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

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

For the transition period from ____________ to ____________

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Title of Class

Common Stock, $.001 par value per share

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

None.
 
 
 
 

 
 
JAKKS PACIFIC, INC.

INDEX TO ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K

For the Fiscal Year ended December 31, 2011

Items in Form 10-K

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

DISCLOSURE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

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

Item 1. Business

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

Company Overview

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

Traditional Toys and Electronics

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

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


Role Play, Novelty and Seasonal Toys

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Our Growth Strategy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Products

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

Traditional Toys and Electronics

Electronics Products

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

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

Wheels Products

Motorized and plastic toy vehicles and accessories.

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

Action Figures and Accessories

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

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

 
 
Dolls

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

Pet Products

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

Role-play and Dress-up Products

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

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

Indoor and Outdoor Kids’ Furniture

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

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

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

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

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

 
engaged representatives to oversee sales in certain territories,

 
engaged distributors in certain territories,

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

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

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

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

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

Product Development

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

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

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

 
 
Manufacturing and Supplies

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

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

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

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

Competition

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

Seasonality and Backlog

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

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

 
 
Government and Industry Regulation

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

Employees

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

Environmental Issues

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

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

Our Corporate Information

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

 
 
Item 1A.   Risk Factors

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

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

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

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

 
Increasing use of technology;

 
Shorter life cycles for individual products; and

 
Higher consumer expectations for product quality, functionality and value.

We cannot assure you that:

 
our current products will continue to be popular with consumers;

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 
 
There are risks associated with our license agreements.

 
Our current licenses require us to pay minimum royalties

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

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

 
New licenses are difficult and expensive to obtain

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

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

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

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

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

 
greater financial resources;

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

 
longer operating histories; and

 
greater economies of scale.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 
attractiveness of products;

 
suitability of distribution channels;

 
management ability;

 
financial condition and results of operations; and

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

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

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

 
diversion of management attention from operation of our existing business;

 
loss of key personnel from acquired companies; and

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 
currency conversion risks and currency fluctuations;

 
limitations, including taxes, on the repatriation of earnings;

 
political instability, civil unrest and economic instability;
 
 
14

 

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

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

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

 
the potential imposition of tariffs; and

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

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

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

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

 
product liability claims;

 
loss of sales;

 
diversion of resources;

 
damage to our reputation;

 
increased warranty costs; and

 
removal of our products from the market.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Item 3. Legal Proceedings


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

 
 
 

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.
 
 
18

 
 
PART II

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

Market Information

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

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

Performance Graph

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

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

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

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

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

Dividends

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

 

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

 
 
Equity Compensation Plan Information

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

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

 
  
Item 6. Selected Financial Data

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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


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

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

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

Critical Accounting Policies

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

 
 
Results of Operations

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

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

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

 
 
Comparison of the Years Ended December 31, 2011 and 2010

Net Sales

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

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

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

 
 
Reorganization Charges

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Comparison of the Years Ended December 31, 2010 and 2009

Net Sales

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

 

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 
                                                                        
 Quarterly Fluctuations and Seasonality

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

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

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

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

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

Debt with Conversion and Other Options

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

Recent Accounting Standards

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Exchange Rates

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

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

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

 
 
Interest Rate Risk

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

Foreign Currency Risk

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

 

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

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

 
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of JAKKS Pacific, Inc. as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2011.  These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
 
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.  We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of JAKKS Pacific, Inc. at December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2011, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

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

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

 
 
JAKKS PACIFIC, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

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

 
 
JAKKS PACIFIC, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

   
Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2010
   
2011
 
   
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
 
Net sales
 
$
803,704
   
$
747,268
   
$
677,751
 
Cost of sales
   
600,776
     
502,318
     
483,761
 
Gross profit
   
202,928
     
244,950
     
193,990
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
   
227,036
     
194,753
     
192,710
 
Write-down of intangible assets
   
8,221
     
     
 
Write-down of goodwill
   
407,125
     
     
 
Reorganization charges
   
12,994
     
     
 
Income (loss) from operations
   
(452,448
)
   
50,197
     
1,280
 
Profit (loss) from video game joint venture
   
(16,128
)
   
6,000
     
6,000
 
Equity in net income/(loss) of joint venture
   
     
(56
   
(34)
 
Interest income
   
318
     
333
     
412
 
Interest expense
   
(7,930
)
   
(6,732
)
   
(8,196)
 
Income (loss) before provision (benefit) for income taxes
   
(476,188
)
   
49,742
     
(538)
 
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
   
(90,678
)
   
2,693
     
(9,010)
 
Net income (loss)
 
$
(385,510
)
 
$
47,049
   
$
8,472
 
Basic earnings (loss) per share
 
$
(14.02
)
 
$
1.71
   
$
0.32
 
Basic weighted number of shares
   
27,502
     
27,491
     
26,760
 
Diluted earnings (loss) per share
 
$
(14.02
)
 
$
1.52
   
$
0.32
 
Diluted weighted number of shares
   
27,502
     
34,513
     
26,893
 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
 
42

 
 
 
JAKKS PACIFIC, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

   
Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2010
   
2011
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Other comprehensive income (loss):
                       
Net income (loss)
 
$
(385,510)
   
$
47,049
   
$
8,472
 
Foreign currency translation adjustment
   
1
     
(60)
     
147
 
Other comprehensive income (loss)
 
$
(385,509)
   
$
46,989
   
$
8,619
 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
 
43

 
 
JAKKS PACIFIC, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2009, 2010 AND 2011
(In thousands)

 
Common Stock
                   
Accumulated
       
           
Additional
         
Other
   
Total
 
 
Number
       
Treasury
   
Paid-in
   
Retained
   
Comprehensive
   
Stockholders’
 
 
of Shares
   
Amount
 
Stock
   
Capital
   
Earnings
   
Loss
   
Equity
 
Balance, December 31, 2008
27,521
   
28
 
   
292,809
   
$
458,345
   
$
(4,229
)
 
746,953
 
Exercise of  options
3
     
 
     
40
     
     
     
40
 
Excess tax deficiency on stock options
     
 
     
(487
   
     
     
(487
Restricted stock grants
483
     
 
     
4,179
     
     
     
4,179
 
Compensation for vested stock options
     
 
     
173
     
     
     
173
 
Retirement of restricted stock
(368
)
   
 
     
(1,498
)
   
     
     
(1,498
)
Net loss
     
 
     
     
(385,510
)
   
     
(385,510
)
Debt discount
     
 
     
13,650
     
     
     
13,650
 
Deferred tax liability on debt discount
     
 
     
(5,392
)
   
     
     
(5,392
)
Foreign currency translation adjustment
     
 
     
     
     
1
     
1
 
Balance, December 31, 2009
27,639
     
28
 
     
303,474
     
72,835
     
(4,228
)
   
372,109
 
Excess tax deficiency on stock options
     
 
     
(713
)    
     
     
(713
Restricted stock grants
298
     
 
     
4,619
     
     
     
4,619
 
Reversal of stock option compensation
     
 
     
(224
)    
     
     
(224
)
Retirement of common stock
(292
   
 
     
(4,554
   
     
     
(4,554
Repurchase of common stock
     
 
(5,641
   
     
     
     
(5,641
Retirement of restricted stock
(34
   
 
     
(177
   
     
     
(177
Net income
     
 
     
     
47,049
     
     
47,049
 
Foreign currency translation adjustment
     
 
     
     
     
(60
   
(60
Balance, December 31, 2010
27,611
     
28
 
(5,641
   
302,425
     
119,884
     
(4,288
)    
412,408
 
Exercise of options
18
     
   
     
276
     
     
     
276
 
Exercise of warrants
100
     
   
     
1,135
     
     
     
1,135
 
Excess tax benefit on stock options
     
   
     
363
     
     
     
363
 
Restricted stock grants
141
     
   
     
1,594
     
     
     
1,594
 
Dividends declared
     
   
     
     
(5,182
)    
     
(5,182
Retirement of common stock
(1,772
   
(2
 
5,641
     
(29,998
   
     
     
(24,359
Retirement of restricted stock
      (155
   
   
     
   (1,263
   
     
     
     (1,263
Net income
     
   
     
     
8,472
     
     
8,472
 
Foreign currency translation adjustment
     
   
     
     
     
147
     
147
 
Balance, December 31, 2011
25,943
   
$
26
   
   
$
274,532
   
$
123,174
   
$
(4,141
)  
$
393,591
 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
 
44

 
 
 
JAKKS PACIFIC, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

   
Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2010
   
2011
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Cash flows from operating activities
                 
Net income (loss)
 
$
(385,510
 
$
47,049
   
$
8,472
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities
                       
Depreciation and amortization
   
35,964
     
28,657
     
25,931
 
Share-based compensation expense
   
4,352
     
4,395
     
1,594
 
Loss on disposal of property and equipment
   
3,317
     
74
     
470
 
Write-down of intangible assets
   
8,221
     
     
 
Write-down of goodwill
   
407,125
     
     
 
Write-down of debt issuance costs
   
1,973
     
495
     
 
Investments in joint ventures
   
46,119
     
6,653
     
34
 
Deferred income taxes
   
(88,663
   
(10,168
)
   
(628
)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions
                       
Accounts receivable
   
17,657
     
7,454
     
27,816
 
Inventory
   
50,848
     
(8,773
)
   
(3,020
Prepaid expenses and other
   
(578
)
   
2,534
     
2,936
 
Income tax receivable
   
(12,727
)
   
15,962
     
(5,114
Accounts payable
   
(19,819
)
   
(5,268
)
   
(16,700
Accrued expenses
   
14,619
     
(9,575
)
   
(8,330
Income taxes payable
   
4,913
     
(5,640
)
   
(4,269
Reserve for sales returns and allowances
   
10,580
     
(5,519
)
   
15,062
 
Other liabilities
   
378
     
(865
)
   
5
 
Total adjustments
   
484,279
     
20,416
     
35,787
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
   
98,769
     
67,465
     
44,259
 
Cash flows from investing activities
                       
Purchases of property and equipment
   
(16,330
)
   
(11,605
)
   
(12,455
Change in other assets
   
(2,434
)
   
193
     
271
 
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment
   
     
99
     
26
 
Investment in joint venture
   
     
     
(2,696
Change in deposits
   
529
     
     
 
Cash paid for net assets of businesses acquired
   
(12,253
)
   
(1,875
)
   
(21,429
Net purchases of marketable securities
   
(7
)
   
(5
)
   
(7
Net cash used in investing activities
   
(30,495
   
(13,193
)
   
(36,290
Cash flows from financing activities
                       
Proceeds from stock options exercised
   
40
     
     
276
 
Proceeds from warrants exercised
   
     
     
1,135
 
Common stock surrendered
   
(1,498
)
   
(177
)
   
(1,263
Common stock repurchased
   
     
(10,195
)
   
(24,359
Dividends paid
   
     
     
(5,182
Repayment of capital  lease obligations
   
(261
   
(129
)
   
(27
Retirement of convertible notes
   
(77,738
   
(20,262
)
   
 
Proceeds from sale of convertible notes
   
100,000
     
     
 
Bank fees related to sale of convertible notes
   
(3,500
)
   
     
 
Tax benefit from stock options exercised
   
     
     
363
 
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
   
17,043
     
(30,763
)
   
(29,057
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
   
85,317
     
23,509
     
(21,088
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year
   
169,520
     
254,837
     
278,346
 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year
 
$
254,837
   
$
278,346
   
$
257,258
 
Cash paid during the period for:
                       
Interest
 
$
4,213
   
$
4,880
   
$
4,534
 
Income taxes
 
$
5,939
   
$
22,539
   
$
(7,249

See Notes 5 and 18 for additional supplemental information to consolidated statements of cash flows.

See notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
 
45

 
 
JAKKS PACIFIC, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2011

Note 1—Principal Industry

JAKKS Pacific, Inc. (the “Company”) is engaged in the development, production and marketing of consumer products, including toys and related products, electronic products, pet toys and related products, and other consumer products, many of which are based on highly-recognized character and entertainment licenses. The Company commenced its primary business operations in July 1995 through the purchase of substantially all of the assets of a Hong Kong toy company. The Company markets its product lines domestically and internationally.

The Company was incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware in January 1995.

Note 2—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Principles of consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. In consolidation, all significant inter-company balances and transactions are eliminated.

Cash and cash equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid assets, having an original maturity of less than three months, to be cash equivalents. The Company maintains its cash in bank deposits which, at times, may exceed federally insured limits. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts. The Company believes it is not exposed to any significant credit risk of cash and cash equivalents.

Cash and cash equivalents are maintained at financial institutions and, at times, balances may exceed federally insured limits.  The Company has never experienced any losses related to these balances.  All of the Company’s non-interest bearing cash balances were fully insured at December 31, 2011 due to a temporary federal program in effect from December 31, 2010 through December 31, 2012.  Under the program, there is no limit to the amount of insurance for eligible accounts.  Beginning 2013, insurance coverage will revert to $250,000 per depositor at each financial institution, and our non-interest bearing cash balances may again exceed federally insured limits.

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Credit is granted to customers on an unsecured basis. Credit limits and payment terms are established based on extensive evaluations made on an ongoing basis throughout the fiscal year of the financial performance, cash generation, financing availability, and liquidity status of each customer. Customers are reviewed at least annually, with more frequent reviews performed as necessary, based on the customer’s financial condition and the level of credit being extended. For customers who are experiencing financial  difficulties, management performs additional financial analyses before shipping to those customers on credit. The Company uses a variety of financial arrangements to ensure collectability of accounts receivable of customers deemed to be a credit risk, including requiring letters of credit, purchasing various forms of credit insurance with unrelated third parties, or requiring cash in advance of shipment.

The Company records an allowance for doubtful accounts based on management’s assessment of the business environment, customers’ financial condition, historical collection experience, accounts receivable aging, customer disputes, and the collectability of specific customer accounts.

Use of estimates

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual future results could differ from those estimates.

 
46

 
 
Revenue recognition

Revenue is recognized upon the shipment of goods to customers or their agents, depending on terms, provided that there are no uncertainties regarding customer acceptance, the sales price is fixed or determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured.

The Company provides a negotiated allowance for breakage or defects to its customers, which is recorded when the related revenue is recognized. However, the Company does make occasional exceptions to this policy and consequently accrues a return allowance in gross sales based on historic return amounts and management estimates.

The Company also will occasionally grant credits to facilitate markdowns and sales of slow moving merchandise. These credits are recorded as a reduction of gross sales at the time of occurrence. The Company’s reserve for sales returns and allowances increased by $15.0 million from $28.4 million as of December 31, 2010 to $43.4 million as of December 31, 2011. This increase is primarily due to the Company granting additional allowances to certain customers in 2011 compared to 2010.
 
 
47

 
 
Fair value measurements

Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. In determining fair value, the Company uses various methods including market, income and cost approaches. Based on these approaches, the Company often utilizes certain assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk and/or the risks inherent in the inputs to the valuation technique. These inputs can be readily observable, market-corroborated, or generally unobservable inputs. The Company utilizes valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. Based upon observable inputs used in the valuation techniques, the Company is required to provide information according to the fair value hierarchy. The fair value hierarchy ranks the quality and reliability of the information used to determine fair values into three broad levels as follows:

Level 1:
Valuations for assets and liabilities traded in active markets from readily available pricing sources for market transactions involving identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2:
Valuations for assets and liabilities traded in less active dealer or broker markets. Valuations are obtained from third-party pricing services for identical or similar assets or liabilities.
Level 3:
Valuations incorporate certain assumptions and projections in determining the fair value assigned to such  assets or liabilities.

In instances where the determination of the fair value measurement is based on inputs from different levels of the fair value hierarchy, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the entire fair value measurement falls is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, and considers factors specific to the asset or liability.

The following table summarizes the Company’s financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31 (in thousands):

         
Fair Value Measurements
 
   
Carrying Amount as of
  
  
As of December 31, 2010
 
   
December 31, 2010
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
 
                                 
Cash equivalents
 
$
163,474
   
$
163,474
   
$
   
$
 
Marketable securities
   
207
     
207
     
     
 
   
$
163,681
   
$
163,681
   
$
   
$
 

 
         
Fair Value Measurements
 
   
Carrying Amount as of
  
  
As of December 31, 2011
 
   
December 31, 2011
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
 
                                 
Cash equivalents
 
$
85,343
   
$
85,343
   
$
   
$
 
Marketable securities
   
214
     
214
     
     
 
   
$
85,557
   
$
85,557
   
$
   
$
 

The Company’s accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses represent financial instruments. The carrying value of these financial instruments is a reasonable approximation of fair value.

The fair value of the $100.0 million of convertible senior notes payable for the years ended December 31, 2010, and 2011 was approximately $135.8 and $113.9 million, respectively, based on the most recent quoted market price.
 
 
48

 
 
As of June 30, 2009, a review of the Company’s “Child Guidance”, “Play Along” and other divisions associated with its Craft and Activity product lines’ historic, current and forecasted operating results (Level 3 Fair Value Measurement) indicated that the carrying amount of these finite-lived intangible assets may not be recoverable from the sum of future undiscounted cash flows. As a result, the tradenames “Child Guidance” and “Play Along” and certain tradenames associated with its Craft and Activity product lines were written down to their fair value of zero, resulting in an impairment charge of approximately $8.2 million included in write-down of intangible assets in the consolidated statements of operations.  Goodwill was tested by estimating the fair value of the reporting unit using a consideration of market multiples and a discounted cash flow model (Level 3 Fair Value Measurement) and was written down to its implied fair value, which was zero as of June 30, 2009, resulting in an impairment charge of approximately $407.1 million included in write-down of goodwill in the consolidated statements of operations. See Note 6, Goodwill, and Note 7, Intangible Assets Other Than Goodwill, for additional information.

For the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2011, there was no impairment to the value of the Company’s non-financial assets.

Inventory

Inventory, which includes the ex-factory cost of goods, capitalized warehouse costs and in-bound freight and duty, is valued at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or market, net of inventory obsolescence reserve, and consists of the following (in thousands):

 
December 31,
 
 
2010
 
2011
 
Raw materials
  $ 3,340     $ 2,428  
Finished goods
    39,890       44,591  
    $ 43,230     $ 47,019  

Property and equipment

Property and equipment are stated at cost and are being depreciated using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives as follows:

Office equipment
5 years
Automobiles
5 years
Furniture and fixtures
5 - 7 years
Leasehold improvements
Shorter of length of lease or 10 years

The Company uses the usage method as its depreciation methodology for molds and tools used in the manufacturing of its products, which is more closely correlated to production of goods.  The Company believes that the usage method more accurately matches costs with revenues.  Furthermore, the useful estimated life of molds and tools is two years.   

For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2010, and 2011, the Company’s aggregate depreciation expense related to property and equipment was $22.2 million, $15.7 million and $13.9 million, respectively.
 
 
49

 
 
Advertising

Production costs of commercials and programming are charged to operations in the period during which the production is first aired. The costs of other advertising, promotion and marketing programs are charged to operations in the period incurred. Advertising expense for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2010 and 2011, was approximately $18.4 million, $15.4 million and $15.5 million, respectively.

The Company also participates in cooperative advertising arrangements with some customers, whereby it allows a discount from invoiced product amounts in exchange for customer purchased advertising that features the Company’s products. Typically, these discounts range from 1% to 6% of gross sales, and are generally based on product purchases or on specific advertising campaigns. Such amounts are accrued when the related revenue is recognized or when the advertising campaign is initiated. These cooperative advertising arrangements are accounted for as direct selling expenses.

Income taxes

The Company does not file a consolidated return with its foreign subsidiaries. The Company files federal and state returns and its foreign subsidiaries file returns in their respective jurisdictions. Deferred taxes are provided on an asset and liability method whereby deferred tax assets are recognized as deductible temporary differences and operating loss and tax credit carry-forwards and deferred tax liabilities are recognized for taxable temporary differences. Temporary differences are the differences between the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and their tax basis. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects of changes in tax laws and rates on the date of enactment.

Foreign Currency Translation Exposure

The Company’s reporting currency is the US dollar. The translation of its net investment in subsidiaries with non-US dollar functional currencies subjects the Company to currency exchange rate fluctuations in its results of operations and financial position. Assets and liabilities of subsidiaries with non-US dollar functional currencies are translated into US dollars at year-end exchange rates. Income, expense, and cash flow items are translated at average exchange rates prevailing during the year. The resulting currency translation adjustments are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss/gain within stockholders’ equity. The Company’s primary currency translation exposures in 2009, 2010 and 2011 were related to its net investment in entities having functional currencies denominated in the Hong Kong dollar.

Foreign Currency Transaction Exposure

Currency exchange rate fluctuations may impact the Company’s results of operations and cash flows. The Company’s currency transaction exposures include gains and losses realized on unhedged inventory purchases and unhedged receivables and payables balances that are denominated in a currency other than the applicable functional currency. Gains and losses on unhedged inventory purchases and other transactions associated with operating activities are recorded in the components of operating income in the consolidated statement of operations. Inventory purchase transactions denominated in the Hong Kong dollar were the primary transactions that cause foreign currency transaction exposure for the Company in 2009, 2010 and 2011.

Accounting for the impairment of finite-lived intangible assets

Long-lived assets with finite lives, which include property and equipment and intangible assets other than goodwill, are evaluated at least annually for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable through the estimated undiscounted future cash flows from the use of these assets. When any such impairment exists, the related assets will be written down to fair value.  Finite-lived intangible assets consist primarily of product technology rights, acquired backlog, customer relationships, product lines and license agreements. These intangible assets are amortized over the estimated economic lives of the related assets. There were no impairments for years ended December 31, 2010 and 2011.

Goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets

Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized, but are tested for impairment at least annually at the reporting unit level. Losses in value are recorded when material impairment has occurred in the underlying assets or when the benefits of the identified intangible assets are realized.  Indefinite-lived intangible assets other than goodwill consist of trademarks.
 
 
50

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

During 2009, the Company determined that the tradenames “Child Guidance” and “Play Along” and certain tradenames associated with our Craft and Activity product lines would either be discontinued, or were under performing.   Consequently, the intangible assets associated with these tradenames were written off to Write-down of intangible assets, resulting in a charge of $8.2 million.

The carrying value of goodwill and trademarks are based on cost which is subject to management’s current assessment of fair value. Management evaluates fair value recoverability using both objective and subjective factors. Objective factors include management’s best estimates of projected future earnings and cash flows and analysis of recent sales and earnings trends. Subjective factors include competitive analysis and the Company’s strategic focus.

Share-based Compensation

The Company measures all employee stock-based compensation awards using a fair value method and records such expense in its consolidated financial statements.  The Company recorded $0.2 million of stock option expense in 2009, while recording $0.2 million reversal of stock option compensation in 2010, and nil in 2011.  The company recorded $4.2 million, $4.6 million, and $1.6 million of restricted stock expense, in 2009, 2010, and 2011, respectively.  See Note 16 for further details relating to share based compensation.

Earnings per share

The following table is a reconciliation of the weighted-average shares used in the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) for the periods presented (in thousands, except per share data):
 
   
2009
 
         
Weighted
       
         
Average
       
   
Loss
   
Shares
   
Per Share
 
Basic EPS
                 
Loss available to common stockholders
 
$
(385,510)
     
27,502
   
$
(14.02)
 
Effect of dilutive securities:
                       
Assumed conversion of convertible senior notes
   
     
         
Options and warrants
   
     
         
Unvested restricted stock grants
   
     
         
Diluted EPS
                       
Loss available to common stockholders plus assumed exercises and conversion
 
$
(385,510)
     
27,502
   
$
(14.02)
 
 
 
51

 
 
   
2010
 
         
Weighted
       
         
Average
       
   
Income
   
Shares
   
Per Share
 
Basic EPS
                 
Income available to common stockholders
 
$
47,049
     
27,491
     
1.71
 
Effect of dilutive securities:
                       
Assumed conversion of convertible senior notes
   
5,434
     
6,785
         
Options and warrants
   
     
44
         
Unvested restricted stock grants
   
     
193
         
Diluted EPS
                       
Income available to common stockholders plus assumed exercises and conversion
 
$
52,483
     
34,513
     
1.52
 


   
2011
 
         
Weighted
       
         
Average
       
   
Income
   
Shares
   
Per Share
 
Basic EPS
                 
Income available to common stockholders
 
$
8,472
     
26,760
     
0.32
 
Effect of dilutive securities:
                       
Options and warrants
         
22
         
Unvested restricted stock grants
   
     
111
         
Diluted EPS
                       
Income available to common stockholders plus assumed exercises and conversion
 
$
8,472
     
26,893
     
0.32
 

Basic earnings per share has been computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share has been computed using the weighted average number of common shares and common share equivalents outstanding (which consist of warrants, options and convertible debt to the extent they are dilutive). For the year ended December 31, 2009, the convertible notes interest and related common share equivalent of 5,236,733, diluted options and warrants of 24,333 and unvested restricted stock grants outstanding of 376,886 were excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation because they were anti-dilutive.  For the year ended December 31, 2011, the convertible notes interest and related common share equivalent of 6,332,232 were excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation because they were anti-dilutive.  Potentially dilutive stock options of 394,150, 301,499 and 171,119 for the year ended December 31, 2009, 2010 and 2011, respectively, were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share as the average market price of the Company’s common stock did not exceed the weighted average exercise price of such options and to have included them would have been anti-dilutive.  Potentially dilutive restricted stock of 14,918, nil, and nil for the year ended December 31, 2009, 2010 and 2011, respectively, were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share since they would have been anti-dilutive.

Debt with Conversion and Other Options

The provisions of ASC 470-20, “Debt with Conversion and Other Options” are applicable to the 4.5% convertible notes, see Note 11, Convertible Senior Notes.  ASC 470-20 requires the Company to separately account for the liability (debt) and equity (conversion feature) components of the Notes in a manner that reflects the Company’s nonconvertible debt borrowing rate at the date of issuance when interest cost is recognized in subsequent periods. The company allocated $13.7 million of the $100.0 million principal amount of the Notes to the equity component, which represents a discount to the debt and will be amortized into interest expense through November 1, 2014.  Accordingly, the company’s effective annual interest rate on the Notes will be approximately 7.9%. The Notes are classified as long-term debt in the balance sheet at December 31, 2010 based on their November 1, 2014 maturity date.   Debt issuance costs of approximately $3.5 million are being amortized to interest expense over the five year term of the Notes.

 
52

 
 
Recent Accounting Standards

In May 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued new accounting guidance that provides a consistent definition of fair value and common requirements of and disclosure about fair value between GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”). The guidance states the concepts of highest and best use and valuation premise are only relevant when measuring the fair value of nonfinancial assets. Enhanced disclosure requirements will require companies to disclose quantitative information about unobservable inputs used, a description of the valuation processes used, and a qualitative discussion about the sensitivity of the measurements for recurring Level 3 fair value measurements. For assets and liabilities not recorded at fair value but where fair value is disclosed, companies must report the level in the fair value hierarchy of assets and liabilities. This new guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning January 1, 2012, and the Company does not anticipate a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.
 
In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-05, Presentation of Comprehensive Income, which requires an entity to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income, or in two separate but consecutive statements. ASU 2011-05 eliminates the option to present components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of equity. In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-12, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassifications of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05 , which defers specific requirements to present reclassification adjustments for each component of accumulated other comprehensive income. ASU 2011-05 will be retroactively effective for the Company in the first quarter of 2012.  Since the Company already presents two separate but consecutive statements of operations and comprehensive income, this adoption will not have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.
 
 In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-08, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Goodwill for Impairment, which permits an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test. ASU 2011-08 will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011, with early adoption permitted.  The Company early adopted ASU 2011-08 for its annual goodwill impairment test conducted as of October 1, 2011.
 
 
53

 
 
Note 3—Business Segments, Geographic Data, Sales by Product Group, and Major Customers

       The Company is a worldwide producer and marketer of children’s toys and other consumer products, principally engaged in the design, development, production, marketing and distribution of its diverse portfolio. In 2010, the Company re-aligned its products into two new categories to better reflect the business.  The Company’s reportable segments are Traditional Toys and Electronics, and Role Play, Novelty and Seasonal Toys each of which includes worldwide sales.  

The Traditional Toys and Electronics segment includes action figures, vehicles, playsets, plush products, dolls, accessories, electronic products, construction toys, infant and pre-school toys, pet products, and related products.

Role Play, Novelty and Seasonal include role-play and dress-up products, novelty toys, seasonal and outdoor products, indoor and outdoor kid’s furniture, Halloween and everyday costume play.

Segment performance is measured at the operating income level. All sales are made to external customers, and general corporate expenses have been attributed to the various segments based on sales volumes. Segment assets are comprised of accounts receivable and inventories, net of applicable reserves and allowances, goodwill, molds and tooling and other assets.

Results are not necessarily those that would be achieved were each segment an unaffiliated business enterprise. Information by segment and a reconciliation to reported amounts as of December 31, 2010 and 2011 and for the three years in the period ended December 31, 2011 are as follows (in thousands):

   
Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2010
   
2011
 
Net Sales
                 
Traditional Toys and Electronics
 
$
439,382
   
$
358,356
   
$
348,852
 
Role Play, Novelty and Seasonal Toys
   
364,322
     
388,912
     
328,899
 
   
$
803,704
   
$
747,268
   
$
677,751
 
 
   
Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2010
   
2011
 
Operating Income (Loss)
                 
Traditional Toys and Electronics
 
$
(332,953
)
 
$
18,078
   
$
(3,974)
 
Role Play, Novelty and Seasonal Toys
   
(119,495
)
   
32,119
     
5,254
 
   
$
(452,448
 
$
50,197
   
$
1,280
 

   
Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2010
   
2011
 
Depreciation and Amortization Expense
                 
Traditional Toys and Electronics
 
$
26,113
   
$
18,721
   
$
16,955
 
Role Play, Novelty and Seasonal Toys
   
9,851
     
9,936
     
8,976
 
   
$
35,964
   
$
28,657
   
$
25,931
 
 
   
December 31,
 
   
2010
   
2011
 
Assets
           
Traditional Toys
 
$
252,107
   
$
269,411
 
Role Play, Novelty and Seasonal Toys
   
381,299
     
345,823
 
   
$
633,406
   
$
615,234
 
 
 
54

 
 
Information as to the Company’s operations in different geographical areas is presented below on the basis the Company uses to manage its business.  Net revenues are categorized based on location of the customer, while long-lived assets are categorized based on the Company’s ownership. Tools, dyes and molds represent a substantial portion of the long-lived assets included in the United States with a net book value of $10.1 million in 2010 and $10.4 million in 2011 and substantially all of these assets are located in China. The following table’s present information about the Company by geographic area as of December 31, 2010 and 2011 and for the three years ended December 31, 2011 (in thousands):

   
December 31,
 
   
 
2010
   
2011
 
Long-lived Assets
           
United States
 
$
16,023
   
$
15,274
 
Hong Kong
   
923
     
912
 
   
$
16,946
   
$
16,186
 

   
Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2010
   
2011
 
Net Sales by Geographic Area
                 
United States
 
$
671,249
   
$
633,900
   
$
569,233
 
Europe
   
61,457
     
46,965
     
43,225
 
Canada
   
36,824
     
32,927
     
29,538
 
Hong Kong
   
5,090
     
7,319
     
2,898
 
Other
   
29,084
     
26,157
     
32,857
 
   
$
803,704
   
$
747,268
   
$
677,751
 
Major Customers

Net sales to major customers were as follows (in thousands, except for percentages):

   
2009
   
2010
   
2011
 
         
Percentage of
         
Percentage of
         
Percentage of
 
   
Amount
   
Net Sales
   
Amount
   
Net Sales
   
Amount
   
Net Sales
 
Wal-Mart
 
$
219,226
     
27.3
%
 
$
171,515
     
23.0
%
 
$
166,928
     
24.6
%
Target
   
136,334
     
16.9
     
115,416
     
15.5
     
131,781
     
19.4
 
Toys ‘R’ Us
   
91,298
     
11.4
     
111,180
     
14.9
     
85,087
     
12.6
 
   
$
446,858
     
55.6
%
 
$
398,111
     
53.4
%
 
$
383,796
     
56.6
%

No other customer accounted for more than 10% of the Company’s total net sales.

At December 31, 2010 and 2011, the Company’s three largest customers accounted for approximately 52.5% and 41.3%, respectively, of net accounts receivable. The concentration of the Company’s business with a relatively small number of customers may expose the Company to material adverse effects if one or more of its large customers were to experience financial difficulty. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its top customers and maintains an allowance for potential credit losses.
 
Note 4—Joint Ventures

The Company owned a fifty percent interest in a joint venture with THQ Inc. (“THQ”) to develop and publish video games on various platforms based on the World Wrestling Entertainment franchise. Pursuant to a Settlement Agreement and Mutual Release dated December 22, 2009, the joint venture was terminated on December 31, 2009 and THQ is obligated to pay the Company an aggregate of $20.0 million in fixed payments of $6.0 million on each of June 30, 2010 and 2011 and $4.0 million on each of June 30, 2012 and 2013 which the Company will record as income on a cash basis when received (see Note 20).  The Company received the first two fixed payments from THQ as agreed in the amount of $6.0 million each, which were recognized as income during the quarter received.  The Company recognized $6.0 million in income related to its video game joint venture in 2010 and 2011, as compared to a loss of $16.1 million in 2009.
 
 
55

 

The Company owns a fifty percent interest into a joint venture with the U.S. entertainment subsidiary of a leading Japanese advertising and animation production company. The joint venture was created to develop, produce and exploit a boys animated television show which it intends to license worldwide for television broadcast. The joint venture has already licensed the right to the Company to develop and market toys based on the television program and certain other merchandising rights to third-parties. The Company is responsible for fifty percent of the operating expenses of the joint venture and for twenty-five percent of the production costs of the television show. The joint venture has approved 52 episodes of the show and has commenced production on the first 26 episodes for which the Company is responsible for an aggregate of approximately $1.7 million which was paid in 2011. The Company’s investment is being accounted for using the equity method.  During 2011 the Company had capital contributions of $2,696,670.  For the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company recognized a loss of $34,260 from the joint venture.

As of December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2011, the balance of the investment in the joint venture includes the following components (in thousands):

   
December 31,
   
December 31,
 
   
2010
   
2011
 
Capital Contributions
 
$
130
   
$
2,826
 
Equity in cumulative net (loss)
   
(56
   
(90)
 
Investment in joint venture
 
$
74
   
$
2,736
 
 
Note 5—Business Combinations

The Company acquired the following entities to further enhance its existing product lines and to continue diversification into other toy categories and seasonal businesses:

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

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

In October 14, 2011, the Company acquired all of the stock of Moose Mountain Toymakers Limited, a Hong Kong company, and a related New Jersey company, Moose Mountain Marketing, Inc. (collectively, “Moose Mountain”).  The total initial consideration of $31.5 million consisted of $16.0 million in cash and the assumption of liabilities in the amount of $15.5 million, and resulted in goodwill of $13.5 million. In addition, the Company agreed to pay an earn-out of up to an aggregate amount of $5.3 million in cash over the three calendar years following the acquisition based on the achievement of certain financial performance criteria.  The fair value of the expected earn-out of $4.6 million is included in goodwill and assumed liabilities as of December 31, 2011.  All future changes to the earn-out liability will be charged to income.  Moose Mountain is a leading designer and producer of foot to floor ride-ons, inflatable environments, wagons, pinball machines and tents and was included in our results of operations from the date of acquisition.

Refer to Note 6 for information on the write-down of goodwill.

 
56

 
  
Note 6—Goodwill

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2011 are as follows (in thousands):

   
Traditional
Toys
and
Electronics
   
Role Play,
Novelty and
Seasonal
Toys
   
Total
 
Balance, January 1, 2010:
                       
Goodwill
 
                778
   
$
793
   
$
1,571
 
Adjustment to goodwill during the year
   
             1,667
     
3,750
     
5,417
 
Balance December 31, 2010:
   
2,445
     
4,543
     
6,988
 
Balance, January 1, 2011:
                       
Goodwill
   
2,445
     
4,543
     
6,988
 
Additions to goodwill during the year
   
13,485
     
     
13,485
 
Adjustment to goodwill during the year
   
1,667
     
1,875
     
3,542
 
 Balance December 31, 2011:
 
17,597
     
6,418
   
 $
24,015
 
 
 
During 2010 the Company re-aligned Goodwill based on new reporting units.  See Note 3 for further details.  
 
The Company assesses goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment on an annual basis by reviewing relevant qualitative and quantitative factors. More frequent evaluations may be required if the Company experiences changes in its business climate or as a result of other triggering events that take place. If carrying value exceeds fair value, a possible impairment exists and further evaluation is performed.  The Company performed a qualitative assessment of its annual goodwill impairment as of October 1, 2011 and concluded that more likely than not the fair value of the goodwill is not less than its carrying amount.
 
At December 31, 2009, the Company recorded deferred tax liabilities related to the Tollytots and Kids Only acquisitions that resulted in Goodwill of $1.6 million.

In April 2010, the Company made an earn-out payment in the amount of $1.9 million related to the Kids Only acquisition. In December 2010, the Company also recorded earn-outs related to the Tollytots and Kids Only acquisitions of $1.7 million and $1.9 million, respectively.  These amounts were recorded as Goodwill in 2010.

In November 2011, the Company made an earn-out payment in the amount of $1.9 million related to the Kids Only acquisition.  In December 2011, the Company also recorded an earn-out related to the Tollytots acquisitions of $1.7 million.  These amounts were recorded as Goodwill in 2011.  Please refer to Note 5 for goodwill for current year acquisitions.

 
57

 
 
Note 7—Intangible Assets Other Than Goodwill

Intangible assets other than goodwill consist primarily of licenses, product lines, debt offering costs from the Company’s convertible senior notes and trademarks. Amortized intangible assets are included in the Intangibles and other, net, in the accompanying balance sheets. Trademarks are disclosed separately in the accompanying balance sheets. Intangible assets are as follows (in thousands):

         
December 31, 2010
   
December 31, 2011
 
   
Weighted
Useful
Lives
   
Gross
Carrying
Amount
   
Accumulated
Amortization
   
Net
Amount
   
Gross
Carrying
Amount
   
Accumulated
Amortization
   
Net
Amount
 
   
(Years)
                                     
                                           
Amortized Intangible Assets:
                                         
Acquired order backlog
   
.50
   
$
2,393
     
(2,393
   
   
$
2,393
     
(2,393)
     
 
Licenses
   
4.96
     
85,788
     
(65,435
   
20,353
     
91,488
     
(72,797)
     
18,691
 
Product lines
   
3.65
     
19,100
     
(18,592
   
508
     
19,500
     
(18,787)
     
713
 
Customer relationships
   
5.28
     
6,296
     
(3,902
   
2,394
     
7,096
     
(4,800)
     
2,296
 
Non-compete/ Employment contracts
   
3.84
     
3,133
     
(2,951
   
182
     
3,133
     
(3,080)
     
53
 
Total amortized intangible assets
           
116,710
     
(93,273
   
23,437
     
123,610
     
(101,857)
     
21,753
 
Deferred Costs:
                                                       
Debt issuance costs
   
           5.00
     
         3,678
     
           (856
   
        2,822
     
3,678
     
(1,592)
     
2,086
 
Unamortized Intangible Assets:
                                                       
Trademarks
 
indefinite
     
2,308
     
              ―
     
2,308
     
2,308
     
              ―
     
2,308
 
           
$
122,696
     
(94,129
   
28,567
   
$
129,596
     
(103,449)
     
26,147
 


During the second quarter of 2009, the Company determined that the tradenames “Child Guidance” and “Play Along” and certain tradenames associated with its Craft and Activity product lines would either be discontinued, or were under performing.   Consequently, the intangible assets associated with these tradenames were written off to Write-down of intangible assets, resulting in a non-cash charge of $8.2 million.
 
 
58

 
 
 
For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2010, and 2011, the Company’s aggregate amortization expense related to intangible assets and deferred costs was $13.1 million, $10.2 million and $9.3 million, respectively. The Company currently estimates continuing future amortization expense to be approximately (in thousands):

2012
 
 $
6,882
 
2013
   
6,516
 
2014
   
3,567
 
2015
   
2,189
 
2016
   
1,780
 
Thereafter
   
2,905
 
   
$
23,839
 
 
Note 8—Concentration of Credit Risk

Financial instruments that subject the Company to concentration of credit risk are cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable. Cash equivalents consist principally of short-term money market funds. These instruments are short-term in nature and bear minimal risk. To date, the Company has not experienced losses on these instruments.

The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers’ financial conditions, but does not require collateral to support domestic customer accounts receivable. Most goods shipped FOB Hong Kong or China are secured with irrevocable letters of credit.

At December 31, 2010 and 2011, the Company’s three largest customers accounted for approximately 52.5% and 41.3%, respectively, of net accounts receivable. The concentration of the Company’s business with a relatively small number of customers may expose the Company to material adverse effects if one or more of its large customers were to experience financial difficulty. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its top customers and maintains an allowance for potential credit losses.
 
Note 9—Accrued Expenses

Accrued expenses consist of the following (in thousands):

   
2010
   
2011
 
Royalties
 
$
22,624
   
$
22,193
 
Bonuses
   
6,417
     
1,020
 
Employee salaries and benefits
   
1,939
     
2,497
 
Unearned revenue
   
     
760
 
Sales commissions
   
2,255
     
617
 
Interest expense
   
750
     
750
 
Molds and tools
   
1,825
     
1,746
 
Reorganization charges
   
5,264
     
3,484
 
Advertising commitment
   
3,000
     
2,106
 
Professional fees
   
     
1,924
 
Acquisition earn-out
   
     
4,634
 
Inventory liabilities
   
5,273
     
3,319
 
Other
   
5,129
     
5,730
 
   
$
54,476
   
$
50,780
 

In addition to royalties currently payable on the sale of licensed products during the quarter, the Company records a liability as Accrued Royalties for the estimated shortfall in achieving minimum royalty guarantees pursuant to certain license agreements (Note 15).

The Company incurred reorganization charges in the fourth quarter of 2009 to consolidate and stream-line its existing business functions.  This was especially necessary given the decreased volume of consolidated sales in 2009 from 2008 and the added general and administrative expenses from the three acquisitions made at the end of 2008.  Reorganization charges relate to the termination of lease obligations, one-time severance termination benefits, fixed asset write-offs and other contract terminations and are accounted for in accordance with “Exit and Disposal Cost Obligations” ASC 420-10.
 
 
59

 
 
These reorganization charges relate to the Company’s Traditional Toys and Electronics segment and are included in Reorganization Charges in the consolidated statements of operations.  The components of the reorganization charges are as follows (in thousands):

   
Accrued Balance
               
Accrued Balance
 
      
 
December 31, 2010
   
Accrual
   
Payments
   
December 31, 2011
 
Lease abandonment costs    
 
$
5,264
   
$
   
 $
(1,780)
   
$
3,484
 
Total reorganization charges    
 
$
5,264
   
$
   
 $
(1,780)
   
$
3,484
 
 
Note 10—Related Party Transactions

A director of the Company is a partner in a law firm that acts as counsel to the Company. The Company incurred legal fees and expenses to the law firm in the amount of approximately $2.5 million in 2009, $2.7 million in 2010 and $3.4 million in 2011. As of December 31, 2010 and 2011, legal fees and reimbursable expenses of $1.1 million and $0.8 million, respectively, were payable to this law firm.

Note 11—Convertible Senior Notes

Convertible senior notes consist of the following (in thousands):

   
December 31,
 
   
2010
   
2011
 
4.50% Convertible senior notes (due 2014)
 
100,000
   
100,000
 
   
$
100,000
   
$
100,000
 

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

The provisions of ASC 470-20, “Debt with Conversion and Other Options” are applicable to the 4.50% convertible notes. ASC 470-20 requires the Company to separately account for the liability (debt) and equity (conversion feature) components of the Notes in a manner that reflects the company’s nonconvertible debt borrowing rate at the date of issuance when interest cost is recognized in subsequent periods. The Company allocated $13.7 million of the $100.0 million principal amount of the Notes to the equity component, which represents a discount to the debt and will be amortized into interest expense through November 1, 2014.  Accordingly, the Company’s effective annual interest rate on the Notes will be approximately 7.9%. The Notes are classified as long-term debt in the balance sheet at December 31, 2011 based on their November 1, 2014 maturity date.   Debt issuance costs of approximately $3.7 million are being amortized to interest expense over the five year term of the Notes.

Key components of the 4.50% convertible senior notes consist of the following (in thousands):

   
December 31,
 
   
2010
   
2011
 
Principal amount of notes
 
$
100,000
   
$
100,000
 
Unamortized discounts
   
(10,542
   
(7,812
 Net carrying amount of the convertible notes
 
$
89,458
   
$
92,188
 
 
 
60

 

   
Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2010
   
2011
 
Contractual interest expense on the coupon
 
$
641
     
4,500
     
4,500
 
Amortization of the discount component and debt issue fees recognized as interest expense
   
498
   
$
3,466
   
$
3,466
 
   
$
1,139
   
$
7,966
   
$
7,966
 

As of December 31, 2011, the unamortized discount was $7.8 million, which will be amortized over approximately 2.9 years, and the carrying amount of the equity component was $13.7 million. As of December 31, 2011, the conversion rate was equal to approximately $15.64 per share and the if-converted value of the Notes was $100.0 million.
 
Note 12—Income Taxes

The Company does not file a consolidated return with its foreign subsidiaries. The Company files federal and state returns and its foreign subsidiaries file returns in their respective jurisdictions.

The Company’s income tax benefit, which includes federal, state and foreign income taxes was $9.0 million, or an effective tax rate of 1671% for the year ended 2011. For the years ended 2009 and 2010, the provision for income taxes, which included Federal, state and foreign income taxes was a benefit of $90.7 million and an expense of $2.7 million, reflecting effective tax provision rates of 19.0% and 5.41%, respectively. 

Included in the 2011 tax benefit of $9.0 million are discrete tax benefits of $2.1 million. These tax benefits are comprised of $0.3 million reduction of uncertain tax positions related to foreign depreciation due to statute expiration, $1.7 million benefit related to state tax apportionment changes and an adjustment to record various outstanding state tax refunds.

For the years ended 2009 and 2010, provision for income taxes includes Federal, state and foreign income taxes at effective tax rates of 19.0% and 5.41%, respectively.  The decrease in the effective rate in 2010 is primarily due to the recognition of certain discrete income tax adjustments.  These discrete adjustments include reductions of uncertain tax positions due to the settlement of 2003 – 2006 IRS exams and statute expirations, benefits related to a refund received from the IRS for previously filed amended returns and benefit attributable to a transfer pricing adjustment.  Exclusive of these discrete items, the effective tax provision rate would be 40.1% in 2009 and 26.2% in 2010.  

For the years ended 2010 and 2011, provision for income taxes includes Federal, state and foreign income taxes at effective tax rates of 5.41% and 1671%, respectively.  The increase in the effective rate in 2011 is primarily due to a decrease in the Company’s consolidated and United States earnings compared to 2010 and the recognition of certain discrete income tax adjustments. These discrete adjustments include $0.3 million reduction of uncertain tax positions related to foreign depreciation due to statute expiration and $1.7 million benefit related to state tax apportionment changes and an adjustment to record various outstanding state tax refunds. Exclusive of these discrete items, the effective tax rate would be 26.2% in 2010 and 1,288% for 2011.  The increase in the effective rate absent discrete items is due to the foreign rate differential between the United States and Hong Kong.  The foreign rate differential is impacted by the proportion of Hong Kong earnings to overall earnings and is expected to vary depending on the level of consolidated earnings.

For year ended 2011, the Company had net deferred tax assets of approximately $81.6 million.
 
 
61

 
 
Provision (benefit) for income taxes reflected in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations are comprised of the following (in thousands):

   
2009
   
2010
   
2011
 
Federal
 
$
(11,103
)
 
$
1,656
   
$
(12,674)
 
State and local
   
(980
)
   
3,290
     
(661)
 
Foreign
   
3,105
     
7,915
     
4,590
 
Total Current
   
(8,978
)
   
12,861
     
(8,745)
 
APIC
   
(487
   
(713
)
   
363
 
Deferred
   
(81,213
)
   
(9,455
)
   
(628)
 
Total
 
$
(90,678
 
$
2,693
   
$
(9,010)
 

The components of deferred tax assets/(liabilities) are as follows (in thousands):

   
2010
   
2011
 
Net deferred tax assets/(liabilities):
           
Current:
           
Reserve for sales allowances and possible losses
 
$
1,764
   
$
2,184
 
Accrued expenses
   
4,683
     
3,127
 
Federal and state net operating loss carryforwards
   
1,141
     
9,035
 
Prepaid Royalties
   
9,168
     
18,338
 
Accrued Royalties
   
7,440
     
2,081
 
Uncertain tax positions
   
     
 
Inventory
   
5,013
     
5,480
 
State income taxes
   
(4,985
   
(6,767)
 
Other
   
(648
   
1,027
 
Gross current
   
23,576
     
34,505
 
Valuation allowance related to state net operating loss carryforwards
   
     
 
Net Current
   
23,576
     
34,505
 
Long Term:
               
Property and equipment
   
4,302
     
3,777
 
Original issue discount interest
   
(15,336
   
(20,273)
 
Goodwill and intangibles
   
65,697
     
61,076
 
Prepaid Royalties
   
     
 
Share Based Compensation
   
3,222
     
2,588
 
Income from joint venture
   
     
 
Other
   
963
     
(87)
 
Total long-term
   
58,848
     
47,081
 
Total net deferred tax assets/(liabilities)
 
$
82,424
   
$
81,586
 
 
 
62

 
 
Provision (benefit) for income taxes varies from the U.S. federal statutory rate. The following reconciliation shows the significant differences in the tax at statutory and effective rates:

   
2009
   
2010
   
2011
 
Federal income tax expense (benefit)
   
(35.0
)%
   
35.0
%
   
35.0
%
State income tax expense, net of federal tax effect
   
(2.4
   
1.65
     
415.9
 
Effect of differences in U.S. and Foreign statutory rates
   
(0.6
   
(14.55
   
1031.8
 
Uncertain tax positions
   
(0.5
   
(10.39
   
54.2
 
Refund from IRS Exam
   
     
(8.03
   
 
State tax refund adjustment
   
     
     
180.0
 
Goodwill write-down
   
17.1
     
     
 
Foreign NOLs
   
0.6
     
     
 
Other
   
1.8
     
1.73
     
(46.2)
 
     
(19.0
)%
   
5.41
%
   
1670.7
%
 
 
63

 
 
Deferred taxes result from temporary differences between tax bases of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the consolidated financial statements. The temporary differences result from costs required to be capitalized for tax purposes by the U.S. Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”), and certain items accrued for financial reporting purposes in the year incurred but not deductible for tax purposes until paid. The Company has no valuation allowance on deferred tax assets since, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will be realized.

The components of income (loss) before provision (benefit) for income taxes are as follows (in thousands):

   
2009
   
2010
   
2011
 
Domestic
 
$
(488,182
)
 
$
20,066
   
$
(30,577)
 
Foreign
   
11,994
     
29,676
     
30,039
 
   
$
(476,188
 
$
49,742
   
$
(538)
 

The Company has cumulative undistributed earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries for which U.S. taxes have not been provided. These earnings are intended to be permanently reinvested outside the U.S. If future events necessitate that these earnings should be repatriated to the U.S., an additional tax expense and related liability may be required.

The Company uses a recognition threshold and measurement process for recording in the financial statements uncertain tax positions (“UTP”) taken or expected to be taken in a tax return.

Approximately $1.0 million of new Hong Kong based unrecognized tax positions (UTPs) were recognized in 2011. These UTPs are associated with a reserve for fixed assets depreciation in Hong Kong. In addition, approximately $1.0 million of Hong Kong based UTPs became de-recognized during 2011 which are primarily related to a release of a reserve for depreciation due to statute expirations. These items are included in the 2011 income tax provision.  During 2010, approximately $1.8 million of the liability for UTP was recognized.

Current interest on uncertain income tax liabilities is recognized as interest expense and penalties are recognized in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statement of operations. During 2009, the Company recognized $0.8 million of current year interest expense relating to UTPs.  During 2010, the Company de-recognized 1.6 million of current year interest expense relating to UTPs. During 2011, the Company recognized 0.2 million of current year interest expense relating to UTPs.

The following table provides further information of UTPs that would affect the effective tax rate, if recognized, as of December 31, 2011 (in millions):

Balance, January 1, 2009
 
$
11.9
 
Current year additions
   
9.7
 
Current year reduction due to lapse of applicable statute of limitations
   
(4.8
)
Balance, January 1, 2010
   
16.8
 
Current year additions
   
1.8
 
Current year reduction due to lapse of applicable statute of limitations
   
(13.6
)
Balance, January 1, 2011
   
5.0
 
Current year additions
   
1.0
 
Current year reduction due to lapse of applicable statute of limitations
   
(1.0)
 
Balance, December 31, 2011
 
$
5.0
 

Tax years 2007 through 2010 are still subject to examination in the United States and tax years 2005 through 2010 are still subject to examination in California.  The tax years 2005 through 2010 are still subject to examination in Hong Kong. In the normal course of business, the Company is audited by federal, state, and foreign tax authorities. The U.S. Internal Revenue Service is conducting a limited examination related to the 2009 U.S. federal income tax return. The Company was under examination by various state jurisdictions during 2011.  The ultimate resolution of these U.S. and state examinations, including matters that may be resolved within the next twelve months, is not yet determinable.
 
 
64

 
 
Note 13—Leases

The Company leases office, warehouse and showroom facilities and certain equipment under operating leases. Rent expense for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2010 and 2011 totaled $15.1 million, $15.3 million and $14.5 million, respectively. The following is a schedule of minimum annual lease payments (in thousands).

2012
 
$
13,678
 
2013
   
12,546
 
2014
   
10,616
 
2015
   
7,198
 
2016
   
4,126
 
Thereafter
   
4,520
 
   
$
52,684
 

Note 14—Common Stock, Preferred Stock and Warrants

The Company has 105,000,000 authorized shares of stock consisting of 100,000,000 shares of $.001 par value common stock and 5,000,000 shares of $.001 par value preferred stock.  On December 31, 2011, shares issued and outstanding were 25,943,214. On December 31, 2010 shares issued were 27,610,952 and shares outstanding were 27,319,624.

In January 2011, the Company issued 27,442 shares of restricted stock at a value of $0.5 million to an executive officer, which vest, subject to certain company financial performance criteria, over a six year period beginning in February 2012.  In addition, an aggregate of 26,480 shares of restricted stock was issued to its five non-employee directors, which vest in January 2012, at an aggregate value of approximately $0.5 million.  

In February 2011, the Company issued an aggregate of 65,363 shares of restricted stock at a value of $1.2 million to certain employees including an executive officer, which vest over a three-year period beginning in December 2011.  In addition, the company issued 18,238 shares of restricted stock at a value of $0.3 million to an executive officer, which vest, subject to certain company financial performance criteria, over a six year period beginning in February 2011.  

In March 2011, the Company cancelled an aggregate of 5,000 shares of restricted stock due to the termination of an employee and the refusal of a grant by a current employee.  During the first quarter of 2011, an executive officer surrendered an aggregate of 57,096 shares of restricted stock at a value of $1.0 million to cover income taxes on the 2011 vesting of his restricted shares.

In April 2011, the Company issued 5,500 shares of common stock on the exercise of options at a value of $73,480.  Also, in April 2011, the Company cancelled an aggregate of 19,362 shares of restricted stock due to the termination of two employees.  In May 2011, the Company issued 4,500 shares of common stock on the exercise of options at a value of $60,120.  In June 2011, the Company cancelled 13,013 shares of restricted stock due to the termination of an employee.
 
In August 2011, certain employees surrendered an aggregate of 7,868 shares of restricted stock at a value of $136,588 to cover their income taxes due on the 2011 vesting of the restricted shares granted to them in 2006.  Also, in August 2011, the Company cancelled an aggregate of 15,229 shares of restricted stock due to the termination of two employees.

In October 2011, the Company issued 7,500 shares of common stock on the exercise of options at a value of $142,125.  Also in October 2011, the Company issued 3,957 shares of restricted stock as a value of $75,985 to as executive officer, which vest, subject to certain company financial performance criteria , over a four year period beginning in October 2011.

In December 2011, certain employees surrendered an aggregate of 6,118 shares of restricted stock at a value of $86,325 to cover their income taxes due on the 2011 vesting of shares granted them in 2009.  Also, in December 2011, the Company cancelled an aggregate of 31,399 shares of two executives restricted stock as a result of the financial performance criteria not being achieved.

All issuances of common stock, including those issued pursuant to stock option and warrant exercises, restricted stock grants and acquisitions, are issued from the Company’s authorized but not issued and outstanding shares.

During 2011, the Company declared a cash dividend of $0.10 per share to shareholders of record as of market close on September 12, 2011 and December 12, 2011.  Cash paid for these dividends were approximately $2.6 million and $2.6 million, respectively.
 
 
65

 
 
During 2003, the Company issued 100,000 fully vested warrants, expiring in 2013, in connection with license costs relating to its video game joint venture. The fair value of these warrants was approximately $1.1 million. All such warrants were exercised in 2011, and as of December 31, 2011, there are no remaining warrants outstanding.

In January 2010, the Company issued an aggregate of 240,000 shares of restricted stock at an aggregate value of approximately $2.9 million to two of its executive officers, of which 120,000 shares vested, subject to certain Company financial performance criteria, in January 2011, and 120,000 shares vested in July 2010.  In addition, an aggregate of 40,950 shares of restricted stock was issued to its five non-employee directors, which vested in January 2011, at an aggregate value of approximately $0.5 million.  Also in January 2010, the company cancelled an aggregate of 16,725 shares of restricted stock due to the termination of various employees.

In February 2010, the company cancelled 2,675 shares of restricted stock due to the termination of an employee.

In March 2010, the company cancelled 4,750 shares of restricted stock due to the termination of an employee.

In April 2010, the Company issued 5,507 shares of restricted stock to a non-employee director, which vested in July 2010, at a value of approximately $0.1 million. Also, the company issued 5,000 shares of restricted stock at a value of approximately $0.1 million to an employee, which vests over a three-year period. Additionally, the company issued 5,000 shares of restricted stock at a value of approximately $0.1 million to an employee, which vests over a five-year period.

In August 2010, certain employees surrendered an aggregate of 2,523 shares of restricted stock at a value of $39,813 to cover their income taxes due on the 2010 vesting of the restricted shares granted to them in 2006.  Also, in August 2010, the Company repurchased 291,574 shares of its common stock at a price of $15.62 per share for a total cost of $4.6 million.  The repurchased stock represented approximately 1.0% of the company’s then outstanding shares of common stock at the time of the repurchase and was subsequently retired by the Company.
 
In October 2010, the Company issued 1,417 shares of restricted stock to a non-employee Director, which vest in January 2011, at a value of approximately $0.02 million.  Also, in October 2010, an employee surrendered 2,796 shares of restricted stock at a value of $51,083 to cover his income taxes due on the October 22, 2010 vested shares.  

In December 2010, certain employees surrendered an aggregate of 4,648 shares of restricted stock at a value of $85,988 to cover their income taxes due on the 2010 vesting of the restricted shares granted them in 2009. 
 
In October 2010, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized it to repurchase up to $30.0 million of its common stock.  As of December 31, 2011, 1,771,633 shares at a value of $30.0 million were repurchased.  The repurchased stock represented approximately 6.8% of the company’s outstanding shares of common stock at the time of the repurchase, and were subsequently retired by the company.

In January 2009, the Company issued an aggregate of 240,000 shares of restricted stock at an aggregate value of approximately $5.0 million to two of its executive officers, which were to vest, subject to certain Company financial performance criteria, in January 2010 (which criteria were not met so the shares did not vest and were subsequently cancelled by the Company in December 2009), an aggregate of 30,340 shares of restricted stock to its five non-employee directors, which vested in January 2010, at an aggregate value of approximately $0.6 million, and an aggregate of 206,500 shares of restricted stock to its employees at an aggregate value of approximately $3.8 million, which vest over a three to five-year period. Additionally, 74,836 shares of restricted stock previously received by two executive officers were surrendered at a value of $1.4 million to cover their income taxes due on the 2009 vesting of the restricted stock granted to them in 2007 and 2008.  This restricted stock was subsequently retired by the Company.  Also, in January 2009, an employee surrendered 551 shares of restricted stock at a value of $11,367 to cover his income taxes due on the December 31, 2008 vested shares.  In February 2009, the Company issued 3,000 shares of restricted stock at a value of approximately $0.05 million to an employee, which vest over a five-year period.  Also in January 2009, the Company cancelled an aggregate of 13,000 shares of restricted stock due to the termination of various employees.

 
66

 
 
In May 2009, the Company cancelled 3,500 shares of restricted stock due to the termination of an employee.

In June 2009, the Company issued 2,500 shares of restricted stock at a value of approximately $0.03 million to an employee, which vest over a five-year period.  In August 2009, certain employees surrendered an aggregate of 920 shares of restricted stock at a value of $10,608 to cover their income taxes due on the 2009 vesting of the restricted shares granted to them in 2006.

In August 2009, the Company cancelled 2,100 shares of restricted stock due to the termination of an employee.

In October 2009, the Company issued 3,000 shares of common stock on the exercise of options at a value of $40,440.  Also, in October 2009, an employee surrendered 2,717 shares of restricted stock at a value of $40,701 to cover his income taxes due on the October 22, 2009 vested shares.  In December 2009, certain employees surrendered an aggregate of 4,725 shares of restricted stock at a value of $58,118 to cover their income taxes due on the 2009 vesting of the restricted shares granted them in 2009.

In November 2009, the Company cancelled an aggregate of 25,500 shares of restricted stock due to the termination of various employees.
 
 
67

 
 
Note 15—Commitments

The Company has entered into various license agreements whereby the Company may use certain characters and intellectual properties in conjunction with its products. Generally, such license agreements provide for royalties to be paid at 1% to 14% of net sales with minimum guarantees and advance payments.
 
In the event the Company determines that a shortfall in achieving the minimum guarantee is likely, a liability is recorded for the estimated short fall and charged to royalty expense.

Future annual minimum royalty guarantees as of December 31, 2011 are as follows (in thousands):

2012
 
$
40,295
 
2013
   
9,734
 
2014
   
5,934
 
2015
   
2,003
 
2016
   
170
 
Thereafter
   
 
   
$
58,136
 
 
 
68

 
 
The Company has entered into employment and consulting agreements with certain executives expiring through December 31, 2015. The aggregate future annual minimum guaranteed amounts due under those agreements as of December 31, 2011 are as follows (in thousands):

2012
 
$
8,584
 
2013
   
7,219
 
2014
   
2,776
 
2015
   
1,240
 
   
$
19,819
 
 
The Company had entered into a retirement plan agreement with one of its executives. Having met the eligibility criteria for retirement, the executive elected to retire effective April 1, 2010 and began to receive a single-life annuity retirement payment of approximately $1.0 million per year.  However, as a result of his death during 2010, his estate received a death benefit of approximately $2.8 million.
 
Note 16—Share-Based Payments

Under its 2002 Stock Award and Incentive Plan ( the "Plan”), which incorporated its Third Amended and Restated 1995 Stock Option Plan, the Company has reserved 6,525,000 shares of its common stock for issuance upon the exercise of options granted under the Plan, as well as for the awarding of other securities. Under the Plan, employees (including officers), non-employee directors and independent consultants may be granted options to purchase shares of common stock and other securities (Note 14). The vesting of these options and other securities may vary, but typically vest on a step-up basis over a maximum period of 5 years and restricted shares typically vest over 1 to 6 years.  Share-based compensation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period.

Restricted Stock
 
Under the Plan, share-based compensation payments may include the issuance of shares of restricted stock.  Historically, two executive officers were each entitled to be awarded 120,000 shares of restricted stock annually on each January 1 (through and including January 1, 2010); such awards typically vest 50% each on the first and second anniversaries of issuance, subject to acceleration.  Beginning in 2011, each executive officer’s restricted stock award grants are based on their employment contracts, which varies by individual and year, and are subject to vesting conditions.  Five non-employee directors, beginning in January 2010, receive grants of restricted stock at a value of $100,000 annually which vest after one year – this amount is prorated if a director is appointed within the year.  Lastly, and at the discretion of Management and approval of the Board, non-executive employees also receive restricted stock awards, which occurs approximately once per year.

During 2011, the Company issued a total of 141,480 shares of restricted stock, of which 49,769 shares of restricted stock were issued to one executive officer.  Additionally, the Company granted and issued an aggregate of 26,480 shares to its non-employee directors.  Lastly, the Company granted and issued an aggregate of 65,231 shares of restricted stock to its non-executive employees.  As of December 31, 2011, 142,184 shares of the restricted stock remained unvested, representing a weighted average grant date fair value of $2.6 million.

During 2010, the Company issued a total of 297,874 shares of restricted stock, of which 240,000 shares of restricted stock were issued to two executive officers.  Additionally, the Company granted and issued an aggregate of 47,874 shares to its non-employee directors.  Lastly, the Company granted and issued an aggregate of 10,000 shares of restricted stock to its non-executive employees.  As of December 31, 2010, 324,635 shares of restricted stock remained unvested, representing a weighted average grant date fair value of $4.9 million.
 
During 2009, the Company issued a total of 482,340 shares of restricted stock, of which 240,000 shares of restricted stock were issued to two executive officers; however, as of December 31, 2009 the Company will incur no expense related to this grant as the vest was contingent upon performance goals that were not achieved.  Additionally, the Company issued 6,068 shares to its five non-employee directors.  Lastly, the Company granted and issued an aggregate of 212,000 shares of restricted stock to its non-executive employees.  As of December 31, 2009, 436,443 shares of restricted stock remained unvested, representing a weighted average grant date fair value of $8.8 million.
 
 
69

 
 
            The table below summarizes the grant activity for the year ended December 31, 2011 and is broken down in the following three distinct groups because each group has unique characteristics: executives, board of directors, and employees:

Group Type
 
# Shares
Granted
   
Average Grant Date
Value
   
Vest Schedule Range
Executives
   
49,769
   
$
18.27
   
1-6  year
Board of directors (non-executives)
   
26,480
     
18.22
   
1 year
Employees
   
65,231
     
18.38
   
3 - 5 years
Total
   
141,480
   
           18.31
   
1 – 6 years

The following tables summarize the restricted stock award activity, annually, for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2010 and 2011:

   
Restricted Stock Awards
 
  
 
Number of
Shares
   
Weighted 
Average
Exercise
Price
 
             
Outstanding, December 31, 2008
   
454,758
   
$
22.00
 
Awarded
   
482,340
   
$
19.55
 
Released
   
(228,155
)
 
$
22.24
 
Forfeited
   
(272,500
)
 
$
20.28
 
Outstanding, December 31, 2009
   
436,443
   
$
20.24
 
Awarded
   
297,874
   
$
12.27
 
Released
   
(385,532
)
 
$
18.64
 
Forfeited
   
(24,150
 
$
17.98
 
Outstanding, December 31, 2010
   
324,635
   
$
14.99
 
Awarded
   
141,480
   
$
18.31
 
Released
   
(240,978)
   
$
13.93
 
Forfeited
   
(82,953)
   
$
18.32
 
Outstanding, December 31, 2011
   
142,184
   
$
18.15
 

Stock Options
Share-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date, based on the estimated fair value of the award, and is recognized as expense over the employee's requisite service period.

The Company uses the Black-Scholes method of valuation for share-based option awards. In valuing the stock options, the Black-Scholes model incorporates assumptions about stock volatility, expected term of stock options, and risk free interest rate. The valuation is reduced by an estimate of stock option forfeitures.

The amount of share-based compensation expense recognized in the years ended December 31, 2009, 2010 and 2011 is based on options granted prior to January 1, 2006 and restricted stock, and ultimately expected to vest, and it has been reduced for estimated forfeitures. The revised shared-based compensation guidance requires forfeitures to be estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates.
 
The following table summarizes the total share-based compensation expense and related tax benefits recognized (in thousands):

   
Year Ended December 31,
 
   
 
2009
   
2010
   
2011
 
                   
Stock option compensation expense (benefit)
 
$
173
   
$
(224
)
 
$
 
Tax benefit related to stock option compensation
 
$
58
   
$
   
$
 
Restricted stock compensation expense
 
$
4,179
   
$
4,619
   
$
1,594
 
Tax benefit related to restricted stock compensation
 
$
1,522
   
$
1,788
   
$
558
 
 
 
70

 
 
As of December 31, 2011, 801,068 shares were available for future grant. Additional shares may become available to the extent that options or shares of restricted stock presently outstanding under the Plan terminate or expire. Stock option activity pursuant to the Plan is summarized as follows:
 
         
Weighted
 
         
Average
 
   
Number
   
Exercise
 
   
of Shares
   
Price
 
Outstanding, December 31, 2008
   
477,515
   
$
19.55
 
Granted
   
     
 
Exercised
   
(3,000
)
   
13.48
 
Canceled
   
(29,800
)
   
18.99
 
Outstanding, December 31, 2009
   
444,715
   
$
19.63
 
Granted
   
     
 
Exercised
   
     
 
Canceled
   
(126,450
   
20.64
 
Outstanding, December 31, 2010
   
318,265
   
$
19.23
 
Granted
   
     
 
Exercised
   
(17,250
)
   
15.03
 
Canceled
   
(118,100
)
   
20.02
 
Outstanding, December 31, 2011
   
182,665
   
$
19.11
 

The following characteristics apply to the Plan stock options that are fully vested, or expected to vest, as of December 31, 2011:

Aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding
 
$
22,180
 
Weighted-average contractual term of options outstanding (in years)
   
2.24
 
Number of options currently exercisable
   
182,665
 
Weighted-average exercise price of options currently exercisable
 
$
19.11
 
Aggregate intrinsic value of options currently exercisable
 
$
22,180
 
Weighted-average contractual term of currently exercisable (in years)
   
2.24
 

The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2011:

   
Outstanding
   
Exercisable
 
         
Weighted
   
Weighted
         
Weighted
 
         
Average
   
Average
         
Average
 
Option Price 
 
Number
   
Life
   
Exercise
   
Number
   
Exercise
 
Range
 
of Shares
   
in Years
   
Price
   
of Shares
   
Price
 
$0.00 – 9.99
   
     
   
$
     
   
$
 
$10.00 – 19.99
   
100,521
     
1.80
   
$
17.35
     
100,521
   
$
17.35
 
$20.00 – 50.00
   
82,144
     
2.78
   
$
21.27
     
82,144
   
$
21.27
 
 
Note 17—Employee Benefits Plan

The Company sponsors for its U.S. employees, a defined contribution plan under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Plan provided that employees may defer up to 50% of their annual compensation subject to annual dollar limitations, and that the Company will make a matching contribution equal to 100% of each employee’s deferral, up to 5% of the employee’s annual compensation. The Company suspended its matching contribution effective January 1, 2010 and restarted the matching contribution effective January 1, 2011.  Company matching contributions, which vest immediately, totaled $1.5 million, nil, and $2.1 million for 2009, 2010 and 2011, respectively.
 
 
71

 
 
Note 18—Supplemental Information to Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

In 2011, an executive officer surrendered an aggregate of 57,096 shares of restricted stock at a value of $1.0 million to cover his income taxes due on the 2011 vesting of restricted shares granted to him in 2010 and 2011.  During 2011, certain employees surrendered an aggregate of 13,986 shares of restricted stock at a value of $0.2 million to cover their income taxes due on the 2011 vesting of the restricted shares granted them in 2006 and 2009.  Additionally, the Company recognized a $0.4 million tax benefit from the vesting of restricted stock.

In 2010, certain employees surrendered an aggregate of 9,967 shares of restricted stock at a value of $0.2 million to cover their income taxes due on the 2010 vesting of the restricted shares granted them in 2006 and 2009.  Additionally, the company recognized a $0.7 million tax deficiency from the vesting of restricted stock.

In 2009, two executive officers surrendered an aggregate of 74,836 shares of restricted stock at a value of $1.4 million to cover their income taxes due on the 2009 vesting of the restricted stock granted to them in 2007 and 2008.  During 2009, certain employees surrendered an aggregate of 8,913 shares of restricted stock at a value of $0.1 million to cover their income taxes due on the 2009 vesting of the restricted shares granted them in 2006 and 2009.  Additionally, the Company recognized a $0.5 million tax deficiency from the vesting of restricted stock.
 
Note 19—Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

Selected unaudited quarterly financial data for the years 2010 and 2011 are summarized below:

   
2010
   
2011
 
   
First
   
Second
   
Third
   
Fourth
   
First
     
Second
   
Third
   
Fourth
 
   
Quarter
   
Quarter
   
Quarter
   
Quarter
   
Quarter
     
Quarter
   
Quarter
   
Quarter
 
   
(in thousands, except per share data)
 
Net sales
 
$
77,345
     
123,255
     
348,677
     
197,991
   
$
72,323
   
$
 
131,930
 
$
 
332,419
 
$
 
141,079
 
Gross profit
 
$
25,233
     
43,229
     
110,957
     
65,531
   
$
24,271
   
$
 
45,092
 
$
 
105,670
 
$
 
18,987
 
Income (loss) from operations
 
$
(13,628
)
   
1,274
     
51,579
     
10,972
   
$
(14,790)
   
$
 
1,998
 
$
 
50,068
 
$
 
(35,996
)
Income (loss) before provision (benefit) for income taxes
 
$
(14,768
)
   
4,362
     
50,131
     
10,016
   
$
(16,716)
   
$
 
6,087
 
$
 
48,081
 
$
 
(37,990
)
Net income (loss)
 
$
(5,157
   
2,975
     
40,360
     
8,871
   
$
(10,575)
   
$
 
4,240
 
$
 
34,825
 
$
 
(20,018
)
Basic earnings (loss) per share
 
$
(0.19
   
0.11
     
1.47
     
0.33
   
$
(0.39)
   
$
 
0.16
 
$
 
1.32
 
$
 
(0.77
)
Weighted average shares outstanding
   
27,393
     
27,672
     
27,379
     
27,260
     
27,217
       
26,948
     
26,476
     
25,839
 
Diluted earnings (loss) per share
 
$
(0.19
   
0.11
     
1.23
     
0.30
   
$
(0.39)
   
$
 
0.16
 
$
 
1.10
 
$
 
(0.77
)
Weighted average shares and equivalents outstanding
   
27,393
     
27,388
     
33,974
     
33,880
     
27,217
       
27,096
     
32,922
     
25,839
 

Quarterly and year-to-date computations of income (loss) per share amounts are made independently. Therefore, the sum of the per share amounts for the quarters may not agree with the per share amounts for the year.
 
 
72

 
 
Note 20 — Litigation

The Company is a party to, and certain of its property is the subject of, various other pending claims and legal proceedings that routinely arise in the ordinary course of its business. The Company does not believe that any of these claims or proceedings will have a material effect on its business, financial condition or results of operations.

Profit from Video Game Joint Venture
 
Pursuant to a Settlement Agreement and Mutual Release dated December 22, 2009, the joint venture was terminated on December 31, 2009.  As a result, we recognized $6.0 million in income related to our video game joint venture in 2010 and 2011, as compared to a loss of $16.1 million in 2009 relating primarily to an adjustment to our preferred return as a result of an arbitration decision and legal fees. In 2010 and 2011 we received payments from THQ of $6.0 million each, which was recognized as income from joint venture.  Additionally, we will receive future payments in the amount of $4.0 million on each of June 30, 2012 and 2013 which we will record as income on a cash basis since collectability of these payments is not reasonably assured.
 
Note 21 — Subsequent Events

On March 5, 2012, our board of directors unanimously adopted a stockholder rights plan and declared a dividend of one right for each outstanding share of our common stock.  The Board adopted the rights plan in response to Oaktree Capital Management's unsolicited and highly conditional indication of interest as well as a recent indication by Oaktree that it may accumulate additional shares of our stock in the open market. 
 
The rights plan is designed to protect against any potential coercive or abusive takeover techniques and to help ensure that our stockholders are not deprived of the opportunity to realize full and fair value on their investment.  The plan, which was adopted following evaluation and consultation with our outside advisors, is similar to plans adopted by numerous publicly traded companies.
 
In connection with the adoption of the stockholder rights plan, our board of directors declared a dividend of one right for each share of our common stock held by stockholders of record as of the close of business on March 15, 2012.  Initially, the rights will not be exercisable and will trade with the shares of the Company's common stock.  Under the plan, the rights will generally be exercisable only 10 business days either after a person or group becomes an "acquiring person" by acquiring beneficial ownership of 10% or more of the Company's common stock or if a person or group commences a tender or exchange offer which, if consummated, would result in a person owning 10% or more of our common stock.  In addition, if a person or group acquires beneficial ownership of 10% or more of our common stock, each right will generally entitle the holder, other than the acquiring person or group, to acquire, for the exercise price of $80.00 per right, shares of our common stock (or, in certain circumstances, other consideration) having a market value equal to twice the right's then-current exercise price.  Our board of directors may redeem the rights at a price of $0.01 per right at any time up to ten business days after a person or group acquires beneficial ownership of 10% or more of our common stock.
 
The rights plan will continue in effect until March 4, 2013, unless earlier redeemed or exchanged for shares of common stock by the Company.
 
Stockholders are not required to take any actions to receive the rights distribution.  Until the rights become exercisable, outstanding stock certificates will represent both shares of our common stock and the rights.  The issuance of the rights will have no dilutive effect and will not impact our reported earnings per share.
 
 
73

 
 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 

 
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
JAKKS Pacific, Inc.
Malibu, California
 
The audits referred to in our report dated March 15, 2012 relating to the consolidated financial statements of JAKKS Pacific, Inc., which is contained in Item 8 of this Form 10-K also included the audit of the financial statement schedule (Schedule II) listed in the accompanying index.  This financial statement schedule is the responsibility of the Company's management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on this financial statement schedule based upon our audits.
 
In our opinion such financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.
 


/s/ BDO USA, LLP
 
BDO USA, LLP
 
Los Angeles, California
 
March 15, 2012
 
 
 
74

 
 
JAKKS PACIFIC, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SCHEDULE II—VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2009, 2010 and 2011

Allowances are deducted from the assets to which they apply, except for sales returns and allowances.

   
Balance at
   
Charged to
         
Balance
 
   
Beginning
   
Costs and
         
at End
 
   
of Period
   
Expenses
   
Deductions
   
of Period
 
   
(In thousands)
Year ended December 31, 2009:
                       
Allowance for:
                       
Uncollectible accounts
 
$
2,005
   
$
918
   
$
(380
)
 
$
2,543
 
Reserve for potential product obsolescence
   
5,108
     
28,795
(a) 
   
(24,031
)
   
9,872
 
Reserve for sales returns and allowances
   
23,317
     
61,557
     
(50,977
)
   
33,897
 
   
$
30,430
   
$
91,270
   
$
(75,388
)
 
$
46,312
 
Year ended December 31, 2010:
                               
Allowance for:
                               
Uncollectible accounts
 
$
2,543
   
$
1,086
   
$
(851
)
 
$
2,778
 
Reserve for potential product obsolescence
   
9,872
     
6,844
     
(8,245
   
8,471
 
Reserve for sales returns and allowances
   
33,897
     
52,412
     
(57,931
   
28,378
 
   
$
46,312
   
$
60,342
   
$
(67,027
 
$
39,627
 
Year ended December 31, 2011:
                               
Allowance for:
                               
Uncollectible accounts
 
$
2,778
     
461
     
(170)
     
3,069
 
Reserve for potential product obsolescence
   
8,471
     
8,099
     
(8,297)
     
8,273
 
Reserve for sales returns and allowances
   
28,378
     
67,947
     
(52,885)
     
43,440
 
   
$
39,627
   
$
76,507
   
$
(61,352)
   
$
54,782
 
 


(a)
During the second quarter of 2009, the Company booked a charge of $24.0 million related to the write-down of certain excess and impaired inventory.

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
 
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures.
 
Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, after evaluating the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report, have concluded that as of that date, our disclosure controls and procedures were adequate and effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports we file or submit with the Securities and Exchange Commission is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms.
 
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting.
 
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation required by Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(d) and 15d-15 that occurred during the fourth quarter period covered by this Annual Report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting.

We, as management, are responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate “internal control over financial reporting” (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f)). Our internal control system was designed by or is under the supervision of management and our board of directors to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of published financial statements.
 
All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation.
 
 
75

 
 
Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control — Integrated Framework . We believe that, as of December 31, 2011, our internal control over financial reporting is effective based on those criteria.

Management’s assessment did not include the internal controls of Moose Mountain Marketing, Inc. and Moose Mountain Toymakers Limited, due to the limited time between the respective purchase dates and management’s assessment.

Our independent registered public accounting firm has issued a report on our internal controls over financial reporting. This report appears below.
 
 
76

 
 
Report of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
JAKKS Pacific, Inc.
Malibu, California
 
We have audited JAKKS Pacific, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). JAKKS Pacific, Inc.’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Item 9A, “Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting”. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
 
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
 
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
 
As indicated in the accompanying Item 9A, “Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting,” management’s assessment of and conclusion on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting did not include the internal controls of Moose Mountain Marketing, Inc. and Moose Mountain Toymakers Limited which were acquired on October 14, 2011 (collectively “Moose Mountain”), and which are included in the consolidated balance sheets of JAKKS Pacific, Inc. as of December 31, 2011, and the related consolidated statements of operations, other comprehensive income (loss), stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for the year then ended.  Moose Mountain constituted 5.1% and 5.8% of total assets and net assets, respectively, as of December 31, 2011, and 4.4% and 2.7% of revenues and net income, respectively, for the year then ended.  Management did not assess the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of Moose Mountain because of the timing of the acquisition which was completed during the year ended December 31, 2011.  Our audit of internal control over financial reporting of JAKKS Pacific, Inc. also did not include an evaluation of the internal control over financial reporting of Moose Mountain.
 
In our opinion, JAKKS Pacific, Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, based on the COSO criteria.
 
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of JAKKS Pacific, Inc. as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss), stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2011 and our report dated March 15, 2012 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
 
 
/s/ BDO USA, LLP
 
BDO USA, LLP
 
Los Angeles, California
 
March 15, 2012
 
 
 
77

 
 
PART III

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers, and Corporate Governance

Directors and Executive Officers

Our directors and executive officers are as follows:

Name
 
Age
 
Positions with the Company
         
Stephen G. Berman
    47  
Chief Executive Officer, President, Secretary and Director
Joel M. Bennett
    50  
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
John J. McGrath
    46  
Chief Operating Officer
Dan Almagor
    57  
Director
Marvin W. Ellin
    78  
Director
Robert E. Glick
    65  
Director
Michael G. Miller
    63  
Director
Murray L. Skala
    65  
Director
 
Stephen G. Berman has been our Chief Operating Officer and Secretary and one of our directors since co-founding JAKKS in January 1995. From February 17, 2009  through March 31, 2010 he was also our Co-Chief Executive Officer and has been our Chief Executive Officer since April 1, 2010.  Since January 1, 1999, he has also served as our President. From our inception until December 31, 1998, Mr. Berman was also our Executive Vice President. From October 1991 to August 1995, Mr. Berman was a Vice President and Managing Director of THQ International, Inc., a subsidiary of THQ. From 1988 to 1991, he was President and an owner of Balanced Approach, Inc., a distributor of personal fitness products and services.

John J. (Jack) McGrath is presently Chief Operating Officer. He was our Executive Vice President of Operations from December 2007 until August 2011 and became Chief Operating Officer in August 2011.  Mr. McGrath was our Vice President of Marketing from 1999 to August 2003 and became a Senior Vice President of Operations in August 2003 and Executive Vice President of Operations in December 2007. From January 1992 to December 1998, Mr. McGrath was Director of Marketing at Mattel Inc. and prior thereto he was a PFC in the U.S. Army. Mr. McGrath holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing.

Joel M. Bennett joined us in September 1995 as Chief Financial Officer and was given the additional title of Executive Vice President in May 2000. From August 1993 to September 1995, he served in several financial management capacities at Time Warner Entertainment Company, L.P., including as Controller of Warner Brothers Consumer Products Worldwide Merchandising and Interactive Entertainment. From June 1991 to August 1993, Mr. Bennett was Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of TTI Technologies, Inc., a direct-mail computer hardware and software distribution company. From 1986 to June 1991, Mr. Bennett held various financial management positions at The Walt Disney Company, including Senior Manager of Finance for its international television syndication and production division. Mr. Bennett holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and a Master of Business Administration degree in Finance and is a Certified Public Accountant (inactive).

Dan Almagor has been one of our directors since September 2004.  Since March 1992, Mr. Almagor has served as the Chairman of ACG Inc., a global private equity organization which provides equity capital financing primarily to private companies.
 
Marvin W. Ellin has been one of our directors since October 2010. Mr. Ellin was a founding partner and the managing partner of Miller Ellin & Company LLP, a public accounting firm, for 50 years. The firm consisted of over 40 professionals and had extensive experience handling diverse clients with domestic and international operations including SEC filings, audit, tax compliance and financial advisory services. Mr. Ellin holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree and a Juris Doctor degree and is a member of the AICPA, NYSSCPA and the New York State Bar Association. Miller Ellin & Company LLP was also a registered accounting firm with the PCAOB and a member of the Center for Public Company Audit Firms of the AICPA. Effective January 1, 2009 the firm merged into Rosen Seymour Shapss Martin & Company LLP and Mr. Ellin is a retired partner of such firm.

Robert E. Glick has been one of our directors since October 1996. For more than 20 years and until May, 2007, Mr. Glick was an officer, director and principal stockholder in a number of privately-held companies which manufacture and market women’s apparel.  Since May 2007, Mr. Glick has been a consultant to a publicly-held company which manufactures and markets women’s apparel.

Michael G. Miller has been one of our directors since February 1996. From 1979 until May 1998, Mr. Miller was President and a director of a group of privately-held companies, including a list brokerage and list management consulting firm, a database management consulting firm, and a direct mail graphic and creative design firm. Mr. Miller’s interests in such companies were sold in May 1998. Mr. Miller is currently President of Zenith Technologies, LLC, a private home appliance manufacturer.
 
Murray L. Skala has been one of our directors since October 1995. Since 1976, Mr. Skala has been a partner of the law firm Feder Kaszovitz LLP, our general counsel. 
 
 
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A majority of our directors are “independent,” as defined under the rules of Nasdaq. Such independent directors are Messrs. Ellin, Glick, Miller and Almagor. Our directors hold office until the next annual meeting of stockholders and until their successors are elected and qualified. Our officers are elected annually by our Board of Directors and serve at its discretion.  All of our independent directors have served as such for more than the past five years and were initially selected for their experience as businessmen (Glick and Miller) or financial expertise (Ellin and Almagor). We believe that our board is best served by benefiting from this blend of business and financial expertise and experience. Our remaining directors consist of our chief executive officer who brings management’s perspective to the board’s deliberations and, our longest serving director (Skala), who, as an attorney with many years experience advising businesses, is able to provide guidance to the board from a legal perspective.

Committees of the Board of Directors

We have an Audit Committee, a Compensation Committee and a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.

Audit Committee.   The primary functions of the Audit Committee are to select or to recommend to our Board the selection of outside auditors; to monitor our relationships with our outside auditors and their interaction with our management in order to ensure their independence and objectivity; to review, and to assess the scope and quality of, our outside auditor’s services, including the audit of our annual financial statements; to review our financial management and accounting procedures; to review our financial statements with our management and outside auditors; and to review the adequacy of our system of internal accounting controls. Messrs. Almagor, Glick and Ellin are the current members of the Audit Committee and are each “independent” (as that term is defined in NASD Rule 4200(a)(14)), and are each able to read and understand fundamental financial statements. Mr. Almagor, our audit committee financial expert, is the Chairman of the Audit Committee and possesses the financial expertise required under Rule 401(h) of Regulation S-K of the Act and NASD Rule 4350(d)(2). He is further “independent”, as that term is defined under Item 7(d)(3)(iv) of Schedule 14A under the Exchange Act. We will, in the future, continue to have (i) an Audit Committee of at least three members comprised solely of independent directors, each of whom will be able to read and understand fundamental financial statements (or will become able to do so within a reasonable period of time after his or her appointment); and (ii) at least one member of the Audit Committee that will possess the financial expertise required under NASD Rule 4350(d)(2). Our Board has adopted a written charter for the Audit Committee and the Audit Committee reviews and reassesses the adequacy of that charter on an annual basis.  The full text of the charter is available on our website at www.jakks.com.

Compensation Committee.    The functions of the Compensation Committee are to make recommendations to the Board regarding compensation of management employees and to administer plans and programs relating to employee benefits, incentives, compensation and awards under our 2002 Stock Award and Incentive Plan (the “2002 Plan”). Messrs. Glick (Chairman), Almagor and Miller are the current members of the Compensation Committee. The Board has determined that each of them is “independent,” as defined under the applicable rules of Nasdaq.

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.    The functions of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee are to develop our corporate governance system and to review proposed new members of our board of directors, including those recommended by our stockholders. Messrs. Ellin (Chairman) and Almagor are the current members of our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee operates pursuant to a written charter adopted by the Board. The full text of the charter is available on our website at www.jakks.com. The Board has determined that each member of this Committee is “independent,” as defined under the applicable rules of Nasdaq.

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

Based solely upon a review of Forms 3 and 4 and amendments thereto furnished to us during 2010 and Forms 5 and amendments thereto furnished to us with respect to 2010, during 2010, each of our independent directors, untimely filed one report on Form 4 reporting one late transaction and Jack Friedman, a former director and executive officer, untimely filed two reports on Form 4 reporting two late transactions.  Based solely upon a review of Forms 3 and 4 and amendments thereto furnished to us during 2010 and Forms 5 and amendments thereto furnished to us with respect to 2010, all other Forms 3, 4 and 5 required to be filed during 2010 were done so on a timely basis.
 
Code of Ethics

We have a Code of Ethics (which we call a code of conduct) that applies to all our employees, officers and directors. This code was filed as an exhibit to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003. We have posted on our website, www.jakks.com, the full text of such Code. We will disclose when there have been waivers of, or amendments to, such Code, as required by the rules and regulations promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission and/or Nasdaq.
 
 
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Item 11. Executive Compensation

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Compensation Philosophy and Objectives

We believe that a strong management team comprised of highly talented individuals in key positions is critical to our ability to deliver sustained growth and profitability, and our executive compensation program is an important tool for attracting and retaining such individuals. We also believe that our most important resource is our people. While some companies may enjoy an exclusive or limited franchise or are able to exploit unique assets or proprietary technology, we depend fundamentally on the skills, energy and dedication of our employees to drive our business. It is only through their constant efforts that we are able to innovate through the creation of new products and the continual rejuvenation of our product lines, to maintain superior operating efficiencies, and to develop and exploit marketing channels. With this in mind, we have consistently sought to employ the most talented, accomplished and energetic people available in the industry. Therefore, we believe it is vital that our named executive officers receive an aggregate compensation package that is both highly competitive with the compensation received by similarly-situated executive officers at peer group companies, and also reflective of each individual named executive officer’s contributions to our success on both a long-term and short-term basis. As discussed in greater depth below, the objectives of our compensation program are designed to execute this philosophy by compensating our executives at the top quartile of their peers.

Our executive compensation program is designed with three main objectives:

 
to offer a competitive total compensation opportunity that will allow us to continue to retain and motivate highly talented individuals to fill key positions;

 
to align a significant portion of each executive’s total compensation with our annual performance and the interests of our stockholders; and

 
reflect the qualifications, skills, experience and responsibilities of our executives

Administration and Process

Our executive compensation program is administered by the Compensation Committee.  The Compensation Committee receives legal advice from our outside general counsel and has retained Frederick W. Cook & Co., Inc. (“FWC), a compensation consulting firm, that provides advice directly to the Compensation Committee.  Historically, the base salary, bonus structure and the long-term equity compensation of our executive officers are governed by the terms of their individual employment agreements (see “-Employment Agreements and Termination of Employment Arrangements”) and we expect that to continue in the future.  With respect to our chief executive officer and president, and our chief operating officers the Compensation Committee, with input from FWC, establishes target performance levels for incentive bonuses based on a number of factors that are designed to further our executive compensation objectives, including our performance, the compensation received by similarly-situated executive officers at peer group companies, the conditions of the markets in which we operate and the relative earnings performance of peer group companies.

Pursuant to the terms Mr. Berman’s amended and restated 2010 employment agreement, during the first quarter of each year (except for 2011 which is set in the agreement), the Compensation Committee establishes the targeted level of our Adjusted EPS (as defined below) growth, and the corresponding bonus levels, as a percentage of base salary, Mr. Berman will earn if the target is met.  Pursuant to the terms of his employment agreement, this bonus is capped at a maximum of 200% of base salary, although the Compensation Committee has the authority, in its discretion, to increase the maximum.  The Compensation Committee also has wide discretion to set the target levels of Adjusted EPS and it is anticipated that it will work together with FWC to establish target levels that will accomplish the general objectives outlined above of also promoting growth and alignment with our shareholders’ interests.  

As explained in greater detail below (see “Employment Agreements and Termination of Employment Arrangements”), Mr. Berman’s employment agreement also provides for an annual performance bonus.  The specific criteria for determining such bonus is contained in the employment agreement for 2010 and 2011.  Thereafter, the criteria for earning such bonus are to be established by the Compensation Committee.  This bonus, if earned, is payable partially in cash and partially in shares of restricted common stock.  Mr. Berman’s agreement also provides for an additional annual performance bonus, payable solely in shares of restricted stock, which can be earned by Mr. Berman if the Company’s performance meets certain criteria to be established by the Compensation Committee during the first quarter of each year.

Adjusted EPS is the net income per share of our common stock calculated on a fully-diluted basis in accordance with GAAP, applied on a basis consistent with past periods, as adjusted in the sole discretion of the Compensation Committee to take account of extraordinary or special items.
 
 
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On August 23, 2011 we entered into an amended employment agreement with John J. (Jack) McGrath whereby he became Chief Operating Officer.  As disclosed in greater detail below, Mr. McGrath’s employment agreement also provides for fixed and adjustable bonuses payable based upon adjusted EPS, which targets are set in the agreement, based upon input from FWC, with the adjustable bonus capped at a maximum of 125% of base salary.
 
While the Compensation Committee does not establish target performance levels for our chief financial officer, it does consider similar factors when determining such officer’s bonus. The employment agreement for Mr. Bennett expired on December 31, 2009 and from January 1, 2010 through October 20, 2011 Mr. Bennett was an employee at will until his entry into a new employment agreement dated October 21, 2011. Prior to its expiration, the agreement authorized our Compensation Committee and Board of Directors to award an annual bonus to Mr. Bennett in an amount up to 50% of his salary as the Committee or Board determined in its discretion and also gave the Compensation Committee and the Board the discretionary authority to pay Mr. Bennett additional incentive compensation as it determined.  Mr. Bennett’s new employment agreement does not contain a limitation on the percentage of salary that can be granted as a bonus.

The current employment agreements with our named executive officers also gives the Compensation Committee the authority to award additional compensation to each of them as it determines in its sole discretion based upon criteria it establishes.

The Compensation Committee also annually reviews the overall compensation of our named executive officers for the purpose of determining whether discretionary bonuses should be granted. In 2011, FWC presented a report to the Compensation Committee comparing our performance, size and executive compensation levels to those of peer group companies. FWC also reviewed with the Compensation Committee the base salaries, annual bonuses, total cash compensation, long-term compensation and total compensation of our senior executive officers relative to those companies. The performance comparison presented to the Compensation Committee each year includes a comparison of our total shareholder return, earnings per share growth, sales, net income (and one-year growth of both measures) to the peer group companies. The Compensation Committee reviews this information along with details about the components of each named executive officer’s compensation.
 
Peer Group

One of the factors considered by the Compensation Committee is the relative performance and the compensation of executives of peer group companies. The peer group is comprised of a group of the companies selected in conjunction with FWC that we believe provides relevant comparative information, as these companies represent a cross-section of publicly-traded companies with product lines and businesses similar to our own throughout the comparison period.  The composition of the peer group is reviewed annually and companies are added or removed from the group as circumstances warrant. For the last fiscal year, the peer group companies utilized for executive compensation analysis, which remained the same as in the previous year (except that Emak Worldwide, Inc. is no longer included since it filed for the protection of the bankruptcy laws except and RC2 Corp. is no longer included since it was acquired by another company), were:

 
Activision, Inc.
 
Electronic Arts, Inc.
 
Hasbro, Inc.
 
Leapfrog Enterprises, Inc.
 
Mattel, Inc.
 
Kid Brands, Inc.
 
Take-Two Interactive, Inc.
 
THQ Inc.

Elements of Executive Compensation

The compensation packages for the Company’s senior executives have both performance-based and non-performance based elements. Based on its review of each named executive officer’s total compensation opportunities and performance, and our performance, the Compensation Committee determines each year’s compensation in the manner that it considers to be most likely to achieve the objectives of our executive compensation program. The specific elements, which include base salary, annual cash incentive compensation and long-term equity compensation, are described below.

The Compensation Committee has negative discretion to adjust performance results used to determine annual incentive and the vesting schedule of long-term incentive payouts to the named executive officers.  The Compensation Committee also has discretion to grant bonuses even if the performance targets were not met.
 
 
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Base Salary

Mr. Berman received compensation in 2011 pursuant to the terms of his employment agreement; Mr. McGrath became an executive officer on August 23, 2011 pursuant to the terms of an amendment to his employment agreement and Mr. Bennett was an employee at will until entry into a new employment agreement on October 21, 2011.  As discussed in greater detail below, the employment agreement for Mr. Berman was to expire on December 31, 2010 and Mr. Bennett’s employment agreement expired on December 31, 2009.  Effective November 11, 2010, Mr. Berman entered into an amended and restated employment agreement. Pursuant to the terms of their employment agreements as in effect on December 31, 2011, Messrs. Berman, McGrath, and Bennett each receive a base salary which is increased automatically each year by $25,000 for Mr. Berman and $15,000 for each of Messrs. McGrath and Bennett pursuant to the terms of their respective employment agreements. Mr. Bennett’s prior employment agreement, which expired in 2009, did not provide for automatic annual increases in base salary.  Any further increase in base salary, as the case may be, is determined by the Compensation Committee based on a combination of two factors. The first factor is the Compensation Committee’s evaluation of the salaries paid in peer group companies to executives with similar responsibilities. The second factor is the Compensation Committee’s evaluation of the executive’s unique role, job performance and other circumstances. Evaluating both of these factors allows us to offer a competitive total compensation value to each individual named executive officer taking into account the unique attributes of, and circumstances relating to, each individual, as well as marketplace factors. This approach has allowed us to continue to meet our objective of offering a competitive total compensation value and attracting and retaining key personnel. Based on its review of these factors, the Compensation Committee determined not to increase the base salary of each of Messrs. Berman, McGrath and Bennett above the contractually required minimum increase in 2011 as unnecessary to maintain our competitive total compensation position in the marketplace. 

Annual Cash Incentive Compensation

The function of the annual cash bonus is to establish a direct correlation between the annual incentives awarded to the participants and our financial performance. This purpose is in keeping with our compensation program’s objective of aligning a significant portion of each executive’s total compensation with our annual performance and the interests of our shareholders.

The employment agreements as in effect on December 31, 2011 for Messrs. Berman and McGrath provided for an incentive cash bonus award based on a percentage of each participant’s base salary if the performance goals set by the Compensation Committee are met for that year.  The employment agreements mandated that the specific criteria to be used is growth in earnings per share and the Compensation Committee sets the various target thresholds to be met to earn increasing amounts of the bonus up to a maximum of 200% of base salary for Mr. Berman and 125% for Mr. McGrath, although the Compensation Committee has the ability to increase the maximum in its discretion.   During 2011, Messrs. Berman and McGrath were not entitled to a bonus based upon the target thresholds incorporated into their respective employment agreements.  Commencing in 2012, the Compensation Committee is required to meet to establish criteria for earning the annual performance bonus (and with respect to Mr. Berman, any additional annual performance bonus) during the first quarter of the year.

The employment agreements as in effect on December 31, 2011 for Messrs. Berman, McGrath and Bennett contemplate that the Compensation Committee may grant discretionary bonuses in situations where, in its sole judgment, it believes they are warranted.  The Compensation Committee approaches this aspect of the particular executive’s compensation package by looking at the other components of the executive’s aggregate compensation and then evaluating if any additional compensation is appropriate to meet our compensation goals.  As part of this review, the Compensation Committee, with significant input from FWC, collects information about the total compensation packages in our peer group and various indicia of performance by the peer group such as sales, one-year sales growth, net income, one-year net income growth, market capitalization, size of companies, one- and three-year stockholder returns, etc. and then compares such data to our corresponding performance data.  The Compensation Committee did not approve any discretionary bonuses for 2011. 

Long-Term Compensation

Long-term compensation is an area of particular emphasis in our executive compensation program, because we believe that these incentives foster the long-term perspective necessary for our continued success.  Again, this emphasis is in keeping with our compensation program objective of aligning a significant portion of each executive’s total compensation with our long-term performance and the interests of our shareholders.

Historically, our long-term compensation program has focused on the granting of stock options that vested over time.  However, commencing in 2006 we began shifting the emphasis of this element of compensation and we currently favor the issuance of restricted stock awards.  The Compensation Committee believes that the award of full-value shares that vest over time is consistent with our overall compensation philosophy and objectives as the value of the restricted stock varies based upon the performance of our common stock, thereby aligning the interests of our executives with our shareholders.  The Compensation Committee has also determined that awards of restricted stock are anti-dilutive as compared to stock options inasmuch as it feels that less restricted shares have to be granted to match the compensation value of stock options.
  
Mr. Berman’s 2010 amended and restated employment provides for annual grants of $500,000 of restricted stock which vest in equal annual installments through January 1, 2017, which is one year following the life of the agreement, subject to meeting the 3% vesting condition, as defined in the agreement.  Mr. McGrath’s amended employment agreement provides for annual grants of $75,000 of restricted stock which vests in equal installments over three years subject to meeting certain EPS milestones.  The Company did not meet the vesting requirements contained in either employment agreement for 2011 so both of Messrs. Berman and McGrath forfeited their stock awards for 2011.  As explained in greater detail below (see “Employment Agreements and Termination of Employment Arrangements”), Mr. Berman’s employment agreement also provides for an annual performance bonus.  The specific criteria for determining such bonus is contained in the employment agreement for 2010 and 2011.  Thereafter, the criteria for earning such bonus are to be established by the Compensation Committee.  This bonus, if earned, is payable partially in cash and partially in shares of restricted common stock.  Mr. Berman’s agreement also provides for an additional annual performance bonus, payable solely in shares of restricted stock, which can be earned by Mr. Berman if the Company’s performance meets certain criteria to be established by the Compensation Committee during the first quarter of each year.

After a review of all of the factors discussed above, the Compensation Committee determined that, in keeping with our compensation objectives, Mr. Berman was not awarded a bonus for 2011.
 
 
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 Other Benefits and Perquisites

Our executive officers participate in the health and dental coverage, life insurance, paid vacation and holidays, 401(k) retirement savings plans and other programs that are generally available to all of the Company’s employees.

The provision of any additional perquisites to each of the named executive officers is subject to review by the Compensation Committee.  Historically, these perquisites include payment of an automobile allowance and matching contributions to a 401(k) defined contribution plan.  In 2011, the named executive officers were granted the following perquisite:  automobile allowance.  We value perquisites at their incremental cost to us in accordance with SEC regulations.

We believe that the benefits and perquisites we provide to our named executive officers are within competitive practice and customary for executives in key positions at comparable companies. Such benefits and perquisites serve our objective of offering competitive compensation that allows us to continue to attract, retain and motivate highly talented people to these critical positions, ultimately providing a substantial benefit to our shareholders.

Change of Control/Termination Agreements

We recognize that, as with any public company, it is possible that a change of control may take place in the future.  We also recognize that the threat or occurrence of a change of control can result in significant distractions of key management personnel because of the uncertainties inherent in such a situation.  We further believe that it is essential and in our best interest and the interests of our shareholders to retain the services of our key management personnel in the event of the threat or occurrence of a change of control and to ensure their continued dedication and efforts in such event without undue concern for their personal financial and employment security. In keeping with this belief and its objective of retaining and motivating highly talented individuals to fill key positions, which is consistent with our general compensation philosophy, the employment agreement for named chief executive officers contain provisions which guarantee specific payments and benefits upon a termination of employment without good reason following a change of control of the Company.  In addition, the employment agreements also contain provisions providing for certain lump-sum payments in the event the executive is terminated without “cause” or if we materially breach the agreement leading the affected executive to terminate the agreement for good reason.
 
Additional details of the terms of the change of control agreements and termination provisions outlined above are provided below.  
 
Impact of Accounting and Tax Treatments

Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”) prohibits publicly held companies like us from deducting certain compensation to any one named executive officer in excess of $1,000,000 during the tax year. However, Section 162(m) provides that, to the extent that compensation is based on the attainment of performance goals set by the Compensation Committee pursuant to plans approved by the Company’s shareholders, the compensation is not included for purposes of arriving at the $1,000,000.

The Company, through the Compensation Committee, intends to attempt to qualify executive compensation as tax deductible to the extent feasible and where it believes it is in our best interests and in the best interests of our shareholders. However, the Compensation Committee does not intend to permit this arbitrary tax provision to distort the effective development and execution of our compensation program. Thus, the Compensation Committee is permitted to and will continue to exercise discretion in those instances in which mechanistic approaches necessary to satisfy tax law considerations could compromise the interests of our shareholders. In addition, because of the uncertainties associated with the application and interpretation of Section 162(m) and the regulations issued thereunder, there can be no assurance that compensation intended to satisfy the requirements for deductibility under Section 162(m) will in fact be deductible.

Compensation Risk Management

As part of its annual review of our executive compensation program, the Compensation Committee reviews with management the design and operation of our incentive compensation arrangements for senior management, including executive officers, to determine if such programs might encourage inappropriate risk-taking that could have a material adverse effect on the Company. The Compensation Committee considered, among other things, the features of the Company’s compensation program that are designed to mitigate compensation-related risk, such as the performance objectives and target levels for incentive awards (which are based on overall Company performance), and its compensation recoupment policy.  The Compensation Committee also considered our internal control structure which, among other things, limits the number of persons authorized to execute material agreements, requires approval of our board of directors for matters outside of the ordinary course and its whistle blower program.  Based upon the above, the Compensation Committee concluded that any risks arising from the Company’s compensation plans, policies and practices are not reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company.

 
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Impact of Shareholder Advisory Vote

At our 2011 annual meeting, our shareholders overwhelmingly approved our current executive compensation with over 72% of all outstanding shares (whether or not voting) affirmatively giving their approval and over 76% of all shares actually voting on the issue.  Accordingly, we believe that this vote ratifies our executive compensation philosophy and policies, as currently adopted and implemented, and we intend to continue such philosophy and policies.

Compensation Committee Report

The compensation committee has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis (the “CD&A”) for the year ended December 31, 2011 with management. In reliance on the reviews and discussions referred to above, the compensation committee recommended to the board, and the board has approved, that the CD&A be furnished in the annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.
 
 
By the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors:
 
Robert E. Glick, Chairman
Dan Almagor, Member
Michael G. Miller, Member

The following table sets forth the compensation we paid for our fiscal years ended December 31, 2009, 2010 and 2011 to (i) our Chief Executive Officer; (ii) each of our other executive officers whose compensation exceeded $100,000 on an annual basis; and (iii) up to two additional individuals for whom disclosure would have been provided under the foregoing clause (ii) but for the fact that the individual was not serving as an executive officer of our Company at the end of the last completed fiscal year (collectively, the “Named Officers”).  Mr. McGrath became our Chief Operating Officer on August 23, 2011. Accordingly, the table below reflects Mr. McGrath’s income only for 2011.

Summary Compensation Table
 
Name and 
Principal 
Position
 
Year
 
Salary
($)
  
Bonus
($)
  
Stock
Awards
($)
 
  
  
Option
Awards
($)
  
Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
($)
  
Change in
Pension
Value and
Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings ($)
  
All Other
Compensation
($) (3)
 
Total
($)
Stephen G. Berman
 
2011
 
1,140,000
           
 
   
 
34,500
 
1,174,500
Chief Executive
Officer,
 
2010
 
1,115,000
   
1,413,000
 
1,863,900
 
(1)(2)
   
 
   
 
18,000
 
  4,000,400
President and Secretary
 
2009
 
1,090,000
 
 
       
 
   
 
30,250
 
  1,120,250
                                               
John J. McGrath
Chief Operating
Officer
 
2011
 
539,973
 
 
 
       
 
   
 
29,400
 
569,373
                                               
Joel M. Bennett
 
2011
 
420,000
   
 
  —
       
 
   
 
34,000
 
454,000
Executive Vice
 
2010
 
420,000
   
100,000
 
  —
       
 —
 
   
 
12,000
 
  532,000
President and Chief
Financial Officer
 
2009
 
420,000
   
 
 
       
 
   
 
24,250
 
  444,250
 
 

 
 
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(1)
Pursuant to the 2002 Plan, on January 1, 2010, 120,000 shares of restricted stock were granted to the Named Officer, all of which were scheduled to vest on January 1, 2011 if we met certain financial criteria.  This criteria was met and Mr. Berman’s shares vested on such date. 
   
(2)
Also includes 18,238 shares which vest in seven annual tranches (the first six equal to 14.5% of grant and the last equal to 13%) over six years; and 4,089 shares which vest in three equal tranches on December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013.
   
(3)
Represents automobile allowances paid in the amount of $18,000 and $12,000 to each of Messrs. Berman and Mr. Bennett respectively, for 2009, 2010 and 2011 and $12,900 to Mr. McGrath for 2011; amount also includes matching contributions made by us to the Named Officer’s 401(k) defined contribution plan in the amount of $12,250, nil and $16,500, respectively, for Mr. Berman for 2009, 2010 and 2011, $12,250, nil and $22,000, respectively, for Mr. Bennett for 2009, 2010 and 2011 and $16,500 to Mr. McGrath for 2011. See “Employee Pension Plan.”
 
 
The following table sets forth certain information regarding all equity-based compensation awards outstanding as of December 31, 2011 by the Named Officers:

Outstanding Equity Awards At Fiscal Year-end

   
Option Awards
   
Stock Awards
 
Name
  
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
Exercisable
(#)
  
  
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
Unexercisable
(#)
  
  
Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Unearned
Options (#)
  
  
Option
Exercise
Price
($)
  
  
Option
Expiration
Date
  
  
Number 
of
Shares or
Units of
Stock
that
Have
Not 
Vested
(#)
  
  
Market
Value of
Shares or
Units of
Stock
that
Have
Not Vested
($) (1)
  
  
Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Number
of
Unearned
Shares,
Units or
Other
Rights
that
Have Not
Vested
(#)
  
  
Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Market
or Payout
Value of
Unearned
Shares,
Units or
Other
Rights
That
Have Not
Vested
($)
 
Stephen G. Berman
   
     
     
     
     
     
18,319
   
$
258,481
     
     
 
                                                                         
John J. Mcgrath
   
     
     
     
     
     
11,192
   
$
157,919
     
     
 
                                                                         
Joel M. Bennett
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
 
 (1)
The product of (x) $14.11 (the closing sale price of the common stock on December 30, 2011) multiplied by (y) the number of unvested restricted shares outstanding.
 
 
85

 
 
The following table sets forth certain information regarding amount realized upon the vesting and exercise of any equity-based compensation awards during 2011 by the Named Officers:
Options Exercises And Stock Vested

 
  
Option Awards
  
  
Stock Awards
  
Name
  
Number of
Shares
Acquired on
Exercise (#)
  
  
Value
Realized on
Exercise
($)
  
  
Number of
Shares
Acquired on
Vesting (#)
  
  
Value
Realized on
Vesting ($)
(1)
 
Stephen G. Berman
   
     
     
124,008
     
2,254,141
 
                                 
John J. McGrath
   
     
     
7,033
     
108,986
 
                                 
Joel M. Bennett
   
     
               
 
(1)
Represents the product of (x) the closing sale price of the common stock on the date of vesting multiplied by (y) the number of restricted shares vested.
 
Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control

The following tables describe potential payments and other benefits that would have been received by each Named Officer at, following or in connection with any termination, including, without limitation, resignation, severance, retirement or a constructive termination of such Named Officer, or a change in control of our Company or a change in such Named Officer’s responsibilities on December 31, 2011.  The potential payments listed below assume that there is no earned but unpaid base salary at December 31, 2011.


Stephen G. Berman

  
  
Upon
Retirement
  
  
Quits For
“Good
Reason”
(2)
  
  
Upon
Death
  
  
Upon
“Disability”
(3)
  
  
Termination
Without
“Cause”
  
  
Termination
For “Cause”
(4)
  
  
Involuntary
Termination
In
Connection
with Change
of
Control(5)
  
Base Salary
  
$
-
  
  
$
4,560,000
  
  
$
-
  
  
$
-
  
  
$
4,560,000
  
  
$
-
  
  
$
13,022,121
(6)
Restricted Stock - 
  Performance-Based
  
 
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
       
-
 
Annual Cash Incentive Award (1)
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
 
 
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(1) Assumes that if the Named Officer is terminated on December 31, 2011, they were employed through the end of the incentive period.

(2) Defined as (i) our violation or failure to perform or satisfy any material covenant, condition or obligation required to be performed or satisfied by us, or (ii) the material change in the nature, titles or scope of the duties, obligations, rights or powers of the Named Officer’s employment resulting from any action or failure to act by us.

(3) Defined as a Named Officer’s inability to perform his duties by reason of any disability or incapacity (due to any physical or mental injury, illness or defect) for an aggregate of 180 days in any consecutive 12-month period.

 (4) Defined as (i) the Named Officer’s conviction of, or entering a plea of guilty or nolo contendere (which plea is not withdrawn prior to its approval by the court) to, a felony offense and either the Named Officer’s failure to perfect an appeal of such conviction prior to the expiration of the maximum period of time within which, under applicable law or rules of court, such appeal may be perfected or, if he does perfect such an appeal, the sustaining of his conviction of a felony offense on appeal; or (ii) the determination by our Board of Directors, after due inquiry, based on convincing evidence, that the Named Officer has:

(A) committed fraud against, or embezzled or misappropriated funds or other assets of, our Company (or any subsidiary);
 
(B) violated, or caused our Company (or any subsidiary) or any of our officers, employees or other agents, or any other individual or entity to violate, any material law, rule, regulation or ordinance, or any material written policy, rule or directive of our Company or our Board of Directors;
 
(C) willfully, or because of gross or persistent inaction, failed properly to perform his duties or acted in a manner detrimental to, or adverse to our interests; or
 
(D) violated, or failed to perform or satisfy any material covenant, condition or obligation required to be performed or satisfied by him under his employment agreement with us;

and that, in the case of any violation or failure referred to in clause (B), (C) or (D), above, such violation or failure has caused, or is reasonably likely to cause, us to suffer or incur a substantial casualty, loss, penalty, expense or other liability or cost.
 
 
87

 

(5) Section 280G of the Code disallows a company’s tax deduction for what are defined as “excess parachute payments” and Section 4999 of the Code imposes a 20% excise tax on any person who receives excess parachute payments.  As discussed above, Mr. Berman is entitled to certain payments upon termination of his employment, including termination following a change in control of our Company.  Under the terms of his employment agreement (see “ - Employment Agreements”), Mr. Berman is not entitled to any payments that would be an excess parachute payment, and such payments are to be reduced by the least amount necessary to avoid the excise tax.  Accordingly, our tax deduction would not be disallowed under Section 280G of the Code, and no excise tax would be imposed under Section 4999 of the Code.

(6)  Under the terms of Mr. Berman’s employment agreement (see “ - Employment Agreements”), if a change of control occurs and within two years thereafter Mr. Berman is terminated without “Cause” or quits for “Good Reason”, then he has the right to receive a payment equal to 2.99 times his then current base amount as defined in the Code (which was $4,340,707 in 2011).


Joel M. Bennett

  
  
Upon
Retirement
  
  
Quits For
“Good
Reason”
(2)
  
  
Upon
Death
  
  
Upon
“Disability”
(3)
  
  
Termination
Without
“Cause”
  
  
Termination
For “Cause”
(4)
  
  
Involuntary
Termination
In
Connection
with Change
of
Control(5)
  
Base Salary
  
$
-
  
  
$
840,000
  
  
$
-
  
  
$
-
  
  
$
840,000
  
  
$
-
  
  
$
840,000
(6)
Restricted Stock - 
  Performance-Based
  
 
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Annual Cash Incentive Award (1)
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
 
 
88

 
 
(1) Assumes that if the Named Officer is terminated on December 31, 2011, they were employed through the end of the incentive period.

(2) Defined as (i) our violation or failure to perform or satisfy any material covenant, condition or obligation required to be performed or satisfied by us, or (ii) the material change in the nature, titles or scope of the duties, obligations, rights or powers of the Named Officer’s employment resulting from any action or failure to act by us.

(3) Defined as a Named Officer’s inability to perform his duties by reason of any disability or incapacity (due to any physical or mental injury, illness or defect) for an aggregate of 180 days in any consecutive 12-month period.

 (4) Defined as (i) the Named Officer’s conviction of, or entering a plea of guilty or nolo contendere (which plea is not withdrawn prior to its approval by the court) to, a felony offense and either the Named Officer’s failure to perfect an appeal of such conviction prior to the expiration of the maximum period of time within which, under applicable law or rules of court, such appeal may be perfected or, if he does perfect such an appeal, the sustaining of his conviction of a felony offense on appeal; or (ii) the determination by our Board of Directors, after due inquiry, based on convincing evidence, that the Named Officer has:

(A) committed fraud against, or embezzled or misappropriated funds or other assets of, our Company (or any subsidiary);
 
(B) violated, or caused our Company (or any subsidiary) or any of our officers, employees or other agents, or any other individual or entity to violate, any material law, rule, regulation or ordinance, or any material written policy, rule or directive of our Company or our Board of Directors;
 
(C) willfully, or because of gross or persistent inaction, failed properly to perform his duties or acted in a manner detrimental to, or adverse to our interests; or
 
(D) violated, or failed to perform or satisfy any material covenant, condition or obligation required to be performed or satisfied by him under his employment agreement with us;

and that, in the case of any violation or failure referred to in clause (B), (C) or (D), above, such violation or failure has caused, or is reasonably likely to cause, us to suffer or incur a substantial casualty, loss, penalty, expense or other liability or cost.
 
 
89

 
 
(5) Section 280G of the Code disallows a company’s tax deduction for what are defined as “excess parachute payments” and Section 4999 of the Code imposes a 20% excise tax on any person who receives excess parachute payments.  As discussed above, Mr. Bennett is entitled to certain payments upon termination of his employment, including termination following a change in control of our Company.  Under the terms of his employment agreement (see “ - Employment Agreements”), Mr. Bennett is not entitled to any payments that would be an excess parachute payment, and such payments are to be reduced by the least amount necessary to avoid the excise tax.  Accordingly, our tax deduction would not be disallowed under Section 280G of the Code, and no excise tax would be imposed under Section 4999 of the Code.

(6)  Under the terms of Mr. Benett’s employment agreement (see “ - Employment Agreements”), if a change of control occurs and within two years thereafter Mr. Bennett is terminated without “Cause” or quits for “Good Reason”, then he has the right to receive a payment equal to the greater of two times his then current base salary or the payments due for the remainder of the term of his employment agreement.

Compensation of Directors

Analogous to our executive compensation philosophy, it is our desire to similarly compensate our non-employee directors for their services in a way that will serve to attract and retain highly qualified members.  As changes in the securities laws require greater involvement by, and places additional burdens on, a company’s directors it becomes even more necessary to locate and retain highly qualified directors.  As such, after consulting with FWC, the Compensation Committee developed and the Board approved a structure for the compensation package of our non-employee directors so that the total compensation package of our non-employee directors would be at approximately the median total compensation package for non-employee directors in our peer group.

In December 2009, our board of directors, after consulting with FWC, changed the compensation package  for non-employee directors as of January 1, 2010 by (i) increasing the annual cash stipend to $75,000, (ii) eliminating meeting fees for attendance at both board and committee meetings, (iii) increasing the annual fees paid to committee chairs and the members of the audit committee, (iv) decreasing by $25,000 the value of the annual grant of restricted shares of our common stock to $100,000 and (v) imposing minimum share holding requirements.  Specifically, the chair of the audit committee receives an annual fee of $30,000, each member of the audit committee receives a $15,000 annual fee (including the chair), the chair of the compensation committee and the nominating and governance committee each receives an annual fee of $15,000 and each member of such committees (including the chair) receives an annual fee of $10,000.  Newly-elected non-employee directors will receive a portion of the foregoing annual consideration, pro rated according to the portion of the year in which they serve in such capacity.

In February 2010 our board determined the terms for the minimum share holding requirements.  Pursuant to the new minimum share holding requirements, each director will be required to hold shares with a value equal to at least two times the average annual cash stipend paid to the director during the prior two calendar years.  In determining the value of a director’s share holdings, each option, whether or not in the money, will count as ½ share.  To illustrate:  if a director wishes to sell shares in 2011, he will have to hold shares with a market value of at least $120,000 prior to and following any sale of shares calculated as of the date of the sale, such $120,000 minimum calculated by taking the average cash stipend of $60,000 paid during the prior two years ($45,000 in 2009 and $75,000 in 2010) multiplied by two.
 
 
90

 
 
The following table sets forth the compensation we paid to our non-employee directors for our fiscal year ended December 31, 2011:

Director Compensation

Name
 
Year
  
Fees 
Earned
or Paid in
Cash
($)
  
  
Stock 
Awards
($) (1)
  
  
Option 
Awards
($)
  
  
Non-Equity
Incentive
Plan
Compensation
($)
  
  
Change in
Pension Value
and
Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings
($)
  
  
All Other
Compensation
($)
  
 
Total
($)
 
Dan Almagor
 
2011
   
140,000
     
96,493
     
     
     
     
     
236,493
 
Marvin W. Ellin
 
2011
   
115,000
     
96,493
     
     
     
     
     
211,493
 
Robert E. Glick
 
2011
   
115,000
     
96,493
     
     
     
     
     
211,493
 
Michael G. Miller
 
2011
   
110,000
     
96,493
     
     
     
     
     
206,493
 
Murray L. Skala
 
2011
   
75,000
     
96,493
     
     
     
     
     
171,493
 

(1) The value of the shares was determined by taking the product of (a) 5,296 shares of restricted stock multiplied by (b) $18.22, the last sales price of our common stock on December 31, 2010, as reported by Nasdaq, the date prior to the date the shares were granted, all of which shares vested on January 1, 2012.
 
Employment Agreements and Termination of Employment Arrangements

In March 2003 we amended and restated our employment agreement with Mr. Berman and we entered into a new amended and restated agreement with Mr. Berman on November 11, 2010. On July 17, 2007 we entered into a new employment agreement with Joel Bennett which expired on December 31, 2009 and we entered into a new employment agreement with Mr. Bennett on October 31, 2011.   We entered into an emended employment agreement with Mr. McGrath on August 23, 2011 when he became our Chief Operating Officer.
 
Mr. Berman’s amended and restated 2003 employment agreement, which was effective until November 11, 2010, at which time it was superseded by his second amended and restated employment agreement, pursuant to which he served as our Co-Chief Executive Officer, President and Chief Operating Officer through March 31, 2010 when he became the sole Chief Executive Officer, provided for an annual base salary in 2010 of $1,150,000. Mr. Berman’s 2003 agreement was set to expire on December 31, 2010. His base salary under the 2003 agreement was subject to annual increases determined by our Board of Directors, but in an amount not less than $25,000 per annum. For each fiscal year between 2007 through 2010, Mr. Berman’s bonus depended on our achieving certain earnings per share growth targets, with such earnings per share growth targets to be determined annually by the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors. Depending on the levels of earnings per share growth that we achieve in each fiscal year, Mr. Berman would receive an annual bonus of from 0% to up to 200% of his base salary. This bonus was paid in accordance with the terms and conditions of our 2002 Stock Award and Incentive Plan. In addition, in consideration for modifying and replacing the pre-tax income formula provided in his prior employment agreement for determining his annual bonus, and for entering into the amended employment agreement, Mr. Berman was granted the right to be issued an aggregate of 1,080,000 shares of restricted stock. The first tranche of restricted stock, totaling 240,000 shares, was granted at the time the agreement became effective in 2003, and 120,000 shares were granted on each of January 1, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 (or 480,000 shares in the aggregate). In each subsequent year of the employment agreement term, Mr. Berman received 120,000 shares of restricted stock. The grant of these shares was in accordance with our 2002 Stock Award and Incentive Plan, and the vesting of each tranche of restricted stock was subject to our achieving pre-tax income in excess of $2,000,000 in the fiscal year that the grant is made. Each tranche of restricted stock granted from January 1, 2004 through January 1, 2008 was subject to a two-year vesting period, which may be accelerated to one year if we achieved certain earnings per share growth targets. Each tranche of restricted stock to be granted thereafter through January 1, 2010, was subject to a one-year vesting period.

 
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On November 11, 2010 we entered into a second amended and restated employment agreement with Stephen Berman, our President, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer.  This agreement extended the term of the 2003 agreement to December 31, 2015 from its current termination date of December 31, 2010.  The new amended and restated agreement also provides, among other things, new provisions for (i) an annual salary of $1,140,000 in 2011 and annual increases thereafter at the discretion of the Board but no less than $25,000; (ii) an annual restricted stock award of $500,000 of our common stock commencing January 1, 2011, subject to vesting in equal installments through January 1, 2017, except that the vesting of each annual $500,000 award is conditioned on EPS (defined as our net income per share of our common stock, calculated on a fully diluted basis) for the fiscal year in which the shares are issued being equal to minimum EPS as follows:  $1.41 for 2011, $1.45 for 2012, $1.49 for 2013, $1.54 for 2014, and $1.59 for 2015. If the minimum EPS vesting condition for the first tranche is not met, then the $500,000 grant lapses, but if the vesting condition is satisfied for the first tranche of the $500,000 grant, then each subsequent tranche of the $500,000 grant will vest; (iii) an annual performance bonus as follows: (x) 2010 bonus (previously established in March 2010) remains unchanged except that 20% of the bonus will be paid in restricted stock which will vest in six equal annual installments of 14.5% of the number of shares, the first on the date in 2011 that the bonus is determined to have been earned, and a seventh and final installment of 13% of the shares on January 1, 2017, and (y) for years commencing January 1, 2011, an amount equal to up to 200% of base salary, to be paid in stock and cash (20-40% in stock, in the percentages set forth on Exhibit E to the agreement), bonus criteria using “Adjusted” EPS growth (as defined in the agreement) to be determined by our Compensation Committee in the first quarter of each fiscal year, except that Adjusted EPS criteria (but not vesting) for 2011 shall range from $1.37 - $1.78 as stated in Exhibit D to the agreement, and shares will vest in equal annual installments commencing with the date the Bonus for a fiscal year  is determined to have been earned and thereafter on January 1 in each subsequent year until the final installment on January 1, 2017, and (z) an additional bonus equal to 100% of base salary to be paid entirely in restricted stock; the criteria and vesting schedules to be determined by our Compensation Committee in the first fiscal quarter of each year, using criteria to be selected by such Committee which are in its discretion such as grown in net sales, return on invested capital, growth in free cash flow, total shareholder return (or any combination); (iv) restrictions on sale of our securities such that he cannot sell any shares of our common stock if his shares remaining after a sale are not equal to at least three times his then base salary; (v) life insurance in the amount of $1.5 million; (vi) severance if we terminate the agreement without cause (as defined in the agreement) or Mr. Berman terminates it for Good Reason (as defined in the agreement), in an amount equal to the base salary at termination date multiplied by the number of years and partial years remaining in the term; and (vii) restrictive covenants, change of control provisions and our ownership of certain intellectual property.

On August 23, 2011 we entered into an amended employment agreement with John J. (Jack) McGrath whereby he became our Chief Operating Officer.  The amended employment agreement, which runs through December 31, 2013, provides for an annual salary of $600,000; an annual increase over the prior year’s  base salary of at least $15,000; an annual award of $75,000 of restricted stock, subject to vesting in equal installments over three years, provided, however, that the initial vesting of the first installment of each year’s award is conditioned on “Adjusted” EPS (as defined in the amended agreement) for the fiscal year in which the shares are issued being equal to minimum “Adjusted” EPS as follows:  2011 vesting condition:  greater of $1.41 or 3% higher than 2010 “Adjusted” EPS; 2012 vesting: greater of $1.45 or 3% higher than 2011“Adjusted” EPS; and 2013 vesting condition: greater of $1.49 or 3% higher than “Adjusted” 2012 EPS.  The amended agreement also provides for an annual bonus opportunity of up to 125% of salary payable 50% in cash and 50% in restricted stock (with a four year vesting) based upon “Adjusted” EPS growth.  Bonus targets for 2011 range from $1.37 -$1.78.  The bonus targets for 2012 and 2013 will be set by the Compensation Committee.

On July 17, 2007, we entered into a new employment agreement with Mr. Bennett that expired on December 31, 2009, pursuant to which he received (i) a base salary of $400,000 per year; (ii) an annual discretionary bonus of up to 50% of his annual base salary, determined by the Compensation Committee or the Board of Directors; (iii) a $1,000 per month car allowance; and (iv) a one-time grant of 15,000 shares of restricted stock, vesting over three years in equal annual installments of 5,000 shares on December 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009, provided he remains employed by us on each vesting date.  Mr. Bennett has been working since January 1, 2010 without a contract.  Mr. Bennett’s salary for 2010, as determined by our compensation committee was $420,000.  In February 2011, our board of directors awarded Mr. Bennett a $100,000 cash bonus for his performance in 2010.

On October 21, 2011, we entered into an employment agreement with Joel M. Bennett, the Company’s Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, with a term ending on December 31, 2013.  Pursuant to the new agreement, Mr. Bennett is entitled to an annual base salary of $420,000, to be increased annually by at least $15,000 over the prior year’s base salary, and will be eligible at the discretion of the Compensation Committee to receive bonuses or other compensation in the form of cash or equity-based awards upon the achievement of performance goals determined by the Board or the Compensation Committee.  In the event of Mr. Bennett’s termination of employment by the Company without “cause” or by Mr. Bennett for “good reason,” in each case other than within two years following a “change in control” (each as defined in the agreement), Mr. Bennett would be entitled to receive, in addition to accrued benefits, cash severance equal to the amount of base salary payable for the remainder of his term and continuation of his medical, hospitalization and dental insurance through the remainder of his term.  In the event of Mr. Bennett’s termination of employment by the Company without “cause” or by Mr. Bennett for “good reason” within two years following a “change of control,” Mr. Bennett would be entitled to receive, in addition to accrued benefits, severance equal to the higher of two times his annual base salary and his base salary payable for the remainder of his term.
  
The foregoing is only a summary of the material terms of our employment agreements with the Named Officers. For a complete description, copies of such agreements are annexed herein in their entirety as exhibits or are otherwise incorporated herein by reference.

On October 19, 2011, our Board of Directors approved the material terms of and adoption of our Company’s Change in Control Severance Plan (the “Severance Plan”), which applies to certain of our key employees.  None of our named executive officers participate in the Severance Plan.  The Severance Plan provides that if, within the two year period immediately following the “change in control” date (as defined in the Severance Plan), a participant has a qualifying termination of employment, the participant will be entitled to severance equal to a multiple of monthly base salary, which multiple is the greater of (i) the number of months remaining in the participant’s term of employment under his or her employment agreement and (ii) a number ranging between 12 and 18; accelerated vesting of all unvested equity awards; and continued health care coverage for the number of months equal to the multiple used to determine the severance payment.
 
 
92

 
 
 Employee Benefits Plan

We sponsor for our U.S. employees (including the Named Officers), a defined contribution plan under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code.  The Plan provided that employees may defer up to 50% of their annual compensation subject to annual dollar limitations, and that we will make a matching contribution equal to 100% of each employee’s deferral, up to 5% of the employee’s annual compensation. The Company suspended its matching contribution effective January 1, 2010 and restarted the matching contribution effective January 1, 2011.  Company matching contributions, which vest immediately, totaled $1.5 million, nil, and $2.1 million for 2009, 2010 and 2011, respectively.

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

None of our executive officers has served as a director or member of a compensation committee (or other board committee performing equivalent functions) of any other entity, one of whose executive officers served as a director or a member of our Compensation Committee.
 
 
93

 
 
Item 12.   Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

The following table sets forth certain information as of March 14, 2012 with respect to the beneficial ownership of our common stock by (1) each person known by us to own beneficially more than 5% of the outstanding shares of our common stock, (2) each of our directors, (3) each Named Officer, and (4) all our directors and executive officers as a group.

Name and Address of
Beneficial Owner(1)(2)
  
Amount and
Nature of
Beneficial
Ownership
(s)(3)
  
  
Percent of
Outstanding
Shares(4)
 
Black Rock, Inc.
   
2,041,215
(5)
   
7.8
 
Dimensional Fund Advisors LP
   
2,278,716
(6)
   
8.8
 
AQR Capital Management, LLC
   
2,102,485
(7)
   
8.1
 
Dreman Value Management, L.L.C.
   
1,303,319
(8)
   
5.0
 
Oaktree FF Investment Fund, L.P.
   
1,334,017
(9)
   
5.1
 
The Vanguard Group, Inc.
   
1,362,409
(10)
   
5.2
 
Stephen G. Berman
   
179,316
(11)
   
*
 
John J. McGrath
   
20,540
(12)
   
*
 
Joel M. Bennett
   
37,866
     
*
 
Dan Almagor
   
61,228
(13)
   
*
 
Marvin W. Ellin
   
13,675
(14)
   
*
 
Robert E. Glick
   
77,805
(15)
   
*
 
Michael G. Miller
   
74,784
(16)
   
*
 
Murray L. Skala
   
82,284
(17)
   
*
 
All directors and executive officers as a group (7 persons)
   
547,498
(18)
   
2.1
%
 

 
Less than 1% of our outstanding shares.

(1)
Unless otherwise indicated, such person’s address is c/o JAKKS Pacific, Inc., 22619 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, California 90265.

(2)
The number of shares of common stock beneficially owned by each person or entity is determined under the rules promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission. Under such rules, beneficial ownership includes any shares as to which the person or entity has sole or shared voting power or investment power. The percentage of our outstanding shares is calculated by including among the shares owned by such person any shares which such person or entity has the right to acquire within 60 days after March 14, 2012. The inclusion herein of any shares deemed beneficially owned does not constitute an admission of beneficial ownership of such shares.

(3)
Except as otherwise indicated, exercises sole voting power and sole investment power with respect to such shares.

(4)
Does not include any shares of common stock issuable upon the conversion of $100.0 million of our 4.50% convertible senior notes due 2014, initially convertible at the rate of 63.2091 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount at issuance of the notes (but subject to adjustment under certain circumstances as described in the notes).

(5)
The address of BlackRock, Inc. is 40 East 52nd Street, New York, NY 10022. All the information presented in this Item with respect to this beneficial owner was extracted solely from the Schedule 13G/A filed on February 13, 2012.

 (6)
The address of Dimensional Fund Advisors LP (formerly known as Dimensional Fund Advisors, Inc.) is Palisades West, Building One, 6300 Bee Cove Road, Austin, TX 78746.  Possesses sole voting power over 2,247,005 shares.  All the information presented in this Item with respect to this beneficial owner was extracted solely from the Schedule 13G/A filed on February 14, 2012.

 (7)
The address of AQR Capital Management, LLC is Two Greenwich Plaza, 3rd Floor, Greenwich, CT 06830. Consists of 1,611,034 shares and 491,451 shares obtainable upon conversion of debt securities.  Possesses shared and dispositive power with respect to all of such shares. All the information presented in this Item with respect to this beneficial owner was extracted solely from the Schedule 13G filed on February 14, 2012.
 
 
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(8)
The address of Dreman Value Management, L.L.C. is Harborside Financial Center, Plaza 10, Suite 800, Jersey City, NJ 07311. Possesses sole voting power with respect to 220,667 of such shares and shared voting power with respect to 18,062 of such shares. All the information presented in this Item with respect to this beneficial owner was extracted solely from the Schedule 13G filed on February 14, 2012.
 
(9)
Oaktree FF Investment Fund, L.P.  filed a Schedule 13G on February 14, 2012 jointly with Oaktree Principal Fund V (Delaware), L.P., Oaktree FF Investment Fund GP, L.P., Oaktree FF Investment Fund GP, Ltd., Oaktree Fund GP I, L.P., Oaktree Capital I, L.P., OCM Holdings I, LLC, Oaktree Holdings, LLC, Oaktree Fund GP, LLC, Oaktree Capital Management, L.P., Oaktree Holdings, Inc., Oaktree Capital Group, LLC, Oaktree Capital Group Holdings, L.P., and Oaktree Capital Group Holdings GP, LLC.  Five members of the group report owning 192,930 shares, two members of the group report owning 1,141,087 shares and seven members of the group report owning 1,334,017 shares.  All the information presented in this Item with respect to this beneficial owner was extracted solely from the Schedule 13G referred to above.

 (10)
The address of The Vanguard Group, Inc. is 100 Vanguard Blvd., Malvern, PA 19355. Possesses sole voting power with respect to 40,301 of such shares, sole dispositive power to 1,322,108 shares and shared dispositive power with respect to 40,301 of such shares. All the information presented in this Item with respect to this beneficial owner was extracted solely from the Schedule 13G filed on February 8, 2012.

(11)
Includes 35,435 shares of common stock issued on January 1, 2012 pursuant to the terms of Mr. Berman’s January 1, 2003 Employment Agreement (as last amended and restated on November 11, 2010), which shares are further subject to the terms of our January 1, 2012 Restricted Stock Award Agreement with Mr. Berman (the “Berman Agreement”). The Berman Agreement provides that Mr. Berman will forfeit his rights to all 35,435 shares unless certain conditions precedent are met prior to January 1, 2013, as described in the Berman Agreement, whereupon the forfeited shares will become authorized but unissued shares of our common stock.  Also includes 18,238 shares granted on February 11, 2011 representing the stock component of his 2010 performance bonus which vest in seven tranches over six years, with each of the first six tranches equal to 14.5% of the total grant, and a seventh tranche equal to 13% of the total grant. The initial tranche vested on February 11, 2011 with each succeeding tranche vesting on January 1 of each year commencing with January 1, 2012 with the final tranche vesting on January 1, 2017.  Also includes 2,726 shares remaining of the 4,089 granted on February 11, 2011 for his 2010 discretionary bonus, which shares vest in equal tranches over two years, with each tranche vesting on December 31, 2012 and 2013.
   
(12)
Includes 5,315 shares of common stock issued on January 1, 2012 pursuant to the terms of Mr. McGrath’s March 4, 2010 Employment Agreement (as amended on August 23, 2011), which shares are further subject to the terms of our January 1, 2012 Restricted Stock Award Agreement with Mr. McGrath (the “McGrath Agreement”). The McGrath Agreement provides that Mr. McGrath will forfeit his rights to all 5,315 shares unless certain conditions precedent are met prior to January 1, 2013, as described in the McGrath Agreement, whereupon the forfeited shares will become authorized but unissued shares of our common stock. Also includes 11,192 shares of common stock issued pursuant to our 2002 Stock Award and Incentive Plan, pursuant to which 5,283 and 5,909 of such shares may not be sold, mortgaged, transferred or otherwise encumbered prior to December 31, 2012 and 2013, respectively.

(13)
Includes 29,644 shares which Mr. Almagor may purchase upon the exercise of certain stock options and 31,584 shares of common stock issued pursuant to our 2002 Stock Award and Incentive Plan, pursuant to which 6,962 shares may not be sold, mortgaged, transferred or otherwise encumbered prior to January 1, 2013.

(14)
Includes 13,675 shares of common stock issued pursuant to our 2002 Stock Award and Incentive Plan, pursuant to which 6,962 of such shares may not be sold, mortgaged, transferred or otherwise encumbered prior to January 1, 2013.

(15)
Includes 33,021 shares which Mr. Glick may purchase upon the exercise of certain stock options and 44,784 shares of Common Stock issued pursuant to our 2002 Stock Award and Incentive Plan, pursuant to which 6,962 of such shares may not be sold, mortgaged, transferred or otherwise encumbered prior to January 1, 2013.
 (16)
Includes 30,000 shares which Mr. Miller may purchase upon the exercise of certain stock options and 44,784 shares of Common Stock issued pursuant to our 2002 Stock Award and Incentive Plan, pursuant to which 6,962of such shares may not be sold, mortgaged, transferred or otherwise encumbered prior to January 1, 2013.
 
(17)
Includes 37,500 shares which Mr. Skala may purchase upon the exercise of certain stock options and 44,784 shares of common stock issued pursuant to our 2002 Stock Award and Incentive Plan, pursuant to which 6,962of such shares may not be sold, mortgaged, transferred or otherwise encumbered prior to January 1, 2013.
 
(18)
Includes an aggregate of 130,165 shares which the directors and executive officers may purchase upon the exercise of certain stock options.
 
 
95

 
 
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

 
(a)
Transactions with Related Persons

One of our directors, Murray L. Skala, is a partner in the law firm of Feder Kaszovitz LLP, which has performed, and is expected to continue to perform, legal services for us. In 2011, we incurred approximately $3.4 million for legal fees and reimbursable expenses payable to that firm. As of December 31, 2010 and 2011, legal fees and reimbursable expenses of $1.1 million and $0.8 million, respectively, were payable to this law firm.

 
(b)
Review, Approval or Ratification of Transactions with Related Persons

Pursuant to our Ethical Code of Conduct (a copy of which may be found on our website, www.jakks.com), all of our employees are required to disclose to our General Counsel, the Board of directors or any committee established by the Board of Directors to receive such information, any material transaction or relationship that reasonably could be expected to give rise to actual or apparent conflicts of interest between any of them, personally, and us.  In addition, our Ethical Code of Conduct also directs all employees to avoid any self-interested transactions without full disclosure.  This policy, which applies to all of our employees, is reiterated in our Employee Handbook which states that a violation of this policy could be grounds for termination.  In approving or rejecting a proposed transaction, our General Counsel, Board of Directors or designated committee will consider the facts and circumstances available and deemed relevant, including but not limited to, the risks, costs, and benefits to us, the terms of the transactions, the availability of other sources for comparable services or products, and, if applicable, the impact on director independence.  Upon concluding their review, they will only approve those agreements that, in light of known circumstances, are in or are not inconsistent with, our best interests, as they determine in good faith.

 
(c)
Director Independence

For a description of our Board of Directors and its compliance with the independence requirements therefore as promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission and Nasdaq, see “Item 10- Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance”.

Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

Before our principal accountant is engaged by us to render audit or non-audit services, where required by the rules and regulations promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission and/or Nasdaq, such engagement is approved by the Audit Committee.

The following are the fees of BDO USA, LLP, our principal auditor, for the two years ended December 31, 2011, for services rendered in connection with the audit for those respective years (all of which have been pre-approved by the Audit Committee):

   
 
2010
   
2011
 
Audit Fees
 
$
1,247,065
   
$
1,266,000
 
Audit Related Fees
 
$
11,164
   
$
19,000
 
Tax Fees
 
$
   
$
 
All Other Fees
 
$
   
$
 
   
$
1,258,229
   
$
1,285,000
 
 
 
96

 
 
Audit Fees consist of the aggregate fees for professional services rendered for the audit of our annual financial statements and the reviews of the financial statements included in our Forms 10-Q and for any other services that were normally provided by our auditors in connection with our statutory and regulatory filings or engagements.

Audit Related Fees consist of the aggregate fees billed for professional services rendered for assurance and related services that were reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of our financial statements and were not otherwise included in Audit Fees. These fees primarily relate to statutory audit requirements and audits of employee benefit plans.
 
Tax Fees consist of the aggregate fees billed for professional services rendered for tax consulting. Included in such Tax Fees were fees for consultancy, review, and advice related to our income tax provision and the appropriate presentation on our financial statements of the income tax related accounts.
 
All Other Fees consist of the aggregate fees billed for products and services provided by our auditors and not otherwise included in Audit Fees, Audit Related Fees or Tax Fees.

Our Audit Committee has considered whether the provision of the non-audit services described above is compatible with maintaining our auditors’ independence and determined that such services are appropriate.
 
 
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PART IV

Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

The following documents are filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K:

(1)
Financial Statements (included in Item 8):

 
Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2010 and 2011

 
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2010 and 2011

 
Consolidated Statements of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2010 and 2011

 
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2010 and 2011

 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2010 and 2011

 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(2)
Financial Statement Schedules (included in Item 8):

 
Schedule II — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

(3)
Exhibits:

Exhibit
Number
 
Description
3.1
 
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (1)
3.2
 
Amended and Restated  By-Laws of the Company (2)
4.1
 
Rights Agreement dated as of March 5, 2012 between the Company and Computershare Trust Company, N.A., as Rights Agent (3)
10.1.1
 
Third Amended and Restated 1995 Stock Option Plan (4)
10.1.2
 
1999 Amendment to Third Amended and Restated 1995 Stock Option Plan (5)
10.1.3
 
2000 Amendment to Third Amended and Restated 1995 Stock Option Plan (6)
10.1.4
 
2001 Amendment to Third Amended and Restated 1995 Stock Option Plan (7)
10.2
 
2002 Stock Award and Incentive Plan (8)
10.2.1
 
2008 Amendment to 2002 Stock Award and Incentive Plan (9)
10.3
 
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between the Company and Jack Friedman, dated as of March 26, 2003 (10)
10.4
 
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between the Company and Stephen G. Berman dated as of March 26, 2003 (10)
10.5
 
Office Lease dated November 18, 1999 between the Company and Winco Maliview Partners (11)
10.6
 
Form of Restricted Stock Agreement (10)
10.7
 
Employment Agreement between the Company and Joel M. Bennett, dated October 21, 2011 (2)
10.8
 
Second Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between the Company and Stephen G. Berman dated as of November 11, 2010 (12)
10.9
 
Employment Agreement between the Company and John a/k/a Jack McGrath, dated March 4, 2010 (13)
10.9.1
 
First Amendment to Employment Agreement between the Company and John a/k/a Jack McGrath, dated August 23, 2011 (13)
14
 
Code of Ethics (14)
21
 
Subsidiaries of the Company (*)
31.1
 
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Stephen G. Berman (*)
31.2
 
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Joel Bennett (*)
32.1
 
Section 1350 Certification of Stephen G. Berman (*)
32.2
 
Section 1350 Certification of Joel Bennett (*)
 

(1)
Filed previously as Appendix 2 to the Company’s Schedule 14A Proxy Statement, filed August 23, 2002, and incorporated herein by reference.
 
 
98

 
 
(2)
Filed previously as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed October 21, 2011, and incorporated herein by reference.
 
(3)
Filed previously as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 5, 2012, and incorporated herein by reference..

(4)
Filed previously as Appendix A to the Company’s Schedule 14A Proxy Statement, filed June 23, 1998, and incorporated herein by reference

(5)
Filed previously as an exhibit to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Reg. No. 333-90055), filed November 1, 1999, and incorporated herein by reference.

(6)
Filed previously as an exhibit to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Reg. No. 333-40392), filed June 29, 2000, and incorporated herein by reference.

(7)
Filed previously as Appendix B to the Company’s Schedule 14A Proxy Statement, filed June 11, 2001, and incorporated herein by reference.

(8)
Filed previously as an exhibit to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Reg. No. 333-101665), filed December 5, 2002, and incorporated herein by reference.

(9)
Filed previously as an exhibit to the Company’s Schedule 14A Proxy Statement, filed August 20, 2008, and incorporated herein by reference.

(10)
Filed previously as an exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for its fiscal year ended December 31, 2002, filed March 31, 2003, and incorporated herein by reference.
 
(11)
Filed previously as an exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for its fiscal year ended December 31, 1999, filed March 30, 2000, and incorporated herein by reference.
 

(12)
Filed previously as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed November 17, 2010, and incorporated herein by reference.
 
(13)
Filed previously as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed August 24, 2011, and incorporated herein by reference.
 
(14)
Filed previously as an exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for its fiscal year ended December 31, 2003, filed March 15, 2004, and incorporated herein by reference.
   

(*)
Filed herewith.
 
 
99

 
 
SIGNATURES

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

Dated: March 14, 2012
JAKKS PACIFIC, INC.
     
 
By:
 /s/ STEPHEN G. BERMAN
   
Stephen G. Berman
   
Chief Executive Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signature
 
Title
 
Date
         
/s/ STEPHEN G. BERMAN
     
March 14, 2012
Stephen G. Berman
 
Director and
Chief Executive Officer
   
         
/s/ JOEL M. BENNETT
     
March 14, 2012
Joel M. Bennett
 
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer and
   
   
Principal Accounting Officer)
   
/s/ DAN ALMAGOR
     
March 14, 2012
Dan Almagor
 
Director
 
   
/s/ ROBERT E. GLICK
     
March 14, 2012
Robert E. Glick
 
Director
 
   
/s/ MICHAEL G. MILLER
     
March 14, 2012
Michael G. Miller
 
Director
 
   
/s/ MURRAY L. SKALA
     
March 14, 2012
Murray L. Skala
 
Director
 
   
/s/ MARVIN W. ELLIN
     
March 14, 2012
Marvin W. Ellin
 
Director
   
 
 
100

 
 
 
EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit
Number
 
Description
3.1
 
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (1)
3.2
 
Amended and Restated By-Laws of the Company (2)
4.1
 
Rights Agreement dated as of March 5, 2012 between the Company and Computershare Trust Company, N.A., as Rights Agent (3)
10.1.1
 
Third Amended and Restated 1995 Stock Option Plan (4)
10.1.2
 
1999 Amendment to Third Amended and Restated 1995 Stock Option Plan (5)
10.1.3
 
2000 Amendment to Third Amended and Restated 1995 Stock Option Plan (6)
10.1.4
 
2001 Amendment to Third Amended and Restated 1995 Stock Option Plan (7)
10.2
 
2002 Stock Award and Incentive Plan (8)
10.2.1
 
2008 Amendment to 2002 Stock Award and Incentive Plan (9)
10.3
 
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between the Company and Jack Friedman, dated as of March 26, 2003 (10)
10.4
 
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between the Company and Stephen G. Berman dated as of March 26, 2003 (10)
10.5
 
Office Lease dated November 18, 1999 between the Company and Winco Maliview Partners (11)
10.6
 
Form of Restricted Stock Agreement (10)
10.7
 
Employment Agreement between the Company and Joel M. Bennett, dated October 21, 2011 (2)
    10.8
 
Second Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between the Company and Stephen G. Berman dated as of November 11, 2010 (12)
10.9
 
Employment Agreement between the Company and John a/k/a Jack McGrath, dated March 4, 2010 (13)
10.9.1
 
First Amendment to Employment Agreement between the Company and John a/k/a Jack McGrath, dated August 23, 2011 (13)
14
 
Code of Ethics (14)
21
 
Subsidiaries of the Company (*)
31.1
 
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Stephen G. Berman (*)
31.2
 
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Joel Bennett (*)
32.1
 
Section 1350 Certification of Stephen G. Berman (*)
32.2
 
Section 1350 Certification of Joel Bennett (*)
 

 
(1)
Filed previously as Appendix 2 to the Company’s Schedule 14A Proxy Statement, filed August 23, 2002, and incorporated herein by reference.

(2)
Filed previously as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed October 21, 2011, and incorporated herein by reference.

(3)
Filed previously as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 5, 2012, and incorporated herein by reference.

(4)
Filed previously as Appendix A to the Company’s Schedule 14A Proxy Statement, filed June 23, 1998, and incorporated herein by reference

(5)
Filed previously as an exhibit to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Reg. No. 333-90055), filed November 1, 1999, and incorporated herein by reference.

(6)
Filed previously as an exhibit to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Reg. No. 333-40392), filed June 29, 2000, and incorporated herein by reference.

(7)
Filed previously as Appendix B to the Company’s Schedule 14A Proxy Statement, filed June 11, 2001, and incorporated herein by reference.

(8)
Filed previously as an exhibit to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Reg. No. 333-101665), filed December 5, 2002, and incorporated herein by reference.
 
(9)
Filed previously as an exhibit to the Company’s Schedule 14A Proxy Statement, filed August 20, 2008 and incorporated herein by reference.

(10)
Filed previously as an exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for its fiscal year ended December 31, 2002, filed March 31, 2003, and incorporated herein by reference.

(11)
Filed previously as an exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for its fiscal year ended December 31, 1999, filed March 30, 2000, and incorporated herein by reference.
 
 
(12)
Filed previously as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed November 17, 2010, and incorporated herein by reference.
 
(13)
Filed previously as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed August 24, 2011, and incorporated herein by reference.
 
(14)
Filed previously as an exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for its fiscal year ended December 31, 2003, filed March 15, 2004, and incorporated herein by reference.
   
 
(*)
Filed herewith.
 
 
101