-----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, Bz9g3JoXGi2QGyVw7sTfmz/21Ql9vtsU9QCM2CRIIS1cQ0RAVIUhHbYsfzAF9O1G ppf3mlE10wQVwTWVQIjTMg== 0001193125-05-036101.txt : 20050224 0001193125-05-036101.hdr.sgml : 20050224 20050224155444 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001193125-05-036101 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 10KSB PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 6 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20041231 FILED AS OF DATE: 20050224 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20050224 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: ACTION PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000747435 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: GAMES, TOYS & CHILDREN'S VEHICLES (NO DOLLS & BICYCLES) [3944] IRS NUMBER: 592095427 STATE OF INCORPORATION: FL FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10KSB SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 000-13118 FILM NUMBER: 05637470 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 1101 NORTH KELLER RD CITY: ORLANDO STATE: FL ZIP: 32810 BUSINESS PHONE: 4074818007 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 1101 NORTH KELLER RD CITY: ORLANDO STATE: FL ZIP: 32810 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: ACTION PACKETS INC DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19880818 10KSB 1 d10ksb.htm FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004 For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004
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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 


 

FORM 10-KSB

 


 

(Mark One)

x Annual Report under Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004

 

or

 

¨ Transition Report under Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

For the transition period from              to             

 

000-13118

(Commission File No.)

 


 

ACTION PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.

(Name of Small Business Issuer in Its Charter)

 


 

FLORIDA   59-2095427

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

 

1101 N. Keller Road, Suite E

ORLANDO, FLORIDA

  32810
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

 

Issuer’s Telephone Number, including area code: (407) 481-8007

 


 

Securities registered under Section 12(b)

of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934:

 

NONE

 

Securities registered under Section 12(g)

of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934:

 

COMMON STOCK, $.001 PAR VALUE

 


 

Check whether the issuer: (1) filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the past 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  ¨

 

Check if there is no disclosure of delinquent filers in response to Item 405 of Regulation S-B is not contained herein, and no disclosure will be contained, to the best of the issuer’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-KSB or any amendment to this Form 10-KSB.  ¨

 

Issuer’s revenues for its most recent fiscal year were $9,109,200.

 

As of February 17, 2005, the aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates, based on the average of the high and the low bid and asked prices reported on such date, was $15,566,400.

 

As of February 17, 2005, there were 4,717,100 shares of issuer’s common stock outstanding.

 

Documents Incorporated by Reference: Portions of the issuer’s definitive proxy statement to be filed not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this form are incorporated by reference in Part III, Items 9, 10, 11, 12 and 14 of this report.

 

Transitional Small Business Disclosure Format:    Yes  ¨    No  x

 



Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

         Page

    PART I     

ITEM 1.

  DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS    3

ITEM 2.

  DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY    9

ITEM 3.

  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS    10

ITEM 4.

  SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS    10
    PART II     

ITEM 5.

  MARKET FOR COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND SMALL BUSINESS ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES    10

ITEM 6.

  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS    12

ITEM 7.

  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS    21

ITEM 8.

  CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE    21

ITEM 8A.

  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES    21

ITEM 8B.

  OTHER INFORMATION    21
    PART III     

ITEM 9.

  DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, PROMOTERS AND CONTROL PERSONS; COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 16(a) OF THE EXCHANGE ACT    21

ITEM 10.

  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION    22

ITEM 11.

  SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS    22

ITEM 12.

  CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS    22

ITEM 13.

  EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K    22

ITEM 14.

  PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES    23

 

Introductory Comment

 

Throughout this Annual Report on Form 10-KSB, the terms “we,” “us,” “our,” “Action Products” and “our company” refer to Action Products International, Inc., a Florida corporation, and, unless the context indicates otherwise, includes our wholly-owned subsidiary, Action Products Canada, Ltd.

 

Forward Looking Statements

 

In addition to historical information, this Annual Report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. When used in this Annual Report, the words “believe,” “may,” “should,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “plan”, “continue,” “estimate,” “project” or “intend” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements regarding events, conditions and financial trends in connection with our future plan of operations, business strategy, operating results and financial position. Current shareholders and prospective investors are cautioned that any forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. Such forward-looking statements by their nature involve substantial risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond our control, and actual results for future periods could differ materially from those discussed in this Annual Report, depending on a variety of important factors that include, but are not limited to, those discussed in the section entitled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Factors that May Affect Future Results and Market Price of Our Stock” and elsewhere in this Report. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which reflect management’s opinions only as of the date hereof. We undertake no obligation to revise or publicly release the results of any revision to these forward-looking statements.

 

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PART I

 

ITEM 1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

 

Overview

 

Action Products International, Inc. (NASDAQ: APII) is a brand-focused, educational toy company. We design, manufacture and market a diversified portfolio of educational, positive and non-violent brands of toy products, to various retailing channels such as toy stores, specialty retailers, education outlets, museums, and attractions in the United States and throughout the world. We were originally incorporated, and began our operations, in New York in 1977, and relocated and re-incorporated in Florida in 1980 as a distributor of education oriented toys and children’s books, stationery and souvenirs, supplying museum gift shops. In 1997 a new business model was developed and implemented around our toy business. From 1997 through 2004 we successfully developed or acquired and brought to market a core portfolio of proprietary branded product lines to replace sales of divested non-core lines. Our first internally developed proprietary toy brand, Space Voyagers®, generated approximately $1.0 million in its first full year on the market. During the past eight fiscal years, we have continued to develop other new proprietary products through internal development, licensing and acquisition. In October 2002 we began shipping our newest brand, Jay Jay The Jet Plane, based on the PBS television show of the same name. In April 2004 we completed the acquisition of certain assets of Curiosity Kits, Inc., a developer, manufacturer and marketer of craft and activity kits for children that are sold primarily to specialty toy and craft retailers, and art museums throughout North America. Our business model is based on the expansion of core brands, while developing new brands through internal product development, favorable licensing agreements and prudent acquisitions. Our growth strategy is based on increasing our sales turnover, penetration in existing channels and diversifying distribution channels, while creating and increasing brand equity.

 

We sell our educational toy product lines under the umbrella name “Action Products”. Our marketing and promotion communications focus on our individual brands such as CURIOSITY KITS®, SPACE VOYAGERS®, CLIMB@TRON, I DIG DINOSAURS®, WOODKITS, DROP ZONE EXTREME®, PLAY & STORE and JAY JAY THE JET PLANE. Products include premium wooden toys, action figures, play-sets, activity kits and various other playthings with a strategic emphasis on non-violent and educational and fun topics such as Space, dinosaurs, science, and nature.

 

The EarthLore® I Dig Dinosaurs® brand acquired in October 2000 continues to be a strong brand and contributed over $1.6 million to net sales in 2004. Our best brand rollout to date is the new Jay Jay The Jet Plane brand that was introduced in the fourth quarter of 2002. It produced $1.3 million in net sales in 2004. The Curiosity Kits® brand acquired in April 2004 was a significant contributor to our net sales in 2004, generating approximately $2.2 million during the nine months following the acquisition. Our other brands including Drop Zone Extreme, Space Voyagers® and Play & Store contributed the remaining $4.0 million net sales in 2004.

 

In addition to the development of internal brands, we actively pursue prudent acquisition opportunities and licensing arrangements. In October 2000, we acquired certain assets of Earth Lore Ltd., an award-winning, privately held Canada-based maker of popular educational excavation kits for children. The acquisition provided us with an appropriate product line extension, and channels of distribution that complemented our existing brands. In December 2001, we acquired a license agreement with the developers of the PBS children’s show Jay Jay The Jet Plane to develop and launch our new wooden adventure system based on the episodes of this popular children’s series. We launched this product line in the fourth quarter 2002 to popular reception from the trade and consumers.

 

Sales for the year ended December 31, 2004 were $9,109,200 compared to $8,217,900 in 2003. This represents an 11% gain, which is impressive considering the challenges the toy retailers experienced during the year. The 2004 sales figure was the highest in the company’s history. In the fourth quarter, sales were $3,017,000 in 2004 compared to $1,843,100 in 2003 representing an increase of 64%.

 

Market Opportunity

 

The principal markets for our products are consumers who purchase through retail specialty toy stores or the toy departments of national and regional retail chains, museum gift and education stores, and, to a lesser extent,

 

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through catalogs or over the Internet. We currently compete primarily in the preschool and elementary school categories in the United States and international consumer markets. We believe we are well positioned to continue to grow faster than the markets we participate in and our long-term goal is to capture a significant share of these markets.

 

We believe two major trends are driving increased spending on educational products and redefining our markets. First, parents are concerned about the education of their children including the important influence of safe and positive play. This concern is influenced by a number of factors, including the growing pressures for children to excel in an increasingly knowledge-based society. Second, the increasing emphasis in the United States and internationally on generating interest in, and encouraging appreciation of, science and our world. We believe that these trends provide us a significant market opportunity.

 

Several of our product lines which includes I Dig, Climb@Tron and Space Voyagers® appeal to international customers. We expect our foreign sales that totaled approximately $0.4 million in 2003 and $0.5 million in 2004 to grow in the future as we execute distribution agreements with additional foreign distributors.

 

Our Market Position

 

We believe we are well positioned to capitalize on the increased emphasis on education and the trend towards encouraging children’s interest in positive play and their world surroundings. We believe our innovative products meet this increasingly important market need. Unlike promotional toys, our products emphasize quality and a healthy alternative for consumers looking for solutions to the negative influences of less positive play patterns and tend to avoid fashionable or short-lived aspects of promotional toys.

 

Our Business Strategy

 

Our goal is to become the leading provider of educational, positive, non-violent toys for ages 2-10 through specialty retailers and selected chain stores in the U.S. and international markets by:

 

Strengthening our distribution channels. We have the potential of reaching a significantly greater number of toy retailers than we have achieved to date. At year end of 2004 market penetration, particularly in the specialty toy retail channel, was approximately 50% of the estimated total of 2,000 North American outlets. During the latter part of 2004, management implemented several additional changes in our sales organization intended to upgrade our capabilities to better implement our sales strategies and programs targeted to increase penetration in the retail store channel. Sales programs include a volume buying program for independent toy retailers (using freight and payment dating incentives); cost efficient merchandising, easy to try brand assortments, and a dealer communication program to better position our company and our brands with retail dealers. Plans are underway to better train dealers and their retail sales staff on the attributes of our brands. These programs are designed to assist with two core distribution objectives; first to increase dealer support for our brands thereby increasing market penetration and second to increase sell-through for our dealers. Additionally we believe we are not limited to traditional toy and other large discount retailers for distribution of our products. We plan to increase distribution of our products through independent specialty toy retailers, museums, zoos and attractions, the education industry suppliers, as well as select national and regional retail chains.

 

Broaden and diversify our specialty distribution. We have targeted a number of new channels and deeper penetration into existing channels (i.e. hobby stores, educational market, book stores including the Christian book store market, theme parks, Canada and other international markets, museums, zoos and aquariums, thematic attractions, gift shops in destination restaurants, hospital gift shops, and airport stores.)

 

Increasing our product offerings to our target markets. Our plan is to introduce and ship over 50 new products in 2005 in our key core brands including Curiosity Kits®, I Dig Excavation Adventures with the new I Dig Treasures Pirates line, Space Voyagers® female astronaut action figure, Kidz Workshop EZ Build, and JAY JAY THE JET PLANE WOODEN ADVENTURE SYSTEM. We will continue to enhance our products and lines through the design, development and acquisition of new product offerings of educational/non-violent toys in the preschool and elementary school age categories. We expect to identify suitable licensing and acquisition candidates, with established brands, which we believe will benefit our dealers and consumers resulting from synergies of combined sales and supply chain management.

 

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Increasing trade and consumer awareness: We anticipate significantly increasing in-store merchandising support, shelf space, store events, and advertising. These types of marketing initiatives in 2004 helped increase our independent toy store sales by over 100%. We continue to gain consumer awareness as well as insight through the use of inserts in our product packaging. Each product insert contains a cross sell brochure increasing consumer awareness of the line, while a store product registration card gives the company consumer feedback.

 

Expanding our presence in international markets. We have already successfully test marketed several of our products in international markets but we have only recently begun to focus on this area. Our international net sales were approximately $0.4 million in 2003 and $0.5 million in 2004. We expect our sales from international markets to grow and to constitute a growing portion of our sales in the future. We plan to penetrate international consumer markets by using a combination of direct sales to retailers and distribution arrangements. For example, we have strengthened our distribution relationship in the U.K., which is estimated to be a $2 billion toy market, and an established sales experience with some major retailers in Canada. We expect to continue to develop these existing channels and selectively add new ones to increase our international sales potential.

 

Expanding our products and sales through acquisitions. We expect to continue to evaluate acquisition and licensing opportunities that have the potential for significant cost synergies and provide our dealers complementary product lines that can be readily merged into our current supply, sales and distribution process.

 

Our Products

 

Our products consist of toys and activity kits for children packaged and marketed under a diversified portfolio of brands. This mitigates the risks associated with single brand strategies and builds influence with our distribution channels as a provider of multiple best selling product lines designed to create long-term sales streams for our retail dealers and us. We realize not all brands share equivalent sales, distribution or longevity potential, however we believe creating brand equity amongst a core of diversified brands is important to our long term success and in the best interest of our shareholders. Following are descriptions of several of our key brands:

 

Jay Jay The Jet Plane

 

Based on the animated series currently airing on PBS and PBS Kids networks, the Jay Jay The Jet Plane Wooden Adventure System comprised of characters and accessories is designed specifically for children ages 3 to 6, using high quality wood. Wood play systems, some based on preschool properties such as THOMAS & FRIENDS and BOB THE BUILDER have become a staple for children’s toy dealers throughout the world. Created in America, Jay Jay The Jet Plane is most often likened to the UK based “Thomas” property. Industry estimates indicate the sale of Thomas & Friends wood toys generate over $50 million a year for its manufacturer. As such, we believe there is good potential for our line of Jay Jay The Jet Plane Wooden Adventure System toys. The television reach for Jay Jay The Jet Plane is expanding internationally. We believe the international market for our Jay Jay toys will mirror the carriage of the television and video content on a country-by-country basis. We are still in the launch phase of this important product line with significant new product introductions, which include four new characters and a starter set, planned throughout 2005.

 

Climb@Tron & Wild Climbers

 

Climb@trons are robots that climb up, down, around, and even upside down on smooth surfaces like windows, mirrors and cabinets using powerful suction cups and vacuum technology and auto reverse action to keep Climb@Tron going even after bumping into barriers. Themes include interplanetary robots and wild animals.

 

Kidz Workshop

 

Our Kidz Workshop line includes the award winning EZ Build Projects that promote confidence-building, fun-to-assemble where one tool does it all; Kidz Workshop fits the bill for children of ages 7 and up. EZ Build Projects are winners of Dr. Toy’s 10 Best Socially Responsible Toys and 2002 100 Best Children’s Products awards.

 

I Dig Excavation Adventures

 

Our I Dig Excavation Adventures let children become modern day dinosaur hunters and archaeologists. Using steel tools, children dig through dust free “rock” to unearth replica dinosaur bones and Egyptian artifacts. This line will be expanded in 2005 with the introduction of four I Dig Adventures, which include an Arrowhead and Gold Rush dig.

 

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Space Voyagers®

 

Our Space Voyagers® line combines vehicles from the space programs of the past, present, and near future. This line of astronaut action figures and accessories is designed to appeal to both children and parents on two levels. The products are physically designed, decorated and packaged to appeal to the child’s sense of “cool” state-of-the-art figure based play, with scenarios of risk and heroism. The absence of violence and the inherently educational attributes of space exploration, science and discovery appeal to a wide variety of consumers.

 

Licensing

 

We began the strategic use of licensed intellectual properties in 1998. In April, 2000, we signed a licensing agreement with Apollo Astronaut Buzz Aldrin to further develop and promote the Space Voyagers® brand. This license strengthens the brand’s exclusive market position as “The Most Authentic Space Toys on EarthSM”. The agreement expires in 2005 and is automatically renewable for five additional years.

 

In December 2001 we signed a licensing agreement with Porchlight Entertainment for the rights to market certain toy lines including a wooden adventure system and die cast metal collection under the Jay Jay The Jet Plane name. The popularity of this PBS children’s cartoon made for a very successful launch of the product in the fourth quarter of 2002. The initial term of the agreement expired in December 2004 and is renewable at our election for one additional year. The agreement has been renewed through December 31, 2005. Based on the sales performance to date and our positive working relationship with Porchlight Entertainment we believe the license will be extended beyond the one-year renewal term.

 

In January 2004 we signed a new exclusive distribution agreement for certain of the Climb@Tron robots. The term is for two years and the right to maintain exclusive distribution in the assigned territory is subject to meeting minimum sales levels. These minimum sales levels were met in 2004.

 

In October 2004 we signed an exclusive licensing agreement to develop and market a line of unique consumer products designed to encourage and enhance creative thought processes and communications skills. The products will be marketed under the name “Talking Stix”. The term is for two years and is renewable for a one-year term subject meeting minimum sales levels.

 

We will continue to selectively seek out appropriate licensing agreements that support our objective to develop exclusive quality brands with long-term sales growth potential.

 

Manufacturing, Logistics and Other Operations

 

Our manufacturing and operations strategy is designed to maximize the use of outsourced services and to concentrate our internal resources on product development, sales and marketing. We believe our outsourcing strategy also enhances the scalability of our manufacturing efforts. We use several OEM contract manufacturers to source components and build finished products to our specifications. We currently use approximately 29 contract manufacturers located in the United States, Hong Kong and China to build our finished products. The suppliers are selected based on their technical and production capabilities and are matched to particular products to achieve cost and quality efficiencies.

 

During 2004 and 2003 our largest single manufacturer supplied 15% and 10% respectively, of our products and our top three manufacturers combined supplied a total of 36% and 60% respectively. We believe that other manufacturers are available to us should any of our significant manufacturers, including our largest manufacturer, be unable or unwilling to continue to manufacture our products for us.

 

Based on our net sales in 2004, major retailers and international distributors took title to approximately 11% of our products directly from our manufacturing facilities in Asia. However, the majority of our product is shipped directly to our warehouse in Ocala, Florida and is later shipped to meet the demands of our major U.S. retailers and our retailers and distributors throughout the U.S. and Canada.

 

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Marketing, Sales and Advertising

 

We exhibit our product lines at toy, gift and related industry trade shows. Our most important trade show is the American International Toy Fair held in New York City in February. At the 2003 Toy Fair, we introduced new Jay Jay The Jet Plane characters, Wild Climbers an extension to our Climb@Tron brand and expanded our Woodkit selection. At the 2004 Toy Fair, we introduced a new pirate-themed line of I DIG Treasures® excavation kits, 25 other items, including the industry’s first female astronaut action figure, and re-introduced 50 products in direct response to high demand from museum and specialty retailers from across the Country.

 

We sell our product lines through a network of manufacturer representative firms and an internal, direct-sales department. Our direct sales department includes a team that focuses on selling to our original customer base in the attraction and museum categories. Our sales department also has a customer service team that manages and supports our retailers and the manufacturer representative firms with marketing collateral, product information, order processing and selected customer presentations.

 

We capitalize on strategic marketing campaigns, point of purchase displays and creative package design to build brand equity and promote product sell-through. We partner with our retail customers nationally to sponsor I Dig Dinosaurs Play Days, featuring a dinosaur dig site allowing groups of children to participate in a live product demonstration. We also continued our in-store Woodkits Fixture Program, placing new merchandise racks in retail outlets throughout the U.S. and Canada. Retailers ordering a prescribed assortment and quantity of wood kit products are eligible for this program.

 

Trade advertising remained a core marketing tool in 2004. We placed ads throughout the year in trade publications including Playthings, The Toy Book and publications of the American Specialty Toy Retailers Association (ASTRA). Through a cross marketing arrangement our Jay Jay The Jet Plane Wooden Adventure System is advertised to consumers in Jay Jay story books published by the Price Stern Sloan division of Penguin Putnam Publishing. Other cross marketing arrangements are under discussion with Jay Jay and other brands.

 

Sales and Distribution

 

We service customers in all fifty U.S. states and the District of Columbia, and export to a number of foreign countries including the United Kingdom, Spain, Canada and Japan.

 

Our management focuses its efforts on growing our customer base by increasing our penetration and presence in new and existing distribution channels. Museum stores and attractions throughout the U.S. and around the world served as our primary customer base since the inception of our company. While this niche provided us with a solid foundation for growth, we have successfully expanded our distribution to national toy stores, specialty retailers and other available retail outlets. We have a diversified customer base including some of the major toy retailers in the U.S. and Canada. Ten large customers accounted for slightly under 34% of our net sales in 2004. Our largest single customer accounted for slightly less than 9% of our total net sales.

 

Our sales team seeks to work in conjunction with store buyers from our key retailers to forecast demand for our products, develop the store floor footprint, secure retail shelf space for our products and agree upon pricing components, including cooperative advertising allowances. The large retail chains generally provide us with a preliminary forecast of their expected purchases of our products. While these and subsequent forecasts are not contractually binding, they provide important feedback that we use in our planning process throughout the year. We work closely with our key retailers during the year to establish and revise our expected demand forecasts and plan our production and delivery needs accordingly. Most retailers issue purchase orders to us, as they need product. Based on these purchase orders, we prepare shipments for delivery through various methods. For large retail chains, we generally deliver our products directly to these retailers’ warehouses from our third-party manufacturing factories. For our smaller retailers, we generally ship our products to our warehouse in Florida, and from there to the retailers’ respective locations. We sell to smaller volume retail stores through a combination of sales representatives and direct salespeople.

 

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Our distribution strategy is focused on the specialty retail and selected mass-market channels. This includes selectively differentiating the products we distribute through each channel to address the divergent pricing, packaging and merchandising requirements of customers in the specialty and mass market channels.

 

International Operations, Sales and Manufacturing

 

On September 28, 2000, we formed Action Products Canada, Ltd., a wholly owned Canadian subsidiary, for the purpose of acquiring substantially all of the assets including, but not limited to, patents, pending patent applications, trademarks, brand names, customer lists and inventory and assuming certain liabilities of Earth Lore, Ltd., a Canadian toy manufacturer located in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The primary reason for this transaction was to obtain Earth Lore’s rights and market share in the “I Dig Dinosaurs” line of toys. These toys are educational and non-violent and complement our other product offerings. On October 15, 2000, the acquisition was completed and was accounted for using the purchase method of accounting for business combinations. Following completion of the acquisition we implemented a plan to exit certain Canadian production and distribution activities by integrating the acquired assets and distribution activities into our facility in Florida. Production of the EarthLore products was successfully transferred at the end of December 2001, to a cost effective and reliable foreign source with a successful track record manufacturing other products in our line. In January 2005, Action Products Canada, Ltd. was dissolved.

 

Overall revenues from our international sales represented approximately $0.4 million or 5% of our total revenues in 2003 and $0.5 million or 5% in 2004. Over 90% of international sales were made in Canada. Revenues from other international customers still represent a limited percentage of our total revenues.

 

Although we have formal international distributor agreements for The United Kingdom, we also sell to other international accounts and distributors on a direct basis.

 

In general, international sales are subject to inherent risks including, but not limited to, transportation delays and interruptions, political and economic disruptions, the imposition of tariffs and import and export controls, changes in government policies, cultural differences affecting product demands and the burdens of complying with a variety of foreign laws. Our products are produced by approximately 29 outside manufacturing companies in the U.S., Hong Kong and China, and are imported directly by us as finished goods. Though we did experience some delays in shipment in the fall of 2002 due to a prolonged work stoppage at 28 west-coast shipping ports, the effect was mainly a delay in sales and over the long term will not have a materially adverse effect on the business. We do not expect this event to reoccur any time soon, nor do we expect to be impacted by any of the other risks listed above. There are no assurances that such events will not occur in the future and possibly result in increases in costs and delays of, or interference with, product deliveries resulting in losses of sales and goodwill. We experience minimal currency risk because these foreign sourcing transactions are conducted using U.S. dollars.

 

The implementation of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade in 1996 reduced or eliminated customs duties on many products we import. We believe that the capacity of our facilities and the supply of completed products we purchase from unaffiliated manufacturers are adequate to meet the foreseeable demand for the product lines we market. Over a period of time, our reliance on external sources of manufacturing can be shifted to alternative sources of supply should such change be necessary. However, if we were prevented from obtaining products from a substantial number of our current Far East suppliers due to political, labor or other factors beyond our control, our operations would be disrupted while alternative sources of products were secured. The imposition of trade sanctions by the U.S. against a class of products imported by us could significantly increase the cost of importing our products into the U.S.

 

Competition

 

Our business is highly competitive and we compete for shelf space with various toy manufacturers, importers and distributors, such as Leapfrog with $1.3 billion in sales of educational toys; Learning Curve (which was acquired by RC2 Corporation) with approximately $130 million in sales to specialty retailers; Jakks Pacific which keys its growth to acquisitions; and a number of smaller companies primarily having single product lines and often privately owned. Our ability to compete successfully is based upon our core competencies, including our

 

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experience in conceptualizing and developing quality toys that are themed as non-violent and educational, our unique ability to perform a wide range of specialized “same day” shipment on most domestic orders and outstanding customer service. Our manufacturer representative firms and in-house sales professionals maintain regular and close contact with direct customers. Our reputation, customer service and unique brand offerings enable us to build and maintain customer loyalty.

 

Intellectual Property

 

Our products are sold and protected under trademarks, service marks, trade names and copyrights, and a number of those products are produced using a patented method owned by us. We consider our intellectual property rights to be important assets in that they provide product recognition and protection. Our products are also protected in as many other countries as allowed by trademark, copyright and patent laws to the extent that such protection is available and meaningful. We currently believe our rights to these properties are adequately protected, but we cannot assure you that our rights can be successfully asserted in the future or that such rights will not be invalidated, circumvented or challenged.

 

Government Regulation

 

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

 

Our products are rated according to the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) safety protocol adopted by the United States and the EN-71 safety protocol adopted by the European Community. In addition, we expect to certify our products according to the Japanese Toy Association safety criteria for consumer products. We also voluntarily comply with certain standards established by the ASTM. Although compliance with this much stricter standard is completely at the discretion of the manufacturer, it is our firm policy that our toys meet this superior level of safety. We also maintain a quality control program to ensure product safety compliance with the various federal, state and international requirements. Our membership in the Toy Manufacturer’s Association provides an important resource to remain informed of the latest safety guidelines.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, there can be no assurance that all of our products are or will be hazard free. Any material product recall could have an adverse effect on us, depending on the product, and could affect sales of our other products.

 

Personnel

 

As of December 31, 2004, we had 31 employees worldwide, including three executive officers, seven sales and customer support personnel, eight marketing and product development personnel, five distribution personnel and eight administrative and procurement personnel. We offer our employees a benefits package that includes health and life insurance plans, a 401(k) plan and an employee-contributed IRC Section 125 health plan. Employees are required to sign a non-compete agreement prohibiting direct competition with us for at least a one-year period following termination of their employment. None of our employees are represented by a labor union or are subject to a collective bargaining agreement.

 

ITEM 2. DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY

 

Our corporate headquarters are located in Orlando, Florida, where we lease a 6,000 square foot suite in a business district near downtown Orlando, staffed by executive, sales, marketing, importing and graphics personnel. We are currently on a short-term sublease that expires July 12, 2005. We have the option to extend the lease for an additional 12 months through July 2006. The lease rate will increase from approximately $50,000 to $65,000.

 

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In addition, we own a distribution facility in Ocala, Florida. The Ocala facility, which we have owned for over fifteen years and houses our distribution center, is comprised of a 35,000 square foot mixed use building and 2.5 acres of land. This facility, which is situated in an industrial park comprised of similar facilities, is expected to be sufficient to meet our current warehousing and distribution needs.

 

The property is encumbered by a mortgage, the principal balance of which, as of December 31, 2004, was $475,300 and may be prepaid at any time without penalty. During 2004 we have prepaid $56,500 of the outstanding principal. The mortgage bears interest at 7.5% per annum and is due in 120 monthly payments of principal and interest of approximately $6,100 based on a 20-year amortization. A balloon payment of approximately $351,200 is due in 2008.

 

The mortgage is collateralized by real estate and improvements and contains certain restrictive covenants, which provide that, among other things, we maintain a minimum working capital and net worth, debt service coverage and a maximum debt to net worth ratio. At December 31, 2004, we were in compliance with all covenants.

 

There are no current plans to renovate or expand the facility. We follow a course of regular repair and maintenance to the structure and fixtures that keep the facility in good operating condition. In addition we maintain sufficient insurance to effect the replacement or repair of the facility.

 

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

We have filed a complaint against certain parties related to various causes of action involving breaches of confidentiality related to our attempted acquisition of assets of a toy manufacturer.

 

We do not believe there are any pending or threatened legal proceedings that, if adversely determined, would have a material adverse effect on us.

 

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

 

No matters were submitted to a vote of shareholders during the fourth quarter of our fiscal year ended December 31, 2004.

 

PART II

 

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

 

Market Information

 

Our common stock is traded on the Nasdaq SmallCap Market under the symbol “APII.” The following table represents the range of the high and the low bid quotations, as reported by the Nasdaq Trading and Market Services, for each fiscal quarter for the last two fiscal years ended December 31, 2003 and 2004. These quotations represent prices between dealers, may not include retail mark-ups, markdowns or commissions, and may not necessarily represent actual transactions.

 

Fiscal Quarter Ended


   Low

   High

March 31, 2003

   $ 0.90    $ 1.54

June 30, 2003

   $ 0.62    $ 2.10

September 30, 2003

   $ 1.82    $ 3.27

December 31, 2003

   $ 2.50    $ 4.90

March 31, 2004

   $ 2.15    $ 4.20

June 30, 2004

   $ 2.38    $ 4.50

September 30, 2004

   $ 1.53    $ 2.78

December 31, 2004

   $ 1.63    $ 5.28

 

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On February 17, 2005, the closing price of our common stock was $3.30 and we had approximately 1,400 record owners of our common stock.

 

Dividends and Dividend Policy

 

We previously distributed shares of common stock and warrants as dividends, but have not paid any cash dividends on our common stock during the last two fiscal years. However, we do anticipate paying cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future contingent on the profitability of our business. We currently intend to retain the majority of future earnings for reinvestment in our business. Any future determination to pay cash dividends will be at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will be dependent on our financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements and other relevant factors.

 

On April 24, 2003 we announced a warrant distribution to all shareholders of record as of June 12, 2003. Shareholders were issued one warrant for each share of common stock owned as of the record date. Each warrant entitles the holder to purchase one common share at an exercise price of $2.00 and expires June 9, 2006. As of December 31, 2004 approximately 3,272,100 warrants had been issued. As of December 31, 2004, total warrants exercised were 1,357,300.

 

On October 29, 2004 we announced a warrant distribution to all shareholders of record as of January 7, 2005. Shareholders were issued one warrant for each share of common stock owned as of the record date. Each warrant entitles the holder to purchase one common share at exercise prices of $3.00 and $3.50 and expires January 6, 2006. As of January 24, 2005 approximately 4,571,600 warrants had been issued.

 

Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities

 

There were no issuances or sales of our securities by us during the fourth quarter of 2004 that were not registered under the Securities Act.

 

Repurchase of Securities

 

On March 24, 2004, our Board of Directors authorized, effective immediately, a program to repurchase up to 150,000 of our outstanding common shares. Repurchases may be made by us from time to time in the open market at prevailing prices, in either block purchases or in privately negotiated transactions. The share repurchase program will expire three years from the date of authorization, although prior to such time the program may be discontinued or suspended at any time. As of December 31, 2004 we repurchased 6,900 of our common shares and 143,100 remain available under the plan.

 

Repurchases of Common Shares

 

    Total number of
common shares
purchased


  Average price
paid per
common
share


  Total number of common
shares purchased as part
of publicly announced
plans or programs


  Maximum number (or
approximate dollar value) of
common shares that may yet
be purchased under the plans
or programs


October 1, 2004 – October 31, 2004

  —       —     —     144,100

November 1, 2004 – November 30, 2004

  1,000   $ 1.89   1,000   143,100

December 1, 2004 – December 31, 2004

  —       —     —     143,100
   
 

 
 

Total

  1,000   $ 1.89   1,000   143,100
   
 

 
 

 

 

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ITEM 6. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

The following discussion and analysis of our consolidated financial condition and results of operations for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003 should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report.

 

When used in conjunction in the following discussions, the words “believes,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “expects,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, which could cause results to differ materially from those projected, including, but not limited to, those set forth in “Factors that May Affect Future Results and Market Price of Our Stock” of this Item 6.

 

General Overview

 

In 1997, we shifted our focus from being a distributor of other manufacturers’ toys, gifts, souvenirs, promotional premiums and published products towards the development, establishment and distribution of our own proprietary brands and products. Our strategy is to continue broadening our collection of brands through internal development, licensing and acquisitions. Proprietary brands allow us to better control costs, maintain margins and secure favorable relationships with the most prominent sales and retail organizations in the toy industry.

 

We develop brands by introducing new products based on market opportunities and extending our strongest product lines. In 2001, we developed a broad line of themed educational toys with the name Play & Store to fill, what we believe to be, an overlooked niche in the specialty toy industry and we improved the line further with new products in 2002. We also introduced a Wooden Adventure System with the Jay Jay The Jet Plane name under a license agreement with Porchlight Entertainment. In April 2004, we completed the acquisition of certain assets of Curiosity Kits, Inc., a developer, manufacturer and marketer of craft and activity kits for children that are sold primarily to specialty toy and craft retailers, and art museums throughout North America. In October 2004, we signed an exclusive licensing agreement to develop and market a line of unique consumer products designed to encourage and enhance creative thought processes and communications skills. The products will be marketed under the name “Talking Stix”. Our product development objective is to develop a solid diversified portfolio of proprietary brands to drive top line revenues.

 

Historically, our principal source of revenues has been the sale of products to retailers. We anticipate this will continue for the foreseeable future. However, we intend to augment this with revenue generating licensing agreements for our proprietary brands and trademarks. The competition and consolidation taking place in the retail sector will continue to present challenges. However, we believe the opportunities for increased penetration of existing channels, continued diversification into new distribution channels and interactive markets will allow us to achieve our growth objectives

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

We prepare our consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. As such, management is required to make certain estimates, judgments and assumptions that they believe are reasonable based on the information available. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses for the periods presented. The significant accounting policies which management believes are the most critical to aid in fully understanding and evaluating our reported financial results include revenue recognition, inventory valuation, intangible assets and stock-based compensation.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

We recognize revenue upon shipment of our products provided there are no significant post-delivery obligations to the customer and collection is reasonably assured. This generally occurs upon shipment, either from our U.S. distribution facility or directly from our third-party manufacturers. Net sales represent gross sales less negotiated price allowances based primarily on volume purchasing levels and actual allowances for defective items.

 

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Inventory Valuation

 

Inventory is valued at the lower of cost (determined by the first-in, first-out method) or market. Based upon a consideration of quantities on hand, actual and anticipated sales volume, anticipated product selling price and product lines planned to be discontinued; slow-moving and obsolete inventory is written down to its estimated net realizable value. Failure to accurately predict and respond to consumer demand could result in us under producing popular items or overproducing less popular items. Management estimates are monitored on a quarterly basis and a further adjustment to reduce inventory to its net realizable value is recorded when deemed necessary.

 

Intangible Assets

 

The cost of acquired companies in excess of the fair value of net assets at acquisition date is recorded as “goodwill,” and through December 2001 was amortized over a 15-year period on a straight-line basis. Subsequent to December 2001, goodwill is no longer amortized but, instead, is tested at least annually for impairment, in accordance with SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets”. Management believes, based on the testing performed during 2004, that goodwill is not impaired.

 

We assess the recoverability of other intangible assets if facts and circumstances suggest that their carrying amount may have been impaired. In making its assessment, we give consideration to the undiscounted cash flows from the use of such assets, the estimated fair value of such assets, and other factors that may affect the recoverability of such assets. If such an assessment indicates that the carrying value of intangible assets may not be recoverable, the carrying value of intangible assets is reduced.

 

Stock-Based Compensation

 

In December 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 148, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation — Transition and Disclosure — an amendment of FASB Statement No. 123 (“SFAS No. 148”). This statement amends SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock Based Compensation (“SFAS No. 123”) to provide alternative methods of voluntarily transitioning to the fair value based method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation. SFAS No. 148 also amends the disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 123 to require disclosure of the method used to account for stock-based employee compensation and the effect of the method on reported results in both annual and interim financial statements. The disclosure provisions became effective for us beginning with our year ended December 31, 2003. We have elected the “pro-forma, disclosure only” option permitted under FAS 123, instead of recording a charge to operations, as shown below:

 

     2004

    2003

 

Net income (loss)

                

As reported

   $ (67,800 )   $ (523,600 )

Pro forma

   $ (162,600 )   $ (792,700 )

 

Results of Operations

 

The following should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto included elsewhere herein. The following table sets forth, as a percentage of sales, certain items appearing in our consolidated statements of operations.

 

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     2004

    2003

 

Net Sales

   100.0 %   100.0 %

Cost of Sales

   48.3 %   51.5 %
    

 

Gross Profit

   51.7 %   48.5 %

Selling Expense

   25.5 %   27.9 %

General & Administrative Expense

   26.2 %   26.0 %
    

 

Total Operating Expense

   51.7 %   54.0 %
    

 

Loss from Operations

   0.0 %   -5.5 %

Other Income/(Expense)

   -0.9 %   -0.9 %
    

 

Loss Before Benefit (Provision) From Income Taxes

   -0.9 %   -6.4 %

Taxes

   0.2 %   0.0 %
    

 

Net Loss

   -0.7 %   -6.4 %
    

 

 

Year Ended December 31, 2004 Compared With Year Ended December 31, 2003

 

Net sales increased by $891,300 or 11% to $9,109,200 in fiscal 2004 from $8,217,900 in fiscal 2003. This increase in annual sales, a new record, was mainly attributable to sales of the Curiosity Kits® brand which was acquired in April 2004 and a 44% increase in sales of our I Dig Dinosaurs® brand which offset a decrease in sales of our Jay Jay The Jet Plane Wooden Adventure System to toy chains. Sales in our core independent toy retail channels continued their growth compared to the 2003 levels with an increase of over 40%.

 

Gross profit increased by $727,100 or 18% to $4,710,100 in fiscal 2004 from $3,983,000 in fiscal 2003. As a percentage of sales, gross profit increased to 51.7% in fiscal 2004, compared to 48.5% in fiscal 2003. The increase in gross profit is attributable principally to the increase in sales discussed above. The increase in gross profit percentage was attributable to reduced product cost, discounts and allowances which were partially offset by increased freight costs.

 

Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses were $4,713,300 and $4,434,300 in fiscal 2004 and 2003, respectively. The $279,000 or 6% increase in SG&A expenses is due primarily to the following:

 

    Compensation increase of $439,100 due to staffing increases in marketing, sales, customer service, product development and logistics.

 

    Freight out increase of $115,000 due to higher sales and increased freight rates.

 

    Advertising and promotion increase of $91,400 due to increased trade show participation and use of in-store merchandising materials.

 

    Commission expense increase of $83,900 due principally to the increase in sales.

 

    Travel expense increase of $41,100 resulting from increased sourcing activity and customer sales calls.

 

These increases were partially offset by decreases in:

 

    Brand licensing of $280,400 due to a decrease in toy chain sales of our Jay Jay The Jet Plane Wooden Adventure System.

 

    Doubtful accounts expense of $227,700.

 

Interest expense related to current and long-term debt was $109,400 and $104,200 in fiscal 2004 and 2003, respectively. The $5,200 increase is due primarily to higher interest rates during fiscal 2004 and slightly higher balances on our line of credit.

 

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Other income/(expense) was $30,400 and $31,900 in fiscal 2004 and 2003 respectively. The decrease was primarily attributable to a decrease in investment income.

 

Net Loss in fiscal 2004, as a result of the foregoing, was $67,800 or $0.02 per share compared to a net loss of $523,600 or $0.16 per share in fiscal 2003.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

As of December 31, 2004, current assets were $5,158,100 compared to current liabilities of $2,321,000 for a current ratio of approximately 2.2 to 1 compared to 2.2 to 1 as of December 31, 2003.

 

We had cash and cash equivalents of $721,800 and $750,100 in fiscal year 2004 and 2003 respectively, representing a $28,300 decrease.

 

We had net cash flows used in operations of $289,700 in fiscal 2004 compared to net cash flows provided by operations of $91,100 in fiscal 2003, representing a decrease of $380,800. Principal sources of liquidity from operating activities for the fiscal year 2004 were: an increase in accrued expenses of $97,600 related to royalties, commissions and in-transit merchandise and decrease in inventory of $212,000 resulting from prudent inventory purchase practices. Principal uses of cash from operating activities for the fiscal year 2004 were: an increase of $913,100 in accounts receivable due primarily to increased sales and promotional payment terms and a reduction of $104,700 in other assets and prepaid expenses.

 

Principal sources of cash from investing and financing activities during fiscal 2004 were: proceeds from the exercise of common stock options and warrants of $1,794,400 related principally to public warrants issued in June 2003, net borrowings under line of credit of $908,900 and proceeds from notes payable of $645,000 related to the acquisition of Curiosity Kits. Principal uses of cash from investing and financing activities during fiscal 2004 were: $2,099,000 for the acquisition in April 2004 of certain assets of the Curiosity Kits business, repayment of notes payable related to the Curiosity Kits acquisition of $645,000, repayment of mortgage principal and capital lease obligations of $179,500; property and equipment acquisitions of $100,000 and purchase of investment securities and treasury stock for $63,400.

 

At December 31, 2004, we had $1,569,100 of borrowings under our line of credit (“the Revolver”), an increase of $908,900 from $660,200 as of December 31, 2003. Under the credit agreement for the Revolver, we are subject to financial covenants related to the maintenance of certain asset balances and financial ratios. We are in compliance with all covenants as of December 31, 2004. The borrowing limit under the Revolver is $2,000,000. The eligible borrowing balance at December 31, 2004 was $2,000,000. Interest is payable monthly at the financial institution’s prime rate plus one-half of one percent (½%) (5.25% as of December 31, 2004). The Revolver was renewed in June 2003 and matures on June 30, 2005 at which time we currently intend to extend the credit agreement.

 

We extend credit to our customers, generally on terms that require payment within 30 days. Some customers participate in an accounts receivable extended payment terms program, pursuant to which payments for products are delayed for up to 120 days. We believe this is consistent with normal practices in the industry.

 

As of December 31, 2004, $475,400 of long-term debt consisted of a mortgage payable to a commercial bank. The mortgage is collateralized by real estate and improvements, is amortized assuming a twenty-year term, with ten years of monthly principal and interest payments, then a balloon payment due in 2008.

 

Other long-term liabilities were comprised of deferred revenue associated with a non-compete agreement.

 

During 2004, we recorded depreciation and amortization of approximately $433,800 compared to $470,000 for fiscal 2003. The decrease in depreciation and amortization is mainly attributable to the completion in the fourth quarter 2004 of amortization related to product development costs for our Jay Jay The Jet Plane brand. In addition, we invested $100,000 and $222,700 in the acquisition of new property and equipment in 2004 and 2003, respectively.

 

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Shareholders’ equity at December 31, 2004 increased by $1,763,500 to $5,116,600 compared to $3,353,100 at December 31, 2003, due primarily to proceeds from the exercise of common stock warrants distributed in June 2003, partially offset by the net loss.

 

We believe that currently available cash and cash equivalents, liquid investments, cash flows from operations and current credit facilities will be sufficient to fund our operations for at least the next 12 months. However our actual experience may differ from these expectations. Factors that may lead to a difference include, but are not limited to, the matters discussed as well as future events that might have the effect of reducing our available cash balance (such as unexpected material operating losses or increased capital or other expenditures as well as increases in inventory or accounts receivable) or future events that may reduce or eliminate the availability of external financing resources. Our failure to comply with covenants in our credit agreements could result in significant negative consequences.

 

The following table summarizes our outstanding borrowings and long-term contractual obligations at December 31, 2004, and the effects these obligations are expected to have on our liquidity and cash flow in future periods.

 

          Payments Due by Period

     Total

   On or prior to
12/31/05


   January 1, 2006 to
December 31, 2006


  

January 1, 2007 to

December 31, 2008


Contractual Obligations

                           

Credit Facility*

   $ 1,569,100    $ 1,569,100    $ —      $ —  

Mortgage

     475,400      38,300      41,300      395,800
    

  

  

  

Total Contractual Cash Obligations

   $ 2,044,500    $ 1,607,400    $ 41,300    $ 395,800
    

  

  

  


* Credit facility matures on June 30, 2005

 

We anticipate a continued improvement in our working capital position resulting from the exercise of common stock warrants and improved operating results.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

We had no material off-balance sheet arrangements that have, or are likely to have, a current or future material effect on us.

 

Seasonality and Quarterly Results of Operations

 

Our business is subject to significant seasonal fluctuations. Historically the substantial majority of our net sales and net income are realized during the second and third calendar quarters. However, our quarterly results of operations have fluctuated significantly in the past, and can be expected to continue to fluctuate significantly in the future, as a result of many factors, including: seasonal influences on our sales, such as:

 

    the holiday shopping season;

 

    unpredictable consumer preferences and spending trends;

 

    the need to increase inventories in advance of our primary selling season; and

 

    timing of introductions of new products.

 

The following table sets forth selected unaudited quarterly statements of operations information for 2004 and 2003. The unaudited quarterly information includes all normal recurring adjustments that management considers necessary for a fair presentation of the information shown. We have been unprofitable during the last two years with net losses occurring for the first six months when less than 45 percent of our sales are recognized. Profitability in the second six months of 2004 improved significantly as a result of an 18% increase in sales. We expect that we will continue to incur losses during the first six months of each year for the foreseeable future. Because of the seasonality of our business and other factors, results for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be achieved for the full fiscal year.

 

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     Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2004

 
     First Quarter

    Second Quarter

    Third Quarter

   Fourth Quarter

   Total

 

Net sales

   $ 1,762,800     $ 1,937,300     $ 2,392,000    $ 3,017,100    $ 9,109,200  

Gross profit

     891,600       973,600       1,252,400      1,592,500      4,710,100  

Income (loss) from Operations

     (190,600 )     (258,500 )     67,000      378,900      (3,200 )

Net income (loss)

   $ (188,800 )   $ (252,700 )   $ 53,300    $ 320,400    $ (67,800 )

 

     Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2003

 
     First Quarter

    Second Quarter

   Third Quarter

   Fourth Quarter

    Total

 

Net sales

   $ 1,385,100     $ 2,265,700    $ 2,724,000    $ 1,843,100     $ 8,217,900  

Gross profit

     705,800       1,170,500      1,353,000      753,700       3,983,000  

Income (loss) from Operations

     (102,700 )     52,800      190,100      (591,500 )     (451,300 )

Net income (loss)

   $ (130,000 )   $ 26,100    $ 164,800    $ (584,500 )   $ (523,600 )

 

Factors that May Affect Future Results and Market Price of Our Stock

 

We face a number of substantial risks. Our business, financial condition or results of operations could be harmed by any of these risks. The trading price of our common stock could decline due to any of these risks, and they should be considered in connection with the other information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-KSB.

 

Factors Associated with our Business

 

We incurred significant net losses in fiscal 2004 and 2003. If we continue to incur net losses, our ability to satisfy our cash requirements may be more difficult. We incurred net losses of approximately $0.1 million and $0.5 million in fiscal 2004 and 2003. There can be no assurance that we will return to profitability in the future. If we fail to generate operating income and net income, we could have difficulty meeting our working capital requirements.

 

We have substantial cash requirements and may require additional sources of funds. Additional sources of funds may not be available or available on reasonable terms. We have substantial cash requirements in connection with our operations and debt service obligations. In addition, new product development, which is key to the success of our business, is cash intensive. If the cash we generate from our operations or from our other sources is not available when needed or is insufficient to satisfy our requirements, we may require additional sources of funds.

 

We cannot assure you that additional sources of funds would be available or available on reasonable terms. If we do not generate sufficient amounts of capital to meet our cash requirements at the times and on the terms required by us, our business will be adversely affected.

 

Changing consumer preferences may negatively impact our product lines. As a result of changing consumer preferences, many toys are successfully marketed for only one or two years, if at all. We cannot assure you that any of our current successful products or product lines will continue to be popular with consumers for any significant period of time, or that new products and product lines will achieve an acceptable degree of market acceptance, or that if such acceptance is achieved, it will be maintained for any significant period of time. Our success is dependent upon our ability to enhance existing product lines and develop new products and product lines. The failure of our new products and product lines to achieve and sustain market acceptance and to produce acceptable margins could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

 

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Our customers’ inventory management systems may cause us to produce excess inventory that may become obsolete and increase our inventory carrying costs. Most of our largest retail customers utilize an inventory management system to track sales of products and rely on reorders being rapidly filled by us and other suppliers, rather than maintaining large product inventories. These types of systems put pressure on suppliers like us to promptly fill customer orders and therefore shift some of the inventory risk from the retailer to the suppliers. Production of excess inventory by us to meet anticipated retailer demand could result in our carrying obsolete inventory and increasing our inventory carrying costs. Similarly, if we fail to predict consumer demand for a product, we may not be able to deliver an adequate supply of products on a timely basis and will, as a result, lose sales opportunities.

 

There are risks related to our acquisition strategy. We may, from time to time, evaluate and pursue acquisition opportunities on terms management considers favorable. A successful acquisition involves an assessment of the business condition and prospects of the acquisition target, which includes factors beyond our control. This assessment is necessarily inexact and its accuracy is inherently uncertain. In connection with such an assessment, we perform a review we believe to be generally consistent with industry practices. This review, however, will not reveal all existing or potential problems, nor will it permit us to become sufficiently familiar with the acquisition target to assess fully its deficiencies. We cannot assure you that any such acquisition would be successful or that the operations of the acquisition target could be successfully integrated with our operations. Any unsuccessful acquisition could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

 

We are dependent on contracts with manufacturers, most of which are short-term. We conduct substantially all of our manufacturing operations through contract manufacturers, many of which are located in the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and Hong Kong. We generally do not have long-term contracts with our manufacturers. Foreign manufacturing is subject to a number of risks including, but not limited to:

 

    transportation delays and interruptions,

 

    political and economic disruptions,

 

    the impositions of tariffs and import and export controls, and

 

    changes in governmental policies.

 

While we have not experienced any material adverse effects due to such risks to date, we cannot assure you that such events will not occur in the future and possibly result in increases in costs and delays of, or interferences with, product deliveries resulting in losses of sales and goodwill.

 

We are dependent on intellectual property rights and cannot ensure that we will be able to successfully protect such rights. We rely on a combination of trademark, copyright, patent and other proprietary rights laws to protect our rights to valuable intellectual property related to our brands. We also rely on license and other agreements to establish ownership rights and to maintain confidentiality. We cannot assure you that such intellectual property rights can be successfully asserted in the future or that they will not be invalidated, circumvented or challenged. In addition, laws of certain foreign countries in which our products are sold, or in which we operate, do not protect intellectual property rights to the same extent as the laws of the U.S. The failure to protect our proprietary information and any successful intellectual property challenges or infringement proceedings against us could have a material adverse affect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

There are specific risks associated with international sales. We have sold products to customers in the United Kingdom, Canada, Korea, Japan, Spain, Australia and New Zealand. We expect to augment our presence in international markets. Accordingly, our business, and our ability to expand our operations internationally, is subject to various risks inherent in international business activities. We may have difficulty in safeguarding our intellectual property in countries where intellectual property laws are not well developed or are poorly enforced. General economic conditions and political conditions of various countries may be subject to severe fluctuations at any time. Such fluctuations could hinder our performance under contracts in those countries or could hinder our ability to collect for product and services delivered in those countries. However, we generally sell to international customers under terms requiring letters of credit or payment in advance. Unexpected changes in foreign regulatory requirements could also make it difficult or too costly for us to conduct business internationally.

 

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In addition, although we have normally been successful in stipulating that our foreign customers pay in U.S. dollars, any payment provisions involving foreign currencies may result in less revenue than expected due to foreign currency rate fluctuations. Other risks associated with international operations include:

 

    import and export licensing requirements,

 

    trade restrictions,

 

    changes in tariff rates,

 

    overlapping tax structures,

 

    transportation delays,

 

    currency fluctuations,

 

    potentially adverse tax consequences, and

 

    compliance with a variety of foreign laws and regulations.

 

Any of the foregoing factors could have a material adverse effect on our ability to expand our international sales. Increased exposure to international markets creates new areas with which we may not be familiar and could place us in competition with new vendors. We cannot assure you that we will be successful in our efforts to compete in these international markets.

 

We face potential liability from product safety claims. Products that have been or may be developed or sold by us may expose us to potential liability from personal injury or property damage claims by end-users of such products. We have never been and are not presently a defendant in any product liability lawsuit; however, we cannot assure you that such a suit will not be brought against us in the future. We currently maintain product liability insurance coverage in the amount of $1.0 million per occurrence, with a $2.0 million excess umbrella policy. We cannot assure you that we will be able to maintain such coverage or obtain additional coverage on acceptable terms, or that such insurance will provide adequate coverage against all potential claims. Moreover, even if we maintain adequate insurance, any successful claim could materially and adversely affect our reputation and prospects, and divert management’s time and attention. The U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission, or CPSC, has the authority under certain federal laws and regulations to protect consumers from hazardous goods. The CPSC may exclude from the market goods it determines are hazardous, and may require a manufacturer to repurchase such goods under certain circumstances. Some state, local and foreign governments have similar laws and regulations. In the event that such laws or regulations change or we are found in the future to have violated any such law or regulation, the sale of the relevant product could be prohibited and we could be required to repurchase such products.

 

We may become subject to burdensome governmental regulation. In the U.S., we are subject to the provisions of, among other laws, the Federal Consumer Product Safety Act and the Federal Hazardous Substances Act. These acts empower the CPSC to protect the public against unreasonable risks of injury associated with consumer products, including toys and other articles. The CPSC has the authority to exclude from the market articles, which are found to be hazardous and can require a manufacturer to repair or repurchase such toys under certain circumstances. Any such determination by the CPSC is subject to court review. Violations of these acts may also result in civil and criminal penalties. Similar laws exist in some states and cities in the U.S. and in many jurisdictions throughout the world. We maintain a quality control program, including the retention of independent testing laboratories, to ensure compliance with applicable laws. We believe we are currently in substantial compliance with these laws. In general, we have not experienced difficulty complying with such regulations, and compliance has not had an adverse effect on our business.

 

There are risks related to our customers’ payment terms. The majority of our customers receive trade terms to which payments for products are delayed for up to 30 days and some receive up to 120 days, pursuant to various sales promotion programs. The insolvency or business failure of one or more of our customers with large accounts receivable could have a material adverse affect on our future sales.

 

Seasonality may affect our results of operations. Our sales have historically been seasonal in nature, reflecting peak sales in the second six months of the year and slower sales in the first six months.

 

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Risks associated with investing in us

 

We expect our stock price to be volatile. The market price of the shares of our common stock has been, and will likely continue to be, subject to wide fluctuations in response to several factors, such as

 

    actual or anticipated variations in our results of operations,

 

    new services or product introductions by us or our competitors,

 

    changes in financial estimates by securities analysts, and

 

    conditions and trends in the consumer toy industry.

 

The stock markets generally, and the Nasdaq SmallCap Market in particular, have experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that have particularly affected the market prices of equity securities of many companies and that often have been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of those companies. These market fluctuations, as well as general economic, political and market conditions such as recessions, interest rates or international currency fluctuations may adversely affect the market price of our common stock.

 

Our officers and directors control a large percentage of outstanding stock and may be able to exercise significant control. Our current officers and directors beneficially own approximately 68% of our common stock on a fully diluted basis. As a result, current management will be able to exercise significant influence over all matters requiring shareholder approval, including the election of directors and approval of significant corporate transactions.

 

We have implemented anti-takeover defenses. Certain provisions of our articles of incorporation and bylaws may be deemed to have anti-takeover effects and may delay, defer or prevent a take-over attempt of us. We are subject to the “affiliated transactions” and “control share acquisition” provisions of the Florida Business Corporation Act. These provisions require, subject to certain exceptions, that an “affiliated transaction” be approved by the holders of two-thirds of the voting shares other than those beneficially owned by an “interested shareholder” or by a majority of disinterested directors. Voting rights must also be conferred on “control shares” acquired in specific control share acquisitions. Lastly, our articles of incorporation authorize the issuance of up to 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock with such rights and preferences as may be determined from time to time by our board, of which all shares remain without designation and available for issuance. We include such preferred stock in our capitalization in order to enhance our financial flexibility. However, the issuance of large blocks of preferred stock may have a dilutive effect with respect to existing holders of our common stock.

 

We depend on key personnel. Our success largely depends on a number of key employees. The loss of services of one or more of these employees could have a material adverse effect on our business. We are especially dependent upon the efforts and abilities of certain of our senior management, particularly Ronald S. Kaplan, our Chief Executive Officer. Currently, we do not maintain key man life insurance on Mr. Kaplan or any other executive officer. We believe that our future success will also depend, in part, upon our ability to attract, retain and motivate qualified personnel. We cannot assure you, however, that we will be successful in attracting and retaining such personnel.

 

We do intend to pay cash dividends. We expect that we will retain a major portion of available earnings generated by our operations for the development and growth of our business. However, we do anticipate paying cash dividends on our common stock contingent on future profitable operating results.

 

The issuance of additional shares of common stock or the exercise of outstanding options and warrants will dilute the interests of our shareholders. As of February 17, 2005, we had 4,717,100 shares of our common stock outstanding. Our board has the ability, without further shareholder approval, to issue up to 10,282,900 additional shares of common stock. Such issuance may result in a reduction of the book value or market price of our outstanding common shares. Issuance of additional common stock will reduce the proportionate ownership and voting power of the then existing shareholders. Further, if all our outstanding options and warrants are exercised, we will have approximately 11,099,000 shares outstanding. Thus, the percentage of shares owned by all existing shareholders will be reduced proportionately as options and warrants are exercised. The table below summarizes our current outstanding common shares, options and warrants:

 

20


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Common Shares, Options and Warrants


   Number of
Common Shares


    Number of Common
Shares underlying
Options and Warrants


   Total

 

Common shares issued as of February 17, 2005

                 

issued

   4,717,100     —      4,717,100  

less treasury shares

   (179,700 )   —      (179,700 )

Options outstanding as of February 17, 2005

                 

currently exercisable

   —       327,700    327,700  

currently unexercisable

   —       45,000    45,000  

Warrants outstanding as of February 17, 2005 (all warrants are currently exercisable)

                 

public warrants

   —       6,188,900    6,188,900  
    

 
  

TOTAL

   4,537,400     6,561,600    11,099,000  
    

 
  

 

ITEM 7. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

The financial statements required by this item are set forth on pages F-1 to F-17 and are incorporated herein by this reference.

 

ITEM 8. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

 

None.

 

ITEM 8A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

As of the end of the period covered by this report, our company conducted an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) of the Exchange Act). Based on this evaluation, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that our company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms.

 

There was no change in our internal controls, which are included within disclosure controls and procedures, during our most recently completed fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls.

 

ITEM 8B. OTHER INFORMATION

 

None.

 

PART III

 

ITEM 9. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, PROMOTERS AND CONTROL PERSONS; COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 16(A) OF THE EXCHANGE ACT

 

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the Proxy Statement. We have

 

21


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adopted a code of conduct that applies to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, and persons performing similar functions. The text of the code is available upon request. Written requests should be addressed to Robert L. Burrows, Chief Financial Officer, Action Products International, Inc., 1101 North Keller Rd., Suite E, Orlando, Florida 32810, or telephone 407-481-8007.

 

ITEM 10. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to our Definitive Proxy Statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission by April 30, 2005.

 

ITEM 11. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

 

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to our Definitive Proxy Statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission by April 30, 2005.

 

ITEM 12. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS:

 

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to our Definitive Proxy Statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission by April 30, 2005.

 

ITEM 13. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

 

Exhibits

 

Set forth below is a list of the exhibits to this Annual Report on Form 10-KSB.

 

Number

 

Description


3.1   Amended Articles of Incorporation (1)
3.2   Amended Bylaws (1)
10.1   Incentive Stock Option Plan (2)
10.2   401(k) Plan (3)
10.3   1996 Stock Option Plan (4)
10.4   License Agreement dated December 17, 2001, by and between Action Products International, Inc. and Porchlight Entertainment, Inc. (5)
10.5   Loan Agreement by and between the Company and Mercantile Bank dated June 20, 2003 (6)
10.6   Warrant Agreement by and between the Company and Registrar & Transfer Company dated as of June 12, 2003 (7)
10.7   Warrant Solicitation Agreement dated as of August 27, 2003, by and between the Company and GunnAllen (8)
10.8   Warrant Solicitation Agreement dated as of August 30, 2003, by and between the Company and J.P. Turner & Co., LLC (9)
10.9   Asset Purchase Agreement dated as of April 5, 2004, by and between Action Products International, Inc., Curiosity Kits, Inc. and Brighter Vision Holdings, Inc. (10)
10.10   Warrant Agreement by and between the Company and Registrar & Transfer Company dated as of January 7, 2005 (11)
10.11   Warrant Solicitation Agreement dated as of January 24, 2005, by and between the Company and Brookstreet Securities (11)
10.12   License Agreement dated February 16, 2005, by and between Action Products International, Inc. and Taffy Entertainment, LLC (12)
21.1   List of Subsidiaries (13)
23.1   Consent of Moore Stephens Lovelace, P.A.*
31.1   Chief Executive Officer - Sarbanes-Oxley Act Section 302 Certification*
31.2   Chief Financial Officer - Sarbanes-Oxley Act Section 302 Certification*
32.1   Chief Executive Officer - Sarbanes-Oxley Act Section 906 Certification*

 

22


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32.2   Chief Financial Officer - Sarbanes-Oxley Act Section 906 Certification*

 * Filed herewith
(1) Incorporated by reference to our Definitive Proxy Statement, filed April 29, 2004, File No. 0-13118.
(2) Incorporated by reference to our Registration Statement on Form S-18, filed September 27, 1984, File No. 002-93512-A.
(3) Incorporated by reference to our Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996, filed August 17, 1987, File No. 0-13118.
(4) Incorporated by reference to our Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000, filed April 2, 2001, File No. 0-13118.
(5) Incorporated by reference to our Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002, filed on March 26, 2003.
(6) Incorporated by reference to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-QSB for the quarter ended June 30, 2003, filed on July 25, 2003.
(7) Incorporated by reference to our Registration Statement on Form S-3, filed May 29, 2003, File No. 333-106713.
(8) Incorporated by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 11, 2003
(9) Incorporated by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 15, 2003.
(10) Incorporated by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 20, 2004.
(11) Incorporated by reference to our Registration Statement on Form S-3, filed December 3, 2004, File No. 333-120970.
(12) Incorporated by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 23, 2005.
(13) Incorporated by reference to our Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000, filed April 2, 2001, File No. 0-13118.

 

Reports on Form 8-K

 

Form 8-K dated October 5, 2004 was filed on October 5, 2004 setting forth, the Company’s revenues for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2004.

 

Form 8-K dated October 20, 2004 was filed on October 22, 2004 setting forth, the Company’s profitability for the three months ended September 30, 2004.

 

Form 8-K dated January 12, 2005 was filed on January 13, 2005 setting forth, the Company’s revenues for the three months and twelve months ended December 31, 2004.

 

Form 8-K dated January 18, 2005 was filed on January 19, 2005 setting forth, the Company’s profitability for the three months ended December 31, 2004.

 

Form 8-K dated February 15, 2005 was filed on February 16, 2005 setting forth, the Company’s profitability for the twelve months ended December 31, 2004.

 

Form 8-K dated February 16, 2005 was filed on February 23, 2005 setting forth, the License Agreement by and between Action Products International, Inc. and Taffy Entertainment, LLC.

 

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

 

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the Proxy Statement.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

We are subject to the informational requirements of the Exchange Act and, in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission; we file reports, proxy statements and other information. You may inspect such reports, proxy statements and other information at public reference facilities of the

 

23


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Commission at Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street N.W., Washington D.C. 20549; Northwest Atrium Center, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661; and 5670 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90036. Copies of such material can be obtained from the Public Reference Section of the Commission at Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates. For further information, the SEC maintains a website that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding reporting companies at http://www.sec.gov or call (800) SEC-0330.

 

You may find us on the Web at www.apii.com. We do not intend to incorporate by reference any information contained on our website into this Form 10-KSB, and you should not consider information contained on our website as part of this Form 10-KSB.

 

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SIGNATURES

 

In accordance with Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, Action Products International, Inc. has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

ACTION PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.

By

 

/s/ RONALD S. KAPLAN


   

Ronald S. Kaplan

Chief Executive Officer and Director

(Principal executive officer)

 

Date: February 24, 2005

 

In accordance with Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

SIGNATURE


  

TITLE


 

DATE


/s/ WARREN KAPLAN


Warren Kaplan

  

Chairperson of the Board

 

February 24, 2005

/s/ RONALD S. KAPLAN


  

Chief Executive Officer and Director

(Principal executive officer)

 

February 24, 2005

Ronald S. Kaplan

      

/s/ ROBERT L. BURROWS


Robert L. Burrows

  

Chief Financial Officer and Secretary

(Principal financial officer and principal accounting officer)

 

February 24, 2005

/s/ NEIL SWARTZ


  

Director

 

February 24, 2005

Neil Swartz

        

/s/ SCOTT RUNKEL


  

Director

 

February 24, 2005

Scott Runkel

        

/s/ JUDITH KAPLAN


  

Director

 

February 24, 2005

Judith Kaplan

        

/s/ ANN E. W. STONE


  

Director

 

February 24, 2005

Ann E. W. Stone

        

 

25


Table of Contents

ACTION PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

 

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Years Ended December 31, 2004 and 2003


Table of Contents

CONTENTS

 

    

Page

Number


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

   F-1

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

    

Consolidated Balance Sheet

   F-2

Consolidated Statements of Operations

   F-3

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity

   F-4

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

   F-5

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

   F-6


Table of Contents

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

 

Board of Directors

Action Products International, Inc.

Orlando, Florida

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Action Products International, Inc. and subsidiary as of December 31, 2004, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2004. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States of America). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Action Products International, Inc. and subsidiary as of December 31, 2004, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2004 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

/s/ MOORE STEPHENS LOVELACE, P.A. –


MOORE STEPHENS LOVELACE, P.A.

CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

 

Orlando, Florida

January 28, 2005

 

F - 1


Table of Contents

ACTION PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

 

     December 31, 2004

 

ASSETS

        

CURRENT ASSETS

        

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 721,800  

Investment securities

     139,900  

Accounts receivable, net of an allowance for doubtful accounts of $94,900

     2,489,100  

Inventories, net

     1,543,800  

Prepaid expenses and other assets

     263,500  
    


TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS

     5,158,100  

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

     3,279,100  

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization

     (2,019,500 )
    


NET PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

     1,259,600  

GOODWILL

     1,381,900  

OTHER ASSETS

     125,100  
    


TOTAL ASSETS

   $ 7,924,700  
    


LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

        

CURRENT LIABILITIES

        

Accounts payable

   $ 87,900  

Accrued expenses, payroll and related expenses

     521,500  

Current portion of mortgage payable

     38,300  

Borrowings under line of credit

     1,569,100  

Other current liabilities

     104,200  
    


TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES

     2,321,000  

MORTGAGE PAYABLE

     437,100  

DEFERRED REVENUE

     50,000  
    


TOTAL LIABILITIES

     2,808,100  

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

        

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

        

Preferred stock - 10,000,000 shares authorized, zero shares issued and outstanding

     —    

Common stock -$.001 par value; 15,000,000 authorized; 4,748,500 shares issued

     4,700  

Treasury stock - $.001 par value; 179,700 shares

     (200 )

Additional paid-in capital

     7,154,100  

Accumulated Deficit

     (2,042,000 )
    


TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

     5,116,600  
    


TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

   $ 7,924,700  
    


 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

F – 2


Table of Contents

ACTION PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

 

    

Years Ended

December 31,


 
     2004

    2003

 

NET SALES

   $ 9,109,200     $ 8,217,900  

COST OF SALES

     4,399,100       4,234,900  
    


 


GROSS PROFIT

     4,710,100       3,983,000  

OPERATING EXPENSES

                

Selling

     2,325,100       2,295,500  

General and administrative

     2,388,200       2,138,800  
    


 


TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES

     4,713,300       4,434,300  

LOSS FROM OPERATIONS

     (3,200 )     (451,300 )

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)

                

Interest expense

     (109,400 )     (104,200 )

Other

     30,400       31,900  
    


 


TOTAL OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)

     (79,000 )     (72,300 )

LOSS BEFORE BENEFIT FROM INCOME TAXES

     (82,200 )     (523,600 )

BENEFIT FROM INCOME TAXES

     14,400       —    
    


 


NET LOSS

   $ (67,800 )   $ (523,600 )
    


 


LOSS PER SHARE

                

Basic & Diluted

   $ (0.02 )   $ (0.16 )
    


 


Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:

                

Basic & Diluted

     4,169,300       3,228,100  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

F – 3


Table of Contents

ACTION PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

    

Common Stock

$.001 Par Value


   

Additional

Paid-In
Capital


   

Retained

Earnings

(Accumulated
Deficit)


   

Total

Shareholders’
Equity


 
     Shares

    Amount

       

BALANCE - JANUARY 1, 2003

   3,221,000     $ 3,200     $ 4,448,500     $ (1,450,600 )   $ 3,001,100  

TREASURY STOCK (Repurchase of Common Shares)

   (126,700 )     (100 )     (141,200 )     —         (141,300 )

ISSUANCE OF COMMON SHARES

   519,100       500       999,800       —         1,000,300  

ISSUANCE OF WARRANTS FOR SERVICES

   —         —         16,600       —         16,600  

NET LOSS

   —         —         —         (523,600 )     (523,600 )
    

 


 


 


 


BALANCE - DECEMBER 31, 2003

   3,613,400       3,600       5,323,700       (1,974,200 )     3,353,100  

TREASURY STOCK (Repurchase of Common Shares)

   (6,900 )     —         (13,900 )     —         (13,900 )

ISSUANCE OF COMMON SHARES

   962,300       900       1,793,500       —         1,794,400  

ISSUANCE OF WARRANTS FOR SERVICES

   —         —         50,800       —         50,800  

NET LOSS

   —         —         —         (67,800 )     (67,800 )
    

 


 


 


 


BALANCE - DECEMBER 31, 2004

   4,568,800     $ 4,500     $ 7,154,100     $ (2,042,000 )   $ 5,116,600  
    

 


 


 


 


 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

F – 4


Table of Contents

ACTION PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

    

Year Ended

December 31,

2004


   

Year Ended

December 31,

2003


 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

                

Net Loss

   $ (67,800 )   $ (523,600 )

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities

                

Depreciation

     282,500       301,900  

Amortization

     151,300       168,100  

Loss on disposal of property plant and equipment

     1,000       1,000  

Warrants issued for services

     50,800       16,600  

Provision for bad debts

     30,100       197,700  

Changes in:

                

Accounts receivable

     (913,100 )     (449,000 )

Inventories

     212,000       231,700  

Prepaid expenses

     (42,600 )     52,600  

Other assets

     (62,100 )     (20,700 )

Accounts payable

     (4,400 )     (261,300 )

Accrued expenses

     97,600       401,100  

Deferred revenue

     (25,000 )     (25,000 )
    


 


NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES

     (289,700 )     91,100  
    


 


CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

                

Purchase of investment securities

     (49,500 )     (90,400 )

Acquisition of Curiosity Kits

     (2,099,000 )     —    

Acquisition of property, plant and equipment

     (100,000 )     (222,700 )
    


 


NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES

     (2,248,500 )     (313,100 )
    


 


CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

                

Purchase of Treasury Stock

     (13,900 )     (141,300 )

Proceeds from related party notes payable

     645,000       —    

Net proceeds from common stock options and warrants exercises

     1,794,400       1,000,300  

Repayment of mortgage principal

     (89,200 )     (108,200 )

Repayment of notes payable and obligation under capital lease

     (735,300 )     (86,500 )

Net change in borrowings under line of credit

     908,900       (255,600 )
    


 


NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES

     2,509,900       408,700  
    


 


NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

     (28,300 )     186,700  

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR

     750,100       563,400  
    


 


CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR

   $ 721,800     $ 750,100  
    


 


Supplemental disclosures - cash paid for:

                

Interest

   $ 88,400     $ 104,200  

Income Taxes

     —         —    

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

F – 5


Table of Contents

Action Products International, Inc. And Subsidiary

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Years Ended December 31, 2004 and 2003

 

NOTE 1 - NATURE OF ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Description of Business and Basis of Presentation

 

Action Products International, Inc. and subsidiary (the “Company”) is a designer, manufacturer and marketer of quality educational, positive and non-violent branded toys which it sells to specialty retailers, museums, toy stores, theme parks, attractions, zoos, catalog companies, Internet retailers and educational markets in the United States and worldwide.

 

Acquisition of Curiosity Kits, Inc.

 

On April 5, 2004, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets of Curiosity Kits, Inc. including, but not limited to, inventory, accounts receivable, fixed assets, trademarks, brand names and customer lists. The acquisition was completed and accounted for under the purchase method of accounting for business combinations. The purchase price was approximately $2,099,000 and was comprised entirely of cash. Approximately $1,524,900 of the purchase price was allocated to tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired based upon their estimated fair values as of the effective date of the acquisition. The $574,100 excess of consideration paid, including approximately $177,900 of other costs related to the transaction, over and above the estimated fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired, has been included in the accompanying balance sheet as Goodwill.

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the results of operations of Action Products International, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2004 and Curiosity Kits for the period April 5, 2004 through December 31, 2004. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated.

 

The following table of unaudited pro-forma results presents the operations of the Company as if it had owned the business of Curiosity Kits since January 1, 2003, after giving effect to certain adjustments, including amortization of assets acquired:

 

     2004

    2003

 

NET SALES

   $ 9,750,400     $ 13,591,400  

NET LOSS

   $ (702,900 )   $ (2,943,100 )

LOSS PER SHARE

   $ (0.17 )   $ (0.91 )

 

F – 6


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NOTE 1 - NATURE OF ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

 

The Company was originally founded in 1977 as a distributor of select consumer products to primarily museum gift shops in the United States. New management assumed the helm in 1997, divested non-core assets and introduced Space Voyagers® the Company’s first proprietary toy brand, thus launching Action Products’ new business focus. In October 2000, the successful I DIG® brand was acquired, followed by the acquisition of the JAY JAY THE JET PLANE license in December 2001 from Porchlight Entertainment and joined by the acquisition of Curiosity Kits® in April 2004. The three new brands generated over $5.0 million of the Company’s 2004 net sales of $9.1 million.

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the results of operations of Action Products International, Inc. and its wholly owned foreign subsidiary, Action Products Canada, Ltd., for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated.

 

Certain amounts in the financial statements for prior years have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

For financial presentation purposes, the Company considers short-term, highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

 

Inventories

 

Inventories, which primarily consist of finished goods purchased for resale, are stated at the lower of cost (determined by the first-in, first-out method) or market. The inventory valuation allowance at December 31, 2004 was $177,000.

 

Property, Plant and Equipment

 

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation and amortization are provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the various classes of assets, as follows:

 

Building

   40 Years

Furniture, fixtures and equipment

   5 - 10 Years

 

Leasehold improvements are amortized over the estimated useful lives of the improvements, or the term of the lease, if shorter.


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NOTE 1 - NATURE OF ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

 

Property, plant and equipment consists of the following at December 31, 2004:

 

Land

   $ 67,400

Building improvements

     1,048,700

Equipment

     1,947,600

Furniture and fixtures

     215,400
    

     $ 3,279,100
    

 

Goodwill

 

The cost of acquired companies in excess of the fair value of net assets at acquisition date is recorded as “goodwill,” and is tested at least annually for impairment. Management believes, based on the testing performed during 2004, that goodwill of $1,381,900 is not impaired.

 

Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets

 

Prepaid expenses and other assets consist of the following at December 31, 2004:

 

Insurance premiums

   $ 52,500

Trade show deposits

     72,900

Royalties

     47,500

Service & software maintenance fees

     19,700

Other

     70,900
    

     $ 263,500
    

 

Other assets classified as long-term consist primarily of costs associated with certain product development, patent and trademark costs. These assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over their useful lives, as follows:

 

    

Net Book

Value At

December 31,

2004


Product development costs

   2 Years    $ 49,100

Patents and trademarks

   15 Years      36,400

Other

   2 – 5 Years      39,600
         

          $ 125,100
         

 

The gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization of patents and trademarks at December 31, 2004 are $64,000 and $27,600, respectively. Related amortization expense for 2004 and 2003 was $16,600 and $2,600 respectively.


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NOTE 1 -NATURE OF ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

 

In the event a product is discontinued and the associated costs are not fully amortized, the unamortized portion is charged to expense at the time the product is discontinued.

 

The Company assesses the recoverability of intangible assets if facts and circumstances suggest that their carrying amount may have been impaired. In making its assessment, the Company gives consideration to the undiscounted cash flows from the use of such assets, the estimated fair value of such assets, and other factors that may affect the recoverability of such assets. If such an assessment indicates that the carrying value of intangible assets may not be recoverable, the carrying value of intangible assets is reduced.

 

Deferred Revenue

 

In December 1997, the Company entered into an agreement with the purchaser of certain of the Company’s assets associated with its snack food product line. The agreement provides for, among other things, the Company to receive compensation of $250,000 in exchange for ceasing its activities related to the manufacture and sale of freeze-dried snack foods for a period of ten years. The Company recorded the $250,000 in compensation as deferred revenue at December 31, 1997 and is amortizing this amount into income using the straight-line method over the terms specified in the agreement. As of December 31, 2004, deferred revenue related to this agreement was $75,000.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

The Company recognizes revenue from the sale of its products when goods are shipped to customers.

 

Income Taxes

 

The Company recognizes deferred tax liabilities and assets for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in its financial statements or tax returns. Deferred income tax liabilities and assets are determined based on the difference between the financial statement and tax bases of liabilities and assets using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse (see Note 4).

 

Net Income Per Share

 

Basic earnings per share are based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each year. Diluted earnings per share is based on the sum of the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus common share equivalents arising out of stock options, warrants and convertible debt, if any.


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NOTE 1 -NATURE OF ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

 

Common share equivalents were not considered in the diluted earnings per share calculation for 2004 and 2003 because their effect would have been anti-dilutive. As a result, both basic and diluted earnings per share for 2004 and 2003 were calculated based on approximately 4,169,300 and 3,228,100, respectively, weighted average common shares outstanding during the year.

 

Comprehensive Income

 

The Company also has no accumulated or current items of comprehensive income that are excluded from net income. Accordingly, the Company has not presented a statement of comprehensive income.

 

Estimates

 

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements and notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Credit Risk and Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

Financial instruments, which potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk at December 31, 2004, include trade receivables, $25,800 of cash deposited in a money market mutual fund and $139,900 in investment securities.

 

The money market fund is not protected under the FDIC; however, the Company has not experienced any losses in these funds. The Company believes that it is not exposed to any significant credit risk on money market funds.

 

The Company has a diversified customer base including some of the major toy retailers in the U.S. and Canada. Ten large customers accounted for slightly less than 34% of net sales in 2004. The largest single customer accounted for slightly less than 9% of total net sales.

 

Concentrations of credit risk with respect to trade receivables are limited, in the opinion of management, due to the Company’s large number of customers, their geographical dispersion and credit management policies.

 

The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, mortgage payable, and the line of credit approximate their fair values.


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NOTE 2 -MORTGAGE PAYABLE

 

In November 1998, the Company borrowed $750,000 in the form of a mortgage payable, collateralized by its warehouse facility in Ocala, Florida. The mortgage bears interest at 7.5% per annum and is due in 120 monthly payments of principal and interest of approximately $6,100 based on a 20-year amortization. A balloon payment of approximately $351,300 is due in 2008. The Company has prepaid $56,500 of the principal balance as of December 31, 2004. The mortgage is collateralized by real estate and improvements and contains certain restrictive covenants, which provide that, among other things, the Company maintains a minimum working capital and net worth, debt service coverage and a maximum debt to net worth ratio. At December 31, 2004, the Company was in compliance with all covenants. The outstanding principal balance due on the mortgage payable at December 31, 2004, was $475,400.

 

Maturities on mortgage obligation are approximately as follows:

 

Year Ending December 31,


   Amount

2005

   $ 38,300

2006

     41,300

2007

     44,500

Thereafter

     351,300
    

     $ 475,400
    

 

Cash paid for interest on the mortgage payable during the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, approximated $39,700 and $50,700, respectively.

 

Cash paid for interest on all borrowing arrangements and lease obligations was $88,400 and $104,200 in 2004 and 2003, respectively.

 

NOTE 3 -CREDIT LINE

 

The Company maintains a working capital line of credit with a financial institution. The agreement stipulates, among other things, a borrowing limit of the lesser of $2,000,000 or the sum of 85% of eligible accounts receivable and 50% of eligible inventory, as further defined in the agreement. Borrowings are collateralized by all accounts receivable and inventories. Interest is payable at the financial institution’s prime rate plus 1/2% (institution’s prime rate was 5.25% at December 31, 2004). The agreement also requires, among other things, that the Company maintain certain financial ratios. The current term of the agreement expires June 30, 2005. At December 31, 2004, the Company was in compliance with the covenants and had $1,569,100 of borrowings outstanding under the line of credit.

 

NOTE 4 -INCOME TAXES

 

The benefit for income taxes consists of the following for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003:

 

     2004

   2003

     Current

   Deferred

    Total

   Current

   Deferred

   Total

Federal

   $  —      $ (14,400 )   $  —      $  —      $  —      $  —  

State

     —        —         —                       
    

  


 

  

  

  

     $ —      $ (14,400 )   $ —      $ —      $ —      $ —  
    

  


 

  

  

  


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NOTE 4 - INCOME TAXES (Continued)

 

Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax liabilities and assets at December 31, 2004, are approximately as follows:

 

Deferred Tax Liabilities

        

Depreciation

   $ 55,300  

Intangibles

     3,700  
    


Gross deferred tax liabilities

     59,000  

Deferred Tax Assets

        

Bad debt allowance

     16,400  

Inventory reserves

     34,800  

Unrealized Losses

     12,200  

Federal net operating loss carryforward

     263,400  

State net operating loss carryforward

     123,900  
    


Gross deferred tax assets

     450,700  

Valuation allowance

     (391,700 )
    


Net deferred tax assets

     59,000  
    


Net deferred taxes

   $ —    
    


 

During 2004, deferred tax asset valuation allowance increased by $11,500.

 

The Company has a federal net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $1,756,000 that expire beginning in 2017 and a state net operating loss carryforward of approximately $2,254,000 that has no expiration date.

 

A reconciliation of income tax expense (benefit) at the U.S. federal statutory rate to actual income tax expense (benefit) is as follows:

 

     2004

    2003

 

Federal provision (benefit) expected at statutory rates

   $ (28,000 )   $ (178,000 )

Losses for which no benefit is recorded

     31,000       197,000  

State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit

     (3,000 )     (19,000 )

Foreign income tax items

     (31,900 )     7,200  

Non-deductible expenses, effect of graduated rates and other

     17,500       (7,200 )
    


 


Benefit from income taxes

   $ (14,400 )   $ —    
    


 



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NOTE 4 - INCOME TAXES (Continued)

 

No income taxes were paid during the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003.

 

NOTE 5 -INTERNATIONAL SALES

 

International sales, including Canada, amounted to $467,700 and $443,900 in 2004 and 2003, respectively.

 

NOTE 6 - SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

Stock Options and Warrants

 

On May 28, 1996, the Company’s Board of Directors adopted the “1996 Stock Option Plan” (the “SOP”). Under the SOP, the Company has reserved an aggregate of 1,400,000 shares of common stock for issuance pursuant to options. SOP options are issuable at the discretion of the Board of Directors at exercise prices of not less than the fair market value of the underlying shares on the grant date. During 2004 and 2003, a total of 128,000 and 174,500 options, respectively, were issued under the SOP at a weighted average exercise price of $5.58 and $3.15 per share, respectively.

 

There was an aggregate of 366,700 stock options outstanding at December 31, 2004. The options expire as follows: 32,000 in 2005; 114,700 in 2006; 49,000 in 2007; 162,000 in 2008 and 9,000 in 2009. In the event of a change in the Company’s control, the options may not be callable by the Company. The following table summarizes the aggregate stock option activity for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003:

 

    

Number of

Options


   

Weighted-

Average

Exercise Price


Outstanding at December 31, 2002

   622,300     $ 2.54

Grants

   174,500     $ 2.79

Exercises

   (28,000 )   $ 2.11

Cancellations

   (118,000 )   $ 2.13
    

     

Outstanding at December 31, 2003

   650,800     $ 2.79

Grants

   128,000     $ 5.58

Exercises

   (36,200 )   $ 2.26

Cancellations

   (375,900 )   $ 3.22
    

     

Outstanding at December 31, 2004

   366,700     $ 3.39
    

     

Shares exercisable at December 31, 2004

   331,700     $ 3.14
    

     


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NOTE 6 - SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (Continued)

 

Stock Options and Warrants (Continued)

 

The range of exercise prices for options outstanding at December 31, 2004 was $1.25 to $6.75. The following tables summarize information about options outstanding at December 31, 2004:

 

     Total Outstanding Options

Range of Exercise Prices


  

Number

of Shares


  

Weighted

Average

Remaining

Contractual

Life (in years)


  

Weighted

Average

Exercise Price


$1.25 - $2.00

   16,000    2.2    $ 1.49

$2.01 - $3.00

   232,900    3.0    $ 2.92

$3.01 - $4.00

   35,500    1.2    $ 3.68

$4.01 - $5.00

   58,300    1.9    $ 4.43

$5.01 - $6.00

   12,000    3.1    $ 5.75

$6.01 - $6.75

   12,000    4.1    $ 6.75
    
           
     366,700    2.7    $ 3.39
    
           

 

     Exercisable Options

Range of Exercise Prices


   Number
of Shares


  

Weighted

Average

Exercise Price


$1.25 - $2.00

   16,000    $ 1.49

$2.01 - $3.00

   230,900    $ 2.92

$3.01 - $4.00

   35,500    $ 3.68

$4.01 - $4.53

   49,300    $ 4.37
    
      
     331,700    $ 3.14
    
      

 

On April 24, 2003 the Company announced a warrant distribution to all shareholders of record as of June 12, 2003. Shareholders were issued one warrant for each share of common stock owned as of the record date. The warrant entitles the holder to purchase common stock at an exercise price of $2.00 per share and expires June 9, 2006. As of December 31, 2004 approximately 3,272,100 warrants had been issued and 1,357,300 had been exercised.

 

In January 2004, the Company issued a warrant for services that entitles the holder to purchase 50,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $4.00 per share. The Company used the Black-Scholes valuation model to estimate the fair value of these warrants, which resulted in an estimated fair value of $50,800. The warrant was subsequently redeemed in November 2004.

 

On October 29, 2004 the Company announced a warrant distribution to all shareholders of record as of January 7, 2005. Shareholders were issued one warrant for each share of common stock owned as of the record date. The warrant entitles the holder to purchase common stock at exercise prices of $3.00 and $3.50 per share and expires January 6, 2006. As of, January 24, 2005 a total of 4,571,600 warrants had been issued and none exercised.


Table of Contents

NOTE 6 -SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (Continued)

 

Stock Options and Warrants (Continued)

 

Financial Accounting Standards Board pronouncement FAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” (“FAS 123”) requires that the Company calculate the value of stock options at the date of grant using an option pricing model. The Company has elected the “pro-forma, disclosure only” option permitted under FAS 123, instead of recording a charge to operations, as shown below:

 

     2004

    2003

 

Net Loss

                

As reported

   $ (67,800 )   $ (523,600 )

Pro forma

   $ (162,600 )   $ (792,700 )

Loss per share

                

Basic

                

As reported

   $ (0.02 )   $ (0.16 )

Pro forma

   $ (0.04 )   $ (0.25 )

Diluted

                

As reported

   $ (0.02 )   $ (0.16 )

Pro forma

   $ (0.04 )   $ (0.25 )

 

The Company’s weighted-average assumptions used in the pricing model and resulting fair values are as follows:

 

     2004

    2003

 

Risk-free rate

     1.8 %     1.0 %

Expected option life (in years)

     3.0       4.7  

Expected stock price volatility

     51 %     72 %

Dividend yield

     0.0 %     0.0 %

Weighted average grant date value

   $ 0.97     $ 1.54  

 

Preferred Stock

 

The Company’s articles of incorporation authorized the issuance of up to 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock with such rights and preferences as may be determined from time to time by the Board of Directors. The Company has issued no shares of preferred stock.

 

Treasury Stock

 

Treasury stock is reflected at par value, and consists of 179,700 shares of common stock at December 31, 2004.

 

NOTE 7 -EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN

 

The Company has a 401(k) Employee Benefit Plan (the “Plan”), which covers substantially all employees. Under the terms of the Plan, the Company may make a


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NOTE 7 - EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN (Continued)

 

discretionary contribution to the Plan, as determined annually by the Company’s Board of Directors. The employer-matching component of the plan was suspended as of January 1, 2003.

 

NOTE 8 - OTHER COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

Operating Leases

 

During 2004, the Company entered into a noncancellable operating lease for office space, which expires on July 12, 2005. The Company has obtained an option to extend the term through July 12, 2006 at which time it expects to execute a lease in a different facility. During 2004 and 2003, $78,900 and $102,500, respectively, were charged to operations for rent expense related to operating leases. Future operating lease payments through December 2005 approximate $84,500.

 

Legal and Regulatory Proceedings

 

The Company is engaged in various legal proceedings incidental to its normal business activities, none of which, individually or in the aggregate, are deemed to be material risk to its financial condition.

 

Licensing and Distribution Agreements

 

The Company has entered into licensing agreements related to its Jay Jay the Jet Plane and Buzz Aldrin products. These agreements provide, among other things, for the Company to pay royalties based on a percentage of sales of these products. Royalty expenses incurred in 2004 and 2003 were $126,000 and $406,400 respectively.

 

In December 2001 the Company signed a licensing agreement with Porchlight Entertainment for the rights to market certain toy lines including a wooden adventure system and die cast metal collection under the Jay Jay The Jet Plane name. The initial term of the agreement expired in December 2004 and is renewable at our election for one additional year. The agreement has been renewed through December 31, 2005.

 

In addition, the Company has entered into an exclusive distribution agreement for products related to its Climb@Tron product line. The agreement contains provisions for the exclusive arrangement through December 31, 2004, if certain minimum quantities of products are purchased. These minimum levels were met in 2004.

 

In October 2004 we signed an exclusive licensing agreement to develop and market a line of unique consumer products designed to encourage and enhance creative thought processes and communications skills. The products will be marketed under


Table of Contents

NOTE 8 - OTHER COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Continued)

 

the name “Talking Stix”. The term is for two years and is renewable for a one-year term subject to meeting minimum sales levels.

 

NOTE 9 – RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

In March and April 2004, the Company issued notes payable to Warren Kaplan and Judith Kaplan for a total of $645,000. The notes were for a two year term and provided for monthly interest payments of 6% on the outstanding principal balance and 129,000 warrants to purchase common stock at $4.50 per share. An accrual for loan fees of $178,100 was recorded to reflect the estimated value of the warrants. The warrants terminate in April 2009. As of June 30, 2004, the Company had paid the $645,000 principal balance in full. In May 2004, as consideration for the accelerated prepayment of the total loan principal, the Kaplans relinquished the 129,000 warrants issued to them.

 

NOTE 10 – SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (UNAUDITED)

 

On February 16, 2005, Action Products International, Inc. (the “Company”) entered into an exclusive License Agreement (the “Agreement”) with Taffy Entertainment, LLC, to develop and distribute various lines of soft toys based on the new preschool entertainment series ToddWorld®.

 

Plans for distribution include specialty toy stores, gift and bookstores, and other notable outlets for quality children’s products. The term of the Agreement is for four years expiring on February 28, 2009, with a two-year extension through February 28, 2011 subject to the Company meeting certain minimum sales objectives and royalty requirements during the initial term.

EX-23.1 2 dex231.htm CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS Consent Of Independent Public Accountants

Exhibit 23.1

 

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

 

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement of Action Products International, Inc. on Form S-8 for the registration of 900,000 shares of its common stock issuable pursuant to its 1996 Stock Option Plan (SEC File Number 333-76675), the registration of 3,272,092 shares of its common stock underlying common stock purchase warrants (SEC File Number 333-106713), the registration of 4,571,625 shares of its common stock underlying common stock purchase warrants (SEC File Number 333-120970) and the registration of 60,000 shares of its common stock underlying common stock purchase warrants (SEC File Number 333-105641) in the related prospectus of our report dated January 28, 2005, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Action Products International, Inc. and subsidiary included in this Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2004.

 

/s/ MOORE STEPHENS LOVELACE, P.A. –


MOORE STEPHENS LOVELACE, P.A.
CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
Orlando, Florida
February 24, 2005

 

 

EX-31.1 3 dex311.htm SECTION 302 CEO CERTIFICATION Section 302 CEO Certification

Exhibit 31.1

 

Chief Executive Officer - Sarbanes-Oxley Act Section 302 Certification

 

I, Ronald S. Kaplan, certify that:

 

1. I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-KSB of Action Products International, Inc.;

 

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)) 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) 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

 

(c) 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 (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) 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: February 24, 2005

  By:  

/s/ RONALD S. KAPLAN


        Ronald S. Kaplan
       

Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

EX-31.2 4 dex312.htm SECTION 302 CFO CERTIFICATION Section 302 CFO Certification

Exhibit 31.2

 

Chief Financial Officer - Sarbanes-Oxley Act Section 302 Certification

 

I, Robert L. Burrows, certify that:

 

1. I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-KSB of Action Products International, Inc.;

 

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)) 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) 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

 

(c) 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 (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) 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: February 24, 2005

  By:  

/s/ ROBERT L. BURROWS


        Robert L. Burrows
       

Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Accounting Officer)

EX-32.1 5 dex321.htm SECTION 906 CEO CERTIFICATION Section 906 CEO Certification

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

 

I, Ronald S. Kaplan, Chief Executive Officer of Action Products International, Inc. (the “Company”), certify, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, that:

 

  the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

 

  the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and result of operations of the Company for the periods presented therein.

 

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

 

/s/ RONALD S. KAPLAN


Ronald S. Kaplan
Chief Executive Officer
February 24, 2005
EX-32.2 6 dex322.htm SECTION 906 CFO CERTIFICATION Section 906 CFO Certification

Exhibit 32.2

 

Certification Pursuant To 18 U.S.C. Section 1350,

As Adopted Pursuant To

Section 906 of The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

I, Robert L. Burrows, Chief Financial Officer of Action Products International, Inc. (the “Company”), certify, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, that:

 

  the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

 

  the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and result of operations of the Company for the periods presented therein.

 

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

 

/s/ Robert L. Burrows


Robert L. Burrows
Chief Financial Officer
February 24, 2005
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