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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
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FORM 10-K
[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
ACT OF 1934
OR
[_] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Fiscal Year Commission File Number
Ended November 30, 2000 0-22972
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CELLSTAR CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
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Delaware 75-2479727
(State of Incorporation) (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
1730 Briercroft Court
Carrollton, Texas 75006
Telephone (972) 466-5000
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number,
including area code, of registrant's principal executive offices)
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Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share
(Title of Class)
Rights to Purchase Series A Preferred Stock
(Title of Class)
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 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. [_]
On February 23, 2001, the aggregate market value of the voting stock held
by nonaffiliates of the Company was approximately $44,785,675, based on the
closing sale price of $1.12 as reported by the NASDAQ/NMS. (For purposes of
determination of the above stated amount, only directors, executive officers and
10% or greater stockholders have been deemed affiliates).
On February 23, 2001, there were 60,142,221 outstanding shares of Common
Stock, $0.01 par value per share.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of
the Company to be held during 2001 are incorporated by reference into Part III
of this Form 10-K.
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CELLSTAR CORPORATION
INDEX TO FORM 10-K
Page
Number
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PART I.
Item 1. Business 2
Item 2. Properties 11
Item 3. Legal Proceedings 11
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders 12
PART II.
Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters 13
Item 6. Selected Consolidated Financial Data 14
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 15
Item 7(A). Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 24
Item 8. Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 25
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure 25
PART III.
Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant 26
Item 11. Executive Compensation 26
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management 26
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions 26
PART IV.
Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K 27
1
PART I.
Item 1. Business
General
CellStar Corporation (the "Company" or "CellStar") is a leading global
provider of distribution and value-added logistics services to the wireless
communications industry, with operations in Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Europe
and North America. The Company facilitates the effective and efficient
distribution of handsets, related accessories, and other wireless products from
leading manufacturers to network operators, agents, resellers, dealers and
retailers. In many of the Company's markets, the Company provides activation
services that generate new subscribers for its wireless carrier customers.
The "Asia-Pacific Region" consists of Taiwan, Singapore, The Philippines,
Malaysia, Japan, Korea and the People's Republic of China ("PRC"), including
Hong Kong. The "Latin American Region" consists of Mexico, Chile, Peru,
Colombia, Argentina and the Company's Miami, Florida operations. Until the
Company completed the sale of its Venezuela operations on December 26, 2000,
Venezuela was included in the Latin American Region. The "European Region"
consists of the United Kingdom, Sweden and The Netherlands. The "North American
Region" consists of the United States.
The Company's distribution services include purchasing, selling,
warehousing, picking, packing, shipping and "just-in-time" delivery of wireless
handsets and accessories. In addition, the Company offers its customers
value-added services, including Internet-based supply chain services (AOS
On-LineSM), Internet-based tracking and reporting, inventory management,
marketing, prepaid wireless, product fulfillment, kitting and customized
packaging, private labeling, light assembly, accounts receivable management and
end-user support services. The Company also provides wireless activation
services and operates retail locations in certain markets from which wireless
communications products and accessories are marketed to the public.
The Company markets its products to wholesale purchasers using, among
other methods, direct sales strategies, the Internet, strategic account
management, trade shows and trade journal advertising. The Company offers
advertising allowances, ready-to-use advertising materials and displays, easy
access to hard-to-find products, credit terms, a variety of name brand products
and highly-responsive customer service.
The Company, a Delaware corporation, was formed in 1993 to hold the stock
of National Auto Center, Inc., ("National Auto Center") a company that is now an
operating subsidiary. National Auto Center was originally formed in 1981 to
distribute and install automotive aftermarket products. In 1984, National Auto
Center began offering wireless communications products and services. In 1989,
National Auto Center became an authorized distributor of Motorola, Inc.
("Motorola") wireless handsets in certain portions of the United States.
National Auto Center entered into similar arrangements with Motorola in the
Latin American Region in 1991, and the Company entered into similar arrangements
with Motorola in the Asia-Pacific Region in 1994 and the European Region in
1996. The Company has also entered into similar distributor agreements with
other manufacturers, including Nokia Mobile Phones, Inc. ("Nokia"), Ericsson
Inc. ("Ericsson"), LG International Corp. Ltd. ("LG"), Samsung
Telecommunications America, Inc. ("Samsung") and Kyocera Wireless Corp.
("Kyocera").
Wireless communications technology encompasses wireless communications
devices such as handheld, mobile and transportable handsets, pagers and two-way
radios. Since its inception in 1983, the wireless handset market has grown
rapidly. Continued strong growth in the worldwide subscriber base and the
convergence of existing and emerging technologies into a single multi-function
handset connected to a wireless web should create significant new opportunities
for the Company. The Company believes that the wireless communications industry
should continue to grow for a number of reasons, including the following:
economic growth, increased service availability and the lower cost of wireless
service compared to conventional landline telephone systems. The Company also
believes that advanced digital technologies have led to increases in the number
of network operators and resellers, which has promoted greater competition for
subscribers and, the Company believes, has resulted in increased demand for
wireless communications products. Finally, the proliferation of new products is
expected to lower prices, increase product selection and expand sales channels.
The Company's revenues grew at a 25.0% compound annual rate for the five
fiscal years ended November 30, 2000, and increased 6.1% for the year ended
November 30, 2000, compared to the prior fiscal year. The Company generated
79.8% of its revenues in 2000 from operations conducted outside the United
States.
2
Cautionary Statements
The Company's success will depend upon, among other things, its ability to
maintain its operating margins, continue to secure an adequate supply of
competitive products on a timely basis and on commercially reasonable terms,
service its indebtedness and meet covenant requirements, secure adequate
financial resources, continually turn its inventories and accounts receivable,
successfully manage growth (including monitoring operations, controlling costs,
maintaining adequate information systems and effective inventory and credit
controls), manage operations that are geographically dispersed, achieve
significant penetration in existing and new geographic markets, and hire, train
and retain qualified employees who can effectively manage and operate its
business.
The Company's foreign operations are subject to various political and
economic risks including, but not limited to, the following: political
instability; economic instability; currency controls; currency devaluations;
exchange rate fluctuations; potentially unstable channels of distribution;
increased credit risks; export control laws that might limit the markets the
Company can enter; inflation; changes in laws related to foreign ownership of
businesses abroad; foreign tax laws; changes in cost of and access to capital;
changes in import/export regulations, including enforcement policies; "gray
market" resales; and tariff and freight rates. Political and other factors
beyond the control of the Company, including trade disputes among nations or
internal political or economic instability in any nation where the Company
conducts business, could have a material adverse effect on the Company.
The Company's consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes,
which include certain business segment and geographic information, are in Part
IV.
Asia-Pacific Region
The Company believes that in the Asia-Pacific Region, primarily in the
PRC, demand for wireless communications services has been and should continue to
be driven by an unsatisfied demand for basic phone service due to the lack of
adequate landline service and limited wireless penetration. The Company believes
that wireless systems in this region offer a more attractive alternative to
landline systems because wireless systems do not require the substantial amount
of time and investment in infrastructure (in the form of buried or overhead
cables) associated with landline systems. Based on these and other factors, as
well as the large population base and economic growth in this region, the
Company believes that phone users should increasingly use wireless systems.
The Company offers wireless handsets and accessories manufactured by
Original Equipment Manufacturers ("OEMs"), such as Motorola, LG and Nokia, and
aftermarket accessories manufactured by a variety of suppliers. Throughout the
Asia-Pacific Region, CellStar acts as a wholesale distributor of wireless
handsets to large and small volume purchasers.
CellStar (Asia) Corporation Limited ("CellStar Asia"), the oldest of the
Company's business units in the region, derives its revenue principally from
wholesale sales of wireless handsets to Hong Kong-based companies that ship
these products to the remainder of the PRC and Taiwan.
Shanghai CellStar International Trading Company, Ltd. ("CellStar
Shanghai"), a wholly-owned, limited liability foreign trade company established
in Shanghai, PRC, commenced domestic wholesale operations in the PRC in 1997
using a local commodities exchange market as an intermediary, pursuant to an
experimental initiative permitting market access as authorized by the Shanghai
municipal government. CellStar Shanghai purchases wireless handsets locally
manufactured by Motorola and Nokia and wholesales those products to distributors
and retailers located throughout the PRC. CellStar Shanghai has also entered
into cooperative arrangements with certain local distributors that allow them to
establish wholesale and retail operations using CellStar's trademarks. Under the
terms of such arrangements, CellStar Shanghai provides services, sales support,
training and access to promotional materials for use in their operations. As a
result of these cooperative arrangements, more than 1,000 retail points of
sale in the PRC display the CellStar name and trademarks. In exchange, those
distributors agree to purchase most of their requirements of wireless handsets
from CellStar Shanghai.
3
CellStar Shanghai currently deals with numerous local distributors, including
distributors located in the ten largest metropolitan areas in the PRC. CellStar
Shanghai leases warehouse, showroom and office space in the Pudong district of
Shanghai, as well as two other warehouses in Beijing and Guangzhou.
Although the Company's business in the Asia-Pacific Region is
predominantly wholesale, retail operations are also conducted in Singapore,
Malaysia and Taiwan. The Company has historically acted through wholly-owned
subsidiaries in each of the countries in this region; however, some of the
retail operations may be owned jointly with local partners, depending on the
market and regulatory environment in the host country.
The Company commenced operations in Taiwan in 1995. In 1999, the Company
entered into a strategic alliance with Arcoa Communications Co., Ltd. ("Arcoa"),
the largest telecommunications retail store chain in Taiwan. As a result of this
alliance, the Company became the primary supplier of Motorola-licensed handsets
and accessories to Arcoa's more than 400 retail outlets in Taiwan. In January
2000, the Company strengthened its relationship with Arcoa by acquiring 3.5% of
the issued and outstanding common stock of Arcoa. The Company entered the
Singapore, The Philippines and Malaysia markets in 1995 and conducts wholesale
and retail operations in each country. In Malaysia, the Company is a minority
partner (49%) in a joint venture. Due to the continuing deterioration in the
Malaysia market, the Company intends to divest its ownership interest in the
Malaysia joint venture in 2001. In 2000, the Company established a wholly-owned
subsidiary in Japan and an 80% owned subsidiary in Korea to locate and purchase
product and to develop relationships with local handset manufacturers in those
areas.
The following table outlines the Company's entry into the Asia-Pacific
Region:
Year Type of Operation (as of
Country Entered November 30, 2000)
------- ------- ------------------
Hong Kong 1993 Wholesale
Singapore 1995 Wholesale and Retail
The Philippines 1995 Wholesale
Malaysia 1995 Wholesale and Retail
Taiwan 1995 Wholesale and Retail
People's Republic of China 1997 Wholesale
Japan 2000 Purchasing
Korea 2000 Purchasing
At November 30, 2000, the Company sold its products to over 200 wholesale
customers in the Asia-Pacific Region (excluding customers of the Company's
Malaysia joint venture), the ten largest of which accounted for approximately
23% of the Company's consolidated revenues in fiscal 2000. The Company offers a
broad product mix compatible with digital systems in the Asia-Pacific Region and
anticipates that its product offerings will continue to expand with the
evolution of new technologies as they become commercially viable.
The Company markets its products to a variety of wholesale purchasers,
including retailers, exporters and wireless carriers, through its direct sales
force and through trade shows. To penetrate local markets in certain countries,
the Company has made use of subagent and license relationships.
Latin American Region
As in the Asia-Pacific Region, the Company believes that demand for
wireless communications services in the Latin American Region has been and
should continue to be driven by an unsatisfied demand for basic phone service
due to the lack of adequate landline service and to limited wireless
penetration. The Company believes that wireless systems in this region offer a
more attractive alternative to landline systems because wireless systems do not
require the substantial amount of time and investment in infrastructure (in the
form of buried or overhead cables) associated with landline systems. Based on
these and other factors, as well as the large population base and economic
growth in this region, the Company believes that phone users should increasingly
use wireless communications systems.
4
The Company in the Latin American Region offers wireless communications
handsets, related accessories and other wireless products manufactured by OEMs,
such as Motorola, Nokia, Samsung, Kyocera and Ericsson, and aftermarket
accessories manufactured by a variety of suppliers to carriers, mass
merchandisers and other retailers. The Company, through its Miami, Florida
("Miami") operations, acts as a wholesale distributor of wireless communications
products in the Latin American Region to large volume purchasers, such as
wireless carriers, as well as to smaller volume purchasers. As a result, the
Company's Miami operations are included in the Latin American Region.
In the quarter ended May 31, 2000, the Company began phasing out a major
portion of its redistributor business in Miami due to the volatility of such
business, the relatively lower margins and higher credit risks. Redistributors
are distributors without existing direct relationships with manufacturers and
without long-term carrier or dealer/agent relationships. Such distributors
purchase product on a spot basis to fulfill intermittent customer demand and do
not have a long-term predictable product demand. Due to the reduction in the
redistributor business and the increased availability of in-country manufactured
product, the Company has experienced a significant decline in exports from its
Miami operation and intends to restructure or consolidate its Miami operation
in 2001.
Although the Company's business in the Latin American Region is
predominantly wholesale and value-added fulfillment services, retail operations
are conducted by the Company in all countries. On November 30, 2000, the Company
operated 34 retail locations (including kiosks) in the Latin American Region,
the majority of which are located in Mexico. The Company has historically acted
through wholly-owned subsidiaries in each of the countries in this region. From
1998 until August 2000, the Company conducted its operations in Brazil primarily
through a majority owned (51%) joint venture. After a review of its Brazil
operations, the Company decided in the quarter ended May 31, 2000 to exit the
Brazil market and divest its 51% interest in the joint venture based on the
joint venture structure, foreign exchange risk, high cost of capital,
alternative uses of capital, accumulated losses, and the prospect of ongoing
losses. The Company completed divestiture of its 51% joint venture on August 25,
2000.
The Company decided during the quarter ended August 31, 2000, based on
the current and future economic and political outlook in Venezuela, to divest
its operations in Venezuela. The Company exited the Venezuela market on December
26, 2000.
The following table outlines the Company's entry into the Latin American
Region:
Year Type of Operation (as of
Country Entered November 30, 2000)
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Mexico 1991 Wholesale and Retail
Chile 1993 Wholesale and Retail
Venezuela 1993 Wholesale and Retail (Exited Venezuela
December 26, 2000)
Colombia 1994 Wholesale and Retail
Argentina 1995 Wholesale and Retail
Peru 1998 Wholesale and Retail
At November 30, 2000, the Company sold its products to over 1,450
wholesale customers in the Latin American Region, the ten largest of which
accounted for approximately 15% of the Company's consolidated revenues in fiscal
2000. The Company offers a broad product mix in the Latin American Region,
including products that are compatible with digital and analog systems, and
anticipates that its product offerings will continue to expand with the
evolution of new technologies as they become commercially viable.
The Company markets its products through direct sales and advertising. In
all markets except Peru, the Company uses direct mailings and newspapers to
promote its retail operations. To penetrate local markets, the Company has made
use of subagent relationships in certain countries.
5
European Region
The Company acts as a wholesale distributor of wireless communications
products in the European Region to large volume purchasers, such as large
wireless carriers, as well as to smaller volume purchasers. The Company uses
distribution facilities in Manchester, England, Stockholm, Sweden, and
Amsterdam, The Netherlands, to serve customers in the European Region. The
Company in the European Region offers wireless communications handsets, related
accessories and other wireless products manufactured by OEMs such as Motorola,
Nokia, and Ericsson, and aftermarket accessories manufactured by a variety of
suppliers to carriers, mass merchandisers and other retailers. In 1999, the
Company acquired Montana Telecommunications Group, B.V. in The Netherlands to
expand the Company's sales and market presence in The Netherlands, Belgium and
Luxembourg. In the third quarter of 2000, the Company completed the sale of its
operations in Poland.
In April 2000, the Company curtailed a significant portion of its U.K.
international trading operations following third party theft and fraud losses.
Trading in wireless handsets involves the purchase of wireless handsets from
sources other than the manufacturers or network operators (i.e., trading
companies) and the sale of those handsets to other trading companies. The
curtailment in the Company's trading activities had a significant impact on
revenues and profit for the Company's U.K. operation and on the European Region
as a whole.
The Company's largest wholesale customers in the region are wireless
carriers. Although the Company's business in the European Region is
predominantly wholesale, it has one retail location in The Netherlands. The
Company has historically acted through wholly-owned subsidiaries in each of the
countries in this region.
The following table outlines the Company's entry into the European Region:
Year Type of Operation (as of
Country Entered November 30, 2000)
------- ------- ------------------
United Kingdom 1996 Wholesale
Sweden 1998 Wholesale
The Netherlands 1999 Wholesale and Retail
At November 30, 2000, the Company sold its products to over 1,050
wholesale customers in the European Region, the ten largest of which accounted
for approximately 4% of the Company's consolidated revenues in fiscal 2000. The
Company offers a broad product mix compatible with digital systems in the
European Region and anticipates that its product offerings will continue to
expand with the evolution of new technologies as they become commercially
viable.
The Company markets its products through direct sales and advertising. In
The Netherlands, the Company primarily uses direct mailings and newspapers to
promote its retail operations.
6
North American Region
In the United States, wireless communications services were developed as
an alternative to conventional landline systems and have been among the fastest
growing market segments in the communications industry. The Company believes
that the U.S. market for wireless services should continue to expand due to the
increasing affordability and availability of such services and shorter
development cycles for new products and product and service enhancements. In
addition, many wireless service providers are upgrading their existing systems
from analog to digital technology as a result of capacity constraints in many of
the larger wireless markets and to respond to competition. Digital technology
offers certain advantages, such as improved overall average signal quality,
improved call security, lower incremental costs for additional subscribers, and
the ability to provide data transmission services.
At November 30, 2000, the Company sold its products to over 1,250
customers in the North American Region, the ten largest of which accounted for
approximately 10% of the Company's consolidated revenues in fiscal 2000. The
Company offers wireless handsets and accessories manufactured by OEMs, such as
Motorola, Ericsson, Nokia, Kyocera, Sony Electronics Inc. ("Sony") and NEC
Corporation ("NEC") and aftermarket accessories manufactured by a variety of
suppliers. The Company's distribution operations and value-added services
complement these manufacturer distribution channels by allowing these
manufacturers to sell and distribute their products to smaller volume purchasers
and retailers.
The Company offers a broad product mix in the United States, including
products that are compatible with digital and analog systems and anticipates
that its product offerings will continue to expand with the evolution of new
technologies as they become commercially viable.
The Company continues to develop and enhance the functionality of its AOS
On-Line and netXtremeSM programs. These programs are proprietary, Internet-based
order entry and supply chain services software and systems designed to assist
the Company's customers in the submission of orders, the tracking of such orders
and the analysis of business activities with the Company. AOS On-Line and
netXtreme greatly enhance a customer's ability to actively manage its
inventories and reduce supply chain delays. In addition, the Company assists
customers in developing e-commerce platforms and solutions designed to enhance
sales and reduce product delivery and activation delays.
As of November 30, 2000, the Company operates two retail locations in the
United States--one in Austin, Texas, and one in Houston, Texas.
7
Industry Relationships
The Company has established strong relationships with leading wireless
equipment manufacturers and wireless service carriers. Although the Company
purchased its products from more than 15 suppliers in fiscal 2000, the majority
of the Company's purchases were from Motorola, Nokia, Ericsson, LG, Samsung and
Kyocera. For the year ended November 30, 2000, Motorola accounted for
approximately 46% of the Company's product purchases.
The Company has various supply contracts with terms of approximately one
year with Motorola, Nokia, Ericsson, Samsung, Kyocera, NEC, LG and Sony that
specify territories, minimum purchase levels, pricing and payment terms. These
contracts typically provide the Company with "price protection," or the right to
receive the benefit of price decreases on products currently in the Company's
inventory if such products were purchased by the Company within a specified
period of time prior to the effective date of the price decrease.
The Company's expansion has been due to several factors, one of which is
its relationship with Motorola, historically one of the largest manufacturers of
wireless products in the world and the Company's largest supplier. In July 1995,
Motorola purchased a split-adjusted 2,089,312 shares of the outstanding common
stock of the Company. The Company believes that its relationship with Motorola
and its other suppliers should enable it to continue to offer a wide variety of
wireless communications products in all markets. While the Company believes that
its relationship with Motorola and other significant vendors is satisfactory,
there can be no assurance that these relationships will continue.
The loss of Motorola or any other significant vendor or a substantial
price increase imposed by any vendor or a shortage or oversupply of product
available from its vendors could have a materially adverse impact on the
Company. No assurance can be given that product shortages or product surplus
will not occur in the future.
Asset Management
The Company continues to invest in and focus on technology to improve
financial and information control systems. During 2000, the Company continued to
make progress on several information technology initiatives: (i) implementation
and rollout of data mart and decision support applications to improve sales and
inventory analysis, (ii) upgrades to the corporate headquarter network backbone
including enhanced redundancy and failover infrastructure as part of 24x7x365
availability, (iii) implementation of a common electronic mail and groupware
solution worldwide, (iv) implementation of remote access and computing for all
traveling workforce, and (v) upgrade of all internet security and electronic
commerce platforms. Key efforts for 2001 include: (i) increasing electronic
commerce capabilities through the rollout of additional features in the
Company's AOS On-Line system designed to support end user fulfillment; (ii)
expansion of internet-based commerce to international markets; (iii) increasing
XML-based catalog and order management capabilities; and (iv) rollout of data
mart and reporting applications to international customers. These initiatives
will continue to position the Company to take advantage of the market trends
with internet-based commerce and further provide opportunities to integrate the
Company's systems with their customers' systems.
The Company purchases its products from more than 15 suppliers that ship
directly to the Company's warehouse or distribution facilities. Inventory
purchases are based on quality, price, service, market demand, product
availability and brand recognition. Certain of the Company's major vendors
provide favorable purchasing terms to the Company, including price protection
credits, stock balancing, increased product availability and cooperative
advertising and marketing allowances. The Company provides stock balancing to
certain of its customers.
8
Inventory control is important to the Company's ability to maintain its
margins while offering its customers competitive prices and rapid delivery of a
wide variety of products. The Company uses its integrated management information
technology systems, specifically its inventory management, electronic purchase
order and sales modules (AOS On-Line and netXtreme), to help manage inventory
and sales margins.
Typically, the Company ships its products within 24 hours from receipt of
customer orders and, therefore, backlog is not considered material to the
Company's business.
The market for wireless products is characterized by rapidly changing
technology and frequent new product introductions, often resulting in product
obsolescence or short product life cycles. The Company's success depends in
large part upon its ability to anticipate and adapt its business to such
technological changes. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able
to identify, obtain and offer products necessary to remain competitive or that
competitors or manufacturers of wireless communications products will not market
products that have perceived advantages over the Company's products or that
render the products sold by the Company obsolete or less marketable. The Company
maintains a significant investment in its product inventory and, therefore, is
subject to the risks of inventory obsolescence and excessive inventory levels.
The Company attempts to limit these risks by managing inventory turns and by
entering into arrangements with its vendors, including price protection credits
and return privileges for slow-moving products. The Company's significant
inventory investment in its international operations exposes it to certain
political and economic risks. See "Item 1. Business--Cautionary Statements" and
"Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations--International Operations."
Significant Trademarks
The Company markets certain of its products under the trade name CellStar.
The Company has registered its trade name on the Principal Register of the
United States Patent and Trademark Office and has registered or applied for
registration of its trade name in certain foreign jurisdictions. The Company
also has filed for registrations of its other trade names in the United States
and other jurisdictions where it does business.
Competition
The Company operates in a highly competitive environment and believes that
such competition will intensify in the future. The Company competes primarily on
the basis of inventory availability and selection, delivery time, service and
price. Many of the Company's competitors are larger and have greater capital and
management resources than the Company. In addition, potential users of wireless
systems may find their communications needs satisfied by other current and
developing technologies. The Company's ability to remain competitive will
therefore depend upon its ability to anticipate and adapt its business to such
technological changes. There can be no assurance that the Company will be
successful in anticipating and adapting to such technological changes.
In the current U.S. wireless communications products market, the Company's
primary competitors are manufacturers, wireless carriers and other independent
distributors such as Brightpoint, Inc. The Company also competes with logistics
companies.
Competitors of the Company in the Asia-Pacific, Latin American and
European Regions include manufacturers, national carriers that have retail
outlets with direct end-user access, and U.S. and foreign-based exporters and
distributors. The Company is also subject to competition from gray market
activities by third parties that are legal, but are not authorized by
manufacturers, or that are illegal (e.g., activities that avoid applicable
duties or taxes). In addition, the Company competes for activation fees and
residual fees with agents and subagents for the wireless carriers.
9
Employees
As of November 30, 2000, the Company had approximately 1,300 employees
worldwide. In Mexico and Argentina, approximately 220 employees are subject to
labor agreements. The Company has never experienced any material labor
disruption and is unaware of any efforts or plans to organize additional
employees. Management believes that its labor relations are satisfactory.
Executive Officers of the Registrant
The following table sets forth certain information concerning the
executive officers of the Company:
Alan H. Goldfield 57 Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board
Dale H. Allardyce 51 President and Chief Operating Officer
A.S. Horng 43 Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of CellStar
(Asia) Corporation Limited
Austin P. Young 60 Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and
Treasurer
Elaine Flud Rodriguez 44 Senior Vice President, General Counsel and
Secretary
Raymond L. Durham 39 Vice President, Corporate Controller
Alan H. Goldfield is a founder of the Company and has been the Chairman of
the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the Company since its formation. Mr.
Goldfield served as President of the Company from its formation until March 1995
and from August 1996 until December 1996. Mr. Goldfield serves as an officer and
director of the Company pursuant to his employment agreement.
Dale H. Allardyce has served as the President and Chief Operating Officer
of the Company since November 1999. Previously, Mr. Allardyce served as
Executive Vice President--Operations for ENTEX Information Services, Inc., a
personal computer systems integrator, from February 1995 to December 1998. From
January 1993 to February 1995, Mr. Allardyce served as Senior Vice President of
THORN Americas, Inc., a nationwide chain of rent-to-own stores and a subsidiary
of UK based THORN EMI. From March 1982 to December 1992, Mr. Allardyce was
employed by The Southland Corporation, the owner and operator of a nationwide
convenience store chain, where he served as Vice President of distribution, food
processing and procurement from 1987 to 1992. Mr. Allardyce serves as an officer
of the Company pursuant to his employment agreement.
A.S. Horng has served as Chairman of CellStar Asia since January 1998 and
has also served as Chief Executive Officer of such company since April 1997 and
General Manager since 1993. From April 1997 until January 1998, Mr. Horng served
as Vice Chairman of CellStar Asia, and from April 1997 until October 1997, Mr.
Horng served as President of CellStar Asia. From 1991 to 1993, Mr. Horng was
President of C-Mart USA Corporation, a distributor and manufacturer of
aftermarket wireless phone accessory products. Mr. Horng serves the Company
pursuant to his employment agreement.
Austin P. Young has served as Senior Vice President, Chief Financial
Officer and Treasurer since November 1999. Prior to joining CellStar, Mr. Young
served as a Director and Executive Vice President--Finance and Administration of
Metamor Worldwide, Inc., an information technology and staffing services firm,
from August 1996 until November 1998. He was also Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer of American General Corporation, a diversified insurance
and financial services company, from 1988 to 1996. Before joining American
General, Mr. Young was a partner with KPMG LLP, one of the largest independent
professional accounting firms, where he spent 22 years of his professional
career. Mr. Young serves as an officer of the Company pursuant to his employment
agreement and is a certified public accountant.
Elaine Flud Rodriguez has been Senior Vice President, General Counsel and
Secretary since January 2000. Previously, Ms. Rodriguez served as Vice
President, General Counsel and Secretary since joining the Company in October
1993. From October 1991 to August 1993, she was General Counsel and Secretary of
Zoecon Corporation, a pesticide manufacturer and distributor owned by Sandoz
Ltd. Prior thereto, she was engaged in the private practice
10
of law with Atlas & Hall and Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld. Ms. Rodriguez is
licensed to practice in the states of Texas and Louisiana. Ms. Rodriguez serves
as an officer of the Company pursuant to her employment agreement.
Raymond L. Durham has served as Vice President, Corporate Controller since
February 2001, Corporate Controller from November 1999 until January 2001, and
acting Corporate Controller from July 1999 until November 1999. From March 1997
until July 1999, Mr. Durham served as Director of Audit Services for the
Company. Prior to joining the Company, he was with KPMG LLP, one of the largest
independent professional accounting firms, from 1986 until 1997 where he held
several positions including Audit Senior Manager from 1990 until 1997. Mr.
Durham is a certified public accountant.
The Company's success is substantially dependent on the efforts of Alan H.
Goldfield, its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and certain other of the
Company's executive officers and key employees. The loss or interruption of the
continued full-time service of Mr. Goldfield or other of the Company's executive
officers and key employees could materially and adversely affect the Company's
business. Although the Company has entered into employment agreements with Mr.
Goldfield and several other officers and employees, there can be no assurance
that the Company will be able to retain their services. The Company does not
maintain key man insurance on the life of Mr. Goldfield or any other officer of
the Company. To support its continued growth, the Company will be required to
effectively recruit, develop and retain additional qualified management. The
inability of the Company to attract and retain such necessary personnel could
also have a materially adverse effect on the Company.
Item 2. Properties
As of November 30, 2000, the Company had a total of 29 operating
facilities in the Asia-Pacific Region (including kiosks, but not including
facilities of the Company's Malaysia joint venture), 28 of which were leased,
a total of 53 operating facilities in the Latin American Region (including
kiosks), all of which were leased, and a total of 6 operating facilities in
the European Region (including kiosks), all of which were leased. These
facilities serve as offices, warehouses, distribution centers or retail
locations.
The Company's corporate headquarters and principal North American Region
distribution facility is located at 1730 and 1728 Briercroft Court in
Carrollton, Texas. Both facilities are owned by the Company. As of November 30,
2000, the Company had three other operating facilities in the North American
Region, all of which were leased.
The Company believes that suitable additional space will be available, if
necessary, to accommodate future expansion of its operations.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
During the period from May 1999 through July 1999, seven purported class
action lawsuits were filed in the United States District Court for the Southern
District of Florida, Miami Division, styled as follows: (1) Elfie Echavarri v.
CellStar Corporation, Alan H. Goldfield, Richard M. Gozia and Mark Q. Huggins;
(2) Mark Krug v. CellStar Corporation, Alan H. Goldfield, Richard M. Gozia and
Mark Q. Huggins; (3) Jewell Wright v. CellStar Corporation, Alan H. Goldfield,
Richard M. Gozia and Mark Q. Huggins; (4) Theodore Weiss v. CellStar
Corporation, Alan H. Goldfield, Richard M. Gozia and Mark Q. Huggins; (5) Tony
LaBella v. CellStar Corporation, Alan H. Goldfield, Richard M. Gozia and Mark Q.
Huggins; (6) Thomas F. Petrone v. CellStar Corporation, Alan H. Goldfield,
Richard M. Gozia and Mark Q. Huggins; and (7) Adele Brody v. CellStar
Corporation, Alan H. Goldfield, Richard M. Gozia and Mark Q. Huggins. Each of
the above lawsuits sought certification as a class action to represent those
persons who purchased the publicly traded securities of the Company during the
period from March 19, 1998, to September 21, 1998. Each of these lawsuits
alleges that the Company issued a series of materially false and misleading
statements concerning the Company's results of operations and investment in Topp
Telecom, Inc. ("Topp") resulting in violations of Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and Rule
10b-5 promulgated thereunder.
11
The Court entered an order on September 26, 1999 consolidating the above
lawsuits and appointing lead plaintiffs and lead plaintiffs' counsel. On
November 8, 1999, the lead plaintiffs filed a consolidated complaint. The
Company filed a Motion to Dismiss the consolidated complaint and the Court
granted that motion on August 3, 2000. The plaintiffs filed a Second Amended and
Consolidated Complaint on September 1, 2000, essentially re-alleging the
violations of Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act, and Rule 10b-5
promulgated thereunder. The Company filed a Motion to Dismiss plaintiffs' Second
Amended and Consolidated Complaint on November 2, 2000, but the Court has not
yet rendered a decision. The Company believes that it has fully complied with
all applicable securities laws and regulations and that it has meritorious
defenses to the allegations made in the Second Amended and Consolidated
Complaint. The Company intends to vigorously defend the consolidated action if
its Motion to Dismiss is denied.
On August 3, 1998, the Company announced that the Securities and Exchange
Commission is conducting an investigation of the Company relating to its
compliance with federal securities laws. The Company believes that it has fully
complied with all securities laws and regulations and is cooperating with the
Commission staff in its investigation.
The Company is a party to various other claims, legal actions and
complaints arising in the ordinary course of business.
Management believes that the disposition of these matters will not have
a materially adverse effect on the consolidated financial condition or results
of operations of the Company.
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
There were no matters submitted to a vote of the Company's security
holders during the fiscal quarter ended November 30, 2000.
12
PART II.
Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters
The Company's common stock is quoted on the NASDAQ Stock Market under the
symbol "CLST." The following table sets forth, on a per share basis for the
periods indicated, the high and low closing sale prices for the common stock as
reported by the NASDAQ Stock Market.
High Low
---- ---
Fiscal Year ended November 30, 2000
Quarter Ended:
February 29, 2000 $11.500 8.188
May 31, 2000 9.375 2.438
August 31, 2000 4.000 2.156
November 30, 2000 4.375 1.656
Fiscal Year ended November 30, 1999
Quarter Ended:
February 28, 1999 $12.500 6.219
May 31, 1999 12.688 6.313
August 31, 1999 9.063 5.250
November 30, 1999 10.438 5.500
As of February 23, 2001, there were 272 stockholders of record, although
the Company believes that the number of beneficial owners is significantly
greater than that number because a large number of shares are held of record by
CEDE & Co.
The Company has never declared or paid cash dividends on its common stock.
The Company currently intends to retain all earnings to finance the continued
growth and development of its business and does not anticipate paying cash
dividends on the common stock in the foreseeable future. Any future
determination as to the payment of cash dividends will depend on a number of
factors, including future earnings, capital requirements, the financial
condition and prospects of the Company and any restrictions under the Company's
credit agreements existing from time to time, as well as other factors the Board
of Directors may deem relevant. The Company's current multicurrency revolving
credit facility restricts the payment of dividends by the Company to its
stockholders. There can be no assurance that the Company will pay any dividends
in the future.
13
Item 6. Selected Consolidated Financial Data
The financial data presented below, as of and for each of the years in the
five-year period ended November 30, 2000, were derived from the Company's
audited financial statements. The selected consolidated financial data should be
read in conjunction with "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations," and the Company's Consolidated
Financial Statements and Notes thereto, included elsewhere herein.
Year Ended November 30,
-------------------------------------------------------------------
2000 1999 1998 1997 1996
------------ ----------- ---------- ---------- ----------
(In thousands, except per share data and operating data)
Statements of Operations Data:
Revenues $2,475,682 2,333,805 1,995,850 1,482,814 947,601
Cost of sales 2,358,654 2,140,375 1,823,075 1,325,488 810,000
------------ ----------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Gross profit 117,028 193,430 172,775 157,326 137,601
Operating expenses:
Selling, general and administrative expenses 169,232 111,613 116,747 81,319 135,585
Impairment of assets 12,339 5,480 - - -
Lawsuit settlement - - 7,577 - -
Restructuring charge (157) 3,639 - - -
------------ ----------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Operating income (loss) (64,386) 72,698 48,451 76,007 2,016
Other income (expense):
Interest expense (19,113) (19,027) (14,446) (7,776) (8,350)
Equity in income (loss) of affiliated companies, net (1,805) 31,933 (28,448) 465 (219)
Gain on sale of assets 6,200 8,774 - - 128
Other, net 932 (1,876) 1,389 2,260 (441)
------------ ----------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total other income (expense) (13,786) 19,804 (41,505) (5,051) (8,882)
------------ ----------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Income (loss) before income taxes (78,172) 92,502 6,946 70,956 (6,866)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes (18,761) 23,415 (7,418) 17,323 (453)
------------ ----------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net income (loss) $ (59,411) 69,087 14,364 53,633 (6,413)
============ =========== ========== ========== ==========
Net income (loss) per share: (1)
Basic $ (0.99) 1.16 0.24 0.92 (0.11)
Diluted $ (0.99) 1.12 0.24 0.89 (0.11)
Weighted average number of shares: (1)
Basic 60,131 59,757 58,865 58,144 57,821
Diluted 60,131 65,589 60,656 60,851 57,821
Operating Data:
International revenues, including export sales,
as a percentage of revenues 79.8% 83.8 76.3 66.7 64.0
At November 30,
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2000 1999 1998 1997 1996
------------ --------------- --------------- ---------- -------------
(In thousands)
Balance Sheet Data:
Working capital $269,923 332,841 259,923 259,954 71,365
Total assets 856,829 706,438 775,525 497,111 298,551
Notes payable to financial institutions
and current portion of long-term debt 127,128 50,609 85,023 - 56,704
Long-term debt, less current portion 150,000 150,000 150,000 150,000 6,285
Stockholders' equity 189,131 250,524 177,791 160,865 104,263
(1) Common stock amounts have been retroactively adjusted to give effect to a
two-for-one stock split, which was made in the form of a stock dividend
distributed on June 23, 1998 and a three-for-two stock split, which was
made in the form of a stock dividend distributed on June 17, 1997.
14
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations
Overview
CellStar is a leading global provider of distribution and value-added
logistics services to the wireless communications industry, with operations in
Asia-Pacific, Latin America, North America and Europe. CellStar facilitates the
effective and efficient distribution of handsets, related accessories and other
wireless products from leading manufacturers to network operators, agents,
resellers, dealers and retailers. In many of its markets, CellStar provides
activation services that generate new subscribers for its wireless carrier
customers. From 1996 through 2000, the Company's revenues grew from $947.6
million to $2,475.7 million. Sales of wireless communications products have
increased primarily as a result of greater market penetration due in part to
decreasing unit prices and service costs. During 2000, the Company divested its
majority interest in its Brazil joint venture, announced its intent to divest
its Venezuela operations, phased out a major portion of its North America and
Miami redistributor business, and substantially reduced its international
trading operations conducted by its U.K. subsidiary. In addition, the Company
experienced a decline in gross margins in 2000 primarily due to competitive
margin pressures and a shift in geographic revenue mix. The Company also
experienced an increase in bad debt expense of $41.1 million in 2000. As a
result, the Company incurred a net loss of $0.99 per diluted share in 2000,
compared to net income of $1.12 per diluted share in 1999.
The Company derives substantially all revenues from net product sales,
which includes sales of handsets and other wireless communications products. The
Company also derives revenues from value-added services, including activations,
residual income, and prepaid wireless services. Value-added service revenues
include fulfillment service fees, handling fees and assembly revenues.
Activation income includes commissions paid by a wireless carrier to the Company
when a customer initially subscribes for the carrier's wireless service through
the Company. Residual income includes payments received from carriers based on
the wireless handset usage by a customer activated by the Company.
Special Cautionary Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Certain of the matters discussed under the captions "Business,"
"Properties," "Legal Proceedings," "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations," and elsewhere in this report may
constitute "forward-looking" statements for purposes of the Securities Act of
1933, as amended, and the Exchange Act and, as such, may involve known and
unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual
results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different
from future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such
forward-looking statements. When used in this report, the words "anticipates,"
"estimates," "believes," "continues," "expects," "projections," "forecasts,"
"intends," "may," "might," "could," "should," and similar expressions are
intended to be among the statements that identify forward-looking statements.
Various factors that could cause the actual results, performance or achievements
of the Company to differ materially from the Company's expectations are
disclosed in this report ("Cautionary Statements"), including, without
limitation, those statements made in conjunction with the forward-looking
statements included under the captions identified above and otherwise herein.
All written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to the Company are
expressly qualified in their entirety by the Cautionary Statements.
15
Results of Operations
The following table sets forth certain consolidated statements of
operations data for the Company expressed as a percentage of revenues for the
past three fiscal years:
2000 1999 1998
-------- -------- --------
Revenues 100.0% 100.0 100.0
Cost of sales 95.3 91.7 91.3
-------- -------- --------
Gross profit 4.7 8.3 8.7
Selling, general and administrative expenses 6.8 4.8 5.8
Impairment of assets 0.5 0.2 -
Lawsuit settlement - - 0.4
Restructuring charge - 0.2 -
-------- -------- --------
Operating income (loss) (2.6) 3.1 2.5
Other income (expense):
Interest expense (0.8) (0.8) (0.7)
Equity in income (loss) of affiliated companies, net (0.1) 1.4 (1.4)
Gain on sale of assets 0.3 0.4 -
Other, net - (0.1) -
-------- -------- --------
Total other income (expense) (0.6) 0.9 (2.1)
-------- -------- --------
Income (loss) before income taxes (3.2) 4.0 0.4
Provision (benefit) for income taxes (0.8) 1.0 (0.3)
-------- -------- --------
Net income (loss) (2.4)% 3.0 0.7
======== ======== ========
The amount of revenues and the approximate percentages of revenues
attributable to the Company's operations by region for the past three fiscal
years are shown below:
2000 1999 1998
------------------------------ ------------------------------- -----------------------------
(Dollars in thousands)
Asia-Pacific Region $1,024,762 41.4 % 769,412 33.0 513,869 25.7
Latin American Region 636,354 25.7 717,273 30.7 705,624 35.4
North American Region 499,171 20.2 377,129 16.2 472,837 23.7
European Region 315,395 12.7 469,991 20.1 303,520 15.2
-------------- ----------- --------------- ------------ ------------ -------------
Total $2,475,682 100.0 % 2,333,805 100.0 1,995,850 100.0
============== =========== =============== ============ ============ =============
Revenues from the Company's Miami operation have been classified as Latin
American Region revenues as these revenues are primarily exports to South
American countries, either by the Company or by exporter customers.
16
Fiscal 2000 Compared to Fiscal 1999
Revenues. The Company's revenues increased $141.9 million, or 6.1% from
$2,333.8 million to $2,475.7 million.
Revenues in the Asia-Pacific Region increased $255.4 million, or 33.2%
from $769.4 million to $1,024.8 million. The Company's operations in the PRC,
including Hong Kong, provided $725.4 million in revenue, an increase of $196.8
million, or 37.2% from $528.6 million. This increase continued to be driven by
the strong demand in the PRC and the build-up of sales channels. The Company's
operations in Taiwan provided $207.7 million in revenue, an increase of $20.3
million, or 10.8%, from $187.4 million. Demand in Taiwan increased due to the
introduction of new high-end handsets. However, Taiwan's growth was impacted
negatively in the fourth quarter of 2000 by political uncertainty in the country
and concern about Taiwan's relationship with the PRC. Taiwan's fourth quarter
2000 revenues of $44.2 million were its lowest quarterly revenues since the
first quarter of 1999 when revenues were $27.0 million. In The Philippines,
revenues increased $33.5 million to $48.7 million due to carrier promotions and
receipt by the Company in the fourth quarter of 1999 of certain distribution
rights to Nokia products in The Philippines. The growth rate over 1999, however,
decreased in the second half of 2000. Revenues in the second half of 2000 were
$17.7 million reflecting the slowdown in the Philippine economy. Revenues in
Singapore were $42.9 million in 2000 compared to $38.3 million in 1999.
The Latin American Region provided $636.4 million of revenues, compared to
$717.3 million, a decrease of $80.9 million, or 11.3%. Revenues in Mexico
increased $154.3 million to $383.3 million in 2000 due primarily to increased
carrier business. Revenues for Brazil were down $153.2 million in 2000 to $40.6
million. In 1999, the recently completed privatization of the telecommunications
industry was driving rapid growth in carrier sales in Brazil. In 2000, sales to
the Company's major customer in Brazil were greatly reduced due to the increased
availability of in-country manufactured product. In August 2000, the Company
completed the divestiture of its 51% interest in its Brazil operations (see
"International Operations"). Revenues from the Venezuela operations declined
$40.4 million in 2000 to $36.6 million. The decline was a result of the effects
of the torrential floods in late 1999, the positive impact on last year's first
quarter of a special carrier promotion, and market softness in 2000 caused by
political and economic instability. In the third quarter 2000, the Company
decided to exit its Venezuela operations and completed its sale of that
operation in December 2000 (see "International Operations"). Revenues from the
Company's operations in Miami decreased $75.1 million to $79.1 million in 2000
as increased product availability from in-country manufacturers in Latin America
continued to reduce export sales from Miami. The Company began phasing out a
major portion of its redistributor business in its Miami and North American
operations in the second quarter 2000, due to the volatility of the
redistributor business, the relatively lower margins, and higher credit risks.
Also, supply shortages in the third and fourth quarters of 1999 significantly
weakened the redistributor channel, reducing the number of financially viable
redistributors and creating operating and financial difficulties for others.
Revenues from the redistributor business for Miami and North America were $57.4
million and $158.6 million in 2000 and 1999, respectively. Due to the reduction
in the redistributor business and the decline in export sales, the Company
intends to restructure or consolidate its Miami operation in 2001. Revenues in
Colombia increased $32.1 million to $48.1 million primarily reflecting increased
carrier activity business in the fourth quarter of 2000. Combined revenues from
the operations in Argentina, Chile, and Peru increased from $47.1 million in
1999 to $48.6 million in 2000.
North America Region revenues were $499.2 million, up 32.4% from $377.1
million for the prior year. U.S. revenues continued to benefit from strong
promotional activity by several customers, as well as the addition of new
customers and expanded markets. In the first quarter of 2001, the Company
converted a major U.S. account to a consignment basis with fulfillment fees,
which will reduce revenue potential for 2001 by approximately $100 million, but
will also reduce inventory risk and the need for working capital.
The Company's Europe Region recorded revenues of $315.4 million, a
decrease of $154.6 million, or 32.9% from $470.0 million, primarily due to the
Company's decision to curtail its U.K. international trading operations in April
2000 (see "International Operations"). Revenues from Sweden increased $6.7
million to $118.7 million in 2000. Revenues from operations in The Netherlands,
which were acquired in the third quarter of 1999, were $30.7 million. The
Company sold its operations in Poland in the third quarter of 2000.
17
Gross Profit. Gross profit decreased $76.4 million, or 39.5% from $193.4
million to $117.0 million. The decrease in gross profit can be attributed to a
shift in geographic revenue mix, shortages of digital handsets in North America,
and global industry price competition, including an oversupply of analog
handsets in North America and an oversupply of handsets in the Asia-Pacific
Region during parts of 2000. The Company's commitment to defend market share in
the face of intense global industry price competition, particularly in the
Asia-Pacific Region, also negatively impacted the gross margin percentage. Based
on 1999's handset shortages and industry forecasts of higher demand,
manufacturers significantly increased production in 2000. However, worldwide
handset sales, while significantly higher in 2000, were still below industry
forecasts. This resulted in a surplus of product during parts of 2000 driving
stronger-than-usual competition for market share, mainly in the Asia-Pacific
Region and to a lesser extent in the Latin American Region. The decrease in
gross profit is also partially due to $32.3 million in inventory obsolescence
caused primarily by price declines during the second quarter and $3.2 million in
third party theft and fraud losses related to the U.K. international trading
operations, also in the second quarter.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general and
administrative expenses increased $57.6 million, or 51.6% from $111.6 million to
$169.2 million. This increase was primarily due to bad debt expense of $51.5
million, up from $10.4 million for 1999. This bad debt expense related to: (i)
certain U.S.-based accounts receivable from Brazilian importers, the
collectibility of which deteriorated significantly in the second quarter of
2000, and which were further affected by the Company's decision to divest its
majority interest in its joint venture in Brazil; (ii) accounts receivable from
redistributors, many of which were impacted by the supply shortage in 1999 and
were also further affected by the phase out of a major portion of the
redistributor business in the Company's Miami and North America operations;
(iii) accounts receivable in the Asia-Pacific Region whose businesses have been
adversely affected by competitive market conditions in Asia; and (iv) a
receivable in the U.S. from a satellite handset customer. The increase in
selling, general and administrative expenses was also attributable to costs
associated with business expansion activities and professional expenses. Overall
selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenues
increased to 6.8% from 4.8%.
Impairment of Assets. In 2000, the Company decided to exit its Venezuela
operations. The Company recorded a $4.9 million non-cash impairment charge to
reduce the carrying value of certain Venezuela assets, primarily goodwill, to
their estimated fair value. In December 2000, the Company completed the sale of
its Venezuela operations at approximately carrying value. In the fourth quarter
of 2000, the Company recorded a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $6.4
million related to the operations in Peru due to a major carrier customer's
proposed changes to an existing contract that adversely changed the long-term
prospects of the Peru operations. In the fourth quarter of 1999, based on the
market conditions in Poland, the Company decided to sell its operations in
Poland and completed the sale in the third quarter of 2000. The Company recorded
an impairment charge of $5.5 million, including a $4.5 million writedown of
goodwill to reduce the carrying value of the assets in Poland to their estimated
fair value (see "International Operations").
Restructuring Charge. The Company's results of operations include a
pre-tax restructuring charge of $3.6 million in 1999 associated with the
reorganization and consolidation of the management for the Company's Latin
American and North American Regions as well as the centralization of management
in the Asia-Pacific Region.
Equity in Income (Loss) of Affiliated Companies. Equity in income (loss)
of affiliated companies decreased from income of $31.9 million in 1999 to a loss
of $1.8 million in 2000. In 2000, the Company incurred losses of $1.8 million
related to its minority interest in CellStar Amtel Sdn. Bhd. ("Amtel"), a joint
venture in which the Company owns a 49% interest. As a result of the continuing
deterioration in the Malaysia market, the Company has decided to limit further
exposure, currently estimated to be up to $2.5 million, by divesting its
ownership interest in the joint venture in 2001.
In February 1999, the Company sold part of its equity investment in Topp
to a wholly-owned subsidiary of Telefonos de Mexico S.A. de C.V. ("TelMex"). At
the closing, the Company also sold a portion of its debt investment to certain
other shareholders of Topp. As a result of these transactions, the Company
recorded a pre-tax
18
gain of $5.8 million. In September 1999, the Company sold its remaining debt and
equity interest in Topp to the TelMex subsidiary for a pre-tax gain of $26.1
million.
Gain on Sale of Assets. In the third quarter of 2000, the Company recorded
a pre-tax gain of $6.0 million, from the completion of the divestiture of its
51% ownership interest in its Brazil joint venture (see "International
Operations"). During the third quarter of 2000, the Company also completed the
sale of its Poland operations and recognized a pre-tax gain of $0.2 million. In
1999, the Company recorded a pre-tax gain of $8.8 million primarily associated
with the sale of its prepaid operations in Venezuela and the sale of the
Company's retail stores in the Dallas-Fort Worth and Kansas City areas.
Interest Expense. Interest expense increased from $19.0 million in 1999 to
$19.1 million in 2000.
Other, Net. Other, net changed from an expense of $1.9 million to income
of $0.9 million. This change was primarily due to (i) a $2.6 million foreign
currency transaction loss realized in 1999 from the conversion of U.S. dollar
denominated debt in Brazil into a Brazilian real denominated credit facility,
(ii) losses due to the revaluations of foreign currency related to the Company's
European operations in 2000, and (iii) offset by an increase in interest
income.
Income Taxes. Income tax expense decreased from $23.4 million in 1999 to a
benefit of $18.8 million in 2000 due to the losses incurred in 2000. The
Company's effective tax rate decreased to 24.0% from 25.3%. The lower effective
tax rate was attributable to changes in the geographic mix of income (loss)
before income taxes and an increased valuation allowance for capital losses and
carry forwards related to international operations.
Fiscal 1999 Compared to Fiscal 1998
Revenues. The Company's revenues increased $337.9 million, or 16.9% from
$1,995.9 million to $2,333.8 million. Revenue growth in the second half of 1999
was impacted by a global shortage of handsets. Worldwide demand in 1999 was
greater than both manufacturers and component suppliers had anticipated. As a
result, there were continued component and handset shortages for which increased
production capacity, in many instances, required long lead times. The shortages
differed by region of the world, by manufacturer, and by handset model.
Revenues in the Asia-Pacific Region increased $255.5 million, or 49.7%
from $513.9 million to $769.4 million. The Company's operations in the PRC,
including Hong Kong, provided $528.6 million in revenue, an increase of $123.7
million, or 30.6% from $404.9 million. This increase continued to be driven by
the strong demand in the PRC, coupled with a broadened source of product
manufactured in-country and the impact of the PRC's tighter customs controls on
imported products, which began in the third quarter of 1998. The Company's
operations in Taiwan provided the largest percentage growth in the region,
providing $187.4 million in revenue, an increase of $119.0 million, or 174.0%,
from $68.4 million. Demand in Taiwan increased due to the entry of several new
wireless carriers into the market during 1998 as well as the introduction of new
high-end digital handsets. Revenue from the Company's operations in Singapore
and The Philippines increased $12.8 million, or 31.5%, from $40.6 million to
$53.4 million. This increase was due to increased demand for wireless products
as a result of the strengthening of the general economic, financial and currency
conditions in the Southern Asia-Pacific area.
The Latin American Region provided $717.3 million of revenues, compared to
$705.6 million, or a 1.7% increase. Revenues in Brazil, Mexico, Venezuela,
Colombia, and Chile increased $93.9 million, or 94.0%, $84.8 million, or 58.8%,
$25.5 million, or 49.4%, $11.8 million, or 278.7%, and $9.4 million, or 75.4%,
respectively. The increase in Brazil was due to revenue growth in the Company's
majority-owned joint venture, which benefited from the privatization of the
telecommunication industry and the entry of additional carriers into the
wireless market during the latter half of 1998. The increase in Mexico was
largely due to carrier promotions coupled with the introduction of the
calling-party-pays billing process. The increase in Venezuela was a result of
additional handset sales to carriers. The Company was also awarded an exclusive
two-year contract to supply services for prepaid phone kits in connection with
the sale of its prepaid wireless business in Venezuela in March 1999. The
increases in Colombia and Chile are attributable to new contracts with some of
the carriers in those countries and also a carrier
19
promotion in Chile. Revenues in the remainder of the region decreased $213.7
million, or 54.3%, primarily in Miami. The decrease in Miami was due to
increased product availability from in-country suppliers, thereby reducing
export sales from Miami.
The Company's European Region recorded revenues of $470.0 million, an
increase of $166.5 million, or 54.9%, from $303.5 million. This increase
reflected continued growth from the Company's U.K. operation, arising primarily
from its international trading operations, as well as from increased revenues
from the operation in Sweden, which was acquired in the first quarter of 1998,
and partly from the acquisition of CellStar Netherlands in the third quarter of
1999.
North American Region revenues were $377.1 million, a decrease of $95.7
million, or 20.2%, compared to $472.8 million. The decrease was primarily a
result of lower product sales to Pacific Bell Mobile Services ("PBMS") in 1999
as compared to 1998 as PBMS increasingly coordinated its handset distribution
directly with manufacturers. The decrease was also attributable to a continued
decrease in the retail business due to the sale of almost all of the Company's
retail stores in early 1999. The overall decrease in revenues was partially
offset by an increase in the U.S. wholesale business of $30.3 million, or 11.7%.
Gross Profit. Gross profit increased $20.6 million, or 11.9%, from $172.8
million to $193.4 million, while gross profit as a percentage of revenues
decreased from 8.7% to 8.3%. The increase in gross profit was principally due to
increases in the European, North American and Asia-Pacific Regions. The increase
in the European Region was due to the continued growth of the U.K. operation and
the increased revenues from the Company's operation in Sweden and the
Netherlands. The North American Region benefited from improved margins in its
core wholesale business. The overall increase in the Asia-Pacific Region was
primarily due to the increase in Taiwan, which was offset partially by a
decrease in the PRC. The decrease in gross profit as a percentage of revenues
was due primarily to decreases in market prices of certain handsets, the
decision to reduce prices on some slower-moving inventory in the Asia-Pacific
Region to liquidate it during periods of higher demand, and an increase in
revenues from the European Region, which has lower margin percentages than the
Company's other regions.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general and
administrative expenses decreased $5.1 million, or 4.4% from $116.7 million to
$111.6 million. This decrease was primarily attributable to: a decrease in bad
debt expense of $3.2 million, from $13.6 million in 1998 to $10.4 million in
1999; the effects of the second quarter reorganization and consolidation of the
North and Latin American Regions operations and the centralization of management
in the Asia-Pacific Region; and charges in 1998 to de-emphasize or eliminate
certain businesses. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in
costs associated with the Company's revenue growth. Overall selling, general and
administrative expenses as a percentage of revenues decreased to 4.8% from 5.8%.
Bad debt expense as a percentage of revenues decreased to 0.4% in 1999 from 0.7%
in 1998.
Impairment of Assets. Based on the market conditions in Poland, the
Company decided in the fourth quarter of 1999 to sell its operations in Poland.
The Company recorded an impairment charge of $5.5 million, including a $4.5
million writedown of goodwill to reduce the carrying value of the assets to
their estimated fair value.
Restructuring Charge. The Company recognized a restructuring charge of
$3.6 million associated with the reorganization and consolidation of the
management for the Company's Latin American and North American Regions as well
as the centralization of management in the Asia-Pacific Region.
Interest Expense. Interest expense increased to $19.0 million from $14.4
million, primarily as a result of an increase in the average debt outstanding
related to the Company's operations in Brazil, as well as an increase in average
borrowings under the Company's Multicurrency Revolving Credit Facility.
Equity in Income (Loss) of Affiliated Companies. Equity in income (loss)
of affiliated companies increased
20
$60.3 million to income of $31.9 million, as compared to a loss of $28.4 million
in 1998. In February 1999, the Company sold part of its equity investment in
Topp to a wholly-owned subsidiary of TelMex. At the closing, the Company also
sold a portion of its debt investment to certain other shareholders of Topp. As
a result of these transactions, the Company received cash in the amount of $7.0
million, retained a $22.5 million note receivable and a 19.5% equity ownership
interest in Topp, and recorded a pre-tax gain of $5.8 million. In September
1999, the Company sold its remaining debt and equity interest in Topp to the
TelMex subsidiary for $26.5 million in cash, resulting in a pre-tax gain of
$26.1 million.
Beginning in the third quarter of 1998 the Company became the primary
source of funding for Topp through the supply of handsets and, therefore,
recognized Topp's net loss to the extent of the Company's entire debt and equity
investment in Topp. In 1998, the Company recognized $29.2 million in losses on
its debt and equity investment in Topp.
Gain on Sale of Assets. The Company recorded a gain of $8.8 million in
1999 primarily associated with the sale of its prepaid operations in Venezuela
and its retail stores in the Dallas-Fort Worth and Kansas City areas.
Other, Net. Other, net decreased $3.3 million, from income of $1.4 million
to expense of $1.9 million. This decrease was primarily due to a $2.6 million
foreign currency transaction loss realized from the conversion of U.S. dollar
denominated debt in Brazil into a Brazilian real denominated credit facility.
Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes. Income tax expense increased $30.8
million primarily as a result of an $85.6 million increase in income before
income taxes and an increase in the Company's effective tax rate to 25.3%. The
higher effective tax rate was attributable to higher income before income taxes,
primarily in the U.S., Latin American and European Regions. In both the Latin
American and the European Regions the statutory tax rates are generally
comparable to the statutory rate in the U.S., and higher than the statutory
rates in the Asia-Pacific Region.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
During the year ended November 30, 2000, the Company relied primarily on
cash available at November 30, 1999, funds generated from operations and
borrowings under its Multicurrency Revolving Credit Facility (the "Facility") to
fund working capital, capital expenditures and expansions. At February 28, 2001,
the Company had available $16.1 million of unused borrowing capacity under the
Facility.
Compared to November 30, 1999, accounts receivable increased $39.8
million, inventories increased $75.8 million and accounts payable increased
$145.3 million. The increase in accounts receivable was primarily due to
increased business in the United States and large sales transactions with
carriers in Mexico and Colombia in November 2000. Inventory increased to support
sales growth and the ending of the supply shortage that existed in 1999.
Accounts payable increased due to growth and several large transactions in
November.
Effective August 25, 2000, the Company sold its 51% interest in its Brazil
joint venture to its joint venture partner, Fontana Business Corp. To facilitate
the closing of the transaction, the Company repaid certain debt of the joint
venture to the extent it was collateralized by letters of credit issued under
the Company's Facility. The Company received promissory notes totaling $8.5
million from CellStar do Brazil, Ltda. These notes are fully reserved and will
remain fully reserved pending receipt of payments by the Company.
At November 30, 2000, the Company's operations in the PRC had three lines
of credit, one for USD $12.5 million, the second for RMB 215 million
(approximately USD $26.0 million) and the third for RMB 50 million
(approximately USD $6.0 million), bearing interest at 7.16%, 5.85% and 2.34%
respectively. The loans have maturity dates through August 2001. The first two
lines of credit are fully collateralized by U.S. dollar cash deposits. The cash
deposit was made via an intercompany loan from the operating entity in Hong Kong
as a
21
mechanism to secure repatriation of these funds. The third line of credit is
supported by a RMB 15.0 million cash collateral deposit and a promissory note.
At November 30, 2000 and January 31, 2001, the U.S. dollar equivalent of $44.4
million and $38.5 million, respectively, had been borrowed against the lines of
credit in the PRC. As a result of this method of funding operations in the PRC,
the consolidated balance sheet at November 30, 2000 reflects USD $42.6 million
in cash that is restricted as collateral on these advances and a corresponding
USD $44.4 million in notes payable.
At May 31, 2000, the Company would not have been in compliance with one of
its covenants under its Facility. As of July 12, 2000, the Company had
negotiated an amendment to the Facility following which the Company was in
compliance with the covenant. The amount of the Facility was also reduced from
$115.0 million to $100.0 million. At August 31, 2000, the Company was not in
compliance with another of its covenants and subsequently received a waiver for
this covenant.
As of November 10, 2000, the Company had negotiated another amendment to
the Facility which allowed the Company to remain in compliance by extending the
date by which a compliance certificate was required to be delivered to its
banks. The date for delivering the compliance certificate was extended again by
an additional amendment as of December 20, 2000.
At November 30, 2000, the outstanding balance under the Facility was $82.7
million and is included in notes payable to financial institutions in the
accompanying consolidated balance sheet. In addition, letters of credit of $3.7
million have been issued under the Facility. Borrowings under the Facility are
made under the London Interbank Offering Rate (LIBOR) contracts, generally for
30-90 days, or at the bank's prime lending rate and include an applicable
margin. At November 30, 2000, the interest rate on the Facility borrowing under
the LIBOR rate was 9.529% and the prime rate was 10.75%.
As of January 30, 2001, the Company had negotiated an additional amendment
to its Facility that assists the Company in complying with certain covenants
through March 2, 2001. The amount of the Facility was reduced from $100.0
million to $86.4 million.
On February 27, 2001, the Company and its banking syndicate negotiated
and executed a Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement which further
reduces the amount of the Facility to $85.0 million on February 28, 2001, $74.0
million on July 31, 2001, $65.0 million on September 30, 2001, and $50.0 million
on December 15, 2001. Such Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement further
(i) increases the applicable interest rate margin by 25 basis points, (ii)
shortens the term of the Facility from June 1, 2002 to March 1, 2002, (iii)
provides additional collateral for such Facility in the form of additional stock
pledges and mortgages on real property, (iv) provides for dominion of funds by
the banks for the Company's U.S. operations, (v) limits the borrowing base, and
(vi) tightens restrictions on the Company's ability to fund its operations,
particularly its non-U.S. operations.
Based upon current and anticipated levels of operations, and aggressive
efforts to reduce inventories and accounts receivable, the Company anticipates
that its cash flow from operations, together with amounts available under its
Facility and existing unrestricted cash balances, will be adequate to meet its
anticipated cash requirements in the foreseeable future. In the event that
existing unrestricted cash balances, cash flows and available borrowings under
the Facility are not sufficient to meet future cash requirements, the Company
may be required to reduce planned expenditures or seek additional financing. The
Company can provide no assurances that reductions in planned expenditures would
be sufficient to cover shortfalls in available cash or that additional financing
would be available or, if available, offered on terms acceptable to the Company.
International Operations
The Company's foreign operations are subject to various political and
economic risks including, but not limited to, the following: political
instability; economic instability; currency controls; currency devaluations;
exchange rate fluctuations; potentially unstable channels of distribution;
increased credit risks; export control laws that might limit the markets the
Company can enter; inflation; changes in laws related to foreign ownership of
businesses abroad; foreign tax laws; trade disputes among nations; changes in
cost of capital; changes in import/export regulations, including enforcement
policies, "gray market" resales, tariff and freight rates. Such risks and other
factors beyond the control of the Company in any nation where the Company
conducts business could have a material adverse effect on the Company.
From 1998 to 2000, the Company's Brazil operations were primarily
conducted through a majority-owned joint venture. Following a review of its
operations in Brazil, the Company concluded that its joint venture structure,
together with foreign exchange risk, the high cost of capital in that country,
alternative uses of capital, accumulated losses, and the prospect of ongoing
losses, were not optimal for success in that market. As a result, in the second
quarter of 2000, the Company elected to exit the Brazil market and to divest its
51% interest in its joint venture. In August 2000, the Company completed its
divestiture of its 51% interest in its joint venture (see note 14 to the
consolidated financial statements for a summary of the results of the Brazil
operations). The Company fully reserved certain U.S.-based accounts receivable
from Brazilian importers in the second quarter of 2000, the
22
collectibility of which significantly deteriorated in the second quarter of
2000, and which were further affected by the decision, in the second quarter, to
exit Brazil.
During the quarter ended August 31, 2000, the Company decided, based on
the current and future economic and political outlook in Venezuela, to divest
its operations in Venezuela and to focus its resources on more profitable, lower
risk, growth markets. For the quarter ended August 31, 2000, the Company
recorded an impairment charge of $4.9 million to reduce the carrying value of
certain Venezuela assets, primarily goodwill, to their estimated fair value (see
note 15 to the consolidated financial statements for a summary of the results of
the Venezuela operations). In December 2000, the Company sold its Venezuela
operations at approximately carrying value.
In April 2000, the Company curtailed a significant portion of its U.K.
international trading operations following third party theft and fraud losses.
The trading business involves the purchase of products from suppliers other than
manufacturers and the sale of those products to customers other than network
operators or their dealers and other representatives. As a result of the
curtailment, the Company experienced a reduction in revenues for the U.K.
operation after the first quarter of 2000 compared to 1999. For the quarter
ended May 31, 2000, the Company recorded a $4.4 million charge consisting of
$3.2 million from third party theft and fraud losses during the purchase,
transfer of title and transport of six shipments of wireless handsets, and $1.2
million in inventory obsolescence expense for inventory price reductions
incurred while the international trading business was curtailed pending
investigation. The Company is negotiating to obtain an insurance settlement and
is pursuing legal action where appropriate. However, the ultimate recovery in
relation to these losses, if any, cannot be determined at this time.
In the third quarter of 2000, the Company completed the sale of its
operations in Poland and recognized a gain of $0.2 million.
During the second half of 1998, the Company's sales from Miami to
customers exporting into South American countries began to decline as a result
of increased in-country manufactured product availability in South America,
primarily Brazil. In the second quarter of 2000, the Company phased out a major
portion of its redistributor business in Miami. Overall, revenues declined in
2000 to $79.1 million from $154.2 million in 1999 for the Company's operation in
Miami and are expected to continue to decline in 2001. As a result, the Company
intends to restructure or consolidate its operation in Miami in 2001.
In the fourth quarter of 2000, the Company recorded a non-cash goodwill
impairment charge of $6.4 million related to the operations in Peru due to a
major carrier customer's proposed changes to an existing contract that adversely
changed the long-term prospects of the Peru operations.
In 2000, the Company incurred losses of $1.8 million related to its
minority interest in Amtel. As a result of the continuing deterioration
in the Malaysia market, the Company intends to limit further exposure by
divesting its ownership in the joint venture. The carrying value of the
investment at November 30, 2000 is zero. However, the Company will be required
to recognize future losses, if any, of Amtel up to the amount of debt and
payables of Amtel guaranteed by the Company which is currently estimated to be
up to $2.5 million.
Impact of Inflation
Historically, inflation has not had a significant impact on the Company's
overall operating results. However, the effects of inflation in volatile
economies in foreign markets could have a material adverse impact on the
Company.
Seasonality and Cyclicality
The effects of seasonal fluctuations have not historically been apparent
in the Company's operating results due to the Company's rapid growth in
revenues. However, the Company's sales are influenced by a number of seasonal
factors in the different countries and markets in which it operates, including
the purchasing patterns of customers, product promotions of competitors and
suppliers, availability of distribution channels, and product supply and
pricing. The Company's sales are also influenced by cyclical economic conditions
in the different countries and markets in which it operates. An economic
downturn in one of the Company's principal markets could have a materially
adverse effect on the Company's operating results.
Accounting Pronouncement Not Yet Adopted
In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement
No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities"
("Statement 133"), amended by Statement 138 issued in June 2000. Statement 133
is now effective for all interim and annual periods of the Company commencing
December 1, 2000. Given the Company's current and anticipated derivative
activities, management does not believe the adoption of Statement 133 should
have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial position and
results of operations.
23
In December 1999, the SEC staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 101,
"Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements" ("SAB 101"). SAB 101 summarizes
certain of the staff's views in applying generally accepted accounting
principles to revenue recognition and accounting for deferred costs in the
financial statements and is effective no later than the fourth quarter of fiscal
years beginning after December 15, 1999. Based on the Company's current revenue
recognition policies, SAB 101 is not expected to materially impact the Company's
financial position and consolidated results of operations.
Item 7(A). Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Foreign Exchange Risk
For the year ended November 30, 2000, and 1999, respectively, the Company
recorded in other income (expense), net foreign currency losses of $4.2 million
and $4.1 million, primarily due to the revaluations of foreign currency related
to the Company's European operations in 2000 and to the Company's Latin American
operations in 1999.
Regarding the intercompany advances from the Hong Kong entity to the PRC
entity, the Company has foreign exchange exposure on the funds as they have been
effectively converted into RMB.
The Company manages foreign currency risk by attempting to increase prices
of products sold at or above the anticipated exchange rate of the local currency
relative to the U.S. dollar, by indexing certain of its accounts receivable to
exchange rates in effect at the time of their payment and by entering into
foreign currency hedging instruments in certain instances. The Company
consolidates the bulk of its foreign exchange exposure related to intercompany
transactions in its international finance subsidiary. These transactional
exposures are managed using various derivative alternatives depending on the
length and size of the exposure.
The Company continues to evaluate foreign currency exposures and related
protection measures.
Derivative Financial Instruments
The Company uses various derivative financial instruments as part of an
overall strategy to manage the Company's exposure to market risk associated with
interest rate and foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. The Company uses
foreign currency forward contracts to manage the foreign currency exchange rate
risks associated with international operations. The Company evaluates the use of
interest rate swaps and cap agreements to manage its interest risk on debt
instruments, including the reset of interest rates on variable rate debt. The
Company does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading
purposes.
The risk of loss to the Company in the event of non-performance by any
counterparty under derivative financial instrument agreements is not
significant. All counterparties are rated A or higher by Moody's and Standard
and Poor's. Although the derivative financial instruments expose the Company to
market risk, fluctuations in the value of the derivatives are mitigated by
expected offsetting fluctuations in the matched instruments.
The Company uses foreign currency forward contracts to reduce exposure to
exchange rate risks primarily associated with transactions in the regular course
of the Company's international operations. The forward contracts establish the
exchange rates at which the Company should purchase or sell the contracted
amount of local currencies for specified foreign currencies at a future date.
The Company uses forward contracts, which are short-term in nature (45 days to
one year), and receives or pays the difference between the contracted forward
rate and the exchange rate at the settlement date.
The major currency exposures hedged by the Company are the British pound,
Dutch glider, Euro and Swedish
24
Krona. The carrying amount and fair value of these contracts are not
significant.
Contractual amounts of the Company's forward exchange contracts at
November 30, 2000 and January 31, 2001, respectively, are $18.7 million and
$36.9 million.
Interest Rate Risk
The interest rate of the Company's Facility is an index rate at the time
of borrowing plus an applicable margin on certain borrowings. The interest rate
is based on either the agent bank's prime lending rate or the London Interbank
Offered Rate. Additionally, the applicable margin is subject to increases as the
Company's ratio of consolidated funded debt to consolidated cash flow increases.
During the year ended November 30, 2000, the interest rates of borrowings under
the Facility ranged from 8.75% to 10.75%. As a result of the July 12, 2000
amendment to the Facility, interest rates increased by 50 basis points. As a
result of the February 27, 2001 amendment to the Facility, interest rates will
increase by 25 basis points. A one percent change in variable interest rates
will not have a material impact on the Company. The Company manages its
borrowings under the Facility each business day to minimize interest expenses.
The Company has short-term borrowings in the PRC as discussed in Liquidity
and Capital Resources.
The Company's $150.0 million in long-term debt has a fixed coupon
interest rate of 5.0% and is due in October 2002. Fair value of the long-term
debt was $37.3 million and $116.4 million at November 30, 2000 and 1999,
respectively.
Item 8. Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
See Index to Consolidated Financial Statements on Page F-1 of this Form
10-K.
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and
Financial Disclosure
Not Applicable.
25
PART III.
Item 10. Directors And Executive Officers of the Registrant
The information required by this item regarding Directors of the Company is
set forth in the Proxy Statement (the "Proxy Statement") to be delivered to
the Company's stockholders in connection with the Company's 2001 Annual Meeting
of Stockholders under the heading "Election of Directors," which information
is incorporated herein by reference. The information required by this item
regarding executive officers of the Company is set forth under the heading
"Executive Officers of the Registrant" in Part I of this Form 10-K, which
information is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 11. Executive Compensation
The information required by this item is set forth in the Proxy Statement
under the heading "Executive Compensation," which information is incorporated
herein by reference. Information contained in the Proxy Statement under the
captions "Executive Compensation--Report of the Compensation Committee of the
Board of Directors on Executive Compensation" and "Comparative Performance
Graph" is not incorporated herein by reference.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
The information required by this item is set forth in the Proxy Statement
under the heading "Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and
Management," which information is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
The information required by this item is set forth in the Proxy Statement
under the caption "Certain Transactions," which information is incorporated
herein by reference.
26
PART IV.
Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K
1. Consolidated Financial Statements
See Index to Consolidated Financial Statements on page F-1 of this Form 10-K.
2. Financial Statement Schedules
See Index to Consolidated Financial Statements on page F-1 of this Form 10-K.
27
3. Exhibits
Number Description
------ ----------------------------------------------------------------------
3.1 Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of CellStar
Corporation (the "Certificate of Incorporation"). (1)
3.2 Certificate of Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation. (14)
3.3 Amended and Restated Bylaws of CellStar Corporation. (17)
4.1 The Certificate of Incorporation, Certificate of Amendment to
Certificate of Incorporation and Amended and Restated Bylaws of
CellStar Corporation filed as Exhibits 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3 are
incorporated into this item by reference. (1)(14)(13)
4.2 Specimen Common Stock Certificate of CellStar Corporation. (2)
4.3 Rights Agreement, dated as of December 30, 1996, by and between
CellStar Corporation and Chase Mellon Shareholder Services, L.L.C., as
Rights Agent ("Rights Agreement"). (3)
4.4 First Amendment to Rights Agreement, dated as of June 18, 1997. (4)
4.5 Form of Certificate of Designation, Preferences and Rights of Series A
Preferred Stock of CellStar Corporation ("Certificate of
Designation"). (3)
4.6 Form of Rights Certificate. (3)
4.7 Certificate of Correction of Certificate of Designation. (4)
4.8 Indenture, dated as of October 14, 1997, by and between CellStar
Corporation and The Bank of New York, as Trustee. (12)
10.1 Employment Agreement, effective as of December 1, 1994, by and between
CellStar Corporation and Alan H. Goldfield. (2)(20)
10.2 Employment Agreement, effective January 22, 1998, by and between
CellStar (Asia) Corporation Limited, CellStar Corporation and Hong An-
Hsien. (13)(20)
10.3 Employment Agreement, effective as of November 12, 1999, by and
between CellStar, Ltd., CellStar Corporation and Dale H. Allardyce.
(17)(20)
10.4 Employment Agreement, effective as of November 5, 1999, by and between
CellStar, Ltd., CellStar Corporation and Austin P. Young. (17)(20)
10.5 Employment Agreement, effective as of January 21, 2000, by and between
CellStar Ltd., CellStar Corporation and Elaine Flud Rodriguez.
(17)(20)
10.6 Master Agreement for the Purchase of Products and Inventory
Maintenance, Assembly and Fulfillment (IAF) Services between Pacific
Bell Mobile Services and CellStar, Ltd., effective September 20, 1996.
(5)(21)
28
Number Description
------ ----------------------------------------------------------------------
10.7 Registration Rights Agreement by and between the Company and Audiovox
Corporation. (9)
10.8 Registration Rights Agreement by and between the Company and Motorola
Inc., dated as of July 20, 1995. (1)
10.9 CellStar Corporation 1994 Amended and Restated Director Nonqualified
Stock Option Plan. (10)
10.10 Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of June 2, 1995, between Hong
An Hsien and CellStar Corporation. (13)(20)
10.11 Purchase Agreement, dated October 7, 1997, by and among CellStar
Corporation and Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc. and Chase Securities Inc.
(12)
10.12 Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of October 14, 1997, by and
among CellStar Corporation and Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc. and Chase
Securities Inc. (12)
10.13 Agreement, dated as of April 28, 1995, by and between CellStar, Ltd.
and Motorola, Inc., Greater China Cellular Subscriber Division
(People's Republic of China). (8)
10.14 Separation Agreement and Release Agreement between Richard M. Gozia
and CellStar, Ltd., CellStar Corporation, and all affiliated entities,
dated April 21, 1999. (15)(20)
10.15 Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of August 2, 1999,
among CellStar Corporation, each of the banks or other lending
institutions signatory thereto, and Chase Securities, Inc. as lead
arranger and book manager. (16)
10.16 Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of September 3, 1999, among
CellStar Telecom, Inc., Inmobiliaria Azltan, S.A. de C.V., and Topp
Telecom, Inc. (16)
10.17 Letter Agreement between Pacific Bell Mobile Services and CellStar,
Ltd. dated as of May 31, 1999. (16)
10.18 Amendment to Master Agreement for the Purchase of Products and
Inventory Maintenance, Assembly and Fulfillment (IAF) Services between
Pacific Bell Mobile Services and CellStar, Ltd. dated as of May 31,
1999. (16)(21)
10.19 Pledge Agreement, dated as of July 10, 1998, between CellStar Telecom,
Inc. and Chase Bank of Texas, National Association. (16)
29
Number Description
------ ----------------------------------------------------------------------
10.20 Contribution and Indemnification Agreement, dated as of July 10, 1998,
among CellStar Corporation and the affiliated entities signatory
thereto. (16)
10.21 Guaranty, dated as of July 10, 1998, provided by CellStar Telecom,
Inc., Florida Properties, Inc., CellStar Global Satellite Service,
Ltd. to Chase Bank of Texas, National Association and the other banks
and lending institutions signatory to the Credit Agreement. (16)
10.22 Pledge Agreement, dated as of July 10, 1998, between NAC Holdings,
Inc. and Chase Bank of Texas, National Association. (16)
10.23 Pledge Agreement, dated as of July 10, 1998, between CellStar
Corporation and Chase Bank of Texas, National Association. (16)
10.24 Pledge Agreement, dated as of July 10, 1998, between National Auto
Center, Inc. and Chase Bank of Texas, National Association. (16)
10.25 Guarantor Security Agreement, dated as of July 10, 1998, among
CellStar Telecom, Inc. Florida Properties, Inc., CellStar Global
Satellite Service, Ltd. and Chase Bank of Texas, National Association.
(16)
10.26 Consent, Ratification and Confirmation, dated as of August 2, 1999, by
and among CellStar Corporation, National Auto Center, Inc., CellStar,
Ltd., CellStar Fulfillment, Ltd., CellStar West, Inc., CellStar Air
Services, Inc., A&S Air Service, Inc., CellStar International
Corporation/SA, AudioMex Export Corp., CellStar International
Corporation/Asia, CellStar Fulfillment, Inc., NAC Holdings, Inc.,
ACC-CellStar, Inc., CellStar Finance, Inc., CellStar Telecom, Inc.,
Florida Properties, Inc., and CellStar Global Satellite Service, Ltd.,
for the benefit of The First National Bank of Chicago, as Syndication
Agent, National City Bank, as Documentation Agent, Chase Bank of
Texas, National Association, as Administrative Agent, and The Chase
Manhattan Bank, as Alternate Currency Agent. (19)
10.27 First Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated
November 23, 1999, among CellStar Corporation and each of the banks
and lending institutions signatory thereto. (17)
10.28 CellStar Corporation 1993 Amended and Restated Long-Term Incentive
Plan, amended and effective as of January 21, 2000. (17)(20)
10.29 Distribution Agreement, dated as of April 15, 2000, by and between
Motorola, Inc. by and through its Personal Communications Sector Latin
America Group and CellStar, Ltd. (19)(21)
10.30 Second Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of
July 12, 2000, among CellStar Corporation and each of the banks or
other lending institutions which is or may from time to time become a
signatory thereof. (18)
10.31 Third Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of
November 10, 2000, among CellStar Corporation, each of the banks or
other lending institutions which is or may from time to time become a
signatory to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, Bank One,
N.A., as Syndication Agent, National City Bank, as Documentation Agent
and The Chase Manhattan Bank, as the Administrative Agent and
Alternate Currency Agent. (19)
10.32 Fourth Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of
December 20, 2000, among CellStar Corporation, each of the banks or
other lending institutions which is or may from time to time become a
signatory to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, Bank One,
N.A., as Syndication Agent, National City Bank, as Documentation Agent
and The Chase Manhattan Bank as the Administrative Agent and Alternate
Currency Agent. (19)
10.33 Fifth Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of
January 30, 2001, among CellStar Corporation, each of the banks or
other lending institutions which is or may from time to time become a
signatory to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, Bank One,
N.A., as Syndication Agent, National City Bank, as Documentation Agent
and The Chase Manhattan Bank as the Administrative Agent and Alternate
Currency Agent. (19)
10.34 Wireless Products Agreement by and between Motorola, Inc., by and
through its Cellular Subscriber Sector, and CellStar, Ltd., effective
November 15, 2000. (19)(21)
10.35 Aircraft and Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of January 30, 2001,
by and between A & S Air Service, Inc. and Alan H. Goldfield. (19)
30
Number Description
------ ----------------------------------------------------------------------
21.1 Subsidiaries of the Company. (19)
23.1 Consent of KPMG LLP. (19)
99.1 Shareholders Agreement by Alan H. Goldfield to Motorola Inc., dated as
of July 20, 1995. (1)
___________
(1) Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form
10-Q for the quarter ended August 31, 1995, and incorporated herein by
reference.
(2) Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K
for the fiscal year ended November 30, 1995, and incorporated herein by
reference.
(3) Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company's Registration Statement on
Form 8-A (File No. 000-22972), filed January 3, 1997, and incorporated
herein by reference.
(4) Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company's Registration Statement on
Form 8-A/A, Amendment No. 1 (File No. 000-22972), filed June 30, 1997, and
incorporated herein by reference.
(5) Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K
for the fiscal year ended November 30, 1996, and incorporated herein by
reference.
(6) Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form
10-Q for the quarter ended August 31, 1997, and incorporated herein by
reference.
(7) Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K
for the fiscal year ended November 30, 1994, and incorporated herein by
reference.
(8) Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form
10-Q for the quarter ended May 31, 1995, and incorporated herein by
reference.
(9) Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company's Registration Statement No.
33-70262 on Form S-1 and incorporated herein by reference.
(10) Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form
10-Q for the quarter ended February 28, 1995, and incorporated herein by
reference.
(11) Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form
10-Q for the quarter ended May 31, 1997 and incorporated herein by
reference.
(12) Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K
dated October 8, 1997, filed October 24, 1997, and incorporated herein by
reference.
(13) Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company's Annual Report on Form10-K
for the fiscal year ended November 30, 1997, and incorporated herein by
reference.
(14) Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form
10-Q for the quarter ended May 31, 1998, and incorporated herein by
reference.
(15) Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form
10-Q for the quarter ended May 31, 1999, and incorporated herein by
reference.
(16) Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form
10-Q for the quarter ended August 31, 1998, and incorporated herein by
reference.
(17) Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K
for the fiscal year ended November 30, 1999 and incorporated herein by
reference.
(18) Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form
10-Q for the quarter ended May 31, 2000, and incorporated herein by
reference.
(19) Filed herewith.
(20) The exhibit is a management contract or compensatory plan or agreement.
(21) Certain provisions of this exhibit are subject to a request for
confidential treatment filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
4. Reports on Form 8-K
None
31
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed
on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
CELLSTAR CORPORATION
By /s/ Alan H. Goldfield
--------------------------------------------
Alan H. Goldfield
Chairman of the Board and
Chief Executive Officer
Date: February 28, 2001
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of
the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
By /s/ Alan H. Goldfield Date: February 28, 2001
----------------------------------------------
Alan H. Goldfield
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
By /s/ Dale H. Allardyce Date: February 28, 2001
----------------------------------------------
Dale H. Allardyce
President and Chief Operating Officer
By /s/ Austin P. Young Date: February 28, 2001
----------------------------------------------
Austin P. Young
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
and Treasurer
(Principal Financial Officer)
By /s/ Raymond L. Durham Date: February 28, 2001
----------------------------------------------
Raymond L. Durham
Vice President, Corporate Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)
By /s/ J. L. Jackson Date: February 28, 2001
----------------------------------------------
J. L. Jackson
Director
By /s/ James L. Johnson Date: February 28, 2001
----------------------------------------------
James L. Johnson
Director
By /s/ Dale V. Kesler Date: February 28, 2001
----------------------------------------------
Dale V. Kesler
Director
32
By /s/ Terry S. Parker Date: February 28, 2001
----------------------------------------------
Terry S. Parker
Director
By /s/ Jere W. Thompson Date: February 28, 2001
----------------------------------------------
Jere W. Thompson
Director
33
CELLSTAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements
Independent Auditors' Report F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of November 30, 2000 and 1999. F-3
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended November 30, 2000, 1999 and 1998 F-4
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the years
ended November 30, 2000, 1999 and 1998 F-5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended November 30, 2000, 1999 and 1998 F-6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements F-7
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts for the years ended November 30, 2000, 1999 and 1998 S-1
F-1
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
CellStar Corporation:
We have audited the consolidated financial statements of CellStar Corporation
and subsidiaries as listed in the accompanying index. In connection with our
audits of the consolidated financial statements, we also have audited the
financial statement schedule as listed in the accompanying index. These
consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule are the
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these consolidated financial statements and financial statement
schedule based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted
in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and
perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of CellStar Corporation
and subsidiaries as of November 30, 2000 and 1999, and the results of their
operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period
ended November 30, 2000, in conformity with accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, the related
financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic
consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all
material respects, the information set forth therein.
KPMG LLP
Dallas, Texas
January 12, 2001
except as to note 6
which is as of
February 27, 2001
F-2
CELLSTAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
November 30, 2000 and 1999
(Amounts in thousands, except share data)
2000 1999
--------------- ----------------
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 77,023 70,498
Restricted cash 42,622 25,000
Accounts receivable (less allowance for doubtful accounts of
$75,810 and $33,152, respectively) 345,996 306,235
Inventories 265,644 189,866
Deferred income tax assets 30,866 15,127
Prepaid expenses 25,470 32,029
-------------- ---------------
Total current assets 787,621 638,755
Property and equipment, net 22,015 27,481
Goodwill (less accumulated amortization of $17,408 and $10,483 respectively) 23,532 32,584
Deferred income tax assets 14,489 -
Other assets 9,172 7,618
-------------- ---------------
$ 856,829 706,438
============== ===============
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable $ 358,305 212,999
Notes payable to financial institutions 127,128 50,609
Accrued expenses 22,744 24,864
Income taxes payable 2,948 8,646
Deferred income tax liabilities 6,573 8,796
-------------- ---------------
Total current liabilities 517,698 305,914
Long-term debt 150,000 150,000
-------------- ---------------
Total liabilities 667,698 455,914
-------------- ---------------
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized;
none issued - -
Common stock, $.01 par value, 200,000,000 shares authorized;
60,142,221 and 60,057,096 shares issued and outstanding, respectively 602 601
Additional paid-in capital 81,298 80,929
Accumulated other comprehensive loss - foreign currency
translation adjustments (10,861) (8,509)
Retained earnings 118,092 177,503
-------------- ---------------
Total stockholders' equity 189,131 250,524
-------------- ---------------
$ 856,829 706,438
============== ===============
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-3
CELLSTAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Years ended November 30, 2000, 1999, and 1998
(In thousands, except per share data)
2000 1999 1998
----------- ----------- -----------
Revenues $ 2,475,682 2,333,805 1,995,850
Cost of sales 2,358,654 2,140,375 1,823,075
----------- ----------- -----------
Gross profit 117,028 193,430 172,775
Selling, general and administrative expenses 169,232 111,613 116,747
Impairment of assets 12,339 5,480 -
Lawsuit settlement - - 7,577
Restructuring charge (157) 3,639 -
----------- ----------- -----------
Operating income (loss) (64,386) 72,698 48,451
Other income (loss):
Interest expense (19,113) (19,027) (14,446)
Equity in income (loss) of affiliated companies, net (1,805) 31,933 (28,448)
Gain on sale of assets 6,200 8,774 -
Other, net 932 (1,876) 1,389
----------- ----------- -----------
Total other income (expense) (13,786) 19,804 (41,505)
----------- ----------- -----------
Income (loss) before income taxes (78,172) 92,502 6,946
Provision (benefit) for income taxes (18,761) 23,415 (7,418)
----------- ----------- -----------
Net income (loss) $ (59,411) 69,087 14,364
=========== =========== ===========
Net income (loss) per share:
Basic $ (0.99) 1.16 0.24
=========== =========== ===========
Diluted $ (0.99) 1.12 0.24
=========== =========== ===========
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-4
CELLSTAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
Years ended November 30, 2000, 1999, and 1998
(In thousands)
Accumulated
Additional Common other
Common Stock paid-in stock comprehensive Retained
-----------------------
Shares Amount capital warrant loss earnings Total
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ------------ ----------- ---------
Balance at November 30, 1997 58,499 $ 293 72,985 4 (6,469) 94,052 160,865
Comprehensive income:
Net income - - - - - 14,364 14,364
Foreign currency translation
adjustment - - - - (1,712) - (1,712)
---------
Total comprehensive income 12,652
Common stock issued under
stock option plans 464 5 4,269 - - - 4,274
Two-for-one common stock split - 292 (292) - - - -
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ------------ ----------- --------
Balance at November 30, 1998 58,963 590 76,962 4 (8,181) 108,416 177,791
Comprehensive Income:
Net income - - - - - 69,087 69,087
Foreign currency translation
adjustment - - - - (328) - (328)
---------
Total comprehensive income 68,759
Common stock issued under
stock option plans 533 5 3,969 - - - 3,974
Exercise of common stock warrant 561 6 (2) (4) - - -
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ------------ ----------- --------
Balance at November 30, 1999 60,057 601 80,929 - (8,509) 177,503 250,524
Comprehensive Loss:
Net loss - - - - - (59,411) (59,411)
Foreign currency translation
adjustment - - - - (2,352) - (2,352)
---------
Total comprehensive loss (61,763)
Common stock issued under
stock option plans 85 1 369 - - - 370
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ------------ ----------- --------
Balance at November 30, 2000 60,142 $ 602 81,298 - (10,861) 118,092 189,131
========== ========== ========== ========== ============ =========== ========
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-5
CELLSTAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Years ended November 30, 2000, 1999, and 1998
(In thousands)
2000 1999 1998
--------- --------- ---------
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss) $ (59,411) 69,087 14,364
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash
provided by (used in) operating activities:
Provision for doubtful accounts 51,636 11,643 14,120
Provision for inventory obsolescence 32,255 23,012 12,434
Depreciation, amortization and impairment of assets 23,571 16,911 11,426
Gain on sale of assets (6,200) (8,774) -
Equity in loss (income) of affiliated companies, net 1,805 (31,933) 28,448
Deferred income taxes (32,451) 8,950 (13,073)
Changes in certain operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable (101,243) 29,751 (208,437)
Inventories (119,867) 61,232 (90,164)
Prepaid expenses 2,705 (15,201) (8,803)
Other assets (648) (2,327) (116)
Accounts payable 162,681 (99,349) 119,360
Accrued expenses 1,474 (16,070) 19,760
Income taxes payable (5,698) 882 (2,109)
---------- --------- ---------
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities (49,391) 47,814 (102,790)
---------- --------- ---------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment (5,461) (8,499) (12,498)
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired (4,241) (2,301) (13,526)
Proceeds from sale of assets 377 41,778 -
Purchase of investment (4,144) - -
Acquisition of minority interests - - (900)
Increase in restricted cash (17,622) (25,000) -
---------- --------- ---------
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities (31,091) 5,978 (26,924)
---------- --------- ---------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net borrowings (payments) on notes payable to financial institutions 86,637 (34,414) 82,030
Checks not presented for payment - - 17,719
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock 370 3,137 3,302
---------- --------- ---------
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 87,007 (31,277) 103,051
---------- --------- ---------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 6,525 22,515 (26,663)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 70,498 47,983 74,646
---------- --------- ---------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ 77,023 70,498 47,983
========== ========= =========
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-6
CELLSTAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(1) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
(a) Basis for Presentation
CellStar Corporation and subsidiaries (the "Company") is a leading
global provider of distribution and value-added logistics services to the
wireless communications industry, with operations in Asia-Pacific, Latin
America, Europe and North America. The Company facilitates the effective and
efficient distribution of handsets, related accessories and other wireless
products from leading manufacturers to network operators, agents, resellers,
dealers and retailers. In many of its markets, the Company provides activation
services that generate new subscribers for its wireless carrier customers.
All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been
eliminated in consolidation. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified
to conform to the current year presentation.
(b) Use of Estimates
Management of the Company has made a number of estimates and
assumptions related to the reporting of assets and liabilities and the
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities in preparation of these
consolidated financial statements in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
(c) Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (primarily on a moving
average basis) or market and are comprised of finished goods.
(d) Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation of equipment
is provided over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets, which
range from three to thirty years, on a straight-line basis. Leasehold
improvements are amortized over the shorter of their useful life or the related
lease term. Major renewals are capitalized, while maintenance, repairs and minor
renewals are expensed as incurred.
(e) Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair
value of net assets acquired and is amortized using the straight-line method
over 20 years. The Company assesses the recoverability of this intangible asset
by determining the estimated future cash flows related to such acquired assets.
In the event that goodwill is found to be carried at an amount that is in excess
of estimated future operating cash flows, then the goodwill will be adjusted to
a level commensurate with a discounted cash flow analysis using a discount rate
reflecting the Company's average cost of funds.
(f) Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
Long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangibles are reviewed
for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the
carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to
be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset
to future net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If such assets
are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by
the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of
the assets. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying
amount or fair value less costs to sell.
F-7
CELLSTAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
(g) Equity Investments in Affiliated Companies
The Company accounts for its investments in common stock of affiliated
companies using the equity method or the modified equity method, if required.
The investments are included in other assets in the accompanying consolidated
balance sheets.
(h) Revenue Recognition
For the Company's wholesale business, revenue is generally recognized
when product is shipped. In accordance with contractual agreements with wireless
service providers, the Company receives an activation commission for obtaining
subscribers for wireless services in connection with the Company's retail
operations. The agreements contain various provisions for additional commissions
("residual commissions") based on subscriber usage. The agreements also provide
for the reduction or elimination of activation commissions if subscribers
deactivate service within stipulated periods. The Company recognizes revenue for
activation commissions on the wireless service providers' acceptance of
subscriber contracts and residual commissions when earned and provides an
allowance for estimated wireless service deactivations, which is reflected as a
reduction of accounts receivable and revenues in the accompanying consolidated
financial statements. The Company recognizes fee revenue when the service is
completed.
(i) Foreign Currency
Assets and liabilities of the Company's foreign subsidiaries have been
translated at the rate of exchange at the end of each period. Revenues and
expenses have been translated at the weighted average rate of exchange in effect
during the respective period. Gains and losses resulting from translation are
accumulated as other comprehensive loss in stockholders' equity, except for
subsidiaries located in countries whose economies are considered highly
inflationary. In such cases, translation adjustments are included primarily in
other income (expense) in the accompanying consolidated statements of
operations. Net foreign currency transaction gains (losses) for the years ended
November 30, 2000, 1999 and 1998 were ($9.4) million, ($3.4) million and $0.3
million, respectively. The currency exchange rates of the Latin American and
Asia Pacific countries in which the Company conducts operations have
historically been volatile. The Company manages the risk of foreign currency
devaluation by attempting to increase prices of products sold at or above the
anticipated rate of local currency devaluation relative to the U.S. dollar, by
indexing certain of its receivables to exchange rates in effect at the time of
their payment and by entering into non-deliverable foreign currency forward
contracts in certain instances.
(j) Derivative Financial Instruments
The Company uses various derivative financial instruments as part of
an overall strategy to manage the Company's exposure to market risk associated
with interest rate and foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. The Company
uses foreign currency forward contracts to manage the foreign currency exchange
rate risks associated with international operations. The Company evaluates the
use of interest rate swaps and cap agreements to manage its interest risk on
debt instruments, including the reset of interest rates on variable rate debt.
The Company does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading
purposes.
Foreign exchange contracts that hedge the currency exposure on
intercompany loans and sales transactions are valued at current spot rates at
the market's close, and the change in value is recognized currently.
The Company used foreign currency non-deliverable forward ("NDF")
contracts to manage certain foreign exchange risks in conjunction with
transactions with E.A. Electronicos e Componentes Ltda. (see note 2(b)). These
contracts did not qualify as hedges against financial statement exposure. Gains
or losses on these contracts represent the difference between the forward rate
available on the underlying currency against the U.S. dollar for the remaining
maturity of the contracts as of the balance sheet date and the contracted
forward rate and are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in
the consolidated statements of operations.
F-8
CELLSTAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
(k) Income Taxes
Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method.
Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax
consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement
carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax
bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred income tax
assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to
taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to
be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred income tax assets and
liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that
includes the enactment date.
(l) Net Income (Loss) Per Share
Basic net income (loss) per common share is based on the weighted
average number of common shares outstanding for the relevant period. Diluted net
income (loss) per common share is based on the weighted average number of common
shares outstanding plus the dilutive effect of potentially issuable common
shares pursuant to stock options, warrants, and convertible debentures.
A reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and
diluted net income (loss) per share computations for the years ended November
30, 2000, 1999, and 1998, follows (in thousands, except per share data):
2000 1999 1998
--------------- -------------- --------------
Basic:
Net income (loss) $ (59,411) 69,087 14,364
=============== ============== ==============
Weighted average number of shares outstanding 60,131 59,757 58,865
=============== ============== ==============
Net income (loss) per share $ (0.99) 1.16 0.24
=============== ============== ==============
Diluted:
Net income (loss) $ (59,411) 69,087 14,364
Interest on convertible notes, net of tax effect - 4,500 -
--------------- -------------- --------------
Adjusted net income (loss) $ (59,411) 73,587 14,364
=============== ============== ==============
Weighted average number of shares outstanding 60,131 59,757 58,865
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options and warrant - 411 1,791
Convertible notes - 5,421 -
--------------- -------------- --------------
Weighted average number of shares outstanding including
effect of dilutive securities 60,131 65,589 60,656
=============== ============== ==============
Net income (loss) per share $ (0.99) 1.12 0.24
=============== ============== ==============
Outstanding options to purchase 4.7 million, 2.3 million and 1.3
million shares of common stock at November 30, 2000, 1999 and 1998,
respectively, were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share
because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding at November 30, 2000 and
1998 do not include 5.4 million common equivalent shares issuable for the
convertible notes, as their effect would be anti-dilutive.
F-9
CELLSTAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
(m) Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Comprehensive income (loss) consists of net income (loss) and foreign
currency translation adjustments and is presented in the consolidated statements
of stockholders' equity and comprehensive income (loss). The Company does not
tax effect its foreign currency translation adjustments since it considers the
unremitted earnings of its foreign subsidiaries to be indefinitely reinvested.
(n) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow Information
For purposes of the consolidated statements of cash flows, the Company
considers all highly-liquid investments with an original maturity of 90 days or
less to be cash equivalents. The Company paid approximately $17.9 million, $19.4
million and $13.0 million of interest for the years ended November 30, 2000,
1999 and 1998, respectively. The Company paid approximately $14.5 million, $13.6
million and $8.7 million of income taxes for the years ended November 30, 2000,
1999 and 1998, respectively.
(o) Stock Option Plans
The Company applies the intrinsic value-based method of accounting
prescribed by Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock
Issued to Employees" ("Opinion 25"), and related interpretations, in accounting
for grants to employees and non-employee directors under its fixed stock option
plans. Accordingly, compensation expense is recorded on the date of grant of
options only if the current market price of the underlying stock exceeds the
exercise price.
(2) Related Party Transactions
(a) Transactions with Motorola
Motorola purchased 2.1 million shares of the Company's common stock in
July 1995 and is a major supplier of handsets and accessories to the Company.
Total purchases from Motorola approximated $1,074.3 million, $1,055.1 million
and $1,276.1 million for the years ended November 30, 2000, 1999 and 1998,
respectively. Included in accounts payable at November 30, 2000 and 1999 was
approximately $113.3 million and $87.5 million, respectively, due to Motorola
for purchases of inventory.
(b) Transactions with E.A. Electronicos e Componentes Ltda.
From 1998 until 2000 when the Company sold its interest in the joint
venture (see note 14), the Company's Brazil operations had been primarily
conducted through a majority-owned joint venture. The primary supplier of
handsets to the joint venture was a Brazilian importer, E.A. Electronicos e
Componentes Ltda. ("E.A."), which was a customer of the Company. Sales to E.A.
were excluded from the Company's consolidated revenues, and the related gross
profit was deferred until the handsets were sold by the Brazil joint venture to
customers. At November 30, 1999, the Company had accounts receivable of $7.0
million due from E.A. and accounts payable of $10.5 million due to E.A.
From November 1998 through March 1999, the Company used Brazilian real
NDF contracts to manage currency exposure risk related to credit sales made to
E.A. Payment for these sales was remitted by E.A. using the Brazilian real rate
exchange against the U.S. dollar on the day the Company recorded the sale to
E.A. Foreign currency rate fluctuations caused bad debt expense of $26.4 million
related to the payments remitted by the importer. This expense was included in
selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended November 30,
1999, but was completely offset by gains realized on NDF contract settlements,
which gains also were included in selling, general and administrative expenses.
(c) Sale of Aircraft to Chief Executive Officer
In December 1993, the Company and the Company's Chief Executive
Officer entered into an agreement pursuant to which the Company purchased the
Chief Executive Officer's jet aircraft at book value. Pursuant to that
agreement, the Company sold the Company's jet aircraft back to the Chief
Executive Officer for book value in January 2001.
F-10
CELLSTAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
(3) Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The carrying amounts of accounts receivable, accounts payable and notes
payable as of November 30, 2000 and 1999 approximate fair value due to the short
maturity of these instruments. The fair value of the Company's long-term debt
represents quoted market prices as of November 30, 2000 and 1999 as set forth in
the table below (in thousands):
2000 1999
---------------------------- -----------------------------
Carrying Fair Carrying Fair
Amount Value Amount Value
---------- ---------- --------- ---------
Long-term debt $ 150,000 37,320 $ 150,000 116,350
========== ========== ========= =========
(4) Property and Equipment
Property and equipment consisted of the following at November 30, 2000
and 1999 (in thousands):
2000 1999
--------- ----------
Land and buildings $ 8,695 9,382
Furniture, fixtures and equipment 29,054 28,937
Jet aircraft 4,454 4,454
Leasehold improvements 5,457 5,137
--------- ----------
47,660 47,910
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization (25,645) (20,429)
--------- ----------
$ 22,015 27,481
========= ==========
(5) Investments in Affiliated Companies
At November 30, 2000 and 1999, investments in affiliated companies
includes a 49% interest in CellStar Amtel Sdn. Bhd. ("Amtel"), a Malaysian
company. Amtel is a distributor of wireless handsets. At November 30, 1999, the
Company's investment in Amtel approximated its equity in Amtel's net assets.
In 2000, the Company incurred losses of $1.8 million related to its
minority interest in Amtel. As a result of the continuing deterioration in the
Malaysia market, the Company intends to limit further exposure by divesting its
ownership in the joint venture. The carrying value of the investment at November
30, 2000 is zero. However, the Company will be required to recognize future
losses, if any, of Amtel up to the amount of debt and payables of Amtel
guaranteed by the Company, which is currently estimated to be up to $2.5
million.
In November 1997, the Company made a $3.0 million equity investment which
represented an 18% voting interest in the common stock of Topp Telecomm, Inc.
("Topp") and began supplying Topp with handsets. Topp is a reseller of wireless
airtime through the provision of prepaid wireless services.
F-11
CELLSTAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
Topp incurred substantial operating losses associated with the
acquisition costs of expanding its customer base. Beginning in the Company's
third fiscal quarter of 1998, the Company became Topp's primary source of
funding through the Company's supply of handsets.
Accordingly, the Company then began to account for its debt and equity
investment in Topp under the modified equity method. Under this method, in 1998
the Company recognized Topp's net loss to the extent of the Company's entire
debt and equity investment, or $29.2 million. In February 1999, the Company sold
part of its equity investment in Topp to a wholly-owned subsidiary of Telefonos
de Mexico S.A. de C.V. At the closing, the Company also sold a portion of its
debt investment to certain other shareholders of Topp. As a result of these
transactions, the Company received cash in the amount of $7.0 million, retained
a $22.5 million note receivable and a 19.5% equity ownership interest in Topp,
and recorded a pre-tax gain of $5.8 million. In September 1999, the Company sold
its remaining debt and equity interest in Topp for $26.5 million in cash,
resulting in a pre-tax gain of $26.1 million.
In January 2000, the Company acquired 3.5% of the issued and outstanding
common stock of Arcoa Communications Co. Ltd, a telecommunications retail store
chain in Taiwan. The investment is carried at the acquisition cost of $4.1
million.
(6) Debt
Notes payable to financial institutions consisted of the following at
November 30, 2000 and 1999 (in thousands):
2000 1999
--------- ---------
Multicurrency revolving credit facility $ 82,700 17,200
Brazilian credit facilities - 8,872
Peoples' Republic of China ("PRC") credit facilities 44,428 24,537
--------- ---------
$ 127,128 50,609
========= =========
On October 15, 1997, the Company entered into a five year $135.0 million
Multicurrency Revolving Credit Facility (the "Facility") with a syndicate of
banks. On April 8, 1999, the amount of the Facility was reduced from $135.0
million to $115.0 million due to the release of a syndication member bank. On
August 2, 1999, the Company restructured its Facility to add additional
flexibility for foreign working capital funding and capitalization.
At May 31, 2000, the Company would not have been in compliance with one
of its covenants under the Facility. As of July 12, 2000, the Company had
negotiated an amendment to the Facility following which the Company was in
compliance with the covenant. The amount of the Facility was also reduced from
$115.0 million to $100.0 million. At August 31, 2000, the Company was not in
compliance with another of its covenants and subsequently received an additional
amendment following which the Company was in compliance.
As of November 10, 2000, the Company had negotiated another amendment to
the Facility which allowed the Company to remain in compliance by extending the
date by which a compliance certificate was required to be delivered to its
banks. The date for delivering the compliance certificate was extended again by
an additional amendment as of December 20, 2000.
As of January 30, 2001, the Company had negotiated an amendment to the
Facility that assists the Company in complying with certain covenants through
March 2, 2001. The amount of the Facility was reduced from $100.0 million to
$86.4 million.
F-12
CELLSTAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
Fundings under the Facility are limited by a borrowing base test, which
is measured monthly. Borrowings under the Facility are made under London
Interbank Offering Rate contracts, generally for 30-90 days, or at the bank's
prime lending rate. Total interest charged on those borrowings includes an
applicable margin that is subject to certain increases based on the ratio of
consolidated funded debt to consolidated cash flow determined at the end of each
fiscal quarter. At November 30, 2000, the interest rate on the Facility
borrowing under the LIBOR rate was 9.529% and the prime rate was 10.75%. The
Facility is secured by the Company's accounts receivable, property, plant and
equipment and all other real property. The Facility contains, among other
provisions, covenants relating to the maintenance of minimum net worth and
certain financial ratios, dividend payments, additional debt, mergers and
acquisitions and dispositions of assets.
On February 27, 2001, the Company and its banking syndicate negotiated
and executed a Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement which further
reduces the amount of the Facility to $85.0 million on February 28, 2001, $74.0
million on July 31, 2001, $65.0 million on September 30, 2001, and $50.0 million
on December 15, 2001. Such Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement further
(i) increases the applicable interest rate margin by 25 basis points, (ii)
shortens the term of the Facility from June 1, 2002 to March 1, 2002, (iii)
provides additional collateral for such Facility in the form of additional stock
pledges and mortgages on real property, (iv) provides for dominion of funds by
the banks for the Company's U.S. operations, (v) limits the borrowing
base, and (vi) tightens restrictions on the Company's ability to fund its
operations, particularly its non-U.S. operations.
As of November 30, 1999, the Company's Brazil operations had borrowed
$8.9 million, including accrued interest thereon, under credit facilities with
several Brazilian banks. All $8.9 million was denominated in Brazilian reals.
Interest rates on borrowings in Brazil range from approximately 20% to 28%.
At November 30, 2000, the Company's operations in the PRC had three lines
of credit, one for USD $12.5 million, the second for RMB 215 million
(approximately USD $26.0 million) and the third for RMB 50 million
(approximately USD $6.0 million), bearing interest at 7.16%, 5.85% and 2.34%,
respectively. The loans have maturity dates through August 2001. The first two
lines of credit are fully collateralized by U.S. dollar cash deposits. The cash
deposit was made via an intercompany loan from the operating entity in Hong Kong
as a mechanism to secure repatriation of these funds. The third line of credit
is supported by a RMB 15.0 million cash collateral deposit and a promissory
note. At November 30, 2000, the U.S. dollar equivalent of $44.4 million had been
borrowed against the lines of credit in the PRC. As a result of this method of
funding operations in the PRC, the accompanying consolidated balance sheet at
November 30, 2000 reflects USD $42.6 million in cash that is restricted as
collateral on these advances and a corresponding USD $44.4 million in notes
payable.
The weighted average interest rate on short-term borrowings at November
30, 2000 and 1999, was 9.7% and 7.5% respectively.
At November 30, 2000 and 1999, long-term debt consisted of $150.0 million
of the Company's 5% Convertible Subordinated Notes Due October 15, 2002 (the
"Notes"), which are convertible into 5.4 million shares of common stock at
$27.668 per share at any time prior to maturity. Subsequent to October 18, 2000,
the Notes are redeemable at the option of the Company, in whole or in part,
initially at 102% and thereafter at prices declining to 100% at maturity,
together with accrued interest. The Notes were initially issued pursuant to an
exempt offering and were subsequently registered under the Securities Act of
1933, along with the common stock into which the Notes are convertible.
Based upon current and anticipated levels of operations, and aggressive
efforts to reduce inventories and accounts receivable, the Company anticipates
that its cash flow from operations, together with amounts available under its
Facility and existing unrestricted cash balances, will be adequate to meet its
anticipated cash requirements in the foreseeable future. In the event that
existing unrestricted cash balances, cash flows and available borrowings under
the Facility are not sufficient to meet future cash requirements, the Company
may be required to reduce planned expenditures or seek additional financing. The
Company can provide no assurances that reductions in planned expenditures would
be sufficient to cover shortfalls in available cash or that additional financing
would be available or, if available, offered on terms acceptable to the Company.
(7) Income Taxes
The Company's income (loss) before income taxes was comprised of the
following for the years ended November 30, 2000, 1999 and 1998 (in thousands):
2000 1999 1998
---------- ---------- ----------
United States $ (79,595) $ 13,430 (48,413)
International 1,423 79,072 55,359
---------- ---------- ----------
Total $ (78,172) $ 92,502 6,946
========== ========== ==========
F-13
CELLSTAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes for the years ended November 30, 2000,
1999 and 1998 consisted of the following (in thousands):
Current Deferred Total
---------- ----------- -----------
Year ended November 30, 2000:
United States:
Federal $ - (26,386) (26,386)
State 1,138 (1,693) (555)
International 12,552 (4,372) 8,180
---------- ----------- -----------
$ 13,690 (32,451) (18,761)
========== =========== ===========
Year ended November 30, 1999:
United States:
Federal $ (28) 3,245 3,217
State 897 407 1,304
International 13,596 5,298 18,894
---------- ----------- -----------
$ 14,465 8,950 23,415
========== =========== ===========
Year ended November 30, 1998:
United States:
Federal $ (2,553) (15,283) (17,836)
State 1,067 (849) 218
International 7,141 3,059 10,200
---------- ---------- -----------
$ 5,655 (13,073) (7,418)
========== ========== ===========
Provision (benefit) for income taxes differed from the amounts
computed by applying the U.S. Federal income tax rate of 35% to income before
income taxes as a result of the following for the years ended November 30, 2000,
1999 and 1998 (in thousands):
2000 1999 1998
------------- ----------- ---------
Expected tax expense (benefit) $ (27,360) 32,376 2,431
International and U.S. tax effects attributable to international operations (4,731) (8,869) (9,065)
State income taxes, net of Federal benefits (361) 848 142
Equity in (loss) income of affiliated companies, net 631 6 (5,073)
Non-deductible goodwill and other 1,919 371 204
Change in valuation allowance 11,763 (131) 3,741
Foreign accumulated earnings tax 1,228 - -
Other, net (1,850) (1,186) 202
------------- ----------- ---------
Actual tax (benefit) expense $ (18,761) 23,415 (7,418)
============= =========== =========
As a result of certain activities undertaken by the Company, income in
certain foreign countries is subject to reduced tax rates, and in some cases is
wholly exempt from taxes, primarily through 1999. The income tax benefits
attributable to the tax status of these subsidiaries are estimated to be $1.4
million, $3.0 million and $5.3 million, respectively, for 2000, 1999 and 1998,
respectively.
F-14
CELLSTAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
The tax effect of temporary differences underlying significant
portions of deferred income tax assets and liabilities at November 30, 2000 and
1999, is presented below (in thousands):
2000 1999
----------- ---------
Deferred income tax assets:
United States:
Accounts receivable $ 14,387 2,746
Inventory adjustments for tax purposes 2,827 4,666
Net operating loss carryforwards 20,789 2,306
Foreign tax credit carryforwards 2,656 2,308
Capital Losses 4,639 -
Other, net 4,381 2,279
International:
Accounts receivable 2,091 -
Net operating loss carryforwards 8,640 4,172
Other, net 880 822
----------- ---------
61,290 19,299
Valuation allowance (15,935) (4,172)
----------- ---------
$ 45,355 15,127
=========== =========
Deferred income tax liabilities -
international inventory adjustments
for tax purposes $ 6,573 8,796
=========== =========
In assessing the realizability of deferred income tax assets,
management considers whether it is more likely than not that the deferred income
tax assets will be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred income tax
assets is dependent on the generation of future taxable income during the
periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. The valuation
allowance for deferred income tax assets as of December 1, 1999 and 1998, was
$4.2 million and $2.6 million, respectively. The net change in the total
valuation allowance for the years ended November 30, 2000 and 1999, was an
increase of $11.8 million and $1.6 million, respectively. Management considers
the scheduled reversal of deferred income tax liabilities, projected future
taxable income, and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. Based on
the level of historical taxable income and projections for future taxable income
over the periods in which the deferred income tax assets are deductible,
management believes it is more likely than not the Company should realize the
benefits of these deductible differences. The amount of the deferred income tax
asset considered realizable, however, could be reduced in the near term if
estimates of future taxable income during the carry forward period are reduced.
At November 30, 2000, the Company had U.S. Federal net operating loss
carryforwards of approximately $59.4 million, which will begin to expire in
2018.
The Company does not provide for U.S. Federal income taxes or tax
benefits on the undistributed earnings and/or losses of its international
subsidiaries because earnings are reinvested and, in the opinion of management,
should continue to be reinvested indefinitely. At November 30, 2000, the Company
had not provided U.S. Federal income taxes on earnings of international
subsidiaries of approximately $177.3 million. On distribution of these earnings
in the form of dividends or otherwise, the Company would be subject to both U.S.
income taxes and certain withholding taxes in the various international
jurisdictions. Determination of the related amount of unrecognized deferred U.S.
income tax liability is not practicable because of the complexities associated
with this hypothetical calculation.
F-15
CELLSTAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
Because many types of transactions are susceptible to varying interpretations
under foreign and domestic income tax laws and regulations, the amounts recorded
in the accompanying consolidated financial statements may be subject to change
on final determination by the respective taxing authorities. Management believes
it has made an adequate tax provision.
(8) Leases
The Company leases certain warehouse and office facilities, equipment
and retail stores under operating leases that range from two to six years.
Facility and retail store leases generally contain renewal options. Rental
expense for operating leases was $5.0 million, $6.0 million and $5.6 million for
the years ended November 30, 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively. Future minimum
lease payments under operating leases as of November 30, 2000 are as follows (in
thousands):
Year ending
November 30, Amount
-------------- ---------
2001 $ 4,542
2002 3,387
2003 2,546
2004 1,811
2005 1,700
Thereafter 428
---------
$ 14,414
=========
(9) Impairment of Assets
In the third quarter of 2000, the Company decided to exit its
Venezuela operations (see note 15). The Company recorded a $4.9 million
impairment charge to reduce the carrying value of certain Venezuela assets,
primarily goodwill, to their estimated fair value. In December 2000, the Company
completed the sale of its Venezuela operations at approximately carrying value.
In the fourth quarter of 2000, the Company recorded a non-cash
goodwill impairment charge of $6.4 million due to a major carrier customer's
proposed changes to an existing contract that adversely changed the long-term
prospects of the Peru operations.
In the fourth quarter of 1999, based on the market conditions in
Poland, the Company decided to sell its operations in Poland. The sale was
completed in 2000 resulting in a gain of $0.2 million. The Company recorded an
impairment charge of $5.5 million, including a $4.5 million writedown of
goodwill to reduce the carrying value of the assets of the operations in Poland
to their estimated fair value. Revenues for the operations in Poland were $2.2
million, $7.4 million and $9.9 million for the years ended November 30, 2000,
1999, and 1998, respectively.
(10) Lawsuit Settlement
During the period from May 14, 1996 through July 22, 1996, four
separate purported class action lawsuits were filed in the United States
District Court, Northern District of Texas, Dallas Division, against the
Company, certain of the Company's current and former officers, directors and
employees, and the Company's independent auditors. The four lawsuits were
consolidated, and the State of Wisconsin Investment Board was appointed lead
plaintiff in the consolidated action. On November 19, 1998, the Company entered
into a Stipulation of Settlement that resolved all claims pending in the suit.
The settlement was approved by the Court on January 25, 1999, and all remaining
claims were dismissed.
F-16
CELLSTAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
(11) Restructuring Charge
As part of the Company's strategy to streamline its organizational
structure, beginning in the second quarter of 1999 the Company reorganized and
consolidated the management of the Company's Latin American and North American
Regions and centralized the management in the Company's Asia-Pacific Region. As
a result, the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended November
30, 1999, includes a charge of $3.6 million related to the reorganization. Of
the total costs, $0.8 million consisted of non-cash outlays and the remaining
$2.8 million consisted of cash outlays, which were paid in full by November
30, 2000. The components of the restructuring charge were as follows (in
thousands):
Employee termination costs $ 2,373
Write-down of assets 760
Other 506
-------
$ 3,639
=======
(12) Gain on Sale of Assets
The Company recorded a gain of $6.2 million for the year ended
November 30, 2000, associated with the sale of the following (in thousands):
Brazil joint venture $ 6,048
Poland operations 152
-------
$ 6,200
=======
The Company recorded a gain of $8.8 million for the year ended
November 30, 1999 associated with the sale of the following (in thousands):
Prepaid operations in Venezuela $ 5,197
Retail stores in the United States 2,911
Other 666
-------
$ 8,774
=======
(13) United Kingdom International Trading Operations
In April 2000, the Company curtailed a significant portion of its
U.K. international trading operations following third party theft and fraud
losses. As a result of the curtailment, the Company experienced a reduction in
revenues for the U.K. operations after the first quarter of 2000 compared to
1999. The trading business involves the purchase of products from suppliers
other than manufacturers and the sale of those products to customers other than
network operators or their dealers and other representatives.
F-17
CELLSTAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
For the quarter ended May 31, 2000, the Company recorded a $4.4
million charge consisting of $3.2 million for third party theft and fraud losses
during the purchase, transfer of title and transport of six shipments of
wireless handsets and $1.2 million in inventory obsolescence expense for
inventory price reductions incurred while the international trading business was
curtailed pending investigation. The Company is negotiating to obtain an
insurance settlement and is pursuing legal action where appropriate. However,
the ultimate recovery in relation to these losses, if any, cannot be determined
at this time.
(14) Brazil
Since 1998, the Company's Brazil operations were primarily conducted
through a majority-owned joint venture. Following a review of its operations in
Brazil, the Company concluded that its joint venture structure, together with
foreign exchange risk, the high cost of capital in that country, accumulated
losses, and the prospect of ongoing losses, were not optimal for success in that
market. As a result, in the second quarter of 2000 the Company elected to exit
the Brazil market.
On August 25, 2000, the Company completed the divestiture of its 51%
ownership in the joint venture to its joint venture partner, Fontana Business
Corp. Following is a summary of the operations related to Brazil (amounts in
thousands):
Year ended November 30,
-------------------------------------
2000 1999 1998
----------- ---------- ---------
Revenues $ 40,602 193,756 99,877
Cost of sales 41,567 178,829 95,927
----------- ---------- ---------
Gross profit (loss) (965) 14,927 3,950
Selling, general and
administrative expenses 10,038 10,255 7,081
----------- ---------- ---------
Operating income (loss) (11,003) 4,672 (3,131)
----------- ---------- ---------
Other income (expense):
Gain on sale of assets 6,047 - -
Interest expense (3,474) (5,098) (2,448)
Other, net - (2,249) 801
----------- ---------- ---------
Total other income (expense) 2,573 (7,347) (1,647)
----------- ---------- ---------
Loss before income taxes $ (8,430) (2,675) (4,778)
=========== ========== =========
The Company recognized a pre-tax gain on sale of $6.0 million in
conjunction with the disposition of its 51% interest in the joint venture in the
third quarter of 2000. The Company had a negative carrying value in its 51%
interest in the joint venture as a result of losses previously recognized. In
the disposition, the Company obtained promissory notes totaling $8.5 million
related to the Company's funding of certain U.S. letters of credit supporting
Brazilian debt obligations. These promissory notes are fully reserved and will
remain reserved pending receipt of payments by the Company.
F-18
CELLSTAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
During the quarter ended May 31, 2000, the Company also fully reserved
certain U.S.-based accounts receivable from Brazilian importers, the
collectibility of which deteriorated significantly in the second quarter of 2000
and which were further affected by the decision, in the second quarter, to exit
Brazil.
(15) Venezuela
During the quarter ended August 31, 2000, the Company decided, based
upon the current and expected future economic and political climate in
Venezuela, to divest its operations in Venezuela. For the quarter ended August
31, 2000, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $4.9 million to reduce
the carrying value of certain Venezuela assets, primarily goodwill, to their
estimated fair value. The Company subsequently sold its operations in Venezuela
in December at approximately carrying value. Following is a summary of the
Venezuela operations (amounts in thousands):
Year ended November 30,
-------------------------------------
2000 1999 1998
----------- ---------- ---------
Revenues $ 36,639 77,077 51,607
Cost of sales 35,342 67,995 41,341
----------- ---------- ---------
Gross profit 1,297 9,082 10,266
Selling, general and administrative expenses 8,630 4,212 5,016
Impairment of assets 4,930 - -
----------- ---------- ---------
Operating income (loss) (12,263) 4,870 5,250
----------- ---------- ---------
Other income (expense):
Gain on sale of assets - 5,197 -
Interest expense (8) (14) (10)
Other, net (1,039) (593) (200)
----------- ---------- ---------
Total other income (expense) (1,047) 4,590 (210)
----------- ---------- ---------
Income (loss) before income taxes $(13,310) 9,460 5,040
=========== ========== =========
(16) Redistributor Business
The Company is phasing out a major portion of its redistributor
business in the Miami and North American operations due to the volatility of the
redistributor business, the relatively lower margins and higher credit risks.
Redistributors are distributors that do not have existing direct relationships
with manufacturers and who do not have long-term carrier or dealer/agent
relationships. These distributors purchase product on a spot basis to fulfill
intermittent customer demand and do not have long-term predictable product
demand. Revenues for the redistributor business for Miami and the North American
Region for the years ended November 30, 2000, 1999 and 1998, were $57.4 million,
$158.6 million and $344.4 million, respectively.
(17) Inventory Obsolescence Expense and Bad Debt Expense
Inventory obsolescence expense of $32.3 million, $23.0 million and
$12.4 million for the years ended November 30, 2000, 1999 and 1998,
respectively, is included in cost of goods sold in the accompanying consolidated
statements of operations.
F-19
CELLSTAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
Bad debt expense of $51.5 million, $10.4 million and $13.6 million
for the years ended November 30, 2000, 1999 and 1998 respectively, is included
in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated
statements of operations.
(18) Concentration of Credit Risk and Major Customer Information
Pacific Bell Mobile Services, a North American Region customer,
accounted for approximately 10% of revenues or $194.6 million of revenues for
the year ended November 30, 1998. No customer accounted for 10% or more of
consolidated revenues in the years ended November 30, 2000 and 1999.
(19) Segment and Related Information
The Company operates predominantly within one industry, wholesale and
retail sales of wireless telecommunications products. The Company's management
evaluates operations primarily on income before interest and income taxes in the
following reportable geographic regions: Asia-Pacific, Latin America, which
includes Mexico and the Company's Miami, Florida operations ("Miami"), Europe
and North America, primarily the United States. Revenues and operations of Miami
are included in Latin America since Miami's activities are primarily for export
to South American countries, either by the Company or through its exporter
customers. The Corporate segment includes headquarters operations, income and
expenses not allocated to reportable segments, and interest expense on the
Company's Facility and Notes. Corporate segment assets primarily consist of
cash, cash equivalents and deferred income tax assets. The accounting policies
of the reportable segments are the same as those described in note (1).
Intersegment sales and transfers are not significant.
Segment information for the years ended November 30, 2000, 1999 and
1998 follows (in thousands):
Asia- Latin North
Pacific America America Europe Corporate Total
------------- ---------- ---------------------- ---------- ---------
November 30, 2000:
Revenues from external customers $1,024,762 636,354 499,171 315,395 - 2,475,682
Impairment of assets - 11,365 974 - - 12,339
Operating income (loss) 7,770 (38,724) (10,882) 2,263 (24,813) (64,386)
Equity in income (loss) of affiliated companies, net (1,805) - - - - (1,805)
Income (loss) before interest and income taxes 6,361 (31,623) (18,478) 2,450 (22,528) (63,818)
Total assets 289,677 256,907 170,532 56,824 82,889 856,829
Depreciation, amortization and impairment of assets 1,905 14,492 3,661 810 2,703 23,571
Capital expenditures 1,256 2,052 1,309 452 392 5,461
November 30, 1999:
Revenues from external customers $ 769,412 717,273 377,129 469,991 - 2,333,805
Impairment of assets - - - 5,480 - 5,480
Restructuring charge 1,277 - 2,302 - 60 3,639
Operating income (loss) 41,537 31,580 17,529 5,506 (23,454) 72,698
Equity in income (loss) of affiliated companies, net (18) - 31,951 - - 31,933
Income (loss) before interest and income taxes 41,102 31,013 48,555 5,433 (18,455) 107,648
Total assets 240,523 261,618 126,208 56,536 21,553 706,438
Depreciation, amortization and impairment of assets 1,869 2,564 3,683 6,426 2,369 16,911
Capital expenditures (1) 1,028 3,522 3,072 877 - 8,499
November 30, 1998:
Revenues from external customers $ 513,869 705,624 472,837 303,520 - 1,995,850
Lawsuit settlement - - - - 7,577 7,577
Operating income (loss) 38,727 28,541 527 5,226 (24,570) 48,451
Equity in income (loss) of affiliated companies, net 768 - (29,216) - - (28,448)
Income (loss) before interest and income taxes 37,804 27,959 (28,437) 6,482 (25,337) 18,471
Total assets 235,147 319,944 152,004 54,659 13,771 775,525
Depreciation and amortization 2,012 3,742 3,197 670 1,805 11,426
Capital expenditures (1) 968 5,922 5,082 526 - 12,498
------------------
(1) Prior to 2000, Corporate segment property and equipment was reported in
North America.
F-20
CELLSTAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
A reconciliation from the segment information to the income (loss)
before income taxes included in the consolidated statements of operations for
the years ended November 30, 2000, 1999, and 1998 follows (in thousands):
2000 1999 1998
----------- ---------- -----------
Income (loss) before interest and income taxes per segment information $ (63,818) 107,648 18,471
Interest expense per the consoldiated statements of operations (19,113) (19,027) (14,446)
Interest income included in other, net in the consolidated statements of operations 4,759 3,881 2,921
----------- ---------- -----------
Income (loss) before income taxes per the consolidated statements of operations $ (78,172) 92,502 6,946
=========== ========== ===========
Geographical information for the years ended November 30, 2000, 1999
and 1998, follows (in thousands):
2000 1999 1998
------------------------- --------------------------- -------------------------------
Long-lived Long-lived Long-lived
Revenues Assets Revenues Assets Revenues Assets
------------ ---------- ------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
United States $ 578,262 15,257 531,328 19,538 834,521 25,448
People's Republic of China,
which includes Hong Kong 725,409 6,591 528,572 3,296 404,883 1,797
United Kingdom 163,797 637 341,090 798 209,439 372
Mexico 383,256 3,038 228,959 2,469 144,178 1,572
All other countries 624,958 5,664 703,856 8,998 402,829 5,769
------------ ---------- ------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
$ 2,475,682 31,187 $ 2,333,805 35,099 1,995,850 34,958
============ ========== ============ =========== ============== ==============
For purposes of the geographical information above, the Company's
Miami operations are included in the United States. Revenues are attributed to
individual countries based on the location of the originating transaction.
(20) Acquisitions
In August 1999, the Company acquired the business and certain net
assets of Montana Telecommunications Group B.V. in The Netherlands in a
transaction accounted for as a purchase. The purchase price was $2.3 million,
which resulted in $1.0 million of goodwill with an estimated life of 20 years.
Additional payments based on future operating results of the business over the
four year period subsequent to acquisition may be paid in cash.
The Company acquired three companies during 1998: (i) TA Intercall AB
(Sweden), January 1998; (ii) Digicom Spoka zo.o. (Poland), March 1998; and (iii)
ACC del Peru (Peru), May 1998. Each of these transactions was accounted for as a
purchase. The aggregate of the original purchase prices was $18.2 million, which
resulted in $18.1 million of goodwill with an estimated life of 20 years.
Additional payments based on operating results of Sweden for the three years
subsequent to acquisition may be paid either in cash or common stock at the
Company's option. In 2000, $4.0 million of additional goodwill was recorded for
Sweden based upon the estimated payment amount.
The consolidated financial statements include the operating results of
each business from the date of acquisition. The impact of these acquisitions was
not material in relation the Company's consolidated financial position or
results of operations.
F-21
CELLSTAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
(21) Stockholders' Equity
(a) Common Stock Warrant and Options
At November 30, 1998, the Company had outstanding a warrant
exercisable for 1.3 million restricted shares of its common stock at $4.60 per
share. In December 1998, the warrant holder and the Company amended the warrant
agreement to remove the restriction on the resale of the common stock issuable
on exercise of the warrant and to pay the exercise price in shares of common
stock. The holder subsequently exercised the warrant and was issued 0.6 million
shares of common stock.
The Company has a stock option plan (the "Plan") covering 11.15
million shares of its common stock. Options under the Plan expire ten years from
the date of grant unless earlier terminated due to the death, disability,
retirement or other termination of service of the optionee. Options have vesting
schedules ranging from 100% on the first anniversary of the date of grant to 25%
per year commencing on the first anniversary of the date of grant. The exercise
price is equal to the fair market value of the common stock on the date of
grant.
The Company also has a stock option plan for non-employee directors
("Directors' Option Plan"). The Directors' Option Plan provides that each non-
employee director of the Company as of the date the Directors' Option Plan was
adopted and each person who thereafter becomes a non-employee director should
automatically be granted an option to purchase 7,500 shares of common stock. The
exercise price is equal to the fair market value of the common stock on the date
of grant. A total of 150,000 shares of common stock are authorized for issuance
pursuant to the Directors' Option Plan. Each option granted under the Directors'
Option Plan becomes exercisable six months after its date of grant and expires
ten years from the date of grant unless earlier terminated due to the death,
disability, retirement or other termination of service of the optionee.
Non-employee directors also receive an annual grant of an option for 5,000
shares of Company common stock under the Plan. Such options vest over a four
year period and have an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the
Company's common stock as of market close on the date of grant.
The per share weighted-average fair value of stock options granted
during the years ended November 30, 2000, 1999 and 1998, was $5.85, $4.45 and
$6.375, respectively, on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-
pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions:
2000 1999 1998
----------- ----------- -----------
Dividend yield 0.00% 0.00 0.00
Volatility 88.00 81.00 83.00
Risk-free interest rate 6.50 5.10 5.40
Expected term of options (in years) 3.4 3.4 3.2
The Company applies Opinion 25 in accounting for its plans and,
accordingly, no compensation cost has been recognized for its stock options in
the consolidated financial statements. Had the Company determined compensation
cost based on the fair value at the grant date for its stock options under
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based
Compensation", the Company's net income (loss) would have been
the pro forma amounts below for the years ended November 30, 2000, 1999 and 1998
(in thousands, except per share amounts):
F-22
CELLSTAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
2000 1999 1998
------------ ------------ ------------
Net income (loss) as reported $ (59,411) 69,087 14,364
Diluted net income (loss) per share as reported (0.99) 1.12 0.24
Pro forma net income (loss) (62,433) 67,605 10,136
Pro forma diluted net income (loss) per share (1.04) 1.11 0.17
Stock option activity during the years ended November 30, 2000, 1999 and 1998,
is as follows:
2000 1999 1998
---------------------- ---------------------- ------------------------
Weighted- Weighted- Weighted-
Average Average Average
Number Exercise Number Exercise Number Exercise
of shares Prices of shares Prices of shares Prices
--------- ---------- ---------- --------- ----------- ----------
Granted 1,513,695 $ 9.553 1,487,450 $ 8.057 2,095,458 $ 11.491
Exercised 85,125 4.654 532,878 5.545 464,378 7.110
Forfeited 1,019,851 9.559 1,369,012 9.444 1,075,062 19.680
Outstanding, end of year 4,684,307 8.782 4,275,588 8.617 4,690,028 8.704
Exercisable, end of year 2,189,689 8.121 1,929,149 7.829 1,417,757 6.531
Reserved for future grants
under the Plan 5,057,532
Reserved for future grants
under the Directors' Option Plan 90,000
For options outstanding and exercisable as of November 30, 2000, the
exercise prices and remaining lives were:
Average Average Average
Number Remaining Life Exercise Number Exercise
Range of Exercise Prices Outstanding (in years) Prices Exercisable Prices
-------------------------- -------------------- ------------------------- -------------- ---------------- ------------------
$2.2500 - 6.4060 1,172,500 5.6 $ 5.9034 968,125 $ 6.1077
$6.4380 - 8.3750 1,199,502 7.4 $ 7.6997 573,252 $ 7.4166
$8.6700 - 9.8750 1,216,679 9.1 $ 9.8433 11,250 $ 8.6700
$10.3130 - 19.880 1,095,626 7.2 $ 11.8705 637,062 $ 11.8041
-------------------- ----------------
4,684,307 7.3 $ 8.7824 2,189,689 $ 8.1208
==================== ================
F-23
CELLSTAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
(b) Stockholder Rights Plan
The Company has a Stockholder Rights Plan, which provides that the
holders of the Company's common stock receive one-third of a right ("Right") for
each share of the Company's common stock they own. Each Right entitles the
holder to buy one one-thousandth of a share of Series A Preferred Stock, par
value $.01 per share, at a purchase price of $80.00, subject to adjustment. The
Rights are not currently exercisable, but would become exercisable if certain
events occurred relating to a person or group acquiring or attempting to acquire
15% or more of the outstanding shares of common stock of the Company. Under
those circumstances, the holders of Rights would be entitled to buy shares of
the Company's common stock or stock of an acquirer of the Company at a 50%
discount. The Rights expire on January 9, 2007, unless earlier redeemed by the
Company.
(22) Commitments and Contingencies
(a) Litigation
During the period from May 1999 through July 1999, seven purported
class action lawsuits were filed in the United States District Court for the
Southern District of Florida, styled as follows: (1) Elfie Echavarri v. CellStar
Corporation, Alan H. Goldfield, Richard M. Gozia and Mark Q. Huggins; (2) Mark
Krug v. CellStar Corporation, Alan H. Goldfield, Richard M. Gozia and Mark Q.
Huggins; (3) Jewell Wright v. CellStar Corporation, Alan H. Goldfield, Richard
M. Gozia and Mark Q. Huggins; (4) Theodore Weiss v. CellStar Corporation, Alan
H. Goldfield, Richard M. Gozia and Mark Q. Huggins; (5) Tony LaBella v. CellStar
Corporation, Alan H. Goldfield, Richard M. Gozia and Mark Q. Huggins; (6) Thomas
E. Petrone v. CellStar Corporation, Alan H. Goldfield, Richard M. Gozia and Mark
Q. Huggins; (7) Adele Brody v. CellStar Corporation, Alan H. Goldfield, Richard
M. Gozia and Mark Q. Huggins. Each of the above lawsuits sought certification as
a class action to represent those persons who purchased the publicly traded
securities of the Company during the period from March 19, 1998 to September 21,
1998. Each of these lawsuits alleges that the Company issued a series of
materially false and misleading statements concerning the Company's results of
operations and the Company's investment in Topp, resulting in violations of
Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange
Act"), as amended, and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder. The Court entered an
order on September 26, 1999 consolidating the above lawsuits and appointing lead
plaintiffs and lead plaintiffs' counsel. The lead plaintiffs filed a
consolidated complaint on November 8, 1999. The Company filed a Motion to
Dismiss the consolidated complaint, and the Court granted that motion on August
3, 2000. The plaintiffs filed a Second Amended and Consolidated Complaint on
September 1, 2000, essentially re-alleging the violations of Sections 10(b) and
20(a) of the Exchange Act, and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder. The Company
filed a Motion to Dismiss plaintiffs' Second Amended and Consolidated Complaint
on November 2, 2000, but the Court has not yet rendered a decision. The Company
believes that it has fully complied with all applicable securities laws and
regulations and that it has meritorious defenses to the allegations made in the
Second Amended and Consolidated Complaint. The Company intends to vigorously
defend the consolidated action if its Motion to Dismiss is denied.
The Company is also a party to various other claims, legal actions and
complaints arising in the ordinary course of business.
Management believes that the disposition of these matters should not
have a materially adverse effect on the consolidated financial condition or
results of operations of the Company.
(b) SEC Investigation
On August 3, 1998, the Company announced that the Securities and
Exchange Commission is conducting an investigation of the Company relating to
its compliance with Federal securities laws. The Company believes that it has
fully complied with all securities laws and regulations and is cooperating with
the Commission in its investigation.
F-24
CELLSTAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
(c) Financial Guarantee
The Company has guaranteed up to MYR 5.9 million (Malaysian ringgits),
or $1.5 million as of November 30, 2000, for bank borrowings of Amtel. In
addition, the Company has guaranteed certain accounts payable of Amtel at
November 30, 2000. The Company is not guaranteeing future debt or accounts
payables of Amtel. As of January 31, 2001, the aggregate bank borrowings and
accounts payable of Amtel guaranteed by the Company was approximately $2.5
million.
(d) 401(k) Savings Plan
The Company established a savings plan for employees in 1994.
Employees are eligible to participate if they were full-time employees as of
July 1, 1994, or on completing 90 days of service. The plan is subject to the
provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. Under
provisions of the plan, eligible employees are allowed to contribute as much as
15% of their compensation, up to the annual maximum allowed by the Internal
Revenue Service. The Company may make a discretionary matching contribution
based on the Company's profitability. The Company made contributions of
approximately $0.2 million to the plan in 2000 and $0.3 million to the plan in
each of 1999 and 1998.
(e) Foreign Currency Contracts
The Company uses foreign currency forward contracts to reduce exposure
to exchange rate risks primarily associated with transactions in the regular
course of the Company's international operations. The forward contracts
establish the exchange rates at which the Company should purchase or sell the
contracted amount of local currencies for specified foreign currencies at a
future date. The Company uses forward contracts, which are short-term in nature
(45 days to one year), and receives or pays the difference between the
contracted forward rate and the exchange rate at the settlement date.
The major currency exposures hedged by the Company are the British
pound, Dutch guilder, Euro and Swedish Krona. The carrying amount and fair value
of these contracts are not significant.
The contractual amount of the Company's forward exchange contracts at
November 30, 2000, was $18.7 million.
F-25
CELLSTAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)
(In thousands, except per share data)
First Second Third Fourth
Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter
------------- ------------ ----------- -------------
2000
Revenues $589,859 561,370 629,793 694,660
Gross profit 48,283 7,426 24,193 37,126
Net income 9,446 (39,679) (a) (13,319) (b) (15,859) (c)
Net income per share:
Basic 0.16 (0.66) (0.22) (0.26)
Diluted 0.16 (0.66) (0.22) (0.26)
1999
Revenues $515,348 570,325 560,222 687,910
Gross profit 43,639 49,058 47,706 53,027
Net income (loss) 15,591 (d) 13,969 (e) 14,998 24,529 (f)
Net income (loss) per share:
Basic 0.26 0.23 0.25 0.41
Diluted 0.26 0.23 0.25 0.39
(a) In the second quarter of 2000, the Company's operations were affected by
significant declines in gross profit due to competitive margin pressures
and by increases in bad debt expense related to the redistributor business
and Brazil related receivables.
(b) In the third quarter of 2000, the Company's operations were affected by
charges related to its decision to exit its Venezuela operations and the
gain on the divestiture of its 51% interest in the Brazil joint venture.
(c) In the fourth quarter of 2000, the Company's operations were affected by
accounts receivable reserves for accounts whose businesses have been
adversely affected by competitive market conditions in Asia and the United
States, and a non-cash goodwill impairment charge for its Peru operations.
(d) In the first quarter of 1999, the Company's operations were affected by the
gain on the sale of part of its equity and debt investment in Topp, a gain
associated with the sale of all its retail stores in the Dallas-Fort Worth
area, and a loss on the conversion of a U.S. dollar denominated loan into
Brazilian reals.
(e) In the second quarter of 1999, the Company's operations were affected by
the restructuring charge associated with the reorganization and
consolidation of the management for the Company's Latin American and North
American Regions as well as the centralization of the management in the
Asia-Pacific Region and the sale of its prepaid operation in Venezuela and
retail stores in the Kansas City area.
(f) In the fourth quarter of 1999, the Company's operations were affected by
the gain on the sale of the remaining debt and equity interest in Topp and
a charge to reduce the carrying value of CellStar Poland Sp. zo.o.
F-26
CELLSTAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
Years ended November 30, 2000, 1999 and 1998
(in thousands)
Balance at Charged to Charged to Deductions, Balance at
beginning of costs and activation net of end of
period expenses income (a) recoveries period
------------------- ------------------ ----------- ----------- --------
Allowance for doubtful accounts:
November 30, 2000 $ 33,152 51,533 103 (8,978) 75,810
November 30, 1999 33,361 10,392 1,251 (11,852) 33,152
November 30, 1998 23,857 13,639 481 (4,616) 33,361
Reserve for inventory obsolescence
November 30, 2000 $ 14,868 32,255 - (27,811) 19,312
November 30, 1999 12,082 23,012 - (20,226) 14,868
November 30, 1998 2,795 12,434 - (3,147) 12,082
(a) The Company, under agent agreements, earns activation commissions from
wireless service providers on engaging subscribers for wireless handset services
in connection with the Company's retail operations. The agent agreements also
provide for the reduction or elimination of activation commissions if the
subscribers deactivate service within a stipulated period. The Company reduces
activation income for increases in the allowance for estimated deactivations.
S-1