuations in operating results and anticipate these fluctuations in the future. The operating results for any quarter are not necessarily indicative of results for any future period. Our first quarter is typically expected to be the least profitable as a result of lower net sales but substantially similar fixed operating expenses. This is consistent with the performance of many companies in the toy industry.

The following table presents our unaudited quarterly results for the years indicated. The seasonality of our business is reflected in this quarterly presentation.
  
     
 
2010
   
2011
 
  
 
First
   
Second
 
Third
   
Fourth
   
First
 
Second
 
Third
   
Fourth
 
(unaudited)     
 
Quarter
   
Quarter
 
Quarter
   
Quarter
   
Quarter
 
Quarter
 
Quarter
   
Quarter
 
                                           
Net sales
 
$
77,345
   
$
123,255
 
$
348,677
   
$
197,991
   
$
72,323
 
131,930
   
332,419
     
141,079
 
As a % of full year
   
10.4
%
   
16.5
%
 
46.7
%
   
26.4
%
   
10.7%
 
19.5%
   
49.0%
     
20.8
%
Gross Profit
   
25,233
     
43,229
   
110,957
     
65,531
     
24,271
 
45,092
   
105,670
     
18,957
 
As a % of full year
   
10.3
%
   
17.6
%
 
45.3
%
   
26.8
%
   
12.5%
 
23.2%
   
54.5%
     
9.8
%
As a % of net sales
   
32.6
%
   
35.1
%
 
31.8
%
   
33.1
%
   
33.6%
 
34.2%
   
31.8%
     
13.4
%
Income (loss) from operations
   
(13,628
   
1,274
   
51,579
     
10,972
     
(14,790
)
1,998
   
50,068
     
(35,996
As a % of full year
   
(27.1
)%
   
2.5
%
 
102.8
%
   
21.8
%
   
(1,155.5%
)
156.1%
   
3,911.6%
     
(2,812.2%
)
As a % of net sales
   
(17.6
)%
   
1.0
%
 
14.8
%
   
5.5
%
   
(20.4%
)
1.5%
   
15.1%
     
(25.5%
)
Income (loss) before provision (benefit) for income taxes
   
(14,768
   
4,362
   
50,131
     
10,017
     
(16,716
)
6,087
   
48,081
     
(37,990
As a % of net sales
   
(19.1
)%
   
3.5
%
 
14.4
%
   
5.1
%
   
(23.1%
)
4.6%
   
14.5%
     
(26.9%
)
Net income (loss)
   
(5,157
   
2,975
   
40,360
     
8,871
     
(10,575
)
4,240
   
34,825
     
(20,018)
 
As a % of net sales
   
(6.7
)%
   
2.4
%
 
11.6
%
   
4.5
%
   
(14.6%
)
3.2%
   
10.5%
     
(14.2%
)
Diluted (loss) earnings per share
 
$
(0.19
   
0.11
 
$
1.23
 
$
 
0.30
   
$
(0.39
)
0.16
   
1.10
     
(0.77
Weighted average shares and equivalents outstanding
   
27,393
     
27,388
   
33,974
     
33,880
     
27,217
 
27,096
   
32,922
     
25,839
 
 
 
34

 
 
Quarterly and year-to-date computations of income (loss) per share amounts are made independently. Therefore, the sum of the per share amounts for the quarters may not agree with the per share amounts for the year.

In the second quarter of 2010, we incurred a one-time pre-tax charge relating to the benefit payment to the estate of Jack Friedman pursuant to his employee agreement.

During the second quarter of 2010, we redeemed  the remaining $20.3 million of our 4.625% Convertible Senior Notes which was offered to the Company for redemption, which reduced the diluted share count by 1 million shares.

Debt with Conversion and Other Options

The provisions of ASC 470-20, “Debt with Conversion and Other Options” are applicable to the 4.5% convertible notes, see Note 11, Convertible Senior Notes.  ASC 470-20 requires the Company to separately account for the liability (debt) and equity (conversion feature) components of the Notes in a manner that reflects the Company’s nonconvertible debt borrowing rate at the date of issuance when interest cost is recognized in subsequent periods. The company allocated $13.7 million of the $100.0 million principal amount of the Notes to the equity component, which represents a discount to the debt and will be amortized into interest expense through November 1, 2014.  Accordingly, the company’s effective annual interest rate on the Notes will be approximately 7.9%. The Notes are classified as long-term debt in the balance sheet at December 31, 2011 based on their November 1, 2014 maturity date.   Debt issuance costs of approximately $3.7 million are being amortized to interest expense over the five year term of the Notes.

Recent Accounting Standards

In May 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued new accounting guidance that provides a consistent definition of fair value and common requirements of and disclosure about fair value between GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”). The guidance states the concepts of highest and best use and valuation premise are only relevant when measuring the fair value of nonfinancial assets. Enhanced disclosure requirements will require companies to disclose quantitative information about unobservable inputs used, a description of the valuation processes used, and a qualitative discussion about the sensitivity of the measurements for recurring Level 3 fair value measurements. For assets and liabilities not recorded at fair value but where fair value is disclosed, companies must report the level in the fair value hierarchy of assets and liabilities. This new guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning January 1, 2012, and the Company does not anticipate a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.
 
In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-05, Presentation of Comprehensive Income, which requires an entity to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income, or in two separate but consecutive statements. ASU 2011-05 eliminates the option to present components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of equity. In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-12, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassifications of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05 , which defers specific requirements to present reclassification adjustments for each component of accumulated other comprehensive income. ASU 2011-05 will be retroactively effective for the Company in the first quarter of 2012.  Since the Company already presents two separate but consecutive statements of operations and comprehensive income, this adoption will not have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.
 
 In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-08, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Goodwill for Impairment, which permits an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test. ASU 2011-08 will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011, with early adoption permitted.  The Company early adopted ASU 2011-08 for its annual goodwill impairment test conducted as of October 1, 2011.
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources

As of December 31, 2011, we had working capital of $374.7 million, compared to $387.3 million as of December 31, 2010. This decrease was primarily attributable to the cash used by our investing activities.

Operating activities provided net cash of $44.3 million in 2011, as compared to $67.5 million in 2010. Net cash was provided primarily by changes in working capital. Our accounts receivable turnover as measured by days sales for the quarter outstanding in accounts receivable for the three months ended December 31, 2011 increased from approximately 56 days as of December 31, 2010 to approximately 67 days as of December 31, 2011. Other than open purchase orders issued in the normal course of business, we have no obligations to purchase finished goods from our manufacturers. As of December 31, 2011, we had cash and cash equivalents of $257.3 million.
 
 
35

 

Our investing activities used net cash of $36.3 million in 2011, as compared to $13.2 million in 2010, consisting primarily of cash paid for the Moose Mountain Acquisition of $16.0 million, Tollytots earn out of $1.7 million, Kids Only earn out of $3.7 million, and the purchase of office furniture and equipment and molds and tooling of $12.5 million used in the manufacturing of our products and other assets.  In 2010, our investing activities consisted primarily of cash paid for the Kids Only earn out of $1.9 million, and the purchase of office furniture and equipment and molds and tooling of $11.6 million used in the manufacturing of our products and other assets. As part of our strategy to develop and market new products, we have entered into various character and product licenses with royalties generally ranging from 1% to 14% payable on net sales of such products. As of December 31, 2011, these agreements required future aggregate minimum guarantees of $58.1 million, exclusive of $46.5 million in advances already paid. Of this $58.1 million future minimum guarantee, $40.3 million is due over the next twelve months.
 
 
36

 
 
Our financing activities used net cash of $29.1 million in 2011, consisting of cash paid for the repurchase of our common stock.  In 2010, financing activities used cash of $30.8 million, consisting of cash paid for the repurchase of our common stock, and the retirement of previously existing convertible notes.

The following is a summary of our significant contractual cash obligations for the periods indicated that existed as of December 31, 2011 and is based on information appearing in the notes to the consolidated financial statements (in thousands):

   
Less than 
1 year
  
  
1 – 3 
years
  
  
3 – 5 
years
  
  
More Than 
5 years
   
Total
 
Long-term debt
 
$
   
$
100,000
   
$
   
$
   
$
100,000
 
Interest on long-term debt
   
4,500
     
12,878
     
     
     
17,378
 
Operating leases
   
13,678
     
23,162
     
11,324
     
4,520
     
52,684
 
Minimum guaranteed license/royalty  payments
   
40,295
     
17,671
     
170
     
     
58,136
 
Employment contracts
   
8,584
     
9,995
     
1,240
     
     
19,819
 
Total contractual cash obligations
 
$
67,057
   
$
163,706
   
$
12,734
   
$
4,520
   
$
248,017
 

The above table excludes any potential uncertain income tax liabilities that may become payable upon examination of the Company’s income tax returns by taxing authorities. Such amounts and periods of payment cannot be reliably estimated. See Note 12 to the financial statements for further explanation of the Company’s uncertain tax positions.

On October 14, 2011, we acquired all of the stock of Moose Mountain Toymakers Limited, a Hong Kong company, and a related New Jersey company, Moose Mountain Marketing, Inc. (collectively, “Moose Mountain”).  The total initial consideration of $31.5 million consisted of $16.0 million in cash and the assumption of liabilities in the amount of $15.5 million, and resulted in goodwill of $13.5 million. In addition, the Company agreed to pay an earn-out of up to an aggregate amount of $5.3 million in cash over the three calendar years following the acquisition based on the achievement of certain financial performance criteria.  The fair value of the expected earn-out is included in goodwill and assumed liabilities as of December 31, 2011.  Moose Mountain is a leading designer and producer of foot to floor ride-ons, inflatable environments, wagons, pinball machines and tents and was included in our results of operations from the date of acquisition.

In October 2010, our Board of Directors authorized us to repurchase up to $30.0 million of our common stock.  As of December 31, 2011, we purchased 1,771,633 shares at an aggregate cost of approximately $30.0 million.

In October 2008, we acquired substantially all of the assets of Tollytots Limited.  The total initial consideration of $26.8 million consisted of $12.0 million in cash and the assumption of liabilities in the amount of $14.8 million, and resulted in goodwill of $4.1 million, all of which has been determined to be impaired and was written off in the quarter ended June 30, 2009. In addition, we agreed to pay an earn-out of up to an aggregate amount of $5.0 million in cash over the three calendar years following the acquisition based on the achievement of certain financial performance criteria, which will be recorded as goodwill when and if earned. In the first earn-out period ended December 31, 2009, no portion of the earn-out was earned, while $1.7 million was earned for each of the second and third earn-out periods ended December 31, 2010 and 2011.  Tollytots is a leading designer and producer of licensed baby dolls and baby doll pretend play accessories based on well-known brands and was included in our results of operations from the date of acquisition.

In October 2008, we acquired all of the stock of Kids Only, Inc. and a related Hong Kong company, Kids Only Limited (collectively, “Kids Only”).  The total initial consideration of $23.8 million consisted of $20.4 million in cash and the assumption of liabilities in the amount of $3.4 million, and resulted in goodwill of $13.2 million, all of which has been determined to be impaired and was written off in the quarter ended June 30, 2009. In addition, we agreed to pay an earn-out of up to an aggregate amount of $5.6 million in cash over the three calendar years following the acquisition based on the achievement of certain financial performance criteria, which will be recorded as goodwill when and if earned. For the earn-out periods ended September 30, 2009, 2010 and 2011, $1.9 million, $1.9 million and $1.8 million were earned, respectively.  Kids Only is a leading designer and producer of licensed indoor and outdoor kids’ furniture, and has an extensive portfolio which also includes baby dolls and accessories, room décor and a myriad of other children’s toy products  and was included in our results of operations from the date of acquisition.
 
 
37

 
 
In November 2009, we sold an aggregate of $100.0 million of 4.50% Convertible Senior Notes due 2014 (the “Notes”). The Notes are senior unsecured obligations of the Company, will pay interest semi-annually at a rate of 4.50% per annum and will mature on November 1, 2014. The initial conversion rate was 63.2091 shares of our common stock per $1,000 principal amount of notes (equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $15.82 per share of common stock), subject to adjustment in certain circumstances. As a result of the cash dividends of $0.10 per share declared by the Board of Directors paid on each of October 3, 2011 and January 3, 2012, the new conversion rate will be 63.9329 shares of JAKKS common stock per $1,000 principal amount of notes (or approximately $15.64 per share).  Prior to August 1, 2014, holders of the Notes may convert their Notes only upon specified events. Upon conversion, the Notes may be settled, at our election, in cash, shares of our common stock, or a combination of cash and shares of our common stock. Holders of the Notes may require us to repurchase for cash all or some of their Notes upon the occurrence of a fundamental change (as defined in the Notes).

We believe that our cash flows from operations and cash and cash equivalents will be sufficient to meet our working capital and capital expenditure requirements and provide us with adequate liquidity to meet our anticipated operating needs for at least the next 12 months. Although operating activities are expected to provide cash, to the extent we grow significantly in the future, our operating and investing activities may use cash and, consequently, this growth may require us to obtain additional sources of financing. There can be no assurance that any necessary additional financing will be available to us on commercially reasonable terms, if at all. We intend to finance our long-term liquidity requirements out of net cash provided by operations and net cash and cash equivalents.  As of December 31, 2011, we do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements.

During the last three fiscal years ending December 31, 2011, we do not believe that inflation has had a material impact on our net sales and revenues and on income from continuing operations.

Exchange Rates

Sales from our United States and Hong Kong operations are denominated in U.S. dollars and our manufacturing costs are denominated in either U.S. or Hong Kong dollars. Operations and operating expenses of all of our operations are denominated in local currency, thereby creating exposure to changes in exchange rates. Changes in the Hong Kong dollar/U.S. dollar exchange rate may positively or negatively affect our operating results. The exchange rate of the Hong Kong dollar to the U.S. dollar has been fixed by the Hong Kong government since 1983 at HK$7.80 to US$1.00 and, accordingly, has not represented a currency exchange risk to the U.S. dollar. We cannot assure you that the exchange rate between the United States and Hong Kong currencies will continue to be fixed or that exchange rate fluctuations between the United States and Hong Kong currencies will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Market risk represents the risk of loss that may impact our financial position, results of operations or cash flows due to adverse changes in financial and commodity market prices and rates. We are exposed to market risk in the areas of changes in United States and international borrowing rates and changes in foreign currency exchange rates. In addition, we are exposed to market risk in certain geographic areas that have experienced or remain vulnerable to an economic downturn, such as China. We purchase substantially all of our inventory from companies in China, and, therefore, we are subject to the risk that such suppliers will be unable to provide inventory at competitive prices. While we believe that, if such an event were to occur we would be able to find alternative sources of inventory at competitive prices, we cannot assure you that we would be able to do so. These exposures are directly related to our normal operating and funding activities. To date, we have not used derivative instruments or engaged in hedging activities to minimize our market risk.
 
 
38

 
 
Interest Rate Risk

In November 2009, we issued convertible senior notes payable of $100.0 million with a fixed interest rate of 4.50% per annum which remain outstanding as of December 31, 2011. Accordingly, we are not generally subject to any direct risk of loss arising from changes in interest rates.

Foreign Currency Risk

We have wholly-owned subsidiaries in Hong Kong, China, the United Kingdom, France, Spain, France and Canada. Sales are generally made by these operations on FOB China or Hong Kong terms and are denominated in U.S. dollars. However, purchases of inventory and Hong Kong operating expenses are typically denominated in Hong Kong dollars and local operating expenses in China are denominated in local currency, thereby creating exposure to changes in exchange rates. Changes in the Chinese Yuan or Hong Kong dollar/U.S. dollar exchange rates may positively or negatively affect our gross margins, operating income and retained earnings.  The exchange rate of the Hong Kong dollar to the U.S. dollar has been fixed by the Hong Kong government since 1983 at HK$7.80 to US$1.00 and, accordingly, has not represented a currency exchange risk to the U.S. dollar. Our mainland China operations are funded in the Chinese Yuan. We do not believe that near-term changes in these exchange rates, if any, will result in a material effect on our future earnings, fair values or cash flows, and therefore, we have chosen not to enter into foreign currency hedging transactions. We cannot assure you that this approach will be successful, especially in the event of a significant and sudden change in the value of the Hong Kong dollar or Chinese Yuan.
 
 
39

 

Item 8. Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Stockholders
JAKKS Pacific, Inc.
Malibu, California

 
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of JAKKS Pacific, Inc. as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2011.  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 the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, 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 JAKKS Pacific, Inc. at December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2011, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), JAKKS Pacific, Inc.'s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) and our report dated March 15, 2012 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ BDO USA, LLP
 
BDO USA, LLP
Los Angeles, California
March 15, 2012
 
 
40

 
 
JAKKS PACIFIC, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 
    December 31,  
    2010      2011  
    (In thousands, except  
    share data)  
Assets
           
Current assets
           
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
278,346
   
$
257,258
 
Marketable securities
   
207
     
214
 
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for uncollectible accounts of $2,778 and $3,069, respectively
   
122,476
     
103,637
 
Inventory, net
   
43,230
     
47,019
 
Income tax receivable
   
19,052
     
24,166
 
Deferred income taxes
   
23,576
     
34,505
 
Prepaid expenses and other
   
25,275
     
30,686
 
Total current assets
   
512,162
     
497,485
 
Property and equipment
               
Office furniture and equipment
   
12,127
     
13,606
 
Molds and tooling
   
57,103
     
61,005
 
Leasehold improvements
   
6,920
     
6,788
 
Total
   
76,150
     
81,399
 
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
   
59,204
     
65,213
 
Property and equipment, net
   
16,946
     
16,186
 
Deferred income taxes
   
58,848
     
47,081
 
Intangibles
   
23,437
     
21,753
 
Other long term assets
   
12,643
     
3,670
 
Investment in joint venture
   
74
     
2,736
 
Goodwill, net
   
6,988
     
24,015
 
Trademarks, net
   
2,308
     
2,308
 
Total assets
 
$
633,406
   
$
615,234
 
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
               
Current liabilities
               
Accounts payable
 
$
35,886
   
$
26,430
 
Accrued expenses
   
54,476
     
50,780
 
Reserve for sales returns and allowances
   
28,378
     
43,440
 
Capital lease obligation
   
27
     
 
Income taxes payable
   
6,143
     
2,183
 
Total current liabilities
   
124,910
     
122,833
 
Convertible senior notes, net
   
89,458
     
92,188
 
Other liabilities
   
1,625
     
1,630
 
Income taxes payable
   
5,005
     
4,992
 
Total liabilities
   
220,998
     
221,643
 
Commitments and Contingencies
               
Stockholders’ equity
               
Preferred shares, $.001 par value; 5,000,000 shares authorized; nil outstanding
   
     
 
Common stock, $.001 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized; 27,610,952  and 25,943,214 shares issued in 2010 and 2011 respectively; 27,319,624 and 25,943,214 shares outstanding, respectively
   
28
     
26
 
Additional paid-in capital
   
302,425
     
274,532
 
Treasury Stock at cost; 291,238 and nil shares in 2010 and 2011, respectively
   
(5,641
   
 
Retained earnings
   
119,884
     
123,174
 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
   
(4,288
)
   
(4,141)
 
Total stockholders’ equity
   
412,408
     
393,591
 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
 
$
633,406
   
$
615,234
 
 
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
  
 
41

 
 
JAKKS PACIFIC, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

   
Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2010
   
2011
 
   
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
 
Net sales
 
$
803,704
   
$
747,268
   
$
677,751
 
Cost of sales
   
600,776
     
502,318
     
483,761
 
Gross profit
   
202,928
     
244,950
     
193,990
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
   
227,036
     
194,753
     
192,710
 
Write-down of intangible assets
   
8,221
     
     
 
Write-down of goodwill
   
407,125
     
     
 
Reorganization charges
   
12,994
     
     
 
Income (loss) from operations
   
(452,448
)
   
50,197
     
1,280
 
Profit (loss) from video game joint venture
   
(16,128
)
   
6,000
     
6,000
 
Equity in net income/(loss) of joint venture
   
     
(56
   
(34)
 
Interest income
   
318
     
333
     
412
 
Interest expense
   
(7,930
)
   
(6,732
)
   
(8,196)
 
Income (loss) before provision (benefit) for income taxes
   
(476,188
)
   
49,742
     
(538)
 
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
   
(90,678
)
   
2,693
     
(9,010)
 
Net income (loss)
 
$
(385,510
)
 
$
47,049
   
$
8,472
 
Basic earnings (loss) per share
 
$
(14.02
)