-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, VpiPch/h45yMeIobbWfhfBmOw9YIlzmGxfk8SCppUITnTo5O/gQln8HN42nYFBKm 5DkX/0JzUhmKpKkkxTCnVg== 0000058592-08-000043.txt : 20080811 0000058592-08-000043.hdr.sgml : 20080811 20080811120053 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000058592-08-000043 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 10-Q PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 5 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20080630 FILED AS OF DATE: 20080811 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20080811 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: 4 KIDS ENTERTAINMENT INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000058592 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: PATENT OWNERS & LESSORS [6794] IRS NUMBER: 132691380 STATE OF INCORPORATION: NY FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10-Q SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 001-16117 FILM NUMBER: 081004934 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 1414 AVE OF THE AMERICAS CITY: NEW YORK STATE: NY ZIP: 10019 BUSINESS PHONE: 2127587666 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 1414 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS CITY: NEW YORK STATE: NY ZIP: 10019 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: LEISURE CONCEPTS INC DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19920703 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: AMERICAN LEISURE INDUSTRIES INC DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19740822 10-Q 1 form10q63008.htm FORM 10-Q DATED JUNE 30, 2008


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q

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

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2008

OR

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

For the transition period from _____________ to _____________

Commission file number 0-7843

4Kids Entertainment, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

New York
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
13-2691380
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

1414 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10019
(212) 758-7666

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code,
of registrant’s principal executive offices)

      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 is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of   “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

Large accelerated filer ___

Accelerated filer X

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|

      As of August 8, 2008, the number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s common stock, par value $.01 per share, was 13,152,019.




4Kids Entertainment, Inc. and Subsidiaries

 

Table of Contents

 

 

 

 

 

Page #

 

Part I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

 

 


Item 1.


 


Financial Statements


 


 


 


 


Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2008 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2007


 


2


 


 


Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007


 

3

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Loss for the six months ended June 30, 2008 (Unaudited) and the year ended December 31, 2007

 

4


 


 


Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007


 

5


 


 


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)


 


6

 


Item 2.


 


Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations


 


25

 


Item 3.


 


Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk


 


36

 


Item 4.


 


Controls and Procedures


 

36


Part II—OTHER INFORMATION


 

 


Item 1.


 


Legal Proceedings


 


36

 

 

Item 1A

 

 

Risk Factors

 

 

37

 

Item 2.

 

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

37

 

Item 4.

 

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

 

38

 

 

Item 6.

 

 

Exhibits

 

 

 

39


Signatures

 

40

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Part I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements.

4KIDS ENTERTAINMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

JUNE 30, 2008 and DECEMBER 31, 2007

(In thousands of dollars, except share data)

 

ASSETS:

 

2008

 

2007

 

Current assets:

 

(Unaudited

)

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

36,315

 

$

24,872

 

Investments

 

 

19,746

 

 

36,106

 

Total cash, cash equivalents and investments

 

 

56,061

 

 

60,978

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable - net

 

 

17,381

 

 

21,403

 

Inventories

 

 

499

 

 

611

 

Prepaid income taxes

 

 

950

 

 

1,159

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

 

2,012

 

 

2,985

 

Current assets from discontinued operations

 

 

451

 

 

372

 

Total current assets

 

 

77,354

 

 

87,508

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property and equipment - net

 

 

4,655

 

 

4,255

 

Long-term investments

 

 

17,100

 

 

31,806

 

Accounts receivable – non-current, net

 

 

168

 

 

208

 

Film and television costs - net

 

 

14,755

 

 

14,352

 

Non-current assets from discontinued operations

 

 

475

 

 

926

 

Other assets - net (includes related party amounts of $5,417 and $4,265, respectively)

 

 

15,036

 

 

12,024

 

Total assets

 

$

129,543

 

$

151,079

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Due to licensors

 

$

4,569

 

$

4,420

 

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

 

 

18,355

 

 

14,969

 

Deferred revenue

 

 

2,628

 

 

2,984

 

Total current liabilities

 

 

25,552

 

 

22,373

 

Deferred rent

 

 

529

 

 

618

 

Total liabilities

 

 

26,081

 

 

22,991

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies (Note 10)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders’ equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock, $.01 par value - authorized, 3,000,000 shares; none issued

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock, $.01 par value - authorized, 40,000,000 shares;

issued, 15,171,579 and 15,099,812 shares; outstanding 13,152,019 and         13,332,207 shares in 2008 and 2007, respectively

 

 

152

 

 

151

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

 

64,875

 

 

63,679

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

 

(13,581

)

 

(2,562

)

Retained earnings

 

 

88,392

 

 

100,323

 

 

 

139,838

 

 

161,591

 

Less cost of 2,019,560 and 1,767,605 treasury shares in 2008 and 2007, respectively

 

 

36,376

 

 

33,503

 

 

 

 

103,462

 

 

128,088

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

 

$

129,543

 

$

151,079

 

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

2

 

 


4KIDS ENTERTAINMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)

THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2008 AND 2007

(In thousands of dollars, except share data)

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

Six Months Ended

 

 

 

June 30,

 

 

June 30,

 

 

 

2008

 

 

2007

 

 

2008

 

 

2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Service revenue

$

11,475

 

$

12,009

 

$

24,086

 

$

26,940

 

Product revenue

 

5,065

 

 

 

 

7,493

 

 

 

Total net revenues

 

16,540

 

 

12,009

 

 

31,579

 

 

26,940

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Costs and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

13,347

 

 

10,176

 

 

25,955

 

 

19,139

 

Production service costs

 

1,990

 

 

1,788

 

 

3,535

 

 

3,568

 

Cost of sales of trading cards

 

1,897

 

 

 

 

2,913

 

 

 

Amortization of television and film costs

 

1,697

 

 

1,444

 

 

3,405

 

 

3,131

 

Amortization of 4Kids TV broadcast fee

 

3,906

 

 

3,825

 

 

9,109

 

 

8,244

 

Total costs and expenses

 

22,837

 

 

17,233

 

 

44,917

 

 

34,082

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss from operations

 

(6,297

)

 

(5,224

)

 

(13,338

)

 

(7,142

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income

 

737

 

 

1,480

 

 

1,407

 

 

2,567

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss before income taxes

 

(5,560

)

 

(3,744

)

 

(11,931

)

 

(4,575

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Benefit from income taxes

 

28

 

 

1,598

 

 

 

 

2,275

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss from unconsolidated operations –

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

net of a tax benefit

 

 

 

(67

)

 

 

 

(118

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

$

(5,532

)

$

(2,213

)

$

(11,931

)

$

(2,418

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Per share amounts:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic loss per common share

$

(0.42

)

$

(0.17

)

$

(0.91

)

$

(0.18

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted loss per common share

$

(0.42

)

$

(0.17

)

$

(0.91

)

$

(0.18

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average common shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

outstanding - basic

 

13,119,718

 

 

13,195,054

 

 

13,172,738

 

 

13,189,199

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average common shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

outstanding - diluted

 

13,119,718

 

 

13,195,054

 

 

13,172,738

 

 

13,189,199

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

3

 

 

 


4KIDS ENTERTAINMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2008 (UNAUDITED) AND YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007

(In thousands of dollars and shares)

 



Common Stock

 

Additional
Paid-In
Capital

 

Retained Earnings

 

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)

 

Less Treasury Stock

 

Total
Stockholders’
Equity

 

Shares

 

Amount

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 2006

14,933

 

$

149

 

$

62,859

 

$

123,649

 

$

1,329

 

$

(33,249

)

$

154,737

 

Issuance of common stock and stock options exercised

167

 

 

2

 

 

820

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

822

 

Acquisition of treasury stock, at cost

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(254

)

 

(254

)

Comprehensive loss:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

(23,326

)

 

 

 

 

 

(23,326

)

Translation adjustment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

102

 

 

 

 

102

 

Unrealized loss on investment securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(3,993

)

 

 

 

(3,993

)

Total comprehensive loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(27,217

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 2007

15,100

 

$

151

 

$

63,679

 

$

100,323

 

$

(2,562

)

$

(33,503

)

$

128,088

 

Issuance of common stock and stock options exercised

72

 

 

1

 

 

1,196

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,197

 

Acquisition of treasury stock, at cost

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2,873

)

 

(2,873

)

Comprehensive loss:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

(11,931

)

 

 

 

 

 

(11,931

)

Translation adjustment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

22

 

 

 

 

22

 

Unrealized loss on investment securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(11,041

)

 

 

 

(11,041

)

Total comprehensive loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(22,950

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BALANCE, JUNE 30, 2008

15,172

 

$

152

 

$

64,875

 

$

88,392

 

$

(13,581

)

$

(36,376

)

$

103,462

 

 

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4

 

 


4KIDS ENTERTAINMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)

SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2008 AND 2007

 

(In thousands of dollars)

 

2008

 

 

2007

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

$

(11,931

)

$

(2,418

)

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash

 

 

 

 

 

 

provided by (used in) operating activities – continuing operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

733

 

 

458

 

Amortization of television and film costs

 

3,405

 

 

3,131

 

Amortization of 4Kids TV broadcast fee

 

9,109

 

 

8,244

 

Provision for doubtful accounts

 

220

 

 

369

 

Deferred income taxes

 

 

 

(2,256

)

Loss on investment in unconsolidated affiliate

 

 

 

213

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inventory

 

112

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

3,849

 

 

9,013

 

Film and television costs

 

(3,808

)

 

(3,582

)

Prepaid income taxes

 

209

 

 

235

 

Prepaid 4Kids TV broadcast fee

 

(5,505

)

 

(8,244

)

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

973

 

 

(927

)

Other assets - net

 

(3,012

)

 

(844

)

Due to licensors

 

149

 

 

(451

)

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

 

976

 

 

(4,305

)

Deferred revenue

 

(356

)

 

(1,833

)

Deferred rent

 

(89

)

 

(95

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash used in operating activities – continuing operations

 

(4,966

)

 

(3,292

)

Net cash provided by operating activities – discontinued operations

 

372

 

 

361

 

Net cash used in operating activities

 

(4,594

)

 

(2,931

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from maturities of investments

 

20,025

 

 

78,534

 

Purchase of investments

 

 

 

(72,473

)

Purchase of property and equipment

 

(1,133

)

 

(906

)

Loss from disposal of property and equipment

 

 

 

1

 

Purchase of investment in unconsolidated affiliate

 

 

 

(1,494

)

Net cash provided by investing activities

 

18,892

 

 

3,662

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

 

 

 

17

 

Purchase of treasury shares

 

(2,873

)

 

(135

)

Tax benefit on exercise of stock options

 

 

 

3

 

Net cash used in financing activities

 

(2,873

)

 

(115

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

 

18

 

 

114

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

 

11,443

 

 

730

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

 

24,872

 

 

18,066

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

$

36,315

 

$

18,796

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid during period for Income Taxes

$

111

 

$

 

Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing and financing activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized loss on investment securities included in other comprehensive loss

$

11,041

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vesting of restricted shares

$

1,197

 

$

566

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

5


4KIDS ENTERTAINMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

(In thousands of dollars, except share and per share data)

 

1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

 

General Development and Narrative Description of Business - 4Kids Entertainment, Inc., together with the subsidiaries through which its businesses are conducted (the “Company”), is a diversified entertainment and media company specializing in the youth oriented market with operations in the following business segments: (i) Licensing; (ii) Advertising Media and Broadcast; (iii) Television and Film Production/Distribution; and (iv) Trading Card and Game Distribution. The Company was organized as a New York corporation in 1970.

 

Licensing - The Licensing business segment consists of the results of operations of the following wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company: 4Kids Entertainment Licensing, Inc. (“4Kids Licensing”); 4Sight Licensing Solutions, Inc. (“4Sight Licensing”); 4Kids Entertainment International, Ltd. (“4Kids International”); and 4Kids Technology, Inc. (“4Kids Technology”). 4Kids Licensing is engaged in the business of licensing the merchandising rights to popular children’s television series, properties and product concepts (individually, the “Property” or collectively the “Properties”). 4Kids Licensing typically acts as exclusive merchandising agent in connection with the grant to third parties of licenses to manufacture and sell all types of merchandise, including toys, videogames, trading cards, apparel, housewares, footwear, books and other published materials, based on such Properties. 4Sight Licensing is engaged in the business of licensing properties and product concepts to adults, teens and “tweens”. 4Sight Licensing focuses on brand building through licensing. 4Kids International, based in London, manages Properties represented by the Company in the United Kingdom and European marketplaces. 4Kids Technology develops ideas and concepts for licensing which integrate new and existing technologies with traditional game and toy play patterns.

 

Advertising Media and Broadcast - The Company, through a multi-year agreement with Fox Broadcasting Corporation (“Fox”), leases Fox’s Saturday morning programming block (“4Kids TV”) from 8am to 12pm eastern/pacific time (7am to 11am central time). The Company provides substantially all programming content to be broadcast on 4Kids TV. 4Kids Ad Sales, Inc. (“4Kids Ad Sales”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, retains all of the revenue from its sale of network advertising time for the four-hour time period leased from Fox.

 

On October 1, 2007, the Company and The CW Network, LLC (“The CW”) entered into an agreement (the “CW Agreement”), under which The CW granted to the Company the exclusive right to program The CW's Saturday morning children's programming block that is broadcast in most markets between 7am and 12pm (“The CW Kids Block”) for an initial term of five years beginning with The CW's 2008-2009 broadcast season.

 

Effective June 30, 2006, the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, The Summit Media Group, Inc. (“Summit Media”), which previously provided print and broadcast media planning and buying services for clients principally in the children’s toy and game business, terminated its operations. As a consequence of the termination of its operations, Summit Media no longer serves as a media buying agency for third parties and is classified as a discontinued operation.

 

Television and Film Production/Distribution - The Television and Film Production/Distribution business segment consists of the results of operations of the following wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company: 4Kids Productions, Inc. (“4Kids Productions”); 4Kids Entertainment Music, Inc. (“4Kids Music”); and 4Kids Entertainment Home Video, Inc. (“4Kids Home Video”). 4Kids Productions produces and adapts animated and live-action television programs and theatrical motion pictures for distribution to the domestic and international television, home video and theatrical markets. 4Kids Music composes original music for incorporation into television programming produced by 4Kids Productions and markets and manages such music. 4Kids Home Video distributes home videos associated with television programming produced by 4Kids Productions.

 

Trading Card and Game Distribution - Through its wholly-owned subsidiary, 4Kids Digital Games, Inc. (“4Kids Digital”), the Company owns 55% of TC Digital Games LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“TC Digital”) that produces, markets and distributes the “Chaotic” trading card game. In December 2006, 4Kids Digital acquired a 53% ownership interest in TC Digital and entered into TC Digital’s operating agreement (the “TCD Agreement”) with Chaotic USA Digital Games LLC (“CUSA LLC”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Chaotic USA Entertainment Group, Inc. (“CUSA”). The TCD Agreement contains terms and conditions governing the operations of TC Digital, and entitles 4Kids Digital and CUSA to elect two managers to the entity’s Management Committee with 4Kids Digital having the right to break any dead-locks. On December 18, 2007, 4Kids Digital purchased an additional 2% membership interest in TC Digital from CUSA increasing 4Kids Digital’s ownership percentage to 55%. The consideration for the purchase of the additional membership interest

6

 


was paid through the settlement of certain capital contributions required to be made by CUSA to TC Websites LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and subsidiary of the Company (“TC Websites”) under its operating agreement (the “TCW Agreement”).

 

Through its wholly-owned subsidiary, 4Kids Websites, Inc. (“4Kids Websites”), the Company owns 55% of TC Websites, a company that owns and operates www.chaoticgame.com, the companion website for the “Chaotic” trading card game which was launched as a public beta version on October 24, 2007. In December 2006, 4Kids Websites purchased a 50% membership interest in TC Websites from CUSA and entered into the TCW Agreement. The TCW Agreement contains terms and conditions governing TC Websites’ operations and entitles 4Kids Websites and CUSA to elect two managers to its Management Committee. On December 18, 2007, 4Kids Websites entered into an agreement pursuant to which it acquired an additional 5% ownership interest in TC Websites from CUSA, and the TCW Agreement was concurrently amended to provide 4Kids Websites with the right to break any deadlocks on TC Websites’ Management Committee, including with respect to operational matters. The consideration for the purchase of the additional membership interest was paid through the settlement of certain capital contributions required to be made by CUSA to TC Websites under the TCW Agreement. Prior to the acquisition by 4Kids Websites of the additional 5% ownership interest and amendment of the TCW Agreement, the Company used the equity method to account for its investment in TC Websites, where it did not have control but had significant influence. As a result of 4Kids Websites’ increased ownership and operational control, TC Websites is consolidated in the Company’s financial statements, subject to a minority interest.

 

TC Digital and TC Websites are the exclusive licensees of certain patents covering the uploading of coded trading cards to a website where online game play and community activities occur. The www.chaoticgame.com website provides full access to all of its content and is free of charge for all users. No purchase of trading cards is necessary to play the online version where virtual playing decks are available to users who register on the website. These two businesses enable the Company to offer traditional trading card game play with an online digital play experience. In addition, it is anticipated that TC Digital and TC Websites will diversify their product lines and will ultimately distribute and sell, and create websites for other trading card games. The Company believes that its ownership interests in TC Digital and TC Websites represent a potentially significant addition to its business strategy.

 

Certain of the Company’s executive officers have interests in CUSA, CUSA LLC and certain other entities with which TC Digital and TC Websites have engaged in transactions since their formation. Information regarding these relationships can be found in Note 9.

 

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Basis of Presentation - The consolidated financial statements, except for the December 31, 2007 consolidated balance sheet and the consolidated statement of stockholders’ equity and comprehensive loss for the year ended December 31, 2007, are unaudited and should be read in conjunction with audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2007 as presented in our Annual Report on Form 10-K. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. In the opinion of management, the accompanying consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments, which are of a normal and recurring nature, necessary to present fairly the financial position of the Company as of June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, and the results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, and stockholders’ equity and comprehensive loss for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and the year ended December 31, 2007, and cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007. Because of the inherent seasonality and changing trends of the toy, game, entertainment and advertising industries, operating results for the Company on a quarterly basis may not be indicative of operating results for the full year.

 

In connection with the termination of the operations of Summit Media, the media buying operations have been classified as a discontinued operation. As further discussed in Note 12, the consolidated financial statements reflect the reporting of this business as a discontinued operation.

 

Effective January 1, 2007, the Company adopted the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (“FIN 48”). FIN 48 prescribes the financial statement recognition and measurement criteria for a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. FIN 48 also requires additional disclosures related to uncertain income tax positions. See Note 6, “Income Taxes”, for further information.

 

7

 


Revenue Recognition Merchandise licensing revenues: Licensing revenues, net of licensor participations, are recognized when the underlying royalties from the sales of the related products are earned. The Company recognizes guaranteed royalties, net of licensor participations, at the time the arrangement becomes effective if the Company has no significant direct continuing involvement with the underlying Property or obligation to the licensee. Where the Company has significant continuing direct involvement with the underlying Property or obligation to the licensee, guaranteed minimum royalties, net of licensor participations, are recognized ratably over the term of the license or based on sales of the related products, if greater. Licensing advances and guaranteed payments collected but not yet earned by the Company are classified as deferred revenue in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

 

Broadcast advertising revenues: Advertising revenues are recognized when the related commercials are aired and are recorded net of agency commissions and net of an appropriate reserve when advertising is sold together with a guaranteed audience delivery. Internet advertising revenues are recognized on the basis of impression views in the period the advertising is displayed.

 

Episodic television series revenues: Television series initially produced for networks and first-run syndication are generally licensed to domestic and foreign markets concurrently. The length of the revenue cycle for episodic television varies depending on the number of seasons a series remains in active exploitation. Revenues arising from television license agreements, net of licensor participations, are recognized in the period that the films or episodic television series are available for telecast.

 

Production and adaptation costs charged to the licensors of television rights to Properties represented by the Company are included in net revenues and the corresponding costs are included in production service costs in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Production service costs included in net revenues amounted to $1,818 and $3,298 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008, respectively and $1,671 and $3,388 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2007, respectively.

 

Home video revenues: Revenues from home video and DVD sales, net of a reserve for returns, are recognized, net of licensor participations, on the date that video and DVD units are shipped by the Company’s distributor to wholesalers/retailers. Consistent with the practice in the home video industry, the Company estimates the reserve for returns based upon its review of historical returns rates and expected future performance.

 

Music revenues: Revenues from music sales, net of licensor participations, and net of a reserve for returns, are recognized on the date units are shipped by the Company’s distributor to wholesalers/retailers as reported to the Company. In the case of musical performance revenues, the revenue is recognized when the musical recordings are broadcast and/or performed.

 

Trading card revenues: Emerging Issue Task Force (“EITF”) Issue No. 00-21 - Accounting for Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables, provides guidance on how and when to recognize revenues for arrangements that may involve the delivery or performance of multiple products, services and/or rights to use assets. Revenue arrangements with multiple deliverables are required to be divided into separate units of accounting if the deliverables in the arrangement meet certain criteria. Arrangement consideration must be allocated among the separate units of accounting based on their relative fair values. The Company has determined that because its trading card game is provided with a web component, there is a multiple deliverable arrangement. However, since no purchase of trading cards is necessary to access the website and virtual cards are available free of charge to users who register on the website, the Company has determined that the selling price of the trading cards should be fully attributable to the cards. Revenues from trading card sales, net of a reserve for returns and allowances, are recognized on the date cards are shipped by the Company’s distributor to wholesalers/retailers as reported to the Company.

 

Revenue generated from merchandise licensing, broadcast advertising, episodic television series, home video, and music are classified as service revenue on the consolidated statement of operations while revenue generated from the sale of trading cards is classified as product revenue.

 

Fair Value Measurements - The fair values of the Company’s financial instruments reflect the estimates of amounts that would be received from selling an asset in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The fair value estimates presented in this report are based on information available to the Company as of June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007.

 

The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents approximate fair value. The Company has estimated the fair value of its investment in auction rate securities (“ARS”) using unobservable inputs at June 30, 2008.

 

8

 


In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (“SFAS No. 157”), the Company applies a fair value hierarchy based on three levels of inputs, the first two of which are considered observable and the last of which is considered unobservable, that may be used to measure fair value. The three levels are the following:

 

 

Level 1 - Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

 

 

Level 2 - Inputs other than Level 1 that are observable, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.

 

 

Level 3 - Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.

 

Investments – The Company’s short-term investments principally consist of ARS and other debt securities. ARS are generally rated “A” or better by one or more national rating agencies and have contractual maturities of up to 30 years. The Company classifies its investments in auction rate securities as “available for sale.” The auction rate securities that the Company invests in generally have interest reset dates that occur every 7 or 35 days and despite the long-term nature of their stated contractual maturity, the historical operation of the auction rate security market has given the Company the ability to quickly liquidate these securities at ongoing auctions every 35 days or less.

During 2007, liquidity issues began to affect the global credit and capital markets. In addition, certain individual ARS experienced liquidity issues specific to such securities. As a result, ARS, which historically have had a liquid market and had their interest rates reset periodically (e.g. monthly) through Dutch auctions, began to fail at auction. These auction failures have caused ARS to become illiquid, which in turn has caused the fair market values for these securities to decline.

As of June 30, 2008, the Company held ARS having an aggregate principal amount of approximately $52,000. The ARS currently held by the Company are private placement debt securities with long-term nominal maturities and interest rates that typically reset monthly. The Company’s investments in ARS represent interests in debt obligations issued by banks and insurance companies that originally had at least an “A” credit rating at the time of purchase on behalf of the Company, including bond insurers and re-insurers such as MBIA, AMBAC, FGIC, FSA, RAM and Radian.

Many of the ARS held by the Company as of June 30, 2008, have experienced failed auctions. As of June 30, 2008, the estimated fair market value of the ARS held by the Company had declined by $15,034 ($3,993 during 2007 and $11,041 during the first 6 months of 2008) based upon an analysis of the current market conditions of the Company’s securities made by the Company in accordance with SFAS No. 157. Although all of the ARS invested in by the Company have continued to pay interest according to their stated terms and substantially all of the ARS invested in by the Company continue to be a rated “A” or above, the Company recorded an unrealized loss of $9,187 and $1,854 during the first and second quarters of 2008, respectively, resulting in a reduction in stockholders’ equity. Since the Company has the ability and presently expects to hold these investments until recovery of their fair value, which may not be prior to the maturity of the applicable security, for the purpose of its financial statements, the Company does not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired as such term is defined in the accounting literature.

 

The credit and capital markets, including the market for ARS have remained illiquid in 2008, and as a result of this and other factors specific to certain ARS, the Company’s unrealized loss on its ARS had subsequently increased by $198, to a cumulative unrealized loss of $15,232 as of July 31, 2008, based upon consideration of such factors as issuer and insurer credit rating, comparable market data, if available, the credit quality of the ARS, the rate of interest received since the date the auctions began, yields of securities similar to the underlying ARS and input from broker-dealers statements provided by the investment bank through which the Company holds such securities. Additionally, in July 2008, the Company received an early redemption by an issuer of ARS at par value of $4,950. This security was never deemed to have an unrealized loss, and therefore, its redemption will have no affect on stockholders’ equity.

 

Given the failed auctions, many of the Company’s ARS are currently illiquid.  Accordingly, the Company has reclassified $7,513 (face amount of $20,350 less estimated devaluations of $12,837), in ARS from current to non-current assets at December 31, 2007 on its balance sheet due to the fact that the Company believes that the liquidity of these ARS is unlikely to be restored in a period less than twelve months from such date.

 

The Company has determined that the securities broker-dealer that purchased the ARS on behalf of the Company at issue based on discretion afforded to it has violated its legal obligations to the Company. As a result, the Company has taken

 

9

 


various measures to obtain appropriate legal relief, including initiating an arbitration with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.

 

If uncertainties in the credit and capital markets continue or the Company’s investments experience any rating downgrades on any investments in its ARS portfolio or the value of such investments declines further, the Company may incur impairment charges to its investment portfolio, which could negatively affect the Company’s financial condition and cash flow. If in the reasonable judgment of the Company, the value of any ARS should be permanently impaired, the Company would record an expense which would negatively impact reported earnings. As a result of the current market issues, the Company has invested its surplus cash solely in U.S. Treasury securities.

The Company believes that based on the Company’s current cash, cash equivalents and investment securities, the current lack of liquidity affecting a significant portion of its portfolio of ARS will not have a material impact on the Company’s liquidity necessary for day-to-day operations or its ability to fund its operations. However, such illiquidity is affecting the Company’s ability to make capital investments or expand its operations.

 

Film and Television Costs – The Company accounts for its film and television costs pursuant to American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (“AICPA”) Statement of Position No. 00-2, Accounting by Producers or Distributors of Films. The cost of production for television programming, including overhead, participations and talent residuals is capitalized and amortized using the individual-film-forecast method under which such costs are amortized for each television program in the ratio that revenue earned in the current period for such program bears to management’s estimate of the ultimate revenues to be realized from all media and markets for such program. Management regularly reviews, and revises when necessary, its ultimate revenue estimates on a title-by-title basis, which may result in a change in the rate of amortization applicable to such title and/or a write-down of the value of such title to estimated fair value. These revisions can result in significant quarter-to-quarter and year-to-year fluctuations in film write-downs and rates of amortization. If a total net loss is projected for a particular title, the associated film and television costs are written down to estimated fair value. All exploitation costs, including advertising and marketing costs are expensed as incurred. Television adaptation and production costs that are adapted and/or produced are stated at the lower of cost, less accumulated amortization, or fair value.

 

Translation of Foreign Currency – In accordance with SFAS No. 130, Reporting Comprehensive Income (“SFAS No. 130”), the Company classifies items of other comprehensive income by their nature in the financial statements and displays the accumulated balance of other comprehensive income separately from retained earnings and additional paid-in capital in the equity section of the consolidated balance sheet. The assets and liabilities of the Company’s foreign subsidiary, 4Kids International have been recorded in their local currency and translated to U.S. dollars using period-end exchange rates. Income and expense items have been translated at the average rate of exchange prevailing during the period. Any adjustment resulting from translating the financial statements of the foreign subsidiary is reflected as “other comprehensive income”, net of related tax. Comprehensive loss for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 was $7,368 and $22,950, respectively, which included translation adjustments of $18 and $22 for the respective periods. Comprehensive loss for the three and six months ended June 30, 2007 was $2,084 and $2,256, respectively, which included translation adjustments of $129 and $162 for the respective periods.

 

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements In November 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141R, Business Combinations (“SFAS No. 141R”), which continues to require that all business combinations be accounted for by applying the acquisition method. Under the acquisition method, the acquirer recognizes and measures the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any contingent consideration and contractual contingencies, as a whole, at their fair value as of the acquisition date. Under SFAS No. 141R, all transaction costs are expensed as incurred. SFAS No. 141R rescinds EITF Issue No. 93-7 (“EITF 93-7). Under EITF 93-7, the effect of any subsequent adjustments to uncertain tax positions were generally applied to goodwill, except for post-acquisition interest on uncertain tax positions, which was recognized as an adjustment to income tax expense. Under SFAS No. 141R, all subsequent adjustments to these uncertain tax positions that otherwise would have impacted goodwill will be recognized in the income statement. SFAS No. 141R will be applied prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning after December 15, 2008.

 

In November 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, Accounting and Reporting of Noncontrolling Interest (“SFAS No. 160”). SFAS No. 160 requires that a noncontrolling interest (previously referred to as a minority interest) be separately reported in the equity section of the consolidated entity’s balance sheet. SFAS No. 160 also established accounting and reporting standards for: (i) ownership interests in subsidiaries held by parties other than the parent, (ii) the amount of consolidated net income attributable to the parent and to the noncontrolling interest, (iii) changes in a parent’s ownership interest and (iv) the valuation of retained noncontrolling equity investments when a subsidiary is deconsolidated. SFAS No.

 

10

 


160 is effective for us beginning January 1, 2009. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of SFAS No. 160 will have on its consolidated financial position and results of operations.

 

In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161 (“SFAS 161”), Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities—an amendment of FASB Statement No.133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (“SFAS No. 133”). SFAS No. 161 requires companies to provide enhanced disclosures regarding derivative instruments and hedging activities in order to better convey the purpose of derivative use in terms of risk management. Disclosures about (i) how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, (ii) how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for under SFAS No. 133 and its related interpretations, and (iii) how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect a company's financial position, financial performance, and cash flows, are required. This Statement retains the same scope as SFAS No. 133 and is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008. The Company is currently evaluating the impact, if any, that the adoption of SFAS No. 161 will have on its consolidated financial position and results of operations.

 

In May 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 162, The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, (“SFAS No. 162”). SFAS No. 162 sets forth the sources of accounting principles and the framework, or hierarchy, for selecting principles to be used in financial statement preparation. Prior to the issuance of SFAS No. 162, the GAAP hierarchy was defined in the AICPA Statement on Auditing Standards No. 69, The Meaning of Present Fairly in Conformity With Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. SFAS No. 162 will be effective 60 days following the approval by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board amendments to AU Section 411, The Meaning of Present Fairly in Conformity With Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. The Company is currently evaluating the impact, if any, that the adoption of SFAS No. 162 will have on its consolidated financial position and results of operations.

 

In December 2007, the FASB ratified EITF Issue No. 07-1, Accounting for Collaborative Arrangements Related to the Development and Commercialization of Intellectual Property. The EITF concluded that a collaborative arrangement is one in which the participants are actively involved and are exposed to significant risks and rewards that depend on the ultimate commercial success of the endeavor. Revenues and costs incurred with third parties in connection with collaborative arrangements would be presented gross or net based on the criteria in EITF Issue No. 99-19, Reporting Revenue Gross as a Principal versus Net as an Agent, and other accounting literature. Payments to or from collaborators would be evaluated and presented based on the nature of the arrangement and its terms, the nature of the entity’s business, and whether those payments are within the scope of other accounting literature. The nature and purpose of collaborative arrangements are to be disclosed along with the accounting policies and the classification and amounts of significant financial statement amounts related to the arrangements. Activities in the arrangement conducted in a separate legal entity should be accounted for under other accounting literature; however required disclosure under EITF 07-1 applies to the entire collaborative agreement. This Issue is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, and is to be applied retrospectively to all periods presented for all collaborative arrangements existing as of the effective date. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that this pronouncement may have on its consolidated financial position and results of operations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11

 


3. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

 

The carrying values and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments for the periods presented are as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

Estimated Fair Value Measurements

 

  

Carrying Value

  

Quoted

Prices in

Active

Markets

(Level 1)

  

Significant

Other

Observable

Inputs

(Level 2)

  

Significant

Unobservable

Inputs

(Level 3)

 

June 30, 2008:

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Financial Assets

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

  

$

36,315

  

$

36,315

  

$

  

$

— 

 

Auction rate securities

 

 

19,746

 

 

 

 

 

 

19,746

 

Total short-term investments

 

$

56,061

 

$

36,315

 

$

 

 

19,746

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Auction rate securities

 

$

17,100

 

$

 

$

 

$

17,100

 

Total long-term investments

 

$

17,100

 

$

 

$

 

$

17,100

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Financial Assets

  

$

73,161

  

$

36,315

  

$

  

$

36,846

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

December 31, 2007:

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Financial Assets

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

  

$

24,872

  

$

24,872

  

$

  

$

 

Auction rate securities

 

 

31,170

 

 

 

 

 

 

31,170

 

Corporate obligations

 

 

4,936

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,936

 

Total short-term investments

 

$

60,978

 

$

24,872

 

$

 

$

36,106

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Auction rate securities

 

$

26,806

 

$

 

$

 

$

26,806

 

Corporate obligations

 

 

5,000

 

 

5,000

 

 

 

 

 

Total long-term investments

 

$

31,806

 

$

5,000

 

$

 

$

26,806

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Financial Assets

  

$

92,784

  

$

29,872

  

$

  

$

62,912

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

Level 1- The Company’s Level 1 assets consist of cash, U.S. Treasury securities with original maturities of three months or less and Corporate obligations.

 

Level 2 - At June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, the Company had no investments which were considered to be Level 2 assets.

 

Level 3 – The Company’s Level 3 assets consist of the Company’s investment in ARS. The recent uncertainties in the credit markets have prevented the Company and other investors from liquidating their holdings of ARS in auctions for these securities during the six months ended June 30, 2008, because the amount of securities submitted for sale has exceeded the amount of purchase orders.

 

The carrying value of the Company’s investments in ARS as of June 30, 2008 represents the Company’s best estimate of the fair value of these investments based on currently available information. The estimation process included consideration of such factors as issuer and insurer credit rating, comparable market data, if available, the credit quality of the ARS, the rate of interest received since the date the auctions began, yields of securities similar to the underlying ARS and input from broker-dealers. Due to the uncertainty in the credit markets, it is reasonably possible the fair value of these investments may change in the near term. If the issuers are unable to successfully close future auctions and their credit ratings deteriorate, the Company may be required to further adjust the carrying value of its investment in ARS through additional devaluations.

 

 

 

12

 


The table below provides a summary of changes in fair value for the Company’s Level 3 investments:

 

 

 

June 30, 2008

 

 

Amortized Cost

 

Unrealized Loss

 

Estimated

Fair Value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Auction-Rate securities

 

 

$21,530

 

$ (1,784

)

 

$19,746

Total short-term investments

 

 

$21,530

 

$ (1,784

)

 

$19,746

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Auction-Rate securities – long-term

 

 

$30,350

 

$(13,250

)

 

$17,100

Total long-term investments

 

 

$30,350

 

$(13,250

)

 

$17,100

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2007

 

 

Amortized Cost

 

Unrealized Loss

 

Estimated

Fair Value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Auction-Rate securities

 

 

$31,555

 

$ (385

)

 

$31,170

Corporate obligations

 

 

5,000

 

(64

)

 

4,936

Total short-term investments

 

 

$36,555

 

$ (449

)

 

$36,106

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Auction-Rate securities – long-term

 

 

$30,350

 

$(3,544

)

 

$26,806

Corporate obligations

 

 

5,000

 

 

 

5,000

Total long-term investments

 

 

$35,350

 

$(3,544

)

 

$31,806

 

The following table presents additional information about assets measured at fair value using Level 3 inputs for the six months ended June 30, 2008. 

 

 

 

 

Short-Term

 

Long-Term

 

 

 

 

 

Auction Rate Securities

 

 

Corporate Bonds

 

 

Auction Rate Securities

 

 

Total

 

 

Balance as of January 1, 2008

 

$

31,170

 

$

4,936

 

$

26,806

 

$

62,912

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized (loss) gain

 

 

(1,399

)

 

64

 

 

(9,706

)

 

(11,041

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases, sales or settlements

 

 

(10,025

)

 

(5,000

)

 

 

 

(15,025

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance as of June 30, 2008

 

$

19,746

 

$

 

$

17,100

 

$

36,846

 

 

 

4. STOCK-BASED EMPLOYEE COMPENSATION

 

The Company has stock-based compensation plans for employees and non-employee members of the Board of Directors. The plans provide for discretionary grants of stock options, shares of restricted stock, and other stock-based awards. The plans are administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors, consisting of non-employee directors.

 

Effective January 1, 2006, the Company adopted SFAS No. 123-R (revised 2004), Share-Based Payments, utilizing the modified prospective method whereby prior periods are not restated for comparability. SFAS 123-R requires recognition of stock-based compensation expense in the statement of operations over the vesting period based on the fair value of the award at the grant date. Previously, the Company used the intrinsic value method under APB No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to

 

13

 


Employees (‘‘APB No. 25’’), as amended by related interpretations of the FASB. Under APB No. 25, no compensation cost was recognized for stock options because the quoted market price of the stock at the grant date was equal to the amount per share the employee had to pay to acquire the stock after fulfilling the vesting period. SFAS 123-R supersedes APB No. 25 as well as SFAS 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, which permitted pro forma footnote disclosures to report the difference between the fair value method and the intrinsic value method. The Company did not grant any stock options during the six months ended June 30, 2008 and at January 1, 2006, all of the Company’s outstanding options were fully vested. Consequently, the adoption of this pronouncement did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

 

The following table summarizes activity under our stock option plans for the six months ended June 30, 2008:

 

 

 

Shares

(In thousands)

 

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

 

Remaining

Contractual

Life

(in years)

 

Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value

 

Outstanding at beginning of period

 

 

1,715

 

$

18.43

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Grants

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercised

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forfeited

 

 

(327

)

 

12.54

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding at end of period

 

 

1,388

 

$

19.82

 

 

1.65

 

$

323

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercisable at end of period

 

 

1,388

 

$

19.82

 

 

1.65

 

$

323

 

 

The aggregate intrinsic value is calculated as the difference between the exercise price of the underlying awards and the quoted price of our common stock for those awards that have an exercise price currently below the closing price. As of June 30, 2008, there were options outstanding to purchase an aggregate of approximately 75,000 shares with an exercise price below the quoted price of our stock, resulting in an aggregate intrinsic value of $323. During the six months ended June 30, 2008, no options were exercised under our stock option plans. During the six months ended June 30, 2007, the aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised under our stock option plans was $8, determined as of the date of exercise.

 

Restricted Stock Awards

 

The Company granted restricted stock awards of approximately 311,000 shares on May 23, 2008 under its 2007 long-term incentive compensation plan (“LTICP”), 162,000 shares on May 25, 2007 under its 2006 LTICP and 145,000 and 4,000 shares on May 23, 2006 and June 15, 2006, respectively, under its 2005 LTICP. The restricted stock awards were granted to certain employees, including officers and members of the Board of Directors, at grant prices of $7.85, $16.79, $16.52 and $15.78 (in each case, the average of the high and low stock price from the previous day of trading) for the May 23, 2008, May 25, 2007, the May 23, 2006 and the June 15, 2006 grants, respectively. The restricted stock awards vest annually over a period of three years from the date of grant for the awards made under the 2007 LTICP and over a period of four years for the awards made under the 2006 and 2005 LTICPs, with accelerated vesting upon a change of control of the Company (as defined in the applicable plan). During the restriction period, award holders do not have the rights of stockholders and cannot transfer ownership. Additionally, nonvested shares of award holders are subject to forfeiture. These awards are forfeited and revert to the Company in the event of employment termination, except in the case of death, disability, retirement or other specified events.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

14

 


A summary of restricted stock award activity under the Company’s LTICPs as of June 30, 2008 and changes during the six months then ended is presented as follows:

 

 

 

Number of Shares

(in thousands)

 

Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value

 

Outstanding at January 1, 2008

 

 

254

 

$

16.68

 

Granted

 

 

311

 

 

7.85

 

Vested

 

 

(71

)

 

16.65

 

Forfeited

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding at June 30, 2008

 

 

494

 

$

11.12

 

 

The Company recognized $680 and $344 of compensation costs related to the LTICPs during the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Additionally, as of June 30, 2008, there was approximately $2,357, $1,905 and $1,021 of unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted stock awards granted under the Company’s 2007, 2006 and 2005 LTICPs, respectively. The cost is expected to be recognized over a remaining weighted-average period of 2.9, 2.9 and 1.9 years under the 2007, 2006 and 2005 LTICPs, respectively. There were approximately 39,000 and 32,000 shares of restricted stock that vested during the six months ended June 30, 2008 related to the 2006 and 2005 LTICPs, respectively.

 

Availability for Future Issuance - As of June 30, 2008, (i) options to purchase approximately 1,184,000 shares of the Company’s common stock were available for future issuance under the Company’s stock option plans and (ii) options to purchase a maximum of approximately 923,000 shares of the Company’s common stock were available for future issuance under the Company’s LTICPs, reduced by four shares for each share of restricted stock awarded under the 2006 and 2005 LTICPs, under which an aggregate of 45,000 shares of the 923,000 total shares were available for issuance as options, and reduced by two shares for each share of restricted stock awarded under the 2008 and 2007 LTICPs, under which an aggregate of 878,000 of the 923,000 total shares were available for issuance as options. Additionally, approximately 9,309 and 15,367 shares of restricted stock under the 2006 and 2005 LTICPs, respectively, were repurchased and held by the Company as treasury stock to discharge withholding tax obligations upon the vesting of certain employees’ restricted shares.

 

5. DEFERRED REVENUE

 

Music - In July 2002, 4Kids Music granted a right to receive a 50% interest in the Company’s net share of music revenues from currently existing music produced by the Company for television programs produced by the Company other than “Pokémon” (“Current Music Assets”) to an unaffiliated third party in an arms length transaction for $3,000. Further, the Company agreed to grant a right to receive a 50% interest in the Company’s net share of music revenues from future music to be produced by the Company for its television programs (excluding “Pokémon”) (“Future Music Assets”) to the same third party for $2,000. In consideration of the grant of Future Music Assets, the Company received $750 in June 2003, $750 in June 2004 and $500 in June 2005.

 

The Company has deferred all amounts received under the contract, and recognizes revenue as the Current Music Assets and Future Music Assets generate revenue over the contract term. The Company expects and continues to produce additional new music which, based on the success of the administrative service, continues to supply the unaffiliated third party with this content. Since the Company continues to deliver more than the amount of music required to be delivered under the Music Agreement, there is no way to appropriately record the fair value of the future amounts to be delivered. Based on EITF 00-21, the Company’s inability to fair value the future portion of the music deliverables results in the entire amount recorded as deferred revenue. The most appropriate and systematic method of accounting for this revenue relating to the deferred portion would be to reduce this deferred amount dollar for dollar based on the actual music earnings of the Company. Pursuant to the above, the Company recognized revenues of $179 and $269 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008, respectively, and $97 and $171 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2007, respectively. The Company has included $1,725 and $1,994 as deferred revenue on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively.

 

Home Video - At various dates since May 2002, 4Kids Home Video entered into various agreements with an unaffiliated third party home video distributor (the “Video Distributor”) pursuant to which 4Kids Home Video provides ongoing advertising, marketing and promotional services with respect to certain home video titles that are owned or controlled by the Company and which are distributed by the Video Distributor. The Video Distributor has paid the Company cumulative advances of $4,119 against 4Kids Home Video’s share of the distribution and service fee proceeds to be realized by 4Kids

 

15

 


Home Video from such titles. Pursuant to the above, the Company recognized revenue of $17 and $188 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008, respectively, and $69 and $105 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2007, respectively. The Company has included $231 and $419 as deferred revenue on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively.

 

Other Agreements - In addition, the Company entered into other agreements for various Properties and advertising time on 4Kids TV in which the Company has received certain advances and/or minimum guarantees. As of June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, the unearned portion of these advances and guaranteed payments was $672 and $571, respectively, and is included in deferred revenue on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

 

6. INCOME TAXES

 

The (provision for) benefit from income taxes consisted of the following:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Six Months Ended

 

 

 

June 30,

 

June 30,

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

2008

 

2007

 

Current

 

$

3,853

 

$

1,199

 

$

6,205

 

$

2,140

 

Deferred

 

 

(1,049

)

 

399

 

 

(1,119

)

 

135

 

 

 

$

2,804

 

$

1,598

 

$

5,086

 

$

2,275

 

Less: Valuation allowance

 

 

(2,776

)

 

 

 

(5,086

)

 

 

Total

 

$

28

 

$

1,598

 

$

 

$

2,275

 

 

The Company adopted the provisions of FIN 48, effective January 1, 2007. FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements in accordance with SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes (“SFAS No. 109”). FIN 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. FIN 48 also provides guidance on the derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. The adoption of this interpretation did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

 

The Company and its consolidated subsidiaries file income tax returns in the United States and in the United Kingdom. The Company is no longer subject to examinations by income tax authorities in most jurisdictions for years prior to 2003.

 

7. EARNINGS PER SHARE

 

The Company applies SFAS No. 128, Earnings per Share, which requires the computation and presentation of earnings per share (“EPS”) to include basic and diluted EPS. Basic EPS is computed based solely on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS reflects all potential dilution of common stock. The following table reconciles Basic EPS with Diluted EPS for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

Six Months Ended

 

June 30, 2008

 

Net Loss

 

Weighted Average Shares

 

Per Share

 

 

Net Loss

 

Weighted Average Shares

 

Per Share

 

Basic loss per share –Loss available to common shareholders

$

(5,532

)

13,119,718

 

$  (0.42

)

$

(11,931

)

13,172,738

 

$  (0.91

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effect dilutive security – Stock options

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted loss per share

$

(5,532

)

13,119,718

 

$  (0.42

)

$

(11,931

)

13,172,738

 

$  (0.91

)

 

 

 

 

 

16

 


 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

Six Months Ended

 

June 30, 2007

 

Net Loss

 

Weighted Average Shares

 

Per Share

 

 

Net Loss

 

Weighted Average Shares

 

Per Share

 

Basic loss per share –Loss available to common shareholders

$

(2,213

)

13,195,054

 

$  (0.17

)

$

(2,418

)

13,189,199

 

$  (0.18

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effect dilutive security – Stock options

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted loss per share

$

(2,213

)

13,195,054

 

$  (0.17

)

$

(2,418

)

13,189,199

 

$  (0.18

)

 

For the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, 1,313,500, and 1,236,250 shares, respectively, attributable to the exercise of outstanding options, were excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS because the effect was antidilutive.

 

8. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

On April 24, 2008, the Company commenced an action in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of New York against Fox Broadcasting Company ("Fox") seeking declaratory relief and damages from Fox pursuant to the agreement dated as of January 18, 2002, as amended, between the Company and Fox (the "Fox Agreement"). Under the terms of the Fox Agreement, during each broadcast season, Fox is required to broadcast the 4Kids programming block on Saturday morning between the hours of 8am and 12pm in the Eastern and Pacific Time zones and between the hours of 7am and 11am in the Central and Mountain Time zones on stations broadcasting to, on average, at least 90% of United States television households ("Minimum Average Clearance"). Under the terms of the Fox Agreement if, in any broadcast season, the 4Kids programming block has not achieved the Minimum Average Clearance, the Company is entitled to a reduction in the time buy fee payable under the Fox Agreement determined in accordance with a formula set forth in the Fox Agreement. If there are additional payments due from the Company to Fox under the Fox Agreement, the Company is entitled to set off the amount of the reduction in the time buy fee against future payments otherwise due Fox from the Company; if such future payments due from the Company to Fox are insufficient to provide the Company with the full amount of the reduction in the time buy fee resulting from Fox's failure to maintain the required Minimum Average Clearance, the Company is entitled to a refund from Fox.

 

As a result of Fox's alleged failure to maintain the required Minimum Average Clearance during past broadcast seasons, the Company exercised its set off right in the Fox Agreement and did not pay Fox the $5 million installment of the time buy fee that was due on April 1, 2008. Since Fox disputed whether the Company was entitled to a reduced time buy fee, the Company brought this action seeking a declaratory judgment from the court confirming its set off right. The Company also asserted a separate claim for damages against Fox alleging that, as a result of Fox's failure to achieve the Minimum Average Clearance for past broadcast seasons and its failure to broadcast 4Kids' programming within the Saturday morning block, the Company sustained damages resulting from, among other things, lost advertising and merchandising revenue.

 

On May 27, 2008, Fox removed the case from state court to federal court (the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York). On June 3, 2008, Fox filed its answer to the complaint and asserted counterclaims against the Company alleging that the Company's failure to pay the $5 million installment of the time buy fee otherwise scheduled to be paid on April 1, 2008 was a breach of contract and that the Company's alleged statement to Fox that the Company would not pay the $5 million installment of the time buy fee that was scheduled to be paid on July 1, 2008 constituted a breach of the Fox Agreement by anticipatory repudiation. On July 16, 2008, the Company filed its reply to Fox's counterclaims. In view of the set off right against future installments of the time buy fee specifically provided for in the Fox Agreement in the event that Fox fails to maintain the Minimum Average Clearance, the Company believes that it has meritorious defenses to the Fox counterclaims.

 

The Company, from time to time, is involved in litigation arising in the ordinary course of its business. The Company does not believe that such litigation to which the Company or any subsidiary of the Company is a party or of which any of their Properties is the subject will, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse affect on the Company’s financial position or the results of its operations.

 

17

 


9. RELATED PARTY

 

National Law Enforcement and Firefighters Children’s Foundation - The Company’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer is the founder and President of The National Law Enforcement and Firefighters Children’s Foundation (the “Foundation”). The Foundation is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to helping the children of law enforcement and firefighting personnel and working with law enforcement and firefighting organizations to provide all children with valuable social and life skill programs. The Company contributed approximately $30 and $61 to the Foundation for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008, respectively, and $30 and $60 to the Foundation for the three and six months ended June 30, 2007, respectively.

 

Chaotic USA Entertainment Group, Inc. (“CUSA”) - On December 11, 2006, 4Kids Digital and CUSA LLC, entered into the TCD Agreement with respect to the operation of TC Digital as a joint venture, with 4Kids Digital owning 53% of TC Digital’s membership interests and CUSA LLC owning 47% of TC Digital’s membership interests. On December 18, 2007, 4Kids Digital purchased an additional 2% membership interest in TC Digital from CUSA LLC increasing 4Kids Digital’s ownership percentage to 55%. TC Digital is treated as a consolidated subsidiary of the Company as a result of its majority ownership in TC Digital and its right to break any dead-locks within the TC Digital Management Committee. Bryan Gannon (“Gannon”), President and Chief Executive Officer of CUSA and John Milito (“Milito”), Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of CUSA, each own an interest of approximately 32% in CUSA. Additionally, on December 11, 2006, Gannon and Milito became officers of TC Digital.

 

As of June 30, 2008, the Company has entered into the following transactions with CUSA and CUSA LLC, or parties related to Gannon and Milito that are summarized below:

 

°

Employment Agreements – On December 11, 2006, TC Digital entered into employment agreements through December 31, 2009, with Bryan Gannon, to serve as its President and Chief Executive Officer and John Milito, to serve as its Executive Vice President. Under the terms of the employment agreements, each of Gannon and Milito will receive an annual base salary of $350 and are eligible to receive additional bonuses at the sole discretion of TC Digital’s Management Committee, on which they serve with minority voting rights. Gannon and Milito are each entitled to receive a minimum bonus of $200 in 2008 if TC Digital attains 60% of the projected revenues for the year, approved by TC Digital’s Management Committee. As of June 30, 2008, no bonus had been earned with respect to 2008 under the employment agreements since the bonus is based on annual targets.

 

°

Chaotic Property Representation Agreement – On December 11, 2006, 4Kids Licensing, CUSA and Apex Marketing, Inc. (“Apex”), a corporation in which Gannon holds 60% of the outstanding capital stock and Milito owns 39% of the outstanding capital stock, entered into an amended and restated Chaotic Property Representation Agreement (“CPRA”) replacing the original Chaotic property representation agreement entered into by the parties in April 2005. Under the terms of the CPRA, 4Kids Licensing is granted exclusive television broadcast and production, merchandising licensing, and home video rights to the “Chaotic” Property worldwide in perpetuity, subject to certain limited exceptions. Under the terms of the CPRA, all “Chaotic” related income less approved merchandising and other expenses shall be distributed 50% to the Company and 50% to CUSA and Apex, excluding trading card royalties which are distributed 55% to 4Kids Digital and 45% to CUSA. Additionally, all approved production expenses for television episodes based on the “Chaotic” property are allocated 50% to 4Kids Licensing and 50% to CUSA and Apex. As of June 30, 2008, there were approximately $5,417 of production and merchandising expenses owed to 4Kids Licensing by CUSA and Apex, collectively.

 

°

Patent License Agreements – On December 11, 2006, TC Digital and TC Websites each entered into an agreement (the “Patent License Agreements”) with Cornerstone Patent Technologies, LLC (“Cornerstone”), a limited liability company, in which Gannon and Milito each hold a 25% membership interest. Pursuant to the Patent License Agreements, TC Digital and TC Websites obtained exclusive licenses (subject to certain exceptions) to use certain patent rights in connection with “Chaotic” and other trading card games which are uploaded to websites owned and operated by each such entity. Additionally, each of TC Digital and TC Websites agreed to pay Cornerstone a royalty of 1.5% of the Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price for the sale of trading cards, which amounted to $135 for each such entity for the three months ended June 30, 2008, and $199 for each such entity for the six months ended June 30, 2008. On September 10, 2007, the Company purchased a 25% interest in such patents from Cornerstone for $750. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2008, the Company earned royalties of $90 and $132, respectively, related to its portion of the patents relating to the sales of “Chaotic” trading cards which is eliminated in the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

18

 


 

°

TCD Agreement – Under the terms of the TCD Agreement, TC Digital is obligated to pay the following fees and/or royalties to: (i) 4Kids Digital equal to 3% of TC Digital’s gross revenues up to $350 per year for management services performed; (ii) 4Kids Digital and CUSA equal to 3% of net sales of each pack of trading cards sold; and (iii) the Company equal to (x) 10% of the net sales of “Chaotic” trading cards and (y) an additional 1% of net sales of “Chaotic” trading cards above $50 million during a calendar year. The Company acquired its rights to receive royalties of 10% in respect to net sales of “Chaotic” trading cards under the TCD Agreement through purchases from Dracco Company Ltd. (“Dracco”) of a 5% royalty stream on October 17, 2007, a 1% royalty stream, previously allocated to CUSA from Dracco, on December 18, 2007, a 4% royalty stream on March 17, 2008 in exchange for one-time payments of $2,250, $450 and $1,100, respectively. The consideration for the purchase of the 1% royalty stream for $450 was satisfied through the settlement of certain capital contributions required to be made by CUSA to TC Websites under the TCW Agreement. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2008, the Company earned royalties of $526 and $812, respectively, and CUSA earned royalties of $158 and $234, respectively, relating to the sales of “Chaotic” trading cards under the TCD agreement, respectively. The Company’s portion of royalties and its management fee were eliminated in its consolidated financial statements.

 

4Kids Digital is required under the terms of the TCD Agreement and the related loan and line of credit agreements to provide loans to TC Digital from time to time in an aggregate amount up to $8,000 with a maturity date of December 31, 2010 and an interest rate of 12%. Any transaction resulting in the sale of more than 50% of TC Digital’s membership interests or in the sale of all or substantially all of TC Digital’s assets occurring while there is no debt owed from TC Digital to 4Kids Digital under the loan and line of credit or occurring prior to August 31, 2009 requires the consent of members of TC Digital holding two-thirds of its membership interests (as opposed to a majority of its membership interests).

 

°

Chaotic Merchandise License Agreement – On December 11, 2006, 4Kids Licensing, CUSA and TC Digital entered into a merchandise licensing agreement pursuant to which 4Kids Licensing and CUSA granted TC Digital exclusive rights to manufacture, produce and license “Chaotic” trading cards and related accessories through December 31, 2016. Under the terms of the agreement, TC Digital is obligated to pay a royalty on trading cards and all related accessories equal to (i) 4% of net sales to 4Kids Licensing while any amounts are outstanding to 4Kids Digital under the loan agreement or line of credit agreement or (ii) 8% of net sales of such cards and accessories, 55% of which will be paid to 4Kids Licensing and 45% of which will be paid to CUSA. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2008, no royalties had been earned under this agreement.

 

°

Operating Agreement of TC Websites LLC – On December 11, 2006, 4Kids Websites entered into the TCW agreement with CUSA to purchase a 50% membership interest in TC Websites, which was amended on December 18, 2007 in connection with 4Kids Websites’ acquisition of an additional 5% ownership interest in TC Websites. Under the terms of the TCW Agreement, TC Websites is obligated to pay fees to: (i) 4Kids Websites equal to 3% of gross revenues of TC Websites with a minimum fee of $100 and a maximum fee of $200 per year for management services; (ii) Gannon equal to $100 for services as a senior executive; and (iii) Milito equal to $100 for services as a senior executive. Each member of TC Websites is obligated to make capital contributions on a pro-rata basis to the extent determined by its Management Committee to be necessary to fund the operation of the Website. Any transaction resulting in the sale of more than 50% of TC Websites’ membership interests or in the sale of all or substantially all of TC Digital’s assets requires the consent of members of TC Websites holding two-thirds of its membership interests (as opposed to a majority of its membership interests).

 

°

Right of First Negotiation Agreement On December 11, 2006, the Company entered into a letter agreement with TC Digital providing TC Digital with a right of first negotiation for the license of trading card rights represented by the Company as merchandise licensing agent for any third party property and for any property developed and wholly owned by the Company, through December 31, 2009, subject to the terms of the Company’s obligations to third parties and to other limitations. If the Company and TC Digital are unable to reach an agreement with respect to trading card rights within a specified period, the Company will be free to license such trading card rights to third parties on terms no less favorable to the Company as the last offer made to TC Digital during such negotiations.

 

10. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

a.   Broadcast Agreements - In January 2002, the Company entered into a multi-year agreement with Fox to lease Fox’s Saturday morning programming block (“4Kids TV”) which airs principally on Saturday mornings from 8am to 12pm eastern/pacific time (7am to 11am central time). The Company provides substantially all programming content to be broadcast on 4Kids TV and retains all of the revenue from network advertising sales

 

19

 


for the four-hour time period. 4Kids Ad Sales manages and accounts for the ad revenue and costs associated with 4Kids TV. The broadcast fee for the 2007-2008 broadcast season is $20,000 payable in quarterly installments of $5,000 commencing in October 2007. Fox has exercised its option to extend this agreement through its 2008-2009 broadcast season under the same terms and conditions as in effect for the 2007-2008 broadcast season.

 

The costs of 4Kids TV are capitalized and amortized over each broadcast year based on estimated advertising revenue for the related broadcast year. The Company recorded amortization expenses of $3,906 and $9,109 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008, respectively, and $3,825 and $8,244 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2007, respectively. During the six months ended June 30, 2008, the Company paid Fox and certain Fox affiliates $5,505, attributable to the 2007-2008 broadcast season fees and during calendar year 2007, the Company paid Fox and certain Fox affiliates $15,525 and $5,263, attributable to the 2006-2007 and 2007-2008 broadcast seasons fees, respectively.

 

As of June 30, 2008, the remaining minimum guaranteed payment obligations under the 4Kids TV Broadcast Agreement are as follows:

 

Year Ending

December 31,

 

Amount

 

2008

$

15,000

 

2009

 

15,000

 

Total

$

30,000

 

 

The minimum guaranteed payment obligation listed above for 2008 includes a payment of $5,000 in respect of the 2007-2008 broadcast season’s fees that was due on April 1, 2008, but was not made by the Company in connection with the Company’s exercise of its set-off rights thereunder further described in Note 8, “Legal Proceedings”. The Company has also not made a payment of $5,000 in respect of the 2007-2008 broadcast season’s fees that was due on July 1, 2008 in connection with its exercise of such set-off rights. The $5,000 time buy fee due on April 1, 2008 has been fully accrued in the Company’s financial statements. Additionally, the Company believes that it has no financial exposure related to this exercise of such set-off rights since the Company has no prepaid assets related to the Fox Agreement on its financial statements as of June 30, 2008.

 

On October 1, 2007, the Company and The CW entered into the CW Agreement, under which The CW granted to the Company the exclusive right to program The CW's Saturday morning children's programming block that is broadcast in most markets between 7am and 12pm for an initial term of five years beginning with The CW's 2008-2009 broadcast season.

Under the CW Agreement, the Company is obligated to make quarterly minimum guaranteed payments which are subject to reduction under certain circumstances. The Company and The CW will share advertising revenues earned from the sale of national commercial time during The CW Kids Block with The CW's share to be applied against such quarterly guarantee payments. In addition, The CW will be entitled under the CW Agreement to participate in the Company's merchandising revenue from certain content broadcast on The CW Kids Block if such merchandising revenues exceed a certain annual minimum.

As of June 30, 2008, the minimum guaranteed payment obligations under the CW Agreement are as follows:

Year Ending

December 31,

 

Amount

 

2008

$

6,750

 

2009

 

15,000

 

2010

 

15,000

 

2011

 

15,000

 

2012

 

15,000

 

2013

 

8,250

 

Total

$

75,000

 

 

The Company’s ability to recover the cost of its fee payable to Fox and the minimum guarantee due to The CW will depend among other matters (see Note 8, Legal Proceedings) on the popularity of the television programs which are broadcast on 4Kids TV and The CW Kids Block and the general market demand and pricing of

 

20

 


advertising time for Saturday morning children’s broadcast television. The popularity of such programs, broadcast on 4Kids TV and beginning in September 2008 on The CW Kids Block, impacts audience levels and the level of the network advertising rates that the Company can charge. Additionally, the success of the merchandise licensing programs and home video sales based on such television programs broadcast on 4Kids TV and The CW Kids Block is dependent on consumer acceptance of such television programs. If the Company estimates that it will be unable to generate sufficient future revenue from advertising sales, home video sales and merchandising licensing at levels to cover the cost of its contractual obligation to Fox and/or The CW, the Company would record a charge to earnings to reflect an expected loss on the Fox and/or The CW agreements in the period in which the factors negatively affecting the recoverability of the fee payable become known. The Company will be required to make certain assumptions and estimates about future events such as advertising rates and audience viewing levels in evaluating its ability to recover the cost of the broadcast fees. Such estimates and assumptions are subject to market forces and factors beyond the control of the Company and are inherently subject to change. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to recover the full cost of the broadcast fees and in the event it cannot, it would record the resulting charge to earnings to reflect an expected loss on the broadcast fee, which could be significant.

 

In addition to the broadcast fee paid to Fox and minimum guarantee to be paid to The CW, commencing with the 2008-2009 broadcast season, the Company incurs additional costs to program each broadcast block and sell the related network advertising time. These costs include direct programming costs to acquire, adapt and deliver programming for the broadcast during the weekly broadcast blocks, as well as additional indirect expenses of advertising sales, promotion and administration.

 

b.  Contractual Arrangements - During the normal course of business, the Company may enter into various agreements with third parties to license, acquire, distribute, broadcast, develop and/or promote Properties. The terms of these agreements will vary based on the services and/or Properties included within the agreement, as well as, geographic restrictions, duration, property and exploitation condition and results of operation.

 

c.   Stock Purchases - On December 4, 2007, the Company announced that the Board of Directors authorized the Company to purchase up to 1,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock from time to time through December 31, 2008 in the open market or through negotiated prices. The Company purchased 235,484 shares at an average price of $11.65 per share for the six months ended June 30, 2008 under this authorization. As of August 8, 2008, no shares of the Company’s common stock were subsequently purchased by the Company under this authorization.

 

11. MINORITY INTEREST

 

a) TC Digital Games LLC - On December 11, 2006, 4Kids Digital and CUSA LLC entered into the TCD Agreement with respect to the operation of TC Digital as a joint venture, with 4Kids Digital owning 53% of TC Digital’s membership interests and CUSA LLC owning 47% of TC Digital’s membership interests. On December 18, 2007, 4Kids Digital purchased an additional 2% membership interest in TC Digital from CUSA for approximately $200, increasing 4Kids Digital’s ownership percentage to 55%. The consideration for the purchase of this additional membership interest was paid through the settlement of capital contributions required to be made by CUSA to TC Websites under the TCW Agreement. TC Digital is treated as a consolidated subsidiary of the Company as a result of its majority ownership and its right to break any dead-locks within the TC Digital Management Committee.

Minority interest of membership units in TC Digital represents the minority members’ proportionate share of the equity in the entity. Income is allocated to the membership units minority interest based on the ownership percentage throughout the year. At December 18, 2007, the minority members’ proportionate share of the equity in the entity decreased by 2% to 45% and at June 30, 2008, the minority member continued to hold 45% of the equity in the entity.

The following table summarizes the minority interest loss attributable to the minority equity interest in TC Digital:

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Six Months Ended

 

 

June 30,

 

June 30,

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

2008

 

2007

 

TC Digital net loss before common units minority interest

$

(758

)

$

(1,125

)

$

(3,153

)

$

(1,683

)

Minority interest percentage

 

45

%

 

47

%

 

45

%

 

47

%

Minority interest loss allocation

 

(341

)

 

(529

)

 

(1,419

)

 

(791

)

Less: Minority member capital contribution

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss in excess of minority interest absorbed by 4Kids Digital

$

(341

)

$

(529

)

$

(1,419

)

$

(791

)

 

21

 


 

The loss in excess of minority interest absorbed by 4Kids Digital in aggregate is $3,767 as of June 30, 2008.

 

b) TC Websites LLC - Under the terms of the TCW Agreement, 4Kids Websites and CUSA are each entitled to elect two managers to TC Websites’ Management Committee. On December 18, 2007, 4Kids Websites entered into an agreement with CUSA and TC Websites pursuant to which 4Kids acquired an additional 5% ownership interest in TC Websites from CUSA for approximately $650 and the TCW Agreement was amended to provide 4Kids Websites with the right to break any deadlocks on TC Websites' Management Committee with respect to operational matters. The consideration for the purchase of this additional membership interest was paid through the settlement of certain capital contributions required to be made by CUSA to TC Websites under the TCW Agreement.

 

While the Company maintained a 50% ownership interest in TC Websites and did not control, but had significant influence, over such entity, the Company’s investment in TC Websites was accounted for using the equity method. As permitted by Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51, Consolidated Financial Statements, due to the increased membership interest and the additional operational control, TC Websites’ financial statements are now included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 and for the year ended December 31, 2007 as though it has been acquired by the Company at the beginning of such year, and accordingly, revenues and expenses are included for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008.

 

At December 18, 2007, the minority members’ proportionate share of the equity in the entity decreased by 5% to 45%. The following table summarizes the minority interest loss attributable to the minority equity interest in TC Websites:

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Six Months Ended

 

 

June 30,

 

June 30,

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

2008

 

2007

 

TC Websites net loss before common units minority interest

$

(1,066

)

$

(242

)

$

(1,914

)

$

(427

)

Minority interest percentage

 

45

%

 

50

%

 

45

%

 

50

%

Minority interest loss allocation

 

(480

)

 

(121

)

 

(861

)

 

(214

)

Less: Minority member capital contribution

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss in excess of minority interest absorbed by 4Kids Websites

$

(480

)

$

(121

)

$

(861

)

$

(214

)

 

The loss in excess of minority interest absorbed by 4Kids Websites in aggregate is $3,317 as of June 30, 2008.

 

12. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

 

In June 2006, the Company announced that the business of its media buying subsidiary, Summit Media, would be terminated effective June 30, 2006. The results of discontinued operations for the media buying business had no effect on the Company’s results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, however, the accompanying consolidated financial statements have been reclassified separately to report the assets and liabilities.

 

The major classes of assets and liabilities of the discontinued operation in the balance sheet are as follows:

 

 

 

June 30,

 

December 31,

 

 

2008

 

2007

Prepaid expense and other current assets

 

$

451

 

$

372

Current assets from discontinued operations

 

$

451

 

$

372

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other receivable – non-current

 

$

475

 

$

926

Non-current assets from discontinued operations

 

$

475

 

$

926

 

Under the terms of the Settlement Agreement entered into by Summit Media with The Beacon Media Group LLC (“Beacon”), Sheldon Hirsch, Tom Horner and Paul Caldera (the “Beacon Defendants”) on June 19, 2006, relating to the lawsuit filed by Summit Media in Supreme Court, New York County against Beacon and the Beacon Defendants, Summit Media will receive $2,000, in regularly scheduled payments through 2010, in exchange for Summit Media’s discontinuation of the lawsuit. Through June 30, 2008, the Company had received $1,000 of the scheduled payments related to the lawsuit.

 

22

 


 

13. SEGMENT AND RELATED INFORMATION

 

The Company applies SFAS No. 131, Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information. The Company has four reportable segments: (i) Licensing; (ii) Advertising Media and Broadcast; (iii) Television and Film Production/Distribution; and (iv) Trading Card and Game Distribution. The Company’s reportable segments are strategic business units, which, while managed separately, work together as a vertically integrated entertainment company. The Company’s management regularly evaluates the performance of each segment based on its net revenues, profit and loss after all expenses, including amortized film and television costs and the 4Kids TV broadcast fee and interest income.

 

The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies. The Company’s Television and Film Production/Distribution segment records inter-segment revenues and the Company’s Advertising Media and Broadcast segment records inter-segment charges related to the estimated acquisition costs of episodic television series for broadcast. In the opinion of management, such acquisition costs represent the estimated fair value which would have been incurred in a transaction between unaffiliated third parties on an arms length basis. All inter-segment transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

 

 

Licensing

 

Advertising Media and Broadcast

 

TV and Film Production/ Distribution

 

Trading Card and Game Distribution

 

Total

 

Three Months Ended June 30,
2008:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net revenues from external customers

 

$

2,961

 

$

4,130

 

$

4,384

 

$

5,065

 

$

16,540

 

Amortization of television and film costs

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,697

 

 

 

 

1,697

 

Amortization of 4Kids TV broadcast fee

 

 

 

 

3,906

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,906

 

Segment loss

 

 

(1,633)

 

 

(2,286

)

 

(973

)

 

(668

)

 

(5,560

)

Interest income

 

 

725

 

 

12

 

 

 

 

 

 

737

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net revenues from external customers

 

$

4,118

 

$

3,304

 

$

4,587

 

$

 

$

12,009

 

Amortization of television and film costs

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,444

 

 

 

 

1,444

 

Amortization of 4Kids TV broadcast fee

 

 

 

 

3,825

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,825

 

Segment profit (loss)

 

 

350

 

 

(2,772

)

 

85

 

 

(1,407

)

 

(3,744

)

Interest income

 

 

1,405

 

 

18

 

 

57

 

 

 

 

1,480

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six Months Ended June 30,
2008:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net revenues from external customers

 

$

8,534

 

$

7,698

 

$

7,854

 

$

7,493

 

$

31,579

 

Amortization of television and film costs

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,405

 

 

 

 

3,405

 

Amortization of 4Kids TV broadcast fee

 

 

 

 

9,109

 

 

 

 

 

 

9,109

 

Segment profit (loss)

 

 

102

 

 

(5,858

)

 

(2,594

)

 

(3,581

)

 

(11,931

)

Interest income

 

 

1,369

 

 

31

 

 

7

 

 

 

 

1,407

 

Segment assets

 

 

92,251

 

 

6,611

 

 

23,915

 

 

6,766

 

 

129,543

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net revenues from external customers

 

$

12,049

 

$

6,718

 

$

8,173

 

$

 

$

26,940

 

Amortization of television and film costs

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,131

 

 

 

 

3,131

 

Amortization of 4Kids TV broadcast fee

 

 

 

 

8,244

 

 

 

 

 

 

8,244

 

Segment profit (loss)

 

 

4,568

 

 

(6,133

)

 

(813

)

 

(2,197

)

 

(4,575

)

Interest income

 

 

2,438

 

 

36

 

 

93

 

 

 

 

2,567

 

Segment assets

 

 

132,302

 

 

5,506

 

 

27,919

 

 

6,630

 

 

172,357

 

 

Segment assets relating to discontinued operations have been included in segment reporting from the Advertising, Media and Broadcast segment and are disclosed in Note 12.

 

23

 


Through the Company’s London office and network of international subagents, which allow it to license its Properties throughout the world, the Company recognized net merchandise licensing revenues from international sources, primarily in Europe, of $3,292 and $5,900 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008, respectively, and $1,714 and $4,185 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2007. As of June 30, 2008 and 2007, net assets of the Company’s London office were $6,864 and $7,235, respectively.

 

******

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

24

 


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

(In thousands of dollars unless otherwise specified)

 

Overview

 

The Company’s operating results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 were negatively impacted by increased selling, general and administrative expenses associated with the operations of the Company’s newly formed Trading Card and Game Distribution companies. The Company’s results also reflect an overall decrease in licensing revenues worldwide. These decreases were partially offset by revenues generated from the Trading Card and Game Distribution segment resulting from the October 2007 launch of the “Chaotic” trading card game.

 

General

 

The Company receives revenues from the following four business segments: (i) Licensing; (ii) Advertising, Media and Broadcasting; (iii) Television and Film Production/Distribution; and (iv) Trading Card and Game Distribution. The Company typically derives a substantial portion of its licensing revenues from a small number of Properties, which usually generate revenues for only a limited period of time. The Company’s revenues are highly subject to changing trends in the toy, game and entertainment businesses, potentially causing dramatic increases and decreases from year to year due to the popularity of particular Properties. It is not possible to accurately predict the length of time a Property will be commercially successful and/or if a Property will be commercially successful at all. Popularity of Properties can vary from months to years. As a result, the Company’s revenues from particular Properties may fluctuate significantly between comparable periods.

 

The Company’s licensing revenues have historically been derived primarily from the licensing of toy and game concepts. As a result, a substantial portion of the Company’s revenues and net income are subject to the seasonal variations of the toy and game industry. Typically, a majority of toy orders are shipped in the third and fourth calendar quarters resulting in increased royalties earned by the Company during such calendar quarters. The Company recognizes revenues from the sale of advertising time on the leased Saturday morning programming block from Fox (“4Kids TV”), as more fully described in Note 2 of the Notes to the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The Company’s advertising sales subsidiary, 4Kids Ad Sales, sells advertising time on 4Kids TV at higher rates in the fourth quarter due to the increased demand for commercial time by children’s advertisers during the holiday season. As a result, much of the revenues of 4Kids Ad Sales are earned in the fourth quarter when the majority of toy and video game advertising occurs. As a result of the foregoing, the Company has historically experienced greater revenues during the second half of the year than during the first half of the year.

 

The Company’s media buying subsidiary, Summit Media, which previously provided print and broadcast media planning and buying services for clients principally in the children’s toy and game business, terminated its operations effective June 30, 2006. In connection with the closing of Summit Media, the media buying operations have been classified as a discontinued operation. As further discussed in Note 12 of the Notes to the Company’s consolidated financial statements, the consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to accommodate the reporting of this business as a discontinued operation.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

The Company’s accounting policies are fully described in Note 2 of the Notes to the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Below is a summary of the critical accounting policies, among others, that management believes involve significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of its consolidated financial statements.

 

Accounting for Film and Television Costs -  In accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and industry practice, the Company amortizes the costs of production for film and television programming using the individual-film-forecast method under which such costs are amortized for each film or television program in the ratio that revenue earned in the current period for such title bears to management’s estimate of the total revenues to be realized from all media and markets for such title. All exploitation costs, including advertising and marketing costs, are expensed as incurred.

 

Management regularly reviews, and revises when necessary, its total revenue estimates on a title-by-title basis, which may result in a change in the rate of amortization and/or a write-down of the film or television asset to estimated fair value. The Company determines the estimated fair value for individual film and television Properties based on the estimated future

 

25

 


ultimate revenues and costs in accordance with Statement of Position No. 00-2, Accounting by Producers and Distributors of Film (“SOP No. 00-2”).

 

Any revisions to ultimate revenues can result in significant quarter-to-quarter and year-to-year fluctuations in film and television write-downs and amortization. A typical film or television series recognizes a substantial portion of its ultimate revenues within the first three years of release. By then, the film or television series has been exploited in the domestic and international television (network and cable) and home video markets. In addition, a significant portion of licensing revenues associated with the film or television series will have been realized. A similar portion of the film’s or television series’ capitalized costs should be expected to be amortized accordingly, assuming the film or television series is profitable.

 

The commercial potential of individual films and television programming varies dramatically, and is not directly correlated with production or acquisition costs. Therefore, it is difficult to predict or project the impact that individual films or television programming will have on the Company’s results of operations. However, the likelihood that the Company will report losses, particularly in the year of a television series initial release, is increased as the applicable accounting literature requires the immediate recognition of all of the production or acquisition costs (through increased amortization) in instances where it is estimated that the ultimate revenues of a film or television series will not recover those costs. Conversely, the profit from a film or television series must be deferred and recognized over the entire revenue stream generated by that film or television series. As a result, significant fluctuations in reported income or loss can occur, particularly on a quarterly basis, depending on release schedules and broadcast dates, the timing of advertising campaigns and the relative performance of individual film or television series.

 

Other Estimates -   The Company estimates reserves for future returns of product in the trading card and home video markets as well as provisions for uncollectible receivables. In determining the estimate of trading card and home video product sales that will be returned, the Company performs an analysis that considers historical returns, changes in customer demand and current economic trends. Based on this information, a percentage of each sale is reserved provided that the customer has the right to return unsold trading card and home video inventory. The Company estimates the amount of uncollectible receivables for licensing and advertising by monitoring delinquent accounts and estimating a reserve based on contractual terms and other customer specific issues.

 

Revenue Recognition - The Company’s revenue recognition policies for its four business segments are appropriate to the circumstances of each segment’s business. See Note 2 of the Notes to the Company’s consolidated financial statements for a discussion of these revenue recognition policies.

 

4Kids TV Broadcast Agreement - The Company broadcasts certain of its Properties on 4Kids TV, the Saturday morning programming block that the Company leases from Fox. The cost of 4Kids TV has been and will continue to be capitalized and amortized over each broadcast year based on estimated advertising revenue. In developing estimated future revenues, the Company has made certain assumptions with regard to the anticipated popularity of the television series that the Company broadcasts on 4Kids TV and the general market demand and pricing of advertising time for Saturday morning children’s broadcast television. The popularity of such series impacts audience levels and the level of the network advertising rates that the Company can charge. These estimates are based on historical trends, as well as the Company’s subjective judgment of future customer demand and acceptance of its television programming. Differences may result in the amount and timing of revenue for any period if actual performance varies from the Company’s estimates. See Note 10 of the Notes to the Company’s consolidated financial statements for additional information.

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations discusses the Company’s consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. The Company continually evaluates the policies and estimates that it uses to prepare its consolidated financial statements. In general, management’s estimates and assumptions are based on historical experience, known trends or events, information from third-party professionals and other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making the judgments about carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions and conditions.

 

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements – In November 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 141R, Business Combinations (“SFAS No. 141R”), which continues to require that all business combinations be accounted for by applying the acquisition method.

 

26

 


Under the acquisition method, the acquirer recognizes and measures the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any contingent consideration and contractual contingencies, as a whole, at their fair value as of the acquisition date. Under SFAS No. 141R, all transaction costs are expensed as incurred. SFAS No. 141R rescinds EITF Issue No. 93-7 (“EITF 93-7”). Under EITF 93-7, the effect of any subsequent adjustments to uncertain tax positions were generally applied to goodwill, except for post-acquisition interest on uncertain tax positions, which was recognized as an adjustment to income tax expense. Under SFAS No. 141R, all subsequent adjustments to these uncertain tax positions that otherwise would have impacted goodwill will be recognized in the income statement. SFAS No. 141R will be applied prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning after December 15, 2008.

 

In November 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, Accounting and Reporting of Noncontrolling Interest (“SFAS No. 160”). SFAS No. 160 requires that a noncontrolling interest (previously referred to as a minority interest) be separately reported in the equity section of the consolidated entity’s balance sheet. SFAS No. 160 also established accounting and reporting standards for: (i) ownership interests in subsidiaries held by parties other than the parent, (ii) the amount of consolidated net income attributable to the parent and to the noncontrolling interest, (iii) changes in a parent’s ownership interest and (iv) the valuation of retained noncontrolling equity investments when a subsidiary is deconsolidated. SFAS No. 160 is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2009. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of SFAS No. 160 will have on its consolidated financial position and results of operations.

 

In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161) (“SFAS 161”), Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities—an amendment of FASB Statement No.133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (SFAS No. 133”). SFAS No. 161 requires companies to provide enhanced disclosures regarding derivative instruments and hedging activities in order to better convey the purpose of derivative use in terms of risk management. Disclosures about (i) how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, (ii) how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for under SFAS No. 133 and its related interpretations, and (iii) how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect a company's financial position, financial performance, and cash flows, are required. This Statement retains the same scope as SFAS No. 133 and is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008. The Company is currently evaluating the impact, if any, that the adoption of SFAS No. 161 will have on its consolidated financial position and results of operations.

 

In May 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 162, The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, (“SFAS No. 162”). SFAS No. 162 sets forth the sources of accounting principles and the framework, or hierarchy, for selecting principles to be used in financial statement preparation. Prior to the issuance of SFAS No. 162, the GAAP hierarchy was defined in the AICPA Statement on Auditing Standards No. 69, The Meaning of Present Fairly in Conformity With Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. SFAS No. 162 will be effective 60 days following the approval by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board amendments to AU Section 411, the meaning of present fairly in conformity with GAAP. The Company is currently evaluating the impact, if any, that the adoption of SFAS No. 162 will have on its consolidated financial position and results of operations.

 

In December 2007, the FASB ratified EITF Issue No. 07-1, Accounting for Collaborative Arrangements Related to the Development and Commercialization of Intellectual Property (“EITF 07-1”). The EITF concluded that a collaborative arrangement is one in which the participants are actively involved and are exposed to significant risks and rewards that depend on the ultimate commercial success of the endeavor. Revenues and costs incurred with third parties in connection with collaborative arrangements would be presented gross or net based on the criteria in EITF Issue No. 99-19, Reporting Revenue Gross as a Principal versus Net as an Agent, and other accounting literature. Payments to or from collaborators would be evaluated and presented based on the nature of the arrangement and its terms, the nature of the entity’s business, and whether those payments are within the scope of other accounting literature. The nature and purpose of collaborative arrangements are to be disclosed along with the accounting policies and the classification and amounts of significant financial statement amounts related to the arrangements. Activities in the arrangement conducted in a separate legal entity should be accounted for under other accounting literature; however required disclosure under EITF 07-1 applies to the entire collaborative agreement. This Issue is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, and is to be applied retrospectively to all periods presented for all collaborative arrangements existing as of the effective date. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that this pronouncement may have on its consolidated financial position and results of operations.

 

 

27

 


Results of Operations

 

The following table sets forth our results of operations expressed as a percentage of total net revenues for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended June 30,

 

Six Months Ended June 30,

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

2008

 

2007

 

Net revenues

 

 

100

%

 

100

%

 

100

%

 

100

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Costs and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

 

81

 

 

84

 

 

82

 

 

71

 

Production service costs

 

 

12

 

 

15

 

 

11

 

 

13

 

Cost of sales of trading cards

 

 

11

 

 

 

 

9

 

 

 

Amortization of television and film costs

 

 

10

 

 

12

 

 

11

 

 

12

 

Amortization of 4Kids TV broadcast fee

 

 

24

 

 

32

 

 

29

 

 

31

 

Total costs and expenses

 

 

138

 

 

143

 

 

142

 

 

127

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss from operations

 

 

(38

)

 

(43

)

 

(42

)

 

(27

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income

 

 

5

 

 

12

 

 

4

 

 

10

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss before income taxes

 

 

(33

)

 

(31

)

 

(38

)

 

(17

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Benefit from income taxes

 

 

 

 

13

 

 

 

 

8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss from unconsolidated operations –

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

net of a tax benefit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

 

(33

%)

 

(18

%)

 

(38

%)

 

(9

%)

 

 

Three and six months ended June 30, 2008 as compared to three and six months ended June 30, 2007.

 

Continuing Operations

 

Revenues

 

Revenues by reportable segment and for the Company as a whole were as follows:

 

For the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007

 

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

$ Change

 

% Change

 

 

Licensing

 

$

2,961

 

$

4,118

 

$

(1,157

)

(28

)%

 

Advertising, Media and Broadcast

 

 

4,130

 

 

3,304

 

 

826

 

25

 

 

Television and Film Production/Distribution

 

 

4,384

 

 

4,587

 

 

(203

)

(4

)

 

Trading Card and Game Distribution

 

 

5,065

 

 

 

 

5,065

 

n/a

 

 

Total

 

$

16,540

 

$

12,009

 

$

4,531

 

38

%

 

 

 

For the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007

 

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

$ Change

 

% Change

 

 

Licensing

 

$

8,534

 

$

12,049

 

$

(3,515

)

(29

)%

 

Advertising, Media and Broadcast

 

 

7,698

 

 

6,718

 

 

980

 

15

 

 

Television and Film Production/Distribution

 

 

7,854

 

 

8,173

 

 

(319

)

(4

)

 

Trading Card and Game Distribution

 

 

7,493

 

 

 

 

7,493

 

n/a

 

 

Total

 

$

31,579

 

$

26,940

 

$

4,639

 

17

%

 

 

The increase in consolidated net revenues for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008, as compared to the same periods in 2007, was due to a number of factors.

 

28

 


 

In the Licensing segment, decreased revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2008 were primarily attributable to reduced licensing revenues on the “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” and “Yu-Gi-Oh!” Properties, domestically.

 

In the Licensing segment, decreased revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2008 were primarily attributable to:

 

(i)

reduced licensing revenues on the “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles”, “Nintendo”, “Cabbage Patch Kids” and “Yu-Gi-Oh!” Properties, domestically and the “Viva Piñata” Property, worldwide; partially offset by

(ii)

increased revenues attributable to the “Shaman King” Property, worldwide.


The “Yu-Gi-Oh!”, “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” and “Cabbage Patch Kids” Properties continue to be the largest contributors to the Company’s revenues in this business segment.

 

In the Advertising Media and Broadcast segment, revenues increased for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008, as compared to the same periods in 2007, as a result of increased revenues from the sale of network advertising time on 4Kids TV.

 

In the Television and Film Production/Distribution segment, decreased revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2008, as compared to the same periods in 2007, were primarily attributable to:


(i)

decreased broadcast sales from the “Pokémon” television series, worldwide and “Yu-Gi-Oh!” television series, domestically; as well as

(ii)

decreased production service revenue from the “Viva Piñata” television series; partially offset by

(iii)

increased broadcast sales from the “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” television series, domestically; as well as

(iv)

increased production service revenue from the “Chaotic” and “Dinosaur King” television series.


In the Television and Film Production/Distribution segment, decreased revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2008 were primarily attributable to:


(i)

decreased broadcast sales from the “Yu-Gi-Oh!” television series, domestically and the “Pokémon” television series, worldwide; partially offset by

(ii)

increased production service revenue from the “Dinosaur King” and “Yu-Gi-Oh!” television series; as well as

(iii)

increased broadcast sales from the “Yu-Gi-Oh!” television series, internationally.

 

The Trading Card and Game Distribution segment began to record revenues in the fourth quarter of 2007 as a result of the October launch of the “Chaotic” trading card game to comic and hobby stores. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2008, revenues were $5,065 and $7,493, respectively, as a result of sales to mass market distribution channels as well as to comic and hobby stores.

 

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 31%, or $3,171, to $13,347 for the three months ended June 30, 2008, when compared to the same period in 2007. The increase was primarily attributable to:

 

(i)

increased costs of approximately $1,680 and $720 related to the operations of the Company’s recently formed ventures, TC Digital and TC Websites, respectively;

(ii)

increased international selling expenses of approximately $460;

(iii)

increased advertising and marketing costs of approximately $250;

(iv)

increased legal fees of approximately $210; as well as

(v)

increased costs relating to the grant of restricted shares of approximately $170; partially offset by

(vi)

decreased bad debt expenses of approximately $390.

 

29

 


 

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 36%, or $6,816, to $25,955 for the six months ended June 30, 2008, when compared to the same period in 2007. The increase was primarily attributable to:

 

(i)

increased costs of approximately $4,060 and $1,340 related to the operations of the Company’s recently formed ventures, TC Digital and TC Websites, respectively;

(ii)

increased international selling expenses of approximately $1,110;

(iii)

increased costs relating to the grant of restricted shares of approximately $330;

(iv)

increased legal fees of approximately $260; as well as

(v)

decreased advertising and marketing costs of approximately $390.

 

Cost of Sales of Trading Cards

 

Cost of sales of trading cards represents finished goods inventory costs relating to the “Chaotic” trading card game which was released at comic and hobby stores in October 2007.

 

Production Service and Capitalized Film Costs

 

Production service and capitalized film costs were as follows:

 

For the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

$ Change

 

% Change

Production Service Costs

 

$

1,990

 

$

1,788

 

$

202

 

11%

 

 

Amortization of Television and Film Costs

 

 

1,697

 

 

1,444

 

 

253

 

18  

 

 

For the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

$ Change

 

% Change

Production Service Costs

 

$

3,535

 

$

3,568

 

$

(33

)

(1)

%

Amortization of Television and Film Costs

 

 

3,405

 

 

3,131

 

 

274

 

9

 

 

 

The increase in production service costs during the three months ended June 30, 2008, as compared to the same period in 2007, was primarily due to increased production costs for the “Chaotic” and “Dinosaur King” television series, partially offset by decreased production costs for work performed on the “Viva Piñata” television series. Production service costs decreased slightly for the six months ended June 30, 2008 when compared to the same period in 2007, primarily due to decreased production costs associated with the “Viva Piñata” television series substantially offset by increased production costs for the “Dinosaur King” and “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” television series. When the Company is entitled to be paid for such production costs, the Company categorizes them as production service costs and reflects a corresponding amount in revenue for the amount billed back to the property owners.

 

Amortization of television and film costs increased for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 when compared to the same periods in 2007 due to increased amortization relating to the “Yu-Gi-Oh!” and “Chaotic” television series, partially offset by decreased amortization relating to various older television series.

 

As of June 30, 2008, there were $14,755 of capitalized film production costs recorded in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet relating primarily to various stages of production on 268 episodes of animated programming. Based on management’s ultimate revenue estimates as of June 30, 2008, approximately 54% of the total completed and unamortized film and television costs are expected to be amortized during the next year, and over 90% of the total completed and unamortized film and television costs are expected to be amortized during the next three years.

 

4Kids TV Broadcast Fee

 

For the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

$ Change

 

% Change

 

Amortization of 4Kids TV Broadcast Fee

 

$

3,906

 

$

3,825

 

$

81

 

2

%

 

 

For the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

$ Change

 

% Change

 

Amortization of 4Kids TV Broadcast Fee

 

$

9,109

 

$

8,244

 

$

865

 

10

%

 

 

30

 


 

As a result of the broadcast year (ending each year in September) being different than the Company’s fiscal year (ending each year in December), the amount of the amortization of the broadcast fee recognized from period to period will vary based upon: (i) the amount of advertising revenue recognized during the period; and (ii) the amount of advertising revenue already recognized for the broadcast year as a percentage of the total amount expected to be recognized for the full broadcast year. The Company’s amortization of the 4Kids TV broadcast fee remained relatively constant for the three month period ended June 30, 2008 when compared to the same period in 2007. For the six months ended June 30, 2008, the Company’s amortization of the 4Kids TV broadcast fee increased in conjunction with the increased advertising revenues recognized by the Company when compared to the same period in 2007.

 

In addition to advertising revenues, the operating costs of 4Kids Ad Sales and the amortization of the 4Kids TV broadcast fee, the overall impact of 4Kids TV on the Company’s results of operations includes:

 

  (i)

revenues generated from merchandise licensing, home videos and music publishing of 4Kids TV Properties; and

 

(ii)

production and acquisition costs associated with the television programs broadcast on 4Kids TV.

 

The ability of the Company to further develop its merchandising and, to a lesser extent, home video and music publishing revenue streams were significant components of its evaluation process which resulted in the decision to lease an additional Saturday morning children’s programming block from The CW Network, LLC (“The CW”), as described in Note 10 of the Notes to the Company’s consolidated financial statements under “Broadcast Agreements”, which is broadcast in most markets between 7am and 12pm (“The CW Kids Block”). Other factors, such as lower guaranteed payments associated with The CW Kids Block, additional advertising units allocated to the Company for sale during the CW Kids Block, an anticipated increase in network support due to a revenue sharing arrangement, along with the availability of the CW Kids Block, also contributed to the decision to lease another Saturday morning children’s block which will overlap with our current 4Kids TV block during the same Saturday morning time period for the 2008-2009 broadcast season.

 

Interest Income

 

Interest income decreased 50%, or $743, to $737 and 45%, or $1,160, to $1,407 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008, respectively, as compared to the same periods in 2007, primarily as a result of the Company investing its surplus cash in U.S. Treasury securities typically yielding lower interest rates.

 

Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes

 

For the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

$ Change

 

% Change

Licensing

 

$

(1,633

)

$

350

 

$

(1,983

)

(567

)%

Advertising, Media and Broadcast

 

 

(2,286

)

 

(2,772

)

 

486

 

18

 

Television and Film Production/Distribution

 

 

(973

)

 

85

 

 

(1,058

)

(1,245

)

Trading Card and Game Distribution

 

 

(668

)

 

(1,407

)

 

739

 

53

 

Total

 

$

(5,560

)

$

(3,744

)

$

(1,816

)

(49

)%

 

For the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

$ Change

 

% Change

Licensing

 

$

102

 

$

4,568

 

$

(4,466

)

(98

)%

Advertising, Media and Broadcast

 

 

(5,858

)

 

(6,133

)

 

275

 

4

 

Television and Film Production/Distribution

 

 

(2,594

)

 

(813

)

 

(1,781

)

(219

)

Trading Card and Game Distribution

 

 

(3,581

)

 

(2,197

)

 

(1,384

)

(63

)

Total

 

$

(11,931

)

$

(4,575

)

$

(7,356

)

(161

)%

 

The loss in the Licensing segment for the three months ended June 30, 2008 and the decrease in the Licensing segment profit for the six months ended June 30, 2008, as compared to the same periods in 2007, is primarily attributable to lower revenues from licensed Properties as well as a decrease in interest income allocated to this segment.

 

In the Advertising Media and Broadcast segment, the segment loss for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 decreased due to the increase in sales of network advertising time partially offset by increased amortization of the 4Kids TV broadcast fee when compared to the same periods in 2007.

 

31

 


 

In the Television and Film Production/Distribution segment, the increase in segment loss for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 as compared to the same period in 2007 was primarily due to increased international selling expense as well as decreased revenue.

 

In the Trading Card and Game Distribution segment, the decrease in segment loss for the three months ended June 30, 2008 when compared to the same period in 2007 was primarily attributable to increased revenues from the sale of trading cards. The increase in segment loss for the six months ended June 30, 2008 as compared to the same period in 2007 was primarily attributable to the fact that the majority of the start-up costs for this segment were incurred late in 2007 and early 2008.

 

Income Taxes

 

The Company recorded a benefit from income taxes of $28 and $0 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008, respectively, as compared to a benefit from income taxes of $1,598 and $2,275 for the same periods in 2007.

 

The Company regularly reviews its deferred tax assets for recoverability taking into consideration such factors as historical losses, projected future taxable income and the expected timing of the reversals of existing temporary differences. SFAS No. 109,Accounting for Income Taxes (SFAS No. 109), requires the Company to record a valuation allowance when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. In view of the level of deferred tax assets as of June 30, 2008 and the Company’s historical losses from operations, the Company has determined that the application of SFAS No. 109 requires the Company to record a full valuation allowance against its net deferred tax assets.

 

In the event that the Company earns pre-tax income in the future such that it will be able to use some or all of its deferred tax assets, SFAS No. 109 permits the Company to reduce or eliminate the valuation allowance. If the Company were to reverse the valuation allowance, in whole or in part, the Company’s income statement for such reporting period would record a reduction in income tax expense and an increase in net income, to the extent of the reversal of the valuation allowance.

 

Our effective tax rate for 2008 would have been a benefit of 42.6% had the Company not taken a valuation allowance. This rate differs slightly from the Federal statutory rate of 35% primarily due to the mix of income and losses, which have tax rates that differ from the statutory rate, and due to permanent differences and tax rate differences on subsidiaries.

 

Net Loss

 

As a result of the above, the Company had a net loss for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008, of $5,532 and 11,931, respectively, as compared to a net loss of $2,213 and 2,418 for the same periods in 2007.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

 

Financial Position

 

Cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments as of June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007 were as follows:

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

$ Change

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

36,315

 

$

24,872

 

$

11,443

 

Investments

 

 

19,746

 

 

36,106

 

 

(16,360

)

 

 

$

56,061

 

$

60,978

 

$

(4,917

)

 

Long-term investments as of June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007 were as follows:

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

$ Change

 

Investments

 

$

17,100

 

$

31,806

 

$

(14,706

)

During 2007, liquidity issues began to affect the global credit and capital markets. In addition, certain individual ARS experienced liquidity issues specific to such securities. As a result, ARS, which historically have had a liquid market and had their interest rates reset periodically (e.g. monthly) through Dutch auctions, began to fail at auction. These auction failures have caused ARS to become illiquid, which in turn has caused the fair market values of these securities to decline.

32

 


As of June 30, 2008, the Company held ARS having an aggregate principal amount of approximately $52,000. The ARS currently held by the Company are private placement debt securities with long-term nominal maturities and interest rates that typically reset monthly. The Company’s investments in ARS represent interests in debt obligations issued by banks and insurance companies that originally had at least an “A” credit rating at the time of purchase on behalf of the Company, including bond insurers and re-insurers such as MBIA, AMBAC, FGIC, FSA, RAM and Radian.

Many of the ARS held by the Company as of June 30, 2008, have experienced failed auctions. As of June 30, 2008, the estimated fair market value of the ARS held by the Company had declined by $15,034 ($3,993 during 2007 and $11,041 during the first 6 months of 2008) based upon an analysis of the current market conditions of the Company’s securities made by the Company in accordance with SFAS No. 157. Although all of the ARS invested in by the Company have continued to pay interest according to their stated terms and substantially all of the ARS invested in by the Company continue to be a rated “A” or above, the Company recorded an unrealized loss of $9,187 and $1,854 during the first and second quarters of 2008, respectively, resulting in a reduction in stockholders’ equity. Since the Company has the ability and presently expects to hold these investments until recovery of their fair value, which may not be prior to the maturity of the applicable security, for the purpose of its financial statements, the Company does not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired as such term is defined in the accounting literature.

 

The credit and capital markets, including the market for ARS have remained illiquid in 2008, and as a result of this and other factors specific to certain ARS, the Company’s unrealized loss on its ARS had subsequently increased by $198, to a cumulative unrealized loss of $15,232 as of July 31, 2008, based upon consideration of such factors as issuer and insurer credit rating, comparable market data, if available, the credit quality of the ARS, the rate of interest received since the date the auctions began, yields of securities similar to the underlying ARS and input from broker-dealers statements provided by the investment bank through which the Company holds such securities. Additionally, in July 2008, the Company received an early redemption by an issuer of ARS at par value of $4,950. This security was never deemed to have an unrealized loss, and therefore, its redemption will have no affect on stockholders’ equity.

 

Given the failed auctions, many of the Company’s ARS are currently illiquid.  Accordingly, the Company has reclassified $7,513 (face amount of $20,350 less estimated devaluations of $12,837), in ARS from current to non-current assets at December 31, 2007 on its balance sheet due to the fact that the Company believes that the liquidity of these ARS is unlikely to be restored in a period less than twelve months from such date.

 

The Company has determined that the securities broker-dealer that purchased the ARS on behalf of the Company at issue based on discretion afforded to it has violated its legal obligations to the Company. As a result, the Company has taken various measures to obtain appropriate legal relief, including initiating an arbitration with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.

 

If uncertainties in the credit and capital markets continue or the Company’s investments experience any rating downgrades on any investments in its ARS portfolio or the value of such investments declines further, the Company may incur impairment charges to its investment portfolio, which could negatively affect the Company’s financial condition and cash flow. If in the reasonable judgment of the Company, the value of any ARS should be permanently impaired, the Company would record an expense which would negatively impact reported earnings. As a result of the current market issues, the Company has invested its surplus cash solely in U.S. Treasury securities.

The Company believes that based on the Company’s current cash, cash equivalents and investment securities, the current lack of liquidity affecting a significant portion of its portfolio of ARS will not have a material impact on the Company’s liquidity necessary for day-to-day operations or its ability to fund its operations. However, such illiquidity is affecting the Company’s ability to make capital investments or expand its operations.

 

Sources and Uses of Cash

 

Cash flows for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 were as follows:

 

Sources (Uses)

 

2008

 

2007

 

 

Operating Activities

 

$

(4,594

)

$

(2,931

)

 

Investing Activities

 

 

18,892

 

 

3,662

 

 

Financing Activities

 

 

(2,873

)

 

(115

)

 

 

33

 


 

Working capital, consisting of current assets less current liabilities, was $51,802 as of June 30, 2008 and $65,135 as of December 31, 2007.

 

Operating Activities

2008

Net cash used in operating activities for the six months ended June 30, 2008 of $4,594 primarily reflects a decrease in the Company’s business performance. This decrease was partially offset by increased amortization of television and film costs and the 4Kids TV broadcast fee.

 

2007

Net cash used in operating activities for the six months ended June 30, 2007 of $2,931 primarily reflects a decrease in the Company’s business performance. This decrease was partially offset by amortization of television and film costs and the amortization of the 4Kids TV broadcast fee.

 

Investing Activities

2008

Net cash provided by investing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2008 of $18,892 reflects a shift in the Company’s investments for the period, from auction-rate securities to U.S. Treasury securities which are short in duration and are classified as cash and cash equivalents.

 

2007

Net cash provided by investing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2007 of $3,662 reflected the proceeds received on the maturity of the Company’s investments, partially offset by the purchase of auction-rate securities with its excess cash balances as well as the investment in TC Websites.

 

Financing Activities

2008

Net cash used in financing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2008 of $2,873 reflects the Company’s purchase of shares of its common stock classified as treasury stock on the consolidated financial statements.

 

2007

Net cash used in financing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2007 of $115 reflected the Company’s purchase of shares of its common stock classified as treasury stock on the consolidated financial statements.

 

During 2008, the Company's cash flow from operations was impacted by consumer demand for a limited number of its licensed Properties.  While the Company strives to further diversify its revenue streams, management remains cognizant of changing trends in the toy, game and entertainment business and the difficulty in predicting the length of time a property will be commercially successful.  As a result, the Company's revenues, operating results and cash flow from operations may fluctuate significantly from year to year and present operating results are not necessarily indicative of future performance.

 

Historically, the majority of the television-based Properties that the Company represented were existing episodes of foreign programming that were adapted for the United States and other markets. The Company’s strategic focus has shifted toward Properties like “Chaotic” and “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles”, where the Company is a joint copyright owner of the episodes. Therefore, it is the Company’s intention to allocate a larger portion of its capital resources to the production costs associated with developing original animated programming resulting in increased capitalized film and television costs. Following the commercial release of a Property, its overall market acceptance and resulting revenues will directly impact the Company’s amortization of these capitalized film and television costs. To the extent a Property performs at a level lower than the Company’s expectations, the ratio of amortization expense to revenues realized will increase. While the Company expects that the revenues associated with such Properties will be sufficient to maintain its historical operating margins, there can be no assurance that the marketing plans designed to achieve those revenues can be executed in a manner to achieve its objectives.

 

Broadcast Agreements

 

4Kids TV Broadcast Agreement - In January 2002, the Company entered into a multi-year agreement with Fox to lease Fox’s Saturday morning programming block (“4Kids TV”) which airs principally on Saturday mornings from 8am to 12pm eastern/pacific time (7am to 11am central time). The Company provides substantially all programming content to be broadcast on 4Kids TV and retains all of the revenues from network advertising sales for the four-hour time period. 4Kids Ad Sales, Inc. manages and accounts for the ad revenue and costs associated with 4Kids TV.

 

34

 


 

In March 2006, the Fox agreement was extended for two broadcast years through the 2007-2008 broadcast season. The broadcast fee for the 2007-2008 broadcast season is $20,000 payable in quarterly installments of $5,000 commencing in October 2007. Fox has exercised its option to extend this agreement through its 2008-2009 broadcast season under the same terms and conditions as in effect for the 2007-2008 broadcast season.

 

With respect to the broadcast fee for the 2007-2008 broadcast season, a payment of $5,000 was due on April 1, 2008, which was not made by the Company in connection with the Company’s exercise of its set-off rights thereunder further described in Note 8, “Legal Proceedings”. The Company has also not made a payment of $5,000 in respect of the 2007-2008 broadcast season’s fees that was due on July 1, 2008 in connection with its exercise of such set-off rights. Additionally, the Company believes that it has no financial exposure related to this exercise of such set-off rights since the Company has no prepaid assets related to the Fox Agreement on its financial statements as of June 30, 2008.

 

The CW Broadcast Agreement - On October 1, 2007, the Company and The CW entered into the CW Agreement, under which The CW granted to the Company the exclusive right to program The CW's Saturday morning children's programming block that is broadcast in most markets between 7am and 12pm for an initial term of five years beginning with The CW's 2008-2009 broadcast season.

 

Under the CW Agreement, the Company is obligated to make quarterly minimum guaranteed payments which are subject to reduction under certain circumstances. The Company and The CW will share advertising revenues earned from the sale of national commercial time during The CW Kids Block with The CW's share to be applied against such quarterly guarantee payments. In addition, The CW will be entitled under the CW Agreement to participate in the Company's merchandising revenue from certain content broadcast on The CW Kids Block, if such merchandising revenues exceed a certain annual minimum.

 

In addition to the broadcast fee paid to Fox and the minimum guarantee to be paid to The CW, commencing with the 2008-2009 broadcast season, the Company incurs additional costs to program each broadcast block and sell the related network advertising time. These costs include direct programming costs to acquire, adapt and deliver programming for the broadcast during the weekly broadcast blocks as well as additional indirect expenses of advertising sales, promotion and administration.

 

The ability of the Company to further develop its merchandising and, to a lesser extent, home video and music publishing revenue streams were significant components of its evaluation process which resulted in the decision to lease an additional Saturday morning children’s programming block from The CW, as described in Note 10 of the Notes to the Company’s consolidated financial statements under “Broadcast Agreements”. Other factors, such as lower guaranteed payments associated with the five-hour broadcast period, additional units allocated to the Company for sale during the CW Kids Block, and an anticipated increase in network support due to a revenue sharing arrangement, also contributed to the decision to lease another Saturday morning children’s block.

 

Contractual Commitments

 

The Company’s contractual obligations and commitments are detailed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007. As of June 30, 2008, the Company’s contractual obligations and commitments have not materially changed since December 31, 2007.

 

Forward Looking Information and Risk Factors That May Affect Future Results

 

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, including the section titled “Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” contains forward-looking statements that relate to future events or our future financial performance. We may also make written and oral forward-looking statements in our Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) filings and otherwise. We have tried, where possible, to identify such statements by using words such as “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “will,” “project,” “plan” and similar expressions in connection with any discussion of future operating or financial performance. Any forward-looking statements are and will be based upon our then-current expectations, estimates and assumptions regarding future events and are applicable only as of the dates of such statements. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in any forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include those described in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 filed with the SEC, as well as other factors. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

 

35

 


 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

 

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Fluctuations

 

From time to time, the Company may be exposed to the risk of future currency exchange rate fluctuations, which is accounted for as an adjustment to stockholders’ equity and changes in the exchange rates between various foreign currencies and the U.S. dollar may, as a result, have an impact on the accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) component of stockholders’ equity reported by the Company, and such effect may be material in any individual reporting period. The Company is currently not a party to any market risk sensitive instruments, or any derivative contracts or other arrangements that may reduce such market risk.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures.

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

We maintain a system of disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) Rule 13a-15(e),which is designed to provide reasonable assurance that information which is required to be disclosed in our reports filed pursuant to the Exchange Act, is accumulated and communicated to management in a timely manner. At the end of the period covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(b). Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of the date of such evaluation, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective in timely alerting them to information relating to us that is required to be included in our reports filed under the Exchange Act.

 

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

During the second quarter of 2008, there were no significant changes in our internal control over financial reporting or in other factors that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

Part II - OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings.

 

On April 24, 2008, the Company commenced an action in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of New York against Fox Broadcasting Company ("Fox") seeking declaratory relief and damages from Fox pursuant to the agreement dated as of January 18, 2002, as amended, between the Company and Fox (the "Fox Agreement"). Under the terms of the Fox Agreement, during each broadcast season, Fox is required to broadcast the 4Kids programming block on Saturday morning between the hours of 8am and 12pm in the Eastern and Pacific Time zones and between the hours of 7am and 11am in the Central and Mountain Time zones on stations broadcasting to, on average, at least 90% of United States television households ("Minimum Average Clearance"). Under the terms of the Fox Agreement if, in any broadcast season, the 4Kids programming block has not achieved the Minimum Average Clearance, the Company is entitled to a reduction in the time buy fee payable under the Fox Agreement determined in accordance with a formula set forth in the Fox Agreement. If there are additional payments due from the Company to Fox under the Fox Agreement, the Company is entitled to set off the amount of the reduction in the time buy fee against future payments otherwise due Fox from the Company; if such future payments due from the Company to Fox are insufficient to provide the Company with the full amount of the reduction in the time buy fee resulting from Fox's failure to maintain the required Minimum Average Clearance, the Company is entitled to a refund from Fox.

 

As a result of Fox's alleged failure to maintain the required Minimum Average Clearance during past broadcast seasons, the Company exercised its set off right in the Fox Agreement and did not pay Fox the $5 million installment of the time buy fee that was due on April 1, 2008. Since Fox disputed whether the Company was entitled to a reduced time buy fee, the Company brought this action seeking a declaratory judgment from the court confirming its set off right. The Company also asserted a separate claim for damages against Fox alleging that, as a result of Fox's failure to achieve the Minimum Average Clearance for past broadcast seasons and its failure to broadcast 4Kids' programming within the Saturday morning block, the Company sustained damages resulting from, among other things, lost advertising and merchandising revenue.

 

36

 


 

On May 27, 2008, Fox removed the case from state court to federal court (the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York). On June 3, 2008, Fox filed its answer to the complaint and asserted counterclaims against the Company alleging that the Company's failure to pay the $5 million installment of the time buy fee otherwise scheduled to be paid on April 1, 2008 was a breach of contract and that the Company's alleged statement to Fox that the Company would not pay the $5 million installment of the time buy fee that was scheduled to be paid on July 1, 2008 constituted a breach of the Fox Agreement by anticipatory repudiation. On July 16, 2008, the Company filed its reply to Fox's counterclaims. In view of the set off right against future installments of the time buy fee specifically provided for in the Fox Agreement in the event that Fox fails to maintain the Minimum Average Clearance, the Company believes that it has meritorious defenses to the Fox counterclaims.

 

The Company, from time to time, is involved in litigation arising in the ordinary course of its business. The Company does not believe that such litigation to which the Company or any subsidiary of the Company is a party or of which any of their Properties is the subject will, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse affect on the Company’s financial position or the results of its operations.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors.

 

There have been no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.

 

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

(a) Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer

ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

 

 

 

 

Period During 2008

 

Total Number of Shares Purchased

 

Average Price Paid Per Share

Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs

Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs (1)

Jan. 1 – Jan. 31

93,979

$11.85

93,979

896,621

Feb. 1 – Feb. 29

15,300

12.24

109,279

881,321

Mar. 1 – Mar. 31

126,205

11.42

235,484

755,116

Apr. 1 – Apr. 30

755,116

May 1 – May 31

755,116

Jun. 1 – Jun. 30

755,116

Total

235,484

$11.65

235,484

755,116

 

(1) On December 4, 2007, the Company announced that the Board of Directors authorized the Company to purchase up to 1,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock from time to time through December 31, 2008 in the open market or through negotiated prices. The Company purchased 235,484 shares at an average price of $11.65 per share for the six months ended June 30, 2008 under this authorization. During the three months ended June 30, 2008, no shares of the Company’s common stock were purchased by the Company under this authorization. As of August 8, 2008, no shares of the Company’s common stock were subsequently purchased by the Company under this authorization.

 

37

 


 

 

Item 4.

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

 

The Annual Meeting of Shareholders of the Company was held on May 20, 2008. The matters voted upon, including the number or votes cast for, against or withheld, as well as the number of abstentions and broker–non-votes, as to each such matter were as follows:

Proposal 1: All six of management’s nominees for directors as listed in the Company’s 2008 proxy statement were elected with the number of votes cast for each nominee as follows:

 

 

Shares Voted “FOR”

Shares Voted “AGAINST”

Shares “ABSTAINING”

Broker

Non-Votes

Votes Withheld

Richard Block

6,476,386

N/A

N/A

N/A

4,782,910

Jay Emmett

6,476,371

N/A

N/A

N/A

4,782,925

Michael Goldstein

6,476,256

N/A

N/A

N/A

4,783,040

Alfred R. Kahn

6,797,043

N/A

N/A

N/A

4,462,253

Samuel R. Newborn

6,754,723

N/A

N/A

N/A

4,504,573

Randy O. Rissman

6,797,451

N/A

N/A

N/A

4,461,845

 

Proposal 2: The proposal to appoint Eisner LLP as independent auditors to audit the Company’s financial statements for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2008 was ratified by the following vote:

Shares Voted “FOR”

Shares Voted “AGAINST”

Shares “ABSTAINING”

Broker Non-Votes

Votes Withheld

11,196,085

53,777

9,434


Proposal 3: The proposal to approve the 4Kids Entertainment, Inc. 2008 Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan was ratified by the following vote:

 

Shares Voted “FOR”

Shares Voted “AGAINST”

Shares “ABSTAINING”

Broker Non-Votes

Votes Withheld

4,852,578

3,332,194

376,247

2,698,277

 

 

 

 

 

 

38

 


 

 

Item 6.

Exhibits.

 

 

(a)

Exhibits

 

 

10.1

Employment Agreement, dated as of June 1, 2008, between 4Kids Ad Sales, Inc. and Daniel Barnathan.

 

 

31.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

31.2

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

32.1

Joint Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

39

 


SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

4KIDS ENTERTAINMENT, INC.

 

Date: August 11, 2008

 

 

By:

/s/ Alfred R. Kahn

___________________________

 

Alfred R. Kahn,

 

Chairman of the Board,

 

Chief Executive Officer and

 

Director

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Bruce R. Foster

___________________________

 

Bruce R. Foster,

 

Executive Vice President,

 

Treasurer, Chief Financial

 

Officer and Principal Accounting

 

Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

40

 

 

EX-10 2 danbarnempagrt.htm DANIEL BARNATHAN EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

 

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

 

 

AGREEMENT dated as of June 1, 2008 between 4Kids Ad Sales, Inc. with offices at 1414 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10019 ("Employer"), and Daniel Barnathan, 15 West 72nd Street, Apt. 19A, New York, New York 10023 ("Employee").

 

 

W I T N E S S E T H :

 

WHEREAS, Employer desires to retain the services of Employee and Employee desires to be employed by Employer upon the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the covenants herein contained, the parties hereto agree as follows:

 

1.

Employment and Duties.

 

(a) Employer hereby employs Employee and Employee hereby agrees to serve as President of Employer. Employee agrees to perform such services for Employer and affiliates consistent with Employee's position as shall, from time to time, be assigned to Employee by the Chief Executive Officer, (“CEO”), Chief Operating Officer (“COO”) and/or Board of Directors of Employer’s parent company, 4Kids Entertainment, Inc. (“4Kids”). Employee shall also perform such services customary to such office as are necessary for the operations of Employer. Employee shall use Employee's best efforts to promote the interests of Employer and shall devote Employee's full business time, energy and skill exclusively to the business and affairs of Employer during the Term set forth below in Paragraph 2.

 

(b)     Employee’s principal duties shall be to (i) sell advertising time on the Fox Saturday Morning 8 a.m.-12 p.m. block (“4Kids TV Block”) licensed by Employer from Fox Broadcasting Corporation (“Fox”) during the 2007 -- 2008 Broadcast Season and the 2008 -- 2009 Broadcast Season, (ii) sell advertising time on The CW Network Saturday Morning 7 a.m.-12 p.m. block (“ CW 4Kids TV Block”) licensed by Employer from The CW Network beginning with the 2008 -- 2009 Broadcast Season, (iii) sell advertising space on the websites owned, managed or controlled by 4Kids, including without limitation, 4Kids TV and YUGIOH.com, and on dvds distributed through 4Kids Entertainment Home Video, Inc. (iv) manage the advertising sales department, including, without limitation, any Vice Presidents of Sales, Inventory Managers, Directors of Research, Commercial Schedulers and Sales Administrators,

 

 

 

 

1

 


(v) work with the promotions department of Employer in connection with promotions for potential advertisers on and sponsors of the 4Kids TV Block and the CW 4Kids TV Block, and (v) assist, to the extent required by the CEO and COO of Employer, in the management of the business operations of Employer related to the 4Kids TV Block and the CW 4Kids TV Block.


2.        Term of Employment. (a)The term of Employee's employment hereunder ("Term") shall commence on June 1, 2008 and shall conclude on August 31, 2012 unless earlier terminated as provided in Paragraph 8 of this Agreement.           

 

(b)     Employer shall have the option of extending the Term for one (1) year concluding on August 31, 2013, which option may be exercised by Employer delivering a written notice of exercise to Employee by no later than June 30, 2013.

 

 

3.

Compensation.

 

(a)       Salary. (i) As compensation for Employee's services during the Term, Employer shall pay Employee a salary at the rate of Four Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($450,000) per year. The CEO and the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (“Compensation Committee”) of 4Kids shall have the right, but not the obligation, from time to time, to provide Employee with salary increases, in the sole and absolute discretion of the CEO and the Compensation Committee of 4Kids.

 

(ii) In the event that Employee’s annual salary has not been increased by the CEO and the Compensation Committee to $500,000 or more by January 1, 2010, then notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, Employer shall pay Employee a salary at the rate of Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000) per year beginning with calendar year 2010.

 

(iii) In the event that Employee’s annual salary has not been increased by the CEO and the Compensation Committee to Five Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($550,000) or more by January 1, 2012, then notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, Employer shall pay Employee a salary at the rate of Five Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($550,000) per year beginning with calendar year 2012.

 

(b)       Commencing with Employer’s 2008 fiscal year, in addition to the Salary specified in Paragraph 3 (a), Employee shall be eligible to receive an annual cash bonus (the “Bonus”) for each full fiscal year or portion of a fiscal year during the Term based upon such quantitative and qualitative criteria as shall be established by the Compensation Committee in its sole discretion.

 

(c)       Withholding. All payments of compensation shall be made in appropriate installments to conform with the regular payroll dates for salaried personnel of Employer. Employer shall be entitled to deduct from each salary payment, all

 

 

 

 

2

 


deductions as may be required by law, including, without limitation, deductions for federal, state and local income taxes and FICA.

 

(d)       Fringe Benefits. During the Term, Employee shall be entitled to participate in all insurance, and other benefits (collectively "Fringe Benefits") as are now, or hereafter may be, established by Employer for the benefit of all employees of Employer (exclusive of severance and life insurance), subject, however, to the provisions of the various benefit plans and programs in effect from time to time.

 

(e)       Vacation. Employee shall be entitled to accrued vacation at the rate of three (3) weeks per calendar year during the Term, which vacation shall only be taken at such times that will not materially interfere with the performance of Employee's duties and responsibilities hereunder. Any vacation days not used by Employee may not be accrued for future years. All vacation days must be utilized in accordance with the policy of Employer.

 

(f)        Expenses. Employer shall reimburse Employee in conformity with the expense reimbursement practices of Employer for the reasonable, ordinary and necessary business expenses incurred by Employee in the performance of Employee's duties hereunder. Employee shall submit all receipts, invoices and other such documents evidencing such expenses as may be required by the policy of Employer.

 

 

(g)

Incentive Compensation. Employee shall be eligible to participate

in such Long Term Incentive Plans as may be approved by the Board of Directors of 4Kids and approved by a majority of the shareholders of 4Kids. The CEO and the Compensation Committee shall have the right to decide on the amount of stock options, restricted stock and/or stock appreciation rights, if any, to be awarded to Employee.

 

 

4.

Place of Employment.

 

During the Term, Employee shall be required to perform Employee's

duties at the principal office of Employer in the New York City metropolitan area. Employee shall undertake all reasonable travel required by Employer in connection with the performance of Employee's duties hereunder.

 

 

5.

Non-Competition and Protection of Confidential Information.

 

(a) Employee agrees that Employee's services hereunder are of a special, unique, extraordinary and intellectual character and his position with Employer places him in a position of confidence and trust with the clients (“s defined below) and employees of Employer. Employee acknowledges that inasmuch as the business of Employer is carried on in several states of the United States and that it is the intention of Employer to continue to expand the geographic area in which Employer engages in its business and marketing efforts and accordingly, it is reasonable that the restrictive covenants set forth below are not limited by specific geographic area but by the location

 

3

 


of Employer's clients and potential clients. Employee further acknowledges that the rendering of services to the clients of Employer necessarily requires the disclosure of confidential information and trade secrets of Employer (such as, without limitation, marketing and licensing plans and strategies for the 4Kids TV Block, the CW 4Kids TV Block and for specific properties owned or represented by Employer and marketing budgets of clients and Employer). Employee and Employer agree that in the course of employment hereunder, Employee has and will continue to develop a personal acquaintanceship and relationship with Employer's clients, and knowledge of those clients' affairs and requirements. Employee acknowledges that Employer's relationships with its established clientele may therefore be placed in Employee's hands in confidence and trust. Employee consequently agrees that it is reasonable and necessary for the protection of the goodwill and business of Employer that Employee make the covenants contained herein.

 

Accordingly, Employee agrees that while he is in Employer's employ and for a period of one (1) year thereafter, Employee shall not directly or indirectly:

 

(i) attempt in any manner to solicit from any client (except on behalf of Employer) business of the type solicited by Employer from client (e.g., the sale of advertising time) or performed by Employer for client, or

 

(ii) attempt in any manner to persuade any client of Employer to cease to do business or to reduce the amount of business which any such client has customarily done or contemplates doing with Employer; or

 

(iii) employ or attempt to employ or assist anyone else to employ any person who is then or at any time during the preceding year was in Employer's employ.

 

(iv) render any services of the type rendered by Employer to its clients to or for any client of Employer unless such services are rendered as an employee or consultant of Employer.

 

Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the term "Employer," as used in this Paragraph 5, shall mean Employer and its affiliates, including, without limitation, 4Kids. The term "client" shall mean any person (whether individual or business entity) who is the owner, in whole or in part, of any rights to any property represented by Employer or whose television series is being produced or adapted by Employer; any person (whether individual or business entity) who was a client or licensee of Employer at any time during the one (1) year period immediately preceding the date of termination of employment; any person (whether individual or business entity) who is or was an advertiser or sponsor on the 4Kids TV Block or who is or was a promotional partner of Employer with respect to the 4Kids TV Block or the properties represented by Employer and any person (whether individual or business

 

4

 


entity) to whom Employer or Employee has made a presentation within a one (1) year period immediately preceding the date of such termination.

 

Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if any client who is or was an advertiser or sponsor on the 4Kids TV Block or who is or was a promotional partner of Employer with respect to the 4Kids TV Block provides products or services to adults that are not marketed to kids (“Adult Products”), the non-competition provision set forth above shall permit Employee to solicit advertising from such client solely with respect to such Adult Products or to render services for such client solely in connection with such Adult Products.

 

Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if Employer fails to exercise its option and this Agreement expires as of August 31, 2012, the duration of the covenant not to compete applicable to Paragraph 5 (a)(i) and Paragraph 5 (a) (iv) above shall be reduced to three (3) months. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if Employee is terminated without cause pursuant to Paragraph 8 (d) below, the duration of the covenant not to compete applicable to Paragraph 5 (a)(i) and Paragraph 5 (a) (iv) above shall be reduced to six (6) months.

 

 

(b)

Employee also agrees that either during the Term or at any other

time thereafter, Employee shall not divulge to anyone (other than Employer or any persons designated by Employer) any knowledge or information of any type whatsoever of a confidential nature relating to the business of Employer or its clients including, without limitation, all types of trade secrets, business strategies or marketing, licensing, advertising and/or promotional plans. Employee further agrees not to disclose, publish or make use of any such knowledge or information of a confidential nature other than in the performance of Employee's duties hereunder without the prior written consent of Employer. For purposes of this paragraph, the term "information" shall not include information which becomes public knowledge other than through a breach of this covenant by Employee or any confidential information that Employee is required to disclose in any judicial or administrative proceeding pursuant to any subpoena or court order.

 

 

(c)

In the event that Employee resigns or this Agreement is terminated

pursuant to Paragraph 8(d), until the expiration date of the original Term, Employee shall be barred from directly or indirectly consulting with, rendering services to or being employed by, any person or entity that directly competes with Employer or has any business operations in the area of children’s entertainment.

 

 

(d)

If Employee commits a breach or is about to commit a breach of

any of the provisions of Paragraphs 5(a), 5 (b) or 5(c). Employer shall have the right to have the provisions of this Agreement specifically enforced by any court having equity jurisdiction without being required to post bond or other security and without having to prove the inadequacy of the available remedies at law, it being acknowledged and agreed that any such breach will cause irreparable injury to Employer and that money

 

5

 


damages will not provide an adequate remedy to Employer. In addition, Employer may take all such other actions and remedies available to it under law or in equity and shall be entitled to such damages as it can show it has sustained by reason of such breach.

 

 

(e)

The parties acknowledge that the type and periods of restriction

imposed in the provisions of Paragraphs 5(a), 5(b), and 5(c), are fair and are reasonably required for the protection of Employer and the goodwill associated with the business of Employer. If any of the covenants in Paragraphs 5(a), 5(b) and/or 5(c), or any part thereof, is hereafter construed to be invalid or unenforceable the same shall not affect the remainder of the covenant or covenants, which shall be given full effect, without regard to the invalid portions. If any of the covenants contained in Paragraphs 5(a), 5(b) and/or 5(c) or any part thereof, is held to be unenforceable because of the duration of such provision or the area covered thereby, the parties agree that the court making such determination shall have the power to reduce the duration and/or areas of such provision and, in its reduced form, said provision shall then be enforceable.

 

6.       Intellectual Property. Employee agrees that all rights (including copyright and trademark rights) to (i) materials written by Employee in the course of his employment, including without limitation, scripts, advertising and promotional materials, and (ii) all character names, nicknames or slogans, and any ideas, proposals and plans invented or developed by Employee during the Term which relate directly or indirectly to the business of Employer or any of its clients are the property of Employer. Employee further agrees, at Employer's request and expense, to do whatever is necessary or desirable to secure the rights to said materials, ideas, proposals and plans, whether by copyright, trademark, patent or otherwise. If requested by Employer, Employee shall execute and deliver such documents of assignment as shall be necessary in Employer's sole judgment, to assign, transfer and convey all rights thereto to Employer.

 

 

7.

Employee's Representations. (a) Employee represents and warrants that:

 

(i) Employee has the right to enter into this Agreement and is not subject to any contract, commitment, agreement, arrangement or restriction of any kind which would prevent Employee from performing Employee's duties and obligations hereunder;

 

(ii) Employee is currently in good health and to the best of Employee's knowledge, Employee is not subject to any undisclosed medical condition which might have a material effect on Employee's ability to perform satisfactorily Employee's services hereunder.

 

 

8.

Termination.

 

(a) This Agreement shall be terminated immediately on the death of Employee. In the event that Employer terminates this Agreement due to Employee's death, Employee shall be paid Employee's salary and shall continue to receive all accrued Fringe Benefits hereunder through the date of Employee's death.

 

6

 


 

(b) This Agreement may be terminated immediately on written notice in the event of the physical or mental disability of Employee to such an extent that Employee is unable to render services to Employer for a period of sixty (60) days in any consecutive one-hundred eighty (180) day period. In the event that Employer terminates this Agreement due to Employee's disability, Employee shall be paid Employee's salary and shall continue to receive all accrued Fringe Benefits hereunder through the date of termination of Employee's employment due to disability.

 

(c) Employer shall have the right at any time, by written notice to Employee, to immediately terminate this Agreement for "cause," which for purposes of this Agreement shall be defined as:

 

(i) Employee's conviction of any act which constitutes a felony under federal, state or local laws;

 

(ii) Employee's failure to act in accordance with the reasonable directions of the CEO or COO of 4Kids directing Employee to perform services consistent with Employee's position with Employer or Employee’s failure to satisfactorily discharge his duties and obligations to Employer, which failure is not cured by Employee within ten (10) days after Employee's receipt of written notice thereof from Employer;

 

(iii) Employee's dishonesty, including embezzlement or misappropriation of funds, which adversely affects the business of Employer;

 

(iv) Employee's use of illegal drugs which in the reasonable judgment of Employer, interferes with the performance of Employee's obligations under this Agreement;

 

(v) Employee’s use of alcohol that impairs his ability to perform his

duties hereunder;

 

 

 

(vi) Employee's commission of any act of moral turpitude offensive to the conscience which becomes public and causes embarrassment to Employer;

 

(vii) Employee's failure to cure any other material breach of this Agreement within ten (10) days of receipt of a written notice from Employer specifying such breach;

 

In the event that Employer terminates this Agreement for "cause", Employee shall be paid Employee's salary and shall continue to receive all Fringe Benefits through the date of termination. Thereafter, Employer shall have no further obligation to Employee.

 

 

(d)

Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary,

 

7

 


Employer shall have the right to terminate Employee for reasons other than those set forth in Paragraphs 8(a), 8(b), 8(c) (“Termination without Cause”) by delivering a written notice of such termination to Employee. In the event such written notice of termination without cause is delivered, Employee shall continue to receive the greater of (i) his salary (as defined in Paragraph 3(a)) from Employer for the balance of the Term, or (ii) the Severance Benefit provided for below in Paragraph 8 (e).

 

(e)        In the event that Employer fails to exercise its option to extend the Term for the period from September 1, 2012 through August 31, 2013, Employer shall pay Employee severance equal to six (6) months salary (“Severance Benefit”). Such Severance Benefit shall be paid over the course of the six (6) month period in accordance with the payroll practices then in effect for Employer. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Employer’s Severance Benefit payments to Employee shall be reduced by fifty percent (50%) of the amount earned by Employee during the six (6) month severance period (“Severance Period”) from any other employment or consulting service rendered directly or indirectly by Employee. Employee shall notify Employer in writing regarding any compensation received directly or indirectly by Employee from services rendered by Employee during the Severance Period.

 

(f)        In the event that Employee resigns or voluntarily terminates his employment by Employer, Employee shall not receive any further salary, Fringe Benefits or bonuses hereunder other than as required by COBRA or any similar state law or subsequently enacted law replacing COBRA. Employee shall provide at least thirty (30) days written notice of such resignation or voluntary termination.

 

 

(g)

Upon termination of this Agreement, Employee shall promptly

return all of Employer's property to Employer.

 

 

(h)

Notwithstanding any termination of this Agreement, Employee's

obligations to Employer pursuant to Paragraphs 5 and 6 of this Agreement shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

 

9. Life Insurance. Employer shall have the right to purchase life insurance on the life of Employee at Employer's sole expense and with Employer as the sole beneficiary thereof. Employee shall cooperate fully with Employer in obtaining such life insurance, sign any necessary consents, applications and other related forms or documents and take any required medical examinations reasonably required.

 

10. Assignment. This Agreement is a personal contract and Employee may not assign, sell or transfer Employee's rights, interests and obligations hereunder. Any assignment contrary to this Paragraph shall be null and void of no force and effect. In the event of any attempted assignment or transfer of rights hereunder by Employee contrary to the provisions hereof, Employer shall have no further liability for payments hereunder. The rights and obligations of Employer hereunder shall be binding upon and run in favor of the successors and assigns of Employer.

 

8

 


 

11. Entire Understanding; Governing Law. This Agreement represents the entire agreement and understanding between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings relating to the employment of Employee, including, without limitation the Employment Agreement dated as of February 20, 2002, as amended by letter dated March 24, 2004 and the Employment Agreement dated May 15, 2006. The Employment Agreement dated May 15, 2006 is terminated effective upon the full execution of this Agreement. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York applicable to agreements made and to be performed entirely within New York.

 

12.      Modification. This Agreement may not be amended, modified, canceled, discharged, extended or changed except by an agreement in writing signed by the party against whom enforcement of any such amendment, modification, cancellation, discharge, extension or change is sought.

 

13.      Headings. Paragraph headings contained in this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and shall not be considered a part of this Agreement.

 

14.      Severability. If any provision or if any part of any provision of this Agreement is found to be unenforceable, illegal or contrary to public policy by a court of competent jurisdiction, the parties agree that this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect except for such provision or part of any such provision held to be unenforceable.

 

15.        Notices. Any notices or other communications required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed effective when delivered in person, sent by overnight courier (e.g. Federal Express), telefaxed with a follow up copy by regular mail or sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, in which case the notice shall be deemed effective on the date of deposit in the mails, postage prepaid, addressed to Employee at Employee's then current home address and, in the case of Employer, addressed to Employer at its offices located at the address set forth on page 1. Either party may change the address to which notices are to be addressed by notice in writing given to the other in accordance with the terms hereof.

 

16.       Counterparts. This Agreement may be signed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original, and all of which, taken together, shall constitute one instrument.

 

 

9

 


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Employer has by its appropriate officer signed this Agreement and Employee has signed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

 

4Kids Ad Sales, Inc.

 

By: /s/ Samuel Newborn

 

_____________________________

 

Samuel Newborn

 

 

By: /s/ Daniel Barnathan

 

_____________________________

 

Daniel Barnathan

 

 

 

10

 

 

EX-31 3 ak302cert10q63008.htm CEO CERTIFICATION - JUNE 30, 2008

Exhibit 31.1

Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, As Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

I, Alfred R. Kahn, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of 4Kids Entertainment, Inc., certify that:


1.  

I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2008 of 4Kids Entertainment, Inc. (the “registrant”);


2.  

Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;


3.  

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;


4.  

The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:


        (a)    Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

        (b)    Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;  

        (c)    Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and  

        (d)    Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and  

5.  

The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):


        (a)   All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and  

        (b)    Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.  

      Date: August 11, 2008


  By: /s/ Alfred R. Kahn
      Alfred R. Kahn
      Chairman of the Board and
      Chief Executive Officer



EX-31 4 bfcertification10q63008.htm CFO CERTIFICATION - JUNE 30, 2008

Exhibit 31.2

Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, As Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

I, Bruce R. Foster, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of 4Kids Entertainment, Inc., certify that:


1.  

I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2008 of 4Kids Entertainment, Inc. (the “registrant”);


2.  

Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;


3.  

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;


4.  

The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:


        (a)    Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

        (b)    Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;  

        (c)    Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and  

        (d)    Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and  

5.  

The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):


        (a)    All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and  

        (b)    Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.  

      Date: August 11, 2008


  By: /s/ Bruce R. Foster
      Bruce R. Foster
      Executive Vice President and
      Chief Financial Officer



EX-32 5 certification90610q63008.htm JOINT CERTIFICATION - JUNE 30, 2008

EXHIBIT 32.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

        Each of the undersigned hereby certifies, in accordance with 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, in his capacity as chief executive officer and chief financial officer, respectively, of 4Kids Entertainment, Inc. (the “Company”), that the Quarterly Report of the Company on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2008, fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and that the information contained in such report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.


Date: August 11, 2008


  By: /s/ Alfred R. Kahn
      Alfred R. Kahn
      Chairman of the Board and
      Chief Executive Officer



Date: August 11, 2008


  By:  /s/ Bruce R. Foster
      Bruce R. Foster
      Executive Vice President and
      Chief Financial Officer

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to 4Kids Entertainment, Inc. and will be retained by 4Kids Entertainment, Inc. and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.


-----END PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE-----