-----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, NNOmEdxob/sfNFIduVU9ySDEu8QdH9VDEM9XpdgmBFKcArrZ6oE6z/ypc8D6LDnt 8ODdDbn0PguZuBE/saIlxA== 0000889812-97-002388.txt : 19971113 0000889812-97-002388.hdr.sgml : 19971113 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000889812-97-002388 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: S-1/A PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 4 FILED AS OF DATE: 19971112 SROS: NASD FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: ACCLAIM ENTERTAINMENT INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000804888 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: SERVICES-PREPACKAGED SOFTWARE [7372] IRS NUMBER: 382698904 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 0831 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: S-1/A SEC ACT: SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-23943 FILM NUMBER: 97715065 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: ONE ACCLAIM PLAZA CITY: GLEN COVE STATE: NY ZIP: 11542 BUSINESS PHONE: 5169222400 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: OEN ACCLAIM PALZA CITY: GLEN COVEY STATE: NY ZIP: 11542 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: GAMMA CAPITAL CORP DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19880608 S-1/A 1 AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO FORM S-1 AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON NOVEMBER 12, 1997 REGISTRATION NO. 333-23943 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 ------------------------ POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO FORM S-1 REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 ------------------------ ACCLAIM ENTERTAINMENT, INC. (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER) DELAWARE 7372 38-2698904 (STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF (PRIMARY STANDARD INDUSTRIAL (I.R.S. EMPLOYER INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION) CLASSIFICATION CODE NUMBER) IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)
------------------------ ONE ACCLAIM PLAZA GLEN COVE, NEW YORK 11542 (516) 656-5000 (ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE NUMBER OF REGISTRANT'S PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES) ------------------------ Copies to: GREGORY E. FISCHBACH ERIC LERNER, ESQ. CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER ROSENMAN & COLIN LLP ACCLAIM ENTERTAINMENT, INC. 575 MADISON AVENUE ONE ACCLAIM PLAZA NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10022 GLEN COVE, NEW YORK 11542 TELEPHONE: (212) 940-8800 (516) 656-5000
------------------------ APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC: From time to time after the effective date of this Registration Statement. If any of the securities being registered on this form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, check the following box. /x/ If this form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. / / If this form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act check the following box and list the Securities Act registration number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. / / If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434, please check the following box. / / ------------------------ THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(A) OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(A), MAY DETERMINE. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT. A REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR MAY OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THAT THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT BECOMES EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE SECURITIES IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE UNLAWFUL PRIOR TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY SUCH STATE. PROSPECTUS ACCLAIM ENTERTAINMENT, INC. $50,000,000 10% CONVERTIBLE SUBORDINATED NOTES DUE 2002 ------------------------ The Notes are being offered and sold by the selling securityholders (the 'Selling Securityholders') named herein. The Notes were originally issued by Acclaim Entertainment, Inc. (the 'Company') in a privately-negotiated transaction (the 'Initial Offering') pursuant to the exemption from registration provided under Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the 'Securities Act') and Regulation D promulgated thereunder. See 'Selling Securityholders.' The Notes are convertible into shares of Common Stock, $.02 par value per share (the 'Common Stock'), of the Company at any time until maturity, unless previously redeemed, at a conversion price of $5.18 per share, subject to adjustment under certain conditions. See 'Description of Notes--Conversion Rights' for a description of events which may cause an adjustment to the conversion price. The Notes will trade in the over-the-counter market. This Prospectus also covers (i) the issuance by the Company to the Holders (as defined in the indenture governing the Notes) of the Notes of such indeterminate number of shares of Common Stock (the 'Shares') as shall be required to be issued upon conversion of the Notes and (ii) the resale of such Shares by the holders thereof. The Common Stock is traded on the NASDAQ National Market System ('NASDAQ') under the symbol 'AKLM.' On November 6, 1997, the last reported sale price of the Common Stock on NASDAQ was $4.125 per share. See 'Price Range of Common Stock and Dividend Policy.' Interest on the Notes is payable on March 1 and September 1 of each year, commencing September 1, 1997. The Notes are redeemable, in whole or in part, at the option of the Company at any time on or after March 1, 2000, at the redemption prices set forth herein, plus accrued interest, if any, to the redemption date. If a Repurchase Event (as defined herein) occurs, each Holder of the Notes will have the right, subject to certain conditions and restrictions, to require the Company to repurchase all outstanding Notes, in whole or in part, owned by such Holder at 100% of their principal amount plus accrued interest, if any, to the date of repurchase. The Notes are subordinated to all existing and future Senior Indebtedness (as defined herein) of the Company and are effectively subordinated to all indebtedness and other liabilities of the Company's subsidiaries. At August 31, 1997, the Company had outstanding approximately $15.6 million of Senior Indebtedness which included $4.1 million of letters of credit and $3.8 million of obligations under capital leases. In addition, a significant portion of the Company's trade payables and other liabilities are liabilities of subsidiaries of the Company and, therefore, the Notes are effectively subordinated to all such liabilities. The Notes are governed by the Indenture (the 'Indenture'), dated as of February 26, 1997, between the Company and IBJ Schroder Bank & Trust Company, as trustee, which permits the Company to incur certain additional indebtedness, including Senior Indebtedness. See 'Description of Notes.' The Company will not receive any proceeds from the sale of the Notes (or the Shares issuable upon conversion thereof) by the Selling Securityholders. The Company has been advised by the Selling Securityholders that they intend that the Notes and Shares to be offered hereby be offered for sale and sold and distributed, from time to time, by the Selling Securityholders, or by the pledgees, donees, transferees or other successors in interest in one or more exchanges or in the over-the-counter market, or otherwise at prices and at terms then prevailing or at prices related to the then current market price, or in negotiated transactions. The Notes and Shares may be sold or distributed through (i) a block (Continued on next page) SEE 'RISK FACTORS' BEGINNING ON PAGE 8 FOR A DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN RISK FACTORS THAT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED BY PROSPECTIVE PURCHASERS OF THE NOTES OFFERED HEREBY. THE NOTES (AND THE SHARES ISSUABLE UPON CONVERSION THEREOF) HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION (THE 'COMMISSION') OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION, NOR HAS THE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE. THE OFFERING IS SUBJECT TO WITHDRAWAL AND CANCELLATION AT ANY TIME, WITHOUT NOTICE. ------------------------ The date of this Prospectus is November , 1997 (Continued from previous page) trade in which the broker or dealer so engaged will attempt to sell the Notes and Shares as agent but may position and resell a portion of the block as principal to facilitate the transaction, (ii) purchases by a broker or dealer as principal and resale by such broker or dealer for its own account pursuant to this Prospectus, (iii) an exchange distribution in accordance with the rules of such exchange, (iv) ordinary brokerage transactions and transactions in which the broker solicits purchasers, (v) in negotiated transactions or (vi) through other means. No sales and distributions of Notes or Shares hereunder, other than those transactions described in (i) through (v) above, shall be effected until after this Prospectus shall have been appropriately amended or supplemented, if required, to set forth the terms thereof. In effecting sales, brokers or dealers engaged by the Selling Securityholders may arrange for other brokers or dealers to participate in such sales. In addition, any securities covered by this Prospectus which qualify for sale pursuant to Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act may be sold under such Rule 144 rather than pursuant to this Prospectus. Brokers or dealers will receive commissions or discounts from the Selling Securityholders in amounts to be negotiated immediately prior to the sale. In certain cases, the Selling Securityholders and any brokers, dealers or agents who participate with the Selling Securityholders in the distribution of the Notes and the Shares may be deemed to be 'underwriters' as such term is defined under the Securities Act and any discount or commission received by them and any profit on the sale of Notes or the Shares purchased by them may be deemed to be underwriting commissions or discounts under the Securities Act. The Selling Securityholders have agreed to indemnify the Company, and the Company has agreed to indemnify the Selling Securityholders, against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act. See 'Plan of Distribution' for a description of this agreement and other arrangements between the Company and the Selling Securityholders. Expenses of this offering (including legal fees (which shall be limited to the fees and expenses of one firm with respect to all Selling Securityholders), if any, incurred by the Selling Securityholders), estimated at $200,000, will be paid by the Company. 2 SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This Prospectus, including certain statements in 'THE COMPANY', 'MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS' and 'BUSINESS' sections, contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the 'Exchange Act'). When used in this Prospectus, the words 'believe,' 'anticipate,' 'think,' 'intend,' 'plan,' 'will be,' 'strategy' and similar expressions identify such forward-looking statements. Such statements regarding future events and/or the future financial performance of the Company are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, including those discussed in 'RISK FACTORS' on pages 8 to 17, which could cause actual events or the actual future results of the Company to differ materially from any forward-looking statement. In light of the significant risks and uncertainties inherent in the forward-looking statements included herein, the inclusions of such statements should not be regarded as a representation by the Company or any other person that the objectives and plans of the Company will be achieved. AVAILABLE INFORMATION The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Exchange Act and in accordance therewith files reports and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the 'Commission'). Such reports and other information can be inspected and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the Commission at Room 1024, Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549 and at the Commission's regional offices at 7 World Trade Center, 13th floor, New York, New York 10048 and 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661-2511. Copies of such material can be obtained from the Public Reference Section of the Commission, 40 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates. The Commission also maintains a Web site at 'http://www.sec.gov' that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the Commission. The Company has filed with the Commission a registration statement on Form S-1 (herein, together with all amendments and exhibits, referred to as the 'Registration Statement') under the Securities Act with respect to the registration of the securities offered hereby. This Prospectus does not contain all the information set forth in the Registration Statement, certain parts of which are omitted in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Commission. Statements contained herein concerning the contents of any documents are not necessarily complete and, in each instance, reference is made to the copy of such document filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement. Each such statement is qualified in its entirety by such reference. The Registration Statement, as well as items of information omitted from this Prospectus but contained in the Registration Statement and reports and other information filed by the Company, may be inspected without charge at the public reference facilities referred to above and copies of all or any part thereof may be obtained from the Commission upon request and payment of the prescribed fee. 3 SUMMARY The following summary is qualified in its entirety by, and should be read in conjunction with, the more detailed information and financial data, including the Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto, appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus. Unless otherwise specified, the information presented herein does not give effect to the sale or conversion of the Notes. All references to a fiscal year are to the Company's fiscal year which ends August 31. THE COMPANY The Company is a developer, publisher and mass marketer of interactive entertainment software ('Software') for use with dedicated interactive entertainment hardware platforms ('Entertainment Platforms') and multimedia personal computer systems ('Multimedia PCs'). The Company operates its own Software design studios and a motion capture studio, and markets and distributes its software in the major territories throughout the world. The Company's operating strategy is to develop Software for the Entertainment Platforms and Multimedia PCs that dominate the interactive entertainment market at a given time or which the Company perceives as having the potential for achieving mass market acceptance. The Company's strategy is to emphasize sports simulation and arcade style titles for Entertainment Platforms, and fantasy/role-playing, adventure and sports simulation titles for Multimedia PCs. The Company intends to continue to support its existing key brands (such as Turok: Dinosaur Hunter, NFL Quarterback Club '98 and World Wrestling Federation ('WWF') and NBA Jam) with the introduction of new titles supporting those brands and to develop one or more additional key brands each year based on its original and licensed properties, which may then be featured on an annual basis in successive titles. The Company also engages in: (i) the development and publication of comic books, which commenced in July 1994 through the acquisition of Acclaim Comics, Inc. ('Acclaim Comics'); (ii) the distribution of Software titles developed by other software publishers ('Affiliated Labels'), which commenced in the first quarter of fiscal 1995; (iii) the marketing of its motion capture technology and studio services, which commenced in the first quarter of fiscal 1995; and (iv) the development, marketing and distribution of coin-operated video arcade games, which commenced in May 1996. See 'Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.' The Company believes the Software industry is driven by the size of the installed base of Entertainment Platforms, such as those manufactured by Nintendo Co., Ltd. (Japan) (Nintendo Co., Ltd. (Japan) and its subsidiary, Nintendo of America, Inc., are collectively herein referred to as 'Nintendo'), Sony Corporation (Sony Corporation and its subsidiary, Sony Computer Entertainment of America, are collectively herein referred to as 'Sony') and Sega Enterprises Ltd. ('Sega'), and Multimedia PCs. The industry is characterized by rapid technological change, resulting in Entertainment Platform and related Software product cycles. No single Entertainment Platform or system has achieved long-term dominance in the interactive entertainment market. See 'Risk Factors.' In fiscal 1997 and 1996, the Company suffered substantial decreases in revenues as compared to fiscal 1994 and 1995, and recorded a loss from operations of $150.9 million and $274.5 million, respectively. The Company's decrease in revenues was primarily a result of the transition in the interactive entertainment market from 16-bit platforms to the next generation platforms. Additionally, during the past three years the Company had invested in three Software development studios, a comic book publishing operation and a motion capture studio, all of which significantly increased the Company's fixed operating costs. See 'Management's Discussion of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.' The Company believes that the strength of its anticipated new product releases, combined with its recently implemented expense reduction initiatives and strong distribution channels, position the Company to benefit from the expanding market for next generation Software to be used on the new Entertainment Platforms. On February 26, 1997, the Company closed the Initial Offering. The net proceeds were used, in part, to retire $16.0 million of indebtedness to Midland Bank plc ('Midland') and to pay down $2.0 million of indebtedness to Fleet Bank, N.A. ('Fleet'). On March 5, 1997, the Company completed the sale of substantially 4 all of the assets and certain liabilities of Acclaim Redemption Games, Inc. (formerly Lazer-Tron Corporation) ('Lazer-Tron') for $6 million in cash. The Company sells its Software primarily to mass merchandisers, large retail toy store chains, department stores and specialty stores, including Toys R Us, Walmart, Best Buy and Target among others. The Company generally does not have written agreements with its customers. The loss of any important customer could have a material adverse effect on the Company. See 'Risk Factors.' A Delaware corporation, Acclaim was founded in 1987 and has overseas operations in Japan, France, Germany, Spain and the United Kingdom. The Company's principal executive offices are located at One Acclaim Plaza, Glen Cove, New York 11542, and its telephone number is (516) 656-5000. THE OFFERING Securities Offered........................ $50.0 million aggregate principal amount of 10% Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2002 (the 'Notes') and the Shares issuable upon conversion thereof. Interest Payment Dates.................... March 1 and September 1, commencing September 1, 1997. Maturity.................................. March 1, 2002. Conversion................................ The Notes are convertible into shares of Common Stock at any time until maturity, unless previously redeemed, at a conversion price of $5.18 per share, subject to adjustment under certain conditions. Redemption at Option of Company........... The Notes are redeemable, in whole or in part, at the option of the Company (subject to the rights of holders of Senior Indebtedness), at any time on or after March 1, 2000, at the redemption prices (expressed as a percentage of the principal amount) set forth below for the 12-month period beginning March 1 of the years indicated: 2000..............................................104.00% 2001..............................................102.00% and at maturity at 100% of principal, together in the case of any such redemption with accrued interest to the redemption date. Repurchase at Option of Holders........... If a Repurchase Event (as defined in the Indenture) occurs, each Holder of the Notes will have the right, subject to certain conditions and restrictions, to require the Company to repurchase all outstanding Notes, in whole or in part, owned by such Holder at 100% of their principal amount plus accrued interest, if any, to the date of repurchase. If a Repurchase Event were to occur, there is no assurance that the Company would have sufficient funds to pay the repurchase price for all the Notes tendered by the Holders thereof. The Company's ability to make such payments may be limited by its leverage and the terms of its then existing borrowing and other agreements. Specifically, the occurrence of a Repurchase Event is an event of default under the Company's credit facility with its lead senior lender. See 'Risk Factors' and 'Description of Notes-- Repurchase at Option of Holders Upon a Repurchase Event' for a more complete discussion of the rights of Holders of the Notes upon the occurrence of a Repurchase Event. Certain Covenants......................... The Indenture contains certain covenants that, among other things, limit the ability of the Company and its Subsidiaries (as defined in
5 the Indenture) to make restricted payments, to incur Indebtedness (as defined in the Indenture), to issue preferred stock of Subsidiaries, and to enter into merger and similar transactions. These covenants are subject to important exceptions and qualifications. See 'Description of the Notes.' Subordination............................. The Notes are subordinated to all existing and future Senior Indebtedness of the Company and are effectively subordinated to all indebtedness and other liabilities of the Company's subsidiaries. At August 31, 1997, the Company had outstanding approximately $15.6 million of Senior Indebtedness which included $4.1 million of letters of credit and $3.8 million of obligations under capital leases. In addition, a significant portion of the Company's trade payables and other liabilities are liabilities of subsidiaries of the Company and, therefore, the Notes are effectively subordinated to all such liabilities. The Indenture permits the Company to incur certain additional Indebtedness, including Senior Indebtedness.
USE OF PROCEEDS The Company will not receive any proceeds from the sale of any amount of the Notes (or the Shares issuable upon conversion thereof) by the Selling Securityholders. RISK FACTORS See 'Risk Factors' for a discussion of certain factors that should be considered in evaluating an investment in the Company. 6 SUMMARY CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION The following summary consolidated financial information should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company and the notes thereto and the 'Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations' section appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus. The consolidated financial statement data as of and for the fiscal years ended August 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997 are derived from, and are qualified by reference to, the audited Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company included elsewhere in this Prospectus. The Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company have been audited by Grant Thornton LLP, independent certified public accountants, for the fiscal years ended August 31, 1993, 1994 and 1995. The auditors' report for fiscal 1995 includes an emphasis paragraph as to uncertainty relating to the eventual outcome of certain class action lawsuits. The Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company for the fiscal years ended August 31, 1996 and 1997 have been audited by KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, independent certified public accountants. The auditors' report for fiscal 1997 includes an explanatory paragraph relating to the Company's ability to continue as a 'going concern' and, for fiscal 1996, indicates that the auditors were unable to review the selected quarterly data in accordance with professional standards. The consolidated financial statement data with respect to the fiscal years ended August 31, 1993 and 1994 are derived from audited Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company not included in this Prospectus.
FISCAL YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, ---------------------------------------------------------- 1993 1994(1) 1995(2) 1996(3) 1997 -------- -------- -------- --------- --------- (IN 000'S, EXCEPT PER SHARE INFORMATION) STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA: Net revenues................................................. $327,091 $480,756 $566,723 $ 161,945 $ 165,411 Cost of revenues............................................. 183,820 249,902 291,474 191,790 89,818 -------- -------- -------- --------- --------- Gross profit (loss).......................................... 143,271 230,854 275,249 (29,845) 75,593 -------- -------- -------- --------- --------- Selling, advertising, general and administrative expenses.... 88,878 142,941 180,957 183,722 118,993 Research & development expenses.............................. 3,036 4,626 10,126 34,582 30,824 Operating interest........................................... 1,183 1,979 3,957 6,417 1,749 Depreciation and amortization................................ 3,227 3,838 9,543 14,910 16,220 Goodwill writedown........................................... -- -- -- -- 25,200 Litigation settlements....................................... -- -- -- -- 23,550 Downsizing charge............................................ -- -- -- 5,000 10,000 Earnings (loss) from operations.............................. 46,947 77,470 70,666 (274,476) (150,943) -------- -------- -------- --------- --------- Other (expense) income, net.................................. 1,138 (475) 5,608 5,609 (8,117) -------- -------- -------- --------- --------- Earnings (loss) before income taxes and minority interest.... 48,085 76,995 76,274 (268,867) (159,060) -------- -------- -------- --------- --------- Net earnings (loss).......................................... $ 28,185 $ 45,055 $ 44,770 $(221,368) (159,228) -------- -------- -------- --------- --------- Net earnings (loss) per common and common equivalent share(4)................................................... $ 0.63 $ 1.00 $ 0.86 $ (4.47) $ (3.21) Weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding......................................... 44,875 45,150 52,300 49,515 49,670 OTHER DATA Ratio of Earnings to fixed charges(5)........................ 20.47 30.07 11.39 (29.71) (22.33)
AUGUST 31, 1997 --------------- BALANCE SHEET DATA: Working capital (deficiency)............................................................................. $ (64,156) Total assets............................................................................................. 133,175 Current portion of long-term debt ....................................................................... 1,002 Long-term liabilities.................................................................................... 59,472 Stockholders' (deficiency)............................................................................... (59,046)
- ------------------ (1) Includes results of operations of Acclaim Comics, Inc. from July 29, 1994. (2) Includes results of operations of Iguana Entertainment, Inc. from January 4, 1995 and of Lazer-Tron for the entire year. (3) Includes results of operations of Sculptured Software, Inc. ('Sculptured Software') and Probe Entertainment Limited ('Probe') for the entire year. (4) All common share information has been restated to reflect the three-for-two stock split in the form of a 50% stock dividend distributed on August 23, 1993. (5) For fiscal 1996 and 1997, the Company's pre-tax earnings from operations were inadequate to cover fixed charges by $268.9 million and $159.1 million, respectively. 7 RISK FACTORS In addition to the other information contained in this Prospectus, the following factors, among others, should be considered carefully in evaluating the investment in the Company offered hereby. Recent Operating Results The Company's net revenues declined from $566.7 million in fiscal 1995 to $161.9 million in fiscal 1996 and $165.4 million in fiscal 1997. The Company had net earnings of $44.7 million in fiscal 1995, a net loss of $(221.4) million in fiscal 1996 and a net loss of $(159.2) million in fiscal 1997. The loss for fiscal 1997 included, among other things, charges for litigation settlements and other claims of $23.6 million, a writedown of the goodwill associated with Acclaim Comics of $25.2 million and downsizing charges of $10 million. The loss for fiscal 1996 included, among other things, the second and fourth quarter special cartridge video charges taken by the Company aggregating approximately $114 million. The Company's revenues and operating results in fiscal 1996 and 1997 reflect principally the transition from 16-bit to 32- and 64-bit Entertainment Platforms. Based on publicly available information and its own estimates, the Company believes that the installed base of 32- and 64-bit Entertainment Platforms in North America was approximately 3 million units at the end of calendar 1996 approximately 9 million units as of September 30, 1997 and anticipates that such installed base will be approximately 13 million units by the end of calendar 1997. See 'Business--Interactive Entertainment Software; Industry Overview.' However, no assurance can be given that the installed base of such Entertainment Platforms will increase substantially or that the Company's revenues from sales of Software therefor will increase sufficiently to offset the reduction in revenues derived from sales of 16-bit Software in prior years. In fiscal 1997, the Company effected a variety of cost reduction measures to reduce its operating expenses. See '--Liquidity and Bank Relationships' below and 'Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.' Although the Company realized the benefits of such measures in the fourth quarter of fiscal 1997 in the form of reduced operating expenses as compared to prior quarters, no assurance can be given that such measures will not materially adversely affect the Company's ability to develop and publish commercially viable titles, or that such measures, whether alone or in conjunction with increased revenues, if any, will be sufficient to generate operating profits in fiscal 1998 and beyond. Liquidity and Bank Relationships The Company's net cash used in operations increased from approximately $7.3 million in fiscal 1995 to approximately $38.3 million in fiscal 1996 and approximately $29.2 million in fiscal 1997. An income tax refund of approximately $54 million related to the carryback of the Company's loss for fiscal 1996 was included in the net cash used in operating activities during the year ended August 31, 1997. Without giving effect to the tax refund during the first quarter of fiscal 1997, the Company has experienced negative cash flow from operations in recent periods primarily due to its net losses, which were primarily attributable to the industry transition from 16-bit to 32- and 64-bit Entertainment Platforms and related Software. The Company anticipates, based on the continued growth of the installed base of 32- and 64-bit Entertainment Platforms and the cost reduction efforts effected by the Company, that its cash flows from operations will be sufficient to cover its operating expenses in fiscal 1998. However, there can be no assurance that the Company's operating expenses will not materially exceed cash flows available from the Company's operations in fiscal 1998 and beyond. To provide liquidity, the Company (i) in fiscal 1997, has significantly reduced the number of its employees, (ii) on February 26, 1997, consummated the Convertible Note Offering and used approximately $16 million of the net proceeds of the Convertible Note Offering to retire its term loan from Midland and $2 million of such proceeds to pay down its mortgage loan from Fleet, (iii) on March 5, 1997, sold substantially all of the assets and certain liabilities of Lazer-Tron for $6 million in cash and (iv) is consolidating certain of its studio operations to reduce their overhead expenses. The Company is currently pursuing various alternatives, including further expense reductions and the sale of certain other assets. There can be no assurance that any asset sales can be effected on satisfactory terms. In addition, the Company's long-term liquidity will be materially dependent on its ability to develop and market 'hit' Software for the hardware platforms that dominate the interactive entertainment market. See 'Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations--Liquidity.' 8 As a result of its financial performance in fiscal 1997, the Company was in default of various financial and other covenants under loan agreements with its lead institutional lender, BNY Financial Corporation ('BNY'), as of the end of each quarter of fiscal 1997, which defaults have been waived. There can be no assurance that additional covenant defaults, or a payment default, will not occur in the future. The Company's ability to meet its financial covenants and its payment obligations can be affected by factors beyond its control. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to obtain waivers of any future default or that the lenders will not exercise their remedies. In such event, the Company's operations would be materially adversely affected. Substantial Leverage and Ability to Service Debt The Company's ability to satisfy its obligations to its lenders will be dependent upon its future performance, which is subject to prevailing economic conditions and financial, business and other factors, including factors beyond the Company's control. See 'Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.' The level of the Company's indebtedness could have important consequences to investors in the Company, because: (i) a portion of the Company's cash flow from operations must be dedicated to debt service, including the Notes and the Company's existing bank obligations, and will not be available for other purposes; (ii) the Company's ability to obtain additional debt financing in the future for working capital, or to pursue possible expansion of its business or acquisitions, may be limited; and (iii) the Company's level of indebtedness could limit its flexibility in reacting to changes in the interactive entertainment industry and economic conditions generally, making it more vulnerable to adverse economic conditions and limiting its ability to withstand competitive pressures or take advantage of business opportunities. Certain of the Company's competitors currently operate on a less leveraged basis, and are likely to have significantly greater operating and financing flexibility than the Company. The Company believes that, based upon current levels of operations, it should be able to meet its interest obligations on the Notes, and its interest and principal obligations under its bank agreements, when due. However, if the Company cannot generate sufficient cash flow from operations to meet its debt obligations when due, the Company might be required to restructure or refinance its indebtedness. There can be no assurance that any such restructuring or refinancing will be effected on satisfactory terms or will be permitted by the terms of the Indenture, or the Company's existing indebtedness. There can be no assurance that the Company's operating cash flows will be sufficient to meet its debt service requirements or to repay the Notes at maturity or that the Company will be able to refinance the Notes or other indebtedness at maturity. See '--Prior Rights of Creditors' and 'Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.' Prior Rights of Creditors The Company has outstanding long-term debt (including current portions) of $53.7 million at August 31, 1997. The Company's failure to make payments of interest or principal on such indebtedness when due may result in defaults under its agreements with respect to such indebtedness and under the Indenture. Certain of such indebtedness is secured by liens on substantially all of the assets of the Company. See Note 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. In addition, the Indenture provides that, upon the occurrence of certain events (each a 'Repurchase Event'), the Company may be obligated to repurchase all or a portion of the outstanding Notes. If a Repurchase Event were to occur and the Company did not have, or could not obtain, sufficient financial resources to repurchase the Notes, such failure to repurchase the Notes would constitute an event of default under the Indenture. The occurrence of certain Repurchase Events would also constitute a default under certain of the Company's current loan agreements, including the Company's main credit facility with BNY, and may constitute an event of default under the terms of future agreements with respect to the Company's borrowings. The default under the Indenture for the Company's failure to effect a repurchase of the Notes would also constitute an event of default under certain of the Company's existing loan agreements. Further, the Company's ability to meet its debt service obligations are, in part, dependent upon its receipt of dividends and other advances and transfers of funds from its subsidiaries. The ability of the Company's subsidiaries to pay such dividends and make such advances will be subject to applicable state and foreign law regulating the payment of dividends and the terms of the Company's existing bank agreements and the Indenture. 9 A significant portion of the Company's assets, operations, trade payables and other indebtedness are located at subsidiaries of the Company and the creditors of such subsidiaries would generally recover from the assets of such subsidiaries on the obligations owed to them by such subsidiaries prior to any recovery by creditors of the Company and prior to any distribution of remaining assets to equity holders of the Company. An event of default with respect to the Company's current bank agreements may result in acceleration of the Company's obligations under such bank agreements or demand by the lenders for immediate repayment and would entitle any secured creditor in respect of such debt to proceed against the collateral securing such defaulted loan. An event of default under the Indenture may result in actions by IBJ Schroder Bank & Trust Company, as trustee (the 'Trustee'), on behalf of the holders of the Notes. In the event of such acceleration by the Company's creditors or action by the Trustee, holders of indebtedness would be entitled to payment out of the assets of the Company. If the Company becomes insolvent, is liquidated or reorganized, it is possible that there will not be sufficient assets remaining after payment to such creditors for any distribution to holders of Common Stock. Going Concern Considerations The report of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, independent auditors for the Company, includes an explanatory paragraph relating to substantial doubt as to the ability of the Company to continue as a going concern. The Company incurred significant losses from operations in fiscal 1997 and has working capital and stockholders' deficiencies at August 31, 1997. A 'going concern' explanatory paragraph could have a material adverse effect on the terms of any bank financing or capital the Company may seek. See Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. NASDAQ Delisting and Liquidity of Common Stock In order to maintain the listing of the Common Stock on the NASDAQ National Market System (the 'NMS'), at May 31, 1997, the Company was required, among other things, to maintain net tangible assets of at least $1 million. At May 31, 1997, the Company did not meet this requirement. Based on its review of certain information provided by the Company, NASDAQ informed the Company that it has determined that the Common Stock remain listed on the NMS pending NASDAQ's review of the Company's status upon filing of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 1997. Subsequent to May 31, 1997, the NASDAQ Stock Market adopted new maintenance criteria for securities listed on the NMS. Under such criteria, the Company is required, among other things, to maintain a minimum bid price of $5 per share of Common Stock. The Company does not currently meet the minimum bid price criteria (although the Company's performance as of August 31, 1997 does meet the other quantitative maintenance criteria). Accordingly, no assurance can be given that the Common Stock will not be delisted from trading on the NMS. If the Common Stock were to be delisted from trading on the NMS, in order to obtain relisting of the Common Stock on the NMS, the Company must satisfy quantitative designation criteria, including a minimum net tangible assets requirement which it does not currently meet. No assurance can be given that the Company will meet such relisting criteria in the near future. If the Common Stock were to be delisted from trading on the NMS, the Company may seek to have the Common Stock listed for trading on the NASDAQ Small-Cap Market. Although the Company meets the current listing criteria for the NASDAQ Small-Cap Market (other than a minimum bid price of $4 per share of Common Stock), no assurance can be given as to the Company's ability to obtain listing for the Common Stock on the NASDAQ Small-Cap Market or as to the Company's ability to meet the maintenance requirements thereof. If the Common Stock were to be delisted from trading on the NMS and were neither relisted thereon nor listed for trading on the NASDAQ Small-Cap Market, trading, if any, in the Common Stock may continue to be conducted on the OTC Bulletin Board or in the non-NASDAQ over-the-counter market. Delisting of the Common Stock would result in limited release of the market price of the Common Stock and limited news coverage of the Company and could restrict investors' interest in the Common Stock and materially adversely affect the trading market and prices for the Common Stock and the Company's ability to issue additional securities or to secure additional financing. In addition, if the Common Stock were not listed and the trading price of the Common Stock were less than $5.00 per share, the Common Stock could be subject to Rule 15g-9 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 which, among other things, requires that broker/dealers satisfy special sales practice requirements, including making individualized written suitability determinations and receiving a purchaser's written consent prior to any transaction. In such case, the Common Stock could also be deemed to be a 'penny stock' under the Securities Enforcement and Penny Stock Reform Act of 1990, which would require 10 additional disclosure in connection with trades in the Common Stock, including the delivery of a disclosure schedule explaining the nature and risks of the penny stock market. Such requirements could severely limit the liquidity of the Common Stock. Litigation In conjunction with certain claims and litigations for which the settlement obligation is currently probable and estimable (see 'Business-- Recent Developments' and 'Legal Proceedings'), the Company recorded a charge of $23.6 million in the year ended August 31, 1997. No assurance can be given that the Company will not be required to record additional material charges in future periods in conjunction with the various litigations to which the Company is a party. Any additional charges to earnings arising from an adverse result in such litigations or an inadequacy in its charge recorded in fiscal 1997 could have a material adverse effect on the financial condition and results of operations of the Company. A portion of any settlement or judgment in one or more of the litigations to which the Company is a party may be covered by the Company's insurance. See Note 20 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Industry Trends; Platform Transition; Technological Change The interactive entertainment industry is characterized by, and the Company anticipates that it will continue to undergo, rapid technological change due in large part to (i) the introduction of Entertainment Platforms incorporating more advanced processors and operating systems, (ii) the impact of technological changes embodied in Multimedia PCs and Software therefor, (iii) the development of electronic and wireless delivery systems and (iv) the entry and participation of new companies in the industry. These factors have resulted in hardware platform and Software life cycles. No single hardware platform or system has achieved long-term dominance. Accordingly, the Company must continually anticipate and adapt its Software titles to emerging hardware platforms and systems and evolving consumer preferences. There can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in developing and marketing Software for new hardware platforms. The process of developing Software titles such as those offered by the Company is extremely complex and is expected to become more complex and expensive in the future as consumers demand more sophisticated and elaborate features and as new platforms and technologies are introduced. Development of Software for emerging hardware platforms requires substantial investments in research and development for new and improved technologies in the areas of graphics, sound, digitized speech, music and video. Such research and development must occur well in advance of the release of new hardware platforms in order to allow sufficient lead time to develop and introduce new Software titles on a timely basis. This generally requires the Company to predict the probable success of hardware platforms as much as 12 to 24 months prior to the release of compatible Software. Substantially all of the Company's revenues in fiscal 1997 were derived from the sale of titles designed to be played on the N64, PlayStation, Sega Saturn and various Multimedia PCs. At any given time, the Company has expended significant development and marketing resources on product development for platforms (such as the 16-bit SNES and Sega Genesis platforms) that could have shorter life cycles than the Company expected, as in fiscal 1996, or on Software titles designed for new platforms (such as the Sony PlayStation and Nintendo N64) that have not yet achieved large installed bases. If the Company does not accurately predict the success, size of the installed base and life cycle of existing or future hardware platforms due to, among other things, the long Software development lead times involved, it could be in the position, as it was in fiscal 1996 and 1997, of marketing Software for (i) new hardware platforms that have not yet achieved significant market penetration and/or (ii) hardware platforms that have become or are becoming obsolete due to the introduction or success of new hardware platforms. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to predict accurately such matters, and its failure to do so would have a material adverse effect on the Company. Failure to develop Software titles for hardware platforms that achieve significant market acceptance, discontinuance of development for a platform that has a longer than expected life cycle, development for a platform that does not achieve a significant installed base or continued development for a platform that has a shorter than expected life cycle, may have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and operating results. 11 The Company's results of operations and profitability have been materially adversely affected during the fiscal years ended August 31, 1996 and 1997 by the material decline in sales of the Company's 16-bit Software and the transition to the new hardware platforms described herein. The Company is currently developing Software for Multimedia PCs, the Sony PlayStation and the Nintendo N64. There are a significant number of Software titles for the Entertainment Platform market competing for limited shelf space. In addition, the 32- and 64-bit Entertainment Platforms have not yet achieved market penetration similar to that of the 16-bit Entertainment Platforms (Nintendo SNES and Sega Genesis); accordingly, the number of units of each Software title sold for these newer Entertainment Platforms is significantly less than the number of units of a title generally sold during 1993, 1994 and 1995 for the 16-bit Entertainment Platforms. Based on publicly available information and its own estimates, the Company believes that the installed base of 32- and 64-bit Entertainment Platforms was approximately 3 million and 9 million units at the end of calendar 1996 and at September 30, 1997, respectively, and anticipates that such installed base will be approximately 13 million units by the end of calendar 1997. However, no assurance can be given that the installed base of any of the new Entertainment Platforms will grow substantially or that any of them will achieve market penetration similar to that achieved by the Nintendo SNES and Sega Genesis Entertainment Platforms. Revenue and Earnings Fluctuations; Seasonality The Company has historically derived substantially all of its revenues from the publication and distribution of Software for then dominant hardware platforms. The Company's revenues are subject to fluctuation during transition periods, as occurred in fiscal 1996 and 1997, when new hardware platforms have been introduced but none has achieved mass market penetration. In addition, the Company's earnings are materially affected by the timing of release of new Software titles produced by the Company. Product development schedules are difficult to predict due, in large part, to the difficulty of scheduling accurately the creative process and, with respect to Software for new hardware platforms, the use of new development tools and the learning process associated with development for new technologies. Earnings may also be materially impacted by other factors including, but not limited to, (i) the level and timing of market acceptance of Software titles, (ii) increases or decreases in development and/or promotion expenses for new titles and new versions of existing titles, (iii) the timing of orders from major customers and (iv) changes in shipment volume. A significant portion of the Company's revenues in any quarter is generally derived from sales of new Software titles introduced in that quarter or in the immediately preceding quarter. If the Company were unable to commence volume shipments of a significant new product during the scheduled quarter, the Company's revenues and earnings would likely be materially and adversely affected in that quarter. In addition, because a majority of the unit sales for a product typically occur in the first 90 to 120 days following the introduction of the product, the Company's earnings may increase significantly in a period in which a major product introduction occurs and may decline in the following period or in periods in which there are no major product introductions. Certain operating expenses are fixed and do not vary directly in relation to revenue. Consequently, if net revenue is below expectations, the Company's operating results are likely to be materially and adversely affected. The interactive entertainment industry is highly seasonal. Typically, net revenues are highest during the last calendar quarter (which includes the holiday buying season), decline in the first quarter, are lower in the second calendar quarter and increase in the third calendar quarter. The seasonal pattern is due primarily to the increased demand for Software during the year-end holiday buying season. The Company's earnings, however, vary significantly and are largely dependent on releases of major new titles and, as such, may not necessarily reflect the seasonal patterns of the industry as a whole. The Company expects that its operating results will continue to fluctuate significantly in the future. Dependence on Entertainment Platform Manufacturers; Need for License Renewals In fiscal 1995, 1996 and 1997, the Company derived 47%, 29% and 41% of its gross revenues, respectively, from sales of Nintendo-compatible titles and 46%, 36% and 12% of its gross revenues, respectively, from sales of Sega-compatible titles. In addition, in fiscal 1996 and 1997, the Company derived 19% and 28%, respectively, of its gross revenues from sales of Sony-compatible titles. Accordingly, the Company is substantially dependent on Sony, Sega and Nintendo as the sole manufacturers of the Entertainment Platforms marketed by them and as the sole licensors of the proprietary information and technology needed to develop Software for those Entertainment Platforms. The Entertainment Platform manufacturers have in the past and may in the future limit the number of titles that the Company can release in any year, which may limit any future growth in sales. 12 The Company has historically been able to renew and/or negotiate extensions of its Software license agreements with Entertainment Platform developers. However, there can be no assurance that, at the end of their current terms, the Company will continue to be able to do so or that the Company will be successful in negotiating definitive license agreements with developers of new hardware platforms. The Company has executed license agreements with Sony with respect to the PlayStation platform in North America, Japan, Asia and Europe and with Nintendo with respect to the N64 platform in North and South America and Japan. The Company also develops and markets N64 Software in Europe under an oral agreement with Nintendo. Currently, the Company and Sega are operating in the ordinary course under the terms of an agreement that expired in December 1995 and, with respect to the Saturn platform, under an oral agreement and other arrangements. The inability to negotiate agreements with developers of new Entertainment Platforms or the termination of all of the Company's license agreements or other arrangements will, and the termination of any one of the Company's license agreements or other arrangements could, have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position and results of operations. See 'Business--Platform License Agreements' and 'Intellectual Property Licenses.' The Company depends on Nintendo, Sega and Sony for the protection of the intellectual property rights to their respective Entertainment Platforms and technology and their ability to discourage unauthorized persons from producing Software for the Entertainment Platforms developed by each of them. The Company also relies upon the Entertainment Platform manufacturers for the manufacture of certain cartridge and CD-based ROM Software. Reliance on New Titles; Product Delays The Company's ability to maintain favorable relations with retailers and to receive the maximum advantage from its advertising expenditures is dependent in part on its ability to provide retailers with a timely and continuous flow of product. The life cycle of a Software title generally ranges from less than three months to upwards of twelve months, with the majority of sales occurring in the first 90 to 120 days after release. The Company generally actively markets its 10 to 15 most recent releases. Accordingly, the Company is constantly required to develop, introduce and sell new Software in order to generate revenue and/or to replace declining revenues from previously released titles. In addition, consumer preferences for Software are difficult to predict, and few titles achieve sustained market acceptance. There can be no assurance that new titles introduced by the Company will be released in a timely fashion, will achieve any significant degree of market acceptance, or that such acceptance will be sustained for any meaningful period. Competition for retail shelf space, consumer preferences and other factors could result in the shortening of the life cycle for older titles and increase the importance of the Company's ability to release titles on a timely basis. The Company's current production schedules contemplate that the Company will commence shipment of a number of new titles in fiscal 1998. Shipment dates will vary depending on the Company's own quality assurance testing, as well as that by the applicable dedicated platform manufacturer, and other development factors. The Company generally submits new games to the dedicated platform manufacturers and other intellectual property licensors for approval prior to development and/or manufacturing. Rejection as a result of bugs in Software or a substantial delay in the approval of a product by an Entertainment Platform manufacturer or licensor could have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition and results of operations. In the past, the Company has experienced significant delays in the introduction of certain new titles. There can be no assurance that such delays will not occur or materially adversely affect the Company in the future. It is likely that in the future certain new titles will not be released in accordance with the Company's internal development schedule or the expectations of public market analysts and investors. A significant delay in the introduction of, or the presence of a defect in, one or more new titles could have a material adverse effect on the ultimate success of such product. If the Company is not able to develop, introduce and sell new competitive titles on a timely basis, its results of operations and profitability would be materially adversely affected. Reliance on 'Hit' Titles The market for Software is 'hits' driven and, accordingly, the Company's future success is dependent in large part on its ability to develop and market 'hit' titles for hardware platforms with significant installed bases. During the fiscal year ended August 31, 1997, sales of the Company's top title accounted for approximately 33% of the Company's gross sales for that period. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to publish 'hit' titles for hardware platforms with significant installed bases and, if it is unable to do so for any reason, its 13 financial condition, results of operations and profitability could be materially adversely affected, as they were in fiscal 1996 and 1997. Inventory Management; Risk of Product Returns The Company is generally not contractually obligated to accept returns, except for defective product. However, the Company permits its customers to return or exchange inventory and provides price protection or other concessions for excess or slow-moving inventory. Management must make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Among the more significant of such estimates are allowances for estimated returns, price concessions and other discounts. At the time of shipment, the Company establishes reserves in respect of such estimates taking into account the potential for product returns and other discounts based on historical return rates, seasonality, retail inventories and other factors. In fiscal 1996, price protection, returns and exchanges were materially higher than the Company's reserves therefor, as a result of which the Company's results of operations and liquidity in fiscal 1996 were materially adversely affected. See 'Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations' and Note 1N and Note 22 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company believes that, at August 31, 1997, it has established adequate reserves for future price protection, returns, exchanges and other concessions but there can be no assurance that the Company's reserves therefor will not be exceeded, which event would have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition and results of operations. In addition, the Company has offered and anticipates that it will continue to offer stock-balancing programs for its Multimedia PC Software. The Company has established reserves for such programs, which have not been material to date. No assurance can be given that future stock-balancing programs will not become material and/or will not exceed the Company's reserves for such programs and, if so exceeded, the Company's results of operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected. Increased Product Development Costs In order to manage its Software development process and to ensure access to a pool of Software developers, development tools and engines in an increasingly competitive market, the Company acquired three Software studios in calendar 1995. The result of such acquisitions was that the Company's fixed Software development and overhead costs were significantly higher in fiscal 1996 and 1997 as compared to historical levels. These costs further contributed to the Company's results of operations and profitability being materially adversely affected in fiscal 1996 and 1997. No assurance can be given that such costs will not continue to have a material adverse effect on the Company's operations in future periods. See '--Software Development.' Competition The market for consumer Software is highly competitive. Only a small percentage of titles introduced in the Software market achieve any degree of sustained market acceptance. Competition is based primarily upon quality titles, price, access to retail shelf space, product enhancements, ability to operate on popular platforms, availability of titles (including 'hits'), new product introductions, marketing support and distribution systems. The Company competes with a variety of companies which offer products that compete directly with one or more of the Company's titles. Typically, the Company's chief competitor on an Entertainment Platform is the hardware manufacturer of the platform, to whom the Company pays royalties and, in some cases, manufacturing charges. Accordingly, the hardware manufacturers have a price, marketing and distribution advantage with respect to Software marketed by them and such advantage is particularly important in a mature or declining market which supports fewer full-priced titles and is characterized by customers who make purchasing decisions on titles based primarily on price (as compared to developing markets with limited titles, when price has been a less important factor in Software sales). The Company's competitors vary in size from very small companies with limited resources to very large corporations with greater financial, marketing and product development resources than the Company, such as Nintendo, Sega and Sony. The Company's competitors also include a number of independent Software publishers licensed by the hardware manufacturers. Additionally, the entry and participation of new industries and companies, including diversified entertainment companies, in markets in which the Company competes may adversely affect the Company's performance in such markets. The availability of significant financial resources has become a major competitive 14 factor in the Software industry, principally as a result of the technical sophistication of advanced Entertainment Platform and Multimedia PC game products requiring substantial investments in research and development. In particular, many of the Company's competitors are developing on-line interactive computer games and interactive networks that will be competitive with the Company's Software. As competition increases, significant price competition and reduced profit margins may result. In addition, competition from new technologies may reduce demand in markets in which the Company has traditionally competed. Prolonged price competition or reduced demand as a result of competing technologies would have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and operating results. No assurance can be given that the Company will be able to compete successfully. See 'Business--Competition.' Intellectual Property Licenses and Proprietary Rights To date, most of the Company's Software incorporates for marketing purposes properties or trademarks owned by third parties, such as the WWF, the NBA, the NFL or their respective players' associations, which properties are licensed to the Company. In addition, the Company in the past has obtained agreements with independent developers for the development of a significant portion of its Software and, in such cases, the Company usually acquires copyrights to the underlying Software and obtains the exclusive right to such Software for a period of time and may have a limited period in which to market and distribute Software. To the extent future product releases are not derived from the Company's proprietary properties, the Company's future success will also be dependent upon its ability to procure licenses for additional popular intellectual properties. There is intense competition for such licenses, and there can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in acquiring additional intellectual property rights with significant commercial value. There can be no assurance that such licenses will be available on reasonable terms or at all. The Company relies primarily on a combination of copyrights, trade secret laws, patent and trademark laws, nondisclosure agreements and other copy protection methods to protect its product and proprietary rights. It is the Company's policy that all employees and third-party developers sign nondisclosure agreements. There can be no assurance that these measures will be sufficient to protect the Company's intellectual property rights against infringement. The Company has 'shrinkwrap' license agreements with the end users of its Multimedia PC titles, but the Company relies on the copyright laws to prevent unauthorized distribution of its other Software. Existing copyright laws afford only limited protection. However, notwithstanding the Company's rights to its Software, it may be possible for third parties to copy illegally the Company's titles or to reverse engineer or otherwise obtain and use information that the Company regards as proprietary. Illegal copying occurs within the Software industry, and if a significant amount of illegal copying of the Company's published titles or titles distributed by it were to occur, the Company's business, operating results and financial condition could be materially adversely affected. Policing illegal use of the Company's titles is difficult, and Software piracy can be expected to be a persistent problem. Further, the laws of certain countries in which the Company's titles are or may be distributed do not protect the Company and its intellectual property rights to the same extent as the laws of the United States. The Company believes that its Software, trademarks and other proprietary rights do not infringe on the proprietary rights of third parties. However, as the number of titles in the industry increases, the Company believes that claims and lawsuits with respect to Software infringement will increase. From time to time, third parties have asserted that features or content of certain of the Company's titles may infringe upon intellectual property rights of such parties, and the Company has asserted that third parties have likewise infringed the Company's proprietary rights; certain of these claims have resulted in litigation by and against the Company. To date, no such claims have had an adverse effect on the Company's ability to develop, market or sell its titles. There can be no assurance that existing or future infringement claims by or against the Company will not result in costly litigation or require the Company to license the intellectual property rights of third parties. See 'Legal Proceedings.' The owners of intellectual property licensed by the Company generally reserve the right to protect such intellectual property against infringement. See 'Business--Intellectual Property Licenses.' International Sales International sales represented approximately 25%, 41% and 50% of the Company's net revenues in fiscal 1995, 1996 and 1997, respectively. The Company expects that international sales will continue to account for a significant portion of its net revenues in future periods. International sales are subject to inherent risks, including unexpected changes in regulatory requirements, tariffs and other economic barriers, fluctuating exchange rates, 15 difficulties in staffing and managing foreign operations and the possibility of difficulty in accounts receivable collection. Because the Company believes exposure to foreign currency losses is not currently material, the Company currently has no formal financial instruments in place as a hedge against foreign currency risks. In some markets, localization of the Company's titles is essential to achieve market penetration. The Company may incur incremental costs and experience delays in localizing its titles. These or other factors could have a material adverse effect on the Company's future international sales and, consequently, on the Company's business, operating results and financial condition. New Business Ventures During the last three years, the Company has completed acquisitions, or has commenced operations, of various new businesses including (i) the publication of comic books, (ii) the distribution of Affiliated Labels Software, (iii) the marketing of its motion capture technology and studio services and (iv) the distribution of coin-operated video games. The Company also acquired three Software studios in calendar 1995. The Company made significant investments and incurred significant expenses in connection with the acquisition/ establishment of such businesses in fiscal 1995, 1996 and 1997, and anticipates that it will continue to incur significant expenses in connection with certain of the operations thereof. To date, except for sales of Affiliated Labels Software in fiscal 1997, which accounted for approximately 11% of the Company's gross revenues in that period, and sales of titles (such as Turok: Dinosaur Hunter) developed by the Iguana studio, none of such new businesses has generated significant revenues and there can be no assurance that such businesses will generate significant revenues or the timing thereof. To the extent the Company continues to incur material expenses in connection with such ventures during periods when they do not generate significant revenues, the Company's results of operations and profitability will be materially adversely affected. Dependence on Key Personnel and Employees The interactive entertainment industry is characterized by a high level of employee mobility and aggressive recruiting among competitors for personnel with technical, marketing, sales, product development and management skills. The ability to identify, hire and retain such personnel is essential to the Company's success. No assurance can be given that the Company will be able to attract and retain such personnel or that it will not experience significant cost increases in order to do so. In particular, the Company is highly dependent upon the management services of Gregory Fischbach, Co-Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, and James Scoroposki, Co-Chairman of the Board and Senior Executive Vice President, of the Company. The loss of the services of any of the Company's senior management could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, operating results and financial condition. Although the Company has employment agreements with Messrs. Fischbach and Scoroposki, there can be no assurance that such employees will not leave or compete with the Company. The Company's failure to attract additional qualified employees or to retain the services of key personnel could materially and adversely affect the Company's business, operating results and financial condition. Anti-Takeover Provisions The Company's Board of Directors has the authority (subject to certain limitations imposed by the Indenture) to issue shares of preferred stock and to determine the designations, preferences and rights and the qualifications or restrictions of those shares without any further vote or action by the stockholders. The rights of the holders of Common Stock will be subject to, and may be adversely affected by, the rights of the holders of any preferred stock that may be issued in the future. The issuance of preferred stock, while providing desirable flexibility in connection with possible acquisitions and other corporate actions, could have the effect of making it more difficult for a third-party to acquire a majority of the outstanding voting stock of the Company. In addition, the Company is subject to the anti-takeover provisions of Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law (the 'DGCL'). In general, this statute prohibits a publicly held Delaware corporation from engaging in a 'business combination' with an 'interested stockholder' for a period of three years after the date of the transaction in which the person became an interested stockholder, unless the business combination is approved in a prescribed manner. Employment arrangements with certain members of the Company's management provide for severance payments upon termination of their employment after a 'change in control' of the Company as defined in such agreements. See 'Employment--Employment Agreements' and 'Description of Capital Stock.' 16 Volatility of Stock Price There has been a history of significant volatility in the market prices of companies engaged in the Software industry, including the Company. It is likely that the market price of the Common Stock will continue to be highly volatile. Factors such as the timing and market acceptance of product introductions by the Company, the introduction of products by the Company's competitors, loss of key personnel of the Company, variations in quarterly operating results or changes in market conditions in the Software industry generally may have a significant impact on the market price of the Common Stock. In the past, the Company has experienced significant fluctuations in its operating results and, if the Company's future revenues or operating results or product releases do not meet the expectations of public market analysts and investors, the price of the Common Stock would likely be materially adversely affected. In addition, the stock market has experienced and continues to experience extreme price and volume fluctuations which have affected the market price of Software companies and companies in the interactive entertainment industry and which have often been unrelated to the operating performance of these companies. See 'Market Price of and Dividends on the Company's Common Equity and Related Matters.' Because of the foregoing factors, as well as other factors affecting the Company's operating results and financial condition, past financial performance should not be considered a reliable indicator of future performance, and investors should not use historical trends to anticipate results or trends in future periods. 17 MARKET PRICE OF AND DIVIDENDS ON THE COMPANY'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS MARKET PRICE There is no public market for the Notes. The Common Stock is traded on NASDAQ. On November 6, 1997, the closing sale price of the Common Stock was $4.125 per share. As of such date, there were approximately 1,270 registered holders of record of the Common Stock. The following table sets forth the range of high and low sales prices for the Common Stock for each of the periods indicated:
PRICE PERIOD HIGH LOW - --------------------------------------------------- -------- ------- Fiscal Year 1996 First Quarter.................................... $28.19 $19.56 Second Quarter................................... 20.00 10.00 Third Quarter.................................... 13.63 7.63 Fourth Quarter................................... 11.88 7.31 Fiscal Year 1997 First Quarter.................................... 8.63 3.06 Second Quarter................................... 6.88 3.13 Third Quarter.................................... 5.88 2.94 Fourth Quarter................................... 5.00 3.50 Fiscal Year 1998 First Quarter (through October 31, 1997)......... 6.00 2.94
DIVIDEND POLICY The Company has never declared or paid any cash dividends on the Common Stock and has no present intention to declare or pay cash dividends on the Common Stock in the foreseeable future. The Company is subject to various financial covenants with its lenders that could limit and/or prohibit the payment of dividends in the future. See 'Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations' and Note 12 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company intends to retain earnings, if any, which it may realize in the foreseeable future to finance its operations. USE OF PROCEEDS The Company will not receive any proceeds from the sale of the Notes (or the Shares issuable upon conversion thereof) by the Selling Securityholders. 18 CAPITALIZATION The following table sets forth the consolidated capitalization of the Company at August 31, 1997. This table should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company and the notes thereto, and other information included elsewhere in this Prospectus.
AUGUST 31, 1997 ----------------- (IN THOUSANDS) LIABILITIES: Short-term: Short-term borrowings........................................................................ $ 643 Current portion of long-term debt............................................................ 1,002 Obligations under capital leases--current.................................................... 1,515 ----------------- Total short-term debt..................................................................... 3,160 ----------------- Long-term debt: Convertible Subordinated Notes............................................................... 50,000 Obligations under capital leases--non-current................................................ 2,655 Mortgage Note................................................................................ 2,264 ----------------- Total long-term debt...................................................................... 54,919 ----------------- STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIENCY: Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 1,000 shares authorized; none issued....................... -- Common stock, $0.02 par value; 100,000 shares authorized; 50,122 shares issued............... 1,002 Additional paid-in capital................................................................... 173,373 Accumulated deficit.......................................................................... (229,870) Treasury stock, 474 shares................................................................... (2,904) Foreign currency translation adjustment...................................................... (647) ----------------- Total stockholders' deficiency............................................................ (59,046) ----------------- Total capitalization...................................................................... $ (967) ----------------- -----------------
19 SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION The following selected consolidated financial information should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company and the notes thereto and the 'Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations' section appearing elsewhere herein. The consolidated financial statement information as of and for the fiscal years ended August 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997 are derived from, and are qualified by reference to, the audited Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company included elsewhere in this Prospectus. The consolidated financial statement data with respect to the fiscal years ended August 31, 1993 and 1994 are derived from audited Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company not included in this Prospectus. The Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company for the fiscal years ended August 31, 1993, 1994 and 1995 have been audited by Grant Thornton LLP, independent certified public accountants. The auditors' report for fiscal 1995 includes an emphasis paragraph as to uncertainty relating to the eventual outcome of certain class action lawsuits. The Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company for fiscal 1996 and 1997 have been audited by KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, independent certified public accountants. The auditors' report for fiscal 1997 includes an explanatory paragraph relating to the Company's ability to continue as a 'going concern' and, for fiscal 1996, indicates that the auditors were unable to review the selected quarterly data in accordance with professional standards.
FISCAL YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, ---------------------------------------------------------- 1993 1994(1) 1995(2) 1996(3) 1997 -------- -------- -------- --------- --------- (IN 000'S, EXCEPT PER SHARE INFORMATION) STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA: Net revenues................................................. $327,091 $480,756 $566,723 $ 161,945 $ 165,411 Cost of revenues............................................. 183,820 249,902 291,474 191,790 89,818 Gross profit (loss).......................................... 143,271 230,854 275,249 (29,845) 75,593 Selling, advertising, general and administrative expenses.... 88,878 142,941 180,957 183,722 118,993 Research and development expenses............................ 3,036 4,626 10,126 34,582 30,824 Operating interest........................................... 1,183 1,979 3,957 6,417 1,749 Depreciation and amortization................................ 3,227 3,838 9,543 14,910 16,220 Goodwill writedown........................................... -- -- -- -- 25,200 Litigation settlements....................................... -- -- -- -- 23,550 Downsizing charge............................................ -- -- -- 5,000 10,000 Earnings (loss) from operations.............................. 46,947 77,470 70,666 (274,476) (150,943) Other (expense) income, net.................................. 1,138 (475) 5,608 5,609 (8,117) Earnings (loss) before income taxes and minority interest.... 48,085 76,995 76,274 (268,867) (159,060) Net earnings (loss).......................................... $ 28,185 $ 45,055 $ 44,770 $(221,368) $(159,228) Net earnings (loss) per common and common equivalent share(4)................................................... $ 0.63 $ 1.00 $ 0.86 $ (4.47) $ (3.21) Weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding......................................... 44,875 45,150 52,300 49,515 49,670 OTHER DATA: Ratio of Earnings to fixed charges(5)........................ 20.47 30.07 11.39 (29.71) (22.33) BALANCE SHEET DATA: Working capital (deficiency)................................. $ 80,564 $131,820 $200,455 $ (10,039) $ (64,156) Total assets................................................. 206,771 335,878 442,827 239,651 133,175 Current portion of long-term debt ........................... 87 1,538 25,196 25,527 1,002 Long-term liabilities........................................ 2,538 41,754 461 4,032 59,472 Stockholders' equity (deficiency)............................ 96,867 175,243 314,707 93,589 (59,046)
- ------------------ (1) Includes results of operations of Acclaim Comics, Inc. from July 29, 1994. (2) Includes results of operations of Iguana Entertainment, Ltd. from January 4, 1995 and of Lazer-Tron for the entire year. (3) Includes results of operations of Sculptured Software, Inc. and Probe Entertainment Limited for the entire year. (4) All common share information has been restated to reflect the three-for-two stock split in the form of a 50% stock dividend distributed on August 23, 1993. (5) For fiscal 1996 and 1997, the Company's pre-tax earnings from operations were inadequate to cover fixed charges by $268.9 million and $159.1 million, respectively. 20 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS OVERVIEW The Company is a developer, publisher and mass marketer of Software for use with Entertainment Platforms and Multimedia PCs. The Company operates its own Software design studios and a motion capture studio, and markets and distributes its products in the major territories throughout the world. The Company's operating strategy is to develop Software for the Entertainment Platforms and Multimedia PCs that dominate the interactive entertainment market at a given time or which the Company perceives as having the potential for achieving mass market acceptance. The Company's strategy is to emphasize sports simulation and arcade-style titles for Entertainment Platforms, and fantasy/role-playing, adventure and sports simulation titles for Multimedia PCs. The Company intends to continue to support its existing key brands (such as Turok: Dinosaur Hunter, NFL Quarterback Club '98, and WWF and NBA Jam) with the introduction of new titles supporting those brands and to develop one or more additional key brands each year based on its original and licensed properties, which may then be featured on an annual basis in successive titles. The Company also engages in: (i) the development and publication of comic books; (ii) the distribution of Software titles developed by other Software publishers; (iii) the marketing of its motion capture technology and studio services; and (iv) the development, marketing and distribution of coin-operated video arcade games. The Software industry is driven by the size of the installed base of Entertainment Platforms such as those manufactured by Nintendo, Sony and Sega, and Multimedia PCs. The industry is characterized by rapid technological change, resulting in Entertainment Platform and related Software product cycles. No single Entertainment Platform or system has achieved long-term dominance in the interactive entertainment market. The rapid technological advances in game systems have significantly changed the look and feel of Software as well as the Software development process. According to Company estimates, the average development cost for a title for Entertainment Platforms and Multimedia PCs is currently between $1 million and $2 million, an increase over the average development cost for a title on earlier generation Entertainment Platforms. As a result of the Company's acquisitions of Iguana Entertainment, Inc. ('Iguana'), Sculptured Software, Inc. ('Sculptured') and Probe Entertainment, Inc. ('Probe') in 1995 (two of which were completed in fiscal 1996), the Company's general and administrative expenses were substantially higher in fiscal 1996 and fiscal 1997 as compared to prior periods. See 'Risk Factors.' Such expenses in the aggregate had a material adverse impact on the Company's profitability in fiscal 1996 and fiscal 1997. The Company recorded a loss from operations of $150.9 million and a net loss (on an after-tax basis) of $159.2 million for fiscal 1997. The net loss for the year reflects, among other things, a charge of $23.6 million for certain claims and litigations for which the settlement obligation is currently probable and estimable, a write-down of $25.2 million to reduce the carrying value of the goodwill associated with Acclaim Comics to its estimated undiscounted future cash flows, and downsizing charges of $10 million. As a result of the industry transition to 32- and 64-bit Entertainment Platforms, the Company's Software sales during fiscal 1996 and fiscal 1997 were significantly lower than in fiscal 1995. In addition, although the Company had acquired three Software studios (and had incurred increases in fixed overhead expenses), due to Software development lead times, the capacity of the studios to develop titles to be marketed by the Company soon after their acquisition was limited, and the Company continued to rely on independent studios for the development of its titles and incurred royalty and other expenses relating thereto. Accordingly, in fiscal 1997, management effected certain measures, including expense reductions and consolidation of certain operations, to align its operating expenses with anticipated revenues. See '--Operating Expenses.' Management believes, based on publicly available information and its own estimates, that the installed base of 32- and 64-bit Entertainment Platforms was approximately 3 million and 9 million units at the end of calendar 1996 and at September 30, 1997, respectively. Although management anticipates that such installed base will be approximately 13 million units by the end of calendar 1997 and that the Company's revenues in fiscal 1998 from sales of Software therefor will be higher than in fiscal 1997, the Company's revenues from sales of Software for the new Entertainment Platforms in fiscal 1998 will not be comparable to its revenues from sales of 16-bit Software in fiscal 1994 or 1995. No assurance can be given as to the future growth of the installed base of 32-bit 21 and 64-bit Entertainment Platforms or of the Company's results of operations and profitability in future periods. See 'Risk Factors.' Based on information available in 1994 and based on its historical experience with respect to the transition from 8-bit to 16-bit platforms, the Company believed that Software sales for 16-bit platforms would, although continuing to decrease overall, still dominate the interactive entertainment market in 1995 and that such sales would remain substantial through the 1996 holiday season. Accordingly, although the Company's strategy for the Christmas 1995 season was to develop Software for multiple Entertainment Platforms and Multimedia PCs, the Company anticipated that substantially all of its revenues in fiscal 1995 would be derived from its 16-bit Software sales. The Company also anticipated that its sales of 32-bit and Multimedia PC Software in fiscal 1996 would grow as compared to fiscal 1995 but that the majority of its revenues in fiscal 1996 would still be derived from 16-bit Software sales. However, the 16-bit Software market matured much more rapidly than anticipated by the Company, the Company's Christmas 1995 16-bit Software sales were substantially lower than anticipated and, by April 1996, the Company derived minimal profits from such Software sales and made the decision to exit the 16-bit and portable cartridge markets. In connection with the Company's decision to exit the 16-bit and portable Software markets in April 1996, the Company recorded a special cartridge video charge of approximately $48.9 million in the second quarter of fiscal 1996, consisting of provisions of approximately $28.8 million (reflected in net revenues), and approximately $20.1 million (reflected in cost of revenues), respectively, to adjust accounts receivable and inventories at February 29, 1996 to their estimated net realizable values in conjunction with management's decision to exit the portable and 16-bit cartridge market. The Company recorded a loss from operations of $274.5 million and a net loss (on an after-tax basis) of $221.4 million for fiscal 1996. The net loss for the year reflected write-offs of receivables, the establishment of additional receivables and inventory reserves, severance charges incurred in connection with the downsizing of the Company and the reduction of certain deferred costs, as well as an operating loss for the year resulting primarily from price protection and similar concessions granted to retailers at greater than anticipated levels in connection with the Company's 16- and 32-bit Software. See 'Risk Factors.' The Company has released, and may continue to release, 16-bit and/or portable Software selectively to support its key brands and, if requested by a retailer, may produce additional units of particular title(s) on a special order basis. 16-bit and portable Software revenue represented 11% of gross revenues for the year ended August 31, 1997. The Company's ability to generate sales growth and profitability will be primarily dependent on the growth of the Software market for 32- and 64-bit Entertainment Platforms and Multimedia PCs, the Company's ability to identify, develop and publish 'hit' Software for Entertainment Platforms with significant installed bases and Multimedia PCs, the success of the Company's cost reduction efforts and its ability to develop and publish commercially viable titles after giving effect to such efforts and, to a lesser extent, the development of, and the generation of revenues from, the Company's other entertainment operations. 22 RESULTS OF OPERATIONS The following table sets forth certain statements of consolidated operations data as a percentage of net revenues for the periods indicated:
FISCAL YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, ---------------------------- 1997 1996 1995 ----- ------ ----- Domestic revenues....................................................... 49.7% 58.7% 74.8% Foreign revenues........................................................ 50.3 41.3 25.2 ----- ------ ----- Net revenues............................................................ 100.0 100.0 100.0 Cost of revenues........................................................ 54.3 118.4 51.4 ----- ------ ----- Gross profit (loss)..................................................... 45.7 (18.4) 48.6 Selling, advertising, general and administrative expenses............... 72.0 113.4 31.9 Research and development expenses....................................... 18.6 21.4 1.8 Operating interest...................................................... 1.1 4.0 0.7 Depreciation and amortization........................................... 9.8 9.2 1.7 Goodwill writedown...................................................... 15.2 -- -- Litigation settlements.................................................. 14.2 -- -- Downsizing charge....................................................... 6.1 3.1 -- ----- ------ ----- Total operating expenses................................................ 137.0 151.1 36.1 (Loss) earnings from operations......................................... (91.3) (169.5) 12.5 Other income (expense), net............................................. (4.9) 3.5 1.0 (Loss) earnings before income taxes..................................... (96.2) (166.0) 13.5 Net (loss) earnings..................................................... (96.3) (136.7) 7.9
NET REVENUES The Company's gross revenues were derived from the following product categories:
1997* 1996* 1995* ----- ----- ----- Portable Software................................................................... 2.0 % 8.0 % 10.0 % 16-bit Software..................................................................... 9.0 % 44.0 % 74.0 % 32-bit Software..................................................................... 37.0 % 32.0 % 5.0 % 64-bit Software..................................................................... 33.0 % -- -- Multimedia PC Software.............................................................. 15.5 % 12.0 % 4.0 % Other............................................................................... 4.0 % 4.0 % 7.0 %
- ------------------ * The numbers in this chart do not give effect to sales credits and allowances granted by the Company in the periods covered since the Company does not track such credits and allowances by product category. Such credits and allowances were material to the Company's results of operations in fiscal 1996. Accordingly, the numbers presented may vary materially from those that would be disclosed if the Company were able to present such information as a percentage of net revenues. The increase in the Company's net revenues from $161.9 million for the year ended August 31, 1996 to $165.4 million for the year ended August 31, 1997 was predominantly due to sales of the Company's N64 title, Turok: Dinosaur Hunter, and lower returns and allowances. The decrease in the Company's net revenues from $566.7 million for the year ended August 31, 1995 to $161.9 million for the year ended August 31, 1996 was predominantly due to reduced unit sales of 16-bit Software, increased returns and allowances relating primarily to 16-bit Software and a reduction in average unit selling prices for 16-bit Software. The Company's revenues and operating results in fiscal 1996 and 1997 reflect principally the industry transition from 16-bit to 32- and 64-bit Entertainment Platforms. Management believes, based on publicly available information and its own estimates, that the installed base of 32- and 64-bit Entertainment Platforms was approximately 3 million and 9 million units at the end of calendar 1996 and at September 30, 1997, respectively. Although management anticipates that such installed base will be approximately 13 million units by the end of 23 calendar 1997 and that the Company's revenues in fiscal 1998 from sales of Software therefor will be higher than in fiscal 1997, the Company's revenues from sales of Software for the new Entertainment Platforms in fiscal 1998 will not be comparable to its revenues from sales of 16-bit Software in fiscal 1994 or 1995. No assurance can be given as to the future growth of the installed base of the 32- and 64-bit Entertainment Platforms or of the Company's results of operations and profitability in future periods. In fiscal 1997, the Company effected a variety of cost reduction measures to reduce its operating expenses. Although the Company realized the benefits of such measures in the fourth quarter of fiscal 1997 in the form of reduced operating expenses as compared to prior quarters, no assurance can be given that such measures will not materially adversely affect the Company's ability to develop and publish commercially viable titles, or that such measures, whether alone or in conjunction with increased revenues, if any, will be sufficient to generate operating profits in fiscal 1998 and beyond. See 'Risk Factors.' A significant portion of the Company's revenues in any quarter are generally derived from Software first released in that quarter or in the immediately preceding quarter. In fiscal 1997, sales of Turok: Dinosaur Hunter accounted for approximately 33% of the Company's gross revenues. In fiscal 1996, no single title accounted for a significant portion of the Company's gross revenues and, in fiscal 1995, sales of NBA Jam Tournament Edition accounted for approximately 19% of the Company's gross revenues. In fiscal 1997, sales of Software manufactured by Interplay accounted for approximately 9% of the Company's gross revenues. See 'Business--Distribution of Affiliated Labels.' The Company is substantially dependent on Sony, Sega and Nintendo as the sole manufacturers of the hardware platforms marketed by them and as the sole licensors of the proprietary information and technology needed to develop Software for those platforms. For the years ended August 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997, the Company derived 47%, 29% and 41% of its gross revenues, respectively, from sales of Nintendo-compatible Software, 46%, 36% and 12% of its gross revenues, respectively, from sales of Sega-compatible Software and for the years ended August 31, 1996 and 1997, 19% and 28% of its gross revenues, respectively, from sales of Software for the Sony PlayStation. GROSS PROFIT Gross profit fluctuates as a result of three factors: (i) the number of 'hit' titles and average unit selling prices of the Company's inventory; (ii) the Company's product mix (i.e., the percentage of sales of Multimedia PC Software and Software for CD-based Entertainment Platforms as compared to sales of Software for cartridge-based Entertainment Platforms; and (iii) the percentage of foreign sales to third party distributors. All royalties payable to Nintendo, Sony and Sega are included in cost of revenues. The Company's gross profit is adversely impacted by increases in the level of returns and allowances to retailers, which reduces the average unit price obtained for its Software sales. Similarly, lack of 'hit' titles or a low number of 'hit' titles, resulting in lower average unit sales prices, adversely impacts the Company's gross profits. The Company's margins on sales of Multimedia PC and other CD Software (currently, the 32-bit Sony PlayStation and Sega Saturn platforms) are higher than those on cartridge Software (currently, the Nintendo N64 and GameBoy platforms) as a result of significantly lower CD Software costs. The Company's margins on foreign Software sales to third party distributors are approximately one-third lower than those on sales that the Company makes directly to foreign retailers. Gross profit increased from $(29.8) million ((18)% of net revenues) for the year ended August 31, 1996 to $75.6 million (46% of net revenues) for the year ended August 31, 1997 primarily due to lower levels of returns and allowances. Gross profit decreased from $275.2 million (49% of net revenues) for the year ended August 31, 1995 to a gross loss of $(29.8) million ((18)% of net revenues) for the year ended August 31, 1996 primarily due to increased returns and allowances relating to 16-bit Software. Management anticipates that the Company's future gross profit will be affected principally by (i) the percentage of returns, sales credits and allowances and other similar concessions in respect of the Company's Software sales and (ii) the Company's product mix. 24 The Company purchases substantially all of its Software (other than those sold in Japan) at prices payable in United States dollars. Appreciation of the yen could result in increased prices charged by Sony, Sega or Nintendo to the Company (although, to date, none of them has effected such a price increase), which the Company may not be able to pass on to its customers and which could adversely affect its results of operations. OPERATING EXPENSES Selling, advertising, general and administrative expenses decreased from $183.7 million (113% of net revenues) for the year ended August 31, 1996 to $119.0 million (72% of net revenues) for the year ended August 31, 1997. The decrease is primarily attributable to personnel and other cost reduction efforts initiated by the Company to reduce its operating expenses. Selling, advertising, general and administrative expenses increased from $180.9 million (32% of net revenues) for fiscal 1995 to $183.7 million (113% of net revenues) for fiscal 1996. The dollar increase is primarily attributable to increased overhead expenses relating to the operations of the studios in fiscal 1996. The percentage increase is primarily attributable to reduced sales volume. Research and development expenses decreased from $34.6 million (21% of net revenues) for the year ended August 31, 1996 to $30.8 million (19% of net revenues) for the year ended August 31, 1997 due to cost reduction efforts initiated by the Company (resulting in the reduction of ATG's activities and other research and development activities in the Company's Glen Cove location). Research and development expenses increased from $10.1 million (2% of net revenues) in fiscal 1995 to $34.6 million (21% of net revenues) in fiscal 1996 due to the increase in Software development resulting from the acquisition of the three Software studios in calendar 1995. A substantial portion of such expenses were previously included as royalties paid to independent Software studios. Operating interest expense decreased from $6.4 million (4% of net revenues) for the year ended August 31, 1996 to $1.8 million (1% of net revenues) for the year ended August 31, 1997. The decrease was primarily attributable to decreased sales volume and the resulting lower outstanding balances under the Company's principal credit facility. Operating interest expense increased from $4.0 million (0.7% of net revenues) for fiscal 1995 to $6.4 million (4% of net revenues) for fiscal 1996. The increase was primarily attributable to higher outstanding balances under the Company's principal credit facility. Depreciation and amortization increased from $9.5 million (2% of net revenue) for fiscal 1995 to $14.9 million (9% of net revenues) for fiscal 1996 and to $16.2 million (10% of net revenues) for fiscal 1997. The increase in both years is primarily attributable to depreciation relating to fixed assets held by the Software studios and to the reduction, in fiscal 1996, of the estimated remaining life of goodwill relating to Acclaim Comics from forty to twenty years. Downsizing charges of approximately $10 million relating primarily to employees severance, lease commitments for idle facilities and write-offs of non-productive fixed assets were recorded in fiscal 1997. Management believes that the Company has begun to realize operating expense reductions resulting therefrom commencing in the fourth quarter of fiscal 1997. Due to continuing operating losses incurred by Acclaim Comics, management's assessment of the current state of the comic book industry and management's current projections for Acclaim Comics' operations, in fiscal 1997, management believed that there was an impairment in the carrying value of the goodwill relating to Acclaim Comics. Accordingly, in the third quarter of fiscal 1997, the Company recorded a write-down of $25.2 million to reduce the carrying value of the goodwill associated with Acclaim Comics to its estimated future undiscounted cash flows. In conjunction with certain claims and litigations for which the settlement obligation is currently probable and estimable (see 'Business--Recent Developments,' 'Risk Factors--Litigation' and 'Legal Proceedings'), the Company recorded a charge of $23.6 million during the year ended August 31, 1997. No assurance can be given that the Company will not be required to record additional material charges in future periods in conjunction with the various litigations to which the Company is a party. 25 SEASONALITY The Company's business is seasonal, with higher revenues and operating income typically occurring during its first, second and fourth fiscal quarters (which correspond to the Christmas and post-Christmas selling season). The timing of the delivery of Software titles and the releases of new titles cause material fluctuations in the Company's quarterly revenues and earnings. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES The Company used net cash in operating activities of approximately $29.2 million and $38.3 million during fiscal 1997 and 1996, respectively. An income tax refund of approximately $54 million related to the carryback of the Company's loss for fiscal 1996 was included in the net cash used in operating activities during fiscal 1997. See '--Overview.' The Company used net cash from operating activities of approximately $38.3 million and $7.3 million in fiscal 1996 and 1995, respectively. The decrease in net cash from operations in fiscal 1996 as compared to fiscal 1995 was primarily attributable to a decrease in cash received from customers. The decrease in cash received from customers is primarily attributable to lower sales resulting from the maturation of the 16-bit market and the related transition to 32- and 64-bit platforms. See '--Overview.' The Company derived net cash from investing activities of approximately $14.5 million and $7.4 million during fiscal 1997 and 1996, respectively. The increase in net cash from investing activities in fiscal 1997 as compared to fiscal 1996 is primarily attributable to reduced expenditures for fixed assets, offset by lower proceeds (approximately $10.2 million and $14.6 million in fiscal 1997 and fiscal 1996, respectively) derived from the sale of marketable securities (due to sales of a lower number of such securities). The Company derived net cash from investing activities of approximately $7.4 million and $26.4 million in fiscal 1996 and 1995, respectively. The decrease in net cash from investing activities in fiscal 1996 as compared to fiscal 1995 is primarily attributable to lower proceeds (approximately $14.6 million and $57.2 million in fiscal 1996 and 1995, respectively) derived from the sale of marketable securities (due to sales of a lower number of such securities), partially offset by (i) higher cash associated with the acquisition of certain subsidiaries (approximately $7.9 million from Sculptured and Probe in fiscal 1996 as compared to $1.7 million from Lazer-Tron and Iguana in fiscal 1995), which reflects cash held by subsidiaries at the respective dates of acquisition, and (ii) lower cash expended on the acquisition of fixed assets in fiscal 1996 as compared to fiscal 1995. See Notes 5, 6 and 9 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company derived net cash from financing activities of approximately $19.4 million and $5.0 million in fiscal 1997 and 1996, respectively, and used net cash in financing activities of approximately $9.6 million during fiscal 1995. The increase in net cash derived from financing activities in fiscal 1997 as compared to fiscal 1996 is primarily attributable to the offering in February 1997 of $50.0 million of 10% Convertible Subordinated Notes ('Notes') due March 1, 2002 with interest payable semiannually commencing September 1, 1997. The Notes were sold at par with proceeds to the Company of $47.4 million net of expenses. The indenture governing the Notes contains covenants that, among other things, substantially limit the Company's ability to incur additional indebtedness, issue preferred stock, pay dividends and make certain other payments. The Notes are convertible into shares of Common Stock at any time prior to maturity, unless previously redeemed, at a conversion price of $5.18 per share, subject to adjustment under certain conditions. The Notes are redeemable, in whole or in part, at the option of the Company (subject to the rights of holders of senior indebtedness) at 104% of the principal balance at any time on or after March 1, 2000 through February 28, 2001 and at 102% of the principal balance thereafter to maturity. In connection with its acquisition by the Company, Acclaim Comics entered into a term loan agreement with Midland Bank plc ('Midland') for $40 million. On February 26, 1997, the Company used $16 million of the proceeds from the issuance of the Notes to repay in full the outstanding balance of the Midland loan. The increase in net cash provided by financing activities in fiscal 1996 as compared to fiscal 1995 is primarily attributable to (i) proceeds from mortgage financing of the Company's headquarters in Glen Cove, (ii) the restructuring of the Midland financing in fiscal 1995, which required pre-payment of a portion of such debt, and (iii) an increase in proceeds from short-term bank loans in fiscal 1996. See Notes 10 and 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 26 The Company generally purchases its inventory of Sony, Nintendo and Sega (to the extent not manufactured by the Company) Software by opening letters of credit when placing the purchase order. At August 31, 1997, the amount outstanding under letters of credit was approximately $5.4 million. Other than such letters of credit, the Company does not currently have any material operating or capital expenditure commitments. The Company has a revolving credit and security agreement with BNY Financial Corporation ('BNY'), its principal domestic bank, which agreement expires on January 31, 2000. The credit agreement will be automatically renewed for another year by its terms, unless terminated upon 90 days' prior notice by either party. The Company draws down working capital advances and opens letters of credit against the facility in amounts determined on a formula based on factored receivables and inventory, which advances are secured by the Company's assets. This bank also acts as the Company's factor for the majority of its North American receivables, which are assigned on a pre-approved basis. At August 31, 1997, the factoring charge was 0.25% of the receivables assigned and the interest on advances was at the bank's prime rate plus one percent. As of August 31, 1997, the Company was in default of various financial and other covenants under its revolving credit agreement. The lender has waived these defaults. See Note 7 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and 'Risk Factors--Liquidity and Bank Relationships.' The Company is also party to a mortgage arrangement with Fleet Bank ('Fleet') relating to its corporate headquarters. At August 31, 1997, the outstanding principal balance of the Fleet loan was $3.7 million. See Note 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and 'Risk Factors--Liquidity and Bank Relationships.' Management currently anticipates, based on the anticipated continued growth of the installed base of 32-and 64-bit Entertainment Platforms and the cost reduction efforts effected by the Company, that the Company's cash flows from operations will be sufficient to cover its operating expenses in fiscal 1998. However, no assurance can be given as to the sufficiency of such cash flows in fiscal 1998 or beyond. To provide for its short-and long-term liquidity needs, the Company has significantly reduced the number of its employees, raised $47.4 million of net proceeds from the issuance of Notes, sold substantially all of the assets of Lazer-Tron, is consolidating its studio operations to reduce their overhead expenses and is currently pursuing various alternatives, including further expense reductions and the sale of other assets. There can be no assurance that further cost reductions will be effected or that additional sales of assets can be effected on satisfactory terms. In addition, the Company's future liquidity will be materially dependent on its ability to develop and market Software that achieves widespread market acceptance for use with the hardware platforms that dominate the market. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to publish titles for hardware platforms with significant installed bases. The Company is party to various litigations arising in the course of its business, the resolution of none of which, the Company believes, will have a material adverse effect on the Company's liquidity, financial condition and results of operations. The Company is also party to certain class action litigations. In conjunction with certain claims and litigations for which the settlement obligation is currently probable and estimable (see 'Business -- Recent Developments,' 'Risk Factors--Litigation' and 'Legal Proceedings'), the Company recorded a charge of $23.6 million in the year ended August 31, 1997. No assurance can be given that the Company will not be required to record additional material charges in future periods in conjunction with the various litigations to which the Company is a party. See Note 20(a) of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 27 BUSINESS INTRODUCTION The Company is a developer, publisher and mass marketer of Software for use with Entertainment Platforms and Multimedia PCs. The Company operates its own Software design studios and a motion capture studio, and markets and distributes its software in the major territories throughout the world. The Company's operating strategy is to develop Software for the Entertainment Platforms and Multimedia PCs that dominate the interactive entertainment market at a given time or which the Company perceives as having the potential for achieving mass market acceptance. The Company's strategy is to emphasize sports simulation and arcade-style titles for Entertainment Platforms, and fantasy/role-playing, adventure and sports simulation titles for Multimedia PCs. The Company intends to continue to support its existing key brands (such as Turok: Dinosaur Hunter, NFL Quarterback Club '98, WWF and NBA Jam) with the introduction of new titles supporting those brands and to develop one or more additional key brands each year based on its original and licensed properties, which may then be featured on an annual basis in successive titles. The Company also engages in: (i) the development and publication of comic books, which commenced in July 1994 through the acquisition of Acclaim Comics; (ii) the distribution of Affiliated Labels which commenced in the first quarter of fiscal 1995; (iii) the marketing of its motion capture technology and studio services, which commenced in the first quarter of fiscal 1995; and (iv) the development, marketing and distribution of coin-operated video arcade games, which commenced in May 1996. See 'Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditions and Results of Operations.' INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY OVERVIEW The Software industry is driven by the size of the installed base of Entertainment Platforms (such as those manufactured by Nintendo and Sega and Multimedia PCs. The industry is characterized by rapid technological change, resulting in Entertainment Platform and related Software product cycles. No single Entertainment Platform or system has achieved long-term dominance in the interactive entertainment market. The home interactive entertainment industry started a new period of growth in 1985 when Nintendo introduced the NES, a ROM cartridge-based 8-bit system. In 1990, Sega introduced the 16-bit Genesis and, in 1991, Nintendo introduced the 16-bit cartridge-based SNES. The 16-bit systems were more sophisticated than the 8-bit systems, producing faster and more complex images with more life-like animation and better sound effects. The industry experienced rapid rates of growth commencing in 1992, fueled by sales of the 16-bit cartridge Entertainment Platforms manufactured by Nintendo and Sega. In 1993, Sega introduced the Sega CD, a CD player consisting of an attachment for its 16-bit Genesis system. Atari launched Jaguar, its 64-bit cartridge-based system, in November 1993 and Sega launched 32X, its 32-bit cartridge-based attachment for its 16- bit Genesis system, in November 1994. Sega and Sony launched 32-bit CD-based systems in Japan in November 1994. Sega shipped its Saturn system in the United States commencing in May 1995 and Sony released its PlayStation system in the United States in September 1995. Nintendo released N64, its new 64-bit ROM cartridge-based system, in Japan in June 1996, in North America in September 1996 and in Europe in February 1997. Nintendo has announced plans to release a disk drive for the N64 platform in both Japan and the United States in 1998. The rapid technological advances in game systems have significantly changed the look and feel of Software as well as the Software development process. According to Company estimates, the average development cost for a title for Entertainment Platforms and Multimedia PCs is currently between $1 and $2 million. Once a title is developed, the competition for shelf space in the primary retail outlets is intense. Retailers typically prefer to deal with companies that have track records of producing successful titles and a broad product line. Additionally, Software titles, especially those for the Entertainment Platforms market, require significant marketing support to generate high sales volume. The introduction of faster microprocessors, graphics accelerator chips, enhanced operating systems, and increases in memory and processing power have facilitated the development of Software for the Multimedia PC market. The increase in the installed base of Multimedia PCs has resulted in an increased demand for Software capable of being used on such systems. The following tables set forth the Company's estimates, based on information received from hardware manufacturers, retailers and industry analysts, in respect of the number of units (in millions) of the identified Entertainment Platforms listed below sold in the indicated territories: 28 [CHART APPEARS HERE] SNES U.S.A. SNES Europe GENESIS U.S.A. GENESIS Europe 1991 1.70 1.20 1.50 1.20 1992 5.60 2.00 4.60 1.70 1993 4.50 2.20 5.50 2.00 1994 3.10 2.30 3.70 2.60 1995 2.40 1.70 2.20 2.01 1996 1.40 1.00 1.00 0.70
U.S.A. Europe U.S.A. Europe Sony Sony U.S.A Europe Sega Sega PlayStation PlayStation N64 N64 Saturn Saturn 1995 0.7 0.40 0.3 0.4 1996 2.2 1.40 1.5 1.0 0.5 1997 (estimated) 5.5 5.00 4.5 1.5 0.7 0.3
29 PRODUCTS Since inception, the Company has developed and sold Software for a variety of dedicated Entertainment Platforms. Although older titles may continue to be available for sale, the Company generally actively markets only its ten to fifteen most recently released titles. The life cycle of a title generally ranges from less than three months to upwards of twelve months for the Company's key titles. The life cycle of a particular title is dependent on its initial success. Although actual results vary greatly from title to title, the retail sell-through of a title is generally highest during the 90-120 days immediately after its introduction. The Company plans to produce high quality titles and address a wide range of interactive entertainment categories and audiences, such as puzzle, sports, arcade conversions, action/adventure and fantasy. In fiscal 1997, the Company released 26 32-bit titles, 14 Multimedia PC titles and one 64-bit title. The Company made the decision to exit the 16-bit and portable Software markets in April 1996. Since such time, the Company has released two new 16-bit titles for the European market (Ultimate Mortal Kombat on Nintendo SNES and Sega Genesis) and published three portable titles. The Company may, from time to time, (a) publish 16-bit and/or portable titles selectively to support its key brands and (b) if requested by a retailer, produce additional units of a particular title(s) on a special order basis. In fiscal 1998, the Company currently plans to release between eight and 10 titles for the N64, between 10 and 15 titles for the Sony PlayStation, between eight and 10 titles for Multimedia PCs, and between six and eight titles for Nintendo's GameBoy portable platform. SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT The Company's Software development strategy is driven by the hardware platforms that are marketed and/or are anticipated to be marketed from time to time, the time and cost of Software development for each platform, the cost of manufacturing Software for a particular platform and the attendant gross margins for Software. The development time for the Company's Software for both Entertainment Platforms and Multimedia PCs is currently between eighteen and twenty-four months. The cost of manufacturing cartridge Software is significantly higher than CD Software. See 'Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.' Currently, the Company's Software development efforts are focused on the Nintendo N64, the Sony PlayStation and Multimedia PCs. The Company's product development methods and organization are modeled on those used in the Software entertainment industry. 'Producers' employed by the Company oversee and are responsible for development of the Company's Software. The producers direct teams comprised of either the Company's own Software studios or independent Software studios and, among other things, manage and monitor the delivery schedule and budget for each title, ensure that the title follows the approved treatment and story boards, act as facilitators with licensors whose trademarks or brands may be incorporated in the title, if necessary, and coordinate testing and final approval of the title. The Company constantly seeks new sources of brands from which to develop Software and has historically obtained such rights from a variety of sources in the comic book publishing (e.g., Shadowman and Turok: Dinosaur Hunter), sports (e.g., NFL Quarterback Club and World Wrestling Federation), arcade (e.g., NBA Jam Extreme), film (e.g., Batman and Robin), and other areas of the entertainment industry. Certain of the contractual agreements granting the Company rights to use such brands are restricted to individual properties and certain agreements cover a series of properties or grant rights to create Software based on or featuring particular personalities or icons over a period of time. The Company has invested in the creation of programming tools and engines that are used in the design and development of its Software. The Company believes that these tools and engines allow for the creation of state of the art Software. The Company has also invested in a motion capture studio for the application of its animation technology. In 1995, the Company expanded its ability to develop Software internally through its acquisition of three Software studios: Iguana in January 1995 and Sculptured and Probe in October 1995. Prior thereto, the Company 30 relied exclusively on independent Software studios. The majority of the Company's Software released in fiscal 1997 (including Turok: Dinosaur Hunter) was developed internally and the Company anticipates that more than 70% of the titles anticipated to be released in fiscal 1998 (including Extreme G and NFL Quarterback Club '98) will be developed internally. The Company believes that internal development allows it to control the product quality, timing of release and cost of its Software. The Company is in the process of consolidating the management and organizational structure of its Software studios in order to coordinate their development efforts, enable them to maximize their proprietary tools and engines and to reduce operating expenses. See 'Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.' From time to time, the Company also enters into selected licensing agreements with independent studios, developers and publishers to market and distribute, in selected markets, Software titles developed by them. The Company generally pays the publisher a royalty based on sales and retains the inventory and marketing risk of such Software. The Company checks Software developed by its internal and independent Software studios prior to manufacture for defects ('bugs'). The Software developed for the Entertainment Platforms are also tested by the hardware manufacturers for bugs. The Company's Software for Multimedia PCs is tested for bugs both internally and by independent testing organizations. To date, the Company has not had to recall any titles due to bugs. MARKETING AND ADVERTISING The Company's marketing strategy is based on Software featuring (i) original properties, (ii) brands, personalities and/or icons and (iii) successful arcade properties. Original properties are generally titles created by the Company's Software studios and are based upon an original story or concept developed by the Company. The Company also creates Software based on or featuring well-known or identifiable brands (such as NFL Quarterback Club, NBA Jam and WWF) and personalities or icons (such as Spiderman, Turok: Dinosaur Hunter and X-O Manowar) licensed or created by the Company. Arcade properties are coin-operated games based upon which the Company creates Software. The target consumer for the Company's Software for Entertainment Platforms are primarily males aged 11 to 21 and, for Multimedia PCs, are primarily males aged 15 to 25. In developing a strategy for the marketing of a title, the Company seeks story concepts and brands, personalities or icons that it believes will appeal to the imagination of its target consumer. The Company creates marketing campaigns consistent with the target consumer for each title. The Company markets its Software through television, radio, print, public relations, the internet (websites, both its own and others') consumer contests and promotions, publicity activities, and trade shows. In addition, the Company enters into cooperative advertising arrangements with certain of its customers, pursuant to which the Company's titles are featured in the retail customer's own advertisements to its customers. Dealer displays and in-store merchandising are also used to increase consumer awareness of the Company's titles. The Company's ability to promote and market its titles is important to its success. The Company's plan is to develop one or more key brands each year based on its original properties, which may then be featured on an annual basis in successive titles across multiple Entertainment Platforms. For example, the Company's WWF titles have been published on 11 platforms over eight years. By creating key brands, the Company is able to take advantage of cross-merchandising opportunities, to benefit from economies of scale and to capitalize on the name recognition of the brands in each subsequent year in which they are used. PRODUCTION, SALES AND DISTRIBUTION The Company believes that the most efficient way to distribute its Software is by tailoring the distribution method to each geographic market and, when the market can support it, the Company distributes directly through a subsidiary in an effort to maximize revenues and profits. Pursuant to the terms of its license with Sony, the Company is required to purchase PlayStation Software from Sony. Sony generally manufactures and delivers Software to the Company within four weeks after the placement by the Company of a purchase order. Reorders are generally delivered within two weeks by Sony. 31 The Company manufactures (through subcontractors) all of its Software for Multimedia PCs and substantially all of its Sega Software. The cost of Sega Software when manufactured by the Company, together with the royalties payable to Sega for such manufacturing, is slightly lower than the cost of the Company's Software when manufactured by Sega. Orders for Multimedia PC and Sega Software manufactured by the Company (through sub-contractors) are generally filled within 20-30 days of the placement of the order. Re-orders for such Software are generally filled within 10 days. According to the Company's agreements and arrangements with Nintendo, the Company must purchase Software it develops for the Nintendo platforms from Nintendo. The lead-time for the manufacture of cartridge Software is longer than for CD Software. The Company places a purchase order and opens a letter of credit with respect to a particular title and Nintendo manufactures and delivers such Software to the Company generally within 45 to 90 days thereafter. In North America, the Company's Software is sold by regional sales representative organizations which receive commissions based on the net sales of each product sold. The Company maintains an in-house sales management team to supervise the sales representatives. The sales representatives also act as sales representatives for certain of the Company's competitors. Two of the sales representative organizations marketing the Software are owned in whole or in part by James Scoroposki, an officer, director and stockholder of the Company. See 'Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.' The Company sells its Software primarily to mass merchandisers, large retail toy store chains, department stores and specialty stores. The Company does not have written agreements with its customers. The loss of any important customer could have a material adverse effect on the Company. The Company maintains sales, marketing and distribution offices in Japan, France, Spain, Germany and the United Kingdom. The sales and distribution activities of Acclaim's European subsidiaries are administered through a central management division, Acclaim Europe, based in London. For sales in other markets, the Company appoints regional distributors. The Company's key domestic retail customers include Toys R Us, Walmart, Best Buy and Target. Sales to Toys R Us accounted for approxiamtely 11% and 12% of the Company's net revenues for the years ended August 31, 1995 and 1997. No single customer accounted for more than 10% of the Company's net revenues for the year ended August 31, 1996. The Company is generally not contractually obligated to accept returns, except for defective inventory. However, in order to maintain retail relationships, the Company permits its customers to return or exchange inventory and provides price protection or other concessions for excess or slow-moving inventory. The Company establishes reserves for such concessions; however, concessions materially exceeded reserves therefor in fiscal 1996 and no assurance can be given that such concessions will not exceed the reserves established therefor in future periods. See 'Risk Factors--Inventory Management, Risk of Product Returns' and 'Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.' The Company's warranty policy is to provide the original purchaser with replacement or repair of defective Software for a period of 90 days after sale. To date, the Company has not experienced significant warranty claims. PLATFORM LICENSE AGREEMENTS The Company is party to agreements (the 'Sony Agreements') with Sony, pursuant to which the Company received, among other things, a non-exclusive license to develop and distribute Software for the Sony PlayStation platform in North America, Japan and Europe. The Sony Agreements expire in December 1998. In April 1992, the Company entered into an agreement with Sega (the 'Sega Agreement') and has certain other arrangements, pursuant to which the Company received the non-exclusive right to utilize the 'Sega' name and its proprietary information and technology in order to develop and distribute Software titles for use with various Sega platforms. The Sega Agreement, as amended, expired in December 1995. The Company and Sega are continuing to operate in the ordinary course under the terms of the expired Sega Agreement and such arrangements with respect to older platforms and, with respect to the Saturn platform, under an oral agreement and other arrangements. No assurance can be given that the Company will be successful in negotiating a new agreement. The Company believes that the terms of any new agreement with Sega, if one is entered into, will not 32 impose materially greater obligations on the Company than the Sega Agreement, although there can be no assurance of that result. The Company has various license agreements with Nintendo (collectively, the 'Nintendo License Agreements') pursuant to which it has the nonexclusive right to utilize the 'Nintendo' name and its proprietary information and technology in order to develop and market Software titles for various 16-bit, portable and 64-bit Nintendo platforms in various territories throughout the world. The Nintendo License Agreements for the different platforms expire at various times between 1998 and 2000. The Company also develops and markets N64 Software in Europe under an oral agreement with Nintendo. The Company pays Nintendo a fixed amount per unit based, in part, on memory capacity and chip configuration. Such amount includes the cast of manufacturing, printing and packaging of the unit, as well as a royalty for use of Nintendo's name, proprietary information and technology. The Company pays both Sony and Sega a royalty fee. In addition, the Company pays the cost of manufacturing each Software unit manufactured by Sony for the Company' this payment is made upon manufacture of the units. The Company manufactures (through subcontractors) substantially all of its Sega Software titles for worldwide distribution and pays Sega a royalty for each Software unit so manufactured and sold; this payment is made upon sale of the units by the Company. See '--Production, Sales and Distribution.' All such fees and charges are subject to adjustment by Sony, Nintendo and Sega at their discretion. The Company does not have the right to manufacture any Software for the Sony PlayStation or Nintendo N64 platforms. Sony, Nintendo and Sega have the right to review and evaluate, under standards established by them, the content and playability of each Software title and the right to inspect and evaluate all art work, packaging and promotional materials used by the Company in connection with the Software. To date, all of the Company's Software has been approved for publication by the respective hardware manufacturers. The Company is responsible for resolving at its own expense any warranty or repair claims brought with respect to the Software. To date, the Company has not experienced any material warranty claims. Under each of these license agreements, the Company bears the risk that the information and technology licensed from Sony, Nintendo or Sega and incorporated in the Software may infringe the rights of third parties and must indemnify Sony, Nintendo or Sega with respect to, among other things, any claims for copyright or trademark infringement brought against Sony, Nintendo or Sega and arising from the development and distribution of the game programs incorporated in the Software by the Company. To date, the Company has not received any material claims of infringement; no assurance can be given that the Company will not receive such claims in the future. See '--Trademark, Copyright and Patent Protection.' Although the Company has historically been able to renew and/or negotiate extensions of its Software license agreements with hardware developers, there can be no assurance that, at the end of their current terms, the Company will continue to be able to do so or that the Company will be successful in negotiating definitive license agreements with developers of new Entertainment Platforms. The inability to negotiate agreements with developers of new Entertainment Platforms or the termination of all of the Company's license agreements will, and the termination of any one of the Company's license agreements could, have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position and results of operations. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LICENSES Certain of the Company's titles relate to properties licensed from third parties, such as the WWF, NBA, and NFL and their respective players' associations. Typically, the Company is obligated to make certain minimum guaranteed royalty payments over the term of the license and to advance payment against such guarantees, which payments can be recouped by the Company against certain royalty payments otherwise due in respect of future sale. See 'Risk Factors--Ability to Negotiate Future License Agreements.' License agreements generally extend for a term of two to three years, are terminable in the event of material breach (including failure to pay any amounts owing to the licensor in a timely manner) by, or bankruptcy or insolvency of, the Company and certain other events, and, in some cases, are renewable upon payment of certain minimum guarantees or the attainment of specified sales levels during the term of the license. Certain licenses are limited to specific territories or platforms. Each license typically provides that the licensor retains the right to exploit the licensed property for all other purposes, including the right to license the property for use with other products and, in some 33 cases, Software for other interactive hardware platforms. See 'Risk Factors--Intellectual Property Licenses and Proprietary Rights.' PATENT, TRADEMARK, COPYRIGHT AND PRODUCT PROTECTION Each of Sony, Nintendo and Sega incorporates a security device in the Software and their respective hardware units in order to prevent unlicensed software publishers from infringing Sony's, Nintendo's or Sega's proprietary rights, as the case may be, by manufacturing games compatible with their hardware. Under its various license agreements with Sony, Nintendo and Sega, the Company is obligated to obtain or license any available trademark, copyright and patent protection for the original work developed by the Company and embodied in or used with the Software and to display the proper notice thereof, as well as notice of the licensor's intellectual property rights, on all its Software. Each Software title may embody a number of separately protected intellectual properties: (i) the trademark for the brand featured in the Software (for example, WWF); (ii) the software copyright; (iii) the name and label trademarks, such as 'LJN' and 'Acclaim'; and (iv) the copyright for Sony's, Nintendo's or Sega's proprietary technical information. The Company has registered the logo 'Acclaim' in the United States and in certain foreign territories and owns the copyrights for many of its game programs. 'Nintendo,' 'Nintendo Entertainment System,' 'Game Boy,' 'Super NES' and 'N64' are trademarks of Nintendo of America, Inc.; 'Sega,' 'Sega Genesis,' 'Master System,' 'Sega MegaDrive,' 'Game Gear' and 'Saturn' are trademarks of Sega and 'Sony,' 'Sony Computer Entertainment' and 'PlayStation' are trademarks of Sony. The Company does not own the trademarks, copyrights or patents covering the proprietary information and technology utilized in the NES, SNES, Game Boy, N64, Genesis, Master System, MegaDrive, Game Gear, Saturn or PlayStation or, to the extent licensed from third parties, the brands, concepts and game programs featured in and comprising the Software. Accordingly, the Company must rely on the trademarks, copyrights and patents of such licensors for protection of such intellectual property from infringement. Under the Company's license agreements with certain of the independent Software developers, the Company may bear the risk of claims of infringement brought by third parties and arising from the sale of Software and each of the Company and such developers has agreed to indemnify the other for costs and damages incurred arising from such claims and attributable to infringing proprietary information, if any, embodied in the Software and provided by the indemnitor. There can be no assurance that the information and technology licensed or developed by the Company will not be independently developed or misappropriated by third parties. COMPETITION Competition to develop and market Software for the interactive entertainment industry is intense. The Company's competitors include Entertainment Platform manufacturers, most notably Nintendo, Sega and Sony, and a number of independent software publishers licensed by hardware manufacturers. The availability of significant financial resources has become a major competitive factor in the Software industry, principally as a result of the technical sophistication of advanced Entertainment Platform and Multimedia PC game products requiring substantial investments in research and development. While the Company's competitors vary in size from very small companies with limited resources to very large corporations with greater financial, marketing and product development resources than those of the Company, the Company believes that it is one of the largest independent publishers of Software for dedicated platforms in the United States. The market for Software for Multimedia PCs is fragmented and the Company believes that it has a small share of that market. Competition is increasing in this market as increasing numbers of companies begin to develop on-line interactive computer games and interactive networks and other new Software technologies. Competition is based primarily upon quality of titles, price, access to retail shelf space, product enhancements, ability to operate on popular platforms, availability of titles (including 'hits'), new product introductions, marketing support and distribution systems. The Company relies upon its marketing and sales abilities, capital resources, proprietary technology and product development capability, product quality, and the depth of its worldwide retail distribution channels and management experience to compete in the interactive entertainment industry. No assurance can be given that the Company will compete successfully on any of these factors. See 'Risk Factors--Competition.' 34 COMIC BOOK PUBLISHING Through the acquisition of Acclaim Comics in July 1994, the Company commenced its development and publication of comic books. To date, substantially all of Acclaim Comics' revenues from third parties have been derived from sales of comic books on a nonreturnable basis through unaffiliated distributors to the comic book direct market, which consists of comic book specialty stores and mail order comic book dealers. The balance of Acclaim Comics' revenues have been derived from royalties paid by Acclaim for the use of Acclaim Comics' characters in Software. The Company has not derived significant revenues from the sale of Acclaim Comics products in fiscal 1995, 1996 or 1997. Acclaim Comics has created a superhero comic book series featuring characters created or licensed by it, which are published under its 'VALIANT' imprint. In 1995, Acclaim Comics entered into an agreement with Diamond Comic Distributors, Inc. for exclusive distribution of these books. In fiscal 1997, Acclaim Comics continued to publish comic books under its VALIANT imprint and to launch publications under its Acclaim Books imprint, which is distributed primarily by Penguin Books. At present, Acclaim Comics publishes under the Acclaim Books imprint (a) Acclaim Young Reader books, featuring characters licensed from Walt Disney, the Fox Children's Television Network and Saban Entertainment, which were released in June 1997, and (b) Classics Illustrated titles in a study guide format. The Classics Illustrated titles, which are licensed from First Classics Inc., were released in January 1997. The Company has released and intends to continue to release titles for a variety of platforms based on characters licensed or created by Acclaim Comics, such as Shadowman, Bloodshot and Turok: Dinosaur Hunter (released for N64 in fiscal 1997). The Company plans to release in fiscal 1998 additional titles based on Turok: Dinosaur Hunter for N64, GameBoy and Multimedia PC platforms. Acclaim Comics' future revenues, if any, will depend on the licensing and merchandising of its characters in interactive entertainment and other media such as motion picture or television, the use of its characters in the Company's Software and coin-operated games, increased sales of comic books, the introduction of new comic titles, and Acclaim Comics' entry into the mass market for distribution and sales of its comic books outside the United States. Due to continuing operating losses incurred by Acclaim Comics, the Company's assessment of the then current state of the comic book industry and the Company's then current projections for Acclaim Comics' operations, in fiscal 1997, the Company believed that there was an impairment to the carrying value of the goodwill relating to Acclaim Comics. Accordingly, the Company recorded a write-down of $25.2 million in the third quarter of fiscal 1997 to reduce the carrying value of the goodwill associated with Acclaim Comics to its estimated undiscounted future cash flows. See 'Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.' DISTRIBUTION OF AFFILIATED LABELS The Company, through Acclaim Distribution, Inc. ('ADI'), commenced the marketing and distribution of Affiliated Labels in October 1994. The Company currently distributes Software for, among others, Interplay Productions ('Interplay'). The Company receives a distribution fee from such publishers. In fiscal 1997, the Company derived approximately 9% of gross revenues from sales of Software manufactured by Interplay. To date, the Company has not received significant revenues from sales of any other Affiliated Labels. See 'Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.' MOTION CAPTURE SERVICES The technology embodied in the Company's motion capture services was developed in part by its Advanced Technologies Group ('ATG'). ATG was initially established in January 1991 to develop tools that would enable the Company's independent Software developers to create state of the art Software with enhanced game play and product quality. With the advancement of CD-ROM technology, ATG's activities expanded to include motion capture (a three-dimensional animation creation process) and the design of tools for use in programming Software for CD-ROM platforms or cartridge-based platforms utilizing 32-bit or 64-bit processors. The Company has constructed a motion capture studio and has utilized its motion capture technology in titles such as NFL Quarterback Club '98, NHL Breakaway '98 and Turok: Dinosaur Hunter. 35 The Company believes that its motion capture technology may have applications in other entertainment media and has marketed its technology and studio services. Warner Bros. used the Company's motion capture technology and studio services to create certain of the special effects for Batman and Robin, which was released in the summer of 1997 and for Batman Forever, which was released in the summer of 1995. New Line Cinema utilized the Company's motion capture technology to create certain home video animation special effects for Mortal Kombat and Twentieth Century Fox utilized the Company's motion capture technology to create certain special effects for the 1995 motion picture, Power Rangers. To date, the Company's revenues from the licensing of its motion capture technology and studio services have not been significant. No assurance can be given that the Company will be successful in marketing its technology and selling its studio services and, even if it were successful, that revenues generated therefrom will be significant. COIN-OPERATED ARCADE GAMES In July 1994, the Company established Acclaim Coin-Operated Entertainment, Inc. ('Acclaim Coin-Op'), a wholly owned subsidiary, for the creation and distribution of stand-alone coin-operated games. To date, Acclaim Coin-Op has shipped two video games (both in fiscal 1996). Acclaim Coin-Op is currently developing two coin-operated games employing its proprietary hardware and software technology, the first of which games (Armageddon: Magic The Gathering) is anticipated to be released in the second quarter of fiscal 1998. To date, the Company has not derived significant revenues from the sale of coin-operated video games distributed by Acclaim Coin-Op. Acclaim Coin-Op's success will be dependent, in large part, on its ability to create commercially viable coin-operated games. There can be no assurance that Acclaim Coin-Op will be successful in creating and marketing coin-operated games or that any revenues derived by the Company from the sale of such games will be significant. RECENT DEVELOPMENTS In October 1997, the Company entered into a settlement agreement with George Metos ('Metos'), the former sole shareholder of Sculptured, pursuant to which, among other things, Metos' employment with Sculptured was terminated, the Company agreed to make certain payments and issue shares of Common Stock to Metos and transferred the trademark and name 'Sculptured' and 'Sculptured Software' to Metos, and Metos released the Company from claims, if any, relating to the Company's 1995 acquisition of Sculptured. See 'Legal Proceedings and Note 20 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. EMPLOYEES The Company currently employs approximately 680 persons worldwide, approximately 650 of whom are employed on a full-time basis and approximately 420 of whom are employed in the United States. The Company believes that its relationship with its employees is satisfactory. PROPERTIES The Company's corporate headquarters are located in a 70,000 square foot office building, which was purchased by the Company in fiscal 1994. The Company also owns an 8,000 square foot office building in Glen Cove, New York and leases approximately 12,000 square feet of office space in Glen Cove, New York. The Company also owns a 10,000 square foot office building in Oyster Bay, New York, which has been leased to a third party tenant. In addition, the Company's United States subsidiaries lease and occupy approximately 10,000 square feet of office space in New York, and approximately 84,000 square feet of office space in the aggregate in California, Utah and Texas, respectively. The Company's foreign subsidiaries lease office space in Japan, France, Germany and the United Kingdom. 36 LEGAL PROCEEDINGS The Company and certain of its directors and/or executive officers were sued in an action entitled Digital Pictures, Inc. v. Acclaim Entertainment, Inc.; Gregory E. Fischbach; and Anthony Williams (Case No. 96-3-3301 TC) filed in December 1996 in the United States Bankruptcy Court in the Northern District of California. The plaintiff seeks an accounting and compensatory, punitive and exemplary damages in an amount equal to at least $8 million based on allegations that the defendants falsified sales, failed to provide timely statements and to pay amounts the Company owes the plaintiff pursuant to the July 1994 Sales and Distribution Agreement between the Company and the plaintiff under which the plaintiff granted the Company the exclusive worldwide right to sell and distribute the plaintiff's software titles for a term of five years. In addition, the plaintiff alleges, among other things, fraud and negligent misrepresentation. The case is scheduled for trial in January 1998. The Company intends to defend this action vigorously. The Company was also sued in an action entitled Sound Source Interactive, Inc. v. Acclaim Distribution, Inc.; Acclaim Entertainment, Inc.; and DOES 1 through 100, inclusive (Case No. BC 162531) filed in December 1996 in the Superior Court of the State of California for the County of Los Angeles. The plaintiff claims compensatory, general, special and consequential damages in excess of $22 million and punitive damages based on allegations that the defendants breached (i) the Sales and Distribution Agreement dated as of June 15, 1995 between ADI and the plaintiff (the 'Sales and Distribution Agreement') under which the plaintiff granted ADI the exclusive right to sell and distribute the plaintiff's software titles by, among other things, providing the plaintiff with false accounting statements, misrepresenting product orders, and failing to return or account for software titles shipped by the plaintiff to ADI and wrongfully retaining restocking and distribution fees; and (ii) the Termination Agreement dated March 31, 1996 between the plaintiff and ADI pursuant to which the Sales and Distribution Agreement was terminated by, among other things, failing to account, failing to pay monies due and failing to return or account for software titles shipped by the plaintiff to ADI. In addition, the plaintiff alleges, among other things, fraud and negligent misrepresentation. The Company intends to defend this action vigorously. The Company was also sued in an action entitled Spectrum Holobyte California, Inc.; Microprose Software, Inc. v. Acclaim Entertainment, Inc. (Case No. 97-0247 MEJ) filed in January 1997 in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California. In that complaint, plaintiffs Spectrum Holobyte California, Inc. ('Spectrum') and Microprose Software, Inc. ('Microprose') allege that the Company breached a confidential settlement agreement among the parties dated November 4, 1996 (the 'Settlement Agreement'). The purpose of the Settlement Agreement was to resolve a suit brought by the Company in 1996, which included counterclaims by Spectrum and Microprose, regarding each party's allegations of infringement of its exclusive rights to intellectual property licensed to it by Wizards of the Coast, Inc. The property involves the characters, depictions and game methodology of Magic: The Gathering, a popular fantasy--adventure story and card game created by Wizards of the Coast, Inc. Plaintiffs allege that the Company breached the Settlement Agreement by failing to release the appropriate number of games of Magic: The Gathering--BattleMage in the United States and the United Kingdom by January 10, 1997, the date provided for in the Settlement Agreement. Plaintiffs seek unspecified monetary damages, attorneys' fees and costs. The Company intends to defend this action vigorously. In January 1997, the Company was sued in an action entitled Ocean of America, Inc. v. Acclaim Entertainment, Inc. (Index No 97-445) in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of Nassau, and an amended complaint was filed in March 1997. The plaintiff alleges non-payment under a license agreement entered into between the plaintiff and the Company, and seeks damages in the aggregate amount of approximately $6.5 million plus costs, expenses and attorneys' fees. The parties are currently negotiating settlement terms with respect to this action. The Company and certain of its current and former directors and/or executive officers were sued in various complaints filed in December 1995, which were consolidated into an action entitled In re: Acclaim Ent. Shareholder Litigation, 95 Civ. 4979, (E.D.N.Y.) (TCP) in the United States District Court in the Eastern District of New York. The plaintiffs, on behalf of a class of the Company's stockholders, claim unspecified damages arising from the Company's December 4, 1995 announcement that it was revising results for the fiscal year ended August 31, 1995 to reflect a decision to defer $18 million of revenues and $10.5 million of net income previously 37 reported on October 17, 1995 for the fiscal year ended August 31, 1995. The parties have agreed on settlement terms, subject to documentation and court approval. By summons and complaint dated December 11, 1995, certain of the Company's current and former directors and/or executive officers were named as defendants, and the Company was named as a nominal defendant, in a shareholder derivative action entitled Eugene Block v. Gregory E. Fischbach, James Scoroposki, Robert Holmes, Bernard J. Fischbach, Michael Tannen, Robert H. Groman and James Scibelli, defendants, and Acclaim Entertainment, Inc., Nominal Defendant (CV 95-036316) (Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of Nassau) (the 'Derivative Action'). The Derivative Action was brought on behalf of the Company (as nominal defendant), alleging that the individual defendants violated their fiduciary duties to the Company in connection with the Company's revision of its revenues for the fiscal year ended August 31, 1995. Plaintiff alleges that the individual defendants (1) breached their duty of care and candor, (2) caused the Company to waste corporate assets, and (3) breached their duty of good faith, and, accordingly, seeks unspecified damages. The parties have agreed on settlement terms, subject to documentation and court approval. The Company's subsidiary, Lazer-Tron, was sued in an action entitled Eric Goldstein, on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated, v. Lazer-Tron Corporation, Norman B. Petermeier, Matthew F. Kelly, Bryan M. Kelly, Morton Grosser, Bob K. Pryt and Roger V. Smith (V-009846-7) in the Superior Court of the State of California, County of Alameda, Eastern Division. The plaintiffs allege, among other things, breach of fiduciary duty, abuse of control, negligence and negligent misrepresentation. In addition, certain former directors and officers of Lazer-Tron have been named as defendants in an action entitled Adrienne Campbell, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated, v. Norman B. Petermeier, Matthew F. Kelly, Bryan M. Kelly, Morton Grosser, Bob K. Pryt, Roger V. Smith and Does 1 through 50, inclusive, Civil No. 760717-4, in the Superior Court of the State of California, County of Alameda. The plaintiffs, on behalf of a class of Lazer-Tron's shareholders, claim damages based on allegations that, as a result of lack of due diligence by the named defendants in fully investigating the proposed acquisition by the Company of Lazer-Tron, the defendants breached their fiduciary duties to Lazer-Tron's shareholders. These two actions have been consolidated (as so consolidated, the 'Lazer-Tron State Actions'). The Company and certain of its current and former directors and/or executive officers also are defendants in an action entitled Adrienne Campbell and Donna Sizemore, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated, v. Acclaim Entertainment, Inc., Anthony R. Williams, James Scoroposki, and Robert Holmes (the 'Campbell Action'), C-95-04395 (EFL), which was commenced in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California. In that action, plaintiffs, two former shareholders of Lazer-Tron, filed a class action complaint on December 8, 1995 on behalf of all former Lazer-Tron shareholders who exchanged their Lazer-Tron stock for Common Stock pursuant to the August 31, 1995 merger transaction. Plaintiffs allege violations of Sections 10(b), 14(a) and 14(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, Sections 11 and 12(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, fraud and breach of fiduciary duty. On October 8, 1996, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation ordered the transfer of the Campbell Action from the Northern District of California to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York for coordinated or consolidated pretrial proceedings with the action entitled In re Acclaim Ent. Shareholder Litigation discussed above. The parties to the Lazer-Tron State Actions and the Campbell Action have entered into a settlement agreement, which was approved by the Superior Court of the State of California and will become final after the expiration of an appeal period and the entry of a dismissal order relating to the Campbell Action by the Eastern District of New York. The Company and certain of its current and former directors and/or executive officers were sued in various complaints filed in April 1994, which were consolidated into an action entitled In re Acclaim Entertainment, Inc. Securities Litigation (CV 94 1501) (the 'WMS Action'). The plaintiffs, on behalf of a class of the Company's stockholders, consisting of all those who purchased the Common Stock for the period January 4, 1994 to March 30, 1994, claim damages arising from (i) the Company's alleged failure to comply with the disclosure requirements of the securities laws in respect of the Company's relationship with WMS Industries Inc. ('WMS') and the status of negotiations on and the likelihood of renewal of an agreement with WMS, pursuant to which WMS granted the Company a right of first refusal to create software for 'computer games', 'home video games' and 'handheld game machines' based on arcade games released by WMS through March 21, 38 1995, (ii) statements made by the Company's representative that rumors relating to the nonrenewal of the agreement were 'unsubstantiated' and that talks between the Company and WMS were continuing, which allegedly were materially false and misleading, and (iii) a claim that the defendants should have disclosed the likely nonrenewal of the agreement. The parties have executed a memorandum of understanding setting forth settlement terms of the WMS Action. The settlement is subject to documentation and court approval. The Company has also asserted a third-party action against its insurance company, Mt. Hawley Insurance Company ('Mt. Hawley') based on Mt. Hawley's disclaimer of coverage for liability from the WMS Action and for fees and expenses up to the amount of the policy incurred in connection with the defense of the WMS Action. In connection with the settlement of the WMS Action, the Company has agreed to assign to the plaintiffs in the WMS Action 50% of the proceeds, if any, recovered from Mt. Hawley. The Securities and Exchange Commission (the 'Commission') has issued orders directing a private investigation relating to, among other things, the Company's earnings estimate for fiscal 1995 and its decision in the second quarter of fiscal 1996 to exit the 16-bit portable and cartridge markets. The Company has provided documents to the Commission, and the Commission has taken testimony from Company representatives. The Company intends fully to cooperate with the Commission in its investigation. No assurance can be given as to whether there will be any litigation or, if so, as to the outcome of this matter. The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance (the 'Department'), following a field audit of the Company with respect to franchise tax liability for its fiscal years ended August 31, 1989, August 31, 1990 and August 31, 1991, has notified the Company that a stock license fee (plus interest and penalties) of approximately $1.9 million, relating to the Company's outstanding capital stock as of 1989, is due to the State. The Company is contesting the fee and a petition denying liability has been filed. No assurance can be given as to the outcome of this matter. The Company is also party to various litigations arising in the course of its business, the resolution of none of which, the Company believes, will have a material adverse effect on the Company's liquidity or results of operations. In conjunction with claims arising from certain of the Company's acquisitions and the litigations described above for which the settlement obligation is currently probable and estimable, the Company recorded a charge of $23.6 million during the year ending August 31, 1997. No assurance can be given that the Company will not be required to record additional charges in future periods in conjunction with the litigations described above which have not been settled or that the terms of the litigations that have been settled will be documented and approved as currently anticipated. See 'Business Recent Developments' and Note 20 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. A portion of any settlement or award arising from or out of one or more of the above litigations may be covered by the Company's insurance. 39 MANAGEMENT DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS Certain information concerning directors and executive officers of the Company is set forth below (1):
NAME AGE POSITION AND PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION - --------------------------------------------- --- -------------------------------------------------- Gregory E. Fischbach......................... 55 Co-Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer James Scoroposki............................. 49 Co-Chairman of the Board, Senior Executive Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer J. Mark Hattendorf........................... 47 Executive Vice President and Chief Financial and Accounting Officer Kenneth L. Coleman........................... 54 Director Bernard J. Fischbach......................... 52 Director Michael Tannen............................... 57 Director Robert H. Groman............................. 54 Director James Scibelli............................... 47 Director
Gregory E. Fischbach, a founder of the Company, has been Chief Executive Officer of the Company since its formation, a member of the Board of Directors since 1987 and Co-Chairman of the Board of Directors since March 1989. Mr. Fischbach was also President of the Company from its formation until January 1990 and has been President of the Company since October 1996. From June 1986 until January 1987, he was President of RCA/Ariola International, responsible for the management of its record operations outside the U.S. and in charge of its seventeen operating subsidiaries. James Scoroposki, a founder of the Company, has been Senior Executive Vice President since December 1993, a member of the Board of Directors since 1987 and Co-Chairman of the Board since March 1989. Mr. Scoroposki has been Secretary and Treasurer of the Company since its formation. Mr. Scoroposki was also Chief Financial Officer of the Company from April 1988 to May 1990 and Executive Vice President of the Company from formation to November 1993. Since December 1979, he has also been the President and sole shareholder of Jaymar Marketing Inc. ('Jaymar'), a sales representation organization. See 'Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.' J. Mark Hattendorf has been the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial and Accounting Officer of the Company since July 1996. Mr. Hattendorf has resigned from his positions with the Company effective as of November 7, 1997. From October 1995 to June 1996, Mr. Hattendorf served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Prodigy Services Company, an online consumer services company. From September 1993 to October 1995, Mr. Hattendorf served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Herbalife International Inc., a nutritional direct selling organization. From 1991 to 1993, Mr. Hattendorf served as a full time financial consultant to Canal+, a French entertainment company engaged, among other things, in international satellite television broadcasting. Kenneth L. Coleman has been a member of the Board of Directors since July 1997. Mr. Coleman is currently Senior Vice President, Customer and Professional Services, for Silicon Graphics, Inc. in Mountain View, California. For more than the past five years, Mr. Coleman has held several positions at Silicon Graphics, Inc. Bernard J. Fischbach has been a member of the Board of Directors since 1987 and has been engaged in the private practice of law in Los Angeles, California since 1976 with Fischbach, Perlstein, Lieberman & Yanny and its predecessor firms. See 'Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.' Michael Tannen has been a member of the Board of Directors since 1989 and is currently the President and Chief Executive Officer of Tannen Media Ventures, a media investment company. Since 1988, Mr. Tannen was the President and Chief Executive Officer of InterVision, Inc., a subsidiary of Millicom Incorporated, a company involved in publishing, television production and home video distribution and sales. From June 1992 to October - ------------------ (1) Anthony Williams, age 39, has been Executive Vice President of the Company since July 1996. Prior to such time and for more than the preceding five years, Mr. Williams held a variety of positions with the Company. See 'Executive Compensation--Employment Contracts, Termination of Employment and Change-in-Control Arrangements.' 40 1996, Mr. Tannen served as Chief Executive Officer of Kinnevik Media Ventures, Ltd., a media service subsidiary of A.B. Kinnevik, a Swedish conglomerate engaged, among other things, in international satellite television broadcasting, cable television networks and cellular mobile telephone and paging operations. From June 1992 to October 1996, Mr. Tannen also served as Chief Executive Officer of Television Holdings International, S.A., a wholly owned subsidiary of A.B. Kinnevik. Robert H. Groman has been a member of the Board of Directors since 1989 and has, for more than the preceding five years, been a partner in the general practice law firm of Groman, Ross & Tisman, P.C. (and its predecessor firms) located in Long Island, New York. See 'Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.' James Scibelli has been a member of the Board of Directors since 1995 and has, since March 1986, served as president of Roberts & Green, Inc., a New York financial consulting firm offering a variety of financial and investment consulting services. Messrs. Gregory E. and Bernard J. Fischbach are brothers. There is no family relationship among any other directors or executive officers of the Company. In February 1995, Messrs. Gregory Fischbach and Scoroposki entered into a voting agreement with TCI Sub pursuant to which each party agreed to vote all shares beneficially owned by it in favor of those individuals nominated by the Board of Directors of the Company for election to the Board of Directors at any annual or special meeting of the stockholders of the Company at which directors are to be elected provided that, subject to certain exceptions, such nominees include Messrs. Gregory Fischbach and Scoroposki (or their designees or successors) and one individual proposed by TCI Sub. From February 1995 until his resignation on October 3, 1997, Bruce Ravenel, President and Chief Executive Officer of TCI.Net, Inc., an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of TCI, was a director of the Company. The Company has agreed with each of Messrs. G. Fischbach and Scoroposki pursuant to the terms of their respective employment agreements and/or arrangements with the Company to use its best efforts to cause him to be elected as a director. There is no other arrangement or understanding pursuant to which any person has been elected as a director or executive officer of the Company. COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS The Board of Directors has an Executive Committee (the 'Executive Committee'), the members of which are Messrs. Tannen, Groman, Scibelli, B. Fischbach and Scoroposki. The Executive Committee has such powers as may be assigned to it by the Board of Directors from time to time. It is currently charged with meeting with the management of the Company and monitoring management's efforts in respect of the Company's plans for fiscal 1997. The Board of Directors has an Audit Committee (the 'Audit Committee'), the members of which are Messrs. Coleman, Groman, Scibelli and Tannen. The Audit Committee has such powers as may be assigned to it by the Board of Directors from time to time. It is charged with recommending to the Board of Directors the engagement or discharge of independent public accountants, reviewing the plan and results of the auditing engagement with the officers of the Company, and reviewing with the officers of the Company the scope and nature of the Company's internal accounting controls. The Board of Directors also has a Compensation and Stock Option Committee (the 'Compensation Committee'), the members of which are Messrs. Coleman and Scibelli. The Compensation Committee has such powers as may be assigned to it by the Board of Directors from time to time. It is charged with determining compensation packages for the Chief Executive Officer and the Senior Executive Vice President of the Company, establishing salaries, bonuses and other compensation for the Company's executive officers and with administering the Plan and the Company's 1995 Restricted Stock Plan, and recommending to the Board of Directors changes to the Plan. 41 EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE The following table summarizes all plan and non-plan compensation awarded to, earned by or paid to the Company's Chief Executive Officer and its four other executive officers (together, the 'Named Executive Officers') who were serving as executive officers during and at the end of the last completed fiscal year ended August 31, 1997 for services rendered in all capacities to the Company and its subsidiaries for each of the Company's last three fiscal years:
LONG-TERM COMPENSATION AWARDS ------------- ANNUAL COMPENSATION SECURITIES ALL OTHER ------------------------------ UNDERLYING COMPENSATION* SALARY BONUS OPTIONS ------------- NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION YEAR $ $ # $ - ------------------------------------------------ ---- -------- ---------- ------------- ------------- Gregory E. Fischbach ........................... 1997 $775,000 $ 0 0 $ 21,600 Co-Chairman and 1996 775,000 0 150,000 19,200 Chief Executive Officer 1995 775,000 2,775,000 150,000 19,200 James Scoroposki ............................... 1997 500,000 0 0 5,500 Co-Chairman, Senior 1996 500,000 0 150,000 5,100 Executive Vice President, 1995 500,000 2,350,000 150,000 4,600 Treasurer and Secretary J. Mark Hattendorf ............................. 1997 275,000 0 315,000 0 Executive Vice President 1996 250,000 0 0(1) 0 and Chief Financial and Accounting Officer Robert Holmes(2) ............................... 1997 605,000 0 0 0 1996 605,000 0 0 6,000 1995 550,000 2,350,000 325,000 6,000 Anthony Williams ............................... 1997 225,000 0 392,500(3) 2,300 Executive Vice 1996 225,000 0 0 2,100 President 1995 225,000 45,000 140,000 2,000
- ------------------ * Represents dollar value of insurance premiums paid by the Company during the fiscal year with respect to term life insurance for the benefit of the Named Executive Officers. (1) On October 28, 1996, the Company granted to Mr. Hattendorf options to purchase an aggregate of 165,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $3.94 per share, which options are included in fiscal 1997 and were granted in lieu of, and subject to the cancellation of, options previously granted in fiscal 1996. Mr. Hattendorf has resigned from his positions with the Company effective as of November 7, 1997. Pursuant to an agreement effective as of November 7, 1997 between the Company and Mr. Hattendorf, the Company agreed to grant Mr. Hattendorf options to purchase 165,000 shares of common stock exercisable at a price of $3.9735 per share, which options will vest upon grant and remain exercisable for one year from the date of grant. All other options granted to Mr. Hattendorf expired effective as of November 7, 1997. (2) Mr. Holmes relinquished his position as President of the Company on October 3, 1996. See '--Employment Contracts, Termination of Employment and Change-in-Control Arrangements.' (3) On October 28, 1996, the Company granted to Mr. Williams options to purchase an aggregate of 392,500 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $3.94 per share, which options are included in fiscal 1997 and were granted in lieu of, and subject to the cancellation of, options previously granted. No restricted stock awards, stock appreciation rights or long-term incentive plan awards (all as defined in the proxy regulations promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission) were awarded to, earned by, or paid to the Named Executive Officers during any of the Company's last three fiscal years. 42 OPTION GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR The following table sets forth information with respect to grants of stock options to purchase the Company's common stock, par value $0.02 per share (the 'Common Stock'), pursuant to the Company's 1988 Stock Option Plan (the 'Plan') granted to the Named Executive Officers during the fiscal year ended August 31, 1997:
POTENTIAL INDIVIDUAL GRANTS REALIZABLE VALUE ----------------------------------------------------- AT ASSUMED ANNUAL NUMBER OF PERCENT OF RATES OF STOCK SECURITIES TOTAL OPTIONS PRICE APPRECIATION UNDERLYING GRANTED TO EXERCISE FOR OPTION TERM OPTIONS EMPLOYEES IN PRICE EXPIRATION -------------------------------------- NAME GRANTED(#) FISCAL YEAR ($/SH) DATE 5%($) 10%($) - ----------------------------- ---------- ------------- -------- ---------- ----------------- ----------------- Gregory E. Fischbach......... 0 NA NA NA NA NA James Scoroposki............. 0 NA NA NA NA NA J. Mark Hattendorf(1)........ 165,000 1.2% $ 3.94 10/28/2006 $ 424,970 $ 1,061,770 150,000 1.1% 4.88 2/26/2007 246,087 824,995 Robert Holmes(2)............. 0 NA NA NA NA NA Anthony Williams............. 392,500 2.8% 3.94 10/28/2006 1,010,915 2,525,726 All Stockholders(3).......... -- -- -- -- 124,893,442 316,504,503
- ------------------------ (1) Mr. Hattendorf has resigned from his positions with the Company effective as of November 7, 1997. Pursuant to an agreement effective as of November 7, 1997 between the Company and Mr. Hattendorf, the Company agreed to grant Mr. Hattendorf options to purchase 165,000 shares of common stock exercisable at a price of $3.9735 per share, which options will vest upon grant and remain exercisable for one year from the date of grant. All other options granted to Mr. Hattendorf expired effective as of November 7, 1997. (2) Mr. Holmes relinquished his position as President of the Company on October 3, 1996. (3) These figures were calculated assuming that the price of the 49,648,000 shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding on August 31, 1997 increased from $4.00 per share at compound rates of 5% and 10% per year for ten years. The purpose of including this information is to indicate the potential realizable value at the assumed annual rates of stock price appreciation for the ten-year option term for all of the Company's stockholders. AGGREGATE OPTION EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR AND FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION VALUES The following table sets forth information with respect to each exercise of stock options during the fiscal year ended August 31, 1997 by the Named Executive Officers and the value at August 31, 1997 of unexercised stock options held by the Named Executive Officers.
NUMBER OF SECURITIES SHARES UNDERLYING UNEXERCISED VALUE OF UNEXERCISED ACQUIRED VALUE OPTIONS IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS AT ON EXERCISE REALIZED(1) AT FISCAL YEAR-END((#) FISCAL YEAR-END($) NAME # ($) EXERCISABLE/UNEXERCISABLE EXERCISABLE/UNEXERCISABLE - ------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ------------------------- ------------------------- Gregory Fischbach.................... 0 $0 1,515,000/150,000 $ 1,414,689/0 James Scoroposki..................... 0 0 1,515,000/150,000 1,414,689/0 Robert Holmes(3)..................... 0 0 1,550,418/108,334 920,919/0 J. Mark Hattendorf(2)................ 0 0 0/315,000 0/10,313 Anthony Williams..................... 0 0 183,333/359,167 301,771/22,448
- ------------------------ (1) Fair market value of securities underlying the options at fiscal year end minus the exercise price of the options. (2) Mr. Hattendorf has resigned from his positions with the Company effective as of November 7, 1997. Pursuant to an agreement effective as of November 7, 1997 between the Company and Mr. Hattendorf, the Company agreed to grant Mr. Hattendorf options to purchase 165,000 shares of common stock exercisable at a price of $3.9735 per share, which options will vest upon grant and remain exercisable for one year from the date of grant. All other options granted to Mr. Hattendorf expired effective as of November 7, 1997. (3) Mr. Holmes relinquished his position as President of the Company on October 3, 1996. 43 DIRECTORS' COMPENSATION Directors who are not also employees of the Company receive a $10,000 annual fee, reimbursement of expenses for attending meetings of the Board and generally receive an annual grant of options to purchase 18,750 shares under the Plan. In addition, options may be granted under the Plan to non-employee directors who render services to the Company and who are not also members of the Compensation Committee. See 'Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.' In fiscal 1997, Mr. Bernard J. Fischbach received options under the Plan to purchase 200,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $4.875 per share in consideration of services rendered to the Company. EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS, TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT AND CHANGE-IN-CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS The Company has employment agreements with each of Gregory Fischbach and James Scoroposki, providing for Mr. Gregory Fischbach's employment as President and Chief Executive Officer and for Mr. Scoroposki's employment as Senior Executive Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer, for terms expiring in August 2000. The agreements with Messrs. Gregory Fischbach and Scoroposki provide for annual base salaries of $775,000 and $500,000, respectively, for the term of the agreements. In addition, each of the agreements provides for annual bonus payments to Mr. Fischbach in an amount equal to 3.25% of the Company's net pre-tax profits for each fiscal year and to Mr. Scoroposki in an amount equal to 2.75% of the Company's net pre-tax profits for each fiscal year. The agreement with Mr. Scoroposki specifically allows him to devote that amount of his business time to the business of certain sales representative organizations controlled by him as does not interfere with the services to be rendered by him to the Company. The sales representative organizations under his control have officers and employees who oversee the operations of such organizations. Mr. Scoroposki attends board meetings of such companies but has no active involvement in their day to day operations. Under the agreements, the Company provides each of Messrs. Gregory Fischbach and Scoroposki with $2 million term life insurance and disability insurance. If the employment agreement of either of Messrs. Gregory Fischbach or Scoroposki is terminated within one year after occurrence of a change in control of the Company (other than a termination for cause) or if either of Messrs. Gregory Fischbach or Scoroposki terminates his employment agreement upon the occurrence of both a change in control of the Company and a change in the circumstances of his employment, he would be entitled to receive severance benefits in an amount equal to the total of (i) three years' base salary and (ii) three times the largest bonus paid to him for the three fiscal years immediately preceding any such termination of his employment. The Company has an agreement in principle with Mr. Robert Holmes for his employment as President and Chief Operating Officer, which provides for a current annual base salary of $605,000. The term of the agreement expires on August 31, 1999. The agreement guarantees Mr. Holmes a 10% annual increase in his base salary for the term of the agreement. In addition, the agreement provides for annual bonus payments equal to 2.75% of the Company's net pre-tax profits for each fiscal year. The Company provides Mr. Holmes with a $2 million term life insurance policy and disability insurance. Under the agreement with Mr. Holmes, if his employment is terminated within one year after the occurrence of a change in control of the Company (other than a termination for cause) or if he terminates his agreement upon the occurrence of both a change in control of the Company and a change in the circumstances of his employment, he would be entitled to receive severance benefits in an amount equal to the total of (i) three years' base salary and (ii) three times the largest bonus paid to him for the three fiscal years immediately preceding any such termination of his employment. In October 1996, Mr. Holmes relinquished his roles as President and Chief Operating Officer, but remains an employee of the Company under the existing agreement in principle as a special advisor to the Board reporting to Mr. Gregory Fischbach. On February 3, 1997 Mr. Holmes resigned his position as a director of the Company and of its subsidiaries. The Company has had discussions with Mr. Holmes with respect to negotiating his severance from the Company. The Company also has an agreement in principle with Mr. Williams for his employment as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial and Accounting Officer, which provides for a current annual base salary of $225,000. In July 1996, Mr. Williams relinquished his roles as Chief Financial and Accounting Officer, but retains his role as Executive Vice President under the terms of the existing agreement in principle. The agreement 44 expires on August 31, 1999. Mr. Williams is also entitled to a bonus in an amount to be determined at the discretion of the Board of Directors if the Company achieves certain financial performance objectives. The Company provides Mr. Williams with a $1 million term life insurance policy and disability insurance. If Mr. Williams' employment is terminated within one year after the occurrence of a change in control of the Company (other than a termination for cause) or if he terminates his agreement upon the occurrence of both a change in control of the Company and a change in the circumstances of his employment, he would be entitled to receive severance benefits in an amount equal to the total of (i) one year's base salary and (ii) two times the bonus paid to him for the fiscal year immediately preceding any termination of his employment. The Company has had discussions with Mr. Williams with respect to negotiating his severance from the Company. Each of the agreements with Messrs. Gregory Fischbach, Scoroposki, Holmes and Williams provides that, in the event of a change in control of the Company, all options theretofore granted to each of them shall vest and become immediately exercisable and the Company has agreed to indemnify each of them against any excise taxes imposed on such executive by section 4999(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (including all applicable taxes on such indemnification payment). Each of the agreements with Messrs. Gregory Fischbach, Scoroposki, Holmes and Williams prohibits disclosure of proprietary and confidential information regarding the Company and its business to anyone outside the Company both during and subsequent to employment. In addition, the employees agree, for the duration of their employment with the Company and for one year thereafter, not to engage in any competitive business activity, nor to persuade or attempt to persuade any customer, software developer, licensor, employee or other party with whom the Company has a business relationship to sever its ties with the Company or reduce the extent of its relationship with the Company. In addition, at the end of their respective terms, if the agreements with each of Messrs. Gregory Fischbach, Scoroposki, Holmes and Williams are not renewed on substantially similar terms, the employee would be entitled to receive severance benefits in an amount equal to the total cash compensation paid to him during the 12-month period immediately preceding such termination of his employment. The Company has an employment agreement with Mr. Hattendorf for his employment as Chief Financial Officer of the Company, which provides for a current annual base salary of $275,000. Mr. Hattendorf has resigned from his positions with the Company effective as of November 7, 1997. Pursuant to an agreement effective as of November 7, 1997 between the Company and Mr. Hattendorf, the Company agreed to grant Mr. Hattendorf options to purchase 165,000 shares of Common Stock exercisable at a price of $3.9735 per share, which options will vest upon grant and will remain exercisable for a period of one year from the date of grant. All other options previously granted to Mr. Hattendorf expired immediately upon the termination of his employment with the Company. BENEFIT PLANS The Company does not have a pension plan. For information with respect to options granted to executive officers of the Company under the Company's 1988 Stock Option Plan, see page 43. COMPLIANCE WITH REPORTING REQUIREMENTS The Company believes that, during the fiscal year ended August 31, 1997, all filing requirements under Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the 'Exchange Act') applicable to its officers, directors and greater than ten percent beneficial owners were complied with on a timely basis, except that Mr. Hattendorf's annual report on Form 5 was filed a week late. COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION The members of the Compensation Committee are Kenneth Coleman and James Scibelli, who are intended to be 'non-employee directors' within the meaning of Rule 16b-3(b)(3)(i) promulgated under the Exchange Act and 'outside directors' within the contemplation of section 162(m)(4)(C)(i) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. 45 SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT The following table sets forth certain information as of November 7, 1997 (except as otherwise indicated) with respect to the number of shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by each person who is known to the Company to beneficially own more than 5% of the Common Stock, the number of shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by each director of the Company and each executive officer of the Company, and the number of shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by all executive officers and directors of the Company as a group. Except as otherwise indicated, each such stockholder has sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares beneficially owned by such stockholder.
PERCENT OF COMMON AMOUNT AND NATURE OF STOCK NAME AND ADDRESS BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP(1) OUTSTANDING - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ----------- Gregory E. Fischbach(2)(3) .................................................. 7,648,151 14.4% One Acclaim Plaza Glen Cove, New York 11542 James Scoroposki(3)(4) ...................................................... 7,102,451 13.4 One Acclaim Plaza Glen Cove, NY 11542 The Capital Group Companies, Inc.(5) ........................................ 6,949,400 13.9 333 South Hope Street Los Angeles, CA 90071 Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.(6) ................................................ 6,868,611 13.0 World Financial Center North Tower 250 Vesey Street New York, NY 10281 TCI GameCo Holdings, Inc.(3) ................................................ 4,348,795 8.7 Terrace Tower II 5619 DTC Parkway Englewood, CO 80111 Bernard J. Fischbach(7) ..................................................... 356,276 * 1925 Century Park East Suite 1260 Los Angeles, CA 90067 Robert H. Groman(8) ......................................................... 100,000 * 196 Peachtree Lane Roslyn Heights, NY 11577 Michael Tannen(8) ........................................................... 94,875 * 90 Riverside Drive, #5B New York, NY 10024 James Scibelli(9) ........................................................... 44,500 * 2936 Bay Drive Merrick, NY 11566 Kenneth L. Coleman .......................................................... -0- -0- 2011 North Shoreline Blvd. Mountain View, CA 94043
46
PERCENT OF COMMON AMOUNT AND NATURE OF STOCK NAME AND ADDRESS BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP(1) OUTSTANDING - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ----------- J. Mark Hattendorf(8) ....................................................... 55,000 0 One Acclaim Plaza Glen Cove, NY 11542 Anthony R. Williams(10) ..................................................... 281,500 * One Acclaim Plaza Glen Cove, NY 11542 All executive officers and directors as a group (9 persons)(11) ........................................................... 15,333,925 27.0%
- ------------------ * Less than 1% of class. (1) Includes shares issuable upon exercise of warrants and options which are exercisable within the next 60 days. (2) Includes 2,827,500 shares issuable upon exercise of warrants and options, 36,276 shares held as co-trustee of trusts for the benefit of Mr. Scoroposki's children and 156,276 shares settled by Mr. Gregory Fischbach in trust for the benefit of his children. Each of Mr. Gregory Fischbach and Mr. Scoroposki has agreed to vote, or cause to be voted, all shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by him in the manner in which all shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by the other are voted on all matters presented to a vote of stockholders at any annual or special meeting of the Company's stockholders. (3) Messrs. Gregory Fischbach and Scoroposki and TCI GameCo Holdings, Inc. ('TCI Sub'), an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Tele-Communications, Inc. ('TCI'), have entered into a voting agreement pursuant to which they have agreed to vote all shares beneficially owned by each of them in favor of those individuals nominated by the Board of Directors of the Company for election to the Board of Directors at any annual or special meeting of the stockholders of the Company at which directors are being elected provided that, subject to certain exceptions, such nominees include Messrs. Gregory Fischbach and Scoroposki (or their designees or successors) and one individual proposed by TCI Sub. Until his resignation effective October 3, 1997, Bruce Ravenel, President and Chief Executive Officer of TCI.Net, Inc., an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of TCI, was a director of the Company. (4) Includes 2,827,500 shares issuable upon exercise of warrants and options, 156,276 shares held as co-trustee of trusts for the benefit of Mr. Gregory Fischbach's children and 36,276 shares settled by Mr. Scoroposki in trust for the benefit of his children. Each of Mr. Scoroposki and Mr. Gregory Fischbach has agreed to vote, or cause to be voted, all shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by him in the manner in which all shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by the other are voted on all matters presented to a vote of stockholders at any annual or special meeting of the Company's stockholders. (5) Information in respect of the beneficial ownership of The Capital Group Companies, Inc. has been derived from its Schedule 13-G, dated February 12, 1997, filed on its behalf and on behalf of Capital Research and Management Company ('CRMC') with the Commission. The Company has been advised that (a) CRMC is a registered investment adviser and an operating subsidiary of The Capital Group Companies, Inc., (b) at February 12, 1997, CRMC exercised investment discretion with respect to 3,635,000 shares of Common Stock, which were owned by various institutional investors and (c) CRMC has no power to direct the vote of such shares. Capital Guardian Trust Company, a bank as defined in Section 3(a) of the Securities Act and a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Capital Group Companies, Inc., is the beneficial owner of 3,292,900 shares of Common Stock as the result of its serving as the investment manager of various institutional accounts. (Footnotes continued on next page) 47 (Footnotes continued from previous page) (6) Information in respect of the beneficial ownership of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. ('ML&Co.') has been derived from Amendment No. 3 to its Schedule 13-G, dated February 14, 1997, filed on its behalf and on behalf of Merrill Lynch Group, Inc. ('ML Group'), Princeton Services, Inc, ('PSI'), Merrill Lynch Asset Management, L.P. d/b/a Merrill Lynch Asset Management ('MLAM') and Merrill Lynch Technology Fund, Inc. ('MLTF') with the Commission. Based solely on such Amendment No. 3 to Schedule 13-G, ML&Co., ML Group and PSI are parent holding companies, MLAM is a registered investment adviser and MLTF is a registered investment company (for which MLAM acts as investment adviser), which has an interest that relates to greater than 5% of the Common Stock. (7) Represents 200,000 shares issuable upon exercise of options and 156,276 shares held as co-trustee of trusts for the benefit of Mr. Gregory Fischbach's children. (8) Represents shares issuable upon exercise of options. (9) Includes 37,500 shares issuable upon exercise of options. (10) Includes 261,500 shares issuable upon exercise of options. (11) Includes 6,403,875 shares issuable upon exercise of warrants and options. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS Mr. James Scoroposki, an officer, director and principal stockholder of the Company, is the sole stockholder, a director and president of a sales representative organization selling interactive entertainment software and a 50% stockholder, a director and executive vice president of another sales representative organization selling interactive entertainment software. Such sales representative organizations act as sales representatives for the Company, receive commissions from the Company with respect to interactive entertainment software sold by them and will continue to do so during the fiscal year ending August 31, 1998. For the fiscal year ended August 31, 1997, the commissions paid by the Company to these sales representative organizations amounted to approximately $535,000. The agreements between the Company and these sales representatives are on terms that are at least as favorable to the Company as could have been obtained from unaffiliated third parties. In addition to representing the Company's titles, these companies also represent competitors of the Company who distribute interactive entertainment software, and derive most of their revenue from representing companies other than the Company. Mr. Scoroposki is also the sole shareholder of The Crescent Club, which provides restaurant services and related entertainment and meeting facilities to the Company and will continue to do so for the fiscal year ending August 31, 1998. For the fiscal year ended August 31, 1997, payments made by the Company to The Crescent Club amounted to approximately $66,000. The firm of Fischbach, Perlstein, Liebermann & Yanny, of which Bernard J. Fischbach is a partner, performs legal services for the Company and will continue to do so for the fiscal year ending August 31, 1998. Payments made by the Company for said services amounted to approximately $885,000 for the fiscal year ended August 31, 1997. In addition, in fiscal 1997, Mr. B. Fischbach received options under the Plan to purchase 200,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $4.875 per share in consideration of services rendered to the Company. The firm of Groman, Ross & Tisman, P.C. of which Robert H. Groman is a partner, also performs legal services for the Company and will continue to do so for the fiscal year ending August 31, 1998. Payments made by the Company for said services amounted to approximately $38,000 for the fiscal year ended August 31, 1997. 48 SELLING SECURITYHOLDERS The Notes and Shares covered hereby will be offered and sold by the following Selling Securityholders:
BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL BENEFICIAL OF NOTES AMOUNT OF NOTES OWNERSHIP AFTER NAME OF NOTEHOLDER PRIOR TO OFFERING BEING OFFERED OFFERING(1) - -------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- ------------------- --------------- Franklin Custodian Funds, Inc., Income Series........... $ 29,000,000 $29,000,000 0 Franklin Valuemark Funds, Income Securities Fund........ 11,000,000 11,000,000 0 Alexandra Global Investment Fund I, Ltd. c/o Alexandra Investment Management................... 4,500,000 4,500,000 0 The Alpine Group, Inc. c/o Alexandra Investment Management................... 500,000 500,000 0 Laterman Strategies 90S LLC............................. 500,000 500,000 0 Offshore Strategies Ltd................................. 1,000,000 1,000,000 0 Highbridge Capital Corporation.......................... 1,500,000 1,500,000 0 Winchester Convertible Plus Ltd......................... 600,000 600,000 0 Foundation Account No. 1................................ 150,000 150,000 0 Philip S. Minkin Rev Lvg Tr UAD 9-30-91 AS AMD FBO Philip S. Minkin TTEE................................. 50,000 50,000 0 Maurice Chandler TTEE AS AMD 8-26-92 Maurice Chandler AMD & Restated Declaration of Trust.. 50,000 50,000 0 A. Bart Lewis REV LVG TR U/A DTD 2/27/87 FBO A. BART LEWIS, TRUSTEE............................ 50,000 50,000 0 Susan Gail Lewis REV LVG TR UTA DTD 2/28/87 FBO SUSAN GAIL LEWIS, TRUSTEE......................... 50,000 50,000 0 Peter D. Brown & Dorothy Brown COTTEES UTA DTD 12-5-75 AS AMD for the Peter Brown Rev Lvg Tr............................ 50,000 50,000 0 Willis W. Shenk......................................... 50,000 50,000 0 Lancaster Newspapers Pension Plan....................... 200,000 200,000 0 John Frederick Steinman Foundation...................... 50,000 50,000 0 The James Hale Steinman Foundation...................... 50,000 50,000 0 G. Walter Loewenbaum.................................... 250,000 250,000 0 Woodland Partners....................................... 250,000 250,000 0 Sonem Partners.......................................... 100,000 100,000 0 Dorothy D. Power........................................ 50,000 50,000 0
- ------------------ (1) Assumes that the entire outstanding principal amount of the Notes (and all Shares issuable upon conversion thereof) are sold by the Selling Securityholders pursuant to this Prospectus. The Selling Securityholders may choose to dispose of none or only a portion of the Notes (and Shares issuable upon conversion thereof) held by him, her or it pursuant to this Prospectus. The Company is not required to keep the Registration Statement effective after the date that all of the outstanding Notes (and Shares issuable upon conversion thereof) may be sold without registration under the Securities Act. Accordingly, it is anticipated that any unsold principal amount of Notes (or Shares issuable upon conversion thereof) would be sold thereafter in reliance upon Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act. All of the Notes were issued to the Selling Securityholders by the Company in a privately-negotiated offering pursuant to Section 4(2) under the Securities Act and Regulation D promulgated thereunder. The Notes (and the Shares issuable upon conversion thereof) are restricted securities within the meaning of the Securities Act and cannot be offered or sold without an effective registration statement covering such offer and sale or pursuant to an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act. Pursuant to the terms and provisions of the sales agency agreement entered into by the Company and the placement agent in connection with the Initial Offering, the Company filed the Registration Statement (of which this Prospectus forms a part) and will use its best efforts to keep the Registration Statement effective until the earlier to occur of (i) the date all of the Notes (and Shares issuable upon conversion thereof) have been sold and (ii) the date that all of the outstanding Notes (and Shares issuable upon conversion thereof) may be resold without registration under the Securities Act. The Company will pay all expenses relating to the registration of the Notes (and the Shares issuable upon conversion thereof) under the Securities Act, including the legal fees and expenses of the Selling Securityholders, provided that in no event shall the Company be required to pay the fees and expenses of more than one law firm on behalf of the Selling Stockholders. 49 Neither the Company nor any of its affiliates has had any material relationship with any Selling Securityholder within the past three years. PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION The Selling Securityholders have advised the Company (1) that they intend that the Notes (and the Shares issuable upon conversion thereof) be offered for sale and sold or distributed, from time to time, by the Selling Securityholders, or by the pledgees, donees, transferees or other successors in interest, on one or more exchanges or in the over-the-counter market, or otherwise at prices and at terms then prevailing or at prices related to the then current market price, or in negotiated transactions; (2) that such sales or distributions may be made by one or more of the following: (a) a block trade in which the broker or dealer so engaged will attempt to sell the Notes (and the Shares issuable upon conversion thereof) as agent but may position and resell a portion of the block as principal to facilitate the transaction; (b) purchases by a broker or dealer as principal and resale by such broker or dealer for its own account pursuant to this Prospectus; (c) an exchange distribution in accordance with the rules of such exchange; (d) ordinary brokerage transactions and transactions in which the broker solicits Purchasers; (e) in negotiated transactions; and (f) through other means; and (3) that no sales or distributions other than as described in (2) (a) through (2) (e) above will be effected until after this Prospectus shall have been appropriately amended or supplemented, if required to set forth the terms thereof. In effecting sales, brokers or dealers engaged by the Selling Securityholders may arrange for other brokers or dealers to participate in such sales. In addition, any securities covered by this Prospectus which qualify for sale pursuant to Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act may be sold under such Rule 144 rather than pursuant to this Prospectus. Brokers or dealers may receive commissions or discounts from the Selling Securityholders in amounts to be negotiated immediately prior to the sale. The Selling Securityholders and any underwriters, dealers or agents that participate in the distribution of the Notes may be deemed to be 'underwriters' within the meaning of the Securities Act, and any profit on the resale of the Notes by them or any discounts, commissions or concessions received by any such underwriters, dealers or agents may be deemed to be underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities Act. The Company has agreed to indemnify the Selling Securityholders, each underwriter, if any, of the Notes (or Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof) (including any broker or dealer through which such shares may be sold) and each person, if any, who controls the Selling Securityholders or any such underwriter within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act, against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act. Each of the Selling Securityholders has represented and warranted to, and agreed with the Company that, during such time as he may be engaged in a distribution of the Notes, the Selling Securityholder will, among other things, (a) not engage in any stabilization activity in connection with the Company's securities, (b) furnish to each broker or dealer through whom or which he offers securities copies of the Prospectus, as may be required, (c) inform such broker or dealer as to the principal amount of Notes (or the number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof) he is selling, that such securities are part of a distribution and that he is subject to the provisions of Rule 10b-6 of the General Rules and Regulations under the Exchange Act, (d) report to the Company any disposition of the Notes (or the Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof) if any such disposition shall have occurred, and (e) not bid for, or purchase, any Company securities other than as permitted under the Exchange Act. 50 DESCRIPTION OF NOTES The Notes offered hereby have been issued under an Indenture, dated as of February 26, 1997, between the Company and IBJ Schroder Bank & Trust Company, as Trustee (the 'Trustee'). The following summary of certain provisions of the Indenture does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (the 'TIA'), and to all of the provisions of the Indenture, including the definitions of certain terms therein and those terms made a part of the Indenture by reference to the TIA as in effect on the date of the Indenture. Wherever a particular Section, Article or defined term is referred to, such Section, Article or defined term refers to the Indenture and is incorporated herein by reference. GENERAL The Notes are unsecured subordinated obligations of the Company, are limited to an aggregate principal amount of $50,000,000 and will mature on March 1, 2002. The Notes bear interest at the rate per annum shown on the front cover of this Prospectus from the date of initial issuance, or from the most recent Interest Payment Date to which interest has been paid or provided for, payable semi-annually on March 1 and September 1 of each year, commencing September 1, 1997, to the Person in whose name the Notes (or any predecessor Notes) are registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date for such interest, which shall be February 15 or August 15 (whether or not a Business Day), as the case may be, next preceding such Interest Payment Date. Interest on the Notes will be paid on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months, based on actual days elapsed. (Section 2.04 and 6.01) Principal of, and premium, if any, and interest on the Notes is payable, and the transfer of Notes is registerable, at the office or agency of the Company maintained for such purposes in the Borough of Manhattan, the City of New York. In addition, payment of interest may, at the option of the Company, be made by check mailed to the address of the Person entitled thereto as it appears in the Note Register. (Sections 2.03, 6.01 and 6.02) The Notes will be issued only in fully registered form, without coupons, in denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiples thereof. (Section 2.02) No service charge will be made for any registration of transfer or exchange of the Notes, but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection therewith. The Company is not required (i) to issue, register the transfer of or exchange any Note during a period beginning at the opening of business 15 days before the mailing of notice fixed for any redemption and ending at the close of business on such Redemption Date or (ii) to register the transfer of or exchange any Notes for redemption in whole or in part, except the unredeemed portion of the Notes being redeemed in part. (Section 2.07) All monies paid by the Company to the Trustee or any Paying Agent for the payment of principal of and premium, if any, and interest on any Note which remains unclaimed for two years after such principal, premium or interest becomes due and payable may be repaid to the Company. Thereafter, the Holder of such Note may, as an unsecured general creditor, look only to the Company for payment thereof. (Section 13.04) The Indenture does not contain any provisions that would provide protection to Holders of the Notes against a sudden and dramatic decline in the credit quality of the Company resulting from any takeover, recapitalization or similar restructuring, except as described below under 'Repurchase at Option of Holders Upon a Repurchase Event' and 'Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets.' CONVERSION RIGHTS The Notes are convertible into the Common Stock of the Company at any time up to and including the maturity date (subject to prior redemption by the Company on not less than 30 nor more than 60 days' notice to the Trustee) of the principal amount thereof, initially at the Conversion Price stated on the cover page of this Prospectus (subject to adjustment as described below). The right to convert the Notes called for redemption or delivered for repurchase will terminate at the close of business on the Redemption Date or the Repurchase Date, unless the Company defaults in making the payment due upon redemption or repurchase. (Section 5.01) For information as to notices of redemption, see 'Optional Redemption.' 51 The Conversion Price is subject to adjustment in certain events, including (i) dividends (and other distributions) payable in Common Stock or any class of capital stock of the Company, (ii) the issuance to all holders of Common Stock of rights, warrants or options entitling them to subscribe for or purchase Common Stock at less than the current market price, (iii) subdivisions or combinations of Common Stock, (iv) distributions to all holders of Common Stock or evidences of indebtedness of the Company, cash or other assets (including securities, but excluding those dividends, rights, warrants, options and distributions referred to above and excluding dividends and distributions paid exclusively in cash), (v) distributions consisting exclusively of cash (excluding any cash portion of distributions referred to in (iv) above or cash distribution upon a merger or consolidation to which the second succeeding paragraph applies) to all holders of Common Stock in an aggregate amount that, combined together with (a) all other such all-cash distributions made within the preceding 12 months in respect to which no adjustment has been made and (b) any cash and the fair market value of other consideration paid or payable in respect of any tender offers by the Company for Common Stock concluding within the preceding 12 months in respect of which no adjustment has been made, exceeds 12.5% of the Company's market capitalization (defined as being the product of the current market price of the Common Stock times the number of shares of Common Stock then outstanding) on the record date for such distribution, and (vi) the purchase of Common Stock pursuant to a tender offer made by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries which involves an aggregate consideration that together with (a) any cash and the fair market value of any other consideration paid or payable in any other tender offer by the Company or any of its subsidiaries of Common Stock expiring within the 12 months preceding the expiration of such tender offer in respect of which no adjustment has been made and (b) the aggregate amount of any such all-cash distributions referred to in (v) above to all holders of Common Stock within the 12 months preceding the expiration of such tender offer in respect of which no adjustments have been made, exceeds 12.5% of the Company's market capitalization on the expiration of such tender offer. No adjustment in the Conversion Price is required unless such adjustment (plus any adjustments not previously made) would require an increase or decrease of at least 1% in such price; provided, however, that any adjustments which by reason of this sentence are not required to be made shall be carried forward and then taken into account in any subsequent adjustment. (Section 5.04) In addition to the foregoing adjustments, the Company is permitted to make such reduction in the Conversion Price as it considers to be advisable in order that any event treated for Federal income tax purposes as a dividend or distribution of stock or stock rights will not be taxable to the holders of the Common Stock. (Section 5.04) Subject to the rights of Holders of the Notes described below under 'Repurchase at Option of Holders Upon a Repurchase Event,' in case of certain consolidations or mergers to which the Company is a party or the transfer of substantially all of the assets of the Company, each Note then outstanding would, without the consent of any Holders of the Notes, become convertible only into the kind and amount of securities, cash and other property receivable upon the consolidation, merger or transfer by a holder of the number of shares of Common Stock into which such Note might have been converted immediately prior to such consolidation, merger or transfer (assuming such holder of Common Stock failed to exercise any rights of election and received per share the kind and amount received per share by a plurality of non-electing shares). (Section 5.10) Fractional shares of Common Stock will not be issued upon conversion, but, in lieu thereof, the Company will pay a cash adjustment based upon market price. (Section 5.03) Notes surrendered for conversion during the period from the close of business on any Regular Record Date next preceding any Interest Payment Date to the opening of business on such Interest Payment Date (except the Notes called for redemption on a Redemption Date within such period) must be accompanied by payment of an amount equal to the interest thereon which the registered Holder is to receive. In the case of any Note that has been converted after any Regular Record Date but on or before the next Interest Payment Date, interest whose stated maturity is on such Interest Payment Date will be payable on such Interest Payment Date notwithstanding such conversion, and such interest will be paid to the Holder of such Note on such Regular Record Date. A Holder of Notes called for redemption on any Interest Payment Date will (if such Holder is the registered Holder on the applicable Record Date) receive the interest on such Notes payable on that date and will be able to exchange such Notes after the Record Date for such payment of interest without paying an amount equal to such interest to the Company upon conversion. Except as described above, no interest on converted Notes will be payable by the Company on any Interest Payment Date subsequent 52 to the date of conversion. No other payment or adjustment for interest or dividends will be made upon conversion. (Section 5.02) If at any time the Company makes a distribution of property to its stockholders that would be taxable to such stockholders as a dividend for Federal income tax purposes (e.g., distributions of evidence of indebtedness or assets of the Company, but generally not stock dividends or rights to subscribe for Common Stock) and, pursuant to the antidilution provisions of the Indenture, the Conversion Price of the Notes is reduced, such reduction may be deemed to be the payment of a taxable dividend to Holders of the Notes. Holders of the Notes could, therefore, have taxable income as a result of an event pursuant to which they receive no cash or property that could be used to pay the related income tax. RESTRICTION ON INCURRENCE OF INDEBTEDNESS AND ISSUANCE OF PREFERRED STOCK The Indenture provides that the Company will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, create, incur, issue, assume, Guarantee or otherwise become directly or indirectly liable, contingently or otherwise, with respect to (collectively, 'incur'), after the date of issuance of the Notes, any Indebtedness (including Acquired Debt) and the Company will not issue any Disqualified Capital Stock and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to issue any shares of preferred stock. Indebtedness consisting of reimbursement obligations in respect of a letter of credit will be deemed to be incurred when the letter of credit is first issued. The foregoing provisions do not apply to: (i) the incurrence by the Company and its Subsidiaries of Indebtedness represented by the Notes; (ii) the incurrence by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries of Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness in exchange for, or the net proceeds of which are used to extend, refinance, renew, replace, defease or refund, in whole or in part, Indebtedness that was permitted by the Indenture to be incurred (including, without limitation, Existing Indebtedness); (iii) the incurrence by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any Affiliate of the Company or any Subsidiary of intercompany Indebtedness between or among the Company and any of its Subsidiaries or any such Affiliate; (iv) the incurrence by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries of Indebtedness represented by performance bonds, standby letters of credit or appeal bonds, in each case to the extent incurred in the ordinary course of business of the Company or such Subsidiary; (v) the incurrence by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries of Indebtedness, which, together with all other Indebtedness outstanding as of the date of such incurrence, does not exceed (x) five and one half times EBITDA for the last four fiscal quarters ending immediately preceding such date plus (y) $6.5 million of any Capital Lease Obligations; and (vi) the incurrence of (a) up to an aggregate of $70.0 million under the Company's Credit Facility with BNY; (b) up to an aggregate of $5.0 million under the Company's mortgage indebtedness to Fleet (the 'Fleet Loan'); (c) up to an aggregate of $7.5 million under a short term loan from BNY; (d) up to an aggregate of $17.5 million under international working capital lines of credit and; (e) up to an aggregate of $15.0 million of borrowings from hardware vendors. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may not use the proceeds from any of the above-referenced items in paragraph (vi) above to make an acquisition of a business having a purchase price in excess of $5.0 million unless and only to the extent that after the use of such proceeds the Company is able to incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness on a pro forma basis under the test described in paragraph (v) above. 'Acquired Debt' means, with respect to any specified Person, (i) Indebtedness of any other Person existing at the time such other Person is merged with or into or becomes a Subsidiary of such specified Person, including, without limitation, Indebtedness incurred in connection with, or in contemplation of, such other Person merging with or into or becoming a Subsidiary of such specified Person, and (ii) Indebtedness secured by a lien encumbering any asset acquired by such specified Person. 'Acquired Debt' shall be deemed to be Indebtedness 53 incurred by such Person at the time of such merger, or upon the other Person becoming a Subsidiary or upon the acquisition of such asset. 'Capital Lease Obligation' means, at the time any determination thereof is to be made, any obligation of the Person for the payment of rent or other amounts under a lease of property or assets which obligation is required to be classified and accounted for as a capitalized lease on the balance sheet of the Person under generally accepted accounting principles. 'Consolidated Net Income' means, with respect to any Person for any period, the aggregate of the Net Income of such Person and its Subsidiaries for such period, on a consolidated basis, determined in accordance with GAAP; provided that (i) the Net Income of any Person that is not a Subsidiary or that is accounted for by the equity method of accounting shall be included only to the extent of the amount of dividends or distributions paid in cash to the referent Person or a wholly-owned Subsidiary thereof, (ii) the Net Income of any Subsidiary shall be excluded to the extent that the declaration or payment of dividends or similar distributions by that Subsidiary of that Net Income is not at the date of determination permitted without any prior governmental approval (that has not been obtained) or, directly or indirectly, by operation of the terms of its charter or any agreement, instrument, judgment, decree, order, statute, rule or governmental regulation applicable to that Subsidiary or its stockholders, (iii) the Net Income of any Person acquired in a pooling of interests transaction for any period prior to the date of such acquisition shall be excluded and (iv) the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principles shall be excluded. 'Disqualified Capital Stock' means, with respect to any person, any Capital Stock of such Person that, by its terms (or by the terms of any security into which it is convertible or for which it is exercisable, redeemable or exchangeable), matures, or is mandatorily redeemable, pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise, or is redeemable at the option of the holder thereof, in whole or in part, on or prior to the maturity of the Notes. 'Existing Indebtedness' means Indebtedness of the Company and its Subsidiaries in existence on the date of the Indenture, until such amounts are repaid, including all reimbursement obligations with respect to letters of credit outstanding as well as the maximum availability which possibly may be borrowed under the terms and in the amounts of the credit facilities described in paragraph (vi) under 'Restriction on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred Stock.' 'EBITDA' means, with respect to any Person for any period, the Consolidated Net Income of such Person for such period plus (i) an amount equal to any extraordinary or nonrecurring loss plus any net loss realized in connection with a Sale of Assets (to the extent such losses were deducted in computing such Consolidated Net Income), plus (ii) provision for taxes based on income or profits of such Person and its Subsidiaries for such period, to the extent that such provision for taxes was included in computing such Consolidated Net Income, plus (iii) the Fixed Charges of such Person and its Subsidiaries for such period, to the extent that such Fixed Charges were deducted in computing such Consolidated Net Income, plus (iv) depreciation and amortization of such Person and its Subsidiaries for such period to the extent that such depreciation and amortization were deducted in computing such Consolidated Net Income, plus (v) other non-cash charges to the extent that such non-cash charges were deducted in computing such Consolidated Net Income, in each case, on a consolidated basis and determined in accordance with GAAP. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the provision for taxes on the income or profits of, and the depreciation and amortization of a Subsidiary of the referent Person shall be added to Consolidated Net Income to compute EBITDA only to the extent (and in the same proportion) that the Net Income of such Subsidiary was included in calculating the Consolidated Net Income of such Person and only of a corresponding amount would be permitted at the date of determination to be dividended to such Person by such Subsidiary without prior approval (that has not been obtained), pursuant to the terms of its charter and all agreements, instruments, judgments, decrees, orders, statutes, rules and governmental regulations applicable to that Subsidiary or its stockholders. 'Fixed Charges' means, with respect to any Person for any period, the sum of (i) the consolidated interest expense of such Person and its Subsidiaries for such period, whether paid or accrued (including, without limitation, amortization of original issue discount, non-cash interest payments, the interest component of any deferred payment obligations, the interest component of all payments associated with Capital Lease Obligations, commissions, and discounts and other fees and charges incurred in respect of letters of credit or bankers' acceptance financings, (ii) the consolidated interest expense of such Person and its Subsidiaries that was 54 capitalized during such period, (iii) any interest expense on Indebtedness of another Person that is Guaranteed by such Person or one of its Subsidiaries or secured by a lien on assets of such Person or one of its Subsidiaries (whether or not such Guarantee or lien is called upon), (iv) the product of (a) all cash dividend payments (and non-cash dividend payments in the case of a Person that is a Subsidiary) on any series of preferred stock of such Person, times (b) a fraction, the numerator of which is one and the denominator of which is one minus the then current combined federal, state and local statutory tax rate of such Person, expressed as a decimal, in each case, on a consolidated basis and in accordance with GAAP, and (v) (without duplication of any of the foregoing) one-third of the aggregate rental obligations of such Person and its Subsidiaries for such period, whether paid or accrued, in respect of leases of real and personal property, whether or not such obligations are reflected as liabilities on the balance sheet of such Person and its Subsidiaries. 'Indebtedness' means, with respect to any Person, any of the following (without duplication): (i)(a) any liability or obligation of the Person for borrowed money (including, without limitation, principal and premium, if any, interest, fees, penalties, expenses, collection expenses, and other obligations in respect thereof, and, to the extent permitted by applicable law, interest accruing after the filing of a petition initiating any proceeding under the Bankruptcy Code whether or not allowed as a claim in such proceeding),whether or not evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or other written instruments, and any other liability or obligation evidenced by notes, bonds debentures or similar instruments (other than the Notes) whether or not contingent and, with respect to any of the foregoing, whether outstanding on the date of execution of the Indenture or thereafter created, incurred or assumed, (b) any deferred payment obligation of the Person for the payment of the purchase price of property or assets evidenced by a note or similar instrument (excluding any obligation for accounts payable, trade payables, royalties, advances or guarantees of minimum royalties in respect of agreements for the acquisition, development or distribution of intellectual properties, games or other products in the ordinary course of business recorded as deferred expenses or current liabilities, or obligations constituting the deferred purchase price of property or assets which is not evidenced by a note or similar instrument and which is unsecured), (c) Capital Lease Obligations (d) all obligations of the Person under interest rate and currency swaps, floors, caps, or similar arrangements intended to fix interest rate obligations or currency fluctuation risks, (e) all obligations of the Person evidenced by a letter of credit or any reimbursement obligation of the Person in respect of a letter of credit, whether outstanding on the date of execution of the Indenture or thereafter created, incurred or assumed (f) all obligations of others secured by a lien to which any of the properties or assets of the Person are subject (including, without limitation, leasehold interests and any intangible property rights), whether or not the obligations secured thereby have been assumed by the Person or shall otherwise be the Person's legal obligation, whether outstanding on the date of execution of the Indenture or thereafter created, incurred or assumed and (g) all obligations of others of the kinds described in the preceding clauses (a),(b),(c),(d) or (e) assumed by or guaranteed by the Person and the obligations of the Person under guarantees of any such obligations; and (ii) any amendments, renewals, extensions, deferrals, modifications, refinancing and refunding of any of the foregoing. 'Indebtedness' shall not include; (i) any indebtedness of the Person to any Subsidiary or to any Affiliate of the Person or any of the Subsidiaries or of any Subsidiary or Affiliate of any Subsidiary of the Person to the Person, (ii) any indebtedness incurred in connection with the purchase of goods, assets, materials or services in the ordinary course of business or representing amounts recorded as accounts payable, trade payables, royalties, advances or guarantees of minimum royalties in respect of agreements for the acquisition, development or distribution of intellectual properties, games or other products in the ordinary course of business recorded as deferred expenses or current liabilities, other current liabilities (other than for borrowed money) or deferred revenue and deposits of the Person on the books of the Person (which are unsecured), (iii) any indebtedness of or amount owed by the Person to employees for services rendered to the Person or in connection with the severance of such employment, and (iv) any liability for Federal, state, local or other taxes owing or owed by the Person. 'Net Income' means, with respect to any Person, the net income (loss) of such Person, determined in accordance with GAAP and before any reduction in respect of preferred stock dividends, excluding, however, (i) any gain (but not loss), together with any related provision for taxes on such gain (but not loss), realized in connection with any Sale of Assets and (ii) any extraordinary or nonrecurring gain (but not loss), together with any related provision for taxes on such extraordinary or nonrecurring gain (but not loss). 'Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness' means any Indebtedness of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries issued in exchange for, or the net proceeds of which are used solely to extend, refinance, renew, replace, defease 55 or refund, in whole or in part, other Indebtedness of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries; provided that: (i) the principal amount of such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness does not exceed the principal amount of the Indebtedness so extended, refinanced, renewed, replaced, defeased or refunded (plus the amount of any premiums paid and reasonable expenses incurred in connection therewith); (ii) such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness has a final maturity date equal to or later than the final maturity date of, and has a Weighted Average Life to Maturity equal to or later than the Weighted Average Life to Maturity of, the Indebtedness being extended, refinanced, renewed, replaced, defeased or refunded provided that the restrictions set forth in this subparagraph (ii) shall not apply to any refinancing of the Fleet Loan which refinancing shall in any case be deemed to be Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness; (iii) if the Indebtedness being extended, refinanced, renewed, replaced, defeased or refunded is subordinated in right of payment to the Notes, such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness has a final maturity date equal to or later than the final maturity date of, and is subordinated in right of payment to, the Notes on terms at least as favorable to the Holders of Notes as those contained in the documentation governing the Indebtedness being extended, refinanced, renewed, replaced, defeased or refunded; and (iv) such Indebtedness is incurred either by the Company or by the Subsidiary who is the obligor on the Indebtedness being extended, refinanced, renewed, replaced, defeased or refunded. 'Weighted Average Life to Maturity' means, when applied to any Indebtedness at any date, the number of years obtained by dividing (i) the sum of the products obtained by multiplying (a) the amount of each then remaining installment, sinking fund, serial maturity or other required payments of principal, including payment at final maturity, in respect thereof, by (b) the number of years (calculated to the nearest one-twelfth) that will elapse between such date and the making of such payment, by (ii) the then outstanding principal amount of such Indebtedness. RESTRICTED PAYMENTS The Indenture provides that the Company shall not make any Restricted Payment to any Person and the Company shall not permit any Subsidiary or Affiliate to make any Restricted Payment other than to the Company. (Section 6.11) 'Restricted Payment' means, (i) the declaration or payment of any dividend or the occurrence of any liability to make any other payment or distribution of cash or other property or assets (other than payment or distribution of Capital Stock, other than Disqualified Capital Stock) by such Person in respect of such Person's Stock, excluding dividends from one Subsidiary to another or to the Company and excluding cash dividends by the Company which do not exceed $2 million in the aggregate in any fiscal year, (ii) except for the purchase of shares of Common Stock of the Company in the aggregate amount of up to $2 million in any fiscal year, any payment on account of the purchase, redemption, defeasance or other retirement of such Person's Stock (other than payment or distribution of Capital Stock, other than Disqualified Capital Stock) or any other payment or distribution made in respect thereof, either directly or indirectly, or (iii) any payment, loan, contribution, or other transfer of funds or other property (other than payments or distributions of Capital Stock, other than Disqualified Capital Stock) to any Stockholder of such Person in their capacity as Stockholders as opposed to employees, directors or consultants; provided, however, that no Event of Default exists or would be caused by the making of a Restricted Payment. (Section 1.01) SUBORDINATION The payment of the principal of and premium, if any, and interest on the Notes is, to the extent set forth in the Indenture, subordinated in right of payment to the prior payment in full of all Senior Indebtedness. Upon any payment or distribution of assets to creditors upon any liquidation, dissolution, winding-up, reorganization, assignment for the benefit of creditors, marshaling of assets or any bankruptcy, insolvency or similar proceedings of the Company, the holders of all Senior Indebtedness will be first entitled to receive payment in full of all amounts due or to become due thereon before the Holders of the Notes will be entitled to receive any payment in respect of the principal of or premium, if any, or interest on the Notes. No payment or distribution of any assets of the Company shall be made on account of principal of and premium, if any, or interest on the Notes, in the event and during the continuation of (i) any default in the payment of principal of or premium, if any, or interest on any Senior Indebtedness beyond any applicable grace period with respect thereto or (ii) any other event of default with respect to any Senior Indebtedness permitting the holders of such Senior Indebtedness (or a trustee or other representative on behalf of the holders thereof) to declare such Senior Indebtedness due and payable 56 prior to the date on which it would otherwise have become due and payable, upon written notice thereof to the Company and the Trustee by any holders of Senior Indebtedness (or a trustee or other representative on behalf of the holders thereof) (the 'Default Notice'), unless and until such event of default shall have been cured or waived or ceased to exist and such acceleration shall have been rescinded or annulled; provided such payments may not be prevented under clause (ii) above for more than 179 days after an applicable Default Notice has been received by the Trustee unless the Senior Indebtedness in respect of which such event of default exists has been declared due and payable in its entirety, in which case no such payment may be made until such acceleration has been rescinded or annulled or such Senior Indebtedness has been paid in full. No event of default which existed or was continuing on the date of any Default Notice may be made the basis for the giving of a second Default Notice and only one such Default Notice may be given in any 365-day period unless the default which was the basis for the Default Notice shall have been cured or waived for a period of not less than 180 days. (Article Four) By reason of such subordination, in the event of insolvency, creditors of the Company who are not holders of Senior Indebtedness or of the Notes may recover less, ratably, than holders of Senior Indebtedness and may recover more, ratably, than the Holders of the Notes. 'Senior Indebtedness' means, with respect to any Person, any of the following (without duplication): (i) (a) any liability or obligation of the Person for borrowed money (including, without limitation, principal of and premium, if any, interest, fees, penalties, expenses, collection expenses, and other obligations in respect thereof, and, to the extent permitted by applicable law, interest accruing after the filing of a petition initiating any proceeding under the Bankruptcy Code whether or not allowed as a claim in such proceeding), whether or not evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or other written instruments, and any other liability or obligation evidenced by notes, bonds, debentures or similar instruments (other than the Notes) whether or not contingent, and with respect to any of the foregoing, whether outstanding on the date of execution of the Indenture or thereafter created, incurred or assumed, (b) any deferred payment obligation of the Person for the payment of the purchase price of property or assets evidenced by a note or similar instrument (excluding any obligation for accounts payable, trade payables, royalties, advances or guarantees of minimum royalties in respect of agreements for the acquisition, development or distribution of intellectual properties, games or other products in the ordinary course of business recorded as deferred expenses or current liabiities, or obligations constituting the deferred purchase price of property or assets which is not evidenced by a note or similar instrument and which is unsecured), (c) any Capital Lease Obligations, (d) all obligations of the Person under interest rate and currency swaps, floors, caps, or similar arrangements intended to fix interest rate obligations or currency fluctuation risks, (e) all obligations of the Person evidenced by a letter of credit or any reimbursement obligation of the Person in respect of a letter of credit and, with respect to any of the foregoing, whether outstanding on the date of execution of the Indenture or thereafter created, incurred or assumed (f) all obligations of others secured by a lien to which any of the properties or assets of the Person are subject (including, without limitation, leasehold interests and any intangible property rights), whether or not the obligations secured thereby have been assumed by the Person or shall otherwise be the Person's legal obligation and, with respect to any of the foregoing, whether outstanding on the date of execution of the Indenture or thereafter created, incurred or assumed and (g) all obligations of others of the kinds described in the preceding clauses (a), (b), (c), (d) or (e) assumed by or guaranteed by the Person and the obligations of the Person under guarantees of any such obligations; and (ii) any amendments, renewals, extensions, deferrals, modifications, refinancing and refunding of any of the foregoing. 'Senior Indebtedness' shall not include: (i) indebtedness that by the terms of the instrument or instruments by which such indebtedness was created or incurred expressly provides that it (a) is junior in right of payment to the Notes or (b) ranks pari passu, in right of payment with the Notes, (ii) any repurchase, redemption or other obligation in respect of Disqualified Capital Stock, (iii) any indebtedness of the Person to any Subsidiary or to any Affiliate of the Person or any of the Subsidiaries or of any Subsidiary or Affiliate of any Subsidiary of the Person to the Person, (iv) any indebtedness incurred in connection with the purchase of goods, assets, materials or services in the ordinary course of business or representing amounts recorded as accounts payable, trade payables, royalties, advances or guarantees of minimum royalties in respect of agreements for the acquisition, development or distribution of intellectual properties, games or other products in the ordinary course of business recorded as deferred expenses or current liabilities, other current liabilities (other than for borrowed money) or deferred revenue and deposits of the Person on the books of the Person (which are unsecured), (v) any indebtedness of or amount owed by the Person to employees for services rendered to the Person or in connection with the severance of such employment, or (vi) any liability for Federal, state, local or other taxes owing or owed by the Person. 57 The Notes are effectively subordinated to all Indebtedness and other liabilities and commitments (including trade payables and lease obligations) of the Company's Subsidiaries. Any right of the Company to receive assets of any such Subsidiary upon the liquidation or reorganization of any such Subsidiary (and the consequent right of the Holders of the Notes to participate in those assets) is effectively subordinated to the claims of that Subsidiary's creditors, except to the extent that the Company is itself recognized as a creditor of such Subsidiary, in which case the claims of the Company are still subordinate to any security interest in the assets of such Subsidiary and any indebtedness of such Subsidiary senior to that held by the Company. The Indenture permits the incurrence of certain additional Indebtedness, including Senior Indebtedness. At August 31, 1997, the Company's Senior Indebtedness aggregated approximately $15.6 million, including $4.1 million of indebtedness with respect to letters of credit and $3.8 million of obligations under capital leases. In addition, a significant portion of the Company's trade payables and other liabilities are liabilities of Subsidiaries of the Company and, therefore, the Notes are effectively subordinated to all such liabilities. The Company expects from time to time to incur additional Indebtedness, including Senior Indebtedness to the extent permitted by the Indenture. See Notes 11, 12, 13 and 14 of 'Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements' for a more detailed description of the Company's outstanding obligations or indebtedness. OPTIONAL REDEMPTION The Notes are redeemable at the Company's option (subject to the rights of holders of Senior Indebtedness), in whole or from time to time in part, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days' notice mailed to each Holder of the Notes to be redeemed at such Holder's address appearing in the Note Register, on any date on or after March 1, 2000 and prior to maturity. The Redemption Prices (expressed as a percentage of the principal amount) are as follows for the 12-month period beginning March 1 of the years indicated:
Year Percentage - ------------------------------------------------------------- ----------- 2000......................................................... 104.00% 2001......................................................... 102.00%
and at maturity at 100% of principal, together in the case of any such redemption with accrued interest to the Redemption Date (subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant Regular Record Date to receive interest due on an Interest Payment Date that is on or prior to the Redemption Date). In case of a partial redemption, selection of the Notes or portions thereof for redemption shall be made by the Trustee pro rata and in such manner as complies with any applicable legal requirements. On and after any redemption date, interest will cease to accrue on the Notes or parts thereof called for redemption as long as the Company has deposited with the Paying Agent funds in satisfaction of the redemption price pursuant to the Indenture. No sinking fund is provided for the Notes. EVENTS OF DEFAULT The following constitute Events of Default under the Indenture: (i) failure to pay principal of or premium, if any, on any Note when due, whether or not such payment is prohibited by the subordination provisions of the Indenture; (ii) failure to pay any interest on any Note when due, continued for 30 days, whether or not such payment is prohibited by the subordination provisions of the Indenture; (iii) default in the payment of the Repurchase Price in respect of any Note on the Repurchase Date therefor, whether or not such payment is prohibited by the subordination provisions of the Indenture; (iv) failure to perform or breach of any other covenant of the Company in the Indenture, which continues for 60 days after written notice as provided in the Indenture; and 58 (v) certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of the Company or any Significant Subsidiary. (Section 7.01) Subject to the provisions of the Indenture relating to the duties of the Trustee, in case an Event of Default shall occur and be continuing, the Trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under the Indenture at the request or direction of any of the Holders, unless such Holders shall have offered to the Trustee reasonable indemnity. (Section 8.01) Subject to the Trustee being offered reasonable security or indemnity against the costs, expenses and liabilities which might be incurred by the Trustee, the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Notes will have the right by written instruction to the Trustee, to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred on the Trustee. (Section 7.05) If an Event of Default shall occur and be continuing, either the Trustee or the Holders of not less than 30% in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Notes may accelerate the maturity of all Notes; provided, however, that after such acceleration, but before a judgment or decree based on acceleration, the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Notes may, under certain circumstances, rescind and annul such acceleration if all Events of Default, other than the non-payment of accelerated principal, have been cured or waived as provided in the Indenture. (Section 7.02) For information as to waiver of defaults, see 'Modification and Waiver' below. No Holder of any Note will have any right to institute any proceeding with respect to the Indenture or for any remedy thereunder, unless (i) such Holder shall have previously given to the Trustee written notice of a continuing Event of Default and unless also the Holders of at least 30% in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Notes shall have made written request to the Trustee to institute proceedings, (ii) such Holder has offered to the Trustee reasonable indemnity, (iii) the Trustee for 60 days after receipt of such notice has failed to institute any such proceeding and (iv) no direction inconsistent with such request shall have been given to the Trustee during such 60-day period by the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Notes. (Section 7.06) However, such limitations do not apply to a suit instituted by a Holder of a Note for enforcement of (a) payment of the principal of and premium, if any, or interest on such Note on or after the respective due dates expressed in such Note, (b) the right to require repurchase of such Note or (c) the right to convert such Note in accordance with the Indenture. (Section 7.07) The Indenture provides that the Company will deliver to the Trustee, within 90 days after the end of each fiscal year, an officers' certificate, stating as to each signer thereof that he or she is familiar with the affairs of the Company and whether or not to his or her knowledge the Company is in default in the performance and observance of any of the Company's obligations under the Indenture and if the Company shall be in default, specifying all such defaults of which he or she has knowledge and the nature and status thereof. (Section 6.04) CONSOLIDATION, MERGER AND SALE OF ASSETS The Company, without the consent of the Holders of any of the Notes under the Indenture, may consolidate with or merge into any other Person or convey, transfer or lease its assets substantially as an entirety to any Person, provided that (i) the successor is a Person organized under the laws of any domestic jurisdiction; (ii) the successor Person, if other than the Company, assumes the Company's obligations on the Notes and under the Indenture; (iii) after giving effect to the transaction no Event of Default, and no event after notice or lapse of time, would become an Event of Default, shall have occurred and be continuing; (iv) the Company or the surviving person (if other than the Company) (A) will have Consolidated Net Worth (immediately after the transaction but prior to any purchase accounting adjustments resulting from the transaction) greater than or equal to the Consolidated Net Worth of the Company immediately preceding the transaction and (B) will, at the time of such transaction after giving pro forma effect thereto as if such transaction had occurred at the beginning of the applicable four-quarter period, be permitted to incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to Section 6.12 of the Indenture and (v) the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Officers' Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that such consolidation, merger, conveyance, transfer or lease and, if a supplemental indenture is required in connection with such transaction, such supplemental indenture, complies with this covenant and that all conditions precedent herein provided for relating to such transaction have been complied with. (Section 12.01) 59 'Consolidated Net Worth' means, with respect to any Person as of any date, the sum of (i) the consolidated equity of the common stockholders of such Person and its consolidated Subsidiaries as of such date plus (ii) the respective amounts reported on such Person's balance sheet as of such date with respect to any series of preferred stock (other than Disqualified Capital Stock). MODIFICATION AND WAIVER Modifications and amendments of the Indenture may be made by the Company and the Trustee with the consent of the Holders of 66 2/3% in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Notes; provided, however, that no such modification or amendment may, without consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Note affected thereby, (i) change the stated maturity of the principal of, or any installment of interest on any Note; (ii) reduce the principal amount of, or the premium or interest on any Note; (iii) change the place of payment where, or currency in which, any Note or any premium or interest thereof is payable; (iv) impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on or with respect to any Note; (v) adversely affect the right to convert the Notes; (vi) adversely affect the right to cause the Company to repurchase the Notes; (vii) modify the subordination provisions in a manner adverse to the Holders of the Notes; (viii) reduce the above-stated percentage of Outstanding Notes necessary to modify or amend the Indenture; or (ix) reduce the percentage of aggregate principal amount of Outstanding Notes necessary for waiver of compliance with certain provisions of the Indenture or for waiver of certain defaults. (Section 11.02) The Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of Outstanding Notes may waive compliance by the Company with certain restrictive provisions of the Indenture. (Section 7.04) The Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Notes may waive any past default or right under the Indenture, except (i) a default in payment of principal, premium or interest, (ii) the right of a Holder to redeem or convert the Note or (iii) with respect to any covenant or provision of the Indenture that requires the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Note affected. (Section 7.04) REPURCHASE AT OPTION OF HOLDERS UPON A REPURCHASE EVENT The Indenture provides that if a Repurchase Event occurs after initial issuance of the Notes, each Holder of the Notes shall have the right (which right may not be waived by the Board of Directors or the Trustee) at the Holder's option, to require the Company to repurchase all of such Holder's Notes, or any portion thereof that is an integral multiple of $1,000, on the date (the 'Repurchase Date') that is 45 calendar days after the date of the Company Notice (as defined below), for cash at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of such Notes to be repurchased (the 'Repurchase Price'), together with accrued interest to the Repurchase Date. (Section 6.09) Within 15 calendar days after the occurrence of a Repurchase Event, the Company is obligated to mail all Holders of record of the Notes a notice (the 'Company Notice') of the occurrence of such Repurchase Event and of the repurchase right arising thereof. The Company must deliver a copy of the Company Notice to the Trustee. To exercise the repurchase right, the Holder of such Note must deliver on or before the fifth day preceding the Repurchase Date irrevocable written notice to the Trustee of the Holder's exercise of such right (except that the right of the Holders to convert such Notes shall continue until the close of business on the last Trading Day preceding the Repurchase Date), together with the Notes with respect to which the right is being exercised, duly endorsed for transfer to the Company. (Section 6.09) A Repurchase Event will be deemed to have occurred at such time after initial issuance of the Notes if: (i) any Person (including any syndicate or group deemed to be a 'Person' under Section 13(d)(3)of the Exchange Act), other than the Company, any subsidiary of the Company or any current or future employee or director benefit plan of the Company or any subsidiary of the Company or any entity holding Capital Stock of the Company for or pursuant to the terms of such plan, or an underwriter engaged in a firm commitment underwriting in connection with a public offering of Capital Stock of the Company, is or becomes the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, through a purchase, merger or other acquisition transaction or series of transactions of shares of Capital Stock of the Company entitling such Person to exercise 50% or more of the total voting power of all shares of Capital Stock of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors; 60 (ii) the Company sells or transfers all or substantially all of the assets of the Company to another Person; (iii) there occurs any consolidation of the Company with, or merger of the Company into, any other Person, any merger of another Person into the Company (other than a merger (a) which does not result in any reclassification, conversion, exchange or cancellation of outstanding shares of Common Stock, (b) which is effected solely to change the jurisdiction of incorporation of the Company and results in a reclassification, conversion or exchange of outstanding shares of Common Stock solely into shares of Common Stock, or (c) a transaction in which the stockholders of the Company immediately prior to such transaction owned, directly or indirectly, immediately following such transaction, at least a majority of the combined voting power of the outstanding voting stock of the Company resulting from the transaction, such stock to be owned by such stockholders in substantially the same proportion as their ownership of the voting stock of the Company immediately prior to such transaction); (iv) a change in the Board of Directors of the Company in which the individuals who constituted the Board of Directors of the Company at the beginning of the 24-month period immediately preceding such change (together with any other director whose election by the Board of Directors of the Company or whose nomination for election by the stockholders of the Company was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the directors then in office either who were directors at the beginning of such period or whose election or nomination for election was previously so approved) cease for any reason to constitute a majority of the directors then in office; or (v) the Common Stock of the Company is the subject of a 'Rule 13e-3 transaction' as defined under the Exchange Act. provided, however, that a Repurchase Event shall not be deemed to have occurred if the closing price per share of the Common Stock for any five Trading Days within the period of ten consecutive Trading Days ending immediately before a Repurchase Event shall equal or exceed 110% of the Conversion Price of such Notes in effect on each such Trading Day. A 'beneficial owner' shall be determined in accordance with Rule 13d-3 promulgated by the Commission under the Exchange Act, as in effect on the date of execution of the Indenture. (Sections 1.01 and 6.09) The right to require the Company to repurchase the Notes as a result of the occurrence of a Repurchase Event could create an event of default under Senior Indebtedness as a result of which any repurchase could, absent a waiver, be blocked by the subordination provisions of the Notes. The occurence of a Repurchase Event is specifically an event of default under the Company's main credit facility with BNY. See 'Subordination' above. Failure of the Company to repurchase the Notes when required would result in an Event of Default with respect to the Notes whether or not such repurchase is permitted by the subordination provisions. The Company's ability to pay cash to the Holders of Notes upon a repurchase may be limited by certain financial covenants contained in the Company's credit agreement. Rule 13e-4 under the Exchange Act requires, among other things, the dissemination of certain information to security holders in the event of any issuer tender offer and may apply in the event that the repurchase option becomes available to the Holders of the Notes. The Company will comply with this rule to the extent applicable at that time. (Section 6.09) The repurchase feature of the Notes may in certain circumstances make more difficult or discourage a takeover of the Company and the removal of incumbent management. The foregoing provisions would not necessarily afford Holders of the Notes protection in the event of highly leveraged or other transactions involving the Company that may adversely affect Holders. Except as described above with respect to a Repurchase Event, the Indenture does not contain provisions permitting the Holders of the Notes to require the Company to repurchase or redeem the Notes in the event of a takeover, recapitalization or similar transaction. Subject to the limitation on mergers and consolidations described above, the Company, its management or its subsidiaries could, in the future, enter into certain transactions, including refinancing, certain recapitalizations, acquisitions, the sale of all or substantially all of its assets, the liquidation of the Company or similar transactions, that would not constitute a Repurchase Event under the Indenture, but that would increase the amount of Senior Indebtedness (or any other Indebtedness) outstanding at such time or substantially reduce or eliminate the Company's assets. There are certain restrictions in the Indenture on the creation of Senior Indebtedness (and other Indebtedness), however, under certain circumstances, the incurrence of significant amounts 61 of additional indebtedness could have an adverse effect on the Company's ability to service its indebtedness, including the Notes. If a Repurchase Event were to occur, there is no assurance that the Company would have sufficient funds to repurchase all Notes tendered by the Holders thereof or to make any principal, premium, if any, or interest payments otherwise required by the Notes. As noted above, one of the events that constitutes a Repurchase Event under the Indenture is a sale or other transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company. The Indenture will be governed by New York law, and the definition under New York law of 'substantially all' of the assets of a corporation varies according to the facts and circumstances of the transaction. Accordingly, if the Company were to engage in a transaction in which it disposed of less than all of its assets, a question of interpretation could arise as to whether such disposition was of 'substantially all' of its assets and whether the transaction was a Repurchase Event. SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE The Company may, subject to certain conditions, discharge its obligations under the Indenture while the Notes remain outstanding if (i) all outstanding Notes will become due and payable at their scheduled maturity within one year or (ii) all outstanding Notes are scheduled for redemption within one year, and, in either case, the Company has deposited with the Trustee an amount sufficient to pay and discharge all outstanding Notes on the date of their scheduled maturity or the scheduled date of redemption. (Section 13.01) REPORTS In addition to complying with any applicable legal requirements, the Company has agreed to deliver to the Holders of record, and to any beneficial owners so requesting, annual reports containing audited consolidated financial statements with a report thereon by the Company's independent public accountants. (Section 8.06) GOVERNING LAW The Indenture and the Notes are governed by and shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York. INFORMATION CONCERNING THE TRUSTEE IBJ Schroder Bank & Trust Company, New York, New York, has been appointed Trustee, Paying Agent and Conversion Agent under the Indenture. A successor Trustee may be appointed in accordance with the terms of the Indenture. The Trustee's duties are set forth in the TIA, and in the Indenture. The TIA imposes certain limitations on the right of the Trustee, in the event it becomes a creditor of the Company, to obtain payment of claims in certain cases, or to realize on certain property received in respect to any such claim as security or otherwise. The Trustee will be permitted to engage in other transactions; provided, however, if it acquires any conflicting interest within the meaning of Section 310 of the TIA, it must generally either eliminate such conflict or resign. Prior to an Event of Default, the Trustee is responsible to perform only such duties as are specifically set out in the Indenture. In case an Event of Default shall occur (and shall not be cured), the TIA requires that the Trustee use the degree of care of a prudent person in the conduct of its own affairs in the exercise of its powers. Subject to such provisions, the Trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under the Indenture at the request of any of the Holders of Notes, unless they shall have offered to the Trustee reasonable indemnity. (Section 8.01) The Holders of a majority in principal amount of all outstanding Notes have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for exercising any remedy or power available to the Trustee, provided that such direction does not conflict with any rule of law or with the Indenture, is not prejudicial to the rights of another Holder or the Trustee, and does not involve the Trustee in personal liability. (Sections 7.05 and 8.01) 62 MISCELLANEOUS The Notes are fully paid and nonassessable. Holders of Notes do not have preemptive rights. The Company has agreed to at all times reserve and keep available out of its authorized and unissued Common Stock and/or issued shares of Common Stock held in its treasury, solely for issuance upon the conversion of the Notes, such number of shares of Common Stock as will from time to time be deliverable upon the conversion of the Notes then outstanding. DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK GENERAL The following statements do not purport to be complete and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the detailed provisions of the Company's Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws, each as amended, as more particularly described below, as well as the Indenture described above. COMMON STOCK The Company is authorized to issue 100,000,000 shares of Common Stock, of which 50,319,190 shares are issued and outstanding. As of August 31, 1997, options to purchase an aggregate of approximately 11.5 million shares of Common Stock were outstanding under the Plan (of which options to purchase approximately 5.4 million shares were exercisable as of such date), 123,540 shares have been issued under the 1995 Restricted Stock Plan, 290,007 shares are reserved for issuance upon exercise of options issued other than under the Plan, and 200,000 shares are reserved for issuance upon exercise of warrants granted to BNY. The Company has also reserved an aggregate of 2,625,000 additional shares of Common Stock for issuance upon exercise of warrants granted to Messrs. G. Fischbach and Scoroposki in connection with their execution of certain security agreements. The outstanding Common Stock is fully paid and nonassessable. The holders of Common Stock are entitled to one vote per share for the election of directors and with respect to all other matters submitted to a vote of stockholders. Shares of Common Stock do not have cumulative voting rights, which means that the holders of more than 50% of such shares voting for the election of directors can elect 100% of the directors if they choose to do so and, in such event, the holders of the remaining shares so voting will not be able to elect any directors. The holders of Common Stock are entitled to receive such dividends as may lawfully be declared from time to time by the Board of Directors at its discretion, subject to the priorities accorded any class of preferred stock which may be issued, and to the restrictions under the Indenture (described above). The holders of Common Stock have no preemptive or conversion rights, nor are there any redemption or sinking fund rights with respect to the Common Stock. Upon any liquidation, dissolution, or winding up of the Company, the holders of Common Stock are entitled to receive all assets remaining after the payment of corporate debts and liabilities, including the Notes and any liquidation preferences of, and unpaid dividends on, any class of preferred stock which then may be outstanding. PREFERRED STOCK The Company is authorized to issue 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, none of which are currently outstanding. The Board of Directors is empowered, without further action by the stockholders, to issue from time to time one or more series of preferred stock (up to an aggregate of 1,000,000 shares), to fix the dividend rights, dividend rate, conversion rights, rights and terms of redemption (including sinking fund provisions), redemption prices, liquidation preferences, voting rights and other terms of any wholly unissued series of preferred stock and to determine the designation of and (subject to the aggregate limit of 1,000,000 shares) the number of shares constituting any such unissued series. Such blanket power to issue preferred stock could be viewed as an anti-takeover device, and might have an adverse effect on the public stockholders. The Company has no plans to issue any preferred stock. See 'Risk Factors--Anti Takeover Provisions.' 63 Series A Preferred Stock--The Company's Board of Directors has adopted resolutions designating 200,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock, no par value per share, stated value $10 per share, none of which is currently issued and outstanding. The Board of Directors has not designated any other series of preferred stock, other than the Series A Preferred Stock. Pursuant to the Indenture, the Company has agreed not to issue any Preferred Stock other than in compliance with the restrictions described above. SECTION 203 OF THE DELAWARE GENERAL CORPORATION LAW Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law generally restricts a corporation from entering into certain business combinations with an interested stockholder (defined as any person or entity that is the beneficial owner of at least 15% of a corporation's voting stock) or its affiliates for a period of three years after the date of the transactions in which the person became an interested stockholder unless (i) the transaction is approved by the board of directors of the corporation prior to such business combination, (ii) the interested stockholder acquires 85% of the corporation's voting stock in the same transaction in which it exceeds 15%, or (iii) the business combination is approved by the board of directors and by a vote of two-thirds of the outstanding voting stock not owned by the interested stockholder. The Delaware General Corporation Law provides that a corporation may elect not to be governed by Section 203. At present, the Company does not intend to make such an election. Section 203 may render more difficult a change in control of the Company or the removal of incumbent management. TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR American Securities Transfer, Inc., Denver, Colorado, is Transfer Agent and Registrar for the Common Stock. LEGAL MATTERS Certain matters in respect of the Notes (and Shares issuable upon conversion thereof) offered hereby will be passed upon on behalf of the Company by Rosenman & Colin LLP, New York, New York. EXPERTS The Consolidated Financial Statements and schedule of Acclaim Entertainment, Inc. and its subsidiaries as of and for the years ended August 31, 1997 and 1996 have been included in this Prospectus and in the registration statement of which it forms a part in reliance upon the report of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP ('KPMG'), independent certified public accountants, appearing elsewhere herein, and upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing. The report of KPMG contains an explanatory paragraph that states that the Company's significant losses from operations in fiscal 1997 and 1996 and its working capital and Stockholders' deficiencies at August 31, 1997 raise substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of that uncertainty. The report also indicates that the auditors were unable to review the fiscal 1996 selected quarterly data in accordance with professional standards. The Consolidated Financial Statements as of August 31, 1995 and for the year ended August 31, 1995 included in this Prospectus have been audited by Grant Thornton LLP ('GT'), independent certified public accountants, as stated in their report appearing herein. The report of GT for fiscal 1995 includes an emphasis paragraph as to uncertainty relating to the eventual outcome of certain class action lawsuits. See also 'Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Statement Disclosure.' 64 CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE On July 24, 1996, at the recommendation of its Audit Committee (the 'Audit Committee'), the Board of Directors of the Company adopted a resolution (i) not to retain GT as the Company's independent auditors for the fiscal year ending August 31, 1996 and (ii) to engage KPMG as the Company's independent auditors for the fiscal year ending August 31, 1996. GT was so advised on July 25, 1996. The reports of GT on the Company's consolidated financial statements as of and for the two years ended August 31, 1995 and 1994 did not contain an adverse opinion or a disclaimer of opinion nor were they qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principles, except that the report of GT on the Company's financial statements for the fiscal year ended August 31, 1995 contains a modification as to uncertainty relating to the eventual outcome of certain class action lawsuits in which the Company and certain of its officers and directors have been named as defendants. See Note 20 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. During the Company's two most recent fiscal years ended August 31, 1995 and in the interim period from September 1, 1995 through July 24, 1996 there were no disagreements with GT on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure, which disagreements, if not resolved to the satisfaction of GT, would have caused them to make reference thereto in their report(s) on the Company's financial statements for such fiscal year(s) or for such interim period, except: (a) A matter, which was resolved to GT's satisfaction, in respect of the timing of the recognition of certain revenues from nonrefundable, recoupable exclusivity fees, which had been included in revenues for the fourth quarter of fiscal 1995 in the October 1995 announcement by the Company of its financial results for fiscal 1995. The Audit Committee and/or senior management of the Company, on the one hand, and GT, on the other hand, had several discussions in respect of such matter. The matter was resolved by the Company revising such announced financial results to exclude such revenues from its financial results for fiscal 1995. (b) A matter, which was resolved to GT's satisfaction, in respect of the balance sheet presentation of a $19 million loan from Midland Bank plc. As of August 31, 1995, the Company did not meet a financial ratio covenant in the loan agreement relating to such loan. The Company's senior management and GT discussed this matter, which was resolved by the Company reclassifying the $19 million loan from long term debt to current liabilities. In addition, GT proposed several audit adjustments that were not recorded by the Company because they were considered by the Company and GT to be immaterial to the Company's consolidated financial statements for fiscal 1995 taken as a whole. During the Company's two most recent fiscal years ended August 31, 1995 and the interim period from September 1, 1995 through July 24, 1996, there were no 'reportable events' as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K ('Regulation S-K') promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, except as follows: By letter dated April 15, 1996, GT advised the Company that they had noted certain internal control structure matters that related to significant deficiencies in the design or operation of the Company's internal control structure, relating to the quality and depth of financial management, analysis of significant estimates, lack of internal audit function and accounting for capitalized software costs, that, in their judgment, could adversely affect the Company's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data consistent with the assertions of management in the Company's financial statements. In May 1996, KPMG was retained to conduct a review of certain internal controls to identify and assist the Company to implement any additional necessary steps to strengthen its internal controls. A member of the Audit Committee and/or senior management has discussed the subject matter of each item described above with GT, and the Company has authorized GT to respond fully to all inquiries of KPMG concerning the subject matter thereof. 65 In response to the Company's draft Form 8-K filing presented to GT, the Company received the following letter dated July 31, 1996 from GT which was filed as an Exhibit to the Company's Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission: Securities and Exchange Commission Washington, D.C. 20549 Re: Acclaim Entertainment, Inc. File No. 0-16986 Dear Sir or Madam: We have read Item 4 of the Form 8-K of Acclaim Entertaiment, Inc. We believe it should be supplemented and, in part, amended to reflect the following: With regard to the interim period from September 1, 1995 through July 24, 1996, we were not engaged to perform timely reviews of the fiscal 1996 quarterly consolidated financial statements of the Registrant. On July 17, 1996, however, we were engaged to perform a review of the quarterly consolidated financial statements of the Registrant for each of the first three quarters of the fiscal year ending August 31, 1996 in respect of the Registrant's filing on Form S-3 on behalf of certain selling shareholders. On July 25, 1996, the Registrant orally advised us of our termination as their independent accountants. In connection with such review, certain matters, which were still pending at the time of our termination, may have resulted in additional disagreements and/or reportable events had we completed our procedures. These matters included the following: o the recognition and/or disclosure of a settlement offer pertaining to the Lazer-Tron class action litigations. o the recoverability asessment pertaining to excess of costs over net assets acquired attributable to Acclaim Comics, Inc. o the findings of the 'internal controls audit' being conducted by KPMG Peat Marwick. With regard to reportable events, we had issued our Internal Control Structure/Reportable Conditions letter dated April 15, 1996 (an initial draft of which was provided to the Registrant on January 25, 1996) summarizing reportable conditions and recommendations which specifically addressed the Registrant's quality and depth of financial management, analysis of significant estimates, lack of internal audit function and accounting for capitalized software costs. Further, the reportable conditions discussed therein are those that we had noted as of December 8, 1995 in conjunction with our audit of the Registrant's consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended August 31, 1995; we have not updated our procedures regarding such matters since that date. We have not discussed with the Audit Committee the subject matter of our Internal Control Structure/Reportable Conditions letter, despite our requests to the Registrant to meet with the Audit Committee for that purpose. With regard to the subject matter of the disagreements set forth in Item 4 which are contained in more detail in our Report to the Audit Committee dated April 15, 1996 (an initial draft of which was provided to the Registrant on January 18, 1996), please be advised that we had a telephonic discussion on December 4, 1995 with the Audit Committee addressing only disagreements that had occurred through that date. In connection with the Registrant's filing on Form S-3 referred to above, we requested the Proxy Statement for the upcoming Annual Shareholders' meeting which would be incorporated by reference in the Form S-3, thereby forming a part of the registration statement. Professional standards require that we read such information. We were informed by the Registrant as recently as July 23, 1996 that the Proxy Statement was not available for our review. On July 24, 1996, through EDGAR, we independently obtained a copy of such requested Proxy Statement and learned that the Registrant had filed such Proxy Statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 18, 1996. We viewed this as a restriction placed by the Registrant on information requested by us during the conduct of our procedures. With regard to the Registrant's retention of KPMG Peat Marwick to conduct an 'internal controls audit,' we did not discuss this matter with the Registrant's Audit Committee and/or senior management. 66 However, as described in our Report to the Audit Committee dated April 15, 1996 (an initial draft of which was provided to the Registrant on January 18, 1996), we were informed by management that the Registrant's legal counsel retained KPMG Peat Marwick to assist in responding to the Securities and Exchange Commission's Division of Enforcement. Further, we have no knowledge as to the specific matters on which KPMG Peat Marwick was consulted. * * * * * With regard to the following statements made by the Registrant in Item 4 of Form 8-K dated July 24, 1996, we have no basis for agreeing or disagreeing with: o the first sentence of Item 4 with respect to the July 24, 1996 Board of Directors resolution. o the last sentence to the first paragraph of Item 4 with respect to the Registrant's press release and any information contained therein. o the last sentence to the second subparagraph (b) of the third paragraph of Item 4 with respect to the matter referred to in such paragraph being resolved with the bank. o the sixth paragraph of Item 4 with respect to the May 1996 retention of KPMG to conduct an 'internal controls audit.' Very truly yours, GRANT THORNTON LLP In response to GT's letter of July 31, 1996, the Company notes the following: (a) Notwithstanding the fact that GT was not retained to perform formal reviews of the Company's financial statements for the first, second and third quarters of fiscal 1996, GT provided the Company with extensive advice and consultation regarding the appropriate presentation of such quarterly financial statements and also advised on the accounting theories and methodologies applied; and (b) In connection with GT's review of the Company's quarterly financial statements for each of the first three quarters of fiscal 1996 in respect of the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-3, GT advised the Company on Tuesday, July 23, 1996, that it had completed its review procedures, that there were no outstanding issues for further discussion and that GT would release its consent in connection with the Form S-3. In addition, on Tuesday, July 23, 1996, the Company delivered to GT its management representation letter, which generally signifies the completion of the review procedure. The Company delivered to GT a copy of the Proxy Statement relating to its annual meeting of stockholders to be held on August 7, 1996. On July 24, 1996, the Company was advised by GT that, upon review of the Proxy Statement, GT noted that auditors had not yet been retained for fiscal 1996 and accordingly, GT would not release its consent unless they were appointed as the Company's auditors for fiscal 1996. GT subsequently raised the matters discussed in GT's letter, which are disputed by the Company as indicated above. 67 TABLE OF CONTENTS TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ACCLAIM ENTERTAINMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
PAGE ---- Reports of Independent Auditors............................................ F-2 Report of Independent Certified Public Accountants......................... F-3 Consolidated Balance Sheets--August 31, 1997 and 1996...................... F-4 Statements of Consolidated Operations--Years Ended August 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995................................................................. F-5 Statements of Consolidated Stockholders' (Deficiency) Equity--Years Ended August 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995........................................... F-6 Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows--Years Ended August 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995................................................................. F-7 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements--Years Ended August 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995............................................................ F-9
F-1 INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT The Board of Directors and Stockholders Acclaim Entertainment, Inc. We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Acclaim Entertainment, Inc. and Subsidiaries as of August 31, 1997 and 1996, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' (deficiency) equity and cash flows for the years then ended. In connection with our audit of the consolidated financial statements, we also have audited the financial statement schedule for the years ended August 31, 1997 and 1996. These consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. 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 consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Acclaim Entertainment, Inc. and Subsidiaries as of August 31, 1997 and 1996, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the years then ended, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein. The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company's significant losses from operations in fiscal 1997 and 1996 and its working capital and stockholders' deficiencies at August 31, 1997 raise substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern. Management's plans in regard to these matters are also described in Note 2. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty. The fiscal 1996 selected quarterly financial data in Note 21 contain information that we did not audit, and, accordingly, we do not express an opinion on that data. We attempted but were unable to review the quarterly data in accordance with standards established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants because we believe that the Company's internal control structure policies and procedures for the preparation of interim financial information during fiscal 1996 did not provide an adequate basis to enable us to complete such a review. KPMG PEAT MARWICK LLP New York, New York November 5, 1997 F-2 REPORT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS Board of Directors and Stockholders, Acclaim Entertainment, Inc. We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' (deficiency) equity and cash flows of Acclaim Entertainment, Inc. and Subsidiaries for the year ended August 31, 1995. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. 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 audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the results of operations and cash flows of Acclaim Entertainment, Inc. and Subsidiaries for the year ended August 31, 1995 in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. We have also audited financial statement schedule II of Acclaim Entertainment, Inc. and Subsidiaries for the year ended August 31, 1995. In our opinion, the financial statement schedule presents fairly, in all material respects, the information required to be set forth therein. As described in Note 20, the Company and certain officers have been named as defendants in various class action claims, the outcome of which cannot presently be determined. Accordingly, no provision for any liability that might result upon the resolution of these matters has been made in the fiscal 1995 consolidated financial statements. GRANT THORNTON LLP New York, New York December 8, 1995 F-3 ACCLAIM ENTERTAINMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (IN 000S, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
AUGUST 31, -------------------- 1997 1996 -------- -------- ASSETS Current assets Cash and cash equivalents.......................... $ 26,254 $ 18,814 Marketable equity securities....................... -- 11,278 Accounts receivable--net........................... 18,729 20,478 Inventories........................................ 3,546 8,052 Prepaid expenses................................... 20,250 18,513 Income taxes receivable............................ -- 54,334 -------- -------- Total current assets.......................... 68,779 131,469 -------- -------- Other assets Fixed assets--net.................................. 34,268 42,779 Excess of cost over net assets acquired--net of accumulated amortization of $17,104 and $13,052, respectively...................................... 23,547 54,939 Other assets....................................... 6,581 10,464 -------- -------- Total assets.................................. $133,175 $239,651 -------- -------- -------- -------- LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' (DEFICIENCY) EQUITY Current liabilities Trade accounts payable............................. $ 17,007 $ 29,749 Short-term borrowings.............................. 643 5,321 Accrued expenses................................... 107,928 78,506 Income taxes payable............................... 4,840 724 Current portion of long-term debt.................. 1,002 25,527 Obligation under capital leases--current........... 1,515 1,681 -------- -------- Total current liabilities..................... 132,935 141,508 -------- -------- Long-term liabilities Long-term debt..................................... 52,655 -- Obligation under capital leases--noncurrent........ 2,264 3,685 Other long-term liabilities........................ 4,553 347 -------- -------- Total liabilities............................. 192,407 145,540 -------- -------- Minority interest..................................... (186) 522 Stockholders' (deficiency) equity Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 1,000 shares authorized; none issued........................... -- -- Common stock, $0.02 par value; 100,000 shares authorized; 50,122 and 50,041 shares issued, respectively...................................... 1,002 1,001 Additional paid in capital......................... 173,373 165,782 Accumulated deficit................................ (229,870) (70,642) Treasury stock, 474 and 348 shares, respectively... (2,904) (1,813) Foreign currency translation adjustment............ (647) (754) Unrealized gain on marketable equity securities.... -- 15 -------- -------- Total stockholders' (deficiency) equity....... (59,046) 93,589 -------- -------- Total liabilities and stockholders' (deficiency) equity.......................... $133,175 $239,651 -------- -------- -------- --------
See notes to consolidated financial statements. F-4 ACCLAIM ENTERTAINMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED OPERATIONS (IN 000S, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
FISCAL YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, ---------------------------------- 1997 1996 1995 --------- --------- -------- NET REVENUES............................... $ 165,411 $ 161,945 $566,723 COST OF REVENUES........................... 89,818 191,790 291,474 --------- --------- -------- GROSS PROFIT (LOSS)........................ 75,593 (29,845) 275,249 --------- --------- -------- OPERATING EXPENSES Selling, advertising, general and administrative expenses............... 118,993 183,722 180,957 Research and development expenses........ 30,824 34,582 10,126 Operating interest....................... 1,749 6,417 3,957 Depreciation and amortization............ 16,220 14,910 9,543 Goodwill writedown....................... 25,200 -- -- Litigation settlements................... 23,550 -- -- Downsizing charge........................ 10,000 5,000 -- --------- --------- -------- Total operating expenses................. 226,536 244,631 204,583 --------- --------- -------- (LOSS) EARNINGS FROM OPERATIONS............ (150,943) (274,476) 70,666 OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE) Interest income.......................... 2,186 3,845 2,131 Other (expense) income................... (5,702) 4,103 6,859 Interest expense......................... (4,601) (2,339) (3,382) --------- --------- -------- (LOSS) EARNINGS BEFORE INCOME TAXES........ (159,060) (268,867) 76,274 --------- --------- -------- PROVISION FOR (BENEFIT FROM) INCOME TAXES.................................... 882 (46,393) 31,625 --------- --------- -------- (LOSS) EARNINGS BEFORE MINORITY INTEREST... (159,942) (222,474) 44,649 --------- --------- -------- MINORITY INTEREST.......................... 714 1,106 121 --------- --------- -------- NET (LOSS) EARNINGS........................ $(159,228) $(221,368) $ 44,770 --------- --------- -------- --------- --------- -------- NET (LOSS) EARNINGS PER COMMON AND COMMON EQUIVALENT SHARE......................... $ (3.21) $ (4.47) $ 0.86 --------- --------- -------- --------- --------- -------- WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF COMMON AND COMMON EQUIVALENT SHARES OUTSTANDING..... 49,670 49,515 52,300 --------- --------- -------- --------- --------- --------
See notes to consolidated financial statements. F-5 ACCLAIM ENTERTAINMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED STOCKHOLDERS' (DEFICIENCY) EQUITY (IN 000S, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
PREFERRED STOCK(1) COMMON STOCK -------------- -------------- (ACCUMULATED FOREIGN ISSUED ISSUED ADDITIONAL DEFICIT) CURRENCY -------------- -------------- PAID-IN DEFERRED RETAINED TREASURY TRANSLATION SHARES AMOUNT SHARES AMOUNT CAPITAL COMPENSATION EARNINGS STOCK ADJUSTMENT ------ ------ ------ ------ ---------- ------------ ------------ -------- ---------- BALANCE AUGUST 31, 1994 -- -- 39,348 $ 787 $ 69,246 -- $ 106,571 $ (807 ) $ (554) ------ ------ ------ ------ ---------- ------------ ------------ -------- ---------- Net Earnings...................... -- -- -- -- -- -- 44,770 -- -- Issuances......................... -- -- 5,182 104 83,659 $(12,292) -- -- -- Deferred compensation expense..... -- -- -- -- -- 1,640 -- -- -- Exercise of Stock Options......... -- -- 628 13 4,170 -- -- -- -- Pooling of Interests with Lazer-Tron...................... -- -- 1,123 22 10,609 -- 1,800 -- -- Tax Benefit from Exercise of Stock Options......................... -- -- -- -- 1,101 -- -- -- -- Foreign Currency Translation Gain............................ -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 1,365 Unrealized Gain on Marketable Equity Securities............... -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- ------ ------ ------ ------ ---------- ------------ ------------ -------- ---------- BALANCE AUGUST 31, 1995 -- -- 46,281 926 168,785 (10,652) 153,141 (807 ) 811 ------ ------ ------ ------ ---------- ------------ ------------ -------- ---------- Net Loss.......................... -- -- -- -- -- -- (221,368) -- -- Issuances of Common Stock and Options......................... -- -- 463 9 7,756 (7,765) -- -- -- Deferred compensation expense..... -- -- -- -- -- 3,304 -- -- -- Exercise of Stock Options and Warrants........................ -- -- 552 11 3,711 -- -- -- -- Pooling of Interests with Sculptured and Probe............ -- -- 2,745 55 (55) -- (2,415) -- -- Tax Benefit from Exercise of Stock Options......................... -- -- -- -- 698 -- -- -- -- Employee shares returned or repurchased..................... -- -- -- -- -- -- -- (1,006 ) -- Foreign Currency Translation Loss............................ -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- (1,565) Unrealized Loss on Marketable Equity Securities............... -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- ------ ------ ------ ------ ---------- ------------ ------------ -------- ---------- BALANCE AUGUST 31, 1996 -- -- 50,041 1,001 180,895 (15,113) (70,642) (1,813 ) (754) ------ ------ ------ ------ ---------- ------------ ------------ -------- ---------- Net Loss.......................... -- -- -- -- -- -- (159,228) -- -- Issuances and Cancellations of Warrants and Options............ -- -- -- -- 722 566 -- -- -- Deferred compensation expense..... -- -- -- -- -- 6,134 -- -- -- Exercise of Stock Options......... -- -- 81 1 169 -- -- -- -- Employee shares returned or repurchased..................... -- -- -- -- -- -- (1,091 ) -- Foreign Currency Translation Gain............................ -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 107 Unrealized Loss on Marketable Equity Securities............... -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- ------ ------ ------ ------ ---------- ------------ ------------ -------- ---------- BALANCE AUGUST 31, 1997 -- -- 50,122 $1,002 $181,786 $ (8,413) $ (229,870) $(2,904 ) $ (647) ------ ------ ------ ------ ---------- ------------ ------------ -------- ---------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ---------- ------------ ------------ -------- ---------- UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON MARKETABLE EQUITY SECURITIES TOTAL -------------- --------- BALANCE AUGUST 31, 1994 -- $ 175,243 ------ --------- Net Earnings...................... -- 44,770 Issuances......................... -- 71,471 Deferred compensation expense..... -- 1,640 Exercise of Stock Options......... -- 4,183 Pooling of Interests with Lazer-Tron...................... -- 12,431 Tax Benefit from Exercise of Stock Options......................... -- 1,101 Foreign Currency Translation Gain............................ -- 1,365 Unrealized Gain on Marketable Equity Securities............... $2,503 2,503 ------ --------- BALANCE AUGUST 31, 1995 2,503 314,707 ------ --------- Net Loss.......................... -- (221,368) Issuances of Common Stock and Options......................... -- -- Deferred compensation expense..... -- 3,304 Exercise of Stock Options and Warrants........................ -- 3,722 Pooling of Interests with Sculptured and Probe............ -- (2,415) Tax Benefit from Exercise of Stock Options......................... -- 698 Employee shares returned or repurchased..................... -- (1,006) Foreign Currency Translation Loss............................ -- (1,565) Unrealized Loss on Marketable Equity Securities............... (2,488) (2,488) ------ --------- BALANCE AUGUST 31, 1996 15 93,589 ------ --------- Net Loss.......................... -- (159,228) Issuances and Cancellations of Warrants and Options............ -- 1,288 Deferred compensation expense..... -- 6,134 Exercise of Stock Options......... -- 170 Employee shares returned or repurchased..................... -- (1,091) Foreign Currency Translation Gain............................ -- 107 Unrealized Loss on Marketable Equity Securities............... (15) (15) ------ --------- BALANCE AUGUST 31, 1997 $ 0 $ (59,046) ------ --------- ------ ---------
- ------------------ (1) The Company is authorized to issue 1,000 shares of preferred stock at a par value of $0.01 per share, none of which shares is presently issued and outstanding. See notes to consolidated financial statements. F-6 ACCLAIM ENTERTAINMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS (IN 000S, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
FISCAL YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, ---------------------------------- 1997 1996 1995 --------- --------- -------- CASH FLOWS (USED IN) PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net (Loss) Earnings.................... $(159,228) $(221,368) $ 44,770 --------- --------- -------- ADJUSTMENTS TO RECONCILE NET (LOSS) EARNINGS TO NET CASH (USED IN) PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Depreciation and amortization.......... 41,420 14,910 9,543 Loss (gain) on sale of marketable securities.......................... 1,022 (3,690) (5,968) Provision for returns and discounts.... 28,161 214,079 25,081 Deferred income taxes.................. -- 4,264 8,610 Minority interest in net (loss) of consolidated subsidiary............. (714) (1,106) (121) Deferred compensation expense.......... 6,134 3,304 1,640 Non-cash inventory charges............. -- 25,753 -- Non-cash royalty charges............... 15,010 30,432 -- Litigation settlements................. 23,550 -- -- Other non-cash items................... 1,403 1,577 1,751 CHANGE IN ASSETS AND LIABILITIES, NET OF EFFECTS OF ACQUISITIONS: (Increase) in accounts receivable... (28,480) (28,123) (35,754) Decrease (Increase) in inventories....................... 1,299 (17,842) 1,298 (Increase) Decrease in prepaid expenses.......................... (10,250) 6,759 (17,345) Decrease (Increase) in other current assets............................ 319 (19) (8,813) (Decrease) in trade accounts payable........................... (11,598) (21,046) (23,031) (Decrease) Increase in accrued expenses.......................... (1,056) (14,612) 580 Increase (Decrease) in income taxes payable........................... 4,873 (31,572) (9,507) Decrease in income taxes receivable........................ 54,334 -- -- Increase in other long-term liabilities....................... 4,553 -- -- --------- --------- -------- Total adjustments................... 129,980 183,068 (52,036) --------- --------- -------- Net cash (used in) operating activities..................... (29,248) (38,300) (7,266) --------- --------- -------- CASH FLOWS PROVIDED BY (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Acquisition/divestiture of subsidiaries, net................... 6,964 7,912 1,743 Sales of marketable equity securities.......................... 10,241 14,599 57,160 Acquisition of fixed assets, excluding capital leases...................... (2,671) (13,488) (29,862) Disposal of fixed assets............... 334 133 284 Acquisition of other assets............ (340) (1,731) (2,919) --------- --------- -------- Net cash provided by investing activities........................ 14,528 7,425 26,406 --------- --------- -------- CASH FLOWS PROVIDED BY (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Proceeds from convertible subordinated notes............................... 47,400 -- -- Proceeds from mortgage................. -- 6,676 -- Payment of mortgage.................... (2,870) (223) (1,342) Proceeds from short-term bank loans.... 12,761 15,873 11,304 Payment of short-term bank loans....... (17,095) (14,337) (8,769) Exercise of stock options.............. 170 3,722 4,183 Payment of obligation under capital leases.............................. (2,376) (496) (292) Issuance of common stock............... -- 4 1,398 Payment of long-term debt.............. (19,000) (6,196) (16,046) Other financing activities............. 458 -- -- --------- --------- -------- Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities.............. 19,448 5,023 (9,564) --------- --------- -------- Effect of exchange rate changes on cash................................ 2,712 (83) 497 --------- --------- -------- Net increase (decrease) in cash........ 7,440 (25,935) 10,073 Cash at beginning of year.............. 18,814 44,749 34,676 --------- --------- -------- Cash at end of year.................... $ 26,254 $ 18,814 $ 44,749 --------- --------- -------- --------- --------- --------
See notes to consolidated financial statements. F-7 ACCLAIM ENTERTAINMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES--(CONTINUED) STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS (IN 000S, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
FISCAL YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, ---------------------------------- 1997 1996 1995 --------- --------- -------- SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULE OF NONCASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Acquisition of equipment under capital leases.............................. $ 391 $ 4,631 $ 91 CASH PAID DURING THE YEAR FOR: Interest............................... $ (6,350) $ (8,756) $ (7,339) Income taxes received (paid)........... 57,148 18,719 (22,127)
In fiscal 1995, the Company purchased all of the capital stock of Iguana Entertainment, Inc. for $5,513, net of cash received. In connection with the acquisition, liabilities assumed were as follows: Fair value of assets acquired...... $ 9,179 Cash paid for the capital stock.... (5,513) ------- Liabilities assumed................ $ 3,666 ------- -------
In fiscal 1995, the Company issued 4,349 shares of its common stock, valued at $71,472 in exchange for 3,403 Class A common shares of Tele-Communications, Inc. See notes to consolidated financial statements. F-8 ACCLAIM ENTERTAINMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FISCAL YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995 (IN 000S, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA) 1. BUSINESS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES A. Business Acclaim Entertainment, Inc. and its subsidiaries ('Acclaim' or the 'Company') is a mass market entertainment company whose principal business to date has been developing, publishing and distributing interactive entertainment software. The Company also develops and publishes comic books, markets its motion capture technology and studio services and distributes coin-operated video arcade games. B. Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Acclaim and its majority-owned subsidiaries. All material intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. C. Cash Equivalents The Company considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. D. Marketable Equity Securities The Company determines the appropriate classification of debt and equity securities at the time of purchase and reevaluates such designation as of each balance sheet date. Securities are classified as held-to-maturity when the Company has the intent and ability to hold the securities to maturity. Held-to-maturity securities are stated at cost and investment income is included in earnings. The Company classifies certain highly liquid securities as trading securities. Trading securities are stated at fair value and unrealized holding gains and losses are included in income. Securities that are not classified as held-to-maturity or trading are classified as available-for-sale. Available-for-sale securities are carried at fair value, with the unrealized holding gains and losses, net of tax, reported as a separate component of stockholders' equity. The cost of securities sold is based on the specific identification method. E. Inventories Inventories are stated at the lower of FIFO cost (first-in, first-out) or market and consist principally of finished goods. F. Prepaid Royalties Royalty advances represent advance payments made to independent software developers and licensors of intellectual properties. All such payments are recoupable against future royalties in excess of minimum nonrefundable advances made in respect of software developed or intellectual properties licensed under the terms of the agreements. Prepaid royalties are expensed as selling expenses at contractual royalty rates based on actual net product sales. That portion of prepaid royalties deemed unlikely to be recovered through product sales is charged to selling expenses. Royalty advances are classified as current and noncurrent assets based on estimated net product sales within the next year. G. Fixed Assets Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation is provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, or, where applicable, the terms of the respective leases, whichever is shorter. The asset values of capitalized leases are included in fixed assets and the associated liabilities are reflected as obligations under capital leases. F-9 ACCLAIM ENTERTAINMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED) FISCAL YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995 (IN 000S, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA) 1. BUSINESS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES--(CONTINUED) H. Excess of Cost Over Net Assets Acquired Excess of cost over net assets acquired is being amortized on the straight-line basis over periods ranging from five to twenty years. As of August 31, 1997, the balance, net of accumulated amortization, is comprised of $21,220 related to the fiscal 1994 acquisition of Acclaim Comics, Inc., which is being amortized on a straight-line basis over 20 years since the fourth quarter of fiscal 1996, and previously over forty years, and $2,327 related to the acquisition of Iguana Entertainment, Inc., which is being amortized over five years (Note 5). It is the Company's policy to evaluate and recognize an impairment of goodwill if it is probable that the recorded amounts are in excess of anticipated undiscounted future cash flows. Due to continuing operating losses incurred by Acclaim Comics, management's assessment of the current state of the comic book industry and management's current projections for Acclaim Comics' operations, in fiscal 1997, management believed that there was an impairment in the carrying value of the goodwill relating to the acquisition of Acclaim Comics. Accordingly, in the third quarter of fiscal 1997 the Company recorded a write-down of $25,200 of goodwill to reduce the carrying value of the goodwill associated with Acclaim Comics to its estimated undiscounted future cash flows. I. Net Revenues Revenues are recorded when products are shipped to customers. The Company is generally not contractually obligated to accept returns, except for defective product. However, the Company permits its customers to return or exchange product and may provide price protection on products unsold by a customer. Revenue is recorded net of an allowance for estimated returns, price concessions and other discounts. Such allowance is reflected as a reduction to accounts receivable when the Company expects to grant credits for such items; otherwise, it is reflected as a liability. J. Income Taxes Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be realized or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. K. Long-Lived Assets The Company reviews long-lived assets, such as fixed assets and certain identifiable intangibles to be held and used or disposed of, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If the sum of the expected cash flows, undiscounted and without interest, is less than the carrying amount of the asset, an impairment loss is recognized as the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its fair value. L. Foreign Currency Translations Assets and liabilities of foreign operations are translated at rates of exchange at the end of the period, while results of operations are translated at average exchange rates in effect for the period. Unrealized gains and losses from the translation of foreign assets and liabilities are classified as a separate component of stockholders' equity. Included in other income (expense) are realized gains and (losses) from foreign currency transactions of $2,668, ($5,074), $2,917, ($2,832) and $5,092, ($4,576) in fiscal 1997, 1996, and 1995, respectively. The Company does not enter into material foreign currency hedging transactions. F-10 ACCLAIM ENTERTAINMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED) FISCAL YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995 (IN 000S, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA) 1. BUSINESS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES--(CONTINUED) M. Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation The Company records compensation expense for employee and director stock options and warrants if the current market price of the underlying stock exceeds the exercise price on the date of the grant. On September 1, 1996, the Company adopted SFAS No. 123, 'Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation'. The Company has elected not to implement the fair value based accounting method for employee and director stock options and warrants, but has elected to disclose the pro forma net earnings and pro forma earnings per share including employee and director stock option and warrant grants made beginning in fiscal 1996 as if such method had been used to account for stock-based compensation cost as described in SFAS No. 123. N. Financial Instruments As of August 31, 1997, the fair value of certain financial instruments including cash and equivalents, receivables, trade accounts payable, short-term borrowings and certain other liabilities approximates book value due to the short maturity of these instruments. The carrying value of the Company's mortgage note payable approximated fair value since this instrument has a prime based interest rate that is adjusted for market rate fluctuations. The fair value of the 10% convertible Subordinated Notes at August 31, 1997 was approximately $40,000, based on a quoted market value. O. Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Among the more significant estimates included in these financial statements are the estimated allowances for returns and discounts, the estimated valuation of inventory and the recoverability of advance royalty payments and goodwill. Actual results could differ from those estimates. P. Reclassifications Certain reclassifications were made to prior period amounts to conform to the current period presentation format. 2. LIQUIDITY The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. The Company's significant losses from operations in fiscal 1997 and 1996 and working capital and stockholders' deficiencies at August 31, 1997 could impact the Company's ability to meet its obligations as they become due. The Company believed that the majority of its software revenues in fiscal 1996 and a portion of fiscal 1997 would be derived from 16-bit software sales. However, the 16-bit software market matured much more rapidly than anticipated by the Company (Note 3) and the installed base of new hardware platforms, such as the Nintendo N64, from which the Company derived a significant portion of its fiscal 1997 software revenues, was not yet significant compared to that for 16-bit software products. Due to these factors and the increased fixed operating costs primarily attributable to the acquisition of software development studios, the Company's results of operations and liquidity in fiscal 1997 were materially adversely affected. Short-term liquidity concerns were alleviated in February 1997, when the Company received $47,400 from the issuance of unsecured 10% Convertible Subordinated Notes (Note 12(A)) and in November, 1996 when it received an income tax refund of approximately $54,000 related to the carryback of its loss for fiscal 1996. The Company, to enhance its long-term F-11 ACCLAIM ENTERTAINMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED) FISCAL YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995 (IN 000S, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA) 2. LIQUIDITY--(CONTINUED) liquidity, in fiscal 1997 has significantly reduced the number of its personnel, sold substantially all of the assets of its coin-operated redemption games subsidiary, is consolidating certain of its studio operations to reduce their overhead expenses and is also pursuing various alternatives, including the sale of certain other assets and further expense reductions. In addition, through October 31, 1997, the Company released a number of titles in the first quarter of fiscal 1998, including two additional titles for the N64 hardware platform. Shipments of these products, totaling approximately $40,000 were collateralized under bank letters of credit. The Company's future long-term liquidity will be materially dependent on its ability to develop and market new software products that achieve widespread market acceptance for use with the hardware platforms that dominate the market. 3. SPECIAL CARTRIDGE VIDEO CHARGE (UNAUDITED) In fiscal 1996 the Company's revenues were adversely affected due to new hardware platform introductions and the resulting shift from demand for 16-bit software to 32- and 64-bit software and PC CD software compatible with the new hardware systems. Due to the relatively longer development period relating to 16-bit and 32-bit software products, the Company's strategic decisions to support certain 16-bit and portable hardware systems and develop certain software products were made well in advance of the time it became apparent that the transition period commenced. In addition, in fiscal 1996, the Company did not release 'hits' for hardware platforms with significant installed bases, as it had in prior years and offered concessions (primarily discounts) to its customers at higher than anticipated levels in order to manage 16-bit software inventory levels. Finally, the Company exited the 16-bit and portable software markets in April 1996. As a result, the Company recorded a special cartridge video charge in the second quarter of fiscal 1996 of $48,947 to adjust accounts receivable and inventories to their estimated net realizable values. Due to the continued and accelerated deterioration of the 16-bit and portable cartridge business throughout 1996, the Company revised its estimates in the fourth quarter of fiscal 1996 and recorded an additional charge of $65,031, primarily to adjust accounts receivable and inventory to their revised estimated net realizable values. The total charge of $113,978 for the year ended August 31, 1996 consists of provisions of approximately $90,524 and $23,455, respectively, to adjust accounts receivable and inventories related to 16-bit and portable Software to their estimated net realizable values subsequent to the Company's decision to exit such software market and is reflected as sales returns and allowances and in cost of sales, respectively, in the statement of consolidated operations. The following presents the effect of the special cartridge video charge upon fiscal 1996 net revenues and cost of revenues:
1996 ---------- Gross Revenues................... $ 376,024 Sales credits and allowances..... 123,555 ---------- 252,469 Special Cartridge Video Charge... 90,524 ---------- Net revenues..................... $ 161,945 ---------- Cost of revenues................. $ 168,335 Special Cartridge Video Charge... 23,455 ---------- $ 191,790 ---------- Gross Loss....................... $ (29,845) ---------- ----------
F-12 ACCLAIM ENTERTAINMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED) FISCAL YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995 (IN 000S, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA) 4. LICENSE AGREEMENTS The Company has various license agreements with Nintendo Co., Ltd. (Japan) (Nintendo Co., Ltd. and its subsidiary, Nintendo of America, Inc., are collectively herein referred to as 'Nintendo') pursuant to which it has the nonexclusive right to utilize the 'Nintendo' name and its proprietary information and technology in order to develop and market interactive entertainment software ('Software') for use with various 8-bit, 16-bit and portable Nintendo platforms in various territories throughout the world. The Company also has an agreement with Nintendo to develop and market N64 Software titles in the Western Hemisphere. The license agreements with Nintendo for the different platforms expire at various times through 2000. In April 1992, the Company entered into an agreement with Sega Enterprises Ltd. ('Sega'), pursuant to which the Company received the nonexclusive right to utilize the 'Sega' name and its proprietary information and technology in order to develop and distribute software titles for use with various Sega platforms. The Company exercised its option to extend the Sega Agreement, which agreement, as amended, expired in December 1995. The Company is currently negotiating a new agreement with Sega. In the interim, the Company and Sega are continuing to operate under the terms of the expired Sega Agreement, and with respect to the Sega Saturn hardware platform are operating under an oral agreement. The Company believes that the impact, if any, of a new agreement with Sega will not have a material adverse effect on its financial condition or results of operations. In December 1994, the Company entered into an agreement with Sony Computer Entertainment of America pursuant to which the Company received the nonexclusive right to utilize its proprietary information and technology in order to develop and distribute Software titles for use with the Sony PlayStation(TM) in North America, Europe and Asia for a four year period expiring in December 1998. 5. ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES Sculptured Software, Inc. On October 10, 1995, the Company acquired all the issued and outstanding stock of Sculptured Software Inc., a software developer, pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger dated October 9, 1995 for 1,013 shares of the Company's common stock. The acquisition was accounted for as a pooling of interests and accordingly, the Company's financial statements for the year ended August 31, 1996 include the results of Sculptured. Prior period financial statements were not restated as the acquisition had an immaterial effect upon previously reported revenue and net income of the consolidated entities. Probe Entertainment Ltd. On October 16, 1995, the Company acquired all the issued and outstanding stock of Probe Entertainment Ltd., a software developer, pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger dated October 10, 1995 for 1,732 shares of the Company's common stock. The acquisition was accounted for as a pooling of interests and, accordingly, the Company's financial statements for the year ended August 31, 1996 include the results of Probe. Prior period financial statements were not restated as the acquisition had an immaterial effect upon previously reported revenue and net income of the consolidated entities. Iguana Entertainment, Inc. On January 4, 1995, the Company acquired all the issued and outstanding common stock of Iguana Entertainment, Inc., a developer of interactive video games, pursuant to the terms of an Agreement and Plan of Merger dated December 20, 1994. The acquisition was accounted for as a purchase. Accordingly, the operating F-13 ACCLAIM ENTERTAINMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED) FISCAL YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995 (IN 000S, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA) 5. ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES--(CONTINUED) results of Iguana are included in the Statements of Consolidated Operations from the acquisition date. The acquired assets and liabilities have been recorded at their estimated fair values at the date of acquisition. In consideration for the Iguana stock, the Company paid $5,000 in cash. The total cost of the acquisition was $7,342, (which includes direct acquisition costs) of which $2,357 was allocated to identifiable net tangible assets. The remaining balance of $4,985 represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired, which is being amortized on a straight-line basis over five years. Pro forma results of operations, assuming the acquisition had been made at the beginning of each year presented, would not be materially different from the consolidated results reported. Lazer-Tron Corporation On August 31, 1995, the Company acquired all the issued and outstanding common stock of Lazer-Tron Corporation, a developer and manufacturer of coin-operated redemption games pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger dated March 22, 1995. Under the terms of the agreement, Lazer-Tron shareholders received .314 of a share of the Company's common stock for each Lazer-Tron share. Accordingly, the Company issued 1,123 shares of its common stock for all the outstanding shares of Lazer-Tron common stock. Additionally, outstanding options and warrants to acquire Lazer-Tron were converted to options and warrants to acquire 318 shares of the Company's common stock. The acquisition was accounted for as a pooling of interests and, accordingly, the Company's financial statements for the year ended August 31, 1995 have been restated to include the results of Lazer-Tron. Prior period financial statements were not restated as the acquisition had an immaterial effect upon previously reported revenue and net income of the consolidated entities. On March 5, 1997, the Company completed the sale of substantially all the assets and certain liabilities of Lazer-Tron for $6,000 in cash. In connection with the sale, the Company granted options to purchase 198 shares of Common Stock to Lazer-Tron's employees under the 1988 Stock Option Plan with a fair value of $720. Including related costs, no gain or loss resulted from this transaction. 6. MARKETABLE EQUITY SECURITIES Marketable equity securities at August 31, 1996 consisted primarily of Class A Common Shares of Tele-Communications, Inc. Such shares have been classified as 'available for sale ' securities and accordingly are stated at fair market value. Unrealized holding gains of $15 (net of income taxes of $11) at August 31, 1996 are classified as a separate component of stockholders' equity. In fiscal 1997, other expense includes realized losses from the sale of marketable equity securities of $(1,022). In fiscal 1996 and 1995 other income includes realized gains from the sale of marketable equity securities of $3,690 and $5,968, respectively. On October 19, 1994, Acclaim Cable Holdings, Inc. a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into a Partnership Agreement (the 'Partnership Agreement') with TCI GameCo Ventures, Inc., an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Tele-Communications, Inc. ('TCI'), for the creation of a Delaware limited partnership (the 'Joint Venture'), the interests in which are indirectly held 65% by the Company and 35% by TCI. The Company and TCI are currently dissolving the Joint Venture. In connection with the execution of the Partnership Agreement, the Company entered into an Exchange Agreement (the 'Exchange Agreement') with TCI and TCI GameCo Holdings, Inc. ('TCI Sub'), pursuant to which the Company issued and sold to TCI Sub 4,349 shares of the Company's common stock in exchange for 3,403 shares of Class A Common Stock of TCI. F-14 ACCLAIM ENTERTAINMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED) FISCAL YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995 (IN 000S, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA) 7. ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE Accounts receivable are comprised of the following:
AUGUST 31, --------------------- 1997 1996 -------- --------- Receivables assigned to factor......... $ 13,337 $ 55,099 Advances due (from) to factor.......... (3,780) 23,487 -------- --------- Due from factor........................ 17,117 31,612 Unfactored accounts receivable......... 4,873 12,031 Accounts receivable--Foreign........... 12,434 20,229 Other receivables...................... 3,085 5,472 Allowances for returns and discounts... (18,780) (48,866) -------- --------- $ 18,729 $ 20,478 -------- --------- -------- ---------
Pursuant to a factoring agreement, the Company's principal bank acts as its factor for the majority of its North American receivables, which are assigned on a pre-approved basis. At August 31, 1997, the factoring charge amounted to 0.25% of the receivables assigned. The Company's obligations to the bank are collateralized by all of the Company's and its North American subsidiaries' accounts receivable, inventories and equipment. The advances for factored receivables are pursuant to a revolving credit and security agreement, which expires on January 31, 2000. Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, which can be canceled by either party upon 90-days notice prior to the end of the term, the Company is required to maintain specified levels of working capital and tangible net worth and may not incur losses in excess of specified amounts, among other covenants. In February 1997, certain bank fees were paid with the issuance of immediately exercisable warrants to purchase 200 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $3.97 per share, which warrants expire on February 19, 2006. The fair value of the warrants of $568 was expensed in fiscal 1997. The Company draws down working capital advances and opens letters of credit (up to an aggregate maximum of $20 million) against the facility in amounts determined on a formula based on factored receivables, inventory and cost of imported goods under outstanding letters of credit. Interest was charged at the bank's prime lending rate per annum on such advances. Effective November 8, 1996, interest is charged at the bank's prime lending rate plus one percent per annum (9.5% at August 31, 1997) on such advances. As of August 31, 1997, the Company was in default of certain covenants under its revolving credit facility, which defaults have been waived by the lender. Pursuant to the terms of certain distribution, warehouse and credit and collection agreements, certain of the Company's foreign accounts receivable are due from certain distributors. These receivables are not collateralized and as a result management periodically monitors the financial condition of these distributors. No additional credit risk beyond amounts provided for collection losses is believed inherent in the Company's accounts receivable. At August 31, 1997 and 1996, the balance due from a distributor was approximately 25% and 19%, respectively, of foreign accounts receivable. F-15 ACCLAIM ENTERTAINMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--CONTINUED FISCAL YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995 (IN 000S, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA) 8. PREPAID EXPENSES Prepaid expenses are comprised of the following:
AUGUST 31, ------------------ 1997 1996 ------- ------- Royalty advances................................................................ $ 4,322 $ 6,783 Prepaid advertising costs....................................................... 1,470 2,868 Prepaid product costs........................................................... 8,826 2,879 Other prepaid expenses.......................................................... 5,632 5,983 ------- ------- $20,250 $18,513 ------- ------- ------- -------
Prepaid advertising costs consist principally of advance payments in respect of television and other media advertising. Advertising expenses are charged to income as incurred. Prepaid product costs represent advance payments against future product purchases in Europe. 9. FIXED ASSETS The major classes of fixed assets are as follows:
AUGUST 31, -------------------- 1997 1996 -------- -------- Buildings and improvements..................................................... $ 24,110 $ 24,724 Furniture, fixtures and equipment.............................................. 32,821 34,490 Automotive equipment........................................................... 1,296 1,680 -------- -------- 58,227 60,894 Less: accumulated depreciation................................................. (23,959) (18,115) -------- -------- $ 34,268 $ 42,779 -------- -------- -------- --------
The estimated useful lives of these assets are: Buildings and improvements....................... 1 to 20 years Furniture, fixtures and equipment................ 1 to 7 years Automotive equipment............................. 3 to 5 years
10. SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS Short-term borrowings at August 31, 1997 consisted of $643 outstanding under a short-term loan from a bank in France. The short-term loan provides for borrowings of up to $660. The average annual interest rate applicable to the loan for the year ended August 31, 1997 was approximately 5%. The loan was repaid in September 1997. At August 31, 1996, short-term borrowings consisted of notes payable to banks in Japan of $3,671 and $1,650 outstanding under lines of credit with two domestic banks. The notes payable to banks in Japan matured within 90 days and were collateralized by inward letters of credit from distributors. The average annual interest rate applicable to the bank loans for the year ended August 31, 1996 was approximately 2%. Such agreement also provided that the bank has the right to offset cash of the Company collected under the inward letters of credit and deposited with it against the associated short-term notes. The credit agreement with one domestic bank provided for borrowings of up to $2,000 for general working capital purposes and was due on demand. Borrowings under the agreement bore interest at the bank's prime rate plus one percent (9.25% at August 31, 1996) and were based upon a percentage of eligible accounts receivable. The balance at August 31, 1996 was $1,300 which was repaid in December 1996. A revolving line of credit agreement with the other F-16 ACCLAIM ENTERTAINMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED) FISCAL YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995 (IN 000S, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA) 10. SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS--(CONTINUED) domestic bank provided for borrowings of up to $500 and was renewable yearly with interest charged at one and one-half percent above the bank's prime rate (9.75% at August 31, 1996). The balance at August 31, 1996 was $350. 11. ACCRUED EXPENSES Accrued expenses are comprised of the following:
AUGUST 31, ------------------- 1997 1996 -------- ------- Accrued royalties payable and licensing obligations............................ $ 31,902 $28,090 Accrued selling expenses and sales allowances.................................. 22,941 30,804 Accrued litigation settlements (Note 20(a)).................................... 18,017 -- Accrued downsizing expenses.................................................... 11,300 5,000 Accrued payroll and payroll taxes.............................................. 2,010 2,229 Other accrued taxes............................................................ 6,077 4,290 Accrued interest expense....................................................... 2,569 -- Other accrued expenses......................................................... 13,112 8,093 -------- ------- $107,928 $78,506 -------- ------- -------- -------
In fiscal 1996, to enhance its long-term liquidity, the Company decided to significantly reduce the number of its personnel and accrued $5,000 of downsizing expenses for employee severance costs, the majority of which was paid in fiscal 1997 in accordance with the accrual. In May 1997, the Company again reduced its number of personnel and accrued an additional $10,000 for severance and other costs associated with this downsizing of the Company. The majority of the costs will be paid in fiscal 1998 and relate to employee severance, with the remainder relating to lease commitments for idle facilities and write-offs of non-productive fixed assets. 12. LONG-TERM DEBT Long-term debt consists of the following:
AUGUST 31, ------------------ 1997 1996 ------- ------- (A) 10% Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2002................................. $50,000 -- (B) Term loan................................................................... -- $19,000 (C) Mortgage note............................................................... 3,657 6,527 ------- ------- 53,657 25,527 Less: current portion........................................................... 1,002 25,527 ------- ------- $52,655 $ -- ------- ------- ------- -------
(A) In February 1997, the Company issued $50,000 of unsecured 10% Convertible Subordinated Notes ('Notes') due March 1, 2002 with interest payable semiannually commencing September 1, 1997. The Notes were sold at par with proceeds to the Company of $47,400, net of expenses. The indenture governing the Notes contains covenants that, among other things, substantially limit the Company's ability to incur additional indebtedness, issue preferred stock, pay dividends and make certain other payments. The Notes are convertible into shares of Common Stock prior to maturity, unless previously redeemed, at a conversion price of $5.18 per share, subject to adjustment under certain conditions. The Notes are redeemable in whole or in part, at the option of the Company (subject to the rights of holders of senior indebtedness) at 104% of the principal balance at any F-17 ACCLAIM ENTERTAINMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED) FISCAL YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995 (IN 000S, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA) 12. LONG-TERM DEBT--(CONTINUED) time on or after March 1, 2000 through February 28, 2001 and at 102% of the principal balance thereafter to maturity. (B) In conjunction with the acquisition of Acclaim Comics, Inc. in July 1994, Acclaim Comics entered into a term loan guaranteed by the Company which bore interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 2.5%. The Company used $16,000 of the proceeds from the issuance of the Notes to repay the remaining outstanding balance of the term loan. (C) Interest on the mortgage note until April 30, 1997 was charged at the bank's prime lending rate and is currently charged at the bank's prime lending rate plus one percent per annum (9.5% at August 31, 1997). The mortgage note is collateralized by a building (Corporate Headquarters) with a carrying value of approximately $16,405. As of August 31, 1996 and November 30, 1996, the Company was in default of various financial and other covenants with the mortgage lender. The mortgage lender waived these past defaults, conditioned upon the mortgage lender receiving $2,000 from the net proceeds from the issuance of the Notes and the Company accelerating payment terms on the balance of the loan. The Company used $2,000 of the proceeds from the issuance of the Notes to repay a portion of the mortgage note and under the Note Modification Agreement dated September 11, 1997 is obligated to make an additional accelerated payment of $500 payable over nine months through January 1998 in addition to quarterly payments of $181 payable until February 1, 2002. 13. OBLIGATIONS UNDER CAPITAL AND OPERATING LEASES The Company is committed under various capital leases for equipment expiring at various dates through 2006. Future minimum payments required under such leases are as follows:
YEARS ENDING AUGUST 31, - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1998......................................................................................... $ 1,806 1999......................................................................................... 1,455 2000......................................................................................... 402 2001......................................................................................... 282 2002......................................................................................... 199 Thereafter................................................................................... 241 ------- Total minimum lease payments................................................................. 4,385 Less: amount representing interest........................................................... 606 Present value of net minimum lease payments.................................................. $ 3,779 ------- -------
The present value of net minimum lease payments is reflected in the August 31, 1997 balance sheet as current and noncurrent obligations under capital leases of $1,515 and $2,264, respectively. F-18 ACCLAIM ENTERTAINMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED) FISCAL YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995 (IN 000S, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA) 13. OBLIGATIONS UNDER CAPITAL AND OPERATING LEASES--(CONTINUED) The Company has operating leases for rental space and equipment which expire on various dates through 2006. The leases provide for contingent rentals based upon escalation clauses. Future minimum rental payments required under such leases are as follows:
YEARS ENDING AUGUST 31, - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1998.................................................................................... $ 2,831 1999.................................................................................... 2,628 2000.................................................................................... 2,299 2001.................................................................................... 1,871 2002.................................................................................... 1,383 Thereafter.............................................................................. 2,926 ------------ Total minimum operating lease payments.................................................. $ 13,938 ------------ ------------
14. PROVISION FOR (BENEFIT FROM) INCOME TAXES The provision for (recovery of) income taxes consists of the following:
1997 1996 1995 ----- -------- ------- Current: Federal.................................. $ -- $(52,808) $20,131 Foreign.................................. $ 860 1,453 (457) State.................................... 22 -- 2,240 ----- -------- ------- 882 (51,355) 21,914 ----- -------- ------- Deferred: Federal.................................. 75 4,264 8,880 Foreign.................................. (75) -- (270) ----- -------- ------- -- 4,264 8,610 ----- -------- ------- Charge in lieu of income taxes............. -- 698 1,101 ----- -------- ------- Total income tax provision (benefit)....... $ 882 $(46,393) $31,625 ----- -------- ------- ----- -------- -------
The charge in lieu of income taxes relates to the tax benefit arising from the exercise of nonqualified stock options and disqualifying dispositions of incentive stock options. A reconciliation of the federal statutory income tax rate with the effective income tax rate follows:
1997 1996 1995 ----- ----- ---- Statutory tax rate..................................... (35.0)% (35.0)% 35.0% State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit.............................................. -- -- 2.2 Increase in valuation allowance........................ 27.2 12.2 -- Net operating loss carryback benefit at less than statutory rate....................................... -- 4.2 -- Nondeductible expenses................................. 6.8 0.9 2.1 Foreign tax rate differential, net of foreign tax credits.............................................. -- 0.1 0.2 Other.................................................. 1.6 0.3 2.0 ----- ----- ---- Effective income tax rate.............................. 0.6% (17.3)% 41.5% ----- ----- ---- ----- ----- ----
F-19 ACCLAIM ENTERTAINMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED) FISCAL YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995 (IN 000S, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA) 14. PROVISION FOR (BENEFIT FROM) INCOME TAXES--(CONTINUED) The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities recorded on the consolidated balance sheets as of August 31, 1997 and 1996 are as follows:
1997 1996 ------------------------- ------------------------- DEFERRED DEFERRED DEFERRED TAX DEFERRED TAX TAX ASSETS LIABILITIES TAX ASSETS LIABILITIES ---------- ----------- ---------- ----------- Reserves and allowances... $ 17,677 -- $ 13,711 -- Investment in subsidiary.............. -- -- 2,879 -- Accrued expenses.......... 13,171 -- 1,750 -- Federal net operating loss carryforwards........... 33,600 -- 8,750 -- Foreign net operating loss carryforwards........... 10,903 -- 5,644 -- Other..................... 1,395 -- 806 $ 75 ---------- --- ---------- ----------- 76,746 -- 33,540 75 Valuation allowance....... 76,746 -- 33,465 -- ---------- --- ---------- ----------- -- -- $ 75 $ 75 ---------- --- ---------- ----------- ---------- --- ---------- -----------
As of August 31, 1997, the Company has a U.S. tax net operating loss carryforward of approximately $96,000 expiring in fiscal 2011 and 2012. At August 31, 1997 the Company has provided a valuation allowance of $76,746 against its net deferred tax assets due to the Company's recent pre-tax losses and lack of significant offsetting objective evidence that the deferred tax assets are realizable. If the entire deferred tax asset were realized, $71 would be allocated to paid-in capital with the remainder reducing income tax expense. A provision for additional taxes on income which would become payable upon the repatriation of the earnings from its foreign subsidiaries has not been provided since, upon repatriation, the tax consequences of such distributions would be substantially offset by available foreign tax credits. 15. (LOSS) EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE AND COMMON SHARE EQUIVALENTS (Loss) earnings per common share and common share equivalents are computed by dividing net (loss) earnings by the weighted average number of common shares and dilutive common share equivalents (stock options and warrants) outstanding. The weighted average number of common shares and common share equivalents used in computing net (loss) earnings per common share for the years ended August 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 were 49,670, 49,515 and 52,300, respectively. Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128 'Earnings Per Share' is required to be adopted for interim and annual periods ending after December 15, 1997. At that time, the Company will be required to change the method currently used to compute earnings per share and restate all prior periods. Basic and diluted earnings per share will replace primary and fully diluted earnings per share. The dilutive effect of stock options and other common stock equivalents will be excluded from the calculation of basic earnings per share, but will be reflected in diluted earnings per share. The implementation of SFAS No. 128 would not have had an impact on fiscal 1997 net loss per share. 16. STOCK OPTION PLAN The Company adopted the 1988 Stock Option Plan which, as amended, provides for the grant of up to 15,000 shares of its common stock to employees, directors and consultants and expires in May 1998. On September 17, 1997, the stockholders authorized an increase from 15,000 to 25,000 in the number of shares subject to options under the plan. The exercise price per share of all incentive stock options heretofore granted F-20 ACCLAIM ENTERTAINMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED) FISCAL YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995 (IN 000S, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA) 16. STOCK OPTION PLAN--(CONTINUED) has been the market price, or 110% thereof for certain employees, or, for non-incentive options, not less than 85% of market price, of the Company's common stock on the date of grant. The exercise price for all options granted to employees in fiscal 1997 was at the market price of the common stock on the date of grant. Generally, outstanding options become exercisable evenly over a three year period from the date of grant (although this may be accelerated due to retirement or death). Outstanding options must generally be exercised within ten years from the date of grant or, with respect to incentive options, within five years from the date of grant for certain employees. At August 31, 1997, options to purchase approximately 5,460 shares were exercisable and no options to purchase shares were available for future grant. Transactions are summarized as follows:
SHARES UNDER OPTION -------------------------- EXERCISE INCENTIVE NON-INCENTIVE PRICE --------- ------------- ------------ Outstanding, August 31, 1994....... 3,558 5,004 $ 0.89-21.75 --------- ------------- Conversion of Lazer-Tron Options... 108 27 $ 5.41-40.61 Granted............................ 1,596 2,861 $13.75-24.00 Exercised.......................... (464) (43) $ 1.95-17.92 Cancelled.......................... (427) (2,022) $ 3.92-20.63 --------- ------------- Outstanding, August 31, 1995....... 4,371 5,827 $ 0.89-40.61 --------- ------------- Granted............................ 1,239 2,799 $ 6.38-24.75 Exercised.......................... (384) (95) $ 0.89-17.92 Cancelled.......................... (241) (1,234) $ 1.95-26.88 --------- ------------- Outstanding, August 31, 1996....... 4,985 7,297 $ 1.95-37.42 --------- ------------- Granted............................ 8,754 5,242 $ 3.38-7.88 Exercised.......................... (80) (1) $ 1.95-5.92 Cancelled.......................... (7,976) (3,156) $ 1.95-40.61 --------- ------------- Outstanding, August 31, 1997....... 5,683 9,382 $ 1.95-24.00 --------- ------------- --------- -------------
The options outstanding as of August 31, 1997 are summarized in ranges as follows: Incentive Options:
WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF INCENTIVE WEIGHTED AVERAGE RANGE OF EXERCISE PRICE EXERCISE PRICE OPTIONS OUTSTANDING REMAINING LIFE - ----------------------------------- ---------------- ------------------- ---------------- $1.95-3.94......................... $ 3.56 4,874 9 $3.95-5.92......................... $ 4.64 777 10 $5.93-13.75........................ $11.33 32 8 ------ 5,683 ------ ------
Non-Incentive Options:
NUMBER OF NON- WEIGHTED AVERAGE INCENTIVE WEIGHTED AVERAGE RANGE OF EXERCISE PRICE EXERCISE PRICE OPTIONS OUTSTANDING REMAINING LIFE - ----------------------------------- ---------------- ------------------- ---------------- $1.95-3.94......................... $ 3.16 5,817 7 $3.95-9.49......................... $ 5.60 1,559 9 $9.50-24.00........................ $14.68 2,006 7 ------ 9,382 ------ ------
F-21 ACCLAIM ENTERTAINMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED) FISCAL YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995 (IN 000S, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA) 16. STOCK OPTION PLAN--(CONTINUED) In addition, options to purchase 37 shares of common stock at $4.17 per share, 31 shares of common stock at $2.08 per share, 11 shares of common stock at $3.92 per share, 37 shares of common stock at $16 per share and 167 shares of common stock at $3.375 per share were granted outside the 1988 Stock Option Plan and are outstanding at August 31, 1997. The per share weighted-average fair value of stock options granted during fiscal 1997 and 1996 was $2.49 and $5.09, respectively, on the date of grant using the Black Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions: 1997--expected dividend yield of 0%, risk free interest rate of 5.94%, expected stock volatility of 96%, and an expected option life of 3 years; 1996--expected dividend yield of 0%, risk free interest rate of 6.03%, expected stock volatility of 77%, and an expected option life of 3 years. The Company applied APB Opinion No. 25 in accounting for its stock option grants and, accordingly, no compensation cost has been recognized in the financial statements for its employee stock options which have an exercise price equal to or greater than the fair value of the stock on the date of the grant. Had the Company determined compensation cost based on the fair value at the grant date for its stock options under SFAS No. 123, the Company's net loss and net loss per share would have been the following pro forma amounts:
1997 1996 --------- --------- Net loss: As reported............................................................... $(159,228) $(221,368) Pro forma................................................................. $(163,593) $(221,440) Net loss per share: As reported............................................................... $ (3.21) $ (4.47) Pro forma................................................................. $ (3.29) $ (4.47)
Pro forma net loss reflects only options granted in fiscal 1997 and 1996. Therefore, the full impact of calculating compensation cost for stock options under SFAS No. 123 is not reflected in the pro forma net loss amounts presented above because compensation cost is reflected over the options' vesting period and compensation cost for options granted prior to September 1, 1995 was not considered. 17. EQUITY At August 31, 1997 and 1996, 2,625 stock warrants were outstanding and exercisable. The stock warrants entitle the holders thereof to purchase 1,500 shares of common stock at $2.42 per share and 1,125 shares of common stock at $3.00 per share. The stock warrants expire in 2001. In addition, outstanding stock warrants to purchase shares of Lazer-Tron Corporation (Note 5) were converted into warrants entitling the holders thereof to purchase 17 shares of common stock at $30.57 per share at August 31, 1997 and 1996 and 40 shares of common stock at $9.55 per share at August 31, 1997 and 1996. In addition, certain of such warrants entitle the holders thereof to receive warrants to purchase 20 shares of common stock at $15.92 per share at August 31, 1997 and 1996. These warrants expire at various times through 1999. Deferred compensation at August 31, 1997 and 1996 includes $5,736 and $8,194, respectively, which represents escrowed common stock on behalf of certain executives pursuant to employment agreements. The common stock is ratably released from escrow and the fair value of the common stock is recorded as expense when earned over the five-year term of the agreements, and are recoverable by the Company if the executive's employment with the Company is terminated upon the occurrence of certain events specified in the respective employment agreements. F-22 ACCLAIM ENTERTAINMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED) FISCAL YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995 (IN 000S, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA) 17. EQUITY--(CONTINUED) In fiscal 1996 the Company issued 463 shares of restricted common stock to employees. The fair value of the common stock issued of $4,990 is being expensed when earned over the five-year period that the restrictions lapse. In fiscal 1997, in accordance with the settlement of a claim against the Company, the Company accelerated the vesting of certain restricted shares of common stock and recorded the related deferred compensation as an expense in fiscal 1997. If employment with the Company is terminated by the employee, any remaining restricted shares will be returned to the Company. Deferred compensation includes $1,495 at August 31, 1997 and $4,576 at August 31, 1996 related to such restricted stock awards. Also included in deferred compensation at August 31, 1997 and 1996 is $1,182 and $2,343, respectively, related to fiscal 1996 grants of stock options with exercise prices less than the fair value of the Company's common stock on the date of grant. Total deferred compensation was $2,775, which will be expensed at varying amounts through 1999. 18. MAJOR SUPPLIERS AND CUSTOMERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS A. Major Suppliers and Customers The Company is substantially dependent on Nintendo as the sole manufacturer of N64, SNES and Game Boy hardware and a significant portion of the Software for those platforms and as the sole licensor of the proprietary information and the technology needed to develop the Software for those platforms; on Sega as the sole manufacturer of Saturn, Genesis, Master System, Game Gear and Sega CD hardware and a portion of Software for those platforms and as the sole licensor of the proprietary information and the technology needed to develop Software for those platforms; and on Sony as the sole manufacturer of PlayStation hardware and all of the Software for that platform. In fiscal years 1997, 1996 and 1995, the Company derived 41%, 29% and 47% of its gross revenues, respectively, from sales of Nintendo-compatible products, in fiscal years 1997, 1996 and 1995, the Company derived 12%, 36%, and 46% of its gross revenues, respectively, from sales of Sega-compatible products and in fiscal years 1997 and 1996, the Company derived 28% and 19% of its gross revenues, from sales of Sony-compatible products. The Company markets its products primarily to mass merchandise companies, large retail toy store chains, department stores and specialty stores. No one customer accounted for more than 10% of revenues for the year ended August 31, 1996. Sales to one customer represented 12% and 11% of revenues for the years ended August 31, 1997 and 1995, respectively. B. Related Party Transactions Sales commissions are payable to two companies owned or controlled by one of the Company's principal stockholders for sales obtained by these companies. These commissions amounted to approximately $535, $515 and $2,249 for the years ended August 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively, of which $66 and $1 are included in accrued expenses at August 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively. F-23 ACCLAIM ENTERTAINMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED) FISCAL YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995 (IN 000S, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA) 19. OPERATIONS IN GEOGRAPHIC AREAS The Company is primarily engaged in one industry segment, the development, marketing and distribution of Software products. The following information sets forth geographic information for the Company's net revenues, (loss) earnings from operations and identifiable assets.
UNITED STATES EUROPE JAPAN OTHER ELIMINATIONS CONSOLIDATED ------------- ------- ------- ------- ------------ ------------ Year ended August 31, 1997: Sales to unaffiliated customers........ $ 82,158 $72,401 $ 8,348 $ 2,504 -- $ 165,411 Transfers between geographic areas..... 4,269 -- -- 90 $ (4,359) -- ------------- ------- ------- ------- ------------ ------------ Total net revenues..................... $ 86,427 $72,401 $ 8,348 $ 2,594 $ (4,359) $ 165,411 ------------- ------- ------- ------- ------------ ------------ (Loss) earnings from operations........ $(154,877) $ 4,146 $ (687) $ 475 -- $ (150,943) ------------- ------- ------- ------- ------------ ------------ Identifiable assets at August 31, 1997................................. $ 108,132 $24,055 $ 859 $ 129 -- $ 133,175 ------------- ------- ------- ------- ------------ ------------ Year ended August 31, 1996: Sales to unaffiliated customers........ $ 57,742 $86,043 $14,945 $ 3,215 -- $ 161,945 Transfers between geographic areas..... 6,368 -- -- 91 $ (6,459) -- ------------- ------- ------- ------- ------------ ------------ Total net revenues..................... $ 64,110 $86,043 $14,945 $ 3,306 $ (6,459) $ 161,945 ------------- ------- ------- ------- ------------ ------------ (Loss) earnings from operations........ $(281,159) $ 6,041 $ 1,369 $ (727) $ -- $ (274,476) ------------- ------- ------- ------- ------------ ------------ Identifiable assets at August 31, 1996................................. $ 204,749 $23,415 $ 9,442 $ 2,045 $ -- $ 239,651 ------------- ------- ------- ------- ------------ ------------ Year ended August 31, 1995: Sales to unaffiliated customers........ $ 428,868 $95,556 $27,274 $15,025 $ -- $ 566,723 Transfers between geographic areas..... 11,388 102 -- -- (11,490) -- ------------- ------- ------- ------- ------------ ------------ Total net revenues..................... $ 440,256 $95,658 $27,274 $15,025 $(11,490) $ 566,723 ------------- ------- ------- ------- ------------ ------------ Earnings from operations............... $ 45,457 $17,732 $ 1,872 $ 5,605 $ -- $ 70,666 ------------- ------- ------- ------- ------------ ------------ Identifiable assets at August 31, 1995................................. $ 410,873 $19,259 $10,462 $ 2,233 $ -- $ 442,827 ------------- ------- ------- ------- ------------ ------------ ------------- ------- ------- ------- ------------ ------------
Export sales from the U. S. have been insignificant during each of the years in the three year period ended August 31, 1997. 20. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (a) Legal Proceedings and Claims The Company and certain of its directors and/or executive officers were sued in an action entitled Digital Pictures, Inc. v. Acclaim Entertainment, Inc.; Gregory E. Fischbach; and Anthony Williams filed in December 1996 in the United States Bankruptcy Court in the Northern District of California. The plaintiff seeks an accounting and compensatory, punitive and exemplary damages in an amount equal to at least $8 million based on allegations that the defendants falsified sales, failed to provide timely statements and to pay amounts the Company owes the plaintiff pursuant to the July 1994 Sales and Distribution Agreement between the Company and the plaintiff under which the plaintiff granted the Company the exclusive worldwide right to sell and distribute the plaintiff's software titles for a term of five years. In addition, the plaintiff alleges, among other things, fraud and negligent misrepresentation. The case is scheduled for trial in January 1998. The Company intends to defend this action vigorously. The Company was also sued in an action entitled Sound Source Interactive, Inc. v. Acclaim Distribution, Inc.; Acclaim Entertainment, Inc.; and DOES 1 through 100, inclusive filed in December 1996 in the Superior Court of the State of California for the County of Los Angeles. The plaintiff claims compensatory, general, special and consequential damages in excess of $22 million and punitive damages based on allegations that the defendants breached (i) the Sales and Distribution Agreement dated as of June 15, 1995 between ADI and the plaintiff (the 'Sales and Distribution Agreement') under which the plaintiff granted ADI the exclusive right to sell and distribute the plaintiff's software titles by, among other things, providing the plaintiff with false F-24 ACCLAIM ENTERTAINMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED) FISCAL YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995 (IN 000S, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA) 20. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES--(CONTINUED) accounting statements, misrepresenting product orders, and failing to return or account for software titles shipped by the plaintiff to ADI and wrongfully retaining restocking and distribution fees; and (ii) the Termination Agreement dated March 31, 1996 between the plaintiff and ADI pursuant to which the Sales and Distribution Agreement was terminated by, among other things, failing to account, failing to pay monies due and failing to return or account for software titles shipped by the plaintiff to ADI. In addition, the plaintiff alleges, among other things, fraud and negligent misrepresentation. The Company intends to defend this action vigorously. The Company was also sued in an action entitled Spectrum Holobyte California, Inc.; Microprose Software, Inc. v. Acclaim Entertainment, Inc. filed in January 1997 in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California. In that complaint, plaintiffs Spectrum Holobyte California, Inc. ('Spectrum') and Microprose Software, Inc. ('Microprose') allege that the Company breached a confidential settlement agreement among the parties dated November 4, 1996 (the 'Settlement Agreement'). The purpose of the Settlement Agreement was to resolve a suit brought by the Company in 1996, which included counterclaims by Spectrum and Microprose, regarding each party's allegations of infringement of its exclusive rights to intellectual property licensed to it by Wizards of the Coast, Inc. The property involves the characters, depictions and game methodology of Magic: The Gathering, a popular fantasy adventure story and card game created by Wizards of the Coast, Inc. Plaintiffs allege that the Company breached the Settlement Agreement by failing to release the appropriate number of games of Magic: The Gathering--BattleMage in the United States and the United Kingdom by January 10, 1997, the date provided for in the Settlement Agreement. Plaintiffs seek unspecified monetary damages, attorneys' fees and costs. The Company intends to defend this action vigorously. In January 1997, the Company was sued in an action entitled Ocean of America, Inc. v. Acclaim Entertainment, Inc. in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of Nassau, and an amended complaint was filed in March 1997. The plaintiff alleges non-payment under a license agreement entered into between the plaintiff and the Company, and seeks damages in the aggregate amount of approximately $6.5 million plus costs, expenses and legal fees. The parties are currently negotiating settlement terms with respect to this action. The Company and certain of its current and former directors and/or executive officers were sued in various complaints filed in December 1995, which were consolidated into an action entitled In re: Acclaim Ent. Shareholder Litigation, in the United States District Court in the Eastern District of New York. The plaintiffs, on behalf of a class of the Company's stockholders, claim unspecified damages arising from the Company's December 4, 1995 announcement that it was revising results for the fiscal year ended August 31, 1995 to reflect a decision to defer $18 million of revenues and $10.5 million of net income previously reported on October 17, 1995 for the fiscal year ended August 31, 1995. The parties have agreed on settlement terms, subject to documentation and court approval. By summons and complaint dated December 11, 1995, certain of the Company's current and former directors and/or executive officers were named as defendants, and the Company was named as a nominal defendant, in a shareholder derivative action (the 'Derivative Action'). The Derivative Action was brought on behalf of the Company (as nominal defendant), alleging that the individual defendants violated their fiduciary duties to the Company in connection with the Company's revision of its revenues for the fiscal year ended August 31, 1995. Plaintiff alleges that the individual defendants (1) breached their duty of care and candor, (2) caused the Company to waste corporate assets, and (3) breached their duty of good faith, and, accordingly, seeks unspecified damages. The parties have agreed on settlement terms, subject to documentation and court approval. The Company's subsidiary, Lazer-Tron, was sued in an action entitled Eric Goldstein, on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated, v. Lazer-Tron Corporation, Norman B. Petermeier, Matthew F. Kelly, Bryan M. Kelly, Morton Grosser, Bob K. Pryt and Roger V. Smith in the Superior Court of the State of California, County F-25 ACCLAIM ENTERTAINMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED) FISCAL YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995 (IN 000S, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA) 20. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES--(CONTINUED) of Alameda, Eastern Division. The plaintiffs allege, among other things, breach of fiduciary duty, abuse of control, negligence and negligent misrepresentation. In addition, certain former directors and officers of Lazer-Tron have been named as defendants in an action entitled Adrienne Campbell, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated, v. Norman B. Petermeier, Matthew F. Kelly, Bryan M. Kelly, Morton Grosser, Bob K. Pryt, Roger V. Smith and Does 1 through 50, inclusive, in the Superior Court of the State of California, County of Alameda. The plaintiffs, on behalf of a class of Lazer-Tron's shareholders, claim damages based on allegations that, as a result of lack of due diligence by the named defendants in fully investigating the proposed acquisition by the Company of Lazer-Tron, the defendants breached their fiduciary duties to Lazer-Tron's shareholders. These two actions have been consolidated (as so consolidated, the 'Lazer-Tron State Actions'). The Company and certain of its current and former directors and/or executive officers also are defendants in an action entitled Adrienne Campbell and Donna Sizemore, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated, v. Acclaim Entertainment, Inc., Anthony R. Williams, James Scoroposki, and Robert Holmes (the 'Campbell Action'), which was commenced in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California. In that action, plaintiffs, two former shareholders of Lazer-Tron, filed a class action complaint on December 8, 1995 on behalf of all former Lazer-Tron shareholders who exchanged their Lazer-Tron stock for Common Stock pursuant to the August 31, 1995 merger transaction. Plaintiffs allege violations of Sections 10(b), 14(a) and 14(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, Sections 11 and 12(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, fraud and breach of fiduciary duty. On October 8, 1996, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation ordered the transfer of the Campbell Action from the Northern District of California to the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York for coordinated or consolidated pretrial proceedings with the action entitled In re Acclaim Ent. Shareholder Litigation discussed above. The parties to the Lazer-Tron State Actions and the Campbell Action have entered into a settlement agreement, which was approved by the Superior Court of the State of California and will become final after the expiration of an appeal period and the entry of a dismissal order relating to the Campbell Action by the Eastern District of New York. The Company and certain of its current and former directors and/or executive officers were sued in various complaints filed in April 1994, which were consolidated into an action entitled In re: Acclaim Entertainment, Inc. Securities Litigation (the 'WMS Action'). The plaintiffs, on behalf of a class of the Company's stockholders, consisting of all those who purchased the Common Stock for the period January 4, 1994 to March 30, 1994, claim damages arising from (i) the Company's alleged failure to comply with the disclosure requirements of the securities laws in respect of the Company's relationship with WMS Industries Inc. ('WMS') and the status of negotiations on and the likelihood of renewal of an agreement with WMS, pursuant to which WMS granted the Company a right of first refusal to create software for 'computer games', 'home video games' and 'handheld game machines' based on arcade games released by WMS through March 21, 1995, (ii) statements made by the Company's representative that rumors relating to the nonrenewal of the agreement were 'unsubstantiated' and that talks between the Company and WMS were continuing, which allegedly were materially false and misleading, and (iii) a claim that the defendants should have disclosed the likely nonrenewal of the agreement. The parties have executed a memorandum of understanding setting forth settlement terms of the WMS Action, subject to documentation and court approval. The Company has also asserted a third-party action against its insurance company, Mt. Hawley Insurance Company ('Mt. Hawley') based on Mt. Hawley's disclaimer of coverage for liability from the WMS Action and for fees and expenses up to the amount of the policy incurred in connection with the defense of the WMS Action. In connection with the settlement of the WMS Action, the Company has agreed to assign to the plaintiffs in the WMS Action 50% of the proceeds, if any, recovered from Mt. Hawley. F-26 ACCLAIM ENTERTAINMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED) FISCAL YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995 (IN 000S, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA) 20. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES--(CONTINUED) The Securities and Exchange Commission (the 'Commission') has issued orders directing a private investigation relating to, among other things, the Company's earnings estimate for fiscal 1995 and its decision in the second quarter of fiscal 1996 to exit the 16-bit portable and cartridge markets. The Company has provided documents to the Commission, and the Commission has taken testimony from Company representatives. The Company intends fully to cooperate with the Commission in its investigation. No assurance can be given as to whether there will be any litigation or, if so, as to the outcome of this matter. In October 1997, the Company entered into a settlement agreement with the former sole shareholder of Sculptured, pursuant to which, among other things, his employment with Sculptured was terminated, the Company agreed to make certain payments and issue shares of common stock to him and transferred the trademark and name 'Sculptured' and 'Sculptured Software' to him in exchange for the release of claims, if any, arising from the Company's 1995 acquisition of Sculptured. The Company is also party to various litigations arising in the course of its business, the resolution of none of which, the Company believes, will have a material adverse effect on the Company's liquidity or results of operations. In conjunction with those litigations and claims arising in connection with certain of the Company's acquisitions for which the settlement obligation is currently probable and estimable, the Company recorded a charge of $23,550 during the year ended August 31, 1997. Of the $22,570 of accrued litigation settlements at August 31, 1997, approximately $10,955 will be paid in cash and approximately $11,615 will be paid with non-cash items, such as warrants and Common Stock, if settlements are finalized in accordance with the proposed terms. In the balance sheet, $18,017 is included in accrued expenses and $4,553 is included in other long-term liabilities. The cash portions of the settlements are expected to be paid over various periods ranging from at the time of final settlement to over the three years after final settlement. The warrants to be issued generally will have exercise prices of $0.50 less than the fair market value of the stock on the day the price is set, will be exercisable for three years and provide for a cashless net option exercise. One settlement agreement provides that, based on the market value of the stock during the three year period following final settlement, additional shares of Common Stock could be issued or a portion of the shares issued could be returned to the Company. A portion of any settlement or award arising from or out of one or more of the above litigations may be covered by the Company's insurance. The Company may incur charges in connection with litigations which have not yet been settled or for settled litigations if not documented and approved as currently anticipated and an adverse result in such litigations could have a material adverse effect on the Company. (b) At August 31, 1997, the Company and its subsidiaries had outstanding letters of credit aggregating approximately $5,400 for the purchase of merchandise. The Company's subsidiaries had independent line of credit facilities totalling approximately $10,000 with various banks at August 31, 1997. (c) Trade accounts payable include $4,060 and $3,100 at August 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively, which were collateralized under outstanding letters of credit. (d) The Company has established an Employee Savings Plan (the 'Plan') effective January 1, 1995, which qualifies as a deferred salary arrangement under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Plan is available to all U.S. employees who meet the eligibility requirements. Under the Plan, participating employees may elect to defer a portion of their pretax earnings, up to the maximum allowed by the Internal Revenue Service (up to the lessor of 15% of compensation or $9,500 for calendar year 1997). All amounts vest immediately. Generally, the Plan assets in a participant's account will be distributed to a participant or his or her beneficiaries upon termination of employment, retirement, disability or death. All Plan administrative fees are paid by the Company. F-27 ACCLAIM ENTERTAINMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED) FISCAL YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995 (IN 000S, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA) 20. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES--(CONTINUED) Generally, the Company does not provide its employees (other than certain officers) any other postretirement or postemployment benefits, except discretionary severance payments upon termination of employment. (e) The Company has entered into employment agreements with certain of its directors and officers which provide for annual bonus payments based on consolidated income before income taxes, in addition to their base compensation. 21. QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED) The following table sets forth certain quarterly financial information for fiscal 1997:
QUARTER ENDED ----------------------------------------------------------------- NOVEMBER 30, FEBRUARY 28, MAY 31, AUGUST 31, 1996 1997 1997 1997 TOTAL ------------ ------------ ------- ---------- -------- Gross Revenues....................... $ 63,095 $ 59,110 $48,503 $ 22,864 $193,572 Sales credits and allowances......... 9,757 6,800 6,887 4,717 28,161 ------------ ------------ ------- ---------- -------- Net revenues......................... 53,338 52,310 41,616 18,147 165,411 Cost of revenues..................... 24,792 27,761 25,466 11,799 89,818 Net loss............................. (19,000) (16,842) (69,704) (53,682) (159,228) Net loss per share................... $ (0.38) $ (0.34) $ (1.40) $ (1.08) $ (3.21)
In the fourth quarter of fiscal 1997, the Company recorded litigation settlement expenses of $15,250. During the second half of fiscal 1996, the deterioration of the 16-bit cartridge and portable software market accelerated. Retail inventories were higher than anticipated and the Company's sales of its 16-bit products, as well as its other software products, continued to require more retail incentives, including price concessions. As a result, the Company's financial statements in the fourth quarter include several adjustments to accrue additional sales credits and allowances, reduce inventory to its net realizable value and write off prepaid royalties. The Company also accrued the costs associated with a reduction in its work force and to increase goodwill amortization. On a pre-tax basis, these fourth quarter adjustments are as follows: Adjustments to estimated net realizable value of 16-bit cartridge and portable software accounts receivable and inventory......................................................... $ 65,000 Adjustments to estimated net realizable value of other accounts receivable and inventory.... 29,000 Write-offs of prepaid royalties............................................................. 31,000 Write-off of capitalized software costs..................................................... 8,000 Provision for severance costs............................................................... 5,000 Accelerated amortization of goodwill........................................................ 300 -------- $138,300 -------- --------
A portion of these adjustments relate to prior quarters. However, the Company was unable to determine a reasonable method to allocate the adjustments since a combination of customer retail sales practices, sales concessions originating outside the Company's financial reporting process and changing 16-bit and portable software market conditions make more accurate estimates of the period in which these charges belong impractical to determine. F-28 ACCLAIM ENTERTAINMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED) FISCAL YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995 (IN 000S, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA) 21. QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)--(CONTINUED) The following table sets forth certain quarterly financial information for fiscal 1996:
QUARTER ENDED ----------------------------------------------------------------- NOVEMBER 30, FEBRUARY 29, MAY 31, AUGUST 31, 1995 1996 1996 1996 TOTAL ------------ ------------ ------- ---------- -------- Gross Revenues....................... $154,162 $104,377 $66,310 $ 51,175 $376,024 Sales credits and allowances......... 19,715 86,451* 3,671 104,242* 214,079 ------------ ------------ ------- ---------- -------- Net revenues......................... 134,447 17,926 62,639 (53,067) 161,945 Cost of revenues..................... 80,295 56,422* 25,806 29,267* 191,790 Net (loss) earnings.................. 595 (55,771) (3,968) (162,224) (221,368) Net (loss) earnings per share........ $ 0.01 $ (1.12) $ (0.08) $ (3.28) $ (4.47)
- ------------------ * Includes amounts relating to the special cartridge video charge as follows:
QUARTER ENDED (IN MILLIONS) ------------------------------------ FEBRUARY 29, AUGUST 31, 1996 1996 TOTAL ------------ ---------- ------ Sales credits and allowances................................... $ 28.8 $ 61.7 $ 90.5 Cost of revenues............................................... 20.1 3.3 23.4 ----- ----- ------ $ 48.9 $ 65.0 $113.9 ----- ----- ------ ----- ----- ------
The sum of the quarterly net earnings per share amounts do not equal the annual amount reported, as per share amounts are computed independently for each quarter and for the twelve months based on the weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding in each such period. F-29 ------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------ NO DEALER, SALESPERSON OR OTHER PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFER CONTAINED HEREIN OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS, AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE COMPANY. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY ANY SECURITY OTHER THAN THOSE TO WHICH IT RELATES, NOR DOES IT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL, OR THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY, TO ANY PERSON IN ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION IS NOT AUTHORIZED, OR IN WHICH THE PERSON MAKING SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION IS NOT QUALIFIED TO DO SO, OR TO ANY PERSON TO WHOM IT IS UNLAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION. NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS NOR ANY SALE MADE HEREUNDER SHALL, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, CREATE ANY IMPLICATION THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO CHANGE IN THE AFFAIRS OF THE COMPANY SINCE THE DATE HEREOF OR THAT THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS CORRECT AS OF ANY TIME SUBSEQUENT TO THE DATE HEREOF. ------------------------ TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE ---- Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements................................... 3 Available Information.......................... 3 Summary........................................ 4 Risk Factors................................... 8 Market Price of and Dividends on the Company's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters...................................... 19 Use of Proceeds................................ 19 Capitalization................................. 20 Selected Financial Information................. 21 Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations................................... 22 Business....................................... 29 Legal Proceedings.............................. 39 Management..................................... 42 Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management............................... 48 Certain Relationships and Related Transactions................................. 50 Selling Securityholders........................ 51 Plan of Distribution........................... 52 Description of Notes........................... 53 Description of Capital Stock................... 65 Legal Matters.................................. 66 Experts........................................ 66 Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure....... 67 Financial Statements........................... F-1
------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------ ACCLAIM ENTERTAINMENT, INC. $50,000,000 10% CONVERTIBLE SUBORDINATED NOTES DUE 2002 ----------------------- PROSPECTUS ----------------------- NOVEMBER , 1997 ------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------ PART II INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS ITEM 13. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION The expenses of issuance and distribution of the Notes (excluding legal and accounting fees, if any, incurred by the Selling Noteholders, which will be borne in full by them) are to be paid by the Company. The following itemized list is an estimate of the expenses: SEC Registration Fee....................................... $ 15,151.52 Legal fees and expenses.................................... 100,000.00 Accounting fees and expenses............................... 45,000.00 Transfer Agent fees........................................ 2,000.00 Blue Sky fees and expenses................................. 1,275.00 NASDAQ Additional listing fee.............................. 17,500.00 Miscellaneous.............................................. 19,073.48 ----------- Total................................................. $200,000.00 ----------- -----------
ITEM 15. RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES The Company made grants of options to purchase approximately 4,100,000 and 3,876,000 shares of Common Stock in February and April 1997, respectively, under the 1988 Stock Option Plan. The options described herein were issued pursuant to an exemption from registration provided by Section 4(2) of the Securities Act. ITEM 16. EXHIBITS (a) The following documents are filed as a part of this Registration Statement:
EXHIBIT NUMBER DESCRIPTION - -------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3.1 -- Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1, filed on April 21, 1989, as amended (Registration Number 33-28274) (the '1989 S-1')) 3.2 -- Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the 1989 S-1) 3.3 -- Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(d) to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-8, filed on May 19, 1995 (Registration Number 33-59483) (the '1995 S-8')) 3.4 -- Amended and Restated By-Laws of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(e) to the 1995 S-8) 4.1 -- Specimen form of the Notes (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company's Report on Form 8-K filed on March 14, 1997 (File No. (0-16986)(the 'Note Description 8-K')) 4.2 -- Indenture, dated as of February 26, 1997, between Acclaim Entertainment, Inc. and IBJ Schroder Bank & Trust Company, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Note Description 8-K) 4.3 -- Specimen form of the Company's Common Stock Certificate (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 1989, as amended (File No. 0-16986) (the '1989 10-K')) 5* -- Opinion of Rosenman & Colin LLP 10.1** -- Employment Agreement dated as of September 1, 1994 between the Company and Gregory Fischbach; Amendment No. 1, dated as of December 8, 1996, between the Company and Gregory Fischbach (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 1996 (File No. 0-16986)(the '1996 10-K'))
II-1
EXHIBIT NUMBER DESCRIPTION - -------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10.2** -- Employment Agreement dated as of September 1, 1994 between the Company and J. Scoroposki; Amendment No. 1, dated as of December 8, 1996, between the Company and James Scoroposki (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the 1996 10-K) 10.3** -- 1988 Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(a) to the Company's 1995 S-8) 10.4 -- Revolving Credit and Security Agreement, dated as of January 1, 1993, between the Company, Acclaim Distribution Inc., LJN Toys, Ltd., Acclaim Entertainment Canada, Ltd. and Arena Entertainment Inc., as borrowers, and BNY Financial Corporation, as lender, as amended and restated on February 28, 1995 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended February 28, 1995 (File No. 0-16986) (the '1995 10-Q')) as further amended and modified by (i) the Amendment and Waiver, dated November 8, 1996, (ii) the Amendment, dated November 15, 1996, (iii) the Blocked Account Agreement dated November 14, 1996, (iv) Letter Agreement, dated December 13, 1996 and (v) Letter Agreement, dated February 24, 1997 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company's Report on Form 8-K filed on March 14, 1997 (File No. 0-16986) (the 'Bank 8-K')) 10.5 -- Restated and Amended Factoring Agreements, dated as of February 28, 1995, between the Company and BNY Financial Corporation ('BNY') (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the 1995 10-Q) as further amended and modified by the Amendment to Factoring Agreements, dated February 24, 1997, between the Company and BNY (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Bank 8-K) 10.6*** -- License Agreement, dated as of December 14, 1994, by and between Sony Computer Entertainment of America and the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the 1996 10-K) 21 -- Subsidiaries of Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 21 to the 1996 10-K) 23.1+ -- Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP 23.2+ -- Consent of Grant Thornton LLP 23.3* -- Consent of Rosenman & Colin LLP (included in Exhibit 5) 24.1 -- Power of Attorney (incorporated by reference to this Registration Statement on Form S-1, filed on March 25, 1997 (Registration Number 333-23943)) 25+ -- Statement of Eligibility of Trustee
- ------------------ * Previously filed with this Registration Statement or Form S-1, filed on March 25, 1997 (Registration Number 333-23943). ** Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement required to be identified pursuant to Item 14(a)3 of this report. *** Confidential treatment has been granted with respect to certain information contained in this exhibit. + Filed herewith. (b) Financial Statement Schedules Schedule II--Allowance for Returns and Discounts. All other schedules have been omitted because they are not applicable, or not required, or because the required information is included in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto. II-2 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant has duly caused this Post-Effective Amendment to the Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the County of Nassau and State of New York on November 11, 1997. ACCLAIM ENTERTAINMENT, INC. By: /s/ GREGORY E. FISCHBACH ---------------------------------- Gregory E. Fischbach Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Post-Effective Amendment to the Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE - ------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- ------------------- GREGORY E. FISCHBACH Co-Chairman of the Board; November 11, 1997 - ------------------------------------------ Chief Executive Officer; Gregory E. Fischbach President; Director JAMES SCOROPOSKI Co-Chairman of the Board; November 11, 1997 - ------------------------------------------ Senior Executive Vice James Scoroposki President; Treasurer; Secretary; Director; and Acting Chief Financial and Accounting Officer KENNETH L. COLEMAN Director November 11, 1997 - ------------------------------------------ Kenneth L. Coleman BERNARD J. FISCHBACH Director November 11, 1997 - ------------------------------------------ Bernard J. Fischbach MICHAEL TANNEN Director November 11, 1997 - ------------------------------------------ Michael Tannen ROBERT H. GROMAN Director November 11, 1997 - ------------------------------------------ Robert H. Groman JAMES SCIBELLI Director November 11, 1997 - ------------------------------------------ James Scibelli
II-3 SCHEDULE II ACCLAIM ENTERTAINMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES ALLOWANCE FOR RETURNS AND DISCOUNTS (IN 000S)
PROVISIONS FOR BALANCE AT RETURNS BALANCE AT BEGINNING OF AND RETURNS AND END OF PERIOD PERIOD DISCOUNTS DISCOUNTS PERIOD - ---------------------------------------------------------- ------------ -------------- ----------- ---------- Year ended August 31, 1995................................ $ 35,327 $ 25,081 $ 40,773 $ 19,635 Year ended August 31, 1996................................ $ 19,635 $214,079 $ 158,348 $ 75,366* Year ended August 31, 1997................................ $ 75,366 $ 28,161 $ 65,847 $ 37,680*
- ------------------ *As of August 31, 1997 and 1996, $18,900 and $26,500 were included in accrued sales allowances. S-1 EXHIBIT INDEX
EXHIBIT SEQUENTIAL NUMBER DESCRIPTION PAGE NO. - ---------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------- 3.1 -- Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1, filed on April 21, 1989, as amended (Registration Number 33-28274) (the '1989 S-1')) 3.2 -- Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the 1989 S-1) 3.3 -- Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(d) to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-8, filed on May 19, 1995 (Registration Number 33-59483) (the '1995 S-8')) 3.4 -- Amended and Restated By-Laws of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(e) to the 1995 S-8) 4.1 -- Specimen form of the Notes (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company's Report on Form 8-K filed on March 14, 1997 (File No. (0-16986)(the 'Note Description 8-K')) 4.2 -- Indenture, dated as of February 26, 1997, between Acclaim Entertainment, Inc. and IBJ Schroder Bank & Trust Company, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Note Description 8-K) 4.3 -- Specimen form of the Company's Common Stock Certificate (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 1989, as amended (File No. 0-16986) (the '1989 10-K')) 5* -- Opinion of Rosenman & Colin LLP 10.1** -- Employment Agreement dated as of September 1, 1994 between the Company and Gregory Fischbach; Amendment No. 1, dated as of December 8, 1996, between the Company and Gregory Fischbach (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 1996 (File No. 0-16986)(the '1996 10-K')) 10.2** -- Employment Agreement dated as of September 1, 1994 between the Company and J. Scoroposki; Amendment No. 1, dated as of December 8, 1996, between the Company and James Scoroposki (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the 1996 10-K) 10.3** -- 1988 Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(a) to the Company's 1995 S-8) 10.4 -- Revolving Credit and Security Agreement, dated as of January 1, 1993, between the Company, Acclaim Distribution Inc., LJN Toys, Ltd., Acclaim Entertainment Canada, Ltd. and Arena Entertainment Inc., as borrowers, and BNY Financial Corporation, as lender, as amended and restated on February 28, 1995 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended February 28, 1995 (File No. 0-16986) (the '1995 10-Q')) as further amended and modified by (i) the Amendment and Waiver, dated November 8, 1996, (ii) the Amendment, dated November 15, 1996, (iii) the Blocked Account Agreement dated November 14, 1996, (iv) Letter Agreement, dated December 13, 1996 and (v) Letter Agreement, dated February 24, 1997 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company's Report on Form 8-K filed on March 14, 1997 (File No. 0-16986) (the 'Bank 8-K'))
EXHIBIT SEQUENTIAL NUMBER DESCRIPTION PAGE NO. - ---------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------- 10.5 -- Restated and Amended Factoring Agreements, dated as of February 28, 1995, between the Company and BNY Financial Corporation ('BNY') (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the 1995 10-Q) as further amended and modified by the Amendment to Factoring Agreements, dated February 24, 1997, between the Company and BNY (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Bank 8-K) 10.6*** -- License Agreement, dated as of December 14, 1994, by and between Sony Computer Entertainment of America and the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the 1996 10-K) 21 -- Subsidiaries of Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 21 to the 1996 10-K) 23.1+ -- Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP 23.2+ -- Consent of Grant Thornton LLP 23.3* -- Consent of Rosenman & Colin LLP (included in Exhibit 5) 24.1 -- Power of Attorney (incorporated by reference to this Registration Statement on Form S-1, filed on March 25, 1997 (Registration Number 333-23943)) 25+ -- Statement of Eligibility of Trustee
- ------------------ * Previously filed with this Registration Statement or Form S-1, filed on March 25, 1997 (Registration Number 333-23943). ** Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement required to be identified pursuant to Item 14(a)3 of this report. *** Confidential treatment has been granted with respect to certain information contained in this exhibit. + Filed herewith. EX-23.1 2 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS EXHIBIT 23.1 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS The Board of Directors Acclaim Entertainment, Inc: We consent to the use in this Registration Statement on Form S-1 of Acclaim Entertainment, Inc. of our report dated November 5, 1997 and to the reference to our firm under the heading 'Experts' in the Prospectus. Our report dated November 5, 1997 contains an explanatory paragraph that states that the Company's significant losses from operations in fiscal 1997 and 1996 and its working capital and stockholders' deficiencies at August 31, 1997 raise substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of that uncertainty. The report also indicates that the auditors were unable to review the fiscal 1996 selected quarterly data in accordance with professional standards. KPMG PEAT MARWICK LLP New York, New York November 5, 1997 EX-23.2 3 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS EXHIBIT 23.2 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS We consent to the use in this Registration Statement of Acclaim Entertainment, Inc. of our report dated December 8, 1995, appearing in the Prospectus, which is a part of such Registration Statement, and to the use of our name as it appears under the caption 'Experts.' Our report dated December 8, 1995 contains an emphasis paragraph as to uncertainty relating to the eventual outcome of certain class action lawsuits. The fiscal 1995 consolidated financial statements do not include any provision for any liability that might result upon the resolution of these matters. GRANT THORNTON LLP New York, New York November 5, 1997 EX-25 4 STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY OF TRUSTEE ---------- SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D. C. 20549 ---------- FORM T-1 STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY UNDER THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939, AS AMENDED, OF A CORPORATION DESIGNATED TO ACT AS TRUSTEE CHECK IF AN APPLICATION TO DETERMINE ELIGIBILITY OF A TRUSTEE PURSUANT TO SECTION 305(b)(2) / / ---------- IBJ SCHRODER BANK & TRUST COMPANY (Exact name of trustee as specified in its charter) New York 13-5375195 (State of Incorporation (I.R.S. Employer if not a U.S. national bank) Identification No.) One State Street, New York, New York 10004 (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code) Barbara McCluskey, Vice President IBJ Schroder Bank & Trust Company One State Street New York, New York 10004 (212) 858-2000 (Name, Address and Telephone Number of Agent for Service) Acclaim Entertainment, Inc. (Exact name of obligor as specified in its charter) Delaware 38-2698904 (State or jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer incorporation or organization) Identification No.) One Acclaim Plaza Glen Cove, New York 11542 (Address of principal executive office) (Zip code) ---------- (Title of Indenture Securities) Acclaim Entertainment, Inc. 10% Convertible Subordinated Notes Due 2002 -------------------- Item 1. General information Furnish the following information as to the trustee: (a) Name and address of each examining or supervising authority to which it is subject. New York State Banking Department Two Rector Street New York, New York Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Washington, D.C. Federal Reserve Bank of New York Second District 33 Liberty Street New York, New York (b) Whether it is authorized to exercise corporate trust powers. Yes Item 2. Affiliations with the Obligor. If the obligor is an affiliate of the trustee, describe each such affiliation. The obligor is not an affiliate of the trustee. Item 3. Voting securities of the trustee. Furnish the following information as to each class of voting securities of the trustee: As of March 25, 1997 Col. A Col. B Title of class Amount Outstanding Not Applicable 2 Item 4. Trusteeships under other indentures. If the trustee is a trustee under another indenture under which any other securities, or certificates of interest or participation in any other securities, of the obligor are outstanding, furnish the following information: (a) Title of the securities outstanding under each such other indenture Not Applicable (b) A brief statement of the facts relied upon as a basis for the claim that no conflicting interest within the meaning of Section 310 (b) (1) of the Act arises as a result of the trusteeship under any such other indenture, including a statement as to how the indenture securities will rank as compared with the securities issued under such other indenture. Not Applicable Item 5. Interlocking directorates and similar relationships with the obligor or underwriters. If the trustee or any of the directors or executive officers of the trustee is a director, officer, partner, employee, appointee, or representative of the obligor or of any underwriter for the obligor, identify each such person having any such connection and state the nature of each such connection. Not Applicable Item 6. Voting securities of the trustee owned by the obligor or its officials. Furnish the following information as to the voting securities of the trustee owned beneficially by the obligor and each director, partner, and executive officer of the obligor: As of March 25, 1997 Col A Col. B Col. C Col. D Name of Owner Title of class Amount owned Percent of voting beneficially securities represented by amount given in Col. C - ------------------ -------------- ------------- ------------------------- Not Applicable Item 7. Voting securities of the trustee owned by underwriters or their officials. 3 Furnish the following information as to the voting securities of the trustee owned beneficially by each underwriter for the obligor and each director, partner and executive officer of each such underwriter: As of March 25, 1997 Col A Col. B Col. C Col. D Name of Owner Title of class Amount owned Percent of voting beneficially securities represented by amount given in Col. C - ------------------ -------------- ------------- ------------------------- Not Applicable Item 8. Securities of the obligor owned or held by the trustee Furnish the following information as to securities of the obligor owned beneficially or held as collateral security for obligations in default by the trustee: As of March 25, 1997
Col A Col. B Col. C Col. D Name of Owner Title of class Amount owned Percent of voting beneficially or held as securities represented by collateral security for amount given in Col. C obligations in default - ---------------------- ----------------------------- --------------------------------- ---------------------------
Not Applicable Item 9. Securities of underwriters owned or held by the trustee. If the trustee owns beneficially or holds as collateral security for obligations in default any securities of an underwriter for the obligor, furnish the following information as 4 to each class of securities of such underwriter any of which are so owned or held by the trustee: As of March 25, 1997
Col A Col. B Col. C Col. D Name of Owner Title of class Amount owned Percent of voting beneficially or held as securities represented by collateral security for amount given in Col. C obligations in default - ---------------------- ----------------------------- --------------------------------- ---------------------------
Not Applicable Item 10.Ownership or holdings by the trustee of voting securities of certain affiliates or securityholders of the obligor. If the trustee owns beneficially or holds as collateral security for obligations in default voting securities of a person who, to the knowledge of the trustee (1) owns 10 percent or more of the voting securities of the obligor or (2) is an affiliate, other than a subsidiary, of the obligor, furnish the following information as to the voting securities of such person: As of March 25, 1997
Col A Col. B Col. C Col. D Name of Owner Title of class Amount owned Percent of voting beneficially or held as securities represented by collateral security for amount given in Col. C obligations in default - ---------------------- ----------------------------- --------------------------------- ---------------------------
Not Applicable 5 Item 11. Ownership or holdings by the trustee of any securities of a person owning 50 percent or more of the voting securities of the obligor. If the trustee owns beneficially or holds as collateral security security for obligations in default any securities of a person who, to the knowledge of the trustee, owns 50 percent or more of the voting securities of the obligor, furnish the following information as to each class of securities of such any of which are so owned or held by the trustee: As of March 25, 1997 Col. A Col. B Col. C Nature of Indebtedness Amount Outstanding Date Due ----------------------- -------------------- ---------- Not Applicable Item 12.Indebtedness of the Obligor to the Trustee. Except as noted in the instructions, if the obligor is indebted to the trustee, furnish the following information: As of March 25, 1997
Col A Col. B Col. C Col. D Name of Owner Title of class Amount owned Percent of voting beneficially or held as securities represented by collateral security for amount given in Col. C obligations in default - ---------------------- ----------------------------- --------------------------------- ---------------------------
Not Applicable Item 13. Defaults by the Obligor. (a) State whether there is or has been a default with respect to the securities under this indenture. Explain the nature of any such default. Not Applicable (b)If the trustee is a trustee under another indenture under which any other securities, or certificates of interest or participation in any other securities, of the obligor are outstanding, or is trustee for more than one outstanding series of securities under the indenture, state whether there has been a default 6 under any such indenture or series, identify the indenture or series affected, and explain the nature of any such default. Not Applicable Item 14. Affiliations with the Underwriters If any underwriter is an affiliate of the trustee, describe each such affiliation. Not Applicable Item 15. Foreign Trustees. Identify the order or rule pursuant to which the foreign trustee is authorized to act as sole trustee under indentures qualified or to be qualified under the Act. Not Applicable Item 16. List of Exhibits. List below all exhibits filed as part of this statement of eligibility. *1. A copy of the Charter of IBJ Schroder Bank & Trust Company as amended to date. (See Exhibit 1A to Form T-1, Securities and Exchange Commission File No. 22-18460). *2. A copy of the Certificate of Authority of the Trustee to Commence Business (Included in Exhibit I above). *3. A copy of the Authorization of the Trustee, as amended to date (See Exhibit 4 to Form T-1, Securities and Exchange Commission File No. 22-19146). *4. A copy of the existing By-Laws of the Trustee, as amended to date (See Exhibit 4 to Form T-1, Securities and Exchange Commission File No. 22-19146). 7 5. A copy of each Indenture referred to in Item 4, if the Obligor is in default. Not Applicable. 6. The consent of the United States institutional trustee required by Section 321(b) of the Act. 7. A copy of the latest report of condition of the trustee published pursuant to law or the requirements of its supervising or examining authority. *The Exhibits thus designated are incorporated herein by reference as exhibits hereto. Following the description of such Exhibits is a reference to the copy of the Exhibit heretofore filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, to which there have been no amendments or changes. NOTE In answering any item in this Statement of Eligibility which relates to matters peculiarly within the knowledge of the obligor and its directors or officers, the trustee has relied upon information furnished to it by the obligor. Inasmuch as this Form T-1 is filed prior to the ascertainment by the trustee of all facts on which to base responsive answers to Item 2, the answer to said Item are based on incomplete information. Item 2, may, however, be considered as correct unless amended by an amendment to this Form T-1. Pursuant to General Instruction B, the trustee has responded to Items 1, 2 and 16 of this form since to the best knowledge of the trustee as indicated in Item 13, the obligor is not in default under any indenture under which the applicant is trustee. 8 CONFORMED SIGNATURE Pursuant to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, the trustee, IBJ Schroder Bank & Trust Company, a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of New York, has duly caused this statement of eligibility & qualification to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, all in the City of New York, and State of New York, on the 25th day of March, 1997. IBJ SCHRODER BANK & TRUST COMPANY By: /s/ Barbara McCluskey ---------------------- Barbara McCluskey Vice President Exhibit 6 CONSENT OF TRUSTEE Pursuant to the requirements of Section 321(b) of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, in connection with the issue by Acclaim Entertainment, Inc. of its 10% Convertible Notes due 2002, we hereby consent that reports of examinations by Federal, State, Territorial, or District authorities may be furnished by such authorities to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request therefor. IBJ SCHRODER BANK & TRUST COMPANY By: /s/ Barbara McCluskey ---------------------- Barbara McCluskey Vice President Dated: March 25, 1997 EXHIBIT 7 CONSOLIDATED REPORT OF CONDITION OF IBJ SCHRODER BANK & TRUST COMPANY of New York, New York And Foreign and Domestic Subsidiaries Report as of September 30, 1996
Dollar Amounts in Thousands ------------- ASSETS Cash and balance due from depository institutions: Noninterest-bearing balances and currency and coin .......................................................... $ 34,228 Interest-bearing balances...................................................................................... $ 229,175 Securities: Held-to-maturity securities......................................................................... $ 174,707 Available-for-sale securities....................................................................... $ 36,168 Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell in domestic offices of the bank and of its Edge and Agreement subsidiaries and in IBFs: Federal Funds sold............................................................................................. $ 15,062 Securities purchased under agreements to resell................................................................ $ -0- Loans and lease financing receivables: Loans and leases, net of unearned income..................................................... $ 1,780,278 LESS: Allowance for loan and lease losses.................................................... $ 56,976 LESS: Allocated transfer risk reserve........................................................ $ -0- Loans and leases, net of unearned income, allowance, and reserve............................................... $ 1,723,302 Trading assets held in trading accounts............................................................................ $ 622 Premises and fixed assets (including capitalized leases)........................................................... $ 4,264 Other real estate owned............................................................................................ $ 397 Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and associated companies................................................ $ -0- Customers' liability to this bank on acceptances outstanding....................................................... $ 105 Intangible assets.................................................................................................. $ -0- Other assets....................................................................................................... $ 153,290 TOTAL ASSETS....................................................................................................... $ 2,371,320 LIABILITIES Deposits: In domestic offices............................................................................................ $ 671,747 Noninterest-bearing ..................................................................... $ 224,231 Interest-bearing......................................................................... $ 447,516 In foreign offices, Edge and Agreement subsidiaries, and IBFs.................................................. $ 856,540 Noninterest-bearing...................................................................... $ 17,313 Interest-bearing......................................................................... $ 839,227 Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase in domestic offices of the bank and of its Edge and Agreement subsidiaries, and in IBFs: Federal Funds purchased........................................................................................ $ 430,500 Securities sold under agreements to repurchase................................................................. $ -0- Demand notes issued to the U.S. Treasury........................................................................... $ 50,000 Trading Liabilities................................................................................................ $ 539 Other borrowed money: a) With a remaining maturity of one year or less............................................................... $ 61,090 b) With a remaining maturity of more than one year............................................................. $ 7,647 Mortgage indebtedness and obligations under capitalized leases..................................................... $ -0- Bank's liability on acceptances executed and outstanding........................................................... $ 105 Subordinated notes and debentures.................................................................................. $ -0- Other liabilities.................................................................................................. $ 77,289 TOTAL LIABILITIES.................................................................................................. $ 2,155,457 Limited-life preferred stock and related surplus................................................................... $ -0- EQUITY CAPITAL Perpetual preferred stock and related surplus...................................................................... $ -0- Common stock....................................................................................................... $ 29,649 Surplus (exclude all surplus related to preferred stock)........................................................... $ 217,008 Undivided profits and capital reserves............................................................................. $ (30,795) Net unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities..................................................... $ 1 Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments................................................................ $ -0- TOTAL EQUITY CAPITAL............................................................................................... $ 215,863 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY CAPITAL............................................................................... $ 2,371,320
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