(Registrant’s
telephone number, including area code:)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed
by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or
for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been
subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes þ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Exchange
Act Rule 12b-2). Yes þ No o
Goodwill, net of accumulated amortization of $26,116 in both periods
70,224
70,224
Other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $1,969 and $2,138, at
March 31, 2005 and June 30, 2005, respectively
731
562
Other assets
6,642
6,446
Total assets
$
190,039
$
146,570
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable
$
27,756
$
19,063
Accrued liabilities
16,614
14,287
Restructuring reserve
1,885
2,514
Royalties payable
13,641
12,532
Income taxes payable
500
490
Due to related parties
5,421
5,761
Liabilities of discontinued operations (Note 10)
2,685
2,987
Total current liabilities
68,502
57,634
Deferred income
478
459
Other long-term liabilities
392
264
Total liabilities
69,372
58,357
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 5,000 shares authorized, none issued or
outstanding
—
—
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 300,000 shares authorized, 121,296 and 121,307
shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2005 and June 30, 2005,
respectively
1,213
1,213
Additional paid-in capital
736,790
737,087
Accumulated deficit
(619,744
)
(652,561
)
Accumulated other comprehensive income
2,408
2,474
Total stockholders’ equity
120,667
88,213
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
190,039
$
146,570
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
ATARI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)
NOTE 1 — SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND OTHER MATTERS
Nature of Business
We are a global publisher and developer of video game software for both gaming enthusiasts and
the mass-market audience, as well as a distributor of video game software in North America. We
publish and distribute games for all platforms, including Sony PlayStation and PlayStation 2;
Nintendo Game Boy, Game Boy Advance, GameCube, and DS; Microsoft Xbox; and personal computers,
referred to as PCs. We also publish and sub-license games for the wireless, internet, and other
evolving platforms. Our diverse portfolio of products extends across every major video game genre,
including action, adventure, strategy, children, family, driving and sports games.
Through our relationship with our majority stockholder, Infogrames Entertainment S.A., a
French corporation (“IESA”), listed on Euronext, our products are distributed exclusively by IESA
throughout Europe, Asia and certain other regions. Similarly, we exclusively distribute IESA’s
products in the United States and Canada. Furthermore, we distribute product in Mexico through
various non-exclusive agreements. At June 30, 2005, IESA owns approximately 52% of us directly and
through its wholly-owned subsidiary California U.S. Holdings, Inc. (“CUSH”) and its majority-owned
subsidiary Atari Interactive, Inc. (“Atari Interactive”).
Key Challenges
Due
to major shifts in product release dates and increased development
investment for future product releases, our results of operations for
the first quarter of fiscal 2006 were not in line with prior year or
with management expectations. Our net revenues for the first quarter of fiscal 2006 were only 22.4% of those in the same
quarter of fiscal 2005. Primarily because of this, we had a net loss of $32.8 million in the first
quarter of fiscal 2006, compared with net income of $12.1 million in the same period of the prior
year. For the remainder of the 2006
fiscal year, we expect to release significantly fewer titles than we have historically. This trend
will continue during fiscal 2007. As a result, our revenue will not be in line with its historical
levels. While we have taken, and continue to take, steps to reduce costs, it is unlikely that our
cost reductions will fully compensate for the lower revenues.
Because
of the results for the first quarter and the projected results for
the remainder of fiscal 2006, we obtained waivers
and modifications of financial covenants in our principal credit
agreement (Note 9). Management believes they will be able to
meet these modified financial covenants, however, unless our
results improve, we may have to seek additional waivers or modifications in the future.
A new generation of game consoles is being introduced in late 2005 and early 2006. While we
anticipate that these consoles will be able to play titles developed for the current generation, in
order to remain fully competitive, we will have to develop or format titles for the new generation.
That will require us to make significant expenditures. We will need new capital to be able to
make those expenditures. While we anticipate obtaining some funding from IESA through sales of
assets or shares to it, in order to provide liquidity through fiscal
2006, that funding probably will not be sufficient to meet our longer
term needs.
Therefore, we will have to seek additional capital, and it is possible we will not be able to
obtain it.
In
recognition that IESA’s stockholding in Atari is IESA’s
most critical investment, the Boards of Directors of IESA have agreed
in principle to enter into a series of transactions which improves
our financial flexibility and augments our short-term liquidity
(Note 13). Furthermore, on August 9, 2005, the Board of
IESA approved a provision by IESA of additional capital to Atari
sometime during the second quarter of fiscal 2006 in the form of cash
and/or IESA stock. It is anticipated that
such additional capital to be provided by IESA would approximate at
least $12 million. The provision of such capital may be achieved through
Atari’s sale to IESA or subsidiary(ies) of IESA of various
assets and is currently being negotiated.
Basis of Presentation
Our accompanying interim consolidated financial statements are unaudited, but in the opinion
of management, reflect all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals, necessary for a
fair presentation of the results for the interim period in accordance with instructions for Form
10-Q. Accordingly, they do not include all information and notes required by generally accepted
accounting principles for complete financial statements. These interim consolidated
financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements
and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2005.
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include our accounts and our wholly-owned subsidiaries.
All material intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions
that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and
liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and
expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could materially differ from those estimates.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue is recognized when title and risk of loss transfer to the customer, provided that
collection of the resulting receivable is deemed probable by management.
We are not contractually obligated to accept returns except for defective product. However,
we may permit our customers to return or exchange product and we provide allowances for estimated
returns, price concessions, or other allowances on a negotiated basis. We estimate such returns and
allowances based upon management’s evaluation of historical experience, market acceptance of
products produced, retailer inventory levels, budgeted customer allowances, the nature of the title
and existing commitments to customers. Such estimates are deducted from gross sales and provided
for at the time revenue is recognized.
Research and Product Development Costs
Research and product development costs related to the design, development and testing of new
software products, whether internally or externally developed, are charged to expense as incurred.
Research and product development costs also include payments for royalty advances (milestone
payments) to third-party developers for products that are currently in development.
Rapid technological innovation, shelf-space competition, shorter product life cycles and buyer
selectivity have made it difficult to determine the likelihood of individual product acceptance and
success. As a result, we follow the policy of expensing milestone payments as incurred, treating
such costs as research and product development expenses. Due to recently implemented enhancements
in our internal project planning and acceptance process and anticipated additional improvements in
our ability to assess post-release consumer acceptance, we are currently considering a change from
expensing such costs when incurred to a method of deferral and amortization over each product’s
life cycle. Should management change its method of accounting for product development costs, such
change will be implemented prospectively. Management believes that the ability to amortize such
costs over the product’s life cycle will result in a better matching of costs and revenues.
Licenses
Licenses for intellectual property are capitalized as assets upon the execution of the
contract when no significant obligation of performance remains with the third party. If significant
obligations remain, the asset is capitalized when payments are due or
when performance is completed as opposed to when the contract
is executed. These licenses are amortized at the licensor’s royalty rate over unit sales.
Management evaluates the carrying value of these capitalized licenses and records an impairment
charge (as research and product development expense) in the period management determines that such
capitalized amounts are not expected to be realized.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Statement No. 142, “Goodwill and Other
Intangible Assets”, eliminated goodwill amortization over its estimated useful life. Goodwill is
subject to at least an annual assessment for impairment by applying a fair-value based test.
Additionally, acquired intangible assets are separately recognized if the benefit of the intangible
asset is obtained through contractual or other legal rights, or if the intangible asset can be
sold, transferred, licensed, rented or exchanged, regardless of our intent to do so. Intangible
assets with finite lives are
amortized over their useful lives. As of March 31, 2005, our annual fair-value based
assessment did not result in any impairment of goodwill or intangibles. As of June 30, 2005, we do
not believe that there are any indications of impairment of goodwill or intangibles. However,
future changes in the facts and circumstances relating to our goodwill and other intangible assets
could result in an impairment of intangible assets in subsequent periods.
Other intangible assets approximate $0.7 million and $0.6 million, net of accumulated
amortization of $2.0 million and $2.1 million at March 31, 2005 and June 30, 2005, respectively.
Fair Values of Financial Instruments
FASB Statement No. 107, “Disclosure About Fair Value of Financial Instruments”, requires
certain disclosures regarding the fair value of financial instruments. Cash, accounts receivable,
accounts payable, accrued liabilities, restructuring reserve, royalties payable, assets and
liabilities of discontinued operations, and amounts due to and from related parties are reflected
in the consolidated financial statements at fair value due to the short-term maturity and the
denomination in U.S. dollars of these instruments.
Long-Lived Assets
We review long-lived assets, such as fixed assets to be held, for impairment annually or
whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not
be fully recoverable. If the estimated fair market value of the asset is less than the carrying
amount of the asset plus the cost to dispose, an impairment loss is recognized as the amount by
which the carrying amount of the asset plus the cost to dispose exceeds its fair value, as defined
in FASB Statement No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived
Assets to be Disposed Of”.
Income Taxes
We account for income taxes using the asset and liability method of accounting for income
taxes. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences
between financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities and are measured using the
enacted tax rates in effect for the years in which the differences are expected to reverse. We
record an allowance to reduce tax assets to an estimated realizable amount. We monitor our tax
liability on a quarterly basis and record the estimated tax obligation based on our current
year-to-date taxable income and expectations of the full year results.
Net Income (Loss) Per Share
Basic net income (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted
average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the period. Diluted net income (loss) per
share reflects the potential dilution that could occur from shares of common stock issuable through
stock-based compensation plans, including stock options and
warrants, using the
treasury stock method. The following is a reconciliation of basic
and diluted net income (loss) per share (in thousands, except per share data):
The number of antidilutive shares that were excluded from the diluted earnings per share
calculation for the three months ended June 30, 2004 and 2005 were 6,747,000 and 9,697,000,
respectively. For the three months ended June 30, 2004, the shares were antidilutive due to stock
options and warrants in which the exercise price was greater than the average market price of the
common shares during the period. For the three months ended June 30, 2005, the shares were
antidilutive due to the net loss for the period.
Stock-Based Compensation
We account for employee stock option plans under the intrinsic value method prescribed by
Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” and
related interpretations. Any equity instruments issued, other than to employees, for acquiring
goods and services are accounted for using fair value at the date of grant. We have also adopted
the disclosure provisions of FASB Statement No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation”, as
amended by FASB Statement No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation – Transition and
Disclosure – an Amendment to FASB Statement No. 123”.
At June 30, 2005, we had three stock option plans. All options granted under those plans
generally have an exercise price equal to the market value of the underlying common stock on the
date of grant; therefore, no compensation cost is recognized. The following table illustrates the
effect on the income (loss) from continuing operations per share and net income (loss) if we
had applied the fair value recognition provisions of the FASB Statement No. 123, “Accounting for
Stock-Based Compensation”, to stock-based employee compensation (in thousands, except per share
data):
Plus: Fair value of stock-based employee
compensation expense, net of
related tax effects
(1,259
)
(290
)
Basic and diluted — pro forma income (loss) from
continuing operations
$
12,815
$
(30,785
)
Income (loss) from continuing operations per share:
Basic and diluted – as reported
$
0.12
$
(0.25
)
Basic and
diluted – pro forma
$
0.11
$
(0.25
)
Net income (loss):
Basic and diluted — as reported
$
12,056
$
(32,817
)
Plus: Fair value of stock-based employee
compensation expense, net of
related tax effects
(1,259
)
(290
)
Basic and diluted — pro forma net income (loss)
$
10,797
$
(33,107
)
Net income (loss) per share:
Basic and diluted – as reported
$
0.10
$
(0.27
)
Basic and
diluted – pro forma
$
0.09
$
(0.27
)
The fair market value of options granted under stock option plans during the three months
ended June 30, 2004 and 2005 was determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model utilizing
the following assumptions:
In December 2004, the FASB issued Statement No. 153, “Exchanges of Nonmonetary Assets”. This
Statement requires that exchanges of nonmonetary assets be measured based on the fair value of the
assets exchanged. Statement No. 153 is effective for nonmonetary asset exchanges occurring in
fiscal periods beginning after June 15, 2005. Management believes that the issuance of this
statement will not have any effect on our results of operations.
In December 2004, the FASB issued Statement No. 123-R, “Share Based Payments”. Statement No.
123-R is a revision of Statement No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” and supersedes
APB Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees”. Statement No. 123-R eliminates the
alternative to use the intrinsic value method of accounting that was provided in Statement No. 123,
which generally resulted in no compensation expense recorded in the financial statements related to
the issuance of equity awards to employees. Statement No. 123-R establishes fair value as the
measurement objective in accounting for share-based payment arrangements and requires all companies
to apply a fair value based measurement method in accounting for generally all share-based payment
transactions with employees.
We plan to adopt Statement No. 123-R using a modified prospective application. Under this
application, companies are required to record compensation expense for all awards granted after the
required effective date and for the unvested portion of previously granted awards that remain
outstanding at the date of adoption. The provisions of Statement No. 123-R are effective as of the
beginning of the first annual reporting period that begins after June 15, 2005, but early adoption
is encouraged. As
of June 30, 2005, management is currently reviewing the effect that
the adoption of Statement No. 123-R will have on our
result
of operations.
In May 2005, the FASB issued Statement No. 154, “Accounting Changes and Error Corrections—a
replacement of APB Opinion No. 20 and FASB Statement No. 3”. Statement No. 154 requires that
voluntary changes in accounting principle be retroactively applied to prior period financial
statements unless it is impracticable to determine the period-specific effects or the cumulative
effect of the accounting change. As of June 30, 2005, management
is currently reviewing the effect, if any, that the adoption of Statement No. 154 will have on our results of operations.
In June 2005, the Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) issued EITF Issue No. 05-6, “Determining
the Amortization Period for Leasehold Improvements Purchased after Lease Inception or Acquired in a
Business Combination”. Issue No. 05-6 states that leasehold improvements that are placed in service
significantly after the beginning of the lease term should be amortized over the shorter of the
useful life of the assets or a term that includes required lease periods and renewals that are
deemed to be reasonably assured at the date the leasehold improvements are purchased. The
pronouncement is effective for leasehold improvements that are purchased or acquired in reporting
periods beginning after June 29, 2005. We do not expect that the adoption of this issue will have a
material impact on our results of operations.
In
June 2005, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) No.
FAS 150-5. This FSP clarifies that freestanding warrants and other
similar instruments on shares that are redeemable (either puttable or
mandatorily redeemable) should be accounted for as liabilities under
FASB Statement No. 150, “Accounting for Certain Financial
Instruments with Characteristics of Both Liabilities and
Equity”, regardless of the timing of the redemption feature or
price, even though the underlying shares may be classified as equity.
This FSP is effective for the first reporting period beginning after
June 30, 2005. As of June 30, 2005, we do not expect that the
adoption of this statement will have a material impact on our
financial statements.
NOTE 2 – RECEIVABLES, NET
Receivables consist of the following (in thousands):
As of June 30, 2005, we have combined net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $510.2
million for federal and state tax purposes. These loss carryforwards are available to offset
future taxable income, if any, and will expire beginning in the years 2009 through 2025. We
experienced an ownership change in 1999 as a result of the acquisition by IESA. Under Section 382
of the Internal Revenue Code, when there is an ownership change, the pre-ownership-change loss
carryforwards are subject to an annual limitation which could reduce or defer the utilization of
these losses. Pre-acquisition losses of approximately $186.8 million are subject to an annual
limitation (approximately $7.2 million). A full valuation allowance has been recorded against the
net deferred tax asset based on our historical operating results and the conclusion that it is more
likely than not that such asset will not be realized. Management reassesses its position with
regard to the valuation allowance on a quarterly basis.
During the three months ended June 30, 2005, no tax provisions were recorded due to the
taxable loss recorded for the quarter. During the three months ended June 30, 2004, we recorded
federal and state alternative minimum tax provisions of approximately $0.3 million and regular
provisions for state taxes of approximately $0.3 million.
The following table provides a detailed break out of related party amounts within each line
of our Consolidated Statements of Operations (in thousands):
(1) We have entered into a distribution agreement with IESA and Atari Europe which
provides for IESA’s and Atari Europe’s distribution of our products across Europe, Asia, and
certain other regions pursuant to which IESA, Atari Europe, or any of their subsidiaries, as
applicable, will pay us 30.0% of the gross margin on such products or 130.0% of the royalty rate
due to the developer, whichever is greater. We recognize this amount as royalty income as part
of net revenues, net of returns.
(2) We have also entered into a distribution agreement with IESA and Atari Europe, which
provides for our distribution of IESA’s (or any of its subsidiaries’) products in the United
States, Canada and Mexico, pursuant to which we will pay IESA either 30.0% of the gross margin
on such products or 130.0% of the royalty rate due to the developer, whichever is greater. We
recognize this amount as royalty expense as part of cost of goods sold, net of returns.
As of March 31, 2005 and June 30, 2005, the following amounts are outstanding with regard to
related party royalty transactions and are included in due from related parties (in
thousands):
We engage certain related party development studios to provide services such as product
development, design, and testing. Development transactions are as follows (in thousands):
With respect to these related party development studios, payables of $0.4 million and
$2.5 million, respectively, were outstanding as of March 31, 2005 and June 30, 2005 and were
included in due to related parties.
IESA distributes our products in Europe, Asia, and certain other regions, and pays us
royalties in this respect. IESA also develops products which we distribute in the U.S., Canada,
and Mexico, and for which we pay royalties to IESA. Both IESA and Atari Interactive, through the
ownership of intellectual property or through the development of products, are material sources of
products which we market in the United States and Canada. During fiscal 2005, Atari Interactive was
the source of approximately 38% of our net revenue and we generated approximately 5% of our net
revenue from royalties on IESA’s distribution of our products in Europe, Asia, and certain other
regions. For the three months ended June 30, 2005, Atari Interactive was the source of
approximately 37% of our net revenues and we generated a nominal amount of net revenues from
royalties on IESA’s distribution of our products in Europe, Asia, and certain other regions.
As of the date of this report, IESA beneficially owns, directly and indirectly, approximately
52% of our stock. IESA has incurred significant continuing operating losses and is highly
leveraged. IESA has taken steps to improve its financial situation, including (i) restructuring
its outstanding debt obligations such that the debt amount is reduced and the debt maturity
schedule is more favorable, (ii) reducing operating expenses, (iii) raising capital by selling
(through CUSH) 11,000,000 of its shares in Atari, pursuant to a registration statement, (iv)
entering into banking arrangements to fund operations and position itself for the new hardware
cycle, (v) selling assets, such as its rights in the Civilization franchise and certain of its
rights under its previous license with Hasbro, and (vi) entering into production fund agreements to
finance certain game development projects. However, IESA has not yet completed all of the actions
it plans to take in order to improve its operations and reduce its debt. As a result, IESA’s
current ability to fund, among other things, its subsidiaries’
operations is limited.
There can be no assurance that IESA will complete sufficient actions to assure its future
financial stability. If IESA is unable to complete its action plan, address its liquidity
problems, and fund its working capital needs, IESA would likely be unable to fund its subsidiaries’
video game development operations, including that of Atari Interactive and us. Therefore, our
results of operations could be materially impaired, as any delay or cessation in product
development could materially decrease our revenue from the distribution of products. In addition,
based on the proposed transactions between us and IESA that are disclosed in this filing, if IESA
fails to complete such transactions this will negatively affect our results of operations and our
liquidity. If our results of operations and/or liquidity are materially impaired, this could result in a breach of
one or more of the covenants contained in our revolving credit facility with HSBC.
If the above
contingencies occurred, we probably would be forced to take actions that could include, but would
not necessarily be limited to, a significant reduction in our expenditures for internal and
external new product development and the implementation of a comprehensive cost reduction program
to reduce our overhead expenses. These actions, should they become necessary, could result in a
significant reduction in the size of our operations and could have a material adverse effect on our
revenue and cash flows. At present there can be no assurance regarding any of the foregoing
contingencies and management will continue to monitor these developments closely.
Not
withstanding the foregoing, IESA has represented to Atari’s
management that they will fund transactions between us, as
discussed above, through a variety of means, including additional
funding, capital contribution, modification of the terms of existing
indebtedness and related party licensing arrangements, and the sale of
IESA stock and/or assets for cash. It is our understanding that
IESA’s current financial position would not prohibit IESA’s ability to consummate any such transactions.
Additionally, though Atari is a separate and independent legal entity and we are not a party
to, or a guarantor of, and have no obligations or liability in respect of IESA’s indebtedness
(except that we have guaranteed the Beverly, MA lease obligation of Atari Interactive), because
IESA owns a majority of our stock, potential investors and current and potential business/trade
partners may view IESA’s financial situation with its creditors as relevant to an assessment of Atari. Therefore, if
IESA is unable to address its financial issues with its creditors, it may taint our relationship with our suppliers
and distributors, damage our business reputation, affect our ability to generate business and enter
into agreements on financially favorable terms, and otherwise impair our ability to raise and
generate capital. IESA continues to focus on ways to address and improve its financial situation.
NOTE 8 – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Litigation
During the three months ended June 30, 2005, no significant claims were asserted against or by
us that, in management’s opinion, the likely resolution of which would have a material adverse
affect on our liquidity, financial condition or results of operations, although we are involved in
various claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. The following is a
summary of pending litigation matters in which there were material developments during the quarter.
With respect to matters in which we are the defendant, we believe that the underlying complaints
are without merit and intend to defend ourselves vigorously.
Our management believes that the ultimate resolution of any of the matters summarized below
and/or any other claims which are not stated herein will not have a material adverse effect on our
liquidity, financial condition or results of operations.
Knight Bridging Korea v. Infogrames, Inc. et al
On September 16, 2002, Knight Bridging Korea Co., Ltd. (“KBK”), a distributor of electronic
games via the Internet and local area networks, filed a lawsuit against Gamesonline.com, Inc.
(“Gamesonline”), a subsidiary of Interplay Entertainment Corp. (“Interplay”), and us in Superior
Court of California, Orange County. KBK alleges that on or about December 15, 2001, KBK entered
into a contract with Gamesonline to obtain the right to localize and distribute electronically in
Korea, Neverwinter Nights and certain back list games. The Complaint further alleges that
Gamesonline and we conspired to prevent KBK from entering the market with Neverwinter Nights or any
back title of Gamesonline. The Complaint alleges the following causes of action against us:
misappropriation of trade secrets under the California Uniform Trade Secrets Act; common law
misappropriation; intentional interference with contract; negligent interference with contract;
intentional interference with prospective economic advantage; negligent interference with
prospective economic advantage; and violation of Business & Professions Code Section 17200 et seq.
The Complaint seeks $98.8 million for each of these causes of action.
An Amended Complaint was filed on December 3, 2002, alleging all of the foregoing against us,
adding Atari Interactive as a named defendant, and alleging that we managed and directed Atari
Interactive to engage in the foregoing alleged acts. We and Atari Interactive filed Answers on
January 9, 2003. On or about January 28, 2003, Gamesonline answered the original Complaint and
served a Cross-Complaint against KBK. On April 29, 2003, KBK named defendants Does 2, 3 and 4 as
“Infogrames Asia Pacific”, “Infogrames Korea” and “Interplay, Inc.”, respectively. On October 29,2003, Interplay filed a cross-complaint against us, Atari Interactive, Infogrames Korea and Roes
101 through 200. We and Atari Interactive filed an Answer on December 3, 2003. On March 25, 2004
KBK filed a Second Amended Complaint for Damages adding new causes of action for fraud against
Gamesonline and Interplay; seeking rescission of the Electronic Distribution Agreement between KBK
and Gamesonline; for “breach of third party beneficiary rights” against Atari Interactive; for
unlawful restraint of trade against all defendants; for RICO Act violations against all defendants;
and for civil conspiracy against all defendants; and adds allegations of alter ego status between
Gamesonline and Interplay and as between us, Atari Interactive, and Atari Korea.
We and Atari Interactive prevailed on a Motion for Leave to File a Cross-Complaint against
Interplay and Gamesonline. We and Atari Interactive also prevailed on a Motion for Summary
Adjudication on the RICO Act claim.
On July 1, 2004, KBK filed a Third Amended Complaint whereby certain previous allegations were
either omitted or clarified as a result of the Court’s rulings at the June 17, 2004 hearings.
On or about October 1, 2004, KBK’s litigation counsel resigned. On October 8, 2004, we and
Atari Interactive filed an ex parte application to strike KBK’s pleadings or, in the alternative,
for an order shortening the time to hear such application as noticed motions. The ex parte
application was heard and denied on October 11, 2004 but the Court did grant the application for a
shortened period of time to hear such application as noticed motions. On October 19, 2004, the
Court granted our Motion to Strike KBK’s pleadings due to the fact that KBK has no counsel to
represent it in the litigation and did not file any opposition to the motion. The Court dismissed
KBK’s complaint without prejudice.
On June 27, 2005, the Court entered judgment in favor of the Company and the other defendants
and dismissed the cross-claims without prejudice.
Atari, Inc., Atari Interactive, Inc., and Hasbro, Inc. v. Games, Inc., Roger W. Ach, II , and
Chicago West Pullman LLC
On May 17, 2004, we and Atari Interactive together with Hasbro, Inc. (“Hasbro”) filed a
complaint against Games, Inc., its CEO, Roger W. Ach, II (“Ach”), and Chicago West Pullman LLC in
the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York and sought a temporary
restraining order and preliminary injunction to stop Games, Inc.’s and Ach’s use of certain
trademarks and copyrights owned by Atari Interactive and Hasbro. The plaintiffs allege that an
interim license that we granted to Games, Inc. for the development and publication of certain games
in a specified online format expired by its terms when Games, Inc. failed to pay us certain fees by
April 30, 2004, pursuant to an Asset Purchase, License and Assignment Agreement between us and
Games, Inc. dated December 31, 2003, as amended. The plaintiffs allege that Games, Inc.’s failure
to pay voided an expected transfer of the “Games.com” domain name and certain web site assets from
us to Games, Inc. and constituted a breach of contract and that Chicago West Pullman LLC’s failure
to pay constituted a breach of guarantee. The plaintiffs further allege that upon the expiration
of the interim license, all intellectual property rights granted under that license reverted back
to us, but that Games, Inc. nevertheless continued to
use plaintiffs’ intellectual property. On May 18, 2004, the Court granted a temporary restraining
order against Games, Inc. and Ach and scheduled a preliminary injunction hearing for May 28, 2004,
which was postponed until June 11, 2004. Prior to that hearing, Games, Inc. agreed to the
preliminary injunction and the Court signed an order granting the preliminary injunction pending
the outcome of the case.
On June 16, 2004, Games, Inc. served its Answer and Counterclaim to the Complaint. In its
counterclaim, Games, Inc. alleges that plaintiffs breached the Asset Purchase, License and
Assignment Agreement and a Settlement Agreement dated March 31, 2004 by, inter alia, licensing
other web sites to use on-line play of certain Atari and Hasbro games that Games, Inc. claimed were
part of its exclusive license under the Agreement.
On February 23, 2005, the Court issued an order granting plaintiffs’ motion to dismiss certain
of Games, Inc.’s counterclaims, and on March 11, 2005, the court granted our motion for summary
judgment on its breach of contract claim and dismissed Games, Inc.’s remaining counterclaims. The
Court denied Games, Inc.’s motion for reconsideration on April 4, 2005. On May 4, 2005, the Court
issued a memorandum order granting us and Atari Interactive damages in the following amount: (1)
immediate payment of approximately $3.1 million, plus interest at an annual rate of nine percent
from April 30, 2004; (2) immediate redemption of 10,250 shares of Games, Inc. stock for $1.025
million, plus interest at an annual rate of nine percent from April 30, 2004; (3) immediate
redemption of 10,000 additional shares of Games, Inc. stock for $1 million; (4) redemption of the
remaining 10,000 shares at any time after December 29, 2005. The order provides that the “judgment
runs directly against Games, Inc. but in the event Games fails to satisfy it, it runs secondarily
against Chicago West Pullman LLC and Ach.” The Court’s order also lifts the preliminary injunction
imposed at the outset of the case.
Ach filed a motion for reconsideration concerning the Court’s ruling that the judgment would
run directly against Ach, and Atari requested that the Court issue a permanent injunction and
clarify certain aspects of the judgment. On May 27, 2005, the Court issued an order denying Ach’s
motion for reconsideration and confirming its earlier ruling that the judgment would run against
Ach personally. The Court also clarified that after December 29, 2005, Atari is entitled to an
additional $1 million, representing the cash redemption value of
the last 10,000 shares of Games, Inc. stock. The Court also issued a permanent injunction barring Games, Inc. from “selling or
distributing any product that contains the intellectual property” that is the subject of the asset
purchase agreement. The remaining elements of the original judgment remained in place.
On June 29, 2005, the Clerk of the District Court entered an amended judgment, stating that
Atari was entitled to the following damages: (1) immediate payment of $3,104,108, plus interest at
the annual rate of 9% from April 30, 2004, (2) immediate redemption of the initial 10,250 shares
for $1.025 million, plus interest at the annual rate of 9% from April 30, 2004, (3) immediate
redemption of 10,000 additional shares for $1 million, (4) the $50,000 bond that plaintiffs posted
on May 19, 2004 to secure a temporary restraining order in this case is exonerated, (5) redemption
of the remaining 10,000 shares at any time after December 29, 2005 at a price of $100 per share,
for a total of $1 million, (6) plaintiffs collectively are entitled to recoup their $150 filing
fee, (7) this judgment runs directly against Games, but in the event Games fails to satisfy it, it
runs secondarily against Chicago West Pullman and Ach, (8) the preliminary injunction is lifted,
and (9) defendant Games, Inc. is enjoined from selling or distributing any product that contains
the intellectual property it licensed in its contract with Atari, Inc.
On June 30, 2005, defendants filed a Notice of Appeal to the United States Court of Appeals
for the Second Circuit.
On July 6, 2005, defendants filed a motion for a stay of enforcement of amended judgment
pending resolution of appeal. On July 13, 2005, the Court of Appeals granted a temporary stay of
execution and ordered defendants to post a supersedeas bond in the amount of $1 million to be
posted on or before July 20, 2005 for the stay to continue. On July 19, 2005, plaintiffs filed
their opposition to defendants’ motion. On July 26, defendants filed a Letter of Credit issued to
Atari, Inc. as beneficiary.
On
August 2, 2005, the Court of Appeals heard oral argument on
defendants’ motion for a stay. On August 3, 2005, the Court of
Appeals denied defendants’ motion for a stay, holding that
defendants did not show a substantial likelihood of success on appeal
or that they would suffer irreparable injury if a stay was not
issued. On August 4, 2005, the Court of Appeals set a schedule for
defendants’ appeal.
Codemasters, Inc. v. Atari, Inc.
On January 13, 2005, we were served with a Complaint filed by Codemasters, Inc.
(“Codemasters”), against us in New York Supreme Court, County of New York. The causes of action
arise out of contractual disputes regarding payments owed by each party to the other. Codemasters’
causes of action include breach of contract, failure to respond to submitted statements of account
and unjust enrichment. Codemasters is seeking relief in the amount of approximately $0.9 million
and such other relief as may be just and proper, including interests, costs associated with the
suit. In February 2005, we answered the Complaint and also served Counterclaims. The parties
settled the matter on May 5, 2005. Pursuant to the Settlement Agreement, we paid Codemasters
approximately $0.3 million.
On
May 13, 2005 (last amended August 9, 2005), we obtained a one year $50.0 million revolving
credit facility with HSBC, pursuant to a Loan and Security Agreement, to fund our working capital
and general corporate needs. Loans under the revolving credit facility are determined based on
percentages of our eligible receivables and eligible inventory for certain seasonal peak periods.
The revolving credit facility bears interest at prime for daily borrowings or LIBOR plus 1.75% for
borrowings with a maturity of 30 days or greater. We are required to pay a commitment fee of 0.25%
on the average unused portion of the facility quarterly in arrears and closing costs of
approximately $0.1 million. The revolving credit facility contains certain financial covenants
that require us to maintain enumerated EBITDA, tangible net worth,
and working capital minimums. In addition, amounts outstanding under the revolving credit facility are secured by
liens on substantially all of our present and future assets, including accounts receivable,
inventory, general intangibles, fixtures, and equipment and excluding
certain non-U.S. assets. As of June 30, 2005, no borrowings were
outstanding under the revolving credit facility; however
$1.2 million of letters of credit were outstanding.
Additionally, a nominal amount of accrued interest was included in
accrued liabilities as of June 30, 2005.
As
of June 30, 2005, we did not meet the financial covenants in our HSBC revolving credit
facility. We have secured a waiver of those covenants for the first quarter and have executed an
amendment, reducing the financial thresholds for the remaining quarters of fiscal 2006. Management believes they will be able to
meet the modified financial covenants, however, we cannot
guarantee that we will meet the revised covenants going-forward. If we do not meet those financial
covenants, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to obtain necessary waivers or amendments. In
the event we cannot secure waivers or amendments, the HSBC revolving credit facility may no longer
be available for use, which would negatively impact our operations
and operating results. Management is prepared
to take significant actions to compensate for the loss of the credit facility which include the
sale of major assets, a reduction in our expenditures for internal and external new product
development, and further reduction in overhead expense. These actions, should they become
necessary, will result in a significant reduction in the size of our
operations.
GECC Senior Credit Facility
On November 12, 2002, we obtained a 30-month $50.0 million secured revolving credit facility
(“Senior Credit Facility”) with General Electric Capital Corporation (“GECC”) to fund our working
capital and general corporate needs. Loans under the Senior Credit Facility were based on a
borrowing base comprised of the value of our accounts receivable and short-term marketable
securities. The Senior Credit Facility bore interest at prime plus 1.25% for daily borrowings or
LIBOR plus 3% for borrowings with a maturity of 30 days or greater. A commitment fee of 0.5% on
the average unused portion of the facility was payable monthly and we paid $0.6 million as an
initial commitment fee at closing.
The senior credit facility expired on May 12, 2005.
NOTE 10 – DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005, following the guidance established under FASB Statement
No. 144 “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets”, management committed to a
plan to divest of our Humongous Entertainment development studio (“Humongous”). This is expected
to occur in the twelve months following the end of fiscal 2005.
Balance Sheets
At June 30, 2005, the assets and liabilities of Humongous are presented separately on our
Consolidated Balance Sheets. The components of the assets and liabilities of discontinued
operations are as follows (in thousands):
As a result of management’s plan to divest of Humongous, during the first quarter of fiscal
2006, following the guidance established under FASB Statement No. 146, “Accounting for Costs
Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities”, we recorded a severance charge of approximately $0.5
million for the termination of Humongous employees. This charge is included in the loss from
discontinued operations for the three months ended June 30, 2005, and the liability for this charge
is included in liabilities of discontinued operations.
Results of Operations
As Humongous represents a component of our business and its results of operations and cash
flows can be separated from the rest of our operations, the results for the periods presented are
disclosed as discontinued operations on the face of the Consolidated Statements of Operations and
Comprehensive Income (Loss). Net revenues and loss from discontinued operations for the three
months ended June 30, 2004 and 2005 are as follows (in thousands):
Prior to the recording of discontinued operations, Humongous was reported as part of our
publishing segment (Note 12).
NOTE 11 – RESTRUCTURING
During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005, following the guidance established under FASB
Statement No. 146, “Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities”, management
announced a restructuring plan to strengthen our competitive position in the marketplace as well as
enhance shareholder value. During the three months ended June 30, 2005, we recorded restructuring
expenses of $2.2 million, which include the termination of several key executives as well as
severance and other charges related to the closing of the Beverly, MA, and Santa Monica, CA,
publishing studios and the transfer of all publishing operations to the New York office. The
charge of $2.2 million is comprised of the following (in thousands):
We expect to incur an additional $3.0 million to $6.0 million in order to complete
management’s restructuring plan. We will incur these costs through early fiscal 2007.
The following is a reconciliation of our restructuring reserve from inception through June 30,2005 (in thousands):
The
charge of $0.3 million for the modification of stock options was
recorded as an increase to additional paid-in capital.
NOTE 12 – OPERATIONS BY REPORTABLE SEGMENTS
We have three reportable segments: publishing, distribution and corporate. Publishing was
comprised of two studios located in Santa Monica, California and Beverly, Massachusetts. As part
of our restructuring plan, the Beverly studio was closed in the first quarter of fiscal 2006 and
the Santa Monica studio will be closed before the end of fiscal 2006; all publishing operations are
currently being transferred to the New York office. Distribution constitutes the sale of other
publishers’ titles to various mass merchants and other retailers. Corporate includes the costs of
senior executive management, legal, finance, administration, and restructuring charges. The
majority of depreciation expense for fixed assets is charged to the corporate segment and a portion
is recorded in the publishing segment. This amount consists of depreciation on computers and office
furniture in the publishing unit. Historically, we do not separately track or maintain records,
other than fixed asset records, which identify assets by segment and, accordingly, such information
is not available.
The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of
significant accounting policies. We evaluate performance based on operating results of these
segments.
The results of operations for Humongous are not included in our segment reporting as they are
classified as discontinued operations in our Consolidated Financial Statements (Note 10).
Our reportable segments are strategic business units with different associated costs and
profit margins. They are managed separately because each business unit requires different
planning, and where appropriate, merchandising and marketing strategies.
The following summary represents the consolidated net revenues, operating income (loss),
depreciation and amortization, and interest expense by reportable segment for the three months
ended June 30, 2004 and 2005:
The Board
of Directors of both IESA and Atari, Inc. have approved in principle
a series of transactions which would improve our financial
flexibility and augment our short-term liquid as follows:
Sale of Humongous to Atari Interactive
Atari Interactive has agreed in principle to buy, either directly or through a newly formed
subsidiary, the intellectual property for $7.0 million and assume certain license liabilities of
the Humongous Entertainment development studio. At the current sale price, we do not expect to
record a loss as a result of this transaction. Furthermore, under the
guidelines established by generally accepted accounting principles, we will not record a gain from the sale and any excess
consideration received over the net book value of the net assets sold will be recorded as
additional paid-in capital from IESA, our majority stockholder. As the Humongous development
studio is a component of our publishing business, a portion of the goodwill, approximating $3.3
million, will be assigned to the net assets disposed upon the closing of this transaction.
Furthermore, we will continue to distribute the remaining Humongous products under development
through a new distribution agreement to be negotiated as part of this transaction. Management
expects this transaction to close on or about August 31, 2005.
Payment of certain development liabilities via the issuance of common stock
IESA
has agreed to accept common stock in lieu of cash as payment for certain development costs.
Currently, certain of IESA’s development studios are working on various development projects for
us. In the second quarter of fiscal 2006, we expect to incur liabilities or owe amounts totaling
approximately $4.6 million which we will pay using our common stock. We expect these shares to be
issued during the second quarter of fiscal 2006. Management expects
an agreement regarding this arrangement to close on
or about August 31, 2005.
Settlement of certain liabilities via the issuance of common stock
IESA
has agreed to accept common stock in lieu of cash as payment for a settlement of certain
liabilities owed by one of our foreign subsidiaries. These
liabilities of approximately £0.9 million resulted from payments made
by Atari UK, Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of IESA, on behalf of GT Interactive UK Ltd, (“GT UK”)
our now dormant wholly-owned subsidiary. These payments represented various legal and accounting fees
and trade payables owed by GT UK incurred and accrued for as of March 31, 2000 in connection with
the cessation of its operations. We expect this transaction to close on or about August 15, 2005.
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
This document includes statements that may constitute forward-looking statements made pursuant
to the Safe Harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We caution
readers regarding certain forward-looking statements in this document, press releases, securities
filings, and all other documents and communications. All statements, other than statements of
historical fact, including statements regarding industry prospects and future results of operations
or financial position, made in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are forward looking. The words
“believe”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “intend” and similar expressions generally identify
forward-looking statements. While we believe in the veracity of all statements made herein,
forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that,
while considered reasonable by us, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and
competitive uncertainties and contingencies and known and unknown risks. As a result of such
risks, our actual results could differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking
statements made by, or on behalf of, us. Some of the factors which could cause our results to
differ materially include the following: the loss of key customers, such as Wal-Mart, Best Buy,
Target, GameStop and Electronics Boutique; delays in product development and related product release schedules;
inability to secure capital; loss of our credit facility; adapting to the rapidly changing industry technology, including new
console technology; maintaining relationships with leading independent video game software
developers; maintaining or acquiring licenses to intellectual property; fluctuations in the
Company’s quarterly net revenues and results of operations based on the seasonality of our
industry; and the termination or modification of our agreements with hardware manufacturers. Please
see the “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2005 on file
with the Securities and Exchange Commission for a description of some, but not all, risks,
uncertainties and contingencies. Except as otherwise required by the applicable securities laws,
we disclaim any intention or obligation publicly to update or revise any forward-looking
statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Overview
Business and Operating Segments
We are a global publisher and developer of video game software for gaming enthusiasts and the
mass-market audience, and as a distributor of video game software in North America. We publish and
distribute games for all platforms, including Sony PlayStation and PlayStation 2; Nintendo Game
Boy, Game Boy Advance, GameCube and DS; Microsoft Xbox; and personal computers, referred to as PCs.
We also publish and sublicense games for the wireless, internet, and other evolving platforms.
Our diverse portfolio of products extends across most major video game genres, including action,
adventure, strategy, role-playing, and driving. Our products are based on intellectual properties
that we have either created internally and own or which have been licensed from third parties. We
leverage both internal and external resources in the development of our games, assessing each
project independently to determine which development team is best suited to handle the product
based on technical expertise and historical development experience, among other factors.
Additionally, through our relationship with IESA, our products are distributed exclusively by IESA
throughout Europe, Asia and other regions. Through our distribution agreement with IESA, we have
the rights to publish and sublicense certain intellectual properties either owned or licensed by
IESA or its subsidiaries, including Atari Interactive. We also manage the development of product
at studios owned by IESA that focus solely on game development.
In addition to our publishing and development activities, we also distribute video game
software in North America for titles developed by certain third-party publishers with whom we have
contracts (“Distribution Business”). As a distributor of video game software throughout the U.S.,
we maintain what we believe to be state-of-the-art distribution operations and systems, reaching
well in excess of 30,000 retail outlets nationwide. The distribution channels for interactive
software have expanded significantly in recent years. Consumers have access to interactive
software through a variety of outlets, including mass-merchant retailers such as Wal-Mart and
Target; major retailers, such as Best Buy and Toys ‘R’ Us; and specialty stores such as Electronics
Boutique and GameStop. Additionally, our games are made available through various Internet and
online networks. Our sales to key customers Wal-Mart, Target, Best Buy, and GameStop accounted for
approximately 38.7%, 17.6%, 9.8%, and 4.8%, respectively, of net revenues for the three months
ended June 30, 2005.
Key Challenges
Due
to major shifts in product release dates and increased development
investment for future product releases, our results of operations for
the first quarter of fiscal 2006 were not in line with prior year or
with management expectations. Our net revenues for the first quarter of fiscal 2006 were only 22.4% of those in the same
quarter of fiscal 2005. Primarily because of this, we had a net loss of $32.8 million in the first
quarter of fiscal 2006, compared with net income of $12.1 million in the same period of the prior
year. For the remainder of the 2006
fiscal year,
we expect to release significantly fewer titles than we have historically. This trend will
continue during fiscal 2007. As a result, our revenue will not be in line with its historical
levels. While we have taken, and continue to take, steps to reduce costs, it is unlikely that our
cost reductions will fully compensate for the lower revenues.
Because
of the results for the first quarter and the projected results for
the remainder of fiscal 2006, we obtained waivers
and modifications of financial covenants in our principal credit
agreement (Note 9). Management believes they will be able to
meet these modified financial covenants, however, unless our results improve, we may
have to seek additional waivers or modifications in the future.
A new generation of game consoles is being introduced in late 2005 and early 2006. While we
anticipate that these consoles will be able to play titles developed for the current generation, in
order to remain fully competitive, we will have to develop or format titles for the new generation.
That will require us to make significant expenditures. We will need new capital to be able to
make those expenditures. While we anticipate obtaining some funding from IESA through sales of
assets or shares to it, in order to provide liquidity through fiscal
2006, that funding probably will not be sufficient
to meet our longer term needs.
Therefore, we will have to seek additional capital, and it is possible we will not be able to
obtain it.
In recognition that IESA’s stockholding in Atari is IESA’s most critical investment, the
Board of Directors of IESA has approved in principle a series of transactions which would improve
our financial flexibility and augment our short-term liquidity as
discussed below.
Pending Related Party Transactions Affecting Liquidity
Sale of Humongous to Atari Interactive
Atari Interactive has agreed in principle to buy, either directly or through a newly formed
subsidiary, the intellectual property for $7.0 million and assume certain license liabilities of
the Humongous Entertainment development studio. At the current sale price, we do not expect to
record a loss as a result of this transaction. Furthermore, under the guidelines established by
generally accepted accounting principles, we will not record a gain from the sale and any excess
consideration received over the net book value of the net assets sold will be recorded as
additional paid-in capital from IESA, our majority stockholder. As the Humongous development
studio is a component of our publishing business, a portion of goodwill, approximating $3.3
million, will be assigned to the net assets disposed upon the closing of this transaction.
Furthermore, we will continue to distribute the remaining Humongous products under development
through a new distribution agreement to be negotiated as a part of this transaction. Management
expects this transaction to close on or about August 31, 2005.
Payment of certain development liabilities via the issuance of common stock
IESA has agreed to accept common stock in lieu of cash as payment for certain development
costs. Currently, certain of IESA’s development studios are working on various development
projects for us. In the second quarter of fiscal 2006, we expect to incur liabilities or owe
amounts totaling approximately $4.6 million which we will pay using our common stock. We expect
these shares to be issued during the second quarter of fiscal 2006. Management expects an
agreement regarding this arrangement to close on or about August 31, 2005.
Settlement of certain liabilities via the issuance of common stock
IESA has agreed to accept common stock in lieu of cash as payment for a settlement of certain
liabilities owed by one of our foreign subsidiaries. These liabilities of approximately £0.9
million resulted from payments made by Atari UK, Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of IESA, on behalf
of GT Interactive UK Ltd, (“GT UK”) our now dormant wholly-owned subsidiary. These payments
represented various legal and accounting fees and trade payables owed by GT UK incurred and accrued
for as of March 31, 2000 in connection with the cessation of its operations. We expect this
transaction to close on or about August 15, 2005.
Potential Related Party Transactions Affecting Liquidity
Furthermore, on August 9, 2005, the Board of IESA agreed to a provision by IESA of additional
capital to Atari sometime during the second quarter of fiscal 2006 in the form of cash and/or IESA
stock, which Atari would resell. It is anticipated that such additional capital to be provided by
IESA would approximate at least $12.0 million. The provision of such capital may be achieved
through Atari’s sale to IESA or subsidiary(ies) of IESA of various assets and is currently being
negotiated.
Industry
Generally, the video game software industry has experienced an increased rate of change and
complexity in the technological innovations of video game hardware and software. In addition to
these technological innovations, there has been greater competition for shelf space and creative
talent as well as increased buyer selectivity. As a result, the video game industry has become
increasingly hit-driven, which has led to higher per game production budgets, longer and more
complex development processes, and generally shorter product life cycles. The importance of the
timely release of hit titles, as well as the increased scope and complexity of the product
development process, have increased the need for disciplined product development processes that
limit costs and overruns. This, in turn, has increased the importance of leveraging the
technologies, characters or storylines of existing hit titles into additional video game software
franchises in order to spread development costs among multiple products. We expect these trends to
continue and our operating results will be impacted by our ability to keep pace with technological
developments and to timely produce high quality products.
Company Reorganization
Historically, our sales growth and profitability have not been at the same level as our more
successful competitors. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005, we announced that as part of an
overall strategic plan, we would implement structural, financial, and creative restructuring
initiatives with the goal of improving profitability and competitive position. Specifically, we
and our majority stockholder are considering ways to simplify our corporate structure. The
following are key steps that management has taken as of June 30, 2005:
•
Restructuring
During the first quarter of fiscal 2006, following the guidance established under Financial
Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Statement No. 146, “Accounting for Costs Associated with
Exit or Disposal Activities”, we recorded restructuring expenses of $2.2 million, which include
the termination of several key executives as well as severance and other charges related to the
closing of the Beverly, MA, and Santa Monica, CA, publishing studios and the transfer of all
publishing operations to the New York office. The costs include severance and retention
expenses, expenses associated with the modification of stock option agreements for terminated
executives, and other miscellaneous transition costs. Additionally, during the three months
ended June 30, 2005, in accordance with FASB Statement No. 146, we recorded the present value of
all future lease payments, less the present value of expected sublease income to be recorded,
primarily for the Beverly office. The net costs were approximately $0.4 million, which is
included in restructuring expense. We expect to incur an additional $3.0 million to $6.0
million in order to complete management’s restructuring plan. We will incur these costs through
early fiscal 2007.
•
Discontinued Operations
In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005, following the guidance established under FASB
Statement No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets”, management
committed to a plan to divest of our Humongous Entertainment development studio and its
operations. This is expected to occur in the twelve months following the end of fiscal 2005.
The assets and liabilities of Humongous are presented separately on our
Consolidated Balance Sheets; additionally, its results of operations for the periods
presented are disclosed as discontinued operations on the face of the Consolidated Statements of
Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). A summary of the net revenues and loss from
discontinued operations of Humongous Entertainment for the periods presented is as follows (in
thousands):
Our discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations are based upon
our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these financial statements
requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets,
liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities.
On an on-going basis, we evaluate our estimates, including those related to accounts and notes
receivable, inventories, intangible assets, investments, income taxes and contingencies. We base
our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be
reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about
the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources.
Actual results could differ materially from these estimates under different assumptions or
conditions.
We believe the following critical accounting policies affect our more significant judgments
and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.
Sales returns, price protection, other customer related allowances and allowance for doubtful
accounts
Sales are recorded net of estimated future returns, price protection and other customer
related allowances. We are not contractually obligated to accept returns; however, based on facts
and circumstances at the time a customer may request approval for a return, we may permit the
return or exchange of products sold to certain customers. In addition, we may provide price
protection, co-operative advertising and other allowances to certain customers in accordance with
industry practice. These reserves are determined based on historical experience, market acceptance
of products produced, retailer inventory levels, budgeted customer allowances, the nature of the
title and existing commitments to customers. Although management believes it provides adequate
reserves with respect to these items, actual activity could vary from management’s estimates and
such variances could have a material impact on reported results.
We maintain allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability
of our customers to make payments when due or within a reasonable period of time thereafter. If
the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their
ability to make required payments, additional allowances may be required.
For the three months ended June 30, 2004 and 2005, we recorded allowances for bad debts,
returns, price protection and other customer promotional programs of approximately $23.0 million
and $9.1 million, respectively. As of March 31, 2005 and June 30, 2005, the aggregate reserves
against accounts receivable for bad debts, returns, price protection and other customer promotional
programs were approximately $24.3 million and $21.1 million, respectively.
Inventories
We write down our inventories for estimated slow-moving or obsolete inventories equal to the
difference between the cost of inventories and estimated market value based upon assumed market
conditions. If actual market conditions are less favorable than those assumed by management,
additional inventory write-downs may be required. For the three months ended June 30, 2004 and
2005, we recorded obsolescence expense of approximately $0.5 million and $0.8 million,
respectively. As of March 31, 2005 and June 30, 2005, the aggregate reserve against inventories was
approximately $2.4 million in both periods.
Research and Product Development Costs
Research and product development costs relate to the design, development, and testing of new
software products, whether internally or externally developed. Rapid technological innovation,
shelf-space competition, shorter product life cycles and buyer selectivity have made it difficult
to determine the likelihood of individual product acceptance and success. As a result, we follow
the policy of expensing our research and product development costs including external developer
royalty advances (milestone payments) as incurred. Generally, developers are paid an advance upon
the signing of a contract with us. Subsequent payments are due as the specific contractual
milestones are met by the developer and approved by us. The timing of when these contracts are
entered into and when milestone payments are made could vary significantly from budgeted amounts
and, because these payments are expensed as incurred, they could have a material impact on reported
results in a given period. Due to recently implemented enhancements in our internal project
planning and acceptance process and anticipated additional improvements in our ability to assess
post-release consumer acceptance, we are currently considering a change from expensing such costs
when incurred to a method of deferral and amortization over each product’s life cycle. Should
management change its method of accounting for product development costs, such change will be
implemented prospectively. Management believes that the ability to amortize such costs over the
product’s life cycle will result in a better matching of costs and revenues.
Licenses
Licenses for intellectual property are capitalized as assets upon the execution of the
contract when no significant obligation for performance remains with the third party. If
significant obligations remain, the asset is capitalized when due or
when performance is completed as opposed to when the contract
is executed. These licenses are amortized at the licensor’s royalty rate over unit sales.
Management evaluates the carrying value of these capitalized licenses and records an impairment
charge (as research and product development expense) in the period management determines that such
capitalized amounts are not expected to be realized.
As part of the process of preparing our consolidated financial statements, we are required to
estimate our income taxes in each of the jurisdictions in which we operate. This process involves
estimating our current tax exposures in each jurisdiction including the impact, if any, of
additional taxes resulting from tax examinations as well as making judgments regarding the
recoverability of deferred tax assets. To the extent recovery of deferred tax assets is not likely
based on our estimation of future taxable income in each jurisdiction, a valuation allowance is
established. The estimated effective tax rate is adjusted for the tax related to significant
unusual items. Changes in the geographic mix or estimated level of annual pre-tax income can
affect the overall effective tax rate.
As of June 30, 2005, we have combined net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $510.2
million for federal and state tax purposes. These loss carryforwards are available to offset
future taxable income, if any, and will expire beginning in the years 2009 through 2025. We
experienced an ownership change in 1999 as a result of the acquisition by IESA. Under Section 382
of the Internal Revenue Code, when there is an ownership change, the pre-ownership-change loss
carryforwards are subject to an annual limitation which could reduce or defer the utilization of
these losses. Pre-acquisition losses of approximately $186.8 million are subject to an annual
limitation (approximately $7.2 million). A full valuation allowance has been recorded against the
net deferred tax asset based on our historical operating results and the conclusion that it is more
likely than not that such asset will not be realized. Management reassesses its position with
regard to the valuation allowance on a quarterly basis.
Related Party Transactions
We are involved in numerous related party transactions with IESA and its subsidiaries. These
related party transactions include, but are not limited to, the purchase and sale of product, game
development, administrative and support services and distribution
agreements. See Note 7 and the Notes to the
Consolidated Financial Statements contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission for the year ended March 31, 2005 for details.
Net revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2005 decreased approximately $83.9 million or
77.6% from $108.1 million to $24.2 million.
•
There were no major new releases during the three months ended June 30, 2005, the
primary reason for the significant shrink in revenues. We expect this trend to continue
through the second quarter due to product release shifts as part of our increased focus on
product quality. Publishing net revenues for the period included new
releases Roller Coaster Tycoon 3: Soaked! and Boiling Point, as well
as replenishment sales for various Dragon Ball Z titles and Roller
Coaster Tycoon titles launched in prior periods. In the prior comparable period, we recorded strong sales as we had several major
releases led by DRIV3R, which generated net U.S. revenues of $33.1 million on nearly 1.2
million units shipped. Other new releases in the prior quarter included Transformers
(PlayStation 2), Shadow Ops: Red Mercury (Xbox), Duel Masters: Sempai Legends (Game Boy
Advance), and Dragon Ball Z: Super Sonic Warriors (Game Boy Advance), which produced net
U.S. revenues aggregating approximately $18.6 million.
•
Publishing net revenues for the three months ended
June 30, 2005 include virtually no international royalty income due to the lack of new releases during the quarter
and higher than expected international product returns. Publishing net revenue during the
three months ended June 30, 2004 included international royalties of $14.8 million earned
on IESA’s international sales of our titles. These royalties included income of $13.4
million on approximately 1.5 million units from international sales
of DRIV3R, released internationally on June 22, 2004.
•
During the three months ended June 30, 2004, we recognized deferred revenue of
approximately $4.0 million related to the release of DRIV3R on Xbox paid by Microsoft. No
such revenues were recorded in the current period.
•
The overall average sales price (“ASP”) of the publishing business has decreased by
30.9% over the prior year from $22.15 to $15.30 due to a significant shift in platform mix
toward a higher percentage mix of PC sales. The current year to date mix consisted of 39.5% console
product and 60.5% PC product. The prior year’s mix consisted of 84.8% console product and
15.2% PC product.
•
Total distribution net revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2005 increased
approximately $0.8 million or 7.6% from the comparable 2004 period due to more new titles
launched in the current period by the third parties for whom we distribute.
Platform mix for the three months ended June 30, 2004 and 2005 is summarized below:
Publishing Platform Mix
2004
2005
PC
15.2
%
60.5
%
PlayStation 2
46.8
%
17.8
%
Game Cube
1.9
%
10.3
%
Xbox
23.0
%
5.7
%
Game Boy Advance
11.7
%
4.7
%
Nintendo DS
0.0
%
0.6
%
PlayStation
1.3
%
0.4
%
Game Boy Color
0.1
%
0.0
%
Total
100.0
%
100.0
%
Gross profit decreased to $5.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2005 from
$57.3 million in the comparable 2004 period primarily from decreased sales volume and reduced
international royalty income. Gross profit as a percentage of net revenues decreased from 53.0%
for the three months ended June 30, 2004 to 23.9% in the comparable 2005 period. The decrease is
due to the following:
•
higher distribution net revenues (on which we incur higher costs) as a percentage of
total net revenues, which increased from 9.8% for the three months ended June 30, 2004 to
47.3% for the three months ended June 30, 2005, and
•
the prior period’s benefit of a significant amount of international royalty income,
which has a lower associated royalty expense, compared with the current period’s margin
reflecting a nominal amount of international royalty income.
Research and Product Development Expenses
Research and product development expenses consist of development costs relating to the design,
development, and testing of new software products whether internally or externally developed,
including the payment of royalty advances to third-party developers on products that are currently
in development and billings from related party developers. These expenses for the three months
ended June 30, 2005 increased approximately $1.3 million, or 8.4%, to $16.8 million (69.4% of net
revenues) from $15.5 million (14.3% of net revenues) in the comparable 2004 period due to:
•
higher costs for current titles in development related to our
focus on product quality,
•
increased spending for certain projects currently in
development at our related party development studios
due to our plan to improve product quality, offset by
•
savings in salary and other related expenses, including bonus expense, due to reduced
headcount and open positions resulting from management’s restructuring plan.
For the three months ended June 30, 2004, internal research and product development costs
represented 48.2% of total research and product development costs. For the three months ended June30, 2005, internal research and product development costs represented 43.7% of total research and
product development costs.
Selling and Distribution Expenses
Selling and distribution expenses primarily include shipping, personnel, advertising,
promotions and distribution expenses. During the three months ended June 30, 2005, selling and
distribution expenses decreased approximately $9.7 million, or 58.1%, to $7.0 million (28.9% of net
revenues) from $16.7 million (15.5% of net revenues) in the comparable 2004 period due to:
•
a significant savings in the current period on advertising ($2.8 million in the current
period as compared to $10.1 million in the prior period) due to fewer new titles released
and stricter rationalization of advertising funds,
lower variable distribution costs, including freight, shipping and handling, on lower
sales,
•
savings in salaries and related overhead costs due to reduced headcount and open
positions resulting from management’s restructuring plan,
•
bonus expense of $0.4 million in the prior period versus a nominal expense in the
current period, and
•
reduced inventory warehousing costs due to increased inventory turn (5.5 in the first
quarter of fiscal 2005 versus 6.0 in the first quarter of fiscal 2006) and a reduced number
of active titles.
General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses primarily include personnel expenses, facilities costs,
professional expenses and other overhead charges. During the three months ended June 30, 2005,
general and administrative expenses increased approximately $0.4 million, or 5.3%, to $7.9 million
(32.9% of net revenues) from $7.5 million (7.0% of net revenues) in the comparable 2004 period due
to:
•
the inclusion in the prior year of a $0.9 million translation gain from the liquidation
of a dormant foreign subsidiary and
•
an increase of $0.4 million in professional fees including audit, legal, and
Sarbanes-Oxley compliance fees, offset by
•
a reduction in bonus expense ($0.7 million in the prior period compared with $0.1
million in the current period).
Restructuring Expenses
In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005, management announced the planned closure of the Beverly,
Massachusetts, and Santa Monica, California, publishing studios and the relocation of the functions
previously provided by the studios to our corporate headquarters in New York. The costs associated
with these closures incurred in the three months ended June 30, 2005 were $2.2 million. The costs
are comprised of $1.3 million of severance and retention costs, $0.3 million of costs related to
the modification of stock options for terminated executives, $0.4 million of lease related costs,
and $0.2 million of miscellaneous expenses related to the transition. No such expenses were
incurred in the comparable prior period.
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization for three months ended June 30, 2005 decreased by $0.4 million,
or 14.8%, to $2.3 million from $2.7 million in the comparable 2004 period due primarily to assets
becoming fully depreciated during the quarter, partially offset by the commencement of depreciation
for new assets placed into service.
Interest Expense, net
Interest expense, net, decreased to a nominal amount for the three months ended June 30, 2005
from $0.2 million in the comparable 2004 period due to a decrease in credit facility interest
expense.
Provision for Income Taxes
No provision was recorded in the first quarter of fiscal 2006 due to the taxable loss
sustained during the period, compared to the fiscal 2005 period in which we recorded federal and
state alternative minimum tax provisions of approximately $0.3 million and regular provisions for
state taxes of approximately $0.3 million.
(Loss) from Discontinued Operations of Humongous Entertainment
Loss from discontinued operations of Humongous Entertainment increased by $0.3 million from
$2.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2004 to $2.3 million for the three months ended
June 30, 2005. The increase is attributable to a drop off in net revenues of approximately $1.9
million and severance costs of $0.5 million, offset by savings of approximately $0.7 million in
costs of goods sold due to reduced sales volume, and decreased spend on advertising, research and
product development, and distribution costs of approximately $1.4 million.
Due to major shifts in product release dates and increased development investment for future
product releases, in the first quarter of fiscal 2006, we did not meet the financial covenants in
our HSBC revolving credit facility. We have secured a waiver of those covenants for the first
quarter and have executed an amendment, reducing the financial thresholds for the remaining
quarters of fiscal 2006. Although the amended covenants are in line with current projections, we
cannot guarantee that we will meet those covenants or that if we do not meet the covenants that we
will be able to obtain further waivers or amendments. In the event we cannot secure waivers or
amendments, the HSBC revolving credit facility may no longer be available for use. If so,
management is prepared to take significant actions, which include the sale of major assets, a
reduction in our expenditures for internal and external new product development, and further
reduction in overhead expense. These actions, should they become necessary, will result in a
significant reduction in the size of our operations.
As of June 30, 2005, assuming continued maintenance of the HSBC revolving credit facility,
management believes that we have sufficient capital resources to finance our operational
requirements for the next twelve months, including the funding of the development, production,
marketing and sale of new products, the purchases of equipment, and the acquisition of certain
intellectual property rights for future products.
However, historically, our sales growth and profitability have not been at the same level as
our more successful competitors. In addition, we have considerably less product slated for release
for the remainder of fiscal 2006 period and fiscal 2007. In order for management to continue to
compete directly with these competitors, maintain and/or increase our net revenues, and complete
the redirection of the focus of our product portfolio, we will need to make significant investment
in the expansion of our product development efforts. This investment is critical in order to
maintain and grow our business, keep up to date with changing technology (including new hardware
platforms scheduled to be introduced in late 2005 and in 2006), attract premier development
partners, and secure profitable intellectual properties. In order to maintain and grow our
business, we will need to raise significant capital. However, we cannot guarantee that this capital
will be raised or that we will be successful in our strategic initiatives. We have discussed
capital raising initiatives, including timing, structure, and the further sale of assets, with our
majority stockholder.
At its July 28, 2005 meeting, our Board of Directors approved in principle certain
transactions between us and IESA and/or one or more of its subsidiaries which will improve our
financial flexibility and augment our short term liquidity. The Board of Directors of IESA has
approved these transaction and we are negotiating the final terms
(see Note 13).
During the three months ended June 30, 2005, the net loss of $32.8 million and increased
payments of trade payables and royalties payable were offset by collections of outstanding trade
receivables from releases in late fiscal 2005. This activity resulted in cash usage from
continuing operations of $1.9 million. This usage is further compounded by $1.8 million cash usage
funding our discontinued operations.
During the three months ended June 30, 2004 and 2005, investing activities consisted mainly of
the purchase of fixed assets.
During the three months ended June 30, 2005, our financing activities saw a nominal cash
usage, compared with the comparable prior period in which financing activities provided for
cash of $9.7 million in borrowings against the GECC senior credit facility principally to finance
trade receivables related to the release of DRIV3R late in the
June 2004 quarter (the facility
expired in May 2005).
We expect continued volatility in the use of cash due to seasonality of the business,
receivable payment cycles and quarterly working capital needs to finance our publishing businesses
and growth objectives.
Our outstanding accounts receivable balance varies significantly on a quarterly basis due to
the seasonality of our business and the timing of new product releases. There were no significant
changes in the credit terms with customers during the twelve month period.
We do not currently have any material commitments with respect to any capital expenditures.
However, we do have commitments to pay royalty and license advances, milestone payments, and
operating lease obligations.
Our ability to maintain sufficient levels of cash could be affected by various risks and
uncertainties including, but not limited to, customer demand and acceptance of our new versions of
our titles on existing platforms and our titles on new platforms, our ability to collect our
receivables as they become due, risks of product returns, successfully achieving our product
release schedules and attaining our forecasted sales goals, seasonality in operating results,
fluctuations in market conditions and the other risks described in the “Risk Factors” as noted in
our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2005.
We are also party to various litigation arising in the course of our business. Management
believes that the ultimate resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on
our liquidity, financial condition or results of operations.
Credit Facilities
HSBC Loan and Security Agreement
On
May 13, 2005 (last amended August 9, 2005), we obtained a one year $50.0 million revolving
credit facility with HSBC, pursuant to a Loan and Security Agreement, to fund our working capital
and general corporate needs. Loans under the revolving credit facility are determined based on
percentages of our eligible receivables and eligible inventory for certain seasonal peak periods.
The revolving credit facility bears interest at prime for daily borrowings or LIBOR plus 1.75% for
borrowings with a maturity of 30 days or greater. We are required to pay a commitment fee of 0.25%
on the average unused portion of the facility quarterly in arrears and closing costs of
approximately $0.1 million. The revolving credit facility contains certain financial covenants
that require us to maintain enumerated EBITDA, tangible net worth, and working capital minimums. In addition, amounts outstanding under the revolving credit facility are secured by
liens on substantially all of our present and future assets, including accounts receivable,
inventory, general intangibles, fixtures, and equipment and excluding certain non-U.S. assets. As
of August 8, 2005, we have borrowed approximately
$7.0 million and we expect to continue to borrow under
this facility through out the second quarter to help fund operations and to prepare ourselves for
the upcoming holiday season.
As
of June 30, 2005, we did not meet the financial covenants in our HSBC revolving credit
facility. We have secured a waiver of those covenants for the first quarter and have executed an
amendment, reducing the financial thresholds for the remaining
quarters of fiscal 2006. Management believes they will be able to
meet the modified financial covenants, however, we can not
guarantee that we will meet the revised covenants going-forward. If we do not meet those financial
covenants, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to obtain necessary waivers or amendments. In
the event we cannot secure waivers or amendments, the HSBC revolving credit facility may no longer
be available for use, which would negatively impact our operating results. Management is prepared
to take significant actions to compensate for the loss of the credit facility, which include the
sale of major assets, a reduction in our
expenditures for internal and external new product development, and further reduction in
overhead expense. These actions, should they become necessary, will result in a significant
reduction in the size of our operations.
GECC Senior Credit Facility
On November 12, 2002, we obtained a 30-month $50.0 million senior credit facility with GECC to
fund our working capital and general corporate needs, as well as to fund advances to Atari
Interactive and Paradigm, each a related party. Loans under the senior credit facility were based
on a borrowing base comprised of the value of our accounts receivable and short-term marketable
securities. The senior credit facility bore interest at prime plus 1.25% for daily borrowings or
LIBOR plus 3% for borrowings with a maturity of 30 days or greater. This senior credit facility
expired on May 12, 2005 and was replaced by the HSBC Revolving Credit Facility.
Contractual Obligations
As of June 30, 2005, royalty and license advance obligations, milestone payments, and future
minimum lease obligations under non-cancelable operating and capital leases are summarized as follows (in
thousands):
Contractual Obligations
Payments Due by Period
Within 1 Year
1-3 Years
4-5 Years
After 5 Years
Total
Royalty and license advances (1)
$
1,058
$
907
$
—
$
—
$
1,965
Milestone payments (2)
15,800
7,425
—
—
23,225
Operating lease obligations (3)
5,557
6,040
1,400
117
13,114
Capital lease obligations (4)
190
190
—
—
380
Total
$
22,605
$
14,562
$
1,400
$
117
$
38,684
(1)
We have committed to pay advance payments under certain royalty and license
agreements. Most of the payments of these obligations are not dependent on the delivery
of the contracted services by the developers.
(2)
Milestone payments represent royalty advances to developers for products that are
currently in development. Although milestone payments are not guaranteed, we expect to
make these payments if all deliverables and milestones are met timely and accurately.
(3)
We account for our leases as operating leases, with expiration dates ranging from
fiscal 2006 through fiscal 2013. These are future minimum annual rental payments required under the
leases, including a related party sub-lease with Atari Interactive.
(4)
We entered into several capital leases for computer equipment
beginning in the third quarter
of fiscal 2005. Per FASB Statement No. 13, “Accounting for Leases,” we account for
capital leases by recording them at the present value of the total future lease payments.
They are amortized using the straight-line method over the minimum lease term.
IESA Liquidity
IESA distributes our products in Europe, Asia, and certain other regions, and pays us
royalties in this respect. IESA also develops products which we distribute in the U.S., Canada,
and Mexico, and for which we pay royalties to IESA. Both IESA and Atari Interactive, through the
ownership of intellectual property or through the development of products, are material sources of
products which we market in the United States and Canada. During fiscal 2005, Atari Interactive was
the source of approximately 38% of our net revenue and we generated approximately 5% of our net
revenue from royalties on IESA’s distribution of our products in Europe, Asia, and certain other
regions. For the three months ended June 30, 2005, Atari Interactive was the source of
approximately 37% of our net revenues and we generated a nominal amount of net revenues from
royalties on IESA’s distribution of our products in Europe, Asia, and certain other regions.
As of the date of this report, IESA beneficially owns, directly and indirectly, approximately
52% of our stock. IESA has incurred significant continuing operating losses and is highly
leveraged. IESA has taken steps to improve its financial situation, including (i) restructuring
its outstanding debt obligations such that the debt amount is reduced and the debt maturity
schedule is more favorable, (ii) reducing operating expenses, (iii) raising capital by selling
(through CUSH) 11,000,000 of its shares in Atari, pursuant to a registration statement, (iv)
entering into banking arrangements to fund operations and position itself for the new hardware
cycle, (v) selling assets, such as its rights in the Civilization franchise and certain of its
rights under its previous license with Hasbro, and (vi) entering into production fund agreements to
finance certain game development projects. However, IESA has not yet completed all of the actions
it plans to take in order to improve its operations and reduce its debt. As a result, IESA’s
current ability to fund, among other things, its subsidiaries’
operations is limited.
There can be no assurance that IESA will complete sufficient actions to assure its future
financial stability. If IESA is unable to complete its action plan, address its liquidity
problems, and fund its working capital needs, IESA would likely be unable to fund its subsidiaries’
video game development operations, including that of Atari Interactive and us. Therefore, our
results of operations could be materially impaired, as any delay or cessation in product
development could materially decrease our revenue from the distribution of products. In addition,
based on the proposed transactions between us and IESA that are disclosed in this filing, if IESA
fails to complete such transactions this will negatively affect our results of operations and our
liquidity. If our results of operations are materially impaired, this could result in a breach of
one or more of the covenants contained in our revolving credit facility with HSBC.
If the above
contingencies occurred, we probably would be forced to take actions that could include, but would
not necessarily be limited to, a significant reduction in our expenditures for internal and
external new product development and the implementation of a comprehensive cost reduction program
to reduce our overhead expenses. These actions, should they become necessary, could result in a
significant reduction in the size of our operations and could have a material adverse effect on our
revenue and cash flows. At present there can be no assurance regarding any of the foregoing
contingencies and management will continue to monitor these developments closely.
Not
withstanding the foregoing, IESA has represented to Atari’s
management that they will fund transactions between us, as
discussed above, through a variety of means, including additional
funding, capital contribution, modification of the terms of existing
indebtedness and related party licensing arrangements, and the sale of
IESA stock and/or assets for cash. It is our understanding that
IESA’s current financial position would not prohibit IESA’s ability to consummate any such transactions.
Additionally, though Atari is a separate and independent legal entity and we are not a party
to, or a guarantor of, and have no obligations or liability in respect of IESA’s indebtedness
(except that we have guaranteed the Beverly, MA lease obligation of Atari Interactive), because
IESA owns a majority of our stock, potential investors and current and potential business/trade
partners may view IESA’s financial situation with its creditors as relevant to an assessment of Atari. Therefore, if
IESA is unable to address its financial issues with its creditors, it may taint our relationship with our suppliers
and distributors, damage our business reputation, affect our ability to generate business and enter
into agreements on financially favorable terms, and otherwise impair our ability to raise and
generate capital. IESA continues to focus on ways to address and improve its financial situation.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Our
carrying value of cash, trade accounts receivable, accounts payable,
accrued liabilities, restructuring reserve royalties payable, assets
and liabilities of discontinued operations, and amounts due to and
from related parties are a reasonable approximation of their fair
value.
Foreign Currency Exchange Rates
We earn royalties on sales of our product sold internationally. These revenues, which are
based on various foreign currencies and are billed and paid in U.S. dollars, represented a nominal
amount of our revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2005. We also pay royalties primarily denominated in euros to IESA from
the sale of IESA products in North America. While we do not hedge against foreign exchange rate
fluctuations, our business in this regard is subject to certain risks, including, but not limited
to, differing economic conditions, changes in political climate, differing tax structures, other
regulations and restrictions and foreign exchange rate volatility. Our future results could be
materially and adversely impacted by changes in these or other factors. As of June 30, 2005,
foreign subsidiaries represented 0.0% and 1.7% of consolidated net revenues and total assets,
respectively. We also recorded approximately $2.7 million in operating expenses attributed to
foreign operations related primarily to a development studio located outside the United States.
Currently, substantially all of our business is conducted in the United States where revenues and
expenses are transacted in U.S. dollars. As a result, the majority of our results of operations are
not subject to foreign exchange rate fluctuations.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures — Our management, with the participation of our
Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure
controls and procedures as of June 30, 2005 pursuant to Rule 13a-15(b) of the Securities Exchange
Act. Disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure
that material information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit
under the Securities Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time
periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and ensure that such material information is
accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief
Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Based on
their evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that as of June30, 2005, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting — Our management, with the participation of
our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated whether any change in our
internal control over financial reporting occurred during the first quarter of fiscal 2006. Based
on that evaluation, management concluded that there has been no change in our internal control over
financial reporting during the first quarter of fiscal 2006 that has materially affected, or is
reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
During the three months ended June 30, 2005, no significant claims were asserted against or by
us that, in management’s opinion, the likely resolution of which would have a material adverse
affect on our liquidity, financial condition or results of operations, although we are involved in
various claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. The following is a
summary of pending litigation matters in which there were material developments during the quarter.
With respect to matters in which we are the defendant, we believe that the underlying complaints
are without merit and intend to defend ourselves vigorously.
Our management believes that the ultimate resolution of any of the matters summarized below
and/or any other claims which are not stated herein will not have a material adverse effect on our
liquidity, financial condition or results of operations.
Knight Bridging Korea v. Infogrames, Inc. et al
On September 16, 2002, KBK, a distributor of electronic games via the Internet and local area
networks, filed a lawsuit against Gamesonline, a subsidiary of Interplay, and us in Superior Court
of California, Orange County. KBK alleges that on or about December 15, 2001, KBK entered into a
contract with Gamesonline to obtain the right to localize and distribute electronically in Korea,
Neverwinter Nights and certain back list games. The Complaint further alleges that Gamesonline and
we conspired to prevent KBK from entering the market with Neverwinter Nights or any back title of
Gamesonline. The Complaint alleges the following causes of action against us: misappropriation of
trade secrets under the California Uniform Trade Secrets Act; common law misappropriation;
intentional interference with contract; negligent interference with contract; intentional
interference with prospective economic advantage; negligent interference with prospective economic
advantage; and violation of Business & Professions Code Section 17200 et seq. The Complaint seeks
$98.8 million for each of these causes of action.
An Amended Complaint was filed on December 3, 2002, alleging all of the foregoing against us,
adding Atari Interactive as a named defendant, and alleging that we managed and directed Atari
Interactive to engage in the foregoing alleged acts. We and Atari Interactive filed Answers on
January 9, 2003. On or about January 28, 2003, Gamesonline answered the original Complaint and
served a Cross-Complaint against KBK. On April 29, 2003, KBK named defendants Does 2, 3 and 4 as
“Infogrames Asia Pacific”, “Infogrames Korea” and “Interplay, Inc.”, respectively. On October 29,2003, Interplay filed a cross-complaint against us, Atari Interactive, Infogrames Korea and Roes
101 through 200. We and Atari Interactive filed an Answer on December 3, 2003. On March 25, 2004
KBK filed a Second Amended Complaint for Damages adding new causes of action for fraud against
Gamesonline and Interplay; seeking rescission of the Electronic Distribution Agreement between KBK
and Gamesonline; for “breach of third party beneficiary rights” against Atari Interactive; for
unlawful restraint of trade against all defendants; for RICO Act violations against all defendants;
and for civil conspiracy against all defendants; and adds allegations of alter ego status between
Gamesonline and Interplay and as between us, Atari Interactive, and Atari Korea.
We and Atari Interactive prevailed on a Motion for Leave to File a Cross-Complaint against
Interplay and Gamesonline. We and Atari Interactive also prevailed on a Motion for Summary
Adjudication on the RICO Act claim.
On July 1, 2004, KBK filed a Third Amended Complaint whereby certain previous allegations were
either omitted or clarified as a result of the Court’s rulings at the June 17, 2004 hearings.
On or about October 1, 2004, KBK’s litigation counsel resigned. On October 8, 2004, we and
Atari Interactive filed an ex parte application to strike KBK’s pleadings or, in the alternative,
for an order shortening the time to hear such application as noticed motions. The ex parte
application was heard and denied on October 11, 2004 but the Court did grant the application for a
shortened period of time to hear such application as noticed motions. On October 19, 2004, the
Court granted our Motion to Strike KBK’s pleadings due to the fact that KBK has no counsel to
represent it in the litigation and did not file any opposition to the motion. The Court dismissed
KBK’s complaint without prejudice.
On June 27, 2005, the Court entered judgment in favor of the Company and the other defendants
and dismissed the cross-claims without prejudice.
Atari, Inc., Atari Interactive, Inc., and Hasbro, Inc. v. Games, Inc., Roger W. Ach, II , and
Chicago West Pullman LLC
On May 17, 2004, we and Atari Interactive together with Hasbro filed a complaint against
Games, Inc., its CEO, Ach, and Chicago West Pullman LLC in the United States District Court for the
Southern District of New York and sought a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction
to stop Games, Inc.’s and Ach’s use of certain trademarks and copyrights owned by Atari Interactive
and Hasbro. The plaintiffs allege that an interim license that we granted to Games, Inc. for the
development and publication of certain games in a specified online format expired by its terms when
Games, Inc. failed to pay us certain fees by April 30, 2004, pursuant to an Asset Purchase, License
and Assignment Agreement between us and Games, Inc. dated December 31, 2003, as amended. The
plaintiffs allege that Games, Inc.’s failure to pay voided an expected transfer of the “Games.com”
domain name and certain web site assets from us to Games, Inc. and constituted a breach of contract
and that Chicago West Pullman LLC’s failure to pay constituted a breach of guarantee. The
plaintiffs further allege that upon the expiration of the interim license, all intellectual
property rights granted under that license reverted back to us, but that Games, Inc. nevertheless
continued to use plaintiffs’ intellectual property. On May 18, 2004, the Court granted a temporary
restraining order against Games, Inc. and Ach and scheduled a preliminary injunction hearing for
May 28, 2004, which was postponed until June 11, 2004. Prior to that hearing, Games, Inc. agreed
to the preliminary injunction and the Court signed an order granting the preliminary injunction
pending the outcome of the case.
On June 16, 2004, Games, Inc. served its Answer and Counterclaim to the Complaint. In its
counterclaim, Games, Inc. alleges that plaintiffs breached the Asset Purchase, License and
Assignment Agreement and a Settlement Agreement dated March 31, 2004 by, inter alia, licensing
other web sites to use on-line play of certain Atari and Hasbro games that Games, Inc. claimed were
part of its exclusive license under the Agreement.
On February 23, 2005, the Court issued an order granting plaintiffs’ motion to dismiss certain
of Games, Inc.’s counterclaims, and on March 11, 2005, the court granted our motion for summary
judgment on its breach of contract claim and dismissed Games, Inc.’s remaining counterclaims. The
Court denied Games, Inc.’s motion for reconsideration on April 4, 2005. On May 4, 2005, the Court
issued a memorandum order granting us and Atari Interactive damages in the following amount: (1)
immediate payment of approximately $3.1 million, plus interest at an annual rate of nine percent
from April 30, 2004; (2) immediate redemption of 10,250 shares of Games, Inc. stock for $1.025
million, plus interest at an annual rate of nine percent from April 30, 2004; (3) immediate
redemption of 10,000 additional shares of Games, Inc. stock for $1 million; (4) redemption of the
remaining 10,000 shares at any time after December 29, 2005. The order provides that the “judgment
runs directly against Games, Inc. but in the event Games fails to satisfy it, it runs secondarily
against Chicago West Pullman LLC and Ach.” The Court’s order also lifts the preliminary injunction
imposed at the outset of the case.
Ach filed a motion for reconsideration concerning the Court’s ruling that the judgment would
run directly against Ach, and Atari requested that the Court issue a permanent injunction and
clarify certain aspects of the judgment. On May 27, 2005, the Court issued an order denying Ach’s
motion for reconsideration and confirming its earlier ruling that the judgment would run against
Ach personally. The Court also clarified that after December 29, 2005, Atari is entitled to an
additional $1 million, representing the cash redemption value of
the last 10,000 shares of Games, Inc. stock. The Court also issued a permanent injunction barring Games, Inc. from “selling or
distributing any product that contains the intellectual property” that is the subject of the asset
purchase agreement. The remaining elements of the original judgment remained in place.
On June 29, 2005, the Clerk of the District Court entered an amended judgment, stating that
Atari was entitled to the following damages: (1) immediate payment of $3,104,108, plus interest at
the annual rate of 9% from April 30, 2004, (2) immediate redemption of the initial 10,250 shares
for $1.025 million, plus interest at the annual rate of 9% from April 30, 2004, (3) immediate
redemption of 10,000 additional shares for $1 million, (4) the $50,000 bond that plaintiffs posted
on May 19, 2004 to secure a temporary restraining order in this case is exonerated, (5) redemption
of the remaining 10,000 shares at any time after December 29, 2005 at a price of $100 per share,
for a total of $1 million, (6) plaintiffs collectively are entitled to recoup their $150 filing
fee, (7) this judgment runs directly against Games, but in the event Games fails to satisfy it, it
runs secondarily against Chicago West Pullman and Ach, (8) the preliminary injunction is lifted,
and (9) defendant Games, Inc. is enjoined from selling or distributing any product that contains
the intellectual property it licensed in its contract with Atari, Inc.
On June 30, 2005, defendants filed a Notice of Appeal to the United States Court of Appeals
for the Second Circuit.
On July 6, 2005, defendants filed a motion for a stay of enforcement of amended judgment
pending resolution of appeal. On July 13, 2005, the Court of Appeals granted a temporary stay of
execution and ordered defendants to post a supersedeas bond in the amount of $1 million to be
posted on or before July 20, 2005 for the stay to continue. On July 19,
2005, plaintiffs filed their opposition to defendants’ motion. On July 26, defendants filed a
Letter of Credit issued to Atari, Inc. as beneficiary.
On
August 2, 2005, the Court of Appeals heard oral argument on
defendants’ motion for a stay. On August 3, 2005, the Court of
Appeals denied defendants’ motion for a stay, holding that
defendants did not show a substantial likelihood of success on appeal
or that they would suffer irreparable injury if a stay was not
issued. On August 4, 2005, the Court of Appeals set a schedule for
defendants’ appeal.
Codemasters, Inc. v. Atari, Inc.
On January 13, 2005, we were served with a Complaint filed by Codemasters against us in New
York Supreme Court, County of New York. The causes of action arise out of contractual disputes
regarding payments owed by each party to the other. Codemasters’ causes of action include breach
of contract, failure to respond to submitted statements of account and unjust enrichment.
Codemasters is seeking relief in the amount of approximately $0.9 million and such other relief as
may be just and proper, including interests, costs associated with the suit. In February 2005, we
answered the Complaint and also served Counterclaims. The parties settled the matter on May 5,2005. Pursuant to the Settlement Agreement, we paid Codemasters approximately $0.3 million.
Item 5.
Other Information
On
August 9, 2005, HSBC Business Credit (USA) Inc. and we entered
into a First Amendment of the Loan and Security Agreement between us
dated May 13, 2005 (the “First Amendment”). The First
Amendment modified financial covenants with regard to the remaining
quarters of fiscal 2006. It also waived failures to be in compliance
with those covenants at June 30, 2005. Finally, it added
covenants regarding (a) continued employment of, or an
acceptable replacement for, our chief financial officer,
(b) completion on or about August 31, 2005, of the sale of
our Humongous Entertainment studio to a subsidiary of IESA for
$7.0 million, and (c) IESA’s providing us on or about
September 15, 2005, through our sale of assets to IESA, capital
contributions, modifications of license arrangements or otherwise
(but not as intercompany debt) the amount of $12.0 million, if
needed as reasonably determined by HSBC based upon our current projections.
Item 6. Exhibits
(a)
Exhibits ++
31.1
Chief Executive Officer Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2
Chief Financial Officer Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1
Chief Executive Officer Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2
Chief Financial Officer Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
*
Exhibit indicated with an * symbol is a management or compensatory plan arrangement filed
pursuant to Item 6(a) of Form 10-Q.
++
Certain schedules and exhibits to the documents listed in this index are not being filed
herewith or have not been previously filed because we believe that the information contained
therein is not material. Upon request therefore, we agree to furnish supplementally a copy of
any schedule or exhibit to the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly
caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
ATARI, INC.
By:
/s/
Diane Price Baker
Diane Price Baker
Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer and Duly Authorized Officer)