-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, BP7vQY0zl8aij/IvEgemHxrjWtpsJSQCKxaIaMl6+/f+PWeAy2UFXabFmbZz0bLy 2NonSmO+9Wk7HoWninVsTw== 0000058592-08-000012.txt : 20080317 0000058592-08-000012.hdr.sgml : 20080317 20080317132448 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000058592-08-000012 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 10-K PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 9 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20071231 FILED AS OF DATE: 20080317 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20080317 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: 4 KIDS ENTERTAINMENT INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000058592 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: PATENT OWNERS & LESSORS [6794] IRS NUMBER: 132691380 STATE OF INCORPORATION: NY FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 001-16117 FILM NUMBER: 08692070 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 1414 AVE OF THE AMERICAS CITY: NEW YORK STATE: NY ZIP: 10019 BUSINESS PHONE: 2127587666 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 1414 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS CITY: NEW YORK STATE: NY ZIP: 10019 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: LEISURE CONCEPTS INC DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19920703 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: AMERICAN LEISURE INDUSTRIES INC DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19740822 10-K 1 form10k12312007.htm FORM 10-K DATED 12-31-07

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

 

xANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE

ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007

OR

oTRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES

EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from _______________ to _______________

 

Commission File No. 0-7843

 

4Kids Entertainment, Inc.  

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

New York

13-2691380

                  (State or other jurisdiction of                                                                                          (I.R.S. Employer

                 incorporation or organization)                                                                                             Identification No.)

 

 

1414 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York

10019

                                   (Address of principal executive offices)                                                        (Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (212) 758-7666

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

 

Title of each class

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock, $0.01 par value

New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes __ NoX  

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes___ No X

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to the 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 the 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. o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer" and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

Large accelerated filer ___

Accelerated filer X

Non-accelerated filer ___

Smaller reporting company ___

(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

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

 

The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant, based on the closing price of the Common Stock on June 29, 2007 as reported on the New York Stock Exchange Market, was approximately $138,818,400. Shares of Common Stock held by each officer and director and by each person who owns 5% or more of the outstanding Common Stock have been excluded from this computation in that such persons may be deemed to be affiliates. This determination of affiliate status is not necessarily a conclusive determination for other purposes.

 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

 

Common Stock, $.01 Par Value

13,157,823

 

(Title of Class)

(No. of Shares Outstanding at March 14, 2008)

 

Portions of the registrant’s Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 20, 2008 are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 


FORM 10-K REPORT INDEX

 

 

10-K Part

and Item No.

 

Page No.

 

 

 

PART I

 

 

Item 1

 

Business

1

 

Item 1A

 

Item 1B

 

Item 2

 

Risk Factors

 

Unresolved Staff Comments

 

Properties

4

 

8

 

9

Item 3

 

Legal Proceedings

9

Item 4

 

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

9

 

 

 

PART II

 

 

Item 5

 

Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

10

Item 6

 

Selected Consolidated Financial Data

11

Item 7

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

13

Item 7A

 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

27

Item 8

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

27

Item 9

 

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

27

Item 9A

 

Controls and Procedures

27

Item 9B

Other Information

28

 

 

 

PART III

 

 

Item 10

 

Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant

28

Item 11

 

Executive Compensation

29

Item 12

 

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

29

Item 13

 

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

29

Item 14

 

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

29

 

 

 

PART IV

 

 

Item 15

 

Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

29

 


PART I

 

Throughout this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we “incorporate by reference” certain information in parts of other documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). The SEC allows us to disclose important information by referring to it in that manner. Please refer to such information.

This Annual Report on Form 10-K, including the sections titled "Item 1A. Risk Factors" and "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" contains forward-looking statements that relate to future events or our future financial performance. We may also make written and oral forward-looking statements in our Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") filings and otherwise. We have tried, where possible, to identify such statements by using words such as "believe," "expect," "intend," "estimate," "anticipate," "will," "project," "plan" and similar expressions in connection with any discussion of future operating or financial performance. Any forward-looking statements are and will be based upon our then-current expectations, estimates and assumptions regarding future events and are applicable only as of the dates of such statements. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in any forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include those described in "Item 1A. Risk Factors" below as well as other factors. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Item 1. Business.

 

General Development and Narrative Description of Business - 4Kids Entertainment, Inc., together with the subsidiaries through which the Company’s businesses are conducted (the “Company”), is a diversified entertainment and media company specializing in the youth oriented market with operations in the following business segments: (i) Licensing; (ii) Advertising Media and Broadcast; (iii) Television and Film Production/Distribution; and (iv) Trading Card and Game Distribution. The Company was organized as a New York corporation in 1970.

 

Licensing - The Licensing business segment consists of the results of operations of the following wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company: 4Kids Entertainment Licensing, Inc. (“4Kids Licensing”); 4Sight Licensing Solutions, Inc. (“4Sight Licensing”); 4Kids Entertainment International, Ltd. (“4Kids International”); and 4Kids Technology, Inc. (“4Kids Technology”). 4Kids Licensing is engaged in the business of licensing the merchandising rights to popular children’s television series, properties and product concepts (individually, the “Property” or collectively the “Properties”). 4Kids Licensing typically acts as exclusive merchandising agent in connection with the grant to third parties of licenses to manufacture and sell all types of merchandise, including toys, videogames, trading cards, apparel, housewares, footwear, books and other published materials, based on such Properties. 4Sight Licensing is engaged in the business of licensing properties and product concepts to adults, teens and “tweens”. 4Sight Licensing focuses on brand building through licensing. 4Kids International, based in London, manages Properties represented by the Company in the United Kingdom and European marketplaces. 4Kids Technology develops ideas and concepts for licensing which integrate new and existing technologies with traditional game and toy play patterns.

 

The Licensing segment accounted for approximately 41%, 44% and 47% of consolidated net revenues for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The “Yu-Gi-Oh!” and “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” Properties continue to be the two largest contributors in this business segment.

 

Advertising Media and Broadcast - The Company, through a multi-year agreement with Fox Broadcasting Corporation (“Fox”), leases Fox’s Saturday morning programming block (“4Kids TV”) from 8am to 12pm eastern/pacific time (7am to 11am central time). The Company provides substantially all programming content to be broadcast on 4Kids TV. 4Kids Ad Sales, Inc. (“4Kids Ad Sales”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, retains all of the revenues from its sale of network advertising time for the four-hour time period leased from Fox.

 

On October 1, 2007, the Company and The CW Network, LLC ("The CW") entered into an agreement (the "CW Agreement"), under which The CW granted to the Company the exclusive right to program The CW's Saturday morning children's programming block that is broadcast in most markets between 7am and 12pm ("The CW Kids Block") for an initial term of five years beginning with The CW's 2008-2009 broadcast season.

 

Effective June 30, 2006, the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, The Summit Media Group, Inc. (“Summit Media”), which previously provided print and broadcast media planning and buying services for clients principally in the children’s toy and game business, terminated its operations. As a consequence of the termination of its operations, Summit Media no longer serves as a media buying agency for third parties and is being classified as a discontinued operation.

 

1

 


The Advertising Media and Broadcast segment accounted for 29%, 23% and 23% of consolidated net revenues for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

 

Television and Film Production/Distribution - The Television and Film Production/Distribution business segment consists of the results of operations of the following wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company: 4Kids Productions, Inc. (“4Kids Productions”); 4Kids Entertainment Music, Inc. (“4Kids Music”); and 4Kids Entertainment Home Video, Inc. (“4Kids Home Video”). 4Kids Productions produces and adapts animated and live-action television programs and theatrical motion pictures for distribution to the domestic and international television, home video and theatrical markets. 4Kids Music composes original music for incorporation into television programming produced by 4Kids Productions and markets and manages such music. 4Kids Home Video distributes home videos associated with television programming produced by 4Kids Productions.

 

The Television and Film Production/Distribution segment accounted for 29%, 33% and 30% of consolidated net revenues for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

 

Trading Card and Game Distribution - Through its wholly-owned subsidiary, 4Kids Digital Games, Inc. (“4Kids Digital”), the Company owns 55% of TC Digital Games LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“TC Digital”) that produces, markets and distributes the “Chaotic” trading card game. In December 2006, 4Kids Digital acquired a 53% ownership interest in TC Digital and entered into TC Digital’s operating agreement (the “TCD Agreement”) with Chaotic USA Digital Games LLC (“CUSA LLC”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Chaotic USA Entertainment Group, Inc. (“CUSA”). The TCD Agreement contains terms and conditions governing the operations of TC Digital, and entitles 4Kids Digital and CUSA to elect two managers to the entity’s Management Committee with 4Kids Digital having the right to break any dead-locks. On December 18, 2007, 4Kids Digital purchased an additional 2% membership interest in TC Digital from CUSA increasing 4Kids Digital’s ownership percentage to 55%. The consideration for the purchase of the additional membership interest was paid through the settlement of certain capital contributions required to be made by CUSA to TC Websites under TC Websites’ operating agreement (the “TCW Agreement”).

 

Through its wholly-owned subsidiary, 4Kids Websites, Inc. (“4Kids Websites”), the Company owns 55% of TC Websites LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“TC Websites”) that owns and operates www.chaoticgame.com, the companion website for the “Chaotic” trading card game which was launched as a public beta version on October 24, 2007. In December 2006, 4Kids Websites purchased a 50% membership interest in TC Websites from CUSA and entered into the TCW Agreement with CUSA. The TCW Agreement contains terms and conditions governing TC Websites’ operations and entitles 4Kids Websites and CUSA to elect two managers to its Management Committee. On December 18, 2007, 4Kids Websites entered into an agreement pursuant to which it acquired an additional 5% ownership interest in TC Websites from CUSA, and the TCW Agreement was concurrently amended to provide 4Kids Websites with the right to break any deadlocks on TC Websites’ Management Committee, including with respect to operational matters. The consideration for the purchase of the additional membership interest was paid through the settlement of certain capital contributions required to be made by CUSA to TC Websites under the TCW Agreement. 4Kids Websites had previously used the equity method to account for its investment in TC Websites, where it did not have control but had significant influence. As a result of 4Kids Websites’ increased ownership and operational control, TC Websites is consolidated in the Company’s financial statements, subject to a minority interest.

TC Digital and TC Websites are the exclusive licensees of certain patents covering the uploading of coded trading cards to a website where online game play and community activities occur. The www.chaoticgame.com website provides full access to all of its content and is free of charge for all users. No purchase of trading cards is necessary to play the online version where virtual playing decks are available to users who register on the website. These two businesses enable the Company to offer traditional trading card game play with an online digital play experience. In addition, it is anticipated that TC Digital and TC Websites will diversify their product lines and will ultimately distribute and sell, and create websites for other trading card games. The Company believes that its ownership interests in TC Digital and TC Websites represent a potentially significant addition to its business strategy.

Certain of the Company’s executive officers hold management positions and have ownership interests in CUSA, CUSA LLC and certain other entities with which TC Digital and TC Websites have engaged in transactions since their formation. Information regarding these relationships can be found in Note 15 of the Notes to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

The Trading Card and Game Distribution segment accounted for 1%, 0% and 0% of consolidated net revenues for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

 

Financial Information About Industry Segments - Financial information regarding the Company’s industry segments can be found in Note 17 of the Notes to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

2

 


Dependence on a Few Sources of Revenues - The Company typically derives a substantial portion of its revenues from a small number of Properties, which usually generate revenues for only a limited period of time. The Company’s revenues are highly subject to changing trends in the toy, game and entertainment businesses, causing dramatic increases and decreases from year to year due to the popularity of particular Properties. It is not possible to accurately predict the length of time that a Property will be commercially successful and/or if a Property will be commercially successful at all. Due to these factors, the Company must continually seek new properties from which it can derive revenues. In addition, the Company also does not control the timing of the release of products by licensees which can affect both the amount of licensing revenues earned and the periods during which such revenues are recognized.

Three Properties, “Yu-Gi-Oh!”, “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” and “Viva Piñata” represented 45% of consolidated net revenues for fiscal 2007. Two licensees, Microsoft Corporation and Konami Corporation, represented 26% of consolidated net revenues for fiscal 2007. For more information on the Company’s Revenues/Major Customers, please see Note 8 of the Notes to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Trademarks and Copyrights - Except as provided below, the Company generally does not own any trademarks or copyrights in Properties which the Company represents as a merchandising agent. The trademarks and copyrights are typically owned by the creators of the Properties or by other entities, which may have expended substantial amounts of resources in developing or promoting the Properties.

The Company owns the copyrights and trademarks to “Charlie Chan” and the “WMAC Masters” live action television series. The Company is also a joint copyright holder of the “Cubix” CGI television series and the “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” and “Chaotic” animated television series produced by 4Kids Productions.  Additionally, the Company is also a joint copyright holder of the new “Chaotic” trading card artwork for the “Chaotic” trading card game. The Company also jointly owns the copyright to the “Chaotic” trading card game as it relates to revisions to the original “Chaotic” trading card game previously sold in Denmark.  The Company, through its 55% ownership interest in TC Websites, jointly owns the intellectual property rights to the website, including certain proprietary software contained in the website which enables “Chaotic” website visitors to play the “Chaotic” trading card game online at www.chaoticgame.com.

Seasonal Aspects - A substantial portion of the Company’s revenues and net income are subject to the seasonal and trend variations of the toy and game industry. Typically, a majority of toy orders are shipped in the third and fourth calendar quarters. Historically, the Company’s net revenues from toy and game royalties during the second half of the year have generally been greater than during the first half of the year. Additionally, advertising revenues derived from the sale of commercial time on 4Kids TV is generally higher in the fourth quarter due to higher advertising rates typically charged to children’s advertisers for advertising during the holiday season.

Competition - The Company’s principal competitors in the area of merchandise licensing are the large media companies (e.g., Disney, Time Warner and Nickelodeon, which is owned by Viacom) with consumer products/merchandise licensing divisions, toy companies, other licensing companies, and numerous individuals who act as merchandising agents. There are also many independent product development firms with which the Company competes. Many of these companies have substantially greater resources than the Company and represent properties which have been commercially successful for longer periods than the Properties represented by the Company. The Company believes it would be relatively easy for a potential competitor to enter its market in light of the relatively small investment required to commence operations as a merchandising agent.

The Company’s Advertising Media and Broadcast segment also operates in a highly competitive marketplace against large media companies (e.g., Disney, Time Warner, CBS, NBC and Nickelodeon) with substantially greater resources and distribution networks than the Company. The Company’s ability to derive advertising revenue from the sale of commercial time on 4Kids TV, and beginning with the 2008-2009 broadcast season, The CW Kids Block, substantially depends on the popularity of the television shows that the Company broadcasts. The Company also faces significant competition from other television broadcasters and cable networks, which also broadcast children’s television shows on Saturday mornings.

The Company’s Television and Film Production/Distribution segment competes with all forms of entertainment directed at children. There are a significant number of companies that produce and/or broadcast television programming and distribute theatrical motion pictures and home videos for the children’s audience. The Company also competes with these companies to obtain creative talent to write, adapt, score, provide voice-overs and produce the television programs and theatrical motion pictures marketed by the Company and its subsidiaries.

The Company’s Trading Card and Game Distribution segment will also be operating in a highly competitive market against strong competition such as: (i)Wizards of the Coast, which is owned by Hasbro and distributes the popular “Magic the

 

3

 


Gathering" trading card game; (ii) Upper Deck, a company that distributes “Yu-Gi-Oh!” trading cards and sports cards; (iii) Topps, a company that distributes sports cards; and (iv) Nintendo of America and Pokémon USA, Inc., the companies that distribute the “Pokémon” trading card game. The “Chaotic” website which is part of the Company’s Trading Card and Game Distribution segment will also be competing with popular online multiplayer game websites such as “World of Warcraft”, the website run by Blizzard Entertainment, a subsidiary of Vivendi.

Employees - As of March 14, 2008, the Company had a total of 233 full-time employees in its domestic and international operations. Of the total, 96 employees were primarily rendering services for the Licensing segment, 30 were primarily rendering services for the Advertising Media and Broadcasting segment, 70 were primarily rendering services for the Television and Film Production/Distribution segment and 37 were primarily rendering services for the Trading Card and Game Distribution segment. The Company also hires additional employees on a program-by-program basis whose compensation is typically allocated to the capitalized cost of the related programming.

 

Available Information - The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and all amendments to those reports, and the Proxy Statement for its Annual Meeting of Stockholders are made available, free of charge, through its website, www.4kidsentertainment.com, as soon as reasonably practicable after such reports have been filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). In addition, you may read and copy any materials the Company files with the SEC at the SEC's Public Reference Room at 450 Fifth Street N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. You may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC maintains an Internet site, www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC.

Executive Officers of the Company

Name

Age

 

Employed By Registrant Since

 

Recent Position(s) Held As Of March 14, 2008

Alfred R. Kahn

61

 

1987

 

Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer (since 1991)

 

Bruce R. Foster

 

 

48

 

 

2002

 

 

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (since 2005); Senior Vice President of Finance (2002 to 2005)

 

Norman Grossfeld

 

 

44

 

 

1994

 

 

President of 4Kids Productions, Inc.

 

Samuel R. Newborn

 

 

53

 

 

2000

 

 

Executive Vice President and General Counsel

 

Brian Lacey

 

 

57

 

 

2003

 

 

Executive Vice President, International

 

Daniel Barnathan

 

53

 

 

2002

 

 

President of 4Kids Ad Sales, Inc.

 

Bryan Gannon

 

50

 

 

2006

 

 

Chief Executive Officer of TC Digital Games LLC and TC Websites LLC

 

John Milito

 

34

 

 

2006

 

 

Executive Vice President of TC Digital Games LLC and TC Websites LLC

Item 1A.

Risk Factors.

The following significant factors, as well as others of which we are unaware or deem to be immaterial at this time, could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or operating results in the future. Therefore, the following information should be considered carefully together with other information contained in this report. Past financial performance may not be a reliable indicator of future performance, and historical trends should not be used to anticipate results or trends in future periods.

 

 

4

 


The changing entertainment preferences of consumers could adversely affect our business.

Our business and operating results depend upon the appeal of our Properties, product concepts and programming to consumers. Consumer entertainment preferences, as well as industry trends and demands are continuously changing and are difficult to predict as they vary over time. In addition, as entertainment properties often have short life cycles, there can be no assurances that:

(i) 

our current Properties, product concepts or programming will continue to be popular for any significant period of time;

(ii) 

new Properties, product concepts or programming we represent or produce will achieve and or sustain popularity in the marketplace;

(iii)

a Property’s life cycle will be sufficient to permit us to recover revenues in excess of the costs of advance payments, guarantees, development, marketing, royalties and other costs relating to such Property; or

(iv)

we will successfully anticipate, identify and react to consumer preferences.

Our failure to accomplish any of these events could result in reduced overall revenues, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, the volatility of consumer preferences could cause our revenues and net income to vary significantly between comparable periods.

Revenues from our Licensing segment are largely derived from a small number of Properties and are subject to changing industry trends.

We have historically derived a substantial portion of our licensing revenues from a small number of Properties which usually generate revenues only for a limited period of time. For the year ended December 31, 2007, we derived approximately 55% of our licensing revenues from two Properties. Our licensing revenues are also subject to the changing trends in the toy, game and entertainment industries. Consequently, our licensing revenues may be subject to dramatic increases and decreases from particular sources over time. In addition, we do not control the timing of the release of products by licensees which can affect both the amount of licensing revenues earned and the periods during which such revenues are recognized. A significant decrease in our licensing revenues could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations.

Revenues from our Licensing segment are directly impacted by the amount of retail shelf space dedicated to our Properties.

 

As an exclusive merchandising agent, we grant licenses to third parties to manufacture and sell all types of merchandise based on the Properties that we represent. The ability of these third parties to design, manufacture, and ultimately market and sell this merchandise through various distribution channels has a direct impact on our revenues. If these third parties are not successful in obtaining optimal and adequate shelf space for this merchandise at retail, the performance of certain Properties could suffer which could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations.

 

Our operating margins could be adversely impacted by the mix of Properties we represent.

 

Historically, the majority of the television episodes produced by our production studio were English language dubbed versions of previously produced foreign language programming. We were able to license television broadcast rights, home video rights and merchandising rights to such foreign language programming for rights fees that were substantially below the cost of producing original programming. Over the past several years, we have begun shifting our strategic focus toward the production of more original animated programming in an effort to obtain a higher percentage of revenues and build the value of our programming library. The investment required to produce original animated programming is substantially greater than our historical cost of dubbing and adapting existing foreign language animated programming. Our production of original programming funded in whole or in part by us has resulted in a substantial increase in capitalized film costs that will be amortized based on overall market acceptance and projected revenues. To the extent that a Property performs at a level lower than our expectations, the ratio of amortization expense will increase and may adversely impact our operating margins and results of operations. If our original programming is not successful, we may be required to write down millions of dollars of capitalized film costs associated with the unsuccessful series, which will have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations.

 

5

 


We must continually seek new Properties from which we can derive revenues.

It is difficult to predict whether a Property will be successful, and if so, for how long. Because of this, we are constantly seeking new Properties that are already successful or that we believe are likely to become successful in the future. If we are unable to identify and acquire the rights to successful new Properties, our revenues, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.

Our business is seasonal and highly dependent on our performance during the holiday season.

A high percentage of our annual operating results have historically depended on our performance during the holiday season. Sales of our licensed toy and game concepts are seasonal and most retail sales of these products occur during the third and fourth fiscal quarters. Also, as a result of the increased demand for commercial time by children’s advertisers during the holiday season, a significant portion of the revenues of 4Kids Ad Sales is generated during the fourth fiscal quarter. The financial results of 4Kids TV and the future results of The CW Kids Block will be affected by how successful they are in attracting viewers during the holiday season. As a result of the seasonal nature of our business, we would be significantly and adversely affected by unfavorable economic conditions and other unforeseen events during the holiday season, such as a terrorist attack or a military engagement, that negatively affect the retail environment or consumer buying patterns. In addition, a failure by us to supply programming to 4Kids TV or The CW Kids Block during the holiday season could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations.

We operate in a highly competitive marketplace.

Licensing. Our principal competitors in the area of merchandise licensing are the large media companies (e.g., Disney, Time Warner and Nickelodeon, which is owned by Viacom) with consumer products/merchandise licensing divisions, toy companies, other licensing companies, and numerous individuals who act as merchandising agents. There are also many independent product development firms with which we compete. Many of these companies have substantially greater resources than we do and represent properties which have been commercially successful for longer periods than our Properties. We believe that it would be relatively easy for a potential competitor to enter into this market in light of the relatively small investment required to commence operations as a merchandising agent.

Advertising Media and Broadcast. Our Advertising Media and Broadcast segment also operates in a highly competitive marketplace against large media companies (e.g., Disney, Time Warner, CBS, NBC and Nickelodeon, which is owned by Viacom) with substantially greater resources and distribution networks than we have. Our ability to derive advertising revenues from the sale of commercial time on 4Kids TV, and beginning for the 2008-2009 broadcast season, The CW Kids Block, substantially depends on the popularity of the television shows that we broadcast. We also face significant competition from other television broadcasters and cable networks, which also broadcast children’s television shows on Saturday mornings. Saturday morning broadcast television for children has been losing popularity over the last few years to the children’s cable television channels such as Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network and the Disney Channel. In addition, the popularity of the internet, video on demand, digital video recording of programming and other trends have caused a fragmentation of the audience. Both of these trends have resulted in lower advertising revenues from the sale of advertising time on 4Kids TV. The continued reduction of advertising revenues, as a result of these and other trends, has adversely affected our business and the results of operations.

Television and Film Production/Distribution. Our Television and Film Production/Distribution segment competes with all forms of entertainment directed at children. There are a significant number of companies that produce and/or broadcast television programming and distribute theatrical motion pictures and home videos for the children’s audience. We also compete with these companies to obtain creative talent to write, adapt, score, provide voice-overs and produce the television programs and theatrical motion pictures marketed by us.

Trading Card and Game Distribution. Our Trading Card and Game Distribution segment operates in a highly competitive market against strong competition such as: (i) Wizards of the Coast, which is owned by Hasbro and distributes the popular “Magic the Gathering" trading card game; (ii) Upper Deck, a company that distributes “Yu-Gi-Oh!” trading cards and sports cards; (iii) Topps, a company that distributes sports cards; and (iv) Nintendo of America and Pokémon USA, Inc., the companies that distribute the “Pokémon” trading card game. The “Chaotic” website which is part of the our Trading Card and Game Distribution segment is also competing with popular online multiplayer game websites such as “World of Warcraft”, the website run by Blizzard Entertainment, a subsidiary of Vivendi.

 

6

 


Our broadcasting costs may increase or our advertising revenues may decrease due to events beyond our control.

The success of our Advertising Media and Broadcastsegment is largely dependent on the amount of advertising revenues generated from sales of network advertising on 4Kids TV and beginning with the 2008-2009 broadcast season, The CW Kids Block. Recently, there has been increased scrutiny of food advertising directed at children as a result of childhood obesity concerns. In response to these concerns, several significant food advertisers have reduced or eliminated advertising of food products directed toward children resulting in a reduction in the advertising dollars spent in the children’s television and internet advertising marketplace. In addition, international, political and military developments may result in increases in broadcasting costs or loss of advertising revenue due to, among other things, the preemption of our programming.

Our Trading Card and Game Distribution segment presents certain risks.

Our trading card business is a relatively new business with a limited operating history. We expect to invest an aggregate amount between approximately $15 and $20 million in TC Digital and TC Websites. These companies have only a limited operating history and both operate in a highly competitive trading card marketplace. TC Digital is initially distributing one product, the “Chaotic” trading card game. If the “Chaotic” trading card game is not successful, we will incur substantial losses.

We commenced distribution of the “Chaotic” trading card game to the comic book and hobby store distribution channels in October 2007. Additionally, we began to distribute the “Chaotic” trading card game to mass market distribution channels in January 2008. If the trading card game is not successful when initially distributed to the comic and hobby store and mass market distribution channels, it is possible that we will not receive substantial re-orders from these distribution channels. Additionally, if distribution in the U.S. is not successful, it is possible that international distribution could be adversely affected. If such events were to occur, it would have a material adverse impact on our business and results of operations.

Card production delays or shortfalls and card inventory risk. Raw materials required for production of the Company’s products are generally available. However, the unavailability of certain raw materials or a significant increase in their cost could have a material adverse affect on our future plans and operating results. Our production of cards to meet anticipated retailer demand could cause an inventory surplus and result in markdowns and increased inventory carrying costs for us on even our most successful products. Additionally, if we underestimate demand for our products, we may be unable to provide adequate supplies of popular products to retailers in a timely fashion, and may consequently lose sales opportunities. A small percentage of our card sales are subject to returns. Although the Company maintains return provisions, returns considerably in excess of the Company’s provisions or a change in the percentage of card sales on a returnable basis could materially and adversely affect our future plans and results.

There may be issues with the functionality of the “Chaotic” website. Each “Chaotic” trading card has a unique code which enables the “Chaotic” card collector to enter or upload the “Chaotic” trading card codes to the companion website, www.chaoticgame.com. The “Chaotic” website enables each “Chaotic” card collector to battle online using the “Chaotic” cards that have been uploaded to the card collector’s online account. The “Chaotic” website is currently operated as a public beta version and is being developed and tested continually in such environment. There can be no assurance that the “Chaotic” website will not have operational issues which can be resolved in a timely manner. If the “Chaotic” website were not to operate properly, the success of the trading card game would be adversely affected. Such circumstances could require us to make additional substantial investments in order to support, enhance or upgrade the “Chaotic” trading game companion website beyond our current expectations.

Advertising revenues from the “Chaotic” website may be less than anticipated. Visitors to the “Chaotic” website are not charged a fee for playing the “Chaotic” trading card game online and the website will be supported by card royalty revenues and anticipated advertising revenues. There can be no assurance that card royalty revenues and anticipated advertising revenues will be sufficient to support the costs expected to be incurred in the operation and maintenance of the website. If card royalty revenues and anticipated advertising revenues are not sufficient to cover the costs of operating the website, the losses may adversely impact our business and the results of operations.

Failure by the Company to protect its proprietary intellectual property and information could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. The value of the “Chaotic” website depends, in part, on our ability to protect patents licensed by TC Digital and TC Websites covering the uploading of coded trading cards to a website where online game play and community activities occur. The failure by the Company to be able to protect successfully its proprietary intellectual property and information could have a material adverse affect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

7

 


Dependence on limited number of suppliers. The Company currently has a single source of supply for its trading cards. The loss of this supplier for any reason could have a materially adverse effect on the Company's future plans and results. Additionally, failure of the manufacturer to supply the Company with quality products on a timely basis could have a material adverse affect on the sales of the “Chaotic” trading cards.

Our future success is dependent on certain key employees.

The success of our business depends to a significant extent upon the skills, experience and efforts of a number of senior management personnel and other key employees. In certain instances, we have employment agreements in place as a method of retaining the services of these key employees. The loss of the services of any of our senior management personnel or other key employees could have a material adverse affect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.

We may not be able to successfully protect our intellectual property rights.

We rely on a combination of copyright, trademark, patent and other proprietary rights laws to protect the intellectual property rights that we own or license. It is possible that third parties may challenge our rights to such intellectual property. In addition, there is a risk of third parties infringing upon our licensors’ or our intellectual property rights and producing counterfeit products. These events may result in lost revenue as well as litigation, which may be expensive and time-consuming even if a favorable outcome is obtained. There can be no assurance that adequate remedies would be available for any infringement of the intellectual property rights owned or licensed by the Company. Any such failure to successfully protect our intellectual property rights may have a material adverse affect on our competitive position.

We may be negatively affected by adverse general economic and other conditions.

Conditions in the domestic and global economies are extremely unpredictable and our business has been and in the future may be, impacted by changes in such conditions. Softening global economies, stock market uncertainty and wavering consumer confidence caused by economic weakness, the decline in the housing market, the threat or occurrence of terrorist attacks, war or other factors generally affecting economic conditions may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We must be able to respond to rapidly changing technology occurring within our industry.

Our success will depend, in part, on our ability to anticipate and adapt to numerous changes in our industry resulting from technological developments such as the internet, broadband distribution of entertainment content and the adoption of digital television standards. These new distribution technologies may diminish the size of the audience watching broadcast television and require us to fundamentally change the way we market and distribute our Properties. For example, digital technology is likely to accelerate the convergence of broadcast, telecommunications, internet and other media and could result in material changes in the regulations, intellectual property usage and technical platforms on which our business relies. These changes could significantly decrease our revenues or require us to incur significant capital expenditures.

Potential labor disputes may lead to increased costs or disrupt the operation of our business.

The success of our business is dependent on our employees who are involved with our domestic and international operations. Any labor dispute may adversely affect one or more of our business segments through increased costs of operating such segment or disruption of the operations of such segment which could adversely affect our results of operations.

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.

None.

 

8

 


Item 2. Properties.

 

The following table sets forth, with respect to properties leased (none are owned) by the Company at December 31, 2007, the location of the property, the date on which the lease expires and the use which the Company makes of such facilities:

 

 

Address

Expiration of Lease

Use

Approximate Square Feet

1414 Avenue of the Americas, 3rd, 5th, and 6th Floors
New York, New York

September 30, 2010

Executive, Marketing,
Sales and Administrative

29,000

 

 

 

 

53 West 23rd Street, 11th Floor
New York, New York

June 30, 2017

Production Facilities

25,000

 

 

 

 

53 West 23rd Street, 6th Floor
New York, New York

February 29, 2012

Website Development

5,600

 

 

 

 

1st Floor Mutual House
70 Conduit Street
London, England

June 23, 2009

International Sales
Office

2,400

 

 

 

 

12481 High Bluff Drive, Suite 201

San Diego, California

July 31, 2009

Trading Card and Game Distribution

6,900

 

The executive, marketing, sales and administrative offices are utilized by the Licensing, Advertising Media and Broadcast and Trading Card and Game Distribution segments. The international sales office is utilized primarily by the Licensing Segment. The production facility is utilized by the Television and Film Production/Distribution segment. On February 18, 2008, the Company signed a lease expiring February 18, 2011 for an additional 4,200 square feet of office space in the San Diego, California location. This additional space will be utilized by the Trading Card and Game Distribution segment. The Company considers that, in general, its physical properties are well maintained, in good operating condition and adequate for its purposes.

 

Item 3. Legal Proceedings.

 

The Company, from time to time, is involved in litigation arising in the ordinary course of its business. The Company does not believe that such litigation to which the Company or any subsidiary of the Company is a party or of which any of their Properties is the subject will, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse affect on the Company’s financial position or the results of its operations.

 

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

 

During the Company’s fiscal quarterly period ended December 31, 2007, there were no matters submitted to a vote of security holders.

 

 

 

 

 

 

9

 


PART II

 

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

 

(a) Market Information - The Company’s Common Stock is listed for trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “KDE”. The following table indicates high and low sales quotations for the periods indicated based upon information supplied by the New York Stock Exchange.

 

2007

 

Low

 

High

 

First Quarter

 

$

17.89

 

$

20.31

 

Second Quarter

 

 

14.75

 

 

18.93

 

Third Quarter

 

 

14.26

 

 

18.00

 

Fourth Quarter

 

 

10.72

 

 

19.90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2006

 

Low

 

High

 

First Quarter

 

$

15.60

 

$

17.90

 

Second Quarter

 

 

15.07

 

 

17.55

 

Third Quarter

 

 

14.09

 

 

17.29

 

Fourth Quarter

 

 

16.19

 

 

19.65

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(b) Holders – The number of holders of record of the Company’s Common Stock on March 14, 2008 was 7,371.  

 

(c) Dividends - There were no dividends or other distributions made by the Company during 2007 or 2006. Future dividend policies will be determined by the Board of Directors based on the Company’s earnings, financial condition, capital requirements and other existing conditions. It is anticipated that cash dividends will not be paid to the holders of the Company’s Common Stock in the foreseeable future.

 

(d) Equity Compensation Plan Information - Information regarding the Company’s equity compensation plans is incorporated by reference to Item 12 in Part III of this Form 10-K.

 

(e) Performance Graph - The following graph compares the cumulative total shareholders return of our common stock with the cumulative return of the Standard & Poor’s Small Cap 600 Index (“S&P 600”), the Russell 2000 Index (“Russell 2000”) and a group of companies, consisting of The Walt Disney Company, Time Warner, Inc., World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc., Marvel Entertainment, Inc. and Mattel, Inc. (“Peer Group”) for the period beginning December 31, 2002 and ending December 31, 2007. The graph assumes that $100 was invested on December 31, 2002, and that any dividends were reinvested.

 


 

10

 


 

 

December 31,

 

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

4Kids

$100.00

$117.84

$95.20

$71.06

$82.52

$59.56

S&P 600

$100.00

$137.53

$167.23

$178.35

$203.44

$200.96

Russell 2000

$100.00

$147.25

$174.24

$182.18

$215.64

$212.26

Peer Group

$100.00

$156.73

$151.47

$134.61

$185.88

$166.64

 

 

(f)

Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer -

 

ISSUER PURCHASE OF EQUITY SECURITIES

 

 

 

 

Period During 2007

 

Total Number of Shares Purchased

 

Average Price Paid Per Share

Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans orPrograms

Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs (1)

Jan. 1 – Jan. 31

Feb. 1 – Feb. 28

Mar. 1 – Mar. 31

Apr. 1 – Apr. 30

May 1 – May 31

8,205

$17.13

Jun. 1 – Jun. 30

Jul. 1 – Jul. 31

Aug. 1 – Aug. 31

Sep. 1 – Sep. 30

Oct. 1 – Oct. 31

Nov. 1 – Nov. 30

Dec. 1 – Dec. 31

9,400

$12.09

9,400

990,600

Total

17,605

$14.44

9,400

990,600

 

(1) In May 2007, 8,205 shares were repurchased to discharge withholding tax obligations upon the vesting of certain employees’ restricted stock awards. Additionally, on December 4, 2007, the Company announced that the Board of Directors authorized the Company to purchase up to 1,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock from time to time through December 31, 2008 in the open market or through negotiated prices. The Company purchased 9,400 shares at an average price of $12.09 per share in December 2007 under this authorization. As of March 14, 2008, 174,384 shares of the Company’s common stock were subsequently purchased by the Company under this authorization at an average price of $11.93 per share.

 

Item 6. Selected Financial Data.

(In thousands of dollars, except per share data)

 

Our selected consolidated financial data presented below has been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the related notes thereto and “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”.

 

 

11

 


 

 

 

2007

 

 

2006

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2003

Net revenues

$

55,609

 

$

71,781

 

$

80,607

$

99,189

$

98,194

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Costs and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

44,180

 

 

39,155

 

 

33,835

 

33,437

 

30,933

Production service costs

 

7,195

 

 

11,259

 

 

8,851

 

10,029

 

7,819

Cost of sales of trading cards

 

352

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortization of television and film costs

 

8,179

 

 

8,041

 

 

9,790

 

9,639

 

10,549

Amortization of 4Kids TV broadcast fee

 

21,472

 

 

22,462

 

 

26,408

 

27,859

 

27,003

Total costs and expenses

 

81,378

 

 

80,917

 

 

78,884

 

80,964

 

76,304

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Loss) income from operations

 

(25,769

)

 

(9,136

)

 

1,723

 

18,225

 

21,890

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income

 

5,281

 

 

4,143

 

 

2,834

 

1,469

 

1,112

Gain on sale of investment in equity securities

 

 

 

 

 

234

 

 

Total other income

 

5,281

 

 

4,143

 

 

3,068

 

1,469

 

1,112

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Loss) income before income taxes

 

(20,488

)

 

(4,993

)

 

4,791

 

19,694

 

23,002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Provision for) benefit from income taxes

 

(2,436

)

 

3,506

 

 

(1,762

)

(7,907

)

(9,172)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss from unconsolidated operations –

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

net of a tax benefit

 

 

 

(280

)

 

 

 

Loss on previously unconsolidated affiliate

 

(498

)

 

 

 

 

 

Minority interest (Note 13)

 

96

 

 

39

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Loss) income from continuing operations

 

(23,326

)

 

(1,728

)

 

3,029

 

11,787

 

13,830

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from discontinued operations

 

 

 

722

 

 

2,040

 

943

 

969

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net (loss) income

$

(23,326

)

$

(1,006

)

$

5,069

$

12,730

$

14,799

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Per share amounts:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic (loss) earnings per common share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Continuing operations

$

(1.77

)

$

(0.13

)

$

0.23

$

0.86

$

1.04

Discontinued operations

 

 

 

0.05

 

 

0.16

 

0.07

 

0.07

Basic (loss) earnings per common share

$

(1.77

)

$

(0.08

)

$

0.39

$

0.93

$

1.11

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted (loss) earnings per common share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Continuing operations

$

(1.77

)

$

(0.13

)

$

0.22

$

0.82

$

0.98

Discontinued operations

 

 

 

0.05

 

 

0.15

 

0.07

 

0.07

Diluted (loss) earnings per common share

$

(1.77

)

$

(0.08

)

$

0.37

$

0.89

$

1.05

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic

 

13,209,495

 

 

13,104,051

 

 

13,115,687

 

13,683,756

 

13,292,852

Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted

 

13,209,495

 

 

13,104,051

 

 

13,536,830

 

14,335,343

 

14,156,291

 

12

 


 

 

 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2007

 

 

2006

 

 

2005

 

 

2004

 

 

2003

 

Other Operating Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flow (used in) provided by:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating activities

 

$(13,821

)

 

$(1,057

)

 

$   3,242

 

 

$  21,639

 

 

$  23,800

 

Investing activities

 

20,576

 

 

(18,047

)

 

(62,207

)

 

7,198

 

 

(14,405

)

Financing activities

 

2

 

 

1,445

 

 

(16,956

)

 

(12,645

)

 

6,408

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2007

 

 

2006

 

 

2005

 

 

2004

 

 

2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

$151,079

 

 

$181,395

 

 

$183,938

 

 

$205,015

 

 

$193,280

 

Working capital

 

65,135

 

 

123,906

 

 

129,576

 

 

139,377

 

 

137,929

 

Stockholders’ equity

 

128,088

 

 

154,737

 

 

153,397

 

 

163,978

 

 

160,487

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Company did not declare or pay any cash dividends during the five-year period ended December 31, 2007.

 

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

(In thousands of dollars unless otherwise specified)

 

The following is a discussion and analysis of our financial position and results of operations for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007. This commentary should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto which begin on page F-1 under “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data”.

 

Overview

 

The Company’s operating results for year ended December 31, 2007 reflect an overall decrease in licensing revenues, production service revenues, and worldwide broadcast sales from its Properties as compared to 2006. The decrease in licensing revenues resulted primarily from reduced revenue on the “Yu-Gi-Oh!” Property and an overall reduction in the Company’s licensing revenue worldwide. The decrease in production service revenues is primarily attributable to the decline in the production of the “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles”, “Pokémon” and “One Piece” television series, partially offset by increased production service revenue on the “Viva Piñata” television series. The results for the year ended December 31, 2007 were also negatively impacted by increased selling, general and administrative expenses associated with the operations of the Company’s newly formed Trading Card and Game Distribution companies, partially offset by decreased production service costs.

 

General

 

The Company receives revenues from the following four business segments: (i) Licensing; (ii) Advertising, Media and Broadcasting; (iii) Television and Film Production/Distribution; and (iv) Trading Card and Game Distribution. The Company typically derives a substantial portion of its licensing revenues from a small number of Properties, which usually generate revenues for only a limited period of time. The Company’s revenues are highly subject to changing trends in the toy, game and entertainment businesses, potentially causing dramatic increases and decreases from year to year due to the popularity of particular Properties. It is not possible to accurately predict the length of time a property will be commercially successful and/or if a property will be commercially successful at all. Popularity of properties can vary from months to years. As a result, the Company’s revenues from particular Properties may fluctuate significantly between comparable periods.

 

The Company’s licensing revenues have historically been derived primarily from the licensing of toy and game concepts. As a result, a substantial portion of the Company’s revenues and net income are subject to the seasonal variations of the toy and game industry. Typically, a majority of toy orders are shipped in the third and fourth calendar quarters resulting in increased royalties earned by the Company during such calendar quarters. The Company recognizes revenues from the sale of advertising time on 4Kids TV as more fully described in Note 2 of the Notes to the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The Company’s advertising sales subsidiary, 4Kids Ad Sales, sells advertising time on 4Kids TV at higher rates

 

13

 


in the fourth quarter due to the increased demand for commercial time by children’s advertisers during the holiday season. As a result, much of the revenues of 4Kids Ad Sales are earned in the fourth quarter when the majority of toy and video game advertising occurs. As a result of the foregoing, the Company has historically experienced greater revenues during the second half of the year than during the first half of the year.

 

The Company’s media buying subsidiary, Summit Media, which previously provided print and broadcast media planning and buying services for clients principally in the children’s toy and game business, terminated its operations effective June 30, 2006. In connection with the closing of Summit Media, the media buying operations have been classified as a discontinued operation. As further discussed in Note 14 of the Notes to the Company’s consolidated financial statements, the consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to accommodate the reporting of this business as a discontinued operation.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

The Company’s accounting policies are fully described in Note 2 of the Notes to the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Below is a summary of the critical accounting policies, among others, that management believes involve significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of its consolidated financial statements.

 

Accounting for Film and Television Costs -  In accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and industry practice, the Company amortizes the costs of production for film and television programming using the individual-film-forecast method under which such costs are amortized for each film or television program in the ratio that revenue earned in the current period for such title bears to management’s estimate of the total revenues to be realized from all media and markets for such title. All exploitation costs, including advertising and marketing costs, are expensed as incurred.

 

Management regularly reviews, and revises when necessary, its total revenue estimates on a title-by-title basis, which may result in a change in the rate of amortization and/or a write-down of the film or television asset to estimated fair value. The Company determines the estimated fair value for individual film and television Properties based on the estimated future ultimate revenues and costs in accordance with Statement of Position No. 00-2, Accounting by Producers and Distributors of Film (“SOP No. 00-2”).

 

Any revisions to ultimate revenues can result in significant quarter-to-quarter and year-to-year fluctuations in film and television write-downs and amortization. A typical film or television series recognizes a substantial portion of its ultimate revenues within the first three years of release. By then, the film or television series has been exploited in the domestic and international television (network and cable) and home video markets. In addition, a significant portion of licensing revenues associated with the film or television series will have been realized. A similar portion of the film’s or television series’ capitalized costs should be expected to be amortized accordingly, assuming the film or television series is profitable.

 

The commercial potential of individual films and television programming varies dramatically, and is not directly correlated with production or acquisition costs. Therefore, it is difficult to predict or project the impact that individual films or television programming will have on the Company’s results of operations. However, the likelihood that the Company will report losses, particularly in the year of a television series initial release, is increased as the applicable accounting literature requires the immediate recognition of all of the production or acquisition costs (through increased amortization) in instances where it is estimated that the ultimate revenues of a film or television series will not recover those costs. Conversely, the profit from a film or television series must be deferred and recognized over the entire revenue stream generated by that film or television series. As a result, significant fluctuations in reported income or loss can occur, particularly on a quarterly basis, depending on release schedules and broadcast dates, the timing of advertising campaigns and the relative performance of individual film or television series.

 

Other Estimates  -   The Company estimates reserves for future returns of product in the home video markets as well as provisions for uncollectible receivables. In determining the estimate of home video product sales that will be returned, the Company performs an analysis that considers historical returns, changes in customer demand and current economic trends. Based on this information, a percentage of each sale is reserved provided that the customer has the right to return unsold home video inventory. The Company estimates the amount of uncollectible receivables for licensing and advertising by monitoring delinquent accounts and estimating a reserve based on contractual terms and other customer specific issues.

 

Revenue Recognition - The Company’s revenue recognition policies for its four business segments are appropriate to the circumstances of each segment’s business. See Note 2 of the Notes to the Company’s consolidated financial statements for a discussion of these revenue recognition policies.

 

 

14

 


4Kids TV Broadcast Agreement - The Company broadcasts certain of its Properties on 4Kids TV, the Saturday morning programming block that the Company leases from Fox. The cost of 4Kids TV has been and will continue to be capitalized and amortized over each broadcast year based on estimated advertising revenue. In developing estimated future revenues, the Company has made certain assumptions with regard to the anticipated popularity of the television series that the Company broadcasts on 4Kids TV and the general market demand and pricing of advertising time for Saturday morning children’s broadcast television. The popularity of such series impacts audience levels and the level of the network advertising rates that the Company can charge. These estimates are based on historical trends, as well as the Company’s subjective judgment of future customer demand and acceptance of its television programming. Differences may result in the amount and timing of revenue for any period if actual performance varies from the Company’s estimates. See Note 12 of the Notes to the Company’s consolidated financial statements for additional information.

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations discusses the Company’s consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. The Company continually evaluates the policies and estimates that it uses to prepare its consolidated financial statements. In general, management’s estimates and assumptions are based on historical experience, known trends or events, information from third-party professionals and other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making the judgments about carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions and conditions.

 

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements – In November 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 141R, Business Combinations (“SFAS No. 141R”), which continues to require that all business combinations be accounted for by applying the acquisition method. Under the acquisition method, the acquirer recognizes and measures the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any contingent consideration and contractual contingencies, as a whole, at their fair value as of the acquisition date. Under SFAS No. 141R, all transaction costs are expensed as incurred. SFAS No. 141R rescinds EITF Issue No. 93-7 (“EITF 93-7”). Under EITF 93-7, the effect of any subsequent adjustments to uncertain tax positions were generally applied to goodwill, except for post-acquisition interest on uncertain tax positions, which was recognized as an adjustment to income tax expense. Under SFAS No. 141R, all subsequent adjustments to these uncertain tax positions that otherwise would have impacted goodwill will be recognized in the income statement. SFAS No. 141R will be applied prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning after December 15, 2008.

Fair Value Measurements – In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurement (“SFAS 157”). SFAS 157 defines “fair value”, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS 157 applies under other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements and is effective in part for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of SFAS 157 will have on its consolidated financial position and results of operations.

 

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 158, Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans—An Amendment of FASB No.  87, 88, 106 and 132(R) (“SFAS 158”). SFAS 158 requires that the funded status of defined benefit postretirement plans be recognized on companies’ balance sheets and that changes in the funded status be reflected in comprehensive income, effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2006. SFAS 158 also requires companies to measure the funded status of each such plan as of the date of its fiscal year-end, effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2008. Since the Company does not currently have a defined benefit postretirement plan, the adoption of SFAS 158 will not have any impact on its consolidated financial position and results of operations.

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, (“SFAS 159”). SFAS 159 provides companies with an option to report selected financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected are reported in earnings at each subsequent reporting date. SFAS 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of SFAS 159 will have on its consolidated financial position and results of operations.

 

In November 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, Accounting and Reporting of Noncontrolling Interest (“SFAS No. 160”). SFAS No. 160 requires that a noncontrolling interest (previously referred to as a minority interest) be separately reported in the equity section of the consolidated entity’s balance sheet. SFAS No. 160 also established accounting and reporting standards for: (i) ownership interests in subsidiaries held by parties other than the parent, (ii) the amount of consolidated net income attributable to the parent and to the noncontrolling interest, (iii) changes in a parent’s ownership

 

15


interest and (iv) the valuation of retained noncontrolling equity investments when a subsidiary is deconsolidated. SFAS No. 160 is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2009. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of SFAS No. 160 will have on its consolidated financial position and results of operations.

 

In June 2007, the FASB ratified EITF Issue No. 06-11, Accounting for Income Tax Benefits of Dividends on Share-Based Payment Awards (“EITF 06-11”). EITF 06-11 requires that tax benefits generated by dividends paid during the vesting period on certain equity-classified share-based compensation awards be classified as additional paid-in capital and included in a pool of excess tax benefits available to absorb tax deficiencies from share-based payment awards. EITF 06-11 is effective as of January 1, 2008. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of EITF 06-11 will have on its consolidated financial position and results of operations.

 

In December 2007, the FASB ratified EITF Issue No. 07-1, Accounting for Collaborative Arrangements Related to the Development and Commercialization of Intellectual Property (“EITF 07-1”). The EITF concluded that a collaborative arrangement is one in which the participants are actively involved and are exposed to significant risks and rewards that depend on the ultimate commercial success of the endeavor. Revenues and costs incurred with third parties in connection with collaborative arrangements would be presented gross or net based on the criteria in EITF Issue No. 99-19, Reporting Revenue Gross as a Principal versus Net as an Agent, and other accounting literature. Payments to or from collaborators would be evaluated and presented based on the nature of the arrangement and its terms, the nature of the entity’s business, and whether those payments are within the scope of other accounting literature. The nature and purpose of collaborative arrangements are to be disclosed along with the accounting policies and the classification and amounts of significant financial statement amounts related to the arrangements. Activities in the arrangement conducted in a separate legal entity should be accounted for under other accounting literature; however required disclosure under EITF 07-1 applies to the entire collaborative agreement. This Issue is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, and is to be applied retrospectively to all periods presented for all collaborative arrangements existing as of the effective date. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that this pronouncement may have on its consolidated financial position and results of operations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

16

 


Results of Operations

 

The following table sets forth our results of operations expressed as a percentage of total net revenues for the three years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005.

                

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

2005

 

Net revenues

 

 

100

%

 

100

%

 

100

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Costs and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

 

79

 

 

55

 

 

42

 

Production service costs

 

 

13

 

 

16

 

 

11

 

Cost of sales of trading cards

 

 

1

 

 

 

 

 

Amortization of television and film costs

 

 

15

 

 

11

 

 

12

 

Amortization of 4Kids TV broadcast fee

 

 

39

 

 

31

 

 

33

 

Total costs and expenses

 

 

147

 

 

113

 

 

98

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Loss) income from operations

 

 

(47)

 

 

(13)

 

 

2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income

 

 

10

 

 

6

 

 

4

 

Gain on sale of investment in equity securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total other income

 

 

10

 

 

6

 

 

4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Loss) income before income taxes

 

 

(37)

 

 

(7)

 

 

6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Provision for) benefit from income taxes

 

 

(4)

 

 

5  

 

 

(2

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss from unconsolidated operations –

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

net of a tax benefit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss from previously unconsolidated affiliate

 

 

(1)

 

 

 

 

 

Minority interest

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Loss) income from continuing operations

 

 

(42)

 

 

(2)

 

 

4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from discontinued operations

 

 

 

 

1

 

 

2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net (loss) income

 

 

(42)

%

 

(1)

%

 

6

%

 

Year Ended December 31, 2007 as compared to Year Ended December 31, 2006

 

Revenues

 

Revenues for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, by reportable segment and for the Company as a whole, were as follows:

 

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

$ Change

 

% Change

Licensing

 

$

22,561

 

$

31,677

 

$

(9,116

)

(29

)%

Advertising, Media and Broadcast

 

 

16,296

 

 

16,153

 

 

143

 

1

 

Television and Film Production/Distribution

 

 

15,976

 

 

23,951

 

 

(7,975

)

(33

)

Trading Card and Game Distribution

 

 

776

 

 

 

 

776

 

 

Total

 

$

55,609

 

$

71,781

 

$

(16,172

)

(23

)%

The decrease in consolidated net revenues for 2007, as compared to 2006, was due to a number of factors.

In the Licensing segment, decreased revenues were primarily attributable to:

(i)

decreased licensing revenues on the “Yu-Gi-Oh!”, “Winx Club” and “Pokémon” Properties, worldwide, the “G.I. Joe” Property, domestically and “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” Property, internationally; partially offset by

 

17

 


(ii)

increased revenue attributable to the “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” Properties, domestically.

The “Yu-Gi-Oh!” Property, despite lower licensing revenues as compared to 2006, continued to be the largest contributor to the Company’s revenues in this business segment in 2007. In addition, revenue from the “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” Property was also one of the largest contributors in this segment in 2007.

In the Advertising Media and Broadcast segment, revenues for 2007 remained relatively consistent when compared to 2006.

In the Television and Film Production/Distribution segment, the revenue decline for 2007, as compared to 2006, primarily resulted from:

(i)

decreased production service revenue from the “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles”, “Pokémon” and “One Piece” television series, domestically, as well as

(ii)

decreased broadcast sales from the “Yu-Gi-Oh!”, “Mew Mew Power” and “One Piece” television series, internationally; partially offset by

(iii)

increased international broadcast sales from the “Viva Piñata” television series.

In 2007, the Trading Card and Game Distribution segment recorded its initial revenues as a result of the October 2007 launch of the “Chaotic” trading card game to comic and hobby stores, as well as smaller retail chains.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 13%, or $5,025 to $44,180 for the year ended December 31, 2007, when compared to 2006. The increase was primarily due to the following:

(i)

increased costs of approximately $4,120 and $4,010 related to the operations of the Company’s newly formed ventures, TC Websites and TC Digital, respectively, as well as

(ii)

increased website costs of approximately $1,500 primarily related to the redesign and upgrade of thewww.4Kids.tv website; partially offset by

(iii)

decreased personnel costs of approximately $2,740,

(iv)

decreased advertising and promotion expense of approximately $1,090, as well as

(v)

decreased computer supplies of approximately $660.

 

Cost of Sales of Trading Cards

 

Cost of sales of trading cards represents finished good inventory costs relating to the October 2007 launch of the “Chaotic” trading card game.

 

Production Service and Capitalized Film Costs

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

$ Change

 

% Change

Production Service Costs

 

$

7,195

 

$

11,259

 

$

(4,064

)

(36)

%

Amortization of Television and Film Costs

 

 

8,179

 

 

8,041

 

 

138

 

2

 

 

The decrease in production service costs during the year ended December 31, 2007, as compared to the same period in 2006, was primarily due to decreased production costs for the “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles”, “Pokémon”, and “One Piece” television series, partially offset by increased production costs for the work performed on the “Dinosaur King” and “Viva Piñata” television series. When the Company is entitled to be paid for such production costs, the Company categorizes them as production service costs and reflects a corresponding amount in revenues for the amounts billed back to the property owners.

 

Amortization of television and film costs remained relatively consistent for the year ended December 31, 2007 when compared to the same period in 2006.

 

As of December 31, 2007, there were $14,352 of capitalized film production costs in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet relating primarily to various stages of production on 291 episodes of animated programming. Based on management’s ultimate revenue estimates as of December 31, 2007, approximately 56% of the total completed and unamortized film and television costs are expected to be amortized during the next year, and over 90% of the total completed and unamortized film and television costs are expected to be amortized during the next three years.

 

 

18

 


4Kids TV Broadcast Fee

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

$ Change

 

% Change

Amortization of 4Kids TV Broadcast Fee

 

$

21,472

 

$

22,462

 

$

(990

)

(4)

%

 

As a result of the broadcast year (ending each year in September) being different than the Company’s fiscal year (ending each year in December), the amount of the amortization of the broadcast fee recognized from period to period will vary based upon: (i) the amount of advertising revenue recognized during the period; and (ii) the amount of advertising revenue already recognized for the broadcast year as a percentage of the total amount expected to be recognized for the full broadcast year. The Company’s amortization of the 4Kids TV broadcast fee decreased by $990 from $22,462 in 2006 to $21,472 in 2007 in conjunction with the decreased fee for each of the 2006-2007 and 2007-2008 broadcast seasons of approximately $5,312.

 

In addition to advertising revenues, the operating costs of 4Kids Ad Sales and the amortization of the 4Kids TV broadcast fee, the overall impact of 4Kids TV on the Company’s results of operations includes:

 

(i)

revenues generated from merchandise licensing, home videos and music publishing of 4Kids TV Properties; and

(ii)

production and acquisition costs associated with the television programs broadcast on 4Kids TV.

 

The ability of the Company to further develop its merchandising and, to a lesser extent, home video and music publishing revenue streams were significant components of its evaluation process which resulted in the decision to lease an additional Saturday morning children’s programming block from The CW, as described in Note 12 of the Notes to the Company’s consolidated financial statements under “Broadcast Agreements”. Other factors, such as lower guaranteed payments associated with the five-hour broadcast period, additional units allocated to the Company for sale during the CW Kids Block, an anticipated increase in network support due to a revenue sharing arrangement, along with the availability of the CW Kids Block, also contributed to the decision to lease another Saturday morning children’s block which will overlap our current 4Kids TV block during the same Saturday morning time period for the 2008-2009 broadcast season.

 

Interest Income

 

Interest income increased 27%, or $1,138 to $5,281 for the year ended December 31, 2007, as compared to 2006, as a result of the increasing interest rate environment during the first half of 2007 when compared with 2006.

 

Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

$ Change

 

% Change

Licensing

 

$

9,321

 

$

11,475

 

$

(2,154

)

(19

)%

Advertising, Media and Broadcast

 

 

(15,168

)

 

(14,805

)

 

(363

)

(2

)

Television and Film Production/Distribution

 

 

(5,069

)

 

(1,092

)

 

(3,977

)

(364

)

Trading Card and Game Distribution

 

 

(9,572

)

 

(571

)

 

(9,001

)

(1,576

)

Total

 

$

(20,488

)

$

(4,993

)

$

(15,495

)

(310

)%

 

The decrease in the Licensing segment profit for 2007, as compared to 2006, is primarily attributable to lower licensing revenues from licensed Properties, partially offset by decreased selling, general and administrative expenses attributable to the Licensing segment and an increase in interest income allocated to this segment.

 

In the Advertising Media and Broadcast segment, the segment loss for 2007 remained relatively consistent as compared to the same period in 2006.

 

In the Television and Film Production/Distribution segment, the increase in segment loss for 2007 as compared to 2006 was primarily due to decreased production service revenue.

 

In the Trading Card and Game Distribution segment, the increase in segment loss was attributable to the fact that since TC Digital and TC Websites commenced operations in mid-December 2006, the majority of the start-up costs for this segment were incurred in 2007.

 

19

 


 

Income Tax Expense

 

The net tax provision for the year ended December 31, 2007 reflected a deferred tax expense of $2,436 related to the increase in the Company’s valuation reserve. The net tax benefit of $3,506 for the year ended December 31, 2006 reflected a current tax benefit of $2,963 and a deferred tax benefit of $543 related to the utilization of acquired net operating loss carrybacks and carryforwards and other acquired timing differences.

 

The Company regularly reviews its deferred tax assets for recoverability taking into consideration such factors as historical losses, projected future taxable income and the expected timing of the reversals of existing temporary differences. SFAS No. 109,  Accounting for Income Taxes, requires the Company to record a valuation allowance when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. In view of the level of deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2007 and the Company’s historical losses from operations, the Company has determined that the application of SFAS No. 109,Accounting for Income Taxes requires the Company to record a full valuation allowance against its net deferred tax assets.

 

If the Company had not taken any valuation allowance, but rather recorded its 2007 loss after giving effect to the tax benefit from such loss, the Company’s loss in 2007 would have decreased by $11,912 or $0.90 per share to a net loss of $11,414 or $0.87 per share.

 

In the event that the Company earns pre-tax income in the future such that it will be able to use some or all of its deferred tax assets, SFAS No. 109,Accounting for Income Taxes permits the Company to reduce or eliminate the valuation allowance. If the Company were to reverse the valuation allowance, in whole or in part, the Company’s income statement for such reporting period would record a reduction in income tax expense and an increase in net income, to the extent of the reversal of the valuation allowance.

 

Our effective tax rate for 2007 would have been a benefit of 45.4%. This rate differs from the Federal statutory rate of 35% primarily due to the mix of income and losses, which have tax rates that differ from the statutory rate, and due to permanent differences and tax rate differences on subsidiaries.

 

The Company files in multiple tax jurisdictions and from time to time is subject to audit in certain tax jurisdictions. As of December 31, 2007, there were no outstanding tax audits.

 

Net Loss

 

As a result of the above, the Company had a net loss for the year ended December 31, 2007 of $23,326, as compared to a net loss in 2006 of $1,006.

 

Discontinued Operations

 

Effective June 30, 2006, the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Summit Media, which previously provided print and broadcast media planning and buying services for clients principally in the children’s toy and game business, terminated its operations. As a consequence of the termination of its operations, Summit Media no longer serves as a media buying agency for third parties.

 

The results of operations for Summit Media are reported as a discontinued operation for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, and accordingly, the accompanying consolidated financial statements have been reclassified separately to report the assets, liabilities and operating results of this business.

 

The following are the summarized results of discontinued operations for the media buying business for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006:

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

Net revenues

 

$

 

$

2,852

 

Income before income taxes

 

 

 

 

1,181

 

Income taxes

 

 

 

 

459

 

Net income from discontinued operations

 

$

 

$

722

 

 

 

20

 


 

Year Ended December 31, 2006 as compared to Year Ended December 31, 2005

 

Revenues

 

Revenues for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005, by reportable segment and for the Company as a whole, were as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

$ Change

 

% Change

 

Licensing

 

$

31,677

 

$

37,616

 

$

(5,939

)

(16

)

%

Advertising, Media and Broadcast

 

 

16,153

 

 

18,660

 

 

(2,507

)

(13

)

 

Television and Film Production/Distribution

 

 

23,951

 

 

24,331

 

 

(380

)

(2

)

 

Trading Card and Game Distribution

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$

71,781

 

$

80,607

 

$

(8,826

)

(11

)

%

The decrease in consolidated net revenues for 2006, as compared to 2005, was due to a number of factors. In the Licensing segment, decreased revenues were primarily attributable to:

(i)

reduced licensing revenues on the “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles”, “Yu-Gi-Oh!”, “American Kennel Club” and “Winx Club” Properties domestically; partially offset by

(ii)

increased revenues attributable to the “Viva Piñata” Property domestically, and the “Winx Club” Property internationally.


The “Yu-Gi-Oh!” Property continues to be the largest contributor to the Company’s revenues in this business segment. The Company recorded revenues of approximately $2,800 for the “Yu-Gi-Oh!” Property during the year ended December 31, 2006, resulting from changes in the manner in which sales are calculated by a licensee for purposes of computing the amount of certain marketing fees due to the Company from such licensee. In addition, revenues for the “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” Property, despite lower licensing revenues as compared to 2005, along with the “Cabbage Patch” Property, are also amongst the largest contributors in this segment.

In the Advertising Media and Broadcast segment, the decrease in revenues for 2006, as compared to 2005, was due to reduced revenues from the sale of network advertising time on 4Kids TV caused by an overall decrease in the 4Kids TV ratings.

In the Television and Film Production/Distribution segment, the revenue decline for 2006, as compared to 2005, primarily resulted from:

(i)

decreased domestic broadcast sales from the “Pokémon”, “Yu-Gi-Oh!”, “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” and “One Piece” television series; partially offset by

(ii)

increased production service revenue from the “Viva Piñata” and “Chaotic” television series; as well as

(iii)

increased international broadcast sales of the “Yu-Gi-Oh!” television series.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 16%, or $5,320 to $39,155 for the year ended December 31, 2006, when compared to 2005. The increase was primarily due to the following:

 

(i)

severance expenses for certain former employees of approximately $1,800;

(ii)

increased international sales expenses and trade shows expenses totaling approximately $946;

(iii)

increased bad debt expense of approximately $448;

(iv)

the write-off of developmental software totaling approximately $525;

(v)

increased compensation costs resulting from the issuance of restricted stock awards of approximately $346; as well as

(vi)

increased various state taxes of approximately $384; partially offset by

(vii)

decreased professional fees of approximately $890.

 

21

 


 

Production Service and Capitalized Film Costs

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

$ Change

 

% Change

 

Production Service Costs

 

$

11,259

 

$

8,851

 

$

2,408

 

27

 

%

Amortization of Television and Film Costs

 

 

8,041

 

 

9,790

 

 

(1,749

)

(18

)

 

 

The significant increase in production service costs during the year ended December 31, 2006, as compared to the same period in 2005, was primarily due to increased production costs for the work performed on the “Viva Piñata” and “Chaotic” television series, partially offset by decreased costs for the “Pokémon” and “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” television series. When the Company is entitled to be paid for such production costs, the Company categorizes them as production service costs and reflects a corresponding amount in revenue for the amount billed back to the property owners.

 

The decrease in the amortization of television and film costs is principally due to a reduction in the realized revenue on the “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles”, “One Piece” and “Mew Mew Power” television series; partially offset by the increased amortization of “Viva Piñata” and “Funky Cops” television series during 2006.

 

As of December 31, 2006, there were $14,827 of capitalized film production costs in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet relating primarily to various stages of production on 282 episodes of animated programming. Based on management’s ultimate revenue estimates as of December 31, 2006, approximately 49% of the total completed and unamortized film and television costs are expected to be amortized during the next year, and over 90% of the total completed and unamortized film and television costs are expected to be amortized during the next three years.

 

4Kids TV Broadcast Fee

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

$ Change

 

% Change

 

Amortization of 4Kids TV Broadcast Fee

 

$

22,462

 

$

26,408

 

$

(3,946

)

(15

)%

 

 

As a result of the broadcast year (ending each year in September) being different than the Company’s fiscal year (ending each year in December), the amount of the amortization of the broadcast fee recognized from period to period will vary based upon: (i) the amount of advertising revenue recognized during the period; and (ii) the amount of advertising revenue already recognized for the broadcast year as a percentage of the total amount expected to be recognized for the full broadcast year. The Company’s amortization of the 4Kids TV broadcast fee decreased by $3,946 from $26,408 in 2005 to $22,462 in 2006 in conjunction with the decreased fee for the 2006-2007 broadcast season of approximately $5,312, as well as lower advertising revenues recognized by the Company for the year ended December 31, 2006.

 

In addition to advertising revenues, the operating costs of 4Kids Ad Sales and the amortization of the 4Kids TV broadcast fee, the overall impact of 4Kids TV on the Company’s results of operations includes:

 

(i)

revenues generated from merchandise licensing, home videos and music publishing of 4Kids TV Properties; and

(ii)

production and acquisition costs associated with the television programs broadcast on 4Kids TV.

 

The ability of the Company to further develop its merchandising and, to a lesser extent, home video and music publishing revenue streams were significant components of its evaluation process which resulted in the initial decision to lease the 4Kids TV Saturday morning programming block and to extend the lease through the 2007-2008 broadcast season, as described in Note 13 under “4Kids TV Broadcast Agreement” of the Notes to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

Interest Income

 

Interest income increased 46%, or $1,309 to $4,143 for the year ended December 31, 2006, as compared to 2005, as a result of the increasing interest rate environment and higher average cash balances invested.

 

Income(Loss) Before Income Taxes

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

$ Change

 

% Change

 

Licensing

 

$

11,475

 

$

20,912

 

$

(9,437

)

(45

)

%

Advertising, Media and Broadcast

 

 

(14,805

)

 

(16,041

)

 

1,236

 

8

 

 

Television and Film Production/Distribution

 

 

(1,092

)

 

(80

)

 

(1,012

)

(1,265

)

 

Trading Card and Game Distribution

 

 

(571

)

 

 

 

(571

)

 

 

Total

 

$

(4,993

)

$

4,791

 

$

(9,784

)

(204

)

%

 

22

 


The decrease in the Licensing segment profit for 2006, as compared to 2005, is primarily attributable to lower licensing revenues from licensed Properties and increased selling, general and administrative expenses attributable to this segment, partially offset by an increase in interest income allocated to this segment.

 

In the Advertising Media and Broadcast segment, the decrease in segment loss for 2006 as compared to 2005 was substantially due to decreased amortization of the 4Kids TV broadcast fee, partially offset by the reduced sale of network advertising time.

 

In the Television and Film Production/Distribution segment, the increase in segment loss for 2006 as compared to 2005 was primarily due to decreased production service revenue, partially offset by decreased amortization of television and film costs.

 

In the Trading Card and Game Distribution segment, the increase in segment loss was attributable to the fact that TC Digital and TC Websites commenced operations in mid-December 2006 and consequently, there were no revenues in the segment in 2006 and 2005.

 

(Benefit from) Income Tax Expense

 

Income tax expense decreased 299%, or $5,268 to a benefit from income taxes of $3,506 from a provision for income taxes of $1,762 for the year ended December 31, 2006, as compared to 2005. This decrease is primarily due to decreased income from continuing operations and a shift in the Company’s investment strategy towards tax exempt and tax advantaged securities during 2006. The Company’s effective tax rate was a benefit from income taxes of 70% for 2006 and provision for income taxes of 37% for 2005.

 

Net (Loss) Income

 

As a result of the above, the Company had a net loss for the year ended December 31, 2006 of $1,006, as compared to net income in 2005 of $5,069.

 

Discontinued Operations

 

Effective June 30, 2006, the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Summit Media, which previously provided print and broadcast media planning and buying services for clients principally in the children’s toy and game business, terminated its operations. As a consequence of the termination of its operations, Summit Media no longer serves as a media buying agency for third parties.

 

The results of operations for Summit Media are reported as a discontinued operation for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005, and accordingly, the accompanying consolidated financial statements have been reclassified separately to report the assets, liabilities and operating results of this business.

 

The following are the summarized results of discontinued operations for the media buying business for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005:

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

Net revenues

 

$

2,852

 

$

6,055

 

Income before income taxes

 

 

1,181

 

 

3,454

 

Income taxes

 

 

459

 

 

1,414

 

Net income from discontinued operations

 

$

722

 

$

2,040

 

 

Under the terms of the Settlement Agreement entered into by Summit Media with The Beacon Media Group LLC (“Beacon”), Sheldon Hirsch, Tom Horner and Paul Caldera (the “Beacon Defendants”) on June 19, 2006, relating to the lawsuit filed by Summit Media in Supreme Court, New York County against Beacon and the Beacon Defendants, Summit Media will receive $2,000, in regularly scheduled payments through 2010, in exchange for Summit Media’s discontinuation of the lawsuit. As of December 31, 2006, the Company had received $200 of the scheduled payments related to the lawsuit. The Company has included approximately $1,800 in net revenues for the year ended December 31, 2006, relating to this agreement. In connection with the termination of the Company’s media buying operations, the Company recorded charges for severance and termination benefits in the amount of approximately $333 during the year ended December 31, 2006. The charges were attributable to the elimination of ten positions, primarily representing sales and related support functions in addition to certain other management positions.

 

23

 


Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Financial Position

 

Cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments for the years ended December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006 were as follows:

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

$ Change

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

24,872

 

$

18,066

 

$

6,806

 

Investments

 

 

36,106

 

 

92,910

 

 

(56,804

)

 

 

$

60,978

 

$

110,976

 

$

(49,998

)

 

Long-term investments for the years ended December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006 were as follows:

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

$ Change

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investments

 

$

31,806

 

$

 

$

31,806

 

 

During 2007, liquidity issues began to affect the global credit and capital markets. As a result, securities known as auction rate securities (“ARS”), which historically have had a liquid market and had their interest rates reset periodically (e.g. monthly) through Dutch auctions, began to fail at auction. These auction failures have caused ARS to become illiquid since investors are hesitant to purchase these types of investments, which in turn has caused the fair market values for these securities to decline.

As of December 31, 2007, the Company held ARS having an aggregate principal amount of approximately $60,000. The ARS held by the Company are private placement debt securities with long-term nominal maturities and interest rates that reset monthly. The Company’s investments in ARS represent interests in debt obligations issued by banks and insurance companies that had at least an “A” credit rating at the time of purchase by the Company, including bond insurers and re-insurers such as MBIA, AMBAC, FGIC, FSA, RAM and Radian.

Many of the ARS held by the Company at December 31, 2007, have also experienced failed auctions due to the liquidity issues described above. As of December 31, 2007, the estimated fair market value of the ARS held by the Company declined by $3,993 based upon statements provided by the investment bank through which the Company holds such securities. Although all of the ARS invested in by the Company have continued to pay interest according to their stated terms and substantially all of the ARS invested in by the Company continue to be a rated “A” or above, the Company recorded an unrealized loss of $3,993 during 2007 resulting in a reduction in stockholders’ equity. Based on the factors above, and because the Company has the ability and the intent to hold these investments until recovery of their fair value, which may not be prior to the maturity of the applicable security, the Company does not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired.

 

Although $10,000 in ARS owned by the Company as of December 31, 2007 have been redeemed subsequent to such date, the credit and capital markets, including the market for ARS, has continued to deteriorate in 2008, and there have been additional failed auctions affecting ARS owned by the Company. Although all of the Company’s investments in ARS have continued to pay interest according to their stated terms and substantially all of the ARS invested in by the Company continue to be a rated “A” or above the Company’s unrealized loss on its ARS had increased by $7,859, to $11,852 as of February 29, 2008, based upon statements provided by the investment bank through which the Company holds such securities.

Given the failed auctions, many of the Company’s ARS are currently illiquid.  Accordingly, the Company has reclassified $20,350 in ARS from current to non-current assets at December 31, 2007 on its balance sheet due to the fact that the Company believes that the liquidity of these ARS is unlikely to be restored in a period less than twelve months from such date.

If uncertainties in the credit and capital markets deteriorate further or the Company experiences any rating downgrades on any investments in its ARS portfolio, the Company may incur impairment charges to its investment portfolio, which could negatively affect the Company’s financial condition, cash flow and reported earnings.

 

24

 


The Company believes that based on the Company’s current cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities, the current lack of liquidity affecting its portfolio of ARS will not have a material impact on the Company’s liquidity or its ability to fund its operations.

 

Sources and Uses of Cash

 

Cash flows for the three years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 were as follows:

 

Sources (Uses)

 

2007

 

2006

 

2005

 

 

Operating Activities

 

$

(13,821

)

$

(1,057

)

$

3,242

 

Investing Activities

 

 

20,576

 

 

(18,047

)

 

(62,207

)

Financing Activities

 

 

2

 

 

1,445

 

 

(16,956

)

 

Working capital, consisting of current assets less current liabilities, was $65,135 as of December 31, 2007 and $123,906 as of December 31, 2006.

 

Operating Activities

2007

Net cash used in operating activities of $13,821 in 2007, primarily reflects a decrease in the Company’s business performance. This decrease was partially offset by a reduction of the Company’s tax assets attributable to a valuation allowance being established against net operating loss carryforwards.

 

2006

Net cash used in operating activities of $1,057 in 2006 primarily reflected lower net income and decreased amortization of television and film costs, partially offset by lower 4Kids TV broadcast fees paid to Fox.

 

2005

Net cash provided by operating activities of $3,242 in 2005 primarily reflected higher net income and a reduction in the Company’s obligations to licensors and payments made for media obligations and accounts payable and accrued expenses, partially offset by lower accounts receivable and participation advances.

 

Investing Activities

2007

Net cash provided by investing activities of $20,576 in 2007 reflects a shift in the Company’s investment strategy, implemented during 2007, to purchase taxable investments with longer maturities to minimize the risk of short-term interest rate fluctuations, partially offset by increased capitalized website costs related to the development of the “Chaotic” website.

 

2006

Net cash used in investing activities of $18,047 in 2006 reflected the Company’s proceeds from the maturity of auction-rate securities that were purchased as an investment. This increase was partially offset by the Company’s purchase of a 50% membership interest in TC Websites.

 

2005

Net cash used in investing activities of $62,207 in 2005 reflected Company’s purchase of auction-rate securities as an investment strategy for its excess cash balances.

 

Financing Activities

2007

Net cash provided by financing activities of $2 in 2007 reflects proceeds from the exercise of stock options, substantially offset by the purchase of treasury shares.

 

2006

Net cash provided by financing activities of $1,445 in 2006 reflected the Company’s proceeds from the exercise of stock options by the Company’s employees.

 

2005

Net cash used in financing activities of $16,956 in 2005 reflected the Company’s purchase of shares of its treasury stock, partially offset by proceeds from the exercise of stock options by the Company’s employees.

 

25

 


During 2007, the Company's cash flow from operations was impacted by consumer demand for a limited number of its licensed Properties.  While the Company strives to further diversify its revenue streams, management remains cognizant of changing trends in the toy, game and entertainment business and the difficulty in predicting the length of time a property will be commercially successful.  As a result, the Company's revenues, operating results and cash flow from operations may fluctuate significantly from year to year and present operating results are not necessarily indicative of future performance.

 

Historically, the majority of the television-based Properties that the Company represented were existing episodes of foreign programming that were adapted for the United States and other markets. The Company’s strategic focus has shifted toward Properties like “Chaotic” and “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles”, where the Company is a joint copyright owner of the episodes. Therefore, it is the Company’s intention to allocate a larger portion of its capital resources to the production costs associated with developing original animated programming resulting in increased capitalized film and television costs. Following the commercial release of a Property, its overall market acceptance and resulting revenues will directly impact the Company’s amortization of these capitalized film and television costs. To the extent a Property performs at a level lower than the Company’s expectations, the ratio of amortization expense to revenues realized will increase. While the Company expects that the revenues associated with such Properties will be sufficient to maintain its historical operating margins, there can be no assurance that the marketing plans designed to achieve those revenues can be executed in a manner to achieve its objectives.

 

Broadcast Agreements

 

4Kids TV Broadcast Agreement - In January 2002, the Company entered into a multi-year agreement with Fox to lease Fox’s Saturday morning programming block (“4Kids TV”) which airs principally on Saturday mornings from 8am to 12pm eastern/pacific time (7am to 11am central time). The Company provides substantially all programming content to be broadcast on 4Kids TV and retains all of the revenues from network advertising sales for the four-hour time period. 4Kids Ad Sales manages and accounts for the ad revenue and costs associated with 4Kids TV.

 

In March 2006, the Fox agreement was extended for two broadcast years through the 2007-2008 broadcast season. As of December 31, 2007, no amounts remain to be paid for the 2006-2007 broadcast season under the amended agreement. The broadcast fee for the 2007-2008 broadcast seasons is $20,000 as compared to the $25,312 paid for each broadcast year during the initial term of the multi-year agreement. The fee is payable in quarterly installments of $5,000 each year beginning in October 2006. Fox has exercised its option to extend this agreement through its 2008-2009 broadcast season under the same terms and conditions as in effect for the 2007-2008 broadcast season.

 

The CW Broadcast Agreement - On October 1, 2007, the Company and The CW entered into the CW Agreement, under which The CW granted to the Company the exclusive right to program The CW's Saturday morning children's programming block that is broadcast in most markets between 7am and 12pm for an initial term of five years beginning with The CW's 2008-2009 broadcast season.

Under the CW Agreement, the Company is obligated to make quarterly minimum guaranteed payments which are subject to reduction under certain circumstances. The Company and The CW will share advertising revenues earned from the sale of national commercial time during The CW Kids Block with The CW's share to be applied against such quarterly guarantee payments. In addition, The CW will be entitled under the CW Agreement to participate in the Company's merchandising revenue from certain content broadcast on The CW Kids Block, if such merchandising revenues exceed a certain annual minimum.

In addition to the broadcast fee and minimum guarantee paid to Fox and to be paid to The CW, commencing with the 2008-2009 broadcast season, respectively, the Company incurs additional costs to program each broadcast block and sell the related network advertising time. These costs include direct programming costs to acquire, adapt and deliver programming for the broadcast during the weekly broadcast blocks as well as additional indirect expenses of advertising sales, promotion and administration.

 

The ability of the Company to further develop its merchandising and, to a lesser extent, home video and music publishing revenue streams were significant components of its evaluation process which resulted in the decision to lease an additional Saturday morning children’s programming block from The CW, as described in Note 12 of the Notes to the Company’s consolidated financial statements under “Broadcast Agreements”. Other factors, such as lower guaranteed payments associated with the five-hour broadcast period, additional units allocated to the Company for sale during the CW Kids Block, and an anticipated increase in network support due to a revenue sharing arrangement, also contributed to the decision to lease another Saturday morning children’s block.

 

26

 


 

Contractual Commitments

 

The Company has commitments under certain firm contractual arrangements (“firm commitments”) to make future payments for goods and services. These firm commitments secure the future rights to various assets and services to be used in the normal course of operations. The following table summarizes the Company’s material firm commitments as of December 31, 2007 and the impact that such obligations are expected to have on the Company’s liquidity and cash flows in future periods. The Company expects to fund these commitments primarily with operating cash flows generated in the normal course of business.

 

 

Year Ending December 31,

CW Agreement

4Kids TV Broadcast Agreement

 

Operating Leases

Total

2008

$6,750

$20,000

$ 2,706

$29,456

2009

15,000

15,000

2,442

32,442

2010

15,000

1,871

16,871

2011

15,000

1,075

16,075

2012

15,000

971

15,971

2013 and after

8,250

5,286

13,536

Total

$75,000

$35,000

$14,351

$124,351

 

 

On February 18, 2008, the Company signed a lease for additional office space in the San Diego, California location with aggregate rental payments of $620 for the term of the lease, which has not been included in the table above. The Company’s contractual obligations and commitments are detailed in the Company’s consolidated financial statements, for additional information see Note 12.

 

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

 

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Fluctuations.

 

From time to time, the Company may be exposed to the risk of future currency exchange rate fluctuations, which is accounted for as an adjustment to stockholders’ equity and changes in the exchange rates between various foreign currencies and the U.S. dollar may, as a result, have an impact on the accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) component of stockholders’ equity reported by the Company, and such effect may be material in any individual reporting period. The Company is currently not a party to any market risk sensitive instruments, or any derivative contracts or other arrangements that may reduce such market risk.

 

Item 8.  

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

 

The Reports of Registered Public Independent Accounting Firms, our Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto appear in a separate section of this Form 10-K (beginning on Page F-1 following Part IV). The index to our Consolidated Financial Statements is included in Item 15.

 

Item 9.  

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.

 

None.

 

Item 9A.  

Controls and Procedures.

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We maintain a system of disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e),which is designed to provide reasonable assurance that information, which is required to be disclosed in our reports filed pursuant to the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), is accumulated and communicated to management in a timely manner. At the end of the period covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(b). Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of the date of such evaluation, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective in timely alerting them to information relating to us that is required to be included in our reports filed under the Exchange Act.

 

27

 


Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

During the fourth quarter of 2007, there were no significant changes in our internal control over financial reporting or in other factors that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f), is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, our principal executive and principal financial officers and effected by our Board of Directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and includes those policies and procedures that:

Pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets;

 

Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and directors; and

 

Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. The scope of management's assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting includes all of our Company's consolidated subsidiaries.

Our management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007. In making this assessment, our management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in "Internal Control-Integrated Framework." Based on this assessment, management believes that, as of December 31, 2007, our internal control over financial reporting was effective based on those criteria.

Eisner LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm that audited the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, has issued an auditors' report on our internal control over financial reporting.

Item 9B.   Other Information.

 

None.

 

PART III

 

Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant.

 

Information concerning directors and officers of the Company is incorporated by reference to the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after the end of the Company’s fiscal year.

 

On June 19, 2007, the Company filed with the New York Stock Exchange the Annual CEO Certification regarding the Company’s compliance with the NYSE’s Corporate Governance listing standards as required by Section 303A.12(a) of the New York Stock Exchange Listed Company Manual.  

 

 

28

 


Item 11. Executive Compensation.

 

Information concerning executive and director compensation is incorporated by reference to the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after the end of the Company’s fiscal year.

 

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

 

Information concerning security ownership of each person known by the Company to own beneficially more than 5% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock, of each director of the Company and all officers and directors as a group and of the Company’s equity compensation plans is incorporated by reference to the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after the end of the Company’s fiscal year.

 

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.

 

Information concerning certain relationships and related transactions is incorporated by reference to the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after the end of the Company’s fiscal year.

 

Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

 

Information concerning principal accountant fees and services is incorporated by reference to the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after the end of the Company’s fiscal year.

 

PART IV

 

Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.

 

(1) Financial Statements:

 

The following Consolidated Financial Statements of 4Kids Entertainment, Inc. and Subsidiaries are included in Item 8:

 

 

Page

 

Number

Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firms on Consolidated Financial Statements

F-1 to F-2

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets - December 31, 2007 and 2006

F-3

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Operations - Years Ended

 

December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

F-4

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income

 

(Loss) - Years Ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

F-5

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - Years Ended

 

December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

F-6

 

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

F-7 to F-30

 

(a)(2) Financial Statement Schedules

 

All schedules have been omitted because they are inapplicable, not required, or the information is included in the financial statements or notes thereto.

 

(a)(3) and (b) Exhibits.

See Index of Exhibits annexed hereto.

 

29

 


 

SIGNATURES

 

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

 

4KIDS ENTERTAINMENT, INC.

Date: March 14, 2008

 

By

/s/ Alfred R. Kahn     

________________________

 

Alfred R. Kahn,

 

Chairman of the Board

 

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

 

Date: March 14, 2008

 

/s/Alfred R. Kahn

_______________________

 

Alfred R. Kahn,

 

Chairman of the Board,

 

Chief Executive Officer and

 

Director

 

Date: March 14, 2008

 

/s/ Bruce R. Foster

_________________________

 

Bruce R. Foster,

 

Executive Vice President,

 

Principal Financial

 

and Accounting Officer

 

Date: March 14, 2008

 

/s/ Samuel R. Newborn

_________________________

 

Samuel R. Newborn,

 

Executive Vice President,

 

General Counsel and

 

Director

 

Date: March 14, 2008

 

/s/ Richard Block

_______________________

 

Richard Block,

 

Director

 

Date: March 14, 2008

 

/s/ Jay Emmett

______________________

 

Jay Emmett,

 

Director

 

Date: March 14, 2008

 

/s/ Michael Goldstein

_________________________

 

Michael Goldstein,

 

Director

 

Date: March 14, 2008

 

/s/ Randy O. Rissman

___________________________

 

Randy O. Rissman,

 

Director

 

30

 


Exhibit

Number

Description

 

 

3.1

Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant filed on April 28, 1970, as amended on October 12, 1971, as further amended on April 21, 1972, as further amended on July 17, 1979, as further amended on May 22, 1985, as further amended on July 30, 1986, as further amended on July 19, 1989, as further amended on November 16, 1995 (changing the name of the Corporation to 4Kids Entertainment, Inc.). (1)

 

 

3.2

Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant, dated April 29, 1999. (2)

 

 

3.3

Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant, dated May 18, 2000. (3)

 

 

3.4

Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant, dated August 15, 2007. (4)

 

 

3.5

Amended and Restated By-Laws of the Registrant adopted by the Board of Directors on August 15, 2007. (4)

 

 

4.1

Form of Common Stock Certificate. (5)

 

 

4.2

Rights Agreement dated as of August 15, 2007 between 4Kids Entertainment and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Co., as Rights Agent. (4)

 

 

10.1

1992 Stock Option Plan. (*) (6)

 

 

10.2

1997 Stock Option Plan. (*) (7)

 

 

10.3

1998 Stock Option Plan. (*) (9)

 

 

10.4

1999 Stock Option Plan. (*) (2)

 

 

10.5

2000 Stock Option Plan. (*) (3)

 

 

10.6

2001 Stock Option Plan. (*) (9)

 

 

10.7

2002 Stock Option Plan. (*) (10)

 

 

10.8

2003 Stock Option Plan. (*) (11)

 

 

10.9

2004 Stock Option Plan. (*) (12)

 

 

10.10

2005 Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan. (*) (13)

 

 

10.11

2006 Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan. (*) (14)

 

 

10.12

2007 Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan. (*) (15)

 

 

10.13

Agreement between Nintendo of America, Inc. and the Registrant dated December 17, 1987. (16)

 

 

10.14

Agreement of Lease, dated March 28, 1988, between the Registrant and 1414 Avenue of the Americas Company (“1414 Lease”). (17)

 

 

10.15

Amendment, dated July 8, 1994, to the 1414 Lease. (17)

 

 

10.16

Amended and Restated Employment Agreement dated January 1, 2002, between 4Kids Entertainment Licensing, Inc. and Alfred R. Kahn. (*)(18)

 

 

10.17

Second Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated December 15, 2006, among 4Kids Entertainment Licensing, Inc., 4Kids Entertainment, Inc. and Alfred R. Kahn. (*)(19)

 

 

10.18

Employment Agreement, dated January 1, 2002, between 4Kids Productions, Inc. and Norman Grossfeld. (*)(18)

 

 

10.19

Amendment dated as of June 16, 2003, to the Employment Agreement between 4Kids Productions, Inc. and Norman Grossfeld. (*)(18)

 

 

10.20

Letter Agreement, dated March 2, 2006, between 4Kids Productions, Inc. and Norman Grossfeld. (*)(20)

 

 

10.21

Employment Agreement, dated January 1, 2002, between 4Kids Entertainment Licensing, Inc. and Samuel R. Newborn. (*)(18)

 

 

10.22

Amendment dated as of June 16, 2003, to the Employment Agreement between 4Kids Entertainment Licensing, Inc. and Samuel R. Newborn. (*)(18)

 

 

10.23

Letter Agreement, dated as of March 2, 2006, between 4Kids Entertainment Licensing, Inc. and Samuel R. Newborn. (*)(20)

 

 

10.24

Employment Agreement dated as of June 30, 2005, between 4Kids Entertainment, Inc., and Steven M. Grossman. (*)(21)

 

 

 

 

31


 

10.25

General Release Agreement of Steven M. Grossman dated as of April 6, 2006. (*)(22)

 

 

10.26

Employment Agreement dated as of December 1, 2005, between 4Kids Entertainment Licensing, Inc., and Bruce R. Foster. (*)(15)

 

 

10.27

Amendment to Employment Agreement dated as of January 30, 2007, among 4Kids Entertainment Licensing, Inc., 4Kids Entertainment, Inc. and Bruce R. Foster. (*)(23)

 

 

10.28

Amendment to Employment Agreement dated as of April 16, 2007, among 4Kids Entertainment Licensing, Inc., 4Kids Entertainment, Inc. and Bruce R. Foster. (*)(24)

 

 

10.29

Employment Agreement dated as of July 1, 2003, between 4Kids Entertainment Licensing, Inc. and Brian Lacey. (*)(25)

 

 

10.30

Amendment to Employment Agreement, dated as of October 16, 2006, among 4Kids Entertainment Licensing, Inc., 4Kids Entertainment, Inc. and Brian Lacey. (*)(26)

 

 

10.31

Amendment Agreement, dated March 14, 2006, between 4Kids Entertainment, Inc. and Fox Broadcasting Company. (*)(18)

 

 

10.32

Employment Agreement, dated as of December 11, 2006, between TC Digital Games LLC and Bryan Gannon. (*)(27)

 

 

10.33

Employment Agreement, dated as of December 11, 2006, between TC Digital Games LLC and John Milito. (*)(27)

 

 

10.34

Settlement Agreement and Mutual General Release dated as of June 19, 2006 among The Summit Media Group, Inc., The Beacon Media Group LLC, Sheldon Hirsch, Tom Horner and Paul Caldera. (28)

 

 

10.35

Operating Agreement of TC Digital Games LLC, dated as of December 11, 2006, between 4Kids Digital Games, Inc. and Chaotic USA Entertainment Digital Games LLC. (27)

 

 

10.36

Operating Agreement of TC Websites LLC, dated as of December 11, 2006, between 4Kids Websites, Inc. and Chaotic USA Entertainment Group, Inc. (27)

 

 

10.37

Operating Acquisition and Administration agreement dated June 28, 2002 between Cherry Lane Publishing Company, Inc. and 4Kids Entertainment Music, Inc. (included herein)

 

 

10.38

Saturday Morning Programming Block dated October 1, 2007 between The CW Network, LLC. and 4Kids Entertainment, Inc. (included herein)

 

 

10.39

Membership Interest Purchase Agreement dated December 18, 2007 between TC Digital Games, LLC, Chaotic USA Entertainment Group, Inc. and 4Kids Digital, Inc. (included herein)

 

 

10.40

Membership Interest Purchase Agreement dated December 18, 2007 between TC Websites LLC, Chaotic USA Entertainment Group, Inc. and 4Kids Websites, Inc. (included herein)

 

 

21.1

List of Subsidiaries of the Registrant.

 

 

23.1

Consent of Eisner LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

 

 

31.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

31.2

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

32.1

Joint Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

 

______________

 

 

*

Denotes a management contract or compensatory plan, contract or arrangement.

 

 

(1)

Incorporated by reference to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1995 (File No. 000-07843).

 

 

(2)

Incorporated by reference to 1999 Proxy Statement for Annual Meeting of Shareholders held April 29, 1999 (File No. 000-07843).

 

 

(3)

Incorporated by reference to 2000 Proxy Statement for Annual Meeting of Shareholders held May 17, 2000 (File No. 000-07843).

 

 

(4)

Incorporated by reference to Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 15, 2007 (File No. 001-16117).

 

 

(5)

Incorporated by reference to Registration Statement on Form S-1 declared effective March 7, 1986 (File No. 33-3056).

 

 

(6)

Incorporated by reference to 1992 Proxy Statement for Annual Meeting of Shareholders held April 1992 (File No. 000-07843).

32


 

(7)

Incorporated by reference to 1997 Proxy Statement for Annual Meeting of Shareholders held April 30, 1997 (File No. 000-07843).

 

 

(8)

Incorporated by reference to 1998 Proxy Statement for Annual Meeting of Shareholders held April 29, 1998 (File No. 000-07843).

 

 

(9)

Incorporated by reference to 2002 Proxy Statement for Annual Meeting of Shareholders held May 23, 2001 (File No. 001-16117).

 

 

(10)

Incorporated by reference to 2002 Proxy Statement for Annual Meeting of Shareholders held May 23, 2002 (File No. 001-16117).

 

 

(11)

Incorporated by reference to 2003 Proxy Statement for Annual Meeting of Shareholders held May 23, 2003 (File No. 001-16117).

 

 

(12)

Incorporated by reference to 2004 Proxy Statement for Annual Meeting of Shareholders held May 27, 2004 (File No. 001-16117).

 

 

(13)

Incorporated by reference to 2005 Proxy Statement for Annual Meeting of Shareholders held May 26, 2005 (File No. 001-16117).

 

 

(14)

Incorporated by reference to 2006 Proxy Statement for Annual Meeting of Shareholders held May 26, 2006 (File No. 001-16117).

 

 

(15)

Incorporated by reference to 2007 Proxy Statement for Annual Meeting of Shareholders held May 25, 2007 (File No. 001-16117).

 

 

(16)

Incorporated by reference to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1987 (File No. 000-07843).

 

 

(17)

Incorporated by reference to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1990 (File No. 000-07843).

 

 

(18)

Incorporated by reference to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2003 (File No. 001-16117).

 

 

(19)

Incorporated by reference to Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 21, 2006 (File No. 001-16117).

 

 

(20)

Incorporated by reference to Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 8, 2006 (File No. 001-16117).

 

 

(21)

Incorporated by reference to Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 7, 2005 (File No. 001-16117).

 

 

(22)

Incorporated by reference to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2006 (File No. 001-16117).

 

 

(23)

Incorporated by reference to Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 13, 2006 (File No. 001-16117).

 

 

(24)

Incorporated by reference to Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 5, 2007 (File No. 001-16117).

 

 

(25)

Incorporated by reference to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 (File No. 000-07843).

 

 

(26)

Incorporated by reference to Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 2, 2006 (File No. 001-16117).

 

 

(27)

Incorporated by reference to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006 (File No. 000-07843).

 

 

(28)

Incorporated by reference to Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 23, 2006 (File No. 001-16117).

 

 

 

 

33


 

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

The Board of Directors and Stockholders

4Kids Entertainment, Inc.

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of 4Kids Entertainment, Inc. and Subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2007 and 2006 and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' equity and comprehensive income (loss), and cash flows for each of the years in the three year period ended December 31, 2007. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

 

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

 

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, and the consolidated results of their operations and their consolidated cash flows for each of the years in the three year period ended December 31, 2007, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007, based on criteria established in the Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, and our report dated March 13, 2008 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

 

/s/ Eisner LLP

 

New York, New York

March 13, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

F-1


 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders

4Kids Entertainment, Inc.

 

We have audited 4Kids Entertainment, Inc. internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”). 4Kids Entertainment, Inc.’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

 

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

In our opinion, 4Kids Entertainment, Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007, based on the COSO criteria.

 

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of 4Kids Entertainment, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2007, and 2006, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity and comprehensive income (loss), and cash flows for each of the years in the three year period ended December 31, 2007, and our report dated March 13, 2008 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.

 

/s/ Eisner LLP

 

New York, New York

March 13, 2008

 

 

 

 

F-2

 


4KIDS ENTERTAINMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

DECEMBER 31, 2007 AND 2006

(In thousands of dollars, except share data)

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

ASSETS:

 

2007

 

2006

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

24,872

 

$

18,066

 

Investments

 

 

36,106

 

 

92,910

 

Total cash, cash equivalents and investments

 

 

60,978

 

 

110,976

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable - net

 

 

21,403

 

 

27,944

 

Inventories

 

 

611

 

 

 

Prepaid income taxes

 

 

1,159

 

 

5,924

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

 

2,985

 

 

3,916

 

Current assets from discontinued operations

 

 

372

 

 

326

 

Deferred income taxes

 

 

 

 

707

 

Total current assets

 

 

87,508

 

 

149,793

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property and equipment - net

 

 

4,255

 

 

2,126

 

Long term investments

 

 

31,806

 

 

 

Accounts receivable - noncurrent, net

 

 

208

 

 

138

 

Investment in unconsolidated affiliate

 

 

 

 

2,702

 

Film and television costs - net

 

 

14,352

 

 

14,827

 

Non-current assets from discontinued operations

 

 

926

 

 

1,333

 

Deferred income taxes - noncurrent

 

 

 

 

1,733

 

Other assets - net (includes related party amounts of $4,265 and $2,664, respectively)

 

 

12,024

 

 

8,743

 

Total assets

 

$

151,079

 

$

181,395

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Due to licensors

 

$

4,420

 

$

6,536

 

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

 

 

14,969

 

 

14,317

 

Current liabilities from discontinued operations

 

 

 

 

20

 

Deferred revenue

 

 

2,984

 

 

5,014

 

Total current liabilities

 

 

22,373

 

 

25,887

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred rent

 

 

618

 

 

771

 

Total liabilities

 

 

22,991

 

 

26,658

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies (Note 12)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders’ equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock, $.01 par value - authorized, 3,000,000 shares; none issued

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock, $.01 par value - authorized, 40,000,000 shares;

issued, 15,099,812 and 14,933,218 shares; outstanding 13,332,207 and         13,183,218 shares in 2007 and 2006, respectively

 

 

151

 

 

149

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

 

63,679

 

 

62,859

 

Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income

 

 

(2,562)

 

 

1,329

 

Retained earnings

 

 

100,323

 

 

123,649

 

 

 

161,591

 

 

187,986

 

Less cost of 1,767,605 and 1,750,000 treasury shares in 2007 and 2006, respectively

 

 

33,503

 

 

33,249

 

 

 

 

128,088

 

 

154,737

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

 

$

151,079

 

$

181,395

 

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-3


4KIDS ENTERTAINMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007, 2006 AND 2005

(In thousands of dollars, except share data)

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

 

 

2007

 

 

2006

 

 

2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net revenues

$

55,609

 

$

71,781

 

$

80,607

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Costs and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

44,180

 

 

39,155

 

 

33,835

 

Production service costs

 

7,195

 

 

11,259

 

 

8,851

 

Cost of sales of trading cards

 

352

 

 

 

 

 

Amortization of television and film costs

 

8,179

 

 

8,041

 

 

9,790

 

Amortization of 4Kids TV broadcast fee

 

21,472

 

 

22,462

 

 

26,408

 

Total costs and expenses

 

81,378

 

 

80,917

 

 

78,884

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Loss) Income from operations

 

(25,769

)

 

(9,136

)

 

1,723

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income

 

5,281

 

 

4,143

 

 

2,834

 

Gain on sale of investment in equity securities

 

 

 

 

 

234

 

Total other income

 

5,281

 

 

4,143

 

 

3,068

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Loss) income before income taxes

 

(20,488

)

 

(4,993

)

 

4,791

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Provision for) benefit from income taxes

 

(2,436)

 

 

3,506

 

 

(1,762

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss from unconsolidated operations –

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

net of a tax benefit

 

 

 

(280

)

 

 

Loss on previously unconsolidated affiliate

 

(498)

 

 

 

 

 

Minority interest (Note 13)

 

96

 

 

39

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Loss) income from continuing operations

 

(23,326

)

 

(1,728

)

 

3,029

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from discontinued operations

 

 

 

722

 

 

2,040

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net (loss) income

$

(23,326

)

$

(1,006

)

$

5,069

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Per share amounts:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic (loss) earnings per common share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Continuing operations

$

(1.77

)

$

(0.13

)

$

0.23

 

Discontinued operations

 

 

 

0.05

 

 

0.16

 

Basic (loss) earnings per common share

$

(1.77

)

$

(0.08

)

$

0.39

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted (loss) earnings per common share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Continuing operations

$

(1.77

)

$

(0.13

)

$

0.22

 

Discontinued operations

 

 

 

0.05

 

 

0.15

 

Diluted (loss) earnings per common share

$

(1.77

)

$

(0.08

)

$

0.37

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average common shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

outstanding - basic

 

13,209,495

 

 

13,104,051

 

 

13,115,687

 

Weighted average common shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

outstanding - diluted

 

13,209,495

 

 

13,104,051

 

 

13,536,830

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-4


4KIDS ENTERTAINMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007, 2006 AND 2005

(In thousands of dollars and shares)

 

 



Common Stock

 

Additional
Paid-In
Capital

 

Retained Earnings

 

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income/Loss

 

Less Treasury Stock

 

Total
Stockholders’
Equity

 

Shares

 

Amount

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 2004

14,411

 

$

144

 

$

58,068

 

$

119,586

 

$

1,124

 

$

(14,944

)

$

163,978

 

Issuance of common stock and stock options exercised

415

 

 

4

 

 

1,345

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,349

 

Tax benefit from exercise of stock options

 

 

 

 

2,002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,002

 

Acquisition of treasury stock, at cost

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(18,305

)

 

(18,305

)

Comprehensive income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

5,069

 

 

 

 

 

 

5,069

 

Translation adjustment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(696

)

 

 

 

(696

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,373

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 2005

14,826

 

$

148

 

$

61,415

 

$

124,655

 

$

428

 

$

(33,249

)

$

153,397

 

Issuance of common stock and stock options exercised

107

 

 

1

 

 

1,256

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,257

 

Tax benefit from exercise of stock options

 

 

 

 

188

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

188

 

Comprehensive loss:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1,006

)

 

 

 

 

 

(1,006

)

Translation adjustment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

901

 

 

 

 

901

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total comprehensive loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(105

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 2006

14,933

 

$

149

 

$

62,859

 

$

123,649

 

$

1,329

 

$

(33,249

)

$

154,737

 

Issuance of common stock and stock options exercised

167

 

 

2

 

 

820

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

822

 

Acquisition of treasury stock, at cost

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(254

)

 

(254

)

Comprehensive loss:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

(23,326

)

 

 

 

 

 

(23,326

)

Translation adjustment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

102

 

 

 

 

102

 

Unrealized loss on marketable securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(3,993

)

 

 

 

(3,993

)

Total comprehensive loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(27,217

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 2007

15,100

 

$

151

 

$

63,679

 

$

100,323

 

$

(2,562

)

$

(33,503

)

$

128,088

 

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

 

 

F-5

 


4KIDS ENTERTAINMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007, 2006 AND 2005

(In thousands of dollars)

 

 

2007

 

 

2006

 

 

2005

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net (loss) income

$

(23,326

)

$

(1,006

)

$

5,069

 

Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(used in) provided by operating activities – continuing operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

1,002

 

 

1,047

 

 

1,141

 

Amortization of television and film costs

 

8,179

 

 

8,041

 

 

9,790

 

Amortization of 4Kids TV broadcast fee

 

21,472

 

 

22,462

 

 

26,408

 

Provision for doubtful accounts

 

837

 

 

630

 

 

195

 

Deferred income taxes

 

2,440

 

 

(3

)

 

(38

)

Loss on investment in unconsolidated affiliate

 

 

 

498

 

 

 

Gain on sale of investment in equity securities

 

 

 

 

 

(234

)

Tax benefit on exercise of stock options

 

 

 

 

 

2,002

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inventories

 

(611

)

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

5,700

 

 

4,786

 

 

5,878

 

Film and television costs

 

(7,704

)

 

(10,660

)

 

(11,480

)

Prepaid income taxes

 

4,765

 

 

(3,612

)

 

762

 

Prepaid 4Kids TV broadcast fee

 

(20,788

)

 

(15,856

)

 

(26,023

)

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

931

 

 

(2,233

)

 

(247

)

Other assets - net

 

(3,281

)

 

(1,819

)

 

1,169

 

Due to licensors

 

(2,116

)

 

(6,967

)

 

(3,356

)

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

 

521

 

 

4,972

 

 

(3,291

)

Deferred revenue

 

(2,030

)

 

(283

)

 

(1,558

)

Deferred rent

 

(153

)

 

(245

)

 

5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities – continuing operations

 

(14,162

)

 

(248

)

 

6,192

 

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities – discontinued operations

 

341

 

 

(809

)

 

(2,950

)

Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities

 

(13,821

)

 

(1,057

)

 

3,242

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from maturities of investments

 

138,688

 

 

184,872

 

 

53,938

 

Purchase of investments

 

(117,683

)

 

(199,399

)

 

(116,254

)

Consolidation of previously unconsolidated affiliate

2,702

Purchase of property and equipment

 

(3,136

)

 

(841

)

 

(857

)

Loss from disposal of property, plant, and equipment

 

5

 

 

521

 

 

6

 

Proceeds from sale of investment in equity securities

 

 

 

 

 

960

 

Purchase of investment in unconsolidated affiliate

 

 

 

(3,200

)

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

 

20,576

 

 

(18,047

)

 

(62,207

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

 

256

 

 

1,257

 

 

1,349

 

Purchase of treasury shares

 

(254

)

 

 

 

(18,305

)

Tax benefit on exercise of stock options

 

 

 

188

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

 

2

 

 

1,445

 

 

(16,956

)

Effects of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

 

49

 

 

583

 

 

(696

)

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

6,806

 

 

(17,076

)

 

(76,617

)

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

 

18,066

 

 

35,142

 

 

111,759

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

$

24,872

 

$

18,066

 

$

35,142

 

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid during period for Income Taxes

$

3

 

$

87

 

$

437

 

Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing and financing activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized loss on marketable securities

$

(3,993

)

$

 

$

 

Vesting of restricted shares

$

566

 

$

 

$

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-6

 


4KIDS ENTERTAINMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007, 2006 AND 2005

(In thousands of dollars, except share and per share data)

 

1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

 

General Development and Narrative Description of Business - 4Kids Entertainment, Inc., together with the subsidiaries through which its businesses are conducted (the “Company”), is a diversified entertainment and media company specializing in the youth oriented market with operations in the following business segments: (i) Licensing; (ii) Advertising Media and Broadcast; (iii) Television and Film Production/Distribution; and (iv) Trading Card and Game Distribution. The Company was organized as a New York corporation in 1970.

 

Licensing - The Licensing business segment consists of the results of operations of the following wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company: 4Kids Entertainment Licensing, Inc. (“4Kids Licensing”); 4Sight Licensing Solutions, Inc. (“4Sight Licensing”); 4Kids Entertainment International, Ltd. (“4Kids International”); and 4Kids Technology, Inc. (“4Kids Technology”). 4Kids Licensing is engaged in the business of licensing the merchandising rights to popular children’s television series, properties and product concepts (individually, the “Property” or collectively the “Properties”). 4Kids Licensing typically acts as exclusive merchandising agent in connection with the grant to third parties of licenses to manufacture and sell all types of merchandise, including toys, videogames, trading cards, apparel, housewares, footwear, books and other published materials, based on such Properties. 4Sight Licensing is engaged in the business of licensing properties and product concepts to adults, teens and “tweens”. 4Sight Licensing focuses on brand building through licensing. 4Kids International, based in London, manages Properties represented by the Company in the United Kingdom and European marketplaces. 4Kids Technology develops ideas and concepts for licensing which integrate new and existing technologies with traditional game and toy play patterns.

 

Advertising Media and Broadcast - The Company, through a multi-year agreement with Fox Broadcasting Corporation (“Fox”), leases Fox’s Saturday morning programming block (“4Kids TV”) from 8am to 12pm eastern/pacific time (7am to 11am central time). The Company provides substantially all programming content to be broadcast on 4Kids TV. 4Kids Ad Sales, Inc. (“4Kids Ad Sales”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, retains all of the revenue from its sale of network advertising time for the four-hour time period leased from Fox.

 

On October 1, 2007, the Company and The CW Network, LLC ("The CW") entered into an agreement (the "CW Agreement"), under which The CW granted to the Company the exclusive right to program The CW's Saturday morning children's programming block that is broadcast in most markets between 7am and 12pm ("The CW Kids Block") for an initial term of five years beginning with The CW's 2008-2009 broadcast season.

 

Effective June 30, 2006, the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, The Summit Media Group, Inc. (“Summit Media”), which previously provided print and broadcast media planning and buying services for clients principally in the children’s toy and game business, terminated its operations. As a consequence of the termination of its operations, Summit Media no longer serves as a media buying agency for third parties and is classified as a discontinued operation.

 

Television and Film Production/Distribution - The Television and Film Production/Distribution business segment consists of the results of operations of the following wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company: 4Kids Productions, Inc. (“4Kids Productions”); 4Kids Entertainment Music, Inc. (“4Kids Music”); and 4Kids Entertainment Home Video, Inc. (“4Kids Home Video”). 4Kids Productions produces and adapts animated and live-action television programs and theatrical motion pictures for distribution to the domestic and international television, home video and theatrical markets. 4Kids Music composes original music for incorporation into television programming produced by 4Kids Productions and markets and manages such music. 4Kids Home Video distributes home videos associated with television programming produced by 4Kids Productions.

 

Trading Card and Game Distribution - Through its wholly-owned subsidiary, 4Kids Digital Games, Inc. (“4Kids Digital”), the Company owns 55% of TC Digital Games LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“TC Digital”) that produces, markets and distributes the “Chaotic” trading card game. In December 2006, 4Kids Digital acquired a 53% ownership interest in TC Digital and entered into TC Digital’s operating agreement (the “TCD Agreement”) with Chaotic USA Digital Games LLC (“CUSA LLC”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Chaotic USA Entertainment Group, Inc. (“CUSA”). The TCD Agreement contains terms and conditions governing the operations of TC Digital, and entitles 4Kids Digital and CUSA to elect two managers to the entity’s Management Committee with 4Kids Digital having the right to break any dead-locks. On December 18, 2007, 4Kids Digital purchased an additional 2% membership interest in TC Digital from CUSA increasing 4Kids Digital’s ownership percentage to 55%. The consideration for the purchase of the additional membership interest

            F-7

 


was paid through the settlement of certain capital contributions required to be made by CUSA to TC Websites under TC Websites’ operating agreement (the “TCW Agreement”).

 

Through its wholly-owned subsidiary, 4Kids Websites, Inc. (“4Kids Websites”), the Company owns 55% of TC Websites LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“TC Websites”) that owns and operates www.chaoticgame.com, the companion website for the “Chaotic” trading card game which was launched as a public beta version on October 24, 2007. In December 2006, 4Kids Websites purchased a 50% membership interest in TC Websites from CUSA and entered into the TCW Agreement with CUSA. The TCW Agreement contains terms and conditions governing TC Websites’ operations and entitles 4Kids Websites and CUSA to elect two managers to its Management Committee. On December 18, 2007, 4Kids Websites entered into an agreement pursuant to which it acquired an additional 5% ownership interest in TC Websites from CUSA, and the TCW Agreement was concurrently amended to provide 4Kids Websites with the right to break any deadlocks on TC Websites’ Management Committee, including with respect to operational matters. The consideration for the purchase of the additional membership interest was paid through the settlement of certain capital contributions required to be made by CUSA to TC Websites under the TCW Agreement. 4Kids Websites had previously used the equity method to account for its investment in TC Websites, where it did not have control but had significant influence. As a result of 4Kids Websites’ increased ownership and operational control, TC Websites is consolidated in the Company’s financial statements, subject to a minority interest.

TC Digital and TC Websites are the exclusive licensees of certain patents covering the uploading of coded trading cards to a website where online game play and community activities occur. The www.chaoticgame.com website provides full access to all of its content and is free of charge for all users. No purchase of trading cards is necessary to play the online version where virtual playing decks are available to users who register on the website. These two businesses enable the Company to offer traditional trading card game play with an online digital play experience. In addition, it is anticipated that TC Digital and TC Websites will diversify their product lines and will ultimately distribute and sell, and create websites for other trading card games. The Company believes that its ownership interests in TC Digital and TC Websites represent a potentially significant addition to its business strategy.

Certain of the Company’s executive officers have interests in CUSA, CUSA LLC and certain other entities with which TC Digital and TC Websites have engaged in transactions since their formation. Information regarding these relationships can be found in Note 15 of the Notes to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Principles of Consolidation – The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of 4Kids Entertainment, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries and investments of more than 50% in subsidiaries and other entities after elimination of significant intercompany transactions and balances. While the Company maintained a 50% ownership interest in TC Websites and did not control, but had significant influence, over such entity, the Company’s investment in TC Websites was accounted for using the equity method. As a result of the acquisition by the Company of an additional 5% ownership interest in such entity and increased operational control, TC Websites has now been included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements, as further discussed in Note 13. The operations of Summit Media have been classified as a discontinued operation as a result of the termination of Summit Media’s operations, effective June 30, 2006. As further discussed in Notes 14, the consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to reflect the reporting of this business as a discontinued operation. These consolidated financial statements reflect the use of significant accounting policies, as described below and elsewhere in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 

Effective January 1, 2007, the Company adopted the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (“FIN 48”). FIN 48 prescribes the financial statement recognition and measurement criteria for a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. FIN 48 also requires additional disclosures related to uncertain income tax positions. See Note 9, “Income Taxes”, for further information.

 

Revenue Recognition Merchandise licensing revenues: Licensing revenues, net of licensor participations, are recognized when the underlying royalties from the sales of the related products are earned. The Company recognizes guaranteed royalties, net of licensor participations, at the time the arrangement becomes effective if the Company has no significant direct continuing involvement with the underlying Property or obligation to the licensee. Where the Company has significant continuing direct involvement with the underlying Property or obligation to the licensee, guaranteed minimum royalties, net of licensor participations, are recognized ratably over the term of the license or based on sales of the related products, if greater. Licensing advances and guaranteed payments collected but not yet earned by the Company are classified as deferred revenue in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

 

F-8


Broadcast advertising revenues: Advertising revenues are recognized when the related commercials are aired and are recorded net of agency commissions and net of an appropriate reserve when advertising is sold together with a guaranteed audience delivery. Internet advertising revenues are recognized on the basis of impression views in the period the advertising is displayed. Commission income from the discontinued media planning and buying operations of Summit Media, from both print and broadcast media, were recognized at the time the related media was run.

 

Episodic television series revenues: Television series initially produced for networks and first-run syndication are generally licensed to domestic and foreign markets concurrently. The length of the revenue cycle for episodic television varies depending on the number of seasons a series remains in active exploitation. Revenues arising from television license agreements, net of licensor participations, are recognized in the period that the films or episodic television series are available for telecast.

 

Production and adaptation costs charged to the licensor are included in net revenues and the corresponding costs are included in production service costs in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Production service costs included in net revenues amounted to $6,405, $10,120, and $8,288 in 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively.

 

Home video revenues: Revenues from home video and DVD sales, net of a reserve for returns, are recognized, net of licensor participations, on the date that video and DVD units are shipped by the Company’s distributor to wholesalers/retailers. Consistent with the practice in the home video industry, the Company estimates the reserve for returns based upon its review of historical returns rates and expected future performance.

 

Music revenues: Revenues from music sales, net of licensor participations, and net of a reserve for returns, are recognized on the date units are shipped by the Company’s distributor to wholesalers/retailers as reported to the Company. In the case of musical performance revenues, the revenue is recognized when the musical recordings are broadcast and/or performed.

 

Trading card revenues: Emerging Issue Task Force (“EITF”) Issue No. 00-21 - Accounting for Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables, provides guidance on how and when to recognize revenues for arrangements that may involve the delivery or performance of multiple products, services and/or rights to use assets. Revenue arrangements with multiple deliverables are required to be divided into separate units of accounting if the deliverables in the arrangement meet certain criteria. Arrangement consideration must be allocated among the separate units of accounting based on their relative fair values. The Company has determined that because its trading card game is provided with a web component, there is a multiple deliverable arrangement. However, since no purchase of trading cards is necessary to access the website and cards are available free of charge to users who register on the website, the Company has determined that the selling price of the trading cards should be fully attributable to the cards. Revenues from trading card sales, net of a reserve for returns and allowances, are recognized on the date cards are shipped by the Company’s distributor to wholesalers/retailers as reported to the Company.

 

Advertising Expense - Advertising costs are expensed as incurred, except for costs related to the development of a Property and/or animated or live-action television program commercial or media campaign which are expensed in the period in which the commercial or campaign is first presented. Advertising expense included in selling, general and administrative expenses on the accompanying consolidated statements of income was $1,794, $2,191, and $1,927 in 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

 

Inventories Inventories consist of finished goods inventory of trading cards and are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value. The cost of our inventory is computed using the first-in, first-out method.

 

Property and Equipment - Property and equipment are carried at cost, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation is calculated on the straight-line method based on the estimated useful lives of the assets, which range from 3 to 10 years. Amortization of leasehold improvements is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets or, if shorter, the lease term. Costs associated with the repair and maintenance of property are expensed as incurred.

 

Website Development Costs - The Company capitalizes its website development costs for the www.chaoticgame.com website consistent with the provisions of EITF Issue 00-02, Accounting for Website Development Costs and American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (“AICPA”) Statement of Position (“SOP”) 98-1, Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use. Costs incurred during the preliminary project stage are expensed as incurred, while application stage projects are capitalized. The costs capitalized during the application stage are generally related to employee and/or consulting services directly associated with the development of the website. Website costs are included in property and equipment in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Amortization commenced on October 24, 2007, once the website went live and is amortized using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of three years.

F-9


Impairment Of Long-Lived And Intangible Assets - As required by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, the Company assesses the recoverability of long-lived assets for which an indication of impairment exists. The recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by comparing the carrying amount of an asset to the future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If an asset is considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its fair value. Fair value of long-lived assets is determined using the expected cash flows discounted at a rate commensurate with the risk involved. The Company believes that the future cash flows to be received from our long-lived assets will exceed the respective assets’ carrying value, and accordingly has not recorded any impairment losses.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents - All highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less are classified as cash and cash equivalents. The fair value of cash and cash equivalents approximates the amounts shown on the financial statements. Cash and cash equivalents consist of unrestricted cash in various banks in which the Company maintains balances in excess of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insured limit of $100 per bank account. At December 31, 2007 and 2006, the cash and cash equivalents in excess of the insured limit aggregated $13,630 and $13,789, respectively.

 

Prepaid 4Kids TV Broadcast Fee – The Company capitalizes the broadcast fee paid to Fox and amortizes the amount of such fee over the broadcast season based on estimated advertising revenue. During the year ended December 31, 2007, the Company paid Fox and certain Fox affiliates $15,525 and $5,263, attributable to the fifth and sixth years’ broadcast fees, respectively, and during calendar year 2006, the Company paid Fox and certain Fox affiliates $7,058 and $5,491, attributable to the fourth and fifth years’ broadcast fees, respectively.

 

Investments – The Company’s short-term investments principally consist of auction rate and debt securities. Auction rate securities are generally rated A or better by one or more national rating agencies and have contractual maturities of up to 30 years. The Company classifies its investments in auction rate securities as “available for sale.” The auction rate securities that the Company invests in generally have interest reset dates that occur every 7 or 35 days and despite the long-term nature of their stated contractual maturity, the historical operation of the auction rate security market has given the Company the ability to quickly liquidate these securities at ongoing auctions every 35 days or less.

During 2007, liquidity issues began to affect the global credit and capital markets. As a result, securities known as auction rate securities (“ARS”), which historically have had a liquid market and had their interest rates reset periodically (e.g. monthly) through dutch auctions, began to fail at auction. These auction failures have caused ARS to become illiquid since investors are hesitant to purchase these types of investments, which in turn has caused the fair market values for these securities to decline.

As of December 31, 2007, the Company held ARS having an aggregate principal amount of approximately $60,000. The ARS held by the Company are private placement debt securities with long-term nominal maturities and interest rates that reset monthly. The Company’s investments in ARS represent interests in debt obligations issued by banks and insurance companies that had at least an “A” credit rating at the time of purchase by the Company, including bond insurers and reinsurers such as MBIA, AMBAC, FGIC, FSA, RAM and Radian.

Many of the ARS held by the Company at December 31, 2007, have also experienced failed auctions due to the liquidity issues described above. As of December 31, 2007, the estimated fair market value of the ARS held by the Company declined by $3,993 based upon statements provided by the investment bank through which the Company holds such securities. Although all of the ARS invested in by the Company have continued to pay interest according to their stated terms and substantially all of the ARS invested in by the Company continue to be a rated “A” or above, the Company recorded an unrealized loss of $3,993 during 2007 resulting in a reduction in stockholders’ equity. Based on the factors above, and because the Company has the ability and the intent to hold these investments until recovery of their fair value, which may not be prior to the maturity of the applicable security, the Company does not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired.

 

Although $10,000 in ARS owned by the Company as of December 31, 2007 have been redeemed subsequent to such date, the credit and capital markets, including the market for ARS, has continued to deteriorate in 2008, and there have been additional failed auctions affecting ARS owned by the Company. Although all of the Company’s investments in ARS have continued to pay interest according to their stated terms and substantially all of the ARS invested in by the Company continue to be a rated “A” or above the Company’s unrealized loss on its ARS had increased by $7,859, to $11,852 as of February 29, 2008, based upon statements provided by the investment bank through which the Company holds such securities.

 

F-10


 

Given the failed auctions, many of the Company’s ARS are currently illiquid.  Accordingly, the Company has reclassified $20,350 in ARS from current to non-current assets on its balance sheet due to the fact that the Company deems the liquidity for these ARS to be restored in a period longer than twelve months.

If uncertainties in the credit and capital markets deteriorate further or the Company experiences any rating downgrades on any investments in its ARS portfolio, the Company may incur impairment charges to its investment portfolio, which could negatively affect the Company’s financial condition, cash flow and reported earnings. The Company believes that based on the Company’s current cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities, the current lack of liquidity affecting its portfolio of ARS will not have a material impact on the Company’s liquidity or its ability to fund its operations.

 

Film and Television Costs – The Company accounts for its film and television costs pursuant to AICPA SOP No. 00-2, Accounting by Producers or Distributors of Films. The cost of production for television programming, including overhead, participations and talent residuals is capitalized and amortized using the individual-film-forecast method under which such costs are amortized for each television program in the ratio that revenue earned in the current period for such program bears to management’s estimate of the ultimate revenues to be realized from all media and markets for such program. Management regularly reviews, and revises when necessary, its ultimate revenue estimates on a title-by-title basis, which may result in a change in the rate of amortization applicable to such title and/or a write-down of the value of such title to estimated fair value. These revisions can result in significant quarter-to-quarter and year-to-year fluctuations in film write-downs and rates of amortization. If a total net loss is projected for a particular title, the associated film and television costs are written down to estimated fair value. All exploitation costs, including advertising and marketing costs are expensed as incurred. Television adaptation and production costs that are adapted and/or produced are stated at the lower of cost, less accumulated amortization, or fair value.

 

Fair Value of Financial Instruments – The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, prepaid expenses and other current assets, due to licensors, media payable, accounts payable and accrued expenses, and other current liabilities approximate their fair values principally because of the short-term maturities of these instruments.

Operating Leases - The Company accounts for all operating leases on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. In accordance with the provisions of FASB Statement No. 13, Accounting for Leases, any incentives or rent escalations are recorded as deferred rent and are included as a component of rent expense over the respective lease term.

 

Use of Estimates – The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. These estimates and assumptions are used in, but not limited to, certain areas of revenue recognition, the amortization of televisions and film costs as well as the amortization of 4Kids TV broadcast fees. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.

Reclassifications- Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year amounts to conform to the 2007 presentation.

Translation of Foreign Currency — In accordance with SFAS No. 130, Reporting Comprehensive Income (“SFAS No. 130”), the Company classifies items of other comprehensive income by their nature in the financial statements and displays the accumulated balance of other comprehensive income separately from retained earnings and additional paid-in capital in the equity section of the consolidated balance sheet. The assets and liabilities of the Company’s foreign subsidiary, 4Kids International have been recorded in their local currency and translated to U.S. dollars using period-end exchange rates. Income and expense items have been translated at the average rate of exchange prevailing during the period. Any adjustment resulting from translating the financial statements of the foreign subsidiary is reflected as “other comprehensive income”, net of related tax. Comprehensive (loss) income for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 was $(27,217), $(105), and $4,373, respectively, which included translation adjustments of $102, $901, and $(696) for the respective periods.

 

Concentration Of Credit Risk - Financial instruments, which potentially subject the Company to concentration of credit risk, consist primarily of temporary cash investments and accounts receivable. The majority of the cash and cash equivalents are maintained with major financial institutions in the United States of America. The counterparties to the agreements relating to investment instruments consist of various United States governmental units and financial institutions of high credit standing. Credit risk on accounts receivable is minimized by the Company by performing ongoing credit evaluations of its customers’ financial condition and monitoring its exposure for credit losses and maintaining allowances for anticipated losses.

 

F-11


 

Income Taxes – The Company is subject to income taxes in both the United States and the United Kingdom. Income tax expense (benefit) is provided for using the asset and liability method. Deferred income taxes are recognized at currently enacted tax rates for the expected future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences between amounts reported for income tax purposes and financial reporting purposes. Deferred taxes are not provided for the undistributed earnings of our subsidiary operating outside the U.S. that have been permanently reinvested in the United Kingdom. The tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2007 is affected by the estimated valuation allowance against the Company’s deferred tax assets. The Company regularly reviews its deferred tax assets for recoverability taking into consideration such factors as recurring operating losses, projected future taxable income and the expected timing of the reversals of existing temporary differences. SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes, requires the Company to record a valuation allowance when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. In determining a conclusion that a valuation allowance is not needed is difficult when there is negative evidence such as cumulative losses in recent years. Based on the level of deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2007 and the level of historical losses realized, the Company has determined that the uncertainty regarding the realization of these assets is sufficient to warrant the establishment of a full valuation allowance against the Company’s net deferred tax assets.

 

Our assessment of the valuation allowance on the deferred tax assets could change in the future based on our levels of pre-tax income and other tax-related adjustments. A change in estimate of the valuation allowance, in whole or in part, would result in a non-cash reduction in income tax expense during the period of the change. To the extent there is a reversal of some or all of the valuation allowance, future financial statements would reflect a decrease in non-cash income tax expense until such time as our deferred tax assets are all used to reduce current taxes payable.

 

TC Digital and TC Websites are limited liability companies and have elected to be treated as partnerships for income tax purposes. As such, U.S. federal and state income taxes (in the states which tax limited liability companies as partnerships) are the direct responsibility of its members. We own 55% of the membership interests in both entities. Thus, our respective portion of their activity is reported in the our consolidated tax returns.

 

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements In November 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141R, Business Combinations (“SFAS No. 141R”), which continues to require that all business combinations be accounted for by applying the acquisition method. Under the acquisition method, the acquirer recognizes and measures the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any contingent consideration and contractual contingencies, as a whole, at their fair value as of the acquisition date. Under SFAS No. 141R, all transaction costs are expensed as incurred. SFAS No. 141R rescinds EITF Issue No. 93-7 (“EITF 93-7). Under EITF 93-7, the effect of any subsequent adjustments to uncertain tax positions were generally applied to goodwill, except for post-acquisition interest on uncertain tax positions, which was recognized as an adjustment to income tax expense. Under SFAS No. 141R, all subsequent adjustments to these uncertain tax positions that otherwise would have impacted goodwill will be recognized in the income statement. SFAS No. 141R will be applied prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning after December 15, 2008.

Fair Value Measurements – In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurement (“SFAS 157”). SFAS 157 defines “fair value”, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS 157 applies under other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements and is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of SFAS 157 will have on its consolidated financial position and results of operations.

 

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 158, Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans—An Amendment of FASB No.  87, 88, 106 and 132(R) (“SFAS 158”). SFAS 158 requires that the funded status of defined benefit postretirement plans be recognized on companies’ balance sheets and that changes in the funded status be reflected in comprehensive income, effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2006. SFAS 158 also requires companies to measure the funded status of each such plan as of the date of its fiscal year-end, effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2008. Since the Company does not currently have a defined benefit postretirement plan, the adoption of SFAS 158 will not have any impact on its consolidated financial position and results of operations.

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, (“SFAS 159”). SFAS 159 provides companies with an option to report selected financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected are reported in earnings at each subsequent reporting date. SFAS 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of SFAS 159 will have on its consolidated financial position and results of operations.

F-12

 


In November 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, Accounting and Reporting of Noncontrolling Interest (“SFAS No. 160”). SFAS No. 160 requires that a noncontrolling interest (previously referred to as a minority interest) be separately reported in the equity section of the consolidated entity’s balance sheet. SFAS No. 160 also established accounting and reporting standards for: (i) ownership interests in subsidiaries held by parties other than the parent, (ii) the amount of consolidated net income attributable to the parent and to the noncontrolling interest, (iii) changes in a parent’s ownership interest and (iv) the valuation of retained noncontrolling equity investments when a subsidiary is deconsolidated. SFAS No. 160 is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2009. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of SFAS No. 160 will have on its consolidated financial position and results of operations.

 

In June 2007, the FASB ratified EITF Issue No. 06-11, Accounting for Income Tax Benefits of Dividends on Share-Based Payment Awards (“EITF 06-11”). EITF 06-11 requires that tax benefits generated by dividends paid during the vesting period on certain equity-classified share-based compensation awards be classified as additional paid-in capital and included in a pool of excess tax benefits available to absorb tax deficiencies from share-based payment awards. EITF 06-11 is effective as of January 1, 2008. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of EITF 06-11 will have on its consolidated financial position and results of operations.

 

In December 2007, the FASB ratified EITF Issue No. 07-1, Accounting for Collaborative Arrangements Related to the Development and Commercialization of Intellectual Property. The EITF concluded that a collaborative arrangement is one in which the participants are actively involved and are exposed to significant risks and rewards that depend on the ultimate commercial success of the endeavor. Revenues and costs incurred with third parties in connection with collaborative arrangements would be presented gross or net based on the criteria in EITF Issue No. 99-19, Reporting Revenue Gross as a Principal versus Net as an Agent, and other accounting literature. Payments to or from collaborators would be evaluated and presented based on the nature of the arrangement and its terms, the nature of the entity’s business, and whether those payments are within the scope of other accounting literature. The nature and purpose of collaborative arrangements are to be disclosed along with the accounting policies and the classification and amounts of significant financial statement amounts related to the arrangements. Activities in the arrangement conducted in a separate legal entity should be accounted for under other accounting literature; however required disclosure under EITF 07-1 applies to the entire collaborative agreement. This Issue is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, and is to be applied retrospectively to all periods presented for all collaborative arrangements existing as of the effective date. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that this pronouncement may have on its consolidated financial position and results of operations.

 

3. INVESTMENTS

 

Investments consisted of the following as of:

 

 

 

December 31, 2007

 

 

 

Amortized Cost

 

Unrealized Loss

 

Estimated

Fair Value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Auction-Rate securities

 

$

31,555

$

(385

)

$

31,170

 

Range notes

 

 

5,000

 

(64

)

 

4,936

 

Total short-term investments

 

$

36,555

$

(449

)

$

36,106

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Auction-Rate securities – long-term

 

$

30,350

$

(3,544

)

$

26,806

 

Corporate bonds

 

 

5,000

 

 

 

5,000

 

Total long-term investments

 

$

35,350

$

(3,544

)

$

31,806

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2006

 

 

 

Amortized Cost

 

Unrealized Loss

 

Estimated

Fair Value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Auction-Rate securities – short-term

 

$

92,910

$

 

$

92,910

 

 

F-13


The net unrealized gains or losses on the ARS are reported as a separate component of shareholders’ equity in other comprehensive income. Additionally, as of February 29, 2008, the unrealized loss increased to approximately $11,852 based on market value. The Company believes that the current decline in the value of its investments is attributable to a variety of factors including changes in interest rates, a short-term disruption in the liquidity of auction-rate securities as well as a decrease in credit quality of certain securities. Since the Company has the ability and intent to hold these investments in auction rate securities until a recovery of its amortized cost, which could be at maturity, and although the credit quality of certain securities has decreased, the securities still maintain a high investment grade, the Company does not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired. Due to the fact that the Company believes that the liquidity for these ARS is unlikely to be restored in a period less than twelve months from such date, the Company has reclassified $20,350 in ARS from current to non-current assets on its balance sheet.

 

4. ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE/DUE TO LICENSORS

 

Generally, licensing contracts provide for the Company to collect, on behalf of the licensor, royalties from the licensees. The Company records as accounts receivable only its proportionate share of such earned royalties.

 

Due to licensors represents amounts collected by the Company on behalf of licensors, which are generally payable to such licensors after the close of each calendar quarter. Additionally, accounts receivable include amounts due from customers for advertising revenue earned from airing commercial spots on the 4Kids TV. Accounts receivable related to discontinued operations has been excluded from this footnote and is disclosed in Note 14.

 

Accounts receivable consisted of the following as of:

                

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

Gross accounts receivable

 

$

23,013

 

$

29,761

 

Allowance for doubtful accounts

 

 

(1,402

)

 

(1,679

)

 

 

 

21,611

 

 

28,082

 

Less: long-term portion

 

 

(208

)

 

(138

)

 

 

$

21,403

 

$

27,944

 

 

5. FILM AND TELEVISION COSTS

 

Film and television costs consisted of the following as of:

        

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

Opening balance

 

$

14,827

 

$

12,208

 

Additions

 

 

7,704

 

 

10,660

 

 

 

 

22,531

 

 

22,868

 

Amortization

 

 

(8,179

)

 

(8,041

)

Ending Balance

 

$

14,352

 

$

14,827

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Development/Preproduction

 

$

687

 

$

1,317

 

Production

 

 

1,809

 

 

4,261

 

Completed not released

 

 

875

 

 

2,208

 

Completed released

 

 

10,981

 

 

7,041

 

 

 

$

14,352

 

$

14,827

 

      

Amortization of capitalized film and television costs were $8,179, $8,041 and $9,790 in 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Based on management’s ultimate revenue estimates as of December 31, 2007, approximately 56% of the total completed and unamortized film and television costs are expected to be amortized during 2008, and over 90% of the total completed and unamortized film and television costs are expected to be amortized during the next three years.

 

F-14


6. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

 

Property and equipment consisted of the following as of:

        

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Computer equipment and software

 

$

3,476

 

$

2,686

 

Website development

 

 

1,289

 

 

 

Machinery and equipment

 

 

2,118

 

 

1,971

 

Office furniture and fixtures

 

 

1,314

 

 

988

 

Leasehold improvements

 

 

3,090

 

 

3,013

 

Office equipment

 

 

395

 

 

188

 

 

 

 

11,682

 

 

8,846

 

Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization

 

 

(7,427

)

 

(6,720

)

 

 

$

4,255

 

$

2,126

 

 

7. STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

The Company has stock-based compensation plans for employees and non-employee members of the Board of Directors. The plans provide for discretionary grants of stock options, shares of restricted stock, and other stock-based awards. The plans are administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors, consisting of non-employee directors.

 

Effective January 1, 2006, the Company adopted SFAS No. 123-R (revised 2004), Share-Based Payments, utilizing the modified prospective method whereby prior periods are not restated for comparability. SFAS 123-R requires recognition of stock-based compensation expense in the statement of operations over the vesting period based on the fair value of the award at the grant date. Previously, the Company used the intrinsic value method under APB No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees (‘‘APB No. 25’’), as amended by related interpretations of the FASB. Under APB No. 25, no compensation cost was recognized for stock options because the quoted market price of the stock at the grant date was equal to the amount per share the employee had to pay to acquire the stock after fulfilling the vesting period. SFAS 123-R supersedes APB No. 25 as well as SFAS 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, which permitted pro forma footnote disclosures to report the difference between the fair value method and the intrinsic value method. The Company did not grant any stock options during the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, and at January 1, 2006, all of the Company’s outstanding options were fully vested. Consequently, the adoption of this pronouncement did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

 

Stock Options

 

The following table provides the pro forma effect on net earnings as if the fair-value-based measurement method had been applied to all stock-based compensation for the year ended December 31, 2005:

 

 

2005

Net income as reported

$5,069

 

 

Deduct stock-based employee compensation

 

expense determined under fair value based

 

method for all awards, net of tax

3,619

 

 

Pro forma net income

$1,450

Net income per share:

 

Reported

 

Basic

$0.39

Diluted

$0.37

Pro forma

 

Basic

$0.11

Diluted

$0.11

 

                                                                                    F-15


The Company issued stock option grants for 776 underlying shares at weighted average exercise prices of $19.99 in 2005. The stock option grant has a (i) five year life; (ii) was immediately exercisable with respect to 50 percent of the underlying shares; and (iii) became exercisable with respect to the remaining 50 percent by December 31, 2005.

 

The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The weighted average assumptions used for options granted in 2005 included no dividend yield for the period, expected volatility of approximately 38%, a risk-free interest rate of approximately 3.76% and an option duration of 3.6 years. The weighted average fair value of options granted is $6.55 in fiscal year 2005.

 

The following table summarizes activity under the Company’s stock option plans for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005:

 

 

 

Shares

(In thousands)

 

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

 

Remaining

Contractual Life

(in years)

 

Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value

(in thousands)

 

Outstanding at January 1, 2005

 

 

2,396

 

$

14.81

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Granted

 

 

776

 

 

19.99

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercised

 

 

(415

)

 

3.25

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forfeited, cancelled or expired

 

 

(75

)

 

25.74

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding at December 31, 2005

 

 

2,682

 

$

17.79

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Granted

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercised

 

 

(107

)

 

11.80

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forfeited, cancelled or expired

 

 

(294

)

 

19.11

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding at December 31, 2006

 

 

2,281

 

$

17.90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Grants

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercised

 

 

(133

)

 

1.93

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forfeited

 

 

(433

)

 

20.67

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding at December 31, 2007

 

 

1,715

 

$

18.43

 

 

1.8

 

$

1,792

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercisable at December 31, 2007

 

 

1,715

 

$

18.43

 

 

1.8

 

$

1,792

 

 

The aggregate intrinsic value is calculated as the difference between the exercise price of the underlying awards and the quoted price of our common stock for those awards that have an exercise price currently below the closing price. As of December 31, 2007, the Company had options outstanding to purchase an aggregate of approximately 526,400 shares with an exercise price below the quoted price of the Company’s stock, resulting in an aggregate intrinsic value of $1,792. During the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, the aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised under its stock option plans was $1,328 and $561, respectively, determined as of the date of exercise.

 

 

 

 

Options Outstanding

 

Options Exercisable

Ranges of

Exercise Prices

 

Number Outstanding at 12/31/07

(in thousands)

 

Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life

(in years)

 

 

Weighted Average Exercise Price

 

Number Exercisable at 12/31/07

(in thousands)

 

 

Weighted Average Exercise Price

$ 3.10 - $ 4.66

 

75

 

0.9

 

$

3.10

 

75

 

$

3.10

$ 8.94 - $ 13.41

 

451

 

1.2

 

 

10.85

 

451

 

 

10.85

$ 13.42 - $ 20.11

 

140

 

4.0

 

 

20.03

 

140

 

 

20.03

$ 20.12 - $ 30.16

 

949

 

1.8

 

 

21.45

 

949

 

 

21.45

$ 30.17 - $ 33.28

 

100

 

2.0

 

 

33.28

 

100

 

 

33.28

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

1,715

 

1.8

 

$

18.43

 

1,715

 

$

18.43

 

Restricted Stock Awards

 

The Company granted restricted stock awards of approximately 162,000 shares on May 25, 2007 under its 2006 long-term incentive compensation plan and 145,000 and 4,000 shares on May 23, 2006 and June 15, 2006,

 

F-16


respectively, under its 2005 long-term incentive compensation plan. The restricted stock awards were granted to certain employees, including officers and members of the Board of Directors, at grant prices of $16.79, $16.52 and $15.78 (in each case, the average of the high and low stock price from the previous day of trading) for the May 25, 2007, the May 23, 2006 and the June 15, 2006 grants, respectively. The restricted stock awards vest annually over a period of four years from the date of grant with accelerated vesting upon a change of control of the Company (as defined in the applicable plan). During the restriction period, award holders do not have the rights of stockholders and cannot transfer ownership. Additionally, nonvested shares of award holders are subject to forfeiture. These awards are forfeited and revert to the Company in the event of employment termination, except in the case of death, disability, retirement or other specified events.

 

The following table summarizes restricted stock activity under the Company’s long-term incentive compensation plans for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006:

 

 

 

Number of Shares

(in thousands)

 

Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value

 

Outstanding at January 1, 2006

 

 

 

$

 

 

Granted

 

 

149

 

 

16.50

 

 

Vested

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forfeited

 

 

(11

)

 

16.52

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding at December 31, 2006

 

 

138

 

$

16.50

 

 

Granted

 

 

162

 

 

16.79

 

 

Vested

 

 

(34

)

 

16.49

 

 

Forfeited

 

 

(12

)

 

16.65

 

 

Outstanding at December 31, 2007

 

 

254

 

$

16.68

 

 

 

There were unrecognized compensation costs related to unvested restricted stock awards granted under the Company’s 2006 and 2005 long-term incentive compensation plans of approximately $2,232 and $1,289, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2007, and $0 and $1,936, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2006. The cost is expected to be recognized over a remaining weighted-average period of 3.4 and 2.4 years under the 2006 and 2005 plans, respectively. There were approximately 34,000 shares of restricted stock that vested during the year ended December 31, 2007.

 

Availability for Future Issuance - As of the year ended December 31, 2007, (i) options to purchase approximately 773,000 shares of the Company’s common stock were available for future issuance under the Company’s stock option plans and (ii) options to purchase a maximum of approximately 845,000 shares of the Company’s common stock were available for future issuance under the Company’s long-term incentive compensation plans, reduced by four shares for each share of restricted stock awarded under the 2006 and 2005 plans, for which an aggregate of 45,000 shares were available for issuance as options and reduced by two shares for each share of restricted stock awarded under the 2007 plan for which 800,000 shares were available for issuance as options. Additionally, approximately 8,205 shares of restricted stock, repurchased in May 2007 to discharge withholding tax obligations upon the vesting of certain employees’ restricted shares, were also available for issuance under the 2005 plan.

 

8. REVENUES/MAJOR CUSTOMERS

 

Net revenues included in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations are net of licensor participations of $29,150, $36,085, and $54,492 in 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The percentages of revenue from major Properties and customers/licensees are as follows:

 

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

2005

 

Percentage of revenue derived from major Properties (revenue in excess of 10 percent of total revenue)

 

45

%

37

%

42

%

Number of major Properties

 

3

 

2

 

2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Percentage of revenue derived from major customers/licensees (revenue in excess of 10 percent of total revenue)

 

26

%

15

%

16

%

Number of major customers/licensees

 

2

 

1

 

1

 

 

F-17


Three Properties, “Yu-Gi-Oh!”, “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” and “Viva Piñata” represented 45% of consolidated net revenues for fiscal 2007. Two properties, “Yu-Gi-Oh!” and “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” represented 37% and 42% of consolidated net revenues for fiscal 2006 and 2005, respectively. Two licensees, Microsoft Corporation and Konami Corporation, represented 26% of consolidated net revenues for fiscal 2007. One licensee, Konami, represented 15% and 16% of consolidated net revenues for fiscal 2006 and 2005, respectively. As of December 31, 2007 and 2006, accounts receivable due from these major customers/licensees discussed above represented 29% and 8% of the Company’s gross accounts receivable, respectively.

 

9. INCOME TAXES

 

The Company adopted the provisions of FIN 48, effective January 1, 2007. FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements in accordance with SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. FIN 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. FIN 48 also provides guidance on the derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. The adoption of this interpretation did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

 

The Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries file income tax returns in the United States and in the United Kingdom. The Company is no longer subject to examinations by income tax authorities in most jurisdictions for years prior to 2003.

The provision for (benefit from) income taxes consisted of the following:

  

 

 

Years Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current tax (benefit):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Federal

 

$

 

$

(3,037

)

$

925

 

State and local

 

 

 

 

114

 

 

438

 

Foreign

 

 

 

 

(40

)

 

436

 

 

 

$

 

$

(2,963

)

$

1,799

 

Deferred tax (benefit):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Federal

 

 

1,956

 

 

(461

)

 

(29

)

State and local

 

 

455

 

 

(81

)

 

(11

)

Foreign

 

 

25

 

 

(1

)

 

3

 

 

 

 

2,436

 

 

(543

)

 

(37

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Provision for (benefit from) income taxes

 

$

2,436

 

$

(3,506

)

$

1,762

 

 

The domestic and foreign components of pre-tax (loss) income are as follows:

 

Years Ended December 31,

2007 2006 2005
Domestic

$

(18,974

)

(4,767

)

3,848

Foreign

(1,514

)

(226

)

943

 

   Pre-tax (loss) income

$

(20,488

)

(4,993

)

4,791

 



 

 

F-18


 

 

     2007

% of Pretax

 

2006

% of Pretax

 

 

2005

 

% of Pretax

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tax at Federal statutory rate

$(7,171)

(35.0)

%

$(1,698)

(34.0)

%

 

$1,629

 

34.0

%

Increase (decrease) in:

Valuation allowances

11,912 

58.1

 

 

 

 

 

Permanent differences

 (708)

(3.5)

 

 

 (1,263)  

 

(25.3)

 

 

 

 

State and local taxes - net

(1,827)

(8.9)

 

  

    (207)  

 

 (4.1)

 

 

345

 

7.2

 

Other - net

230 

1.2  

 

    (338)  

 (6.8)

 

 

(212

)

(4.5)

 

 

Income tax provision (benefit)

$2,436 

11.9

%

$(3,506)

(70.2)

%

 

$1,762

 

36.7

%

 

The components of the net deferred tax assets (liabilities) are as follows:

 

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

 

2007

 

 

2006

 

Deferred Tax Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Film and television costs

 

$

654

 

$

434

 

Accounts receivable allowances

 

 

337

 

 

681

 

Foreign tax credits

 

 

186

 

 

94

 

Loss carryforwards

 

 

9,749

 

 

584

 

Restricted stock

 

 

269

 

 

135

 

Contributions

 

 

172

 

 

89

 

Deferred rent

 

 

306

 

 

355

 

Property and equipment

 

 

758

 

 

707

 

Gross deferred tax assets

 

$

12,431

 

$

3,079

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred Tax Liability:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accrued minimum guarantees

 

$

(519

)

$

(639

)

Gross deferred tax liability

 

$

(519

)

$

(639

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Valuation allowance

 

$

(11,912

)

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net deferred tax asset

 

$

 

$

2,440

 

Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sheets consist of:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred tax asset – current

 

$

 

$

707

 

Deferred tax asset – non-current

 

 

 

 

1,733

 

Net deferred tax asset

 

$

 

$

2,440

 

 

 

A reconciliation of activity for the Company’s deferred tax asset valuation allowance is provided as follows:

 

 

 

 

Years Ended December 31,

 

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning balance

 

 

$

 

$

 

$

Provision for (benefit from) income taxes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Charged to deferred tax assets

 

 

 

11,912

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

11,912

 

$

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

F-19

 


The expiration terms and amounts for which an allowance has been provided with respect to the loss and credit carryforwards reflected in the gross deferred tax assets above are comprised as follows:

 

Loss Carryforwards

 

 

 

Expiration

 

 

Gross Amount

 

 

Allowance

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Federal

 

 

 

2027

 

$

22,104

 

$

22,104

 

State and local

 

 

 

2016-2027

 

 

32,963

 

 

32,963

 

Foreign

 

 

 

Indefinite

 

 

1,387

 

 

1,387

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Credit Carryforwards

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign tax

 

 

 

2011-2012

 

$

186

 

$

186

 

 

 

The Company records taxes on undistributed earnings of subsidiaries to the extent such earnings are planned to be remitted and not permanently reinvested. The undistributed earnings of subsidiaries on which no provision for foreign withholding or U.S. income taxes has been made amounted to $253 and $380 at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. U.S. and foreign income taxes that would be payable if such earnings were distributed may be lower than the amount computed at the U.S. statutory rate because of the availability of tax credits.

 

Income tax benefits related to the exercise of stock options reduced current taxes payable and increased additional paid-in capital by $0, $188, and $2,002 in 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

 

10. EARNINGS PER SHARE

 

The Company applies SFAS No. 128, Earnings per Share, which requires the computation and presentation of earnings per share (“EPS”) to include basic and diluted EPS. Basic EPS is computed based solely on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS reflects all potential dilution of common stock. The following table reconciles Basic EPS with Diluted EPS for the three years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005.

 

 

 

Net Loss

 

Year Ended 2007 Weighted Average Shares

 

Per Share

 

Basic loss per share –Loss available to common shareholders

 

$(23,326

)

13,209,495

 

$(1.77

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effect dilutive security – Stock options

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted loss per share

 

$(23,326

)

13,209,495

 

$(1.77

)

 

 

 

Net Loss

 

Year Ended 2006 Weighted Average Shares

 

Per Share

 

Basic loss per share –Loss available to common shareholders

 

$(1,006

)

13,104,051

 

$(0.08

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effect dilutive security – Stock options

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted loss per share

 

$(1,006

)

13,104,051

 

$(0.08

)

 

 

 

Net Income

 

Year Ended 2005 Weighted Average Shares

 

Per Share

 

Basic loss per share – Income available to common shareholders

 

$5,069

 

13,115,687

 

$0.39

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effect dilutive security – Stock options

 

 

421,143

 

(0.02

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted income per share

 

$5,069

 

13,536,830

$

$0.37

 

 

 

F-20


For the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, 1,189,000, 1,620,850 and 1,914,600 shares, respectively, attributable to the exercise of outstanding options, were excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS because the effect was antidilutive.

 

11. DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLAN

 

The Company participates in a 401(k) plan covering substantially all employees. Benefits vest based on number of years of service. The Company’s policy is to match 25% of the first 6% of the covered employee’s annual salary, as defined by the plan. Contributions to the plan by the Company amounted to $170, $167 and $201 for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

 

12. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

 

a.

Bonus Plan – Bonuses are eligible to key officers and employees in an amount, if any, to be determined in the sole discretion of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors in consultation with the CEO of 4Kids. For 2007, 2006 and 2005, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors awarded the Chairman and CEO of the Company approximately $0, $225, and $0, respectively. An additional amount of approximately $0, $400, and $1,075 was awarded but not yet paid to employees at December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

 

 

b.

Leases - The Company leases certain office, administration and production facilities. Commitments for minimum rentals, not including common charges, under non-cancelable leases at the end of 2007 are as follows:

 

 

Year Ending

December 31,

 

Amount

 

2008

$

2,706

 

2009

 

2,442

 

2010

 

1,871

 

2011

 

1,075

 

2012

 

971

 

2013 and after

 

5,286

 

Total

$

14,351

 

        

On February 18, 2008, the Company signed a lease for additional office space in the San Diego, California with aggregate rental payments of $620 for the duration of the lease which has not been included in the table above. Rent expense for all operating leases charged against earnings amounted to $2,365, $1,843, and $1,908 in 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.      

 

 

c.

Litigation - The Company, from time to time, is involved in litigation arising in the ordinary course of its business. The Company does not believe that such litigation to which the Company or any subsidiary of the Company is a party or of which any of their Properties is the subject will, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse affect on the Company’s financial position or the results of its operations.

 

 

d.

Employment Contracts - The Company has employment agreements and arrangements with its executive officers and certain management personnel. The agreements generally continue until terminated by the executive or the Company, and provide for severance payments under certain circumstances. The majority of the agreements and arrangements provide the employees with certain additional rights after a change of control (as defined in such agreements) of the Company occurs. The agreements include a covenant against competition with the Company which extends for a period of time after termination for any reason. As of December 31, 2007, if all of the employees under contract were terminated by the Company without good cause or following a change of control, under these contracts, the Company’s liability would be approximately $12,912 or $9,842, respectively. These employment agreements provide for an aggregate minimum annual base compensation of $5,672 expiring on various dates through 2012.

 

 

F-21


 

 

e.

Deferred Revenue - Music Publishing - In July 2002, 4Kids Music granted a right to receive a 50% interest in the Company’s net share of the music revenues from currently existing music produced by the Company for its television programs (“Current Music Assets”) to an unaffiliated third party in an arms length transaction for $3,000 (the “Music Agreement”). Further, the Company agreed to grant a right to receive a 50% interest in the Company’s net share of music revenues from future music to be produced by the Company for its television programs (“Future Music Assets”) to the same third party for $2,000. In consideration of the grant of Future Music Assets, the Company received $750 in June 2003, $750 in June 2004 and $500 in June 2005.

 

The Company has deferred all amounts received under the contract, and recognizes revenue as the Current Music Assets and Future Music Assets generate revenue over the contract term. The Company expects and continues to produce additional new music which, based on the success of the administrative service, continues to supply the unaffiliated third party with this content. Since the Company continues to deliver more than the amount of music required to be delivered under the Music Agreement, there is no way to appropriately record the fair value of the future amounts to be delivered. Based on EITF 00-21, the Company’s inability to fair value the future portion of the music deliverables results in the entire amount to be recorded as deferred revenue. The most appropriate and systematic method of accounting for this revenue relating to the deferred portion would be to reduce this deferred amount dollar for dollar based on the actual music earnings of the Company.  Pursuant to the above, the Company recognized revenues of $461 and $665 for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The Company has included $1,994 and $2,455 as deferred revenue on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. 

 

Home Video – At various dates since May 2002, 4Kids Home Video, entered into various agreements with an unaffiliated third party home video distributor (the “Video Distributor”), pursuant to which 4Kids Home Video provides ongoing advertising, marketing and promotional services with respect to certain home video titles, that are owned or controlled by the Company and which are distributed by the Video Distributor. The Video Distributor has paid the Company advances of $4,119 against 4Kids Home Video’s share of the distribution and service fee proceeds to be realized by 4Kids Home Video from such titles. Pursuant to the above, the Company recognized revenue of $122 and $220 for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The Company has included $419 and $541 as deferred revenue on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

 

Other Agreements - In addition, the Company entered into other agreements for various Properties and advertising time on the 4Kids TV in which the Company has received certain advances and/or minimum guarantees. Accordingly, as of December 31, 2007 and 2006 the unearned portion of these advances and guaranteed payments were $571 and $2,018, respectively, and are included in deferred revenue on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

 

f.         Broadcast Agreements - In January 2002, the Company entered into a multi-year agreement with Fox to lease Fox’s Saturday morning programming block (“4Kids TV”) which airs principally on Saturday mornings from 8am to 12pm eastern/pacific time (7am to 11am central time). The Company provides substantially all programming content to be broadcast on 4Kids TV and retains all of the revenue from network advertising sales for the four-hour time period. 4Kids Ad Sales manages and accounts for the ad revenue and costs associated with 4Kids TV.

 

In March 2006, the Fox agreement was extended for two broadcast years through the 2007-2008 broadcast season. As of December 31, 2007, no amounts remain to be paid for the 2006-2007 broadcast season under the amended agreement. The broadcast fee for each of the 2006-2007 and 2007-2008 broadcast seasons is $20,000 as compared to the $25,312 paid for each broadcast year during the initial term of the multi-year agreement. The fee is payable in quarterly installments of $5,000 each year beginning in October 2006. Fox has exercised its option to extend this agreement through its 2008-2009 broadcast season under the same terms and conditions as in effect for the 2007-2008 broadcast season.

 

The costs of 4Kids TV is capitalized and amortized over each broadcast year based on estimated advertising revenue for the related broadcast year. The Company recorded amortization expenses of $21,472, $22,462, and $26,408 for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2007, the Company paid Fox and certain Fox affiliates $15,525 and $5,263, attributable to the 2006-2007 and 2007-2008 broadcast seasons fees, respectively, and during calendar year 2006, the Company paid Fox and certain Fox affiliates $7,058 and $5,491, attributable to the 2005-2006 and 2006-2007 broadcast seasons fees, respectively. As of December 31, 2007 and 2006, there was no unamortized portion of these fees included in “Prepaid 4Kids TV broadcast fee” on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

 

F-22

 


As of December 31, 2007, the minimum guaranteed payment obligations under the 4Kids TV Broadcast Agreement are as follows:

 

Year Ending

December 31,

 

Amount

 

2008

$

20,000

 

2009

 

15,000

 

Total

$

35,000

 

 

On October 1, 2007, the Company and The CW entered into the CW Agreement, under which The CW granted to the Company the exclusive right to program The CW's Saturday morning children's programming block that is broadcast in most markets between 7am and 12pm for an initial term of five years beginning with The CW's 2008-2009 broadcast season.

Under the CW Agreement, the Company is obligated to make quarterly minimum guaranteed payments which are subject to reduction under certain circumstances. The Company and The CW will share advertising revenues earned from the sale of national commercial time during The CW Kids Block with The CW's share to be applied against such quarterly guarantee payments. In addition, The CW will be entitled under the CW Agreement to participate in the Company's merchandising revenue from certain content broadcast on The CW Kids Block if such merchandising revenues exceed a certain annual minimum.

As of December 31, 2007, the minimum guaranteed payment obligations under the CW Agreement are as follows:

Year Ending

December 31,

 

Amount

 

2008

$

6,750

 

2009

 

15,000

 

2010

 

15,000

 

2011

 

15,000

 

2012

 

15,000

 

2013

 

8,250

 

Total

$

75,000

 

 

The Company’s ability to recover the cost of its fee payable to Fox and the minimum guarantee due to The CW will depend on the popularity of the television programs the Company broadcasts on 4Kids TV and The CW Kids Block and the general market demand and pricing of advertising time for Saturday morning children’s broadcast television. The popularity of such programs, broadcast by the Company on 4Kids TV and beginning in September 2008 on The CW Kids Block, impacts audience levels and the level of the network advertising rates that the Company can charge. Additionally, the success of the merchandise licensing programs and home video sales based on such television programs broadcast on 4Kids TV and The CW Kids Block is dependent on consumer acceptance of such television programs. If the Company estimates that it will be unable to generate sufficient future revenue from advertising sales, home video sales and merchandising licensing at levels to cover the cost of its contractual obligation to Fox and/or The CW, the Company would record a charge to earnings to reflect an expected loss on the Fox and The CW agreements in the period in which the factors negatively affecting the recoverability of the fee payable become known. The Company will be required to make certain assumptions and estimates about future events such as advertising rates and audience viewing levels in evaluating its ability to recover the cost of the broadcast fees. Such estimates and assumptions are subject to market forces and factors beyond the control of the Company and are inherently subject to change. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to recover the full cost of the broadcast fees and in the event it cannot, it would record the resulting charge to earnings to reflect an expected loss on the broadcast fee, which could be significant.

 

In addition to the broadcast fee and minimum guarantee paid to Fox and to be paid to The CW, commencing with the 2008-2009 broadcast season, respectively, the Company incurs additional costs to program each broadcast block and sell the related network advertising time. These costs include direct programming costs to acquire, adapt and deliver programming for the broadcast during the weekly broadcast blocks, as well as additional indirect expenses of advertising sales, promotion and administration.

 

F-23


 

g.

Contractual Arrangements - During the normal course of business, the Company may enter into various agreements with third parties to license, acquire, distribute, broadcast, develop and/or promote Properties. The terms of these agreements will vary based on the services and/or Properties included within the agreement, as well as, geographic restrictions, duration, property and exploitation condition and results of operation.

 

 

h.

Stock Purchases - In May 2007, 8,205 shares of restricted stock at an average price of $17.13 per share were repurchased to discharge withholding tax obligations upon the vesting of certain employees’ restricted stock awards. Additionally, in December 2007, the Board of Directors authorized the Company to purchase up to 1,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock from time to time through December 31, 2008 in the open market or through negotiated prices. The Company purchased 9,400 shares at an average price of $12.09 per share in December 2007 under this authorization. As of March 14, 2008, 174,384 shares of the Company’s common stock were subsequently purchased by the Company under this authorization at an average price of $11.93 per share.

 

13. MINORITY INTEREST

 

a) TC Digital Games LLC - On December 11, 2006, 4Kids Digital and CUSA LLC entered into the TCD Agreement with respect to the operation of TC Digital as a joint venture, with 4Kids Digital owning 53% of TC Digital’s membership interests and CUSA LLC owning 47% of TC Digital’s membership interests. On December 18, 2007, 4Kids Digital purchased an additional 2% membership interest in TC Digital from CUSA for approximately $200, increasing 4Kids Digital’s ownership percentage to 55%. The consideration for the purchase of this additional membership interest was paid through the settlement of capital contributions required to be made by CUSA to TC Websites under the TCW Agreement. TC Digital is treated as a consolidated subsidiary of the Company as a result of its majority ownership and its right to break any dead-locks within the TC Digital Management Committee.

Minority interest of membership units in TC Digital represents the minority members’ proportionate share of the equity in the entity. Income is allocated to the membership units minority interest based on the ownership percentage throughout the year. At December 31, 2006, the limited partner held 47% of the common units of the entity. At December 18, 2007, the minority members’ proportionate share of the equity in the entity decreased by 2% to 45%. The following table summarizes the membership units minority interest loss:

 

 

Year Ended December 31, 2007

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

 

Jan 1st

Dec 17th

 

Dec 18th

Dec 31st

 

Total

 

2006

 

TC Digital net loss before common units minority interest

$

(4,055

)

$

(497

)

$

(4,552

)

$

(546)

 

Minority interest percentage

 

47

%

 

45

%

 

*

%

 

47

%

Minority interest loss allocation

 

(1,906

)

 

(224

)

 

(2,130

)

 

(257)

 

Less: Minority interest allocation related to discontinued operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total allocation of minority interest loss to continuing operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2,130

)

 

(257)

 

Less: Minority member capital contribution – net of tax of $0 and $30, respectively

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

39

 

Loss in excess of minority interest absorbed by 4Kids Digital

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

(2,130

)

$

(218)

 

*Percentage is a blended rate representing the entire year

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

b) TC Websites LLC - Under the terms of the TCW Agreement, 4Kids Websites and CUSA are each entitled to elect two managers to TC Websites’ Management Committee. On December 18, 2007, 4Kids Websites entered into an agreement with CUSA and TC Websites pursuant to which 4Kids acquired an additional 5% ownership interest in TC Websites from CUSA for approximately $650 and the TCW Agreement was amended to provide 4Kids Websites with the right to break any deadlocks on TC Websites' Management Committee with respect to operational matters. The consideration for the purchase of this additional membership interest was paid through the settlement of certain capital contributions required to be made by CUSA to TC Websites under the TCW Agreement.

 

While the Company maintained a 50% ownership interest in TC Websites and did not control, but had significant influence, over such entity, the Company’s investment in TC Websites was accounted for using the equity method. As permitted by Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51, Consolidated Financial Statements, due to the increased membership interest and the additional operational control, TC Websites’ financial statements are now included in the Company’s 2007 consolidated financial statements as though it has been acquired by the Company at the beginning of such year end, and accordingly, revenues and expenses are included for the year ended December 31, 2007. A pre-acquisition loss of $498 resulting from the 2006 net loss was recorded and shown as a separate deduction on the Company’s statement of operations.

 

F-24

 


At December 18, 2007, the minority members’ proportionate share of the equity in the entity decreased by 5% to 45%. The following table summarizes the membership units minority interest loss:

 

 

Year Ended December 31, 2007

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

 

Jan 1st

Dec 17th

 

Dec 18th

Dec 31st

 

Total

 

2006

 

TC Websites net loss before common units minority interest

$

(3,916

)

$

(213

)

$

(4,129

)

$

(996)

 

Minority interest percentage

 

50

%

 

45

%

 

*

%

 

50

%

Minority interest loss allocation

 

(1,958

)

 

(96

)

 

(2,054

)

 

(498)

 

Less: Minority interest allocation related to discontinued operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total allocation of minority interest loss to continuing operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2,054

)

 

(498)

 

Less: Minority member capital contribution

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

96

 

 

 

Loss in excess of minority interest absorbed by 4Kids Websites

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

(1,958

)

$

(498)

 

*Percentage is a blended rate representing the entire year

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

14.

DISCONTINUED OPERATION

 

In June 2006, the Company announced that the business of its media buying subsidiary, Summit Media, would be terminated effective June 30, 2006. The results of operations for Summit Media are reported as a discontinued operation for the periods ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, and accordingly, the accompanying consolidated financial statements have been reclassified separately to report the assets, liabilities and operating results of this business.

 

The following are the summarized results of discontinued operations for the media buying business:

 

 

 

December 31, 2007

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

2005

 

Net revenues

 

$

$

2,852

 

$

6,055

 

Income before income taxes

 

 

 

1,181

 

 

3,454

 

Provision for income taxes

 

 

 

459

 

 

1,414

 

Income from discontinued operations

 

$

$

722

 

$

2,040

 

 

Under the terms of the Settlement Agreement entered into by Summit Media with The Beacon Media Group LLC (“Beacon”), Sheldon Hirsch, Tom Horner and Paul Caldera (the “Beacon Defendants”) on June 19, 2006, relating to the lawsuit filed by Summit Media in Supreme Court, New York County against Beacon and the Beacon Defendants, Summit Media will receive $2,000, in regularly scheduled payments through 2010, in exchange for Summit Media’s discontinuation of the lawsuit. The Company has included approximately $1,800 in net revenues for the year ended December 31, 2006, relating to this agreement. Through December 31, 2007, the Company had received $500 of the scheduled payments related to the lawsuit.

 

The major classes of assets and liabilities of the discontinued operation in the balance sheet are as follows:

 

 

 

December 31,

 

December 31,

 

 

2007

 

2006

Accounts receivable

 

$

 

$

24

Prepaid expense and other current assets

 

 

372

 

 

302

Current assets from discontinued operations

 

 

372

 

 

326

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other receivable – noncurrent

 

 

926

 

 

1,333

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Noncurrent assets from discontinued operations

 

 

926

 

 

1,333

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Media payable

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

 

 

 

 

20

Current liabilities from discontinued operations

 

$

 

$

20

 

F-25


15. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

National Law Enforcement and Firefighters Children’s Foundation - The Company’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer is the founder and President of The National Law Enforcement and Firefighters Children’s Foundation (the “Foundation”). The Foundation is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to helping the children of law enforcement and firefighting personnel and working with law enforcement and firefighting organizations to provide all children with valuable social and life skill programs. During the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, the Company contributed approximately $120, $105, and $125, respectively, to the Foundation.

Chaotic USA Entertainment Group, Inc. (“CUSA”) - On December 11, 2006, 4Kids Digital and CUSA LLC, entered into the TCD Agreement with respect to the operation of TC Digital as a joint venture, with 4Kids Digital owning 53% of TC Digital’s membership interests and CUSA LLC owning 47% of TC Digital’s membership interests. On December 18, 2007, 4Kids Digital purchased an additional 2% membership interest in TC Digital from CUSA LLC increasing 4Kids Digital’s ownership percentage to 55%. TC Digital is treated as a consolidated subsidiary of the Company as a result of its majority ownership in TC Digital and its right to break any dead-locks within the TC Digital Management Committee. Bryan Gannon (“Gannon”), President and Chief Executive Officer of CUSA and John Milito (“Milito”), Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of CUSA, each own an interest of approximately 32% in CUSA. Additionally, on December 11, 2006, Gannon and Milito became officers of TC Digital.

As of December 31, 2007, the Company has entered into the following transactions with CUSA and CUSA LLC, or parties related to Gannon and Milito that are summarized below:

 

°

Employment Agreements – On December 11, 2006, TC Digital entered into employment agreements through December 31, 2009, with Bryan Gannon, to serve as its President and Chief Executive Officer and John Milito, to serve as its Executive Vice President. Under the terms of the employment agreements, each of Gannon and Milito will receive an annual base salary of $350 with a one-time signing bonus of $125 and are eligible to receive additional bonuses at the sole discretion of TC Digital’s Management Committee, on which they serve with minority voting rights. Gannon and Milito are each entitled to receive a minimum bonus of $100 and $200 in 2007 and 2008, respectively, if TC Digital attains 60% of the projected revenues for those years approved by TC Digital’s Management Committee. As of December 31, 2007, no bonus had been earned under the employment agreements.

 

°

Chaotic Property Representation Agreement – On December 11, 2006, 4Kids Licensing, CUSA and Apex Marketing, Inc. (“Apex”), a corporation in which Gannon holds 60% of the outstanding capital stock and Milito owns 39% of the outstanding capital stock, entered into an amended and restated Chaotic property representation agreement (“CPRA”) replacing the original Chaotic property representation agreement entered into by the parties in April 2005. Under the terms of the CPRA, 4Kids Licensing is granted exclusive television broadcast and production, merchandising licensing, and home video rights to the “Chaotic” Property worldwide in perpetuity, subject to certain limited exceptions. Under the terms of the CPRA, all “Chaotic” related income less approved merchandising and other expenses shall be distributed 50% to the Company and 50% to CUSA and Apex, excluding trading card royalties which are distributed 55% to 4Kids Digital and 45% to CUSA LLC based on the additional 2% interest purchased on December 18, 2007. Additionally, all approved production expenses for television episodes based on the “Chaotic” property are allocated 50% to 4Kids Licensing and 50% to CUSA and Apex. As of December 31, 2007, there were approximately $4,265 of production and merchandising expenses owed to 4Kids Licensing by CUSA and Apex, collectively.

 

°

Patent License Agreements – On December 11, 2006, TC Digital and TC Websites each entered into an agreement (the “Patent License Agreements”) with Cornerstone Patent Technologies, LLC (“Cornerstone”), a limited liability company, in which Gannon and Milito both hold a 25% membership interest. Pursuant to the Patent License Agreements, TC Digital and TC Websites obtained exclusive licenses (subject to certain exceptions) to use certain patent rights in connection with “Chaotic” and other trading card games which are uploaded to websites owned and operated by the combined entities. Additionally, each of TC Digital and TC Websites agreed to pay Cornerstone a royalty of 1.5% of the Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price for the sale of trading cards which amounted to $20 and $20, respectively, during 2007. On September 10, 2007, the Company purchased a 25% interest in such patents from Cornerstone for $750. During 2007, the Company earned royalties of $39 related to its portion of the patent. Included in this amount was $14 relating to the sales of “Chaotic” trading cards which is eliminated in the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

 

F-26

 


°

TCD Agreement – Under the terms of the TCD Agreement, TC Digital is obligated to pay the following fees and/or royalties to: (i) 4Kids Digital equal to 3% of TC Digital’s gross revenues up to $350 per year for management services performed; (ii) 4Kids Digital and CUSA equal to 3% of net sales of each pack of trading cards sold; (iii) Dracco Company Ltd. (“Dracco”) equal to (x) 4% of the net sales of “Chaotic” trading cards and (y) an additional 1% of net sales of “Chaotic” trading cards above $50 million during a calendar year; and (iv) the Company equal to 6% of the net sales of “Chaotic” trading cards. The Company acquired its rights to receive royalties of 6% in respect to net sales of “Chaotic” trading cards under the TCD Agreement through purchases from Dracco of a 5% royalty stream on October 17, 2007 and 1% royalty stream, previously allocated to CUSA from Dracco, on December 18, 2007 in exchange for one-time payments of $2,250 and $450, respectively. The consideration for the purchase of the 1% royalty stream for $450 was satisfied through the settlement of certain capital contributions required to be made by CUSA to TC Websites under the TCW Agreement.

 

4Kids Digital is required under the terms of the TCD Agreement and the related loan and line of credit agreements to provide loans to TC Digital from time to time in an aggregate amount up to $8,000 with a maturity date of December 31, 2010 and an interest rate of 12%. Any transaction resulting in the sale of more than 50% of TC Digital’s membership interests or in the sale of all or substantially all of TC Digital’s assets occurring while there is no debt owed from TC Digital to 4Kids Digital under the loan and line of credit or occurring prior to August 31, 2009 requires the consent of members of TC Digital holding two-thirds of its membership interests (as opposed to a majority of its membership interests). During 2007, the Company and CUSA earned royalties of $74 and $25 relating to the sales of “Chaotic” trading cards under the TCD agreement, respectively. The Company’s portion of royalties, as well as the 3% management fee was eliminated in its consolidated financial statements.

 

 

°

Chaotic Merchandise License Agreement – On December 11, 2006, 4Kids Licensing, CUSA and TC Digital entered into a merchandise licensing agreement pursuant to which 4Kids Licensing and CUSA granted TC Digital exclusive rights to manufacture, produce and license “Chaotic” trading cards and related accessories through December 31, 2016. Under the terms of the agreement, TC Digital is obligated to pay a royalty on trading cards and all related accessories equal to (i) 4% of net sales to 4Kids Licensing while any amounts are outstanding to 4Kids Digital under the loan agreement or line of credit agreement or (ii) 8% of net sales of such cards and accessories, 55% of which will be paid to 4Kids Licensing and 45% of which will be paid to CUSA LLC based on the additional 2% interest purchased on December 18, 2007. During 2007, no royalties had been earned under this agreement.

 

°

Operating Agreement of TC Websites LLC – On December 11, 2006, 4Kids Websites entered into the TCW agreement with CUSA to purchase a 50% membership interest in TC Websites, which was amended on December 18, 2007 in connection with 4Kids Websites’ acquisition of an additional 5% ownership interest in TC Websites from CUSA. Under the terms of the TCW Agreement, TC Websites is obligated to pay fees to: (i) 4Kids Websites equal to 3% of gross revenues of TC Websites with a minimum fee of $100 and a maximum fee of $200 per year for management services; (ii) Gannon equal to $100 for services as a senior executive; and (iii) Milito equal to $100 for services as a senior executive. Each member of TC Websites is obligated to make capital contributions on a pro-rata basis to the extent determined by its Management Committee to be necessary to fund the operation of the Website. Any transaction resulting in the sale of more than 50% of TC Websites’ membership interests or in the sale of all or substantially all of TC Digital’s assets requires the consent of members of TC Websites holding two-thirds of its membership interests (as opposed to a majority of its membership interests).

 

°

Right of First Negotiation Agreement On December 11, 2006, the Company entered into a letter agreement with TC Digital providing TC Digital with a right of first negotiation for the license of trading card rights represented by the Company as merchandise licensing agent for any third party property and for any property developed and wholly owned by the Company, through December 31, 2009, subject to the terms of the Company’s obligations to third parties and to other limitations. If the Company and TC Digital are unable to reach an agreement with respect to trading card rights within a specified period, the Company will be free to license such trading card rights to third parties on terms no less favorable to the Company as the last offer made to TC Digital during such negotiations.

 

 

 

 

F-27


 

16. RIGHTS AGREEMENT

 

On August 15, 2007, the Board of Directors of the Company declared a dividend distribution of one preferred stock purchase right (“Right”) for each outstanding share of the Company’s common stock to shareholders of record at the close of business on August 27, 2007. Each Right entitles the holder to purchase from the Company a unit consisting of one one-thousandth of a share of the Company’s series A preferred stock at a purchase price of $55.00 per unit, subject to adjustment. Thirty thousand (30,000) shares of series A preferred stock have been initially reserved for issuance upon exercise of the Rights. The description and terms of the Rights are set forth in a Rights Agreement (the “Rights Agreement”), dated as of August 15, 2007, between the Company and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Co., as Rights Agent.

 

Initially, the Rights will be attached to the Company’s common stock. Subject to certain exceptions specified in the Rights Agreement, the Rights will separate from the common stock and a distribution date (a “Distribution Date”) will occur upon the earlier to occur of (i) the 10th business day following the date of the first public announcement that any person or group of affiliated or associated persons has become the beneficial owner of 15% or more of the shares of the Company’s common stock then outstanding (an “Acquiring Person”) and (2) the tenth business day following the commencement of a tender or exchange offer by a person, if upon its consummation, such person, together with its affiliates and associates, would become an Acquiring Person.

 

The Rights are not exercisable until the Distribution Date and will expire at 5 p.m., New York time, on August 14, 2017, unless earlier redeemed, exchanged, extended or terminated by the Company as provided in the Rights Agreement.

 

In the event that a person, alone or together with its affiliates and associates, becomes an Acquiring Person, each holder of a Right will thereafter have the right to receive, upon exercise, shares of the Company’s common stock having a value equal to two times the exercise price of the Right provided, however, that all Rights beneficially owned by such Acquiring Person (or an affiliate or associate thereof) will be null and void. In the event that, after a person becomes an Acquiring Person, (i) the Company is acquired in a business combination transaction in which it does not survive or in which its common stock is changed or exchanged or remains outstanding but constitutes less than 50% of the shares outstanding immediately following the merger, or (ii) 50% or more of the Company’s assets, earning power or cash flow is sold or transferred, each holder of a Right (except Rights which have previously been voided as set forth above) shall thereafter have the right to receive, upon exercise, common stock of the acquiring company having a value equal to two times the exercise price of the Right.

 

At any time until ten business days following the date a person becomes an Acquiring Person, the Company may redeem the Rights in whole, but not in part, at a price of $0.01 per Right (payable in cash, shares of common stock or other consideration deemed appropriate by the Board of Directors of the Company). At any time after a person becomes an Acquiring Person and prior to the acquisition by a person and its affiliates and associates of fifty percent (50%) or more of the outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock, the Board of Directors of the Company may exchange the Rights (other than Rights which have become null and void), in whole or in part, at an exchange ratio of one share of common stock, or one one-thousandth of a share of class A preferred stock, per Right.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

F-28


17. SEGMENT AND RELATED INFORMATION

 

The Company applies SFAS No. 131, Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information. The Company has four reportable segments: (i) Licensing; (ii) Advertising Media and Broadcast; (iii) Television and Film Production/Distribution; and (iv) Trading Card and Game Distribution. The Company’s reportable segments are strategic business units, which, while managed separately, work together as a vertically integrated entertainment company. The Company’s management regularly evaluates the performance of each segment based on its net revenues, profit and loss after all expenses, including amortized film and television costs and the 4Kids TV broadcast fee and interest income. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies. The Company’s Television and Film Production/Distribution segment records inter-segment revenues and the Company’s Advertising Media and Broadcast segment records inter-segment charges related to the estimated acquisition costs of episodic television series for broadcast. In the opinion of management, such acquisition costs represent the estimated fair value which would have been incurred in a transaction between unaffiliated third parties on an arm length basis. All inter-segment transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

 

 

Licensing

 

Advertising Media and Broadcast

 

TV and Film Production/ Distribution

 

Trading Card and Game Distribution

 

Total

 

2007:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net revenues from external customers

 

$

22,561

 

$

16,296

 

$

15,976

 

$

776

 

$

55,609

 

Amortization of television and film costs

 

 

 

 

 

 

8,179

 

 

 

 

8,179

 

Amortization of 4Kids TV broadcast fee

 

 

 

 

21,472

 

 

 

 

 

 

21,472

 

Segment profit (loss)

 

 

9,321

 

 

(15,168

)

 

(5,069

)

 

(9,572

)

 

(20,488

)

Segment assets

 

 

102,041

 

 

9,272

 

 

25,411

 

 

14,355

 

 

151,079

 

Interest income

 

 

5,049

 

 

73

 

 

159

 

 

 

 

5,281

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2006:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net revenues from external customers

 

$

31,677

 

$

16,153

 

$

23,951

 

$

 

$

71,781

 

Amortization of television and film costs

 

 

 

 

 

 

8,041

 

 

 

 

8,041

 

Amortization of 4Kids TV broadcast fee

 

 

 

 

22,462

 

 

 

 

 

 

22,462

 

Segment profit (loss)

 

 

11,475

 

 

(14,805

)

 

(1,092

)

 

(571

)

 

(4,993

)

Segment assets

 

 

140,771

 

 

9,493

 

 

28,595

 

 

2,536

 

 

181,395

 

Interest income

 

 

4,086

 

 

40

 

 

17

 

 

 

 

4,143

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2005:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net revenues from external customers

 

$

37,616

 

$

18,660

 

$

24,331

 

$

 

$

80,607

 

Amortization of television and film costs

 

 

 

 

 

 

9,790

 

 

 

 

9,790

 

Amortization of 4Kids TV broadcast fee

 

 

 

 

26,408

 

 

 

 

 

 

26,408

 

Segment profit (loss)

 

 

20,912

 

 

(16,041

)

 

(80

)

 

 

 

4,791

 

Segment assets

 

 

137,384

 

 

22,266

 

 

24,288

 

 

 

 

183,938

 

Interest income

 

 

2,724

 

 

108

 

 

2

 

 

 

 

2,834

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net revenues from external customers and segment profit from discontinued operations have been excluded from the Advertising, Media and Broadcast segment and are disclosed in Notes 14. Conversely, discontinued operations relating to segment assets have been included in segment reporting.

 

Additionally, through the Company’s London office and network of international subagents, which allow it to license its Properties throughout the world, the Company recognized net revenues from international sources primarily in Europe, of $7,374, $11,357 and $10,943 for the years ended 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. At December 31, 2007 and 2006, net assets of the Company’s London office were $6,600 and $7,606, respectively.

 

 

 

 

F-29


18. SUMMARIZED QUARTERLY DATA (UNAUDITED)

 

Following is a summary of the quarterly results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006:

 

Fiscal Quarters
   2007
First
Second
Third
Fourth
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Revenues     $ 14,931   $ 12,009   $ 12,183   $ 16,486  




Loss from operations     $ (1,918 ) $ (5,224 ) $ (6,814 ) $ (11,813 )
Loss from continuing operations     $ (205 ) $ (2,213 ) $ (4,150 ) $ (16,758 )
Loss from discontinued operations      

   

   

   

 




Net loss     $ (205 ) $ (2,213 ) $ (4,150 ) $ (16,758 )
Loss per common share:    
   Basic:    
     Continuing operations     $ (0.02 ) $ (0.17 ) $ (0.31 ) $ (1.26 )
     Discontinued operations      

   

   

   

 




        Loss per common share     $ (0.02 ) $ (0.17 ) $ (0.31 ) $ (1.26 )
   Diluted:    
     Continuing operations     $ (0.02 ) $ (0.17 ) $ (0.31 ) $ (1.26 )
     Discontinued operations      

   

   

   

 




     Loss per common share     $ (0.02 ) $ (0.17 ) $ (0.31 ) $ (1.26 )


Fiscal Quarters
   2006
First
Second
Third
Fourth
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Revenues     $ 19,253   $ 16,672   $ 17,562   $ 18,294  




Income (loss) from operations     $ 1,646   $ (3,013 ) $ (2,190 ) $ (5,579 )
Income (loss) from continuing operations     $ 1,628   $ (622 ) $ (231 ) $ (2,503 )
(Loss) income from discontinued operations       (80 )   656     (34 )   180  




Net income (loss)     $ 1,548   $ 34   $ (265 ) $ (2,323 )
Earnings (loss) per common share:    
   Basic:    
     Continuing operations     $ 0.12   $ (0.05 ) $ (0.02 ) $ (0.19 )
     Discontinued operations      

    0.05    

    0.01  




Earnings (loss) per common share     $ 0.12   $ 0.00   $ (0.02 ) $ (0.18 )
   Diluted:    
     Continuing operations     $ 0.12   $ (0.05 ) $ (0.02 ) $ (0.19 )
     Discontinued operations      

    0.05    

    0.01  




   Earnings (loss) per common share     $ 0.12   $ 0.00   $ (0.02 ) $ (0.18 )

 

Quarterly amounts for earnings (loss) per share may not agree to annual amount due to rounding.

 

******

 

F-30

 

 

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M<2D%X2P)^RP948@Q4WVUB)#-`[&/@JT!JWW'X[*<5IO+5J-ZB$W)4 MMTLZNR%J-J+R`;/Q&K1/(K%TUR7RDCG3=W0O=T7NXTPRYYV(Z&=.>R1^8G)1 M2R;O`FX:RQ*]4H;WL7?W2**10Z;6%[3L1K#CA[-CPBK1UTY8MS+!_^=R2,M6 M$8EG>MJU!+1]-@LDZ6HISE*O-5-V3<)[^%*B[.@X&M-8_DA`<`M^!5>P59-P M2:)[I>>X80*YBW*TG4*XC?-M!\>X!35U=O-[JD*ZK=).,UB'-62Z@4*`^[I1!:FJ;W=69G6]=ELMM%LWVBM(W)LF'QA7S^.PT\N\]@)ZYJM] MY%M6YR2ZZ3>\3JB:!VL>9RBK11.%*BJ0'RN^YQ0DFH2\N5>T4CN[)!4K]+*^ M>N6_(^$L7QHCEY60^?BS$/E&IL-R\ILU\C[$N7-WOHP2O&_"OTZ%=_?TMVTU MPL_KEAV,COR(NST;@C>LP*/G3G82>B>GOGM;)19L43"LP?Y42PQ;A^4HC_\B M[+74VW.H`KJ]P\+5=,1#U;XTN(T,Z<0&&<+C>BZW!W:]2TAE.W)<#+)$&AAT MU*B/.KECG"P#!:[S9U'5*WT8K)'%2S=T;#)V#,%?FS=K;".H:UND@GVX=\># MG*U=['`&'+<0A3`W&R55V,@%4\@UA3"0ZB#=72,I[8LK0T[&>U5H#_%.Z+#?PZL=E8C,FQ<@_,LI4HH.RG'5[ MW)!/FGQ*FL"I>J6!]KW=^9`C*"97@[/$O"BQ?,R8>(I-@K06=NP`SUF%_C!OSB_ MB*N`)GA)6[/-$$O+N(PZSD3`<=PV!A'':K7+:_8T;'O1.&Q)%2=5W*S27Q2] MQGMOEXQ2]BRO/HTBG(PCG8C27S/4CFR[T!O)F@N+3+V#]%QNR4Q]J%RXUEK5 M97*$,%A57DTM1ST^6YVZ3@M63AW6V6PF5UW*6>U]9XW(]\R#Y_9/7CQC7GA+0<&Q9'TTHB=G#-HQ/4AW4@IU';QTFP2>' M%AC3_+IT"AJX;1MHDPW5%A)2V0=UTD7M)-.W*E?[R!AMAS@-TKWUC+N9)72*HN\,IZM>Y6M[WYJZ8MD17 MZ=YJG*\/1=]ZG(FGB-_D!M]`.,?\C6W^C3O*&N#I-N"`4^`&/FX(_K(`ON"1 MU>"<]N`0#GSV/4T5SGT7OC^+S=P9#ED2WBVT.*GL_;`?'N$;_C\?G6HG'FTA M?KKU6-R(W3C%"%##:..+,W(LA7>-,Y^,C`N0TIZWKY8>S+8PYGN3$J.1( M3N2<^N2O"N52+II37N7R@&WE:9JH6&YIAIK+,IV&$>I_-#W3N2/F,EWB,CSF M`\R-'>[E_^O2L5/+I#6H`IW`7E:-=GZ03[RV$#G.E-KG>^ZPV(CG/RI'6D[H M*SU[S[S,&_S,Y;S$#0OFD&[.MNQEB^ZV.O[=84R0UHWFX=R-@O[IY^SI:FO. MI%[J/^NK$TY%",Q%^-C9ERO:G8[IP2W;.0W>L$[KH+3HJK[J#\+99![GB_GF ML:KFE>XI?>?FC$XZ:-CFQ[[9I>3LM)CL':[K3K[E4W[HV.YHVK[MBM;MWFYH BX![N@#;NY+ZCO7[NIF;NZDYFW/WN\![O\C[O]$[O`0$`.S\_ ` end EX-10.36 3 cherrylaneagt.htm CHERRY LANE AGREEMENT

ACQUISITION AND ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENT

 

AGREEMENT made as of this 28TH day of June, 2002, by and between Cherry Lane Publishing Company, Inc. of 6 East 32nd Street, 11th Floor, New York, New York 10016 (“Company”) and 4Kids Entertainment Music, Inc. of 1414 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10019 (“4KEM”).

WHEREAS, subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, 4KEM has the exclusive right to administer, sell, otherwise dispose of and deal with all copyrights and other rights in musical compositions of every kind, whether now in existence or hereafter created, including so called “cues,” including the music, lyrics and titles thereof and all copyrights and other rights, in all sound recordings of every kind (including the musical compositions contained therein), whether now in existence or hereafter created, including attendant soundtrack rights utilized in, derived from, or relating to existing and future television programs and motion pictures produced, owned, controlled or acquired directly or indirectly or in whole or in part during the term hereof by 4KEM, or by any of 4KEM’s parent, subsidiary, affiliated or related companies or entities of any kind, (“4Kids Affiliates”) including without limitation the television series “Yu-Gi-Oh,” “Cubix” and “Tama & Friends” (but specifically excluding only those rights with respect to the Pokemon television series and motion pictures encompassed by existing agreements between

 

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Company and 4KEM and/or any 4Kids Affiliates). All of the television programs and motion pictures referred to above are hereafter referred to as the “Shows.” All of the aforesaid copyrights and other rights in the aforesaid musical compositions and sound recordings are hereinafter referred to as the “Intellectual Assets”; and

WHEREAS, notwithstanding the foregoing, the extent of and the limitations to, 4KEM’s rights in each of the Intellectual Assets presently in existence and the Compositions and Recordings comprising same are set forth on Schedules I and II hereof which are annexed hereto and made part hereof. As each new Intellectual Asset comes into existence 4KEM shall supply to Company true and accurate Schedules with respect thereto which shall set forth the extent of and the limitations to 4KEM’s rights in each such new Intellectual Asset and shall similarly be incorporated herein and made part hereof. Anecdotal information may be included in such Schedules in addition to the columnar information indicated and shall be accompanied by all necessary third party contractual provisions in support and documentation thereof)

WHEREAS, 4KEM wishes Company to administer the Intellectual Assets on the terms and conditions contained herein; and

WHEREAS, Company wishes to administer the Intellectual Assets upon the terms and conditions contained herein; and

WHEREAS, 4KEM wishes to transfer to Company an ownership interest in the Intellectual Assets; and

 

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WHEREAS, Company wishes to acquire an interest in the Intellectual Assets.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the grants and obligations herein contained, it is agreed as follows:

1.  (a) 4KEM hereby assigns to Company an undivided one-half (1/2) interest in 4KEM’s interests in the Intellectual Assets, including but not limited to all of the recordings and all of the compositions comprising same, including but not limited to those compositions set forth on Schedule I attached hereto and made part hereof and all copyrights, renewal copyrights, extensions of rights, including post-termination rights and other rights therein and thereto throughout the Territory in perpetuity. As a result of such assignment and transfer of rights, 4KEM and Company shall each own an undivided one-half (1/2) interest in and to such portion of the Intellectual Assets and all copyrights, renewal copyrights, extensions of rights, including post-termination rights therein and thereto, that 4KEM and/or the 4Kids Affiliates owned or controlled prior to the transfer. Except as provided in the Schedules, the territory within which 4KEM and Company may exploit the rights herein granted to the Intellectual Assets (the “Territory”) shall be throughout the universe. Except as provided in the Schedules, the term within which 4KEM and Company may exploit the rights herein granted to the Intellectual Assets (“CR Term”) shall be in perpetuity.

 

(b)

Company acknowledges and agrees that the

 

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Company’s rights with respect to the Compositions and Recordings are subject in all cases to any and all limitations on the rights of 4KEM and 4Kids and Affiliates in such Compositions and Recordings. For the avoidance of doubt, if 4KEM or 4Kids and Affiliates do not own one hundred percent (100%) of the copyright to any Composition, Company’s rights with respect to such Composition shall be limited to one-half of the ownership interest of 4KEM or 4Kids and Affiliates in such Composition and Company’s administration of such Composition shall likewise be limited to such rights of administration owned or controlled by 4KEM or 4Kids and Affiliates in such Composition.

(c)       Company further acknowledges and agrees that the Schedules also list and shall list any restrictions on the territories within which or term during which Company may exploit such Compositions and Recordings. Company acknowledges and agrees that the grant of rights to Company hereunder is subject to such territorial limitations or term limitations set forth on the Schedules and Company agrees to abide by such limitations.

(d)            Company further acknowledges that the 4KEM’s and Company’s rights to the Compositions and Recordings are subject to any other limitations set forth in the agreements between 4KEM and/or affiliates, on the one hand, and the third parties who (i) write the music, or (ii) own or control rights to the Shows, or (iii) otherwise own or control Compositions or Recordings. Company acknowledges that the Schedules list and

 

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shall also list such additional limitations and Company agrees to abide by such limitations.

(e)       In the event that 4KEM or affiliates enter into one or more agreements with third parties providing for 4KEM and affiliates to create musical compositions for any Show but for the copyright to such musical compositions to be owned by such third parties with 4KEM or affiliates to receive all or a portion of the music publishing revenues from such musical compositions, 4KEM and Company agree that Company shall receive one half (½) of 4KEM’s share of the music publishing revenues or other monies payable to 4KEM and affiliates in respect of such music.

(f)            Company acknowledges and agrees that 4KEM shall have sole creative control over the Compositions and Recordings and that any creative decision with respect to the

Compositions and Recordings shall be made by 4KEM, in its sole discretion, provided however, that not more than One Hundred Thousand ($100,000.00) Dollars may be spent on a Recording without the mutual consent of Company and 4KEM.

(g)            4KEM shall provide in its agreements with the writers of musical compositions comprising Intellectual Assets (“writers”) that they shall receive as royalties no more than 37.5% of the mechanical, foreign, synchronization, and other income earned thereby, other than the writer’s share of performance income. Beginning with Compositions composed after February 1, 2002, 4KEM shall secure for the benefit of 4KEM and

 

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Company a twenty five (25%) percent interest in the writer’s share of performance income with respect to each musical composition comprising an Intellectual Asset and shall deliver said performance income to Company, for inclusion as part of Composition/Recordings Gross Receipts immediately upon its receipt thereof. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, Company acknowledges and agrees that during the Term, there may be writers whose services are deemed necessary in connection with the creation of an Intellectual Asset who refuse to agree to a reduction of their writer royalties to accommodate this sub paragraph, and that in those exceptional instances, 4KEM, in the good faith exercise of its business judgment, may dispense with the requirements of this subparagraph.

(h) The parties acknowledge and agree that 4KEM shall update the Schedules (including the anecdotal information) from time to time as may be necessary to reflect the creation of new Compositions and Recordings and to reflect deals with property owners with respect to Compositions and Recordings. 4KEM shall consult with Company regarding deals with property owners with respect to Compositions and Recordings. 4KEM shall provide Company from time to time as they come into being with copies of the provisions of agreements with property owners pertaining to the Compositions and Recordings.

2.       (a)       Company and 4KEM shall each own an undivided one-half (1/2) interest in and to the intellectual assets created by Company hereunder (the “Company Intellectual Assets”) and all

 

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copyrights, renewal copyrights, extensions of rights, including post-termination rights and other rights therein and thereto throughout the Territory in perpetuity. Company hereby assigns to 4KEM an undivided one-half (1/2) interest in its interest in Company Intellectual Assets, including all musical compositions and sound recordings and all copyrights, renewal copyrights, extensions of rights, including post-termination rights and other rights therein and thereto throughout the Territory in perpetuity.

(b)    Company shall provide in its agreements with the writers of musical compositions comprising Company Intellectual Assets (“writers”) that they shall receive as royalties no more than 37.5% of the mechanical, foreign, synchronization, and other income earned thereby, other than the writer’s share of performance income. Company shall secure for the benefit of 4KEM and Company a twenty-five (25%) percent interest in the writer’s share of performance income with respect to each musical composition which is a Company Intellectual Asset and shall include said performance income as part of Composition/Recordings Gross Receipts immediately upon its receipt thereof.

3.  All musical compositions included in the Intellectual Assets and the Company Intellectual Assets are hereinafter referred to as the “Compositions” and all sound recordings included in the Intellectual Assets and the Company Intellectual Assets are hereinafter referred to as the “Recordings.” 4KEM

 

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hereby grants to Company and Company shall have the sole and exclusive right and obligation to administer and protect and deal in and with the Compositions and the Recordings during the lesser of the (i) CR Term, or the Term (as defined below in Paragraph 4) and throughout the Territory applicable to each such Composition or Recording. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Company shall have the right to lease, license or otherwise turn to account any and all rights in the Compositions and the Recordings and to collect, hold and distribute any sums realized therefrom, including uncollected sums earned prior to the commencement of the Term. The rights herein granted Company include, but are not limited to, the right to authorize any other person, firm or corporation including its own affiliates and subsidiaries to sub-publish the Compositions in any part of the Territory. Company shall have the right to accord such other person, firm or corporation label, and/or album cover, and/or sheet music credit with regard to its services in connection with the Compositions; provided, however, that the position and size of the credit, if disconsonant with industry norms, shall be subject to the approval of 4KEM.

4.  (a)  The term of this agreement shall be for a period of fifteen (15) years from the date hereof (the “Term”). It is however, specifically understood and agreed that all rights vested in Company and 4KEM hereunder with respect to such Compositions and Recordings shall survive the expiration of the

 

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Term hereof and shall endure, except as may be limited by the Schedules, for the duration of all copyrights and renewals and extensions thereof in and to their respective interests in the Intellectual Assets and Company Intellectual Assets, including the Compositions and Recordings throughout the Territory.

(b)       It is specifically understood and agreed that Company’s exclusive right to administer 4KEM’s interests in the Intellectual Assets and Company Intellectual Assets, including the Compositions and the Recordings, shall cease upon the expiration of the Term, provided however, that Company shall be entitled for a period of two (2) years following the expiration of the Term to collect and account for in accordance with the terms hereof all monies earned by the Compositions and the Recordings during the Term but not collected by Company during the Term.

5.  “Composition/Record Gross Receipts” as that term is used herein shall mean all monies actually earned by the Compositions and the Recordings, (including the so called “writer’s share” of performance income received by Company pursuant to Paragraph 1(g) above) actually received by Company in the United States from the sale, lease, license, disposition or other turning to account of rights in the Compositions and the Recordings, including all monies actually received in connection with the infringement by third parties of rights in the Compositions or the Recordings.

 

“Composition/Record Net Receipts” as that term is used

 

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herein shall be arrived at as follows:

(a)       Company shall first deduct and retain ten (10%) percent of Composition/Record Gross Receipts in consideration of its services hereunder;

(b)       Company shall then deduct five (5%) percent of Composition/Record Gross Receipts and pay such sum to 4KEM (subject to Paragraph 14(f) below) in consideration of 4KEM’s excess song costs.

(c) Company shall then deduct from the Composition/Record Gross Receipts that portion of Composition/Record Gross Receipts payable to various property owners set forth in the Schedules to this Agreement who receive a portion of Composition/Record Gross Receipts attributable to Compositions contained in or Recordings based on the television series or productions owned by such property owners. Company shall pay to 4KEM such amount for remittance to the property owners. With respect to all property owners receiving a share of the Composition/Record Gross Receipts after deduction of expenses, 4KEM shall provide Company on a quarterly basis with an accounting statement setting forth the expenses incurred by 4Kids and Affiliates that may be charged against such property owner’s share of the Composition/Record Gross Receipts in accordance with the relevant agreement between 4Kids and Affiliates and such property owner. Company shall provide 4KEM with a statement setting forth the expenses incurred by Company that may be charged against such property owner’s share of the

 

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Composition/Record Gross Receipts in accordance with the relevant agreement between 4Kids and Affiliates and such property owner as previously supplied to Company by 4KEM..     

(d)       Company shall then deduct from Composition/Record Gross Receipts and pay therefrom the royalties due to the writers of the Compositions (the “Writers”) and the royalties due the Artists and Producers of the Recordings in accordance with any applicable agreements that have been furnished to Company;

(e) Company shall then deduct from Composition/Record Gross Receipts the Advances provided for in Paragraph 14 below;

(f)            From the balance of Composition/Record Gross Receipts remaining after the deductions provided for in Paragraphs 5(a), 5(b), 5(c),5(d) and 5 (e) hereof, Company shall be entitled to deduct and retain amounts equal to the following reasonable out-of-pocket direct costs actually advanced or incurred by Company with respect to the Compositions ("Composition Costs") and the Recordings (Recordings Costs):

(i) All costs of copyrighting the Compositions and the Recordings;

(ii) fees of a trustee or collecting agent for the licensing of recording or other rights in the Compositions that are disconsonant with industry practices;

(iii) legal fees not in the ordinary course of Company’s business, including legal fees arising out of or relating to any claim of copyright infringement brought by or

 

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against Company relating to the Compositions and/or the Recordings. Pryor Cashman Sherman & Flynn LLP is approved as counsel in connection with matters contemplated by this paragraph;

(iv) amounts paid to partial owners of the Compositions and/or the Recordings or third party publishers and record companies and/or producers, if any;

(v) accounting fees not in the ordinary course of Company’s business, such as audits of the books and records of licensees of the Intellectual Assets;

(vi) the costs of any phonograph records or tapes of the Compositions distributed for promotional purposes and the out of pocket costs of such distribution;

(vii) the cost of collection of Composition/Record Gross Receipts and the costs of demonstration records of the Compositions, if any when such costs of collection are disconsonant with industry practice.

4KEM shall have a right of approval, not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed, over items (ii), (iii), (v) and (vii) above. Any unrecouped Composition Costs or Recordings Costs for any accounting period may be recouped from Composition/Record Gross Receipts remaining after the payments provided for in Paragraphs 5(a), 5(b), 5(c) and 5(d) hereof in any subsequent accounting period.       Except as provided below in Paragraphs 15 and 18, 4KEM and Company shall each receive fifty (50%) percent of the Composition/Record Net Receipts.

 

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6.   Within ninety (90) days after March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31 of each year, Company shall furnish 4KEM with statements setting forth its share of the Composition/Record Net Receipts, if any, for the three (3) month period ending on such March 31, June 30, September 30 or December 31, computed in accordance with the provisions of Paragraphs 5, 15 and 18. The statement delivered to 4KEM shall be accompanied by payment of the Composition/Record Net Receipts set forth on such statement. Company shall also use reasonable commercial efforts to provide 4KEM with a good faith estimate of the 4KEM share of Composition/Record Net Receipts within thirty-five (35) days after the end of each calendar quarter during the Term. Except as provided below, said statements and payments, in the absence of written objection thereto by 4KEM within three (3) years from receipt thereof, shall constitute an account stated as to all royalties due for the period covered by such statement and/or payment. 4KEM shall have the right to cause Company's books and records to be examined by a certified public accountant with respect to statements rendered hereunder to which 4KEM's right to object has not expired, as provided herein, provided, however, that no such examination shall take place any later than ninety (90) days after 4KEM has sent to

 

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Company the aforementioned written objection. Under no circumstances (except as hereinbelow provided) shall 4KEM be entitled to conduct such an examination more than once during any calendar year and not more than once as to any accounting period. Such examination shall take place at Company's place of business during normal business hours upon thirty (30) days prior written notice to Company and shall be completed within ninety (90) days of its commencement. Except as provided below, 4KEM shall be foreclosed from maintaining any action, claim or proceeding relating to any accounting hereunder unless it is commenced against Company in a court of competent jurisdiction within two (2) years after the date 4KEM has delivered its written objection to Company hereunder. Such examination shall be at 4KEM’s expense; provided, however, that if as the result of any examination there is adjudicated to be, or stipulated by Company to be an underpayment of more than ten (10%) percent of the amount due for the period that is subject to the examination, Company shall reimburse 4KEM for the reasonable cost (excluding travel and lodging) of such examination. Company shall also promptly pay 4KEM the amount due pursuant to the findings of such examination. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Company acknowledges that 4KEM or 4Kids Affiliates may be subject to contractual obligations to licensors of rights

 

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related to Intellectual Assets that may require it to conduct audits of Company that are in conflict with the foregoing. In those instances where such contractual requirements are imposed upon 4KEM or 4Kids Affiliates by third parties, Company shall accommodate such audit requirements. After the aggregate value of Company’s share of the Composition/Record Net Receipts and the Company’s administration fees pursuant to this Agreement equals Five Million ($5,000,000.00) Dollars, Company shall, subject to payments to writers and other third parties, deposit Composition/Record Gross Receipts in an interest bearing account and shall divide the interest earned fifty percent (50%) to Company and fifty percent (50%) to 4KEM.

7.  Notwithstanding anything herein contained, the parties acknowledge that all creative decisions with respect to uses of the Compositions and the Recordings are subject to the approval of 4KEM; hence Company acknowledges and agrees that it shall not issue licenses with respect to uses of the Compositions or the Recordings, except mechanical licenses for uses of the Compositions at no less than three-quarters (3/4) of the mechanical rate provided by the United States Copyright Act, without the prior consent of 4KEM.

8.  Each party hereby agrees to do all acts and things and to execute any and all instruments and documents required by the other party or by the terms of this Agreement to effectuate and

 

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implement any or all terms, provisions and purposes of this Agreement. 4KEM or 4Kids Affiliates specifically agree to execute a short form assignment in the form of the assignment annexed hereto and made part hereof as Exhibit “A” with respect to each of the Compositions. In the event of the unavailability of 4KEM or 4Kids Affiliates, or of the refusal or failure of 4KEM or 4Kids Affiliates to comply with the provisions of this Paragraph 8, Company is hereby designated 4KEM’s or 4Kids Affiliates’ agent and is authorized to act in the place and stead of 4KEM or 4Kids and Affiliates to implement the terms hereof. Company specifically agrees to execute a short form assignment substantially in the form of the assignment annexed hereto and made part hereof as Exhibit “A” with respect to each of the Company Intellectual Assets. In the event of the refusal or failure of Company to comply with the provisions of the this Paragraph 8, 4KEM is hereby designated Company’s agent and is authorized to act in the place and stead of Company to implement the terms of this Paragraph 8.

9.  4KEM warrants and represents that the musical compositions and sound recordings listed in Schedules I and II annexed hereto and made part hereof are all of the Compositions and Recordings, respectively, in existence upon the execution of this Agreement. 4KEM shall promptly furnish notice to Company of the acquisition or creation of all future Compositions and Recordings together with all of the information with respect thereto required by Schedules I and II. Such future

 

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Compositions and Recordings shall then be deemed automatically added to Schedules I and II hereof respectively, upon their acquisition or creation. 4KEM further warrants and represents that all royalties or other sums due to songwriters, third party publishers, artists and record producers and other third parties with respect to the Compositions and the Recordings through the date hereof have been or shall be paid in full.

10.  4KEM warrants and represents that each of the Compositions and the Recordings are and shall be original and shall not infringe upon any other copyrighted work or the rights of third parties; that 4KEM has the full right, power and authority to enter into this Agreement and to grant to Company the rights herein granted. 4KEM will indemnify and hold Company harmless from and against any claim(s) arising out of or connected with any breach or alleged breach by 4KEM of this Agreement or of any warranty, representation or covenant made by 4KEM herein. 4KEM shall be given written notice of any such claim(s) and shall defend such claim by an attorney of its choice and at 4KEM’s expense. Except in those instances where by reason of contractual commitments by 4KEM to owners of properties involving Compositions and/or Recordings which would bar Company from participation, Company shall have the right to participate in the defense of such claim(s) by attorney’s of its choice at its own expense. Where Company is barred as aforesaid, 4KEM shall keep Company apprised of all aspects of such claim(s)and any litigation arising therefrom and shall

 

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promptly supply Company with copies of all claim letters, correspondence, related documents, pleadings, etc.

11.  4KEM and Company agree that in the event, in the opinion of either, the other has breached this Agreement, the complaining party shall deliver to the purported breaching party by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, Federal Express or United States Express mail, a written notice specifying all such alleged breach(es). The recipient of such notice shall have thirty (30) days from its receipt to substantially cure such alleged breach. Such alleged breach shall not be grounds for any action, claim or proceeding, whether at law or in equity, with respect to this Agreement until the expiration of said thirty(30) day period and unless during said thirty(30) day period the purported breaching party has not substantially cured same. No waiver of any provision of, or default under this Agreement shall affect the right thereafter to enforce same. In the event of any adjudicated termination, or the expiration of this Agreement as provided herein, 4KEM’s obligation to transfer and assign to Company an undivided one half interest in 4KEM’s interests in musical compositions thereafter created shall likewise terminate and 4KEM shall have the right to use an administrator other than Company to administer 4KEM’s ownership interest in the Compositions and Recordings.

12.  Company shall not initiate litigation in connection with infringements of the Compositions by third parties unless

 

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mutually agreed upon by 4KEM and Company. Any proceeds of such litigation shall be shared between Company and 4KEM as set forth above after the deduction of the actual costs attendant upon such litigation.

13.  In consideration of the rights assigned and transferred by 4KEM to Company with respect to 4KEM’s interest in the Compositions hereunder, Company agrees to pay 4KEM the following amounts: (i) the sum of $3,000,000 upon execution and delivery of this Agreement, which sum shall be paid with respect to the transfer to Company of one-half of 4KEM’s interest in the Compositions contained in, or to be contained in “Yu-Gi-Oh,” “Cubix,” “Tama & Friends,” “Ultraman,” “Ultimate Muscle,” “Kirby,” “Fighting Foodons,” and “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” existing as of date hereof; (ii) the sum of $750,000, which sum shall be paid by Company to 4KEM on the first anniversary of the date hereof and shall be paid with respect to the transfer to Company of one-half of 4KEM’s interest in the new Compositions and Recordings added to the Schedules between the execution of this Agreement and said first anniversary payment date; and (iii) the sum of $750,000 which shall be paid by Company on the second anniversary of the date hereof and shall be paid with respect to the transfer to Company of one-half of 4KEM’s interest in the new Compositions and Recordings added to the Schedules between the first anniversary and second anniversary payment dates; and (iv)the sum of $500,000 which shall be paid by Company on the third anniversary of the date hereof and shall

 

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be paid with respect to the transfer to Company of one-half of 4KEM’s interest in the new Compositions and Recordings added to the Schedules throughout the remainder of the Term and all other Intellectual Assets not specifically otherwise referred to in this Paragraph. The parties acknowledge and agree that the sums set forth above in Paragraph 13 are not, and shall not be deemed to be, advances against 4KEM’ s share of the Composition/Record Gross Receipts but rather shall be payment by Company for the undivided one half interest in 4KEM’s interests in the Compositions, Recordings and Intellectual Assets hereunder.

14.  Company shall advance the following sums (the “Advances”):

(a)  Three Thousand ($3,000.00) Dollars to 4KEM for each of the first twenty-six (26) new episodes of a television series which is a Show hereunder and which contains seventeen (17) or more minutes of original music one hundred (100%) percent of which is owned by 4KEM and Company and exclusively administered by Company throughout the universe, and a lesser sum for each such episode which contains fewer than seventeen (17) minutes of such music, or which contains original music only partially owned by Company and 4KEM and not exclusively administered by Company and Six Hundred ($600.00) Dollars [in lieu of Three Thousand ($3,000.00) Dollars] with respect to the twenty-seventh (27th) and each subsequent new episode of such a television series. The number of minutes ascribable to original music which is not owned one hundred (100%) percent by Company

 

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and 4KEM shall be arrived at by dividing the playing time of such music by the percentage thereof owned by Company, e.g. if Company and 4KEM owned fifty (50%) percent of a piece of original music that played for ten (10) minutes in such an episode it would be deemed to have a playing time of five (5) minutes for the purposes of this Paragraph. The advance payable by Company pursuant to this Paragraph with respect to such an episode which contains less than seventeen (17) minutes of original music owned one hundred (100%) percent by Company shall be reduced proportionately. By way of illustration: If the tenth (10th) episode of such a television series contained five (5) minutes of original music owned one hundred (100%) percent by Company and 4KEM and ten (10) minutes of original music owned fifty (50%) percent by Company and 4KEM and fifty (50%) percent by third party “X” which was co-administered by Company and “X” the advance payable by Company pursuant to this Paragraph would be One Thousand Seven Hundred and Sixty Four ($1,764.71) Dollars and Seventy One Cents or 10/17 of Three Thousand ($3,000.00) Dollars. Notwithstanding anything hereinabove contained, if Company does not administer at least the share of such music owned by Company and 4KEM, the playing time of such music shall not be included in the calculation of the advance payable pursuant to this Paragraph. The term “original music” as used in this Paragraph shall mean music created for the episode with respect to which the advance is being paid. Company shall pay the advances provided for herein with respect to Yu-gi-oh!

 

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episodes 27 et. seq. (with episodes 27-52 being deemed to be the first 26 episodes with the advance being paid at the rate of $3,000 as adjusted in accordance with this Paragraph), Cubix episodes 14 et. seq. and with respect to the episodes of “Ultraman,” “Ultimate Muscle,” “Kirby,” “Fighting Foodons,”, “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” and other television series and productions to be produced by 4Kids and Affiliates during the Term.

(b)  From time to time, as mutually agreed by 4KEM and Company, 4KEM and Company shall cause to be created phonograph records relating to television series that are Shows hereunder. With respect to such phonograph records, Company and 4KEM shall cause to be created original songs as may be required in connection with such phonograph records and shall oversee the production of each such phonograph record. Company shall shop the resulting phonograph record to record companies and shall negotiate and conclude, subject to 4KEM’s approval, any agreements with record companies that may result. Company shall provide such additional services as may be agreed upon by 4KEM and Company. Company shall advance one hundred (100%) percent of the costs attendant upon the creation of the phonograph records contemplated by this Paragraph, which costs shall not exceed One Hundred Thousand ($100,000) Dollars per phonograph record without mutual prior written consent. All phonograph records created pursuant to this Paragraph and musical compositions created for use therein, shall be Intellectual Assets hereunder

 

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and shall be the sole and exclusive property of 4KEM and Company.

(c)  From time to time, as mutually agreed by Company and 4KEM, Company and 4KEM shall cause to be created phonograph records relating to motion pictures that are Shows hereunder. With respect to such phonograph records, Company and 4KEM shall cause to be created original songs as may be required in connection with such phonograph records and shall oversee the production of each such phonograph record. Company shall shop the resulting phonograph record to record companies and shall negotiate and conclude, subject to 4KEM’s approval, any agreements with record companies that may result. In addition, Company shall provide such additional services as may be agreed upon by 4KEM and Company. Company shall advance one hundred (100%) percent of the costs attendant upon the creation of the phonograph record contemplated by this Paragraph, which costs shall be mutually agreed upon by 4KEM and Company. All phonograph records created pursuant to this Paragraph and musical compositions created for use therein, shall be Intellectual Assets hereunder and shall be the sole and exclusive property of 4KEM and Company.

(d)  Company shall provide legal services in connection with the acquisition and/or creation of Company Intellectual Assets, the reasonable costs of which shall be Advances hereunder.

(e)   All of the Advances in accordance with this

 

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Paragraph 14, shall be recoupable from all monies received in the United States by Company in accordance with Paragraph 5 above.

(f)  The parties acknowledge and agree that the amounts of the advances set forth in this Paragraph 14 are based on the costs of composing music in 2001-2002. The parties agree that at least every three (3) years during the Term, the parties shall discuss whether the Company’s advances for (i) musical compositions composed for the Shows and phonograph recordings that are set forth in this Paragraph 14 or have otherwise been adopted pursuant to the process set forth in this Paragraph 14 fairly reflect Company’s commitment to share the costs of creating the music and pay all the costs of creating any phonograph record. Company agrees that if 4KEM can demonstrate that the costs of creating musical compositions composed for the Shows or for the phonograph recordings materially increased, then the parties agree that the Advances to be paid by Company shall be increased to an amount agreed upon in good faith by the parties. In determining whether the Advances to be paid by Company pursuant to Paragraph 14(a) above are to be increased, there shall be factored into the attendant calculations the five (5%) percent of Composition/Record Gross Receipts paid to 4KEM pursuant to Paragraph 5(b) above i.e., if the sums paid to 4KEM pursuant to Paragraph 5(b) above defray any costs incurred by

 

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4KEM above the amounts provided by Paragraph 14(a) above, there shall be no increase in the Advances payable pursuant to Paragraph 14(a) above. In the event an increase is determined to be in order, the revised amounts of Advances shall be deemed substituted for the amount of the Advances set forth in this Paragraph 14(a).

15.  As additional consideration to 4KEM hereunder, Company agrees that upon the commencement of the ninth year of the Term, and through the remainder of the Term, (but subject to Paragraph 18 below), 4KEM shall receive prospectively sixty-two and one-half (62.5%) percent of Composition Net Receipts and Company shall receive prospectively thirty-seven and one-half (37.5%) percent of Composition Net Receipts as opposed to the 50%/50% split that theretofore pertained and which shall pertain after the expiration of the Term.

16.  (a)   4KEM represents and warrants that:

(i) 4KEM is a Delaware corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation and has the full right, power and authority to enter into this Agreement and to perform all of its obligations hereunder.

(ii) Neither the execution, delivery nor performance of this Agreement by 4KEM shall, with or without the giving of notice or passage of time, or both, conflict with, or

 

25

 


result in a default or loss of rights under, any material agreement or understanding to which 4KEM or any of its affiliates is a party or by which it or any of its properties may be bound.

(iii) The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by 4KEM has been duly and properly authorized by all necessary corporate actions; and this Agreement constitutes a valid and binding obligation of 4KEM enforceable in accordance with its terms.

(iv) All of the Intellectual Assets contributed and to be contributed by 4KEM are and shall be original and shall not infringe upon any other work.

(v) All of the Intellectual Assets contributed and to be contributed by 4KEM are, and shall be free and clear of any unrecouped advances, claims, demands, actions, liens or encumbrances.

(vi) There are no suits, claims actions or other legal or administrative proceedings involving 4KEM, or the Intellectual Assets contributed by 4KEM, now pending or threatened, nor is there any basis therefore.

(vii) There are no existing administration, publishing or sub-publishing agreements that are currently in effect with respect to the Intellectual Assets contributed by 4KEM nor shall there be any with respect to Intellectual Assets to be contributed by 4KEM.

(viii) 4KEM exclusively owns and/or controls

 

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throughout the universe the music publishing and sound recording rights in the following television series: (A) “Yu-Gi-Oh”, “Cubix” and “Tama and Friends.”

(ix) 4KEM has licensed a daily four (4) hour block of time from the FOX television network for the period of four broadcast seasons commencing with the 2002 – 2003 broadcast season during which time 4KEM may, and intends to, program up to seven (7) one-half hour series owned and/or controlled by 4KEM.

(b)  4KEM will use its best efforts to cause each distributor, broadcaster, licensee, licensor and subsequent owner of Shows containing Intellectual Assets to contractually undertake not to “strip” or replace or alter in any way the “M&E” (music and effects) tracks of such Shows, nor make any claims with respect thereto with any mechanical rights or performing rights organization; provided, however, that Company acknowledges that certain broadcasters outside of the United States (such as the Italian broadcaster Mediaset) require the right to substitute their own theme or title music for the theme or title music originally added to the Show by 4KEM and that 4KEM shall have the right to permit such broadcasters to substitute their theme or title music for the existing theme or title music where it is a condition precedent to having the property broadcast in that territory.

(c)  4KEM will use its best efforts to contractually require its distributors and licensors of Shows to provide:

(i)  the foreign language name of each of the

 

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Shows as distributed in each country of the Territory; and

(ii)  the names of, and contact information with respect to, existing local sub-distributors in each country of the Territory as they may change from time to time; and

(iii)   the names of, and contact information with respect to, local film distributors and broadcasters with whom contracts have been entered into with respect to the Shows and the expiration dates of such contracts.

4KEM will upon its receipt of the foregoing supply Company, with all of the foregoing information. 4KEM will provide to Company, upon the execution hereof, to the extent it has not already done so, cue sheets and all other information and documentation with respect to all Shows containing existing Intellectual Assets and will similarly provide cue sheets, information and documentation with respect to all Shows containing future Intellectual Assets as they come into existence.            

(iv)  4KEM shall upon the execution hereof furnish to Company, copies of all songwriter, co-publishing, artist, producer and other agreements necessary for the Company to perform its services with respect to the existing Intellectual Assets and shall supply same with respect to future Intellectual Assets promptly upon their creation or acquisition.

 

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17.  Company represents and warrants that:

(a)  Company is a New York corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation and has the full right, power and authority to enter into this Agreement and to perform all of its obligations hereunder.

(b   Neither the execution, delivery nor performance of this Agreement by Company shall, with or without the giving of notice or passage of time, or both, conflict with, or result in a default or loss of rights under, any material agreement or understanding to which Company or any of its affiliates is a party or by which it or any of its properties may be bound.

(c)  The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by Company has been duly and properly authorized by all necessary actions; and this Agreement constitutes the valid and binding obligation of Company enforceable in accordance with its terms.

(d)  All of the Company Intellectual Assets which may be contributed by Company shall be original and shall not infringe upon any other work.

(e)  All of the Company Intellectual Assets which may be contributed by Company shall be free and clear of any unrecouped advances, claims, demands, actions, liens or

 

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encumbrances.

(f)       There are no suits, claims, actions or other legal or administrative proceedings involving Company now pending or threatened, nor is there any basis therefore.

18.   (a) 4KEM hereby covenants and agrees that during the first seven (7) years of the term of this Agreement, 4KEM shall, on behalf of 4KEM and Company, create and/or acquire music publishing rights in no less than twelve (12) additional television series (including, “Ultraman,” “Ultimate Muscle,” “Kirby,” “Fighting Foodons” and “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” which shall be Shows hereunder and which shall contain at least twenty-six (26) episodes per television series in which approximately seventeen (17) minutes of original music per episode shall be Intellectual Assets hereunder. Company and 4KEM acknowledge that when such a television series attains a very large number of episodes, it deserves to be treated for the purpose of this paragraph, as more than a single television series, that is, a “Multiple Value Series.” 4KEM and Company agree that blocks of fifty two (52) episodes starting with one hundred four (104) such episodes should be determinative of when such a television series hereunder becomes a Multiple Value Series. Accordingly, it is agreed that when such a television series attains the following numbers of episodes, it becomes a

 

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Multiple Value Series, the value of which is set forth below:

One hundred four (104) such episodes equals two (2) such television series;

One hundred fifty six (156) such episodes equals three (3) such television series;

Two hundred eight (208) such episodes equals four (4) such television series; and

Two hundred sixty (260) such episodes equals five (5) such television series, etc.

By way of clarification and illustration, such a television series that attains one hundred eighty two (182) such episodes, would only be counted as three (3) such television series.

(b)  If during the first seven (7) years of the Term, 4KEM fails to create musical compositions and/or acquire music publishing rights in no less than twelve (12) additional television series which shall be Shows hereunder and which shall contain at least twenty-six (26) episodes per television series in which approximately seventeen (17) minutes of original music per episode shall be Intellectual Assets hereunder, then Company’s sole remedy shall be for Company to receive one hundred percent (100%) of the Composition/Record Net Receipts until such time as the aggregate value of Company’s share of the Composition/Record Net Receipts and the Company’s administration

 

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fees pursuant to this Agreement equals Five Million ($5,000,000.00) Dollars. After the aggregate value of Company’s share of the Composition/Record Net Receipts and the Company’s administration fees pursuant to this Agreement equals Five Million ($5,000,000.00) Dollars, the Composition/Record Net Receipts shall be paid fifty percent (50%) to 4KEM and fifty percent (50%) to Company, (or if Paragraph 15 applies, the Composition/Record Net Receipts shall be paid sixty-two and one-half (62.5%) percent to 4KEM and thirty-seven and one-half (37.5%) percent to Company. If by the end of the Term of this Agreement, the aggregate value of Company’s share of Composition/Record Net Receipts and Company’s administration fees does not equal Five Million ($5,000,000.00) Dollars, this Agreement shall persist until such time as the aggregate value of Company’s share of Composition/Record Net Receipts and Company’s administration fees equals Five Million ($5,000,000.00) Dollars.

19.  4KEM warrants and represents that it shall use its best efforts to acquire one hundred (100%) percent of the music publishing rights and sound recording rights, including all copyrights and administration rights in and to the Shows and to cause all such rights to become Intellectual Assets hereunder.          

 

20.   4KEM agrees to and does hereby indemnify, save and hold

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Company harmless from and against any and all loss and damage (including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys’ fees and legal costs) arising out of or connected with any claim which is inconsistent with or a breach of any of the warranties, representations, covenants or agreements made by 4KEM in this Agreement. 4KEM agrees to reimburse Company on demand for any payments made by Company at any time after the date hereof with respect to claims covered by 4KEM’s indemnification obligation hereunder and that are properly reimbursable by the indemnifying party and for any loss or damage of any kind or nature incurred by Company with respect to any liability or claim to which the foregoing indemnity relates.

21.  Company agrees to and does hereby indemnify, save and hold 4KEM harmless from and against any and all loss and damage (including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys’ fees and legal costs) arising out of or connected with any claim which is inconsistent with or a breach of any of the warranties, representations, covenants or agreements made by Company in this Agreement. Company agrees to reimburse 4KEM on demand for any payments made by 4KEM at any time after the date hereof with respect to claims covered by Company’s indemnification obligation hereunder and that are properly reimbursable by the indemnifying party and for any loss or damage of any kind or

 

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nature incurred by 4KEM with respect to any liability or claim to which the foregoing indemnity relates.

22.  This Agreement shall be binding upon Company and 4KEM and their respective heirs, successors and permitted assigns. This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement between the parties and no modification, amendment, waiver, termination or discharge shall be binding unless confirmed by a written instrument duly signed by the party to be charged therewith. Neither this Agreement nor any of 4KEM’s rights hereunder are assignable by 4KEM, except as part of the sale of 4KEM’s parent company or of substantially all of its assets, without the prior written consent of Company and any attempted assignment by 4KEM not in compliance with this provision shall be null and void ab initio. Any third party thereby acquiring ownership or control of 4KEM shall be contractually prohibited from “stripping” the Compositions from any Shows or Intellectual Assets or placing music that is not a Composition upon any Recordings. Neither this Agreement nor any of Company’s rights hereunder are assignable by Company except as part of the sale of Company or substantially all of its assets, without the prior written consent of 4KEM and any attempted assignment by Company not in compliance with this provision shall be null and void ab initio. No waiver of any provision of, or default under this Agreement

 

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shall affect the parties’ rights thereafter to enforce such provisions. If any part of this Agreement shall be invalid or unenforceable, it shall not affect the validity of the balance of this Agreement.

23.  This Agreement is being entered into and shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York as if it were entered into and wholly executed in the State of New York. All judicial proceedings brought against a party with respect to this Agreement or any related document shall be brought in any state or federal court of competent jurisdiction in the County of New York in the State of New York and by its execution and delivery of this Agreement, each of the parties accepts, for itself and in connection with its properties, generally and unconditionally, the exclusive jurisdiction of the aforesaid courts. Each of the parties hereby irrevocably consents to the service of process of any of the aforementioned courts in any such action or proceeding by the mailing of copies thereof by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, or by overnight courier, to its notice address hereunder, such service to become effective five (5) business days after such mailing or on the next business day if sent by overnight courier. Nothing herein shall affect the right to serve process in any other manner permitted by law.

 

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24.  All notices hereunder shall be in writing and shall be given in the same manner as set forth in Paragraph 11 hereof with respect to breaches of this Agreement. All such notices shall be deemed given when received.

25.  If in any jurisdiction, any provision of this Agreement or its application to any party or circumstance is prohibited, unenforceable or otherwise restricted, such provision shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective only to the extent of such restriction and without affecting the validity or enforceability of such provision in any other jurisdiction or its application to other parties or circumstances.

26.   Company agrees to keep the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the information disclosed to Company in the Schedules and in the agreements supplied to Company in connection with this Agreement and such Schedules (collectively “Confidential Information”)strictly confidential and shall not disclose such Confidential Information to any third party. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Company may disclose such Confidential Information or portions thereof to such persons within Company on a strict "need to know basis," and to Company’s attorneys, accountants and professional advisors who need to know such information it being understood that each such person shall be informed by Company of the confidential nature

 

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of such Confidential Information and shall be directed by Company not to disclose such Confidential Information. The term "Confidential Information" does not include any information which (i) is in the public domain prior to the time of disclosure or subsequently becomes part of the public domain through its disclosure by a person bound by the terms of this confidentiality provision (ii) is demonstrated by written or other tangible evidence to have been lawfully obtained by Company from a source other than 4Kids and Affiliates, provided that such source is not and was not bound by a confidentiality agreement with 4Kids and Affiliates.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.

 

Cherry Lane Music Publishing Company, Inc.

 

By:_________________________  

 

FEDERAL I.D.#_______________

 

4Kids Entertainment Music, Inc.

 

 

By:_________________________

 

FEDERAL I.D.#_______________

 

For good and valuable consideration, 4Kids Entertainment, Inc., the owner of one hundred (100%) percent of the stock of 4Kids Entertainment Music, Inc. as an inducement to Cherry Lane Music Publishing Company, Inc. to enter into the above agreement and to perform its obligations thereunder does hereby guarantee the performance of 4Kids Entertainment Music, Inc. under said agreement and agrees to be bound by said agreement to the extent said agreement applies to 4Kids Entertainment, Inc.

 

 

      4Kids Entertainment, Inc.

 

 

By:__________________________

38

 


EXHIBIT "A"

 

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENT, that the undersigned 4Kids Entertainment Music, Inc., for good and valuable consideration does hereby sell, assign, transfer and set over unto Cherry Lane Music Publishing Company, Inc. (subject to the terms and conditions of that certain agreement between Cherry Lane Music Publishing Company, Inc. and 4Kids Entertainment Music, Inc. dated ___________) an undivided interest as set forth below in and to the copyrights and renewal copyrights and all extensions thereof for the entire universe in perpetuity in and to the following musical compositions:

 

 

PERCENT OF COPYRIGHT

 

ASSIGNED TO CHERRY LANE MUSIC

 

PUBLISHING

               REGISTRATION

COMPOSITIONS

AUTHOR(S)

and DATE (if any) COMPANY, INC.

_______________________________________________________________

 

 

 

 

 

together with such portion of all the right, title and interest of the undersigned therein and thereto.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has caused this assignment to be signed this _____ day of ____________, 200__.

 

                        

                                                                         4Kids Music Entertainment, Inc.

                          

 

By:____________________________  

 

39

 


SCHEDULE I

 

THE COMPOSITIONS

 

 

Name   

Publisher(s)and Shares  

Writer(s)and Shares  

Copyright Date and Registration Number (if any)  







 

 


SCHEDULE II

 

THE RECORDINGS

 

Name   

Owner(s)and Shares  

Artist(s)and Shares  

Producer(s)and Shares  

Copyright Date and Registration Number (if any)  







 

 

 

 

EX-10.37 4 cwagrmnt.htm THE CW / 4KIDS AGREEMENT

THE CW NETWORK, LLC- 4KIDS ENTERTAINMENT, INC.

SATURDAY MORNING PROGRAMMING BLOCK

TERM SHEET

 

This term sheet (“Term Sheet”) will confirm the material terms of the agreement entered into as of September 26, 2007, between 4Kids Entertainment, Inc., 1414 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10019 (“Company”) and The CW Network, LLC, 3300 West Olive Ave., Burbank, CA 91505 (“The CW”) with respect to the children’s programming block (the “Block”) broadcast on the CW network.

 

Other terms and conditions may be contained in a long form agreement consistent with the terms of this Term Sheet and containing those customary provisions contained in a more formal agreement of this type. Unless and until such time, this Term Sheet, when countersigned by Company and The CW below, will be binding on both parties.

 

1.

Grant of Rights

 

a.         Grant of Rights. Subject to the terms and conditions hereof, The CW hereby grants to Company the exclusive right to provide and supply The CW with all television series and specials, promotional announcements, interstitial programs, additional programming elements, commercial advertisements, and any other audiovisual elements (collectively, “Content”) that are broadcast in the Block during the Term (as defined below). Subject to the terms and conditions hereof, the Content will be made available and all necessary ancillary rights will be granted to The CW for broadcasting, that is, transmission by its affiliates over broadcast television facilities, retransmission by multi-channel video programming distributors, and dissemination as a part of The CW Plus stations and cable channels. Company may not "sub-lease" the Block in whole or in part to any third parties without The CW’s prior written approval.

 

b.         Exhibition Rights. Company grants to The CW all rights necessary to telecast, transmit and exhibit in the United States, its territories and possessions, including English-speaking Puerto Rico (collectively “Territory”), all Content which Company provides for inclusion in the Block (including without limitation, national advertisements and promotional content).

 

2.

Term

 

a.         Initial Term. The initial term will be five (5) years beginning on the first Saturday of The CW’s 2008/2009 Broadcast Year (as defined below) and ending with the last Saturday of The CW’s 2012/2013 Broadcast Year. "Broadcast Year" means the period which starts in September with the commencement, as designated by The CW, of The CW's television season (not including previews, “sneak peeks,” early premieres, etc.) and continues for fifty-two (52) weeks until the commencement, as designated by The CW, of the following television season in the following September.

 

 

 


b.         Extension Options. The CW and Company will each have an option, subject to the approval of the other party, to extend the initial term for two Broadcast Years beginning on the first Saturday of The CW’s 2013/2014 Broadcast Year and ending with the last Saturday of The CW’s 2014/2015 Broadcast Year. The party that elects to exercise the option will deliver written notice of such exercise to the other on or before January 15, 2012, but in no event before September 15, 2011. The other party shall indicate its approval or disapproval within ten (10) business days of receipt of the notice of exercise from the electing party. If either party elects to exercise the foregoing option and the other party approves, the initial term shall be extended for The CW’s 2013/2014 Broadcast Year and ending with the last Saturday of The CW’s 2014/2015 Broadcast Year (which two (2) Broadcast Years shall comprise 104 weeks in the aggregate) on the same terms and conditions as are set forth herein with respect to the initial term.

 

c.         Term. For purposes of this Term Sheet, “Term” shall mean the initial term and the extensions if exercised as provided in Paragraph 2.b. above.

 

3.

Broadcast Coverage

 

 

a.

National Coverage for the Block.

 

(i) Current National Coverage for the Block: As of the date hereof, the Block is cleared in the designated market areas (“DMAs”) as defined by Nielsen Media Research (“Nielsen”) as set forth in Exhibit A:

 

(a) Except as provided with respect to the DMAs of Atlanta, Sacramento, Baltimore, Hartford, Raleigh, Birmingham, Norfolk, Memphis, Providence and Burlington, the Block is broadcast in pattern on Saturday mornings between the hours of 7 a.m. through 12 noon.

 

(b) The Block is telecast in DMAs containing 90% or more of U.S. television households (“U.S. TV Households”).

 

(ii) National Coverage during the Term: By no later than the March 1 preceding the beginning of any Broadcast Year during the Term, The CW shall provide Company with a revised Exhibit A listing the anticipated clearances for the Block in the DMAs for the upcoming Broadcast Year. By no later than the August 1 preceding the beginning of any Broadcast Year during the Term, The CW shall provide Company with a revised Exhibit A listing any DMAs in which the Block will be broadcast not “In Pattern” (as defined below) together with any revisions to the list of anticipated clearances supplied to Company by The CW as of the previous March 1.

 

 

b.

Block Clearance Requirements/Failure to Meet Requirements.

 

(i) In Pattern, Top Ten DMAs: The Block will be broadcast In Pattern in each of the top ten (10) DMAs (other than Atlanta) for at least thirty-nine (39) weeks during each Broadcast Year.

 

 

 


(a) Failure to Meet The Top Ten DMA Requirement: With regard to any top ten DMA (other than Atlanta) in which the Block is broadcast In Pattern for fewer than thirty-nine (39) weeks, the Block shall be deemed not to have been broadcast at all in that DMA and the Total Guarantee (as defined in Paragraph 5.c. below) applicable to such Broadcast Year will be reduced by an amount equal to the Total Guarantee for such Broadcast Year multiplied by the percentage of U.S. TV Households within such top ten DMA (other than Atlanta) in which the Block has been broadcast In Pattern for fewer than thirty-nine (39) weeks.

 

(ii) In Pattern, DMAs Containing 82% of U.S. TV Households: The Block will be broadcast In Pattern in DMAs containing no fewer than 82% of U.S. TV Households for at least thirty-nine (39) weeks during each Broadcast Year.

 

(a) Failure to Meet 82% Requirement: If the Block is not broadcast In Pattern in DMAs containing at least 82% of U.S. TV Households for at least thirty-nine (39) weeks during each Broadcast Year, such In Pattern carriage below 82% will be reflected in the calculation of the “Average Block Clearance” as set forth below.

 

(iii) Broadcast in Top 25 DMAs: The Block will be broadcast in each of the top twenty-five (25) DMAs for at least thirty-nine (39) weeks during each Broadcast Year.

 

(a) Failure to Meet Top 25 DMA Broadcast Requirement: With regard to any top twenty-five DMA in which the Block is broadcast for fewer than 39 weeks during a Broadcast Year, the Block shall be deemed not to have been broadcast at all in that DMA for such Broadcast Year and the Total Guarantee for such Broadcast Year will be reduced by amount equal to the Total Guarantee for such Broadcast Year multiplied by the percentage of U.S. TV Households within such top twenty-five (25) DMA in which the Block has been broadcast for fewer than thirty-nine (39) weeks.

 

(iv) Annual Average Block Clearance: The annual Average Block Clearance will be at least 90% in each Broadcast Year.

 

(a) Failure to Meet 90% Average Block Clearance: If the annual Average Block Clearance for any Broadcast Year is below 90%, then the applicable Total Guarantee for the applicable Broadcast Year shall be reduced by $50,000 for every one tenth of a percentage point (adjusted pro rata for smaller increments) by which the Block Clearance is below 90%.

 

(b) If the quarterly Average Block Clearance is below 85% in two (2) consecutive quarters during any Broadcast Year, 4KAS shall have the right exercisable in writing to (i) eliminate the remaining quarterly guarantee installments for such Broadcast Year, and, (ii) to the extent that the split of National Commercial Proceeds is 80%--20% in favor of The CW, revise the split of National Commercial Proceeds to 65%--35% in favor of The CW for such Broadcast Year.

 

(c) If the quarterly Average Block Clearance is below 80% in any two (2) consecutive quarters during any Broadcast Year, Company shall have the right exercisable in writing

 

 


to terminate this Term Sheet by delivering a written notice of termination to the CW. Such notice of termination shall be effective as of the end of the then applicable Broadcast Year.

 

(v) Failure to meet the Block Clearance requirements as set forth in (i) (ii) (iii) and (iv) above (“Block Clearance Requirements”) due to an occasional pre-emption of the broadcast of the Block shall not be deemed to be a violation of the Block Clearance Requirements but shall be taken into account for purposes of calculating the Average Block Clearance.

 

(vi) In the event that the applicable Total Guarantee is to be reduced as provided herein due to a failure of The CW to meet more than one of the Block Clearance Requirements, the parties agree that the Total Guarantee shall be reduced by the application of the one (1) Total Guarantee reduction formula that results in the greatest reduction of the Total Guarantee but that the Total Guarantee shall not be reduced by the cumulative application of more than one (1) Total Guarantee reduction formula.

 

For example: If in any Broadcast Year, the Average Block Clearance is 88.5% and the Block has also not been broadcast in the top twenty-five (25) DMA of Portland representing 1.004% of the U.S. TV Households, the Total Guarantee of $15,000,000 for such Broadcast Year shall be reduced by $750,000 giving application to the reduction formula in Paragraph 3.b.(iv) and not by $150,600 after giving effect to the reduction formula in Paragraph 3.b.(iii) above. For the avoidance of doubt, the Total Guarantee shall also not be reduced by the sum of (x) the $750,000 reduction resulting from the application of the reduction formula in Paragraph 3.b.(iv) and (y) $150,600 resulting from the application of the reduction formula in Paragraph 3.b.(iii) above.

 

 

c.

Definitions, Procedures.

 

(i) Block Clearance: The “Block Clearance” is the percentage of U.S. TV Households contained within the DMAs in which the Block is broadcast.

 

(ii) In Pattern: “In Pattern” means broadcast on Saturday mornings between the hours of 7 a.m. through 12 noon, with adjustments for time zone differences (i.e., broadcasts of the Block on Saturday mornings between the hours of 6 a.m. through 11 a.m. or 8 a.m. through 1 p.m. will be deemed In Pattern). If all or any portion of the Block is not broadcast between 7 a.m. and 12 noon, (with adjustments for time zone differences as provided above), all or such portion of the Block not broadcast between 7 a.m. and 12 noon will be deemed a preemption unless all or that portion of the Block not broadcast between 7 a.m. and 12 noon, (with adjustments for time zone differences as provided above) is made-good between 7:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. on either the day of the scheduled broadcast or the following day.

 

(iii) Calculation of the Average Block Clearance: The average Block Clearance within any DMA for any Broadcast Year shall be calculated as follows: first, the number of hours of preemptions and out-of-pattern broadcasts (as compared with broadcast time period listed on Exhibit A) for the Broadcast Year shall be computed and subtracted from the number of hours that the Block is transmitted by The CW during that Broadcast Year (52 weeks multiplied by 5 hours per week=

 

 


260 hours without taking into account such preemptions or out of pattern broadcasts to calculate the Block Clearance hours; second, the Block Clearance hours shall be divided by the number of hours that the Block is transmitted by The CW during that Broadcast Year (i.e., 260 hours) to calculate the Block Clearance percentage for such Broadcast Year; third, the Block Clearance percentage for such Broadcast Year shall be multiplied by the percentage of U.S. TV Households contained within that DMA. Preemptions that are made-good between 7:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. on either the day of the scheduled broadcast or the following day will not be considered as preemptions for purposes of the calculation of the Average Block Clearance. If the Block is not telecast in its entirety due to Company’s failure to deliver sufficient Content for the Block, such failure of the Block to be telecast in its entirety shall not be deemed to be a preemption and the number of hours transmitted by The CW hereunder will be deemed to be 260.

 

For example, if in the DMA of New York, there have been twenty (20) hours of preemptions and out-of-pattern broadcasts for the Broadcast Year out of the two hundred sixty (260) hours that the Block is transmitted by The CW during that Broadcast Year, the Block Clearance percentage is 260 minus 20, or 240 divided by 260 or 92.3%. If New York contains 6.616% of the U.S. TV Households in such Broadcast Year, the Average Block Clearance for New York in such Broadcast Year equals 92.3% multiplied by 6.616% or 6.106%.

 

The sum of the Average Block Clearances of each DMA within the U.S. where the Block is broadcast during such Broadcast Year will be the Average Block Clearance. Quarterly Average Block Clearance will be calculated based on three (3) month periods beginning with the initial broadcast of the Block within the Broadcast Year.

 

d.         Block Clearance Report. Within ten (10) business days following the conclusion of each month during the Term, The CW will provide Company with a clearance list setting forth the DMAs in which the Block has been broadcast as well as any Content in the Block that has been time-shifted or day-shifted, or preempted in whole or in part. The Block Clearance report shall also list any “make goods” provided by The CW’s affiliates in response to any such preemptions. In the event that The CW is aware of any upcoming preemptions in any DMA that is part of the Block Clearance prior to the date of such preemptions, The CW shall provide Company with written notice of such upcoming preemptions.

 

4.

Inventory Split of Commercial and Promotional Time

 

a.         National and Local Units. For each Broadcast Year during the Term, Company shall have the exclusive right to sell all advertising units in the Block except for the one (1) minute of advertising per hour that is retained by the CW affiliates. The parties agree that the advertising units in the Block shall be allocated as follows:

 

 

 


 

Advertising Time in Children’s Programming (i.e., 10.5 minutes per hour in total)

 

(i) 9.5 minutes per hour of national commercial time for Company (“National Commercial Time");

(ii) 1 minute per hour of local commercial time for CW affiliates

Advertising Time in All Other Programs, if any (i.e., up to 15 minutes per hour in total)

(i) no less than 12 minutes per hour of National Commercial Time;

(ii) no more than 3 minutes per hour of local commercial time for CW affiliates

 

In the event that the amount of commercial time in Children’s Programming is increased above 10.5 minutes per hour, such additional time shall be divided pro-rata between Company and the CW affiliates. Company and The CW shall divide the National Commercial Proceeds (as defined below) from sale of National Commercial Time as is provided in Paragraph 5 below. All sales of advertising units by Company hereunder will be subject to The CW’s customary policies with regard to advertising sales which are part of The CW’s then current broadcast standards and practices.

 

b.         Duration of Programs/Promotional Announcements. Company agrees that except for occasional episodes of Content on the Block, the duration of the episodes within each half hour of programming on the Block shall be no less than twenty (20) minutes and thirty (30) seconds. Company, to the extent consistent with all Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) or other federal regulations, will have the right to use, for the purpose of promoting the Block, all the time in the Block that is available for national promotional use. Company may only use such promotional time to promote viewership of the Content on The CW and associated websites, for public service announcements, and to publicize CW Programming-related contests, sweepstakes and promotions. Company’s use of such promotional time shall be subject to The CW’s then current broadcast standards and practices.

 

5.

Division of National Commercial Proceeds / Quarterly Guarantee Installments

 

a.         Division of National Commercial Proceeds. Except as provided herein, Company will pay to The CW an amount equal to 80% of the first $20,000,000 in “National Commercial Proceeds” (as defined below) during each Broadcast Year. Company will be entitled to retain an amount equal to 20% of the first $20,000,000 in National Commercial Proceeds during each Broadcast Year as its commission for the sale of such National Commercial Time. In the event that National Commercial Proceeds exceed $20,000,000 during any Broadcast Year, Company will pay to The CW an amount equal to 50% of National Commercial Proceeds in excess of $20,000,000 during any Broadcast Year and Company will be entitled to retain an amount equal to 50% of the National Commercial Proceeds in excess of $20,000,000 during any Broadcast Year as its commission for the sale of such National Commercial Time.

 

 

 


b.         National Commercial Proceeds. “National Commercial Proceeds” means the amount earned by Company and/or its affiliated or related companies, agents, or entities, (“Company Affiliates”) from the sale of National Commercial Time during the Block, less only: (i) any and all commissions (capped at 15%) paid or allowed to advertising and/or media buying agencies purchasing such National Commercial Time for their own account or on behalf of advertisers, (ii) any uncollectible amounts with respect to the commercial units on the Block sold by Company and/or Company Affiliates, and (iii) any actual out-of-pocket auditable cash payments that Company and/or any Company Affiliate is contractually required to refund to advertisers due to ratings deficiencies. For purposes of this Term Sheet, amounts earned by Company and/or Company Affiliates shall mean the amounts billed by Company and/or Company Affiliates for the commercial units on the Block sold by Company and/or Company Affiliates less audience deficiency units. If Company and/or any Company Affiliate uses a media buying/advertising agency to purchase any National Commercial Time on the Block, Company and/or Company Affiliates shall pay for such National Commercial Time in accordance with the rates negotiated and agreed to by Company and/or Company Affiliates and the media buying/advertising agency purchasing such National Commercial Time for Company and/or Company Affiliates, which rates are comparable to the rates Company and/or any Company Affiliate charges other clients of such media buying/advertising agency for the purchase of similar amounts of commercial time on the Block. If there is no media buying/advertising agency acting on behalf of Company and Company Affiliates purchasing such National Commercial Time on the Block at negotiated rates, then the rates for such National Commercial Time will be at the fair market value for such National Commercial Time. Except as otherwise provided herein, Company and/or Company Affiliates will bear all responsibility for all costs incurred hereunder including but not limited to costs incurred in connection with the sale of all National Commercial Time.

 

c.         Quarterly Guarantee Payments. Company will pay The CW a quarterly guarantee payable in installments set forth below with respect to each Broadcast Year during the Term. The quarterly guarantee installments shall be applied against The CW’s share of National Commercial Proceeds and The CW’s Merchandise Participation (as set forth below). For purposes of this Term Sheet, the total of the four (4) quarterly guarantee installments to be paid to The CW as provided below for the Broadcast Year, shall be referred to as the "Total Guarantee."

 

$6,750,000 – quarterly guarantee for the period from the commencement of the Broadcast Year through December 31 of such Broadcast Year, which shall be paid no later than December 31 of such Broadcast Year;

 

$3,000,000 – quarterly guarantee for the period from January 1 of the Broadcast Year through March 31 of such Broadcast Year, which shall be paid no later than March 31 of such Broadcast Year;

 

$2,700,000 – quarterly guarantee for the period from April 1 of the Broadcast Year through June 30 of such Broadcast Year, which shall be paid no later than June 30 of such Broadcast Year; and

 

 

 


$2,550,000 – quarterly guarantee for the period from July 1 of the Broadcast Year through the end of such Broadcast Year in the September, which amount shall be paid no later than the September 30 following the end of the Broadcast Year.

 

The parties acknowledge and agree that the foregoing quarterly guarantee installments may be reduced or eliminated in their entirety pursuant to the various adjustments provided for in Paragraphs 3, 5, 6 and 12 of this Term Sheet. The parties further agree that if the revised Exhibit A delivered by The CW in accordance with Paragraph 3.a. above does not satisfy the Block Clearance requirements, ab initio, the quarterly guarantee payments for the upcoming Broadcast Year may be reduced or eliminated, as the case may be, as provided herein.

 

 

d.

Reports.

 

(i) Within sixty (60) days after the conclusion of each of the periods set forth in subparagraph (c) of this Paragraph, Company will furnish to The CW a statement of account listing the National Commercial Proceeds earned by Company during the applicable period. Each such statement of account will in reasonable detail compute the amount due The CW for its share of said National Commercial Proceeds calculated as provided herein.

 

(ii) Within one hundred twenty (120) days after the end of each Broadcast Year during the Term, Company shall prepare a final accounting for the applicable Broadcast Year which shall set forth the National Commercial Proceeds received for such Broadcast Year, the amounts paid to The CW for such Broadcast Year whether in the form of quarterly guarantee installments or otherwise and the amount due The CW for such Broadcast Year. Each party shall then make any payment necessary to the other party to “settle up” the accounting for such Broadcast Year so that the split of the National Commercial Proceeds between the parties for such Broadcast Year is as set forth in Paragraphs 3, 5, 6 and 12 hereof.

 

For example, if Company has earned $20,000,000 in National Commercial Proceeds for the applicable Broadcast Year, the “settle up” accounting for such Broadcast Year shall compute The CW’s share of National Commercial Proceeds pursuant to Paragraph 5.a. ( 80% of $20,000,000 or $16,000,000). Since the Total Guarantee of the four (4) quarterly guarantee installments paid to The CW pursuant to this Paragraph 5.d. equals $15,000,000, Company shall make a settle up payment of $1,000,000 to The CW.

 

For example, if Company has earned $15,000,000 in National Commercial Proceeds for the applicable Broadcast Year but the Block Clearance was only 85% instead of the required 90%, the “settle up” accounting for such Broadcast Year shall compute The CW’s share of National Commercial Proceeds pursuant to Paragraph 5.a. (80% of $15,000,000 or $12,000,000), the reduced Total Guarantee for such Broadcast Year based on the Block Clearance being less than 90% ($15,000,000 less $2,500,000 ($250,000 for each one half of 1% that the Block Clearance is below 90%) = $12,500,000). Since The CW shall have received $15,000,000 in quarterly guarantee installments pursuant to Paragraph 5.d., The CW shall make a settle up payment of $2,500,000 to 4KAS.

 

 


 

(iii) No modification of the National Commercial Proceeds with regard to refunds, make-goods, or ratings short-falls will affect the quarterly guarantee payments.

 

e.         Audit. Company will keep and maintain accurate records of the transactions underlying the statements of account furnished to The CW. The CW will have the right to audit and make copies of the books and records of Company insofar as they relate to the National Commercial Proceeds. Such audit will take place upon not less than ten (10) business days written notice during regular office hours and not more than once per Broadcast Year. Such audit will be at the sole expense of The CW; provided, however that if such audit discloses a deficiency of 5% or more of the amount due to The CW for the period under audit, Company will pay, in addition to the deficiency, the reasonable cost for such audit (including, without limitation, travel and related expenses). This right to audit will not be extinguished by the termination or expiration of this Term Sheet.

 

f.         Collections. Company shall use reasonable commercial efforts to collect all National Commercial Proceeds due with respect to the sale of National Commercial Time during the Term; provided, however, that Company shall not be required to bring legal action against any advertiser, or any advertising or media buying agency to collect any National Commercial Proceeds that may be due. In the event that Company is unable to collect any National Commercial Proceeds that are due, Company shall timely notify The CW in writing of the same by delivering an accounts receivable notice (“AR Notice”) to The CW. The parties shall then discuss in good faith whether to pursue legal action against the party or parties from whom National Commercial Proceeds are due. If the parties elect to bring such legal action, the parties shall pay any legal expenses that may be incurred in collecting such National Commercial Proceeds in proportion to their percentage interests in the National Commercial Proceeds. If within ten (10) business days of The CW’s receipt of the AR Notice and all relevant information, the parties do not agree to jointly bring a collection action, then either party may individually bring such collection action. If one party elects to bring such legal action (“Litigating Party”) but the other party does not, the Litigating Party shall pay 100% of the costs and receive 100% of any recoveries. The party not electing to bring the legal action (“Non-Litigating Party”) shall cooperate fully with the Litigating Party and shall execute such documents, provide such information, give such testimony and take such other actions as may be reasonably requested by the Litigating Party. Should the Non-Litigating Party incur any out of pocket expenses in connection with cooperating with the Litigating Party, the Litigating Party shall reimburse the Non-Litigating Party for such out-of-pocket expenses. For the avoidance of doubt, any such recoveries (whether received by The CW or Company) net of out-of-pocket legal expenses incurred to collect the amount recovered from the advertiser or advertising or media buying agency, shall be deemed to be part of the National Commercial Proceeds received by The CW for purposes of determining whether the applicable Total Guarantee for the Broadcast Year has been paid to The CW.

 

6.

Changes in Allowable Advertising

 

 

a.

Reduction in National Commercial Time.

 

 

 


(i) If any federal (including without limitation FCC) law, regulation or rule or any other federal action reduces or otherwise limits the commercial advertising that can be used in any or all Children’s Programming (as defined in Paragraph 9.a. below) below the current ten and one-half (10.5) minutes per hour and such law, regulation, rule or other federal action is applicable to the Block, then, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Term Sheet or otherwise, if the amount of National Commercial Time in the Block is reduced, the Total Guarantee for the Broadcast Year shall be reduced as set forth in this subparagraph 6 a.(ii) for each Broadcast Year during which such reduction is in effect. Such reduction of the Total Guarantee for the Broadcast Year shall be measured from the effective date such federal limitation on the amount of commercial advertising in Children's Programming is applicable to the Block.

 

(ii) If the National Commercial Time is reduced as stated above to nine (9) minutes, the Total Guarantee will be reduced to $13,500,000. If the National Commercial Time is reduced to eight and one half (8.5) minutes, the Total Guarantee will be reduced to $12,000,000. If the National Commercial Time is reduced to eight (8) minutes, the Total Guarantee will be reduced to $10,000,000.

 

(iii) Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the National Commercial Time is reduced as stated above to less than nine (9) minutes per hour, 4KAS shall have the right upon prior written notice, to the extent that the split of National Commercial Proceeds is 80%--20% in favor of The CW, to revise the split of National Commercial Proceeds to 65%--35% in favor of The CW (subject to Paragraph 6.c. below).

 

(iv) If the National Commercial Time is reduced as stated above to less than eight (8) minutes per hour, Company shall in addition to the rights set forth in this Paragraph have the termination right set forth in Paragraph 12.c. below.

 

 

b.

Limitation of Categories of Permitted Advertising.

 

(i) If any federal (including without limitation FCC) or state or other governmental law, regulation or rule or any industry action bans, reduces or otherwise limits the categories of permitted advertising that can be broadcast in any or all Children’s Programming (collectively “Children’s Ad Limits”), and the category or categories of advertising that are banned, reduced or otherwise limited constitute more than 10% but less than 20% of the National Commercial Proceeds earned from the Block during the preceding Broadcast Year, then the parties shall negotiate in good faith an equitable reduction of the applicable Total Guarantee for the Broadcast Year to take into account the financial detriment arising from the more limited categories of advertising that may be sold for broadcast in any Children’s Programming. Such equitable reduction of the applicable Total Guarantee for the Broadcast Year shall become effective as of the date that such Children’s Ad Limits go into effect.

 

(ii) Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any Children’s Ad Limit bans, reduces or otherwise limits the categories of permitted advertising that can be broadcast in any or all Children’s Programming and the category or categories of advertising that are banned, reduced or otherwise

 

 


limited constitute more than 20% of the National Commercial Proceeds earned from the Block during the preceding Broadcast Year, Company shall have the right, exercisable in writing, to the extent that the split of National Commercial Proceeds is 80%--20% in favor of The CW, to revise the split of National Commercial Proceeds to 65%--35% in favor of The CW (subject to Paragraph 6.c. below).

 

(iii) If the advertising on the Block within the category or categories of advertising that are banned, reduced, or otherwise limited by such Children’s Ad Limits exceeds 20% of the National Commercial Proceeds earned from the Block during the preceding Broadcast Year, the Total Guarantee will be reduced by one tenth of the difference between the amount of the Total Guarantee and $10,000,000 for each percentage point that the category or categories of advertising that are banned, reduced, or otherwise limited exceeds 20% of the National Commercial Proceeds earned from the Block sold during the preceding Broadcast Year.

 

For example, if the category or categories of advertising that are banned, reduced, or otherwise limited constitute 25% of the National Commercial Proceeds earned from the Block during the preceding Broadcast Year and the Total Guarantee is $14,000,000, the Total Guarantee will be reduced by one tenth of the difference between the amount of the Total Guarantee and $10,000,000 (i.e., $4,000,000 divided by 10 = $400,000 for each of the five (5) percentage points that the category or categories of advertising that are banned, reduced, or otherwise limited exceeds 20% of the advertising on the Block sold during the preceding Broadcast Year resulting in a reduction of $2,000,000 in the Total Guarantee to $13,000,000.

 

(iv) If the category or categories of advertising that are banned, reduced or otherwise limited constitute more than 30% of the National Commercial Proceeds earned from the Block during the preceding Broadcast Year, Company shall in addition to the rights set forth in this Paragraph have the termination right set forth in Paragraph 12.c. below.

 

(v) In the event that any Children’s Ad Limits go into effect between the date hereof and the end of the 2008/2009 Broadcast Year, the parties agree that neither the Total Guarantee of $15,000,000 applicable to the 2008/2009 Broadcast Year nor the 80%-20% split of National Commercial Proceeds in favor of The CW applicable to the 2008/2009 Broadcast Year shall be changed as a result of such Children’s Ad Limits. If the Children’s Ad Limits remain in effect as of the beginning of the 2009/2010 Broadcast Year, the parties agree that the Total Guarantee applicable to the 2009/2010 Broadcast Year and the split of National Commercial Proceeds for the 2009/2010 Broadcast Year may be adjusted pursuant to Paragraph 6.b. above by measuring the reduction in National Commercial Proceeds earned from the Block in the 2009/2010 Broadcast Year against the National Commercial Proceeds earned from advertising sold on the Block by The CW for the 2007/2008 Broadcast Year. In addition, the parties agree that for purposes of the application of the financial detriment test in Paragraph 6.c. below, the Initial Impacted Year shall be the 2009/2010 Broadcast Year and the Measuring Broadcast Year shall be The CW’s 2007/2008 Broadcast Year.Upon written request from Company, The CW shall provide Company with a schedule listing the National Commercial Proceeds earned from advertising sold on the Block by The CW for the 2007/2008 Broadcast Year.

 

 


 

For example: If, as of July 1, 2008, fast food advertising is banned from Children’s Programming and such fast food advertising constituted 25% of the National Commercial Proceeds earned by The CW from the Block in the 2007/2008 Broadcast Year, the Total Guarantee and split of National Commercial Proceeds for the 2008-2009 Broadcast Year shall not be affected by the Children’s Ad Limits. However, if the Children’s Ad Limits remain in effect for the 2009/2010 Broadcast Season, then subject to Paragraph 6.c., the Total Guarantee of $15,000,000 for 2009/2010 shall be reduced pursuant to Paragraph 6.b.(iii) as a result of the Children’s Ad Limits. Such reduction shall be computed by calculating one tenth of the difference between $15,000,000 and $10,000,000 = $500,000 multiplied by 5 (the difference between 25% and 20%) to yield a reduction in the Total Guarantee of $2,500,000. In addition, subject to Paragraph 6.c, the split of National Commercial Proceeds shall likewise be reduced pursuant to Paragraph 6.b.(ii) to 65%-35% in favor of The CW.

 

c.         Financial Impact of Changes. The parties acknowledge that the elimination of the Total Guarantee and the revision of the split of National Commercial Proceeds to 65%--35% in favor of The CW provided for in Paragraphs 3 and 6 is predicated upon the reduction in the number of minutes of commercial time per hour and/or the limits in any category or categories of available advertising on Children's Programming having an adverse financial impact on the aggregate amount of National Commercial Proceeds earned during such Broadcast Year. As part of the statement of account to be rendered by Company to The CW pursuant to Paragraph 5.d.(ii) above, Company shall also include a line item listing the aggregate amount of National Commercial Proceeds (“Aggregate Proceeds”) earned during the Broadcast Year in which either the reduction in the number of minutes of commercial time per hour and/or the limits in any category or categories of available advertising on Children's Programming went into effect (“Initial Impacted Year”) as compared with the Aggregate Proceeds earned from the Block during the immediately preceding Broadcast Year (“Measuring Broadcast Year”). If the Aggregate Proceeds earned during the Initial Impacted Year is equal to or more than the Aggregate Proceeds earned from the Block during the Measuring Broadcast Year, then notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the split of National Commercial Proceeds shall remain 80%--20% in favor of The CW and any reduction in the Total Guarantee resulting from the application Paragraphs 6.a.(ii) and/or 6.b.(iii) above shall be restored.

 

d.         Effective Date. If the reduction in the amount of commercial time on Children's Programming and/or the reduction in permitted categories of available advertising on Children's Programming does not take effect at the beginning of the Initial Impacted Year, then the reduction in the split of National Commercial Proceeds applicable to the Broadcast Year immediately succeeding the Initial Impacted Year (“Next Broadcast Year”) shall be calculated by comparing the Aggregate Proceeds earned from the Block for the Next Broadcast Year to the Aggregate Proceeds earned from the Block for the Measuring Broadcast Year. The parties shall then apply the split in National Commercial Proceeds arrived at pursuant to this Paragraph 6 to the National Commercial Proceeds earned with respect to the Next Broadcast Year.

 

If, for example, the effective date of the reductions is in March, 2010, the Initial Impacted Year is the 2009/2010 Broadcast Year, the Measuring Broadcast Year is the 2008/2009 Broadcast Year, and the Next Broadcast Year is the 2010-2011 Broadcast Year.

 

 


 

e.         Restoration. For the avoidance of doubt, in the event that there has been an reduction or elimination of the Total Guarantee and/or a change in the split of National Commercial Proceeds as provided in herein, the reduction or elimination of the Total Guarantee and/or change in the split of National Commercial Proceeds shall carry over to the succeeding Broadcast Year(s) of the Term unless as of the beginning of the applicable Broadcast Year, the reductions in (i) the Block Clearance Requirements, (ii) the amount of commercial time on Children's Programming, and/or (iii) the permitted categories of available advertising on Children's Programming which precipitated the reduction or elimination of the Total Guarantee and/or change in the split of National Commercial Proceeds have been remedied so as to equal or exceed the original benchmarks set forth in Paragraphs 3 and 4 above for items (i)-(iii) above.

 

7.

Launch of the Block on The CW

 

a.         Transitional Promotions. During July and August 2008, The CW will use promotional time during the Block to promote the Content for the 2008/2009 Broadcast Year at comparable levels to the July and August promotions on The CW for the Block for the 2007/2008 Broadcast Year. Company will produce and supply the promotional spots to The CW at Company’s sole cost and expense. During July and August of the final Broadcast Year of the Term, Company will use promotional time during the Block to promote the new programming for the following Broadcast Year at comparable levels to the July and August promotions on the Block for the final Broadcast Year. The CW will produce and supply the promotional spots to Company at The CW’s sole cost and expense.

 

b.         Launch Program. For each Broadcast Year, at Company’s election, Company may produce at its cost a one half-hour program promoting the Content for that Broadcast Year (“Launch Program”). Assuming timely delivery and sufficient notice of Company’s intent to produce, The CW will exhibit each Launch Program on The CW without cost to Company during the first week of September preceding the applicable Broadcast Year, at a precise date and at such specific time (other than during the Block) to be selected by The CW in consultation with the Company after taking into account the audience profile desired by Company. It is contemplated that such Launch Program shall be broadcast on The CW on Sunday between the hours of 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. or between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. on a weekday during the first week of September. Each Launch Program, if any, shall be produced and delivered by Company pursuant to The CW’s then-current delivery requirements for half-hour prime time programs. Company shall sell the National Commercial Time in the Launch Program with the precise amount of such National Commercial Time in such Launch Program being determined based on (i) the agreement in place between The CW and its affiliates applicable to the division of commercial time for the time period when the Launch Program is broadcast and (ii) whether the Launch Program constitutes Children’s Programming. The National Commercial Proceeds shall be divided 80% to The CW and 20% to the Company. The CW’s share of Launch Program National Commercial Time will be accounted for and paid to The CW expeditiously and will not be subject to being withheld against the Total Guarantee.

 

 

 


c.         Promotional Spots. The CW will allocate to Company a total of thirty seconds per week in prime-time and a total of one and one half minutes per week during the weekly Monday-Friday 3 p.m.–5 p.m. time period on The CW to promote the Content and the Block. Such promotional time will be broadcast in splits and at times to be selected by The CW in consultation with the Company and taking into account the audience profile desired by Company. The CW will coordinate with Company with respect to which particular promotional spots should run in each time period designated by The CW for Company’s promotional spots. Company will produce and supply the promotional spots to The CW, at Company’s sole cost and expense.

 

8.

CW Services

 

a.         Content/Integration. Company will provide the Content to The CW, at Company’s sole cost and expense. All Content will be delivered to The CW in accordance with The CW’s standard delivery requirements (as they may change from time to time). Company will deliver all Content at least forty-eight (48) hours prior to any CW satellite transmission of the Content to affiliates. Company will also supply, in advance, a weekly master schedule (in the form attached hereto) to The CW with detailed integration instructions. Subject to timely delivery of elements, The CW will provide, at its sole cost and expense, all commercial integration services for the Block. The CW will comply with the weekly master schedule to create the integrated programming on the Block each week during the Term. The CW, at its sole cost and expense, will provide to Company all technical services necessary to uplink and transmit to The CW ’s affiliates all Content in the Block that is timely delivered by Company to The CW. The CW will also library for a period of five years from delivery all Company masters and Content elements necessary to create the Block.

 

b.         Broadcast Standards and Practices (“BS&P”). The CW will timely provide Company with a delivery schedule for all elements of the Block and all elements of all programming in the Block consistent with the schedule and procedures now in place at The CW for its own program schedule. Company will follow said schedule, which obligation is of the essence to this Term Sheet. The CW will review all Content to make certain that such content complies with The CW’s then current broadcast standards and practices as well as all applicable laws and regulations, including, without limitation, the Children's Television Act (“CTA”), as amended, and the regulations promulgated pursuant to the CTA.

 

c.         Additional Services. During the Term, The CW shall supply Company with a billing system and television ratings in accordance with the terms of an agreement to be negotiated by the parties.

 

9.

Program Approvals and Consultations

 

 

a.

Children’s Programming.

 

(i) Except as may be otherwise agreed by the parties, the programming provided by Company must be Children’s Programming (as defined below) and all Content must be provided in accordance with FCC standards for Children’s Programming as set forth in more detail in this

 

 


Paragraph. “Children’s Programming” means programming with a target audience of children ages 12 and under. All programming provided hereunder must be first rate, network quality programming and will be exclusive to The CW for broadcast television during each such Broadcast Year. The CW shall have final approval, not to be unreasonably withheld, over the selection of each series to be broadcast on the Block during the Term; provided, however, that any series broadcast on 4Kids TV on the “Fox Block” (as defined below) during the 2007/2008 Broadcast Year (including episodes from prior seasons of such series) shall be deemed approved by The CW for broadcast on the Block during the Term. The approval mechanism, including the procedure for dealing with any dispute, will be negotiated in good faith. The parties acknowledge and agree that there will be a substantial amount of “first run” Children’s Programming broadcast on the Block during peak periods of advertising demand such as the “hard eight” and pre-Easter. The parties acknowledge and agree that Company shall be broadcasting reruns of Content and may be broadcasting programs from Company’s library that have not been broadcast on 4Kids TV on the Fox Block during the 2007/2008 Broadcast Year (“Company Library Programming”) on the Block in accordance with customary scheduling practices for Children’s Programming. Company shall consult with The CW with respect to the scheduling of Company Library Programming on the Block. The CW shall have the right to approve or disapprove Company Library Programming broadcast on the Block during the Term, such approval not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed.

 

(ii) 2008/2009 Broadcast Year. Company has advised The CW that Fox Broadcasting Corporation ("Fox") has exercised its option to require Company for the 2008/2009 Broadcast Year to program and sell national commercial inventory on the four-hour block of children's programming telecast principally on Saturday mornings on Fox (“Fox Block”) for the 2008/2009 Broadcast Year. Company agrees that during the 2008/2009 Broadcast Year, Company shall not broadcast on The CW any of the same series that Company is broadcasting on the Fox Block during the 2008/2009 Broadcast Year. Beginning in the 2009/2010 Broadcast Year, Company shall not provide any other over the air television broadcaster with a 4Kids-branded linear block of Children's Programming unless Company has received the approval of The CW, such approval not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed.

 

b.         Stripping. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, Company will have the right to license any series of Children’s Programming debuting on the Block to any cable or satellite programming service, provided that no episodes of any series of Children’s Programming debuting on the Block may be licensed before the earlier of (i) the transmission by The CW of twenty-six (26) episodes of such series debuting on the Block, or (ii) six (6) months after the debut of such series on the Block. Any such license of any series of Children’s Programming debuting on the Block shall provide that no episodes of such series may be transmitted between midnight Friday and noon Sunday. For the avoidance of doubt, the foregoing limitations on stripping shall not apply to any series of Children’s Programming that is broadcast on the Block during the Term but that did not debut on the Block. Company shall consult in good faith with The CW with respect to the stripping of any series of Children’s Programming on the Block on any cable or satellite programming service, which stripping is scheduled to begin prior to the end of the Broadcast Year in which the first episodes of such series debuted on the Block.

 

 

 


c.         Other Programming. Company shall have the right to suggest Content for the Block that is not Children’s Programming, including without limitation “specials” and teen programming (collectively “Other Programming”). The CW will consider in good faith such Other Programming suggested by Company. Any such Other Programming shall be subject to the prior written approval of The CW. If The CW approves such Other Programming for the Block, the commercial inventory split for such Other Programming shall be as set forth in Paragraph 4.a. above and the split of national Commercial Proceeds from such Other Programming shall be as set forth herein in Paragraph 4.a. above.

 

d.         E/I Programming. In the event that three (3) hours of educational or informational programming (“Core Programs”) are required by the CTA or one (1) hour is required by The CW’s agreements with its affiliates, Company will include in the Block at least one (1) hour of programming that qualifies as “Core Programs” per week throughout each Broadcast Year. The Core Programs shall be of first-class network quality, with production values consistent with other Core Programs exhibited on The CW in the 2007/2008 Broadcast Year. The CW has an existing procedure set in place with regard to the certification of the educational/informational programming that will appear on The CW and Company agrees to utilize that procedure, about which Company will be fully informed and advised. Company shall use reasonable commercial efforts to cause up to an additional one half-hour of Children’s Programming to be broadcast on the Block to qualify as Core Programs, it being agreed and understood that Company’s inability to qualify such additional one half-hour of Children’s Programming to be broadcast on the Block to qualify as Core Programs shall not constitute a breach of this Term Sheet. Should Company and The CW be unable to reach agreement on the certification of any specific programming as E/I, the series listed in Exhibit “B” attached hereto are deemed approved by the parties as E/I.

 

e.         Consultant. The CW will, in consultation with Company, have the right to engage an executive to monitor and approve programming elements. Such engagement will commence at the start of the 2008/2009 season. All salary connected with the engagement of the executive chosen hereunder will be split 50/50 between The CW and Company, up to a maximum contribution by Company of $50,000 per Broadcast Year, payable quarterly. The CW shall provide Company with a copy of any agreement or other documentation setting forth the salary payable to such executive charged with monitoring or approving programming elements for the Block. The CW shall also invoice Company quarterly for the portion of the Company’s share of the salary due for services rendered by such executive during the previous quarter.

 

f.         Block Name. The name(s) of the Block and all marks to be used in connection therewith are subject to consultation with The CW and The CW’s prior approval, which will be made in a timely fashion. Without limitation to the foregoing, The CW will have the right to include a presentation credit within the name of the Block in such size, style of type, color, placement and form as The CW elects from time to time, in its sole discretion. The name “Kids’ WB!” and all marks and indicia thereof will not be used in any form. Following the end of the Term, the right to the name “The CW” and all marks and indicia thereof will revert to The CW and Company will have no rights thereto. The CW hereby approves including “4Kids TV” in the name of the Block.

 

 

 


g.         BS&P Approval Rights. All Content will conform to The CW’s broadcast standards and practices and will comply with all applicable laws and regulations. The CW will have the right to approve all Content in the Block with respect to The CW’s clearance policies relating to promotion and advertising and to The CW’s other operating policies (as The CW may change any of the foregoing from time to time) (“The CW’s BS&P Approval Rights”). If The CW disapproves of any portion of any Content with respect to any of the above-listed matters, then Company will edit the applicable Content segments or submit substitute Content until such time as The CW has approved Content sufficient to fill the entire Block. All decisions of the CW’s BS&P department may be unilaterally executed by The CW if required by time exigencies. Subject to the foregoing CW BS&P Approval Rights and the terms and conditions set forth herein, Company shall have the exclusive right to program the Block (including, without limitation, all Content and scheduling, and the selection and scheduling of promotional announcements, contests, sweepstakes and promotions), and to produce a Launch Program for each Broadcast Year. Subject to The CW’s BS&P Approval Rights, 4KAS shall have the right to sell the National Commercial Time in the Block.

 

h.         Legal Compliance. Company represents and warrants that during the Term, all Company and third-party Content-related websites, and all activities related thereto (including without limitation, the promotional and advertising content, promotions and sweepstakes) shall be in compliance with the CTA, the Children’s On-line Privacy Protection Act (“COPPA”) and all other applicable laws and governmental rules and regulations.

 

10.

CW Legacy Programming

 

Within thirty (30) days after signature of this Term Sheet, The CW will provide to Company a summary of the terms and conditions of its agreements with respect to (i) television series (other than television series produced by Warner Bros. Animation) that The CW intends to broadcast in the Block during the 2007/2008 Broadcast Year to which The CW will have rights during the Term, and (ii) television series that The CW is developing for the 2008/2009 Broadcast Year (collectively "CW Series"). The CW hereby grants to the Company the right to include CW Series in the Block in accordance with the terms and conditions of its license agreements. No CW Series produced by Warner Bros. Animation will be included in this grant of rights. In the event that The CW has already paid a license fee with respect to such CW Series and The CW license fee permits additional broadcasts of such CW Series during the Term, The CW will make such CW Series available to Company free of charge. In the event that The CW is required to pay an additional license fee for the right to broadcast such CW Series in the Block during the Term, The CW will so notify Company in writing of the same (including the amount of such fee and the number of runs). Company will have the right to require The CW to pay such additional license fee for the right to broadcast such CW series in the Block by notifying The CW in writing of the same. In such event, Company will pay, or reimburse The CW, for the cost of the license of rights to such CW Series. If The CW has the option to order additional episodes of any CW Series or the option to extend the term of the license to The CW of the rights to such CW Series, The CW will advise Company in writing of the same. Company will have the right to require The CW to exercise its option to order such additional episodes or extend the term of license by notifying The CW in writing of the same. In such event,

 

 


The CW will exercise its option and Company will promptly pay, or reimburse, The CW, for the cost of such additional episodes or the extension of the term of license with respect to such CW Series.

 

11.

Merchandising Participation

 

a.         CW Merchandising Participation. Company will pay The CW a percentage of Company’s share of the advances, royalties, and minimum guarantees received by Company from the exploitation in the Territory of U.S. merchandising rights to the Content broadcast for no less than thirteen (13) weeks on the Block during any Broadcast Year (“Broadcast Year Royalties”), as follows:

 

Company’s Share of Broadcast Year Royalties

CW percentage of Company’s Share of Broadcast Year Royalties

$0 - $16,000,000

0%

$16,000,001 - $25,000,000

5%

$25,000,001-$50,000,000

10%

$50,000,001 -

15%

 

For purposes of this Term Sheet, Broadcast Year Royalties shall include 5% of the amount of net advertising revenues (net of agency’s commissions) earned by Company and/or affiliates (net of participations payable by Company or affiliates to unaffiliated third parties, including, without limitation, licensors or grantors to Company of various rights to the Content broadcast on the Block) from Internet sites specifically dedicated to the Content broadcast on the Block during any Broadcast Year or from those portions of general internet sites (e.g., www.4Kids.TV) specifically dedicated to Content broadcast on the Block during any Broadcast Year; provided, however, that the foregoing shall not apply to net advertising revenues from websites devoted to multiplayer game play such as www.chaoticgame.com (the website where users can play the Chaotic trading card game online). For purposes of this Term Sheet, the term "merchandising rights" shall mean any product upon which any copyright or trademark contained in any series broadcast on the Block may be used or affixed, including, but not limited to: all items of wearing apparel, hats, shirts, jackets, shoes, toys, games, board games, toy figurines, stationery, “back-to-school” products, back packs, lunch boxes, portfolios, pendants, banners, confectionary items, video games, hand-held video games, computer games, cellular phone wallpaper and ring tones, published materials and premiums and promotional items. For the avoidance of doubt, the term "merchandising rights" does not include motion picture rights, television rights, home-video rights, Internet rights (except as provided above) or cell phone rights (other than ring tones and wallpaper) to the series in any and all formats, including, without limitation, video on demand, Internet streaming of Content to personal computers or cell phones, whether now known or hereafter invented. The parties acknowledge that "merchandising rights” subject to this Term Sheet are limited to such "merchandising rights" actually represented by Company as merchandise licensing agent or controlled by Company as licensor for, and/or licensee of, any series broadcast on the Block.

 

Any amounts due the CW pursuant to this Paragraph 11.a. shall be reduced by any CW Series

 

 


Royalties (net of participations payable by The CW or affiliates to unaffiliated third parties) as is provided below in Paragraph 11.b. For purposes of this Paragraph 11 only, the Broadcast Year shall be deemed to start on October 1 of the applicable Broadcast Year and to conclude on the following September 30. For the avoidance of doubt, Company’s share of Broadcast Year Royalties shall be net of participations payable by Company or affiliates to unaffiliated third parties, including, without limitation, licensors or grantors to Company of various rights to the Series broadcast on the Block. The Company’s share of Broadcast Year Royalties shall be calculated for each Broadcast Year and not on a cumulative basis. The CW’s percentage of Company’s share of Broadcast Year Royalties shall be computed based on the amounts that fall within the range of Company’s share of Broadcast Year Royalties set forth in the above table. For example, if in a Broadcast Year, Company’s share of Broadcast Year Royalties totals $30 million, The CW shall receive 0% of the first $16 million, 5% of $16,000,001-$25,000,000 of Company’s share of Broadcast Year Royalties or $450,000 and 10% of Company’s share of Broadcast Year Royalties between $25,000,001 and $30 million or $500,000.

 

b.         CW Series Royalties. If Company broadcasts any CW Series on the Block, and by virtue of Company’s broadcast of such CW Series on the Block, The CW receives any merchandise or other royalties from the CW Series with respect to such Broadcast Year (“CW Series Royalties”), the amount of such CW Series Royalties (net of participations payable by The CW or affiliates to unaffiliated third parties) will be deducted from any payments due from Company to The CW pursuant to this Paragraph 11 with respect to the corresponding Broadcast Year.

 

c.         Company Series. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, Company’s Royalties from series previously broadcast by Company on 4Kids TV on Fox will be considered Company’s Broadcast Year Royalties hereunder only to the extent such Company Royalties during any Broadcast Year during the Term exceed a baseline of Company’s Royalties from such series during the last Broadcast Year that such series has been broadcast by Company on 4Kids TV on Fox.

 

d.         Related Party Transactions. If Company is acting as both a licensor and a manufacturer/owner of the product or service, then an imputed royalty will be recognized for purposes of determining The CW’s participation. The imputed royalty will be the Company’s share of the customary royalty for a similar product for a similar property. Company will give prior notice to The CW of all such arrangements.

 

e.         Total Guarantee Shortfall. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, in the event that the Total Guarantee received by The CW with respect to any Broadcast Year during the Term exceeds the amount payable to The CW pursuant to Paragraph 5.a. above (“Total Guarantee Shortfall”), then any amounts payable by Company to The CW in respect of The CW's merchandising participation for that Broadcast Year pursuant to this Paragraph 11 will be reduced by the amount of such Total Guarantee Shortfall.

 

For example, if Company earns National Commercial Proceeds of $18,000,000 with respect to a Broadcast Year, Company has paid a Total Guarantee of $15,000,000 to The CW and Company’s share of Broadcast Year Royalties is $20,000,000, then the Total Guarantee of $15,000,000 paid to The CW will have exceeded the amount payable to The CW pursuant to Paragraph 5.a. ($18,000,000

 

 


multiplied by 80%= $14,400,000) by $600,000 thus yielding a Total Guarantee Shortfall. The CW’s merchandising participation for that Broadcast Year pursuant to this Paragraph 11 would ordinarily be 5% of $4,000,000 or $200,000. However, since there is a Total Guarantee Shortfall of $600,000, the amount payable to The CW as its merchandising participation for such Broadcast Year shall be reduced by the Total Guarantee Shortfall of $600,000. Thus, in such Broadcast Year, The CW shall not receive any payment of any portion of Company’s share of Broadcast Year Royalties.

 

f.         Company Statements/Audit. Company shall render a statement of account to The CW with respect to such Company share of Broadcast Year Royalties within ninety (90) days following the end of the applicable Broadcast Year. Company will keep and maintain accurate records of the transactions underlying the statements of account furnished to The CW. The CW will have the right to audit and make copies of the books and records of Company insofar as they relate to this Paragraph. Such audit will take place upon not less than ten (10) business days written notice during regular office hours and not more than once per broadcast year. Such audit will be at the sole expense of The CW; provided, however that if such audit will disclose a deficiency of 5% or more of the amount due to The CW for the period under audit, Company will pay, in addition to the deficiency, the reasonable cost for such audit (including, without limitation, travel and related expenses). This right to audit will not be extinguished by the termination or expiration of this Term Sheet.

 

g.         The CW Statements/Audit. The CW shall render a statement of account to Company with respect to such CW Series Royalties within ninety (90) days following the end of the applicable Broadcast Year. The CW will keep and maintain accurate records of the transactions underlying the statements of account furnished to Company with respect to CW Series Royalties. Company will have the right to audit and make copies of the books and records of The CW insofar as they relate to this Paragraph. Such audit will take place upon not less than ten (10) business days written notice during regular office hours and not more than once per broadcast year. Such audit will be at the sole expense of Company; provided however, that if such audit discloses a deficiency of 5% or more of the amount to be credited to Company for the period under audit, The CW will pay, in addition to the deficiency, the reasonable cost for such audit (including, without limitation, travel and related expenses). This right to audit will not be extinguished by the termination or expiration of this Term Sheet.

 

h.         Merchandising Settle Up. Within one hundred twenty (120) days following the end of the applicable Broadcast Year, Company shall make payment to The CW for any amounts due The CW pursuant to this Paragraph 11 after giving effect to any adjustments that may be required pursuant to Paragraphs 11.b. and 11.e. above.

 

12.

Termination.

 

a.         Insolvency. Upon one month's notice and to the extent permitted by law, either Company or The CW may terminate this Term Sheet if a petition in bankruptcy is filed by or on behalf of the other or if the other otherwise takes advantage of any insolvency law, or an involuntary petition in bankruptcy is filed against the other and not dismissed within thirty (30) days thereafter,

 

 


or if a receiver or trustee of any of the other’s property is appointed at any time and such appointment is not vacated within thirty (30) days thereafter.

 

b.         Material Breach. In the event that a party (the “Non-breaching Party”) believes that the other party (the “Breaching Party”) is in breach of any of the material terms and conditions of this Term Sheet, then the Non-breaching Party shall give notice to the Breaching Party of the particulars of the alleged breach. The Breaching Party shall have a period of fifteen (15) business days after receipt of the notice to cure the breach. In the event that the breach is not cured within such fifteen (15) business day period, then the Non-breaching Party may institute the following dispute resolution procedures:

 

(i) Within five (5) business days following the end of the fifteen (15) business day cure period, each of Company and The CW shall each designate up to three senior executives (collectively referred to as “Senior Executives”) to meet in person, or telephonically, to attempt to negotiate a resolution of the breach. If after fifteen (15) business days of negotiation, the Senior Executives fail to resolve the issue concerning the breach, then within five (5) business days, the issue will be submitted for Mediation administered by JAMS under its Commercial Mediation Procedures. In the event that the issue is not resolved by Mediation, then the issue will be submitted within five (5) business days to final and binding arbitration. The arbitration shall be initiated and conducted according to either the JAMS Streamlined (for claims under $250,000) or the JAMS Comprehensive (for claims over $250,000) Arbitration Rules and Procedures, except as modified herein, including the Optional Appeal Procedure. If Company is the Breaching Party, the arbitration shall take place at the Los Angeles office of JAMS, or its successor in effect at the time the request for arbitration is made. If The CW is the Breaching Party, the arbitration shall take place at the New York office of JAMS in effect at the time the request for arbitration is made (the “Arbitration Rules”). The arbitration shall be conducted in the venue determined as provided above before a single neutral arbitrator appointed in accordance with the Arbitration Rules. The Arbitrator shall follow state law of the venue in which the arbitration is taking place of (" Arbitration Venue") and the Federal Rules of Evidence in adjudicating the Dispute. The parties waive the right to seek punitive damages and the arbitrator shall have no authority to award such damages. The arbitrator will provide a detailed written statement of decision, which will be part of the arbitration award and admissible in any judicial proceeding to confirm, correct or vacate the award. Unless agreed otherwise, the neutral arbitrator and the members of any appeal panel shall be former or retired judges or justices of any state or federal court with experience in matters involving the entertainment industry.

 

(ii) If any party refuses to perform any or all of its obligations under the final arbitration award (following appeal, if applicable) within thirty (30) days of such award being rendered, then the other parties may enforce the final award in any court of competent jurisdiction in the Arbitration Venue . The party or parties seeking enforcement shall be entitled to an award of all costs, fees and expenses, including reasonable outside attorneys’ fees, incurred in enforcing the award, to be paid by the party against whom enforcement is ordered. In the event that termination of the Term Sheet ordered as a result of the expedited commercial arbitration, then such termination may only take place effective at the end of the Broadcast Year.

 

 


 

 

c.

Change in Advertising Regulations.

 

(i) If any federal (including without limitation FCC) law, regulation or rule or any other federal action reduces or otherwise limits the amount of commercial advertising that can be sold in any or all Children’s Programming such that after the pro-rata reduction of the total commercial time provided for in Paragraph 6.a. above, the National Commercial Time is less than eight (8) minutes per hour, then in addition to the rights and remedies that Company has pursuant to Paragraph 6.a. above, Company shall also have the right to terminate this Term Sheet by delivering a written notice of termination to the CW. Such notice of termination shall be effective as of the date set forth therein; provided, however, that the effective date of any termination may not be earlier than the effective date of the change in advertising regulations and may not be earlier than the end of the then applicable Broadcast Year.

 

(ii) If any Children’s Ad Limit bans, reduces or otherwise limits the categories of permitted advertising that can be broadcast in any or all Children’s Programming, and the category or categories of advertising that are banned, reduced or otherwise limited constitute more than 30% of the National Commercial Proceeds earned from the Block during the preceding Broadcast Year, then in addition to the rights and remedies that Company has pursuant to Paragraph 6.b. above, Company shall also have the right to terminate this Term Sheet by delivering a written notice of termination to The CW . Such notice of termination shall be effective as of the date set forth therein; provided, however, that the effective date of any termination may not be earlier than the effective date of the change in advertising regulations and may not be earlier than the end of the then applicable Broadcast Year.

 

d.         CW Termination Right. If after any reduction or elimination of the Total Guarantee or the split of National Commercial Proceeds hereunder and the share of National Commercial Proceeds paid by Company to The CW is less than $10,000,000 in any Broadcast Year, The CW will have the right to terminate this Term Sheet by delivering a written notice of termination to Company. Such notice of termination shall be effective as of the date set forth therein; provided, however, that the effective date of any termination may not be earlier than the effective date of the change in advertising regulations and may not be earlier than the end of the then applicable Broadcast Year. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if The CW exercises it right of termination pursuant to this Paragraph 12 d., Company shall have ten (10) business days within which to pay The CW the difference between $10,000,000 and the share of National Commercial Proceeds paid by Company to The CW with respect to such Broadcast Year (“Makeup Payment”). If Company pays The CW the Makeup Payment within said ten (10) business days period, The CW’s notice of termination shall be null and void and this Term Sheet shall continue in full force and effect.

 

e.         Financial Impact of Changes. The parties acknowledge that the termination of this Agreement by Company pursuant to Paragraph 12.c. above is predicated upon the reduction in the number of minutes of commercial time per hour and/or the limits in any category or categories of available advertising on Children's Programming having an adverse financial impact on the aggregate amount of National Commercial Proceeds earned during such Broadcast Year. The

 

 


parties, therefore, agree that if in any Broadcast Year in which Company would have a right of termination pursuant to Paragraph 12.c., the Aggregate Proceeds earned during the Initial Impacted Year are not materially less than the Aggregate Proceeds earned from the Block during the Measuring Broadcast Year, then notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, Company shall not have the right to terminate this Term Sheet.

 

f.         Effect of Termination. In the event that either party exercises its right of termination pursuant to this Paragraph 12 and The CW notifies Company in writing that The CW wishes to continue to broadcast Children's Programming from the effective date of termination for one (1) or more Broadcast Years through the end of the Term, then Company and The CW shall negotiate in good faith the terms and conditions pursuant to which Company shall provide Content and/or advertising sales services for the Block for at least one (1) additional Broadcast Year after the effective date of termination of this Term Sheet.

 

13.

Representations and Warranties

 

a.         Company’s Representations and Warranties. In addition to the representations and warranties of Company set forth herein, Company further represents and warrants that:

 

(i) Company has the full right and authority to enter into this Term Sheet, to provide the Content to The CW and to otherwise completely perform under this Term Sheet. Company is not aware of any existing, potential, or threatened claims or litigation which could affect or impair the right of Company to provide the Content to The CW or to fully exploit all rights to the Content as permitted hereunder or for Company to sell the National Commercial Time on the Block during the Term.

 

(ii) Company controls all rights of any nature whatsoever that are or may be necessary for Company to permit The CW to exercise all rights granted hereunder, and to allow The CW to transmit or otherwise exhibit, market, exploit, and promote the Block. In this regard, the Content is either original with Company, or Company has licensed or otherwise acquired all rights (including without limitation any copyrights, trademarks and/or other intellectual property rights) that are or may be necessary for the grant of the license to The CW and the exploitation of such rights by The CW as contemplated by this Term Sheet.

 

(iii) Subject to Paragraph 13.g. below, The CW’s transmission or other exhibition, marketing, exploitation, or promotion of the Block will not infringe the property or personal rights of any third-party, nor violate any law or regulation.

 

(iv) Company has not provided or promised and Company shall not provide or promise during the Term any inappropriate or unlawful direct or indirect payment, bribe or other benefit to any official or employee of (or any person acting in an official capacity for or on behalf of) any government (including any department or agency), or other state-owned or administered entity, public international organization, political party (or candidate or member of such party), in order to

 

 


affect the exercise of official discretionary authority in relation to the Content, The CW, or any matter covered by this Term Sheet.

 

(v) Company will conform to the requirements of Section 507 of the Federal Communications Act (47 U.S.C. §508) concerning broadcast matter and disclosures required thereunder, insofar as that Section applies to persons furnishing program material for television broadcasting. Company agrees that, without the approval of The CW's Broadcast Standards and Practices Department, no program will include any matter for which any money, service or other valuable consideration is directly or indirectly paid, or promised to, Company by a third-party, or accepted from or charged to a third-party by Packager. Company will exercise reasonable diligence to inform its employees, and other persons with whom they deal directly in connection with the Content, of the requirements of Section 507; provided, however, that no act of any such employee or of any independent contractor connected with any of the Content, in contravention of the provisions of Section 507, will constitute a breach of the provisions of this Paragraph unless a director, officer, or senior executive of Company has notice thereof and fails promptly to disclose such act to The CW. As used in this Paragraph, the term "service or other valuable consideration" will not include any service or property furnished without charge or at a nominal charge for use in, or in connection with, any of the Content "unless it is so furnished in consideration for an identification in a broadcast of any person, product, service, trademark, or brand name beyond an identification which is reasonably related to the use of such service or property on the broadcast", as such terms are used in Section 507.

 

b.         Company Indemnity. Subject to Paragraph 13.g. below, Company will indemnify, defend and hold harmless The CW, its joint venturers and their affiliates, and their officers, directors, employees and agents (collectively “The CW Indemnitees”) from and against any and all claims, liabilities, suits, losses, damages, and expenses (including reasonable outside attorneys' fees) brought by third parties against any of The CW Indemnitees arising out of or relating to any breach or alleged breach by Company and/or affiliates of any of its/their duties, obligations, representations and warranties set forth herein.

 

c.         CW Representations. In addition to the representations and warranties set forth herein, The CW further represents and warrants that:

 

(i) It is authorized to enter into this Term Sheet; and

 

(ii) No content supplied by The CW to be transmitted on the Block will infringe upon or violate any copyrights, trademarks and/or other intellectual property rights of any third party.

 

d.         CW Indemnity. Subject to Paragraph 13.g. below, The CW will indemnify, defend and hold harmless Company and its affiliates (including, without limitation, 4KAS), and their officers, directors, employees and agents (collectively “Company Indemnitees”) from and against any and all claims, liabilities, suits, losses, damages, and expenses (including reasonable outside attorneys' fees) brought by third parties against any of the Company Indemnitees arising out of or

 

 


relating to any breach or alleged breach by Company and/or affiliates (including, without limitation, 4KAS), of any of its/their duties, obligations, representations and warranties set forth herein.

 

e.         Defense. Upon notice from the indemnified party, the indemnifying party will undertake the defense of any such claim or suit subject to the indemnifications as set forth above. In such event, the indemnified party will have the right to:

 

(i) approve the attorney selected by the indemnifying party, such approval not to be unreasonably withheld;

 

(ii) be kept informed at all times about such claim or suit; and

 

(iii) approve any settlement offer or agreement (other than one solely for money damages where the indemnifying party pays the full amount of such settlement), such approval not to be unreasonably withheld.

 

The indemnified party will have the right to retain its own counsel in connection with any claim or suit brought or made as set forth hereinabove, provided that in such event, the indemnified party will pay its own legal expenses in connection therewith.

 

f.         Music. With respect to all music used in the Content, Company warrants and represents that Company, at its own expense, will have obtained all necessary synchronization, master use, non-dramatic performing rights, and any other applicable rights in each musical composition for the exploitation of the Content contemplated hereunder; provided, however, that Company need not obtain non-dramatic performing rights in any musical composition during any period in which agreements with music performing rights societies (i.e., ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC) licensing such non-dramatic performing rights in such musical compositions will cover a majority of commercial television stations licensed by the Federal Communications Commission. With respect to all music used in the Content, including, without limitation, music not originally created for the Content, Company will obtain the right to use such music for the purpose of advertising and promotion of same; and, with respect to music synchronization licenses, the license obtained by Company will include the right to use the music with other footage from the Content (i.e., "out of context") for the purpose of advertising and promotion of the Content.

 

g.         Regulatory Issues. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary and for the avoidance of doubt, in the event that any of Company’s websites relating to Content being telecast on the Block do not comply with the CTA and the regulations promulgated thereunder or any other laws or regulations, Company shall indemnify The CW Indemnitees against such claims in accordance with the provisions of this Paragraph 13.b. In the event that any of Company’s Content that is broadcast on the Block that has been reviewed and approved by The CW’s broadcast standards and practices does not comply with the CTA and the regulations promulgated thereunder or any other laws or regulations, The CW shall indemnify the Company Indemnitees against such claims in accordance with the provisions of this Paragraph 13.d.

 

 

 


14.

Errors and Omissions Insurance

 

During the Term, each party will obtain and maintain, at its own expense, errors and omissions insurance from an insurance company maintaining at least an “A” rating providing adequate protection against any claims, liabilities, suits, losses, damages and expenses arising out of or relating to the Content, in the amount of at least $5,000,000 per incident or occurrence, with a reasonable deductible. Such insurance will remain in full force during the Term and for a period of three years thereafter. Each party will name the other as an “additional insured” under such party’s errors and omissions insurance. Each party will provide the other with thirty (30) days prior written notice of any termination of such party’s errors and omissions insurance coverage. If requested by the additional insured party in writing, the named insured party will provide the additional insured party with a certificate of insurance confirming that such party is an “additional insured” under the named insured party’s errors and omissions insurance coverage.

 

15.

Notices

 

All notices and statements required under this Term Sheet will be in writing addressed to the parties at the addresses above, unless notification of a change of address is given in writing. All notices will be sent by (i) registered mail, return receipt requested, (ii) overnight courier (e.g. Express Mail, Federal Express); or (iii) telefax or e-mail with a follow up copy by regular mail. All statements of account may be sent by regular mail. The date of mailing will be deemed the date the notice or statement is received by a party.

 

16.

Relationship Between The Parties

 

No party will represent itself as the agent or legal representative of the other party for any purpose whatsoever, and no party will have the right to create or assume any obligation of any kind, express or implied, for or on behalf of the other party in any way whatsoever. This Term Sheet will not create or be deemed to create any agency, partnership, or joint venture between the parties.

 

17.

Assignment

 

a.          Assignment. Except as provided herein, neither this Term Sheet nor the rights granted in this Term Sheet may be sold, assigned, delegated, sublicensed or otherwise transferred or encumbered, in whole or in part, including without limitation, by operation of law, by either party without the prior written consent of the non-assigning party, which consent may be withheld by the non-assigning party in its sole discretion.

 

 

b.

Permitted Assignments.

 

(i) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, The CW may assign this Agreement to either of its partners or entities affiliated with or subsidiary to its partners.

 

 

 


(ii) In the event that the business of the Company is acquired by a third party, whether by merger, sale of stock, sale of assets or otherwise, such transaction shall not be deemed to be an assignment requiring notice to, and the prior written consent of, The CW pursuant to this Paragraph 17 unless the business of Company is acquired by a Competitor of The CW (as defined below), in which case, this Term Sheet may not be assigned, whether by operation of law or otherwise, without the prior written consent of The CW, which consent may be withheld by The CW, in its sole discretion. For purposes of this Term Sheet, the term “Competitor” shall mean any company that is the owner of broadcast television networks or cable television networks. Any attempted sale, assignment, delegation, sublicense or other transfer or in violation of the provisions of this Paragraph 17 shall be deemed null and void, and of no effect. Subject to the restrictions against assignment provided above, this Term Sheet shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties, their successors and assigns.

 

18.

Confidentiality

 

Company and The CW will keep, and will each ensure that its respective officers, directors, agents, employees and any third party to whom it discloses any terms of this Term Sheet, as permitted, will keep secret and confidential the terms and conditions set forth in this Term Sheet. Neither Company nor The CW will, without the prior written consent of the other, disclose the terms and conditions set forth in this Term Sheet to any third party (other than to its outside legal and financial representatives). Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the parties acknowledge that both Company and the joint venturers of The CW are public companies or affiliates of public companies that are obliged under the securities laws to make public disclosure, from time to time, of material information and that such material information may include certain information contained in this Term Sheet. In the event that either party, in the judgment of its outside SEC counsel, is required to disclose any information contained in this Term Sheet, the disclosing party will promptly notify the other party in writing. The disclosing party will provide the other party with the proposed text of any proposed written disclosure regarding information contained in this Term Sheet for comment by the other party. The disclosing party will make any reasonable changes that the other party may require in any written disclosure of information contained in this Term Sheet, it being understood, however, that the final text of any such disclosure will be determined by the disclosing party’s outside SEC counsel based on the disclosure requirements of the securities laws. The CW and Company will mutually approve a press release to announce this Term Sheet.

 

19.

Attorneys’ Fees

 

In the event that there is any dispute or litigation between the parties pursuant to this Term Sheet, the parties agree that the prevailing party in any such dispute will be entitled to recover from the losing party the prevailing party’s reasonable outside attorneys’ fees arising from such dispute or litigation.

 

20.

Entire Agreement

 

 

 


This Term Sheet together with any other signed writings by the parties dated on or after the date of this Term Sheet relating to the subject matter hereof is intended by the parties as a final and complete expression of their agreement with respect to the subject matter hereof, and supersedes any and all prior and contemporaneous agreements, representations and understandings relating to it.

 

21.

Modification and Waiver

 

This Term Sheet may not be modified and none of its terms may be waived, except in writing signed by all of the parties. The failure of any party to enforce, or the delay by any party in enforcing, any of its rights will not be deemed a continuing waiver or a modification of this Term Sheet.

 

22.

Severability

 

If any part of this Term Sheet will be declared invalid or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, it will not affect the validity of the balance of this Term Sheet.

 

23.

Governing Law/Jurisdiction

 

The parties agree that should any litigation be brought by The CW against Company that is not subject to arbitration as provided above in Paragraph 12, such litigation will be brought in the State Courts situated in New York, New York, or in the United States District Court located in New York, New York and will be governed by the laws of the State of New York as to all matters, without giving effect to the principles of conflicts of law. The parties agree that should any litigation be brought by the Company against The CW that is not subject to arbitration as provided above in Paragraph 12, such litigation will be brought in the State Courts situated in Los Angeles, California, or in the United States District Court located in Los Angeles, California and will be governed by the laws of the state of California as to all matters, without giving effect to the principles of conflicts of law. The foregoing consent to jurisdiction and appointment of agent for service of process will not constitute a general consent to service of process by either party for any purpose except as provided in this Paragraph.

 

24.

Counterparts

 

Counterpart copies of this Term Sheet may be executed for the convenience of the parties, and each counterpart will de deemed to be an original instrument.

 

25.

Paragraph Headings

 

The headings of the Paragraphs are for convenience only and in no way limit or affect the provisions hereof.

 

26.

Force Majeure

 

 

 


Company will not be liable for failure to make available any programming or any portion thereof, and The CW will not be liable for failure to transmit any such programming or any portion thereof, by reason of any act of God, equipment failure, action or claims by any third person, labor dispute, law, governmental regulation or order, or other cause beyond either party's reasonable control.

 

27.

Effectiveness

 

This Term Sheet shall be effective on the earlier of (i) seven (7) days after its full execution by the parties, or (ii) the date mutually agreed upon by the parties.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Term Sheet as of the 26th day of September, 2007.

 

4KIDS ENTERTAINMENT, INC.

THE CW NETWORK, LLC

 

 

By: /s/ Samuel R. Newborn

By: /s/ John D. Maatta

 

Its: Execuvtive VP

Its: COO

 

 

 

 

 

 

EX-10.39 5 tcwmemshpagt.htm MEMBERSHIP INT PURCH AGRT - TCW

MEMBERSHIP INTEREST PURCHASE AGREEMENT

THIS MEMBERSHIP INTEREST PURCHASE AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is entered into as of the 18th day of December, 2007 by and among TC Websites LLC, a Delaware limited liability company with offices at 12481 High Bluff Drive, San Diego, CA 92130 (the “Company”), Chaotic USA Entertainment Group, Inc., with offices at 3830 Valley Center Drive, Suite 705-405 San Diego, CA 92130 (“Seller”) and 4Kids Websites, Inc., a Delaware Corporation with offices at 1414 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10019 (“Purchaser”). The Company, Purchaser and Seller are individually herein referred to as a “Party” and collectively, the “Parties”).

In consideration of the mutual promises, representations, warranties, covenants, and conditions set forth in this Agreement, the parties to this Agreement mutually agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

PURCHASE AND SALE OF MEMBERSHIP INTERESTS

 

1.01

Purchase and Sale of Membership Interests.  

(a)       Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, Purchaser, agrees to purchase at the Closing, and Seller agrees to sell, at the Closing, five (5) units of its Membership Interest in the Company (the “Interests”) for an amount equal to $650,000 (the “Purchase Price”) representing the forgiveness of certain debts owed by Seller to Purchaser. For the avoidance of doubt, all amounts due or to become due (other than said $650,000) with respect to expenses previously incurred or to be incurred by Company shall be paid as is provided in Article 3 of the Company Operating Agreement.

(b)       The Parties hereby waive their respective rights and obligations pursuant to Article 8 of the Company Operating Agreement solely with respect to the transaction contemplated herein. The Parties hereby consent to the transfer by Seller to Purchaser of the five (5) units of its Membership Interest in the Company.

(c)       The Parties agreed to execute and deliver any and all documents that may be necessary or desirable to vest in Purchaser all right, title and interest in and to the five (5) units of its Membership Interest in the Company been transferred from Seller to Purchaser, including, without limitation, a revised Exhibit A to the Company Operating Agreement (a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit A) and the Assignment and Acceptance of Assignment and Agreement to Be Bound (a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit B).

(d)       The Parties further agree to amend Article 5 of the Company Operating Agreement so that it is equivalent to the Article 5 contained in the Operating Agreement for TC Digital Games LLC.

1.02          Closing.          The closing of the purchase and sale of the Interests to be acquired by Purchaser from Seller under this Agreement shall take place on December 18, 2007, at 2:00 p.m. (the “Closing”).

 


 

1.03

Representations by Purchaser .

Purchaser hereby represents and warrants as follows:

(a)       Binding Obligations. This Agreement, and all Exhibits hereto, have been duly authorized, executed and delivered by Purchaser and constitute the legal, valid and binding obligations of Purchaser, enforceable against Purchaser in accordance with their respective terms, subject to the effect of bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, receivership, conservatorship, arrangement, suretyship, moratorium and other similar laws now or hereafter in effect relating to or affecting the rights of creditors generally, including without limitation the effect of statutory or other law regarding fraudulent conveyances and preferential transfers.

(b)       Due Authorization. To the extent required by law, this Agreement and any Exhibits hereto have been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Board of Directors and/or stockholders of Purchaser.

(c)       Preexisting Relationship or Experience. (i) Purchaser has a preexisting personal or business relationship with Company and/or one or more of its Managers (as defined in the Operating Agreement), officers or control persons, or (ii) by reason of Purchaser’s business or financial experience, or by reason of the business or financial experience of Purchaser’s financial advisor who is unaffiliated with and who is not compensated, directly or indirectly, by Company or any Affiliate (as defined in the Operating Agreement) or selling agent of Company, Purchaser is capable of evaluating the risks and merits of an investment in the Interests and of protecting Purchaser’s own interests in connection with this investment.

(d)       No Advertising. Purchaser has not seen, received, been presented with, or been solicited by any leaflet, public promotional meeting, newspaper or magazine article or advertisement, radio or television advertisement, or any other form of advertising or general solicitation with respect to the sale of the Interests.

(e)       Investment Intent. Purchaser is acquiring the Interests for investment purposes for Purchaser’s own account only, and not with a view to or for sale in connection with any distribution of all or any part of the Interests. No other person will have any direct or indirect beneficial interest in or right to Purchaser’s Interests.

(f)        Residency. Purchaser has its principal place of business in the state in which Purchaser’s address is located.

(g)       Economic Risk. Purchaser is financially able to bear the economic risk of an investment in the Interests, including the total loss thereof.

(h)       No Registration of Interests. Purchaser acknowledges that the Interests have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or qualified under the California Corporate Securities Law of 1968, as amended, or any Delaware or other applicable blue sky laws in reliance, in part, on Purchaser’s representations, warranties and agreements herein. Purchaser represents, warrants, and agrees that Company and the managers are under no obligation to register or qualify the Interests under the Securities Act or under any state

 

 

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securities law, or to assist Purchaser in complying with any exemption from registration and qualification.

(i)        Restricted Securities. Purchaser understands that the Interests are “restricted securities” under the Securities Act in that the Interests will be acquired from Seller in a transaction not involving a public offering, and that the Interests may be resold without registration under the Securities Act only in certain limited circumstances, and that otherwise the Interests must be held indefinitely.

(j)        No Disposition in Violation of Law. Without limiting the representations set forth above, Purchaser will not make any disposition of all or any part of Purchaser’s Interests which will result in the violation by Purchaser or by Company of the Securities Act, the California Corporate Securities Law of 1968, or any Delaware or other applicable securities laws. Without limiting the foregoing, Purchaser agrees not to make any disposition of all or any part of the Interests unless and until: (i) there is then in effect a registration statement under the Securities Act covering such proposed disposition and such disposition is made in accordance with such registration statement and any applicable requirements of state securities laws; or (ii) Purchaser has notified Company of the proposed disposition and has furnished Company with a detailed statement of the circumstances surrounding the proposed disposition, and reasonably requested by Company, Purchaser has furnished Company with a written opinion of counsel, reasonably satisfactory to Company, that such disposition will not require registration of any securities under the Securities Act or the consent of or a permit from appropriate authorities under any applicable state securities law.

(k)       Legends. Purchaser understands that the certificates (if any) evidencing the Interests may bear one or all of the following legends:

“THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 NOR HAVE THEY BEEN REGISTERED OR QUALIFIED UNDER ANY STATE SECURITIES LAWS. SUCH SECURITIES MAY NOT BE OFFERED FOR SALE, SOLD, TRANSFERRED, PLEDGED, OR HYPOTHECATED UNLESS QUALIFIED AND REGISTERED UNDER APPLICABLE STATE AND FEDERAL SECURITIES LAWS OR UNLESS, IN THE OPINION OF COUNSEL SATISFACTORY TO COMPANY, SUCH QUALIFICATION AND REGISTRATION ARE NOT REQUIRED. ANY TRANSFER OF THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE IS FURTHER SUBJECT TO OTHER RESTRICTIONS, TERMS AND CONDITIONS WHICH ARE SET FORTH IN THIS COMPANY’S OPERATING AGREEMENT.”

Any legend required by applicable state securities laws.

(l)        Investment Risk. Purchaser acknowledges that the Interests are a speculative investment which involves a substantial degree of risk of loss by Purchaser, that Purchaser understands and takes full cognizance of the risk factors related to the purchase of the Interests, and that Company is newly organized.

 

 

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(m)      Information Reviewed. Purchaser has received and reviewed certain information Purchaser considers necessary or appropriate for deciding whether to purchase the Interests. Purchaser has had an opportunity to ask questions and receive answers from Company and its Managers, officers and employees regarding the terms and conditions of purchase of the Interests and regarding the business, financial affairs and other aspects of Company.

(n)       No Representations by Company. Neither the Management Committee (as defined in the Operating Agreement) nor any agent nor employee of Company, nor any other Person has at any time expressly or implicitly represented, guaranteed or warranted to Purchaser that a percentage of profit and/or amount or type of consideration will result from an investment in the Interests, that past performance or experience on the part of the manager or their Affiliates or any other Person in any way indicates the predictable results of the ownership of the Interests or of the overall Company business, that any cash distributions from Company operations or otherwise will be made to Purchaser by any specific date or will be made at all, or that any specific tax benefits will accrue as a result of an investment in Company.

(o)       Consultation with Attorney. Purchaser has been advised to consult with Purchaser’s own attorney regarding all legal matters concerning an investment in Company and the tax consequences of participating in Company, and has done so, to the extent Purchaser considers necessary.

(p)       Tax Consequences. Purchaser acknowledges that the tax consequences to Purchaser of investing in Company will depend on Purchaser’s particular circumstances, and that neither Company, the managers, members, nor the partners, shareholders, managers, agents, officers, directors, employees, Affiliates or consultants of any of them, will be responsible or liable for the tax consequences to Purchaser of an investment in Company. Purchaser will look solely to, and rely upon, Purchaser’s own advisers with respect to the tax consequences of this investment.

(q)       No Assurance of Tax Benefits. Purchaser acknowledges that there can be no assurance that the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) or the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder will not be amended or interpreted in the future in such a manner so as to deprive Company and the members of some or all of the tax benefits they might now receive, or that some of the deductions claimed by Company or the allocations of items of income, gain, loss, deduction or credits among the members may not be challenged by the Internal Revenue Service.

(r)        Accredited Investor. Purchaser is an accredited investor as defined in Rule 501(a) of Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act.

(s)       Indemnity. Purchaser shall indemnify, hold harmless and defend Company, the managers, each and every other member, and any officers, directors, shareholders, managers, employees, partners, agents, attorneys and control persons of any such entity who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, by reason of or arising from any misrepresentation, misstatement of facts or omission to represent or state facts made by Purchaser in this Article 1 against losses, liabilities, and expenses of Company, the Managers, each and every other member, and any officers, directors, shareholders, managers, employees, partners,

 

 

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attorneys, accountants, agents and control persons of any such Person (including attorneys’ fees, judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement) incurred by such person in connection with such action, suit, proceeding or the like.

ARTICLE II

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLER

Except as set forth in the Schedule of Exceptions, Seller hereby represents and warrants to Purchaser as follows:

 

2.01

Organization and Standing of Company.

(a)       Seller is a duly organized and validly existing corporation in good standing under the laws of the State of California and has all requisite power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and all Exhibits thereto, to transfer and deliver the Interests to Purchaser and to perform its other obligations pursuant hereto and thereto.

(b)       Seller has good and marketable title to such Interests free of any mortgages, pledges, charges, liens, security interests or other encumbrances. The offer and sale of all Interests in Company issued before the Closing complied with or were exempt from all applicable federal and state securities laws and no stockholder has a right of rescission or damages with respect thereto.

 

2.02

Corporate Action.

(a)       This Agreement, and all Exhibits hereto, have been duly authorized, executed and delivered by Seller and constitute the legal, valid and binding obligations of Seller, enforceable against Seller in accordance with their respective terms, subject to the effect of bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, receivership, conservatorship, arrangement, suretyship, moratorium and other similar laws now or hereafter in effect relating to or affecting the rights of creditors generally, including without limitation the effect of statutory or other law regarding fraudulent conveyances and preferential transfers.

(b)       To the extent required by law, this Agreement and any Exhibits hereto have been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Board of Directors and/or stockholders of Seller.

(c)       The transfer, sale and delivery of the Interests from Seller to Purchaser have been duly authorized by all required action of Seller; the Interests have been validly issued, with no personal liability attaching to the ownership thereof and are free and clear of all liens, charges, restrictions, claims and encumbrances imposed by or through Seller except as set forth in this Agreement and any of the Exhibits thereto; and

2.03          Governmental Approvals. Except for the filing of any notice prior or subsequent to the transfer and assignment that may be required under applicable state and/or Federal securities laws (which, if required, shall be filed on a timely basis), no authorization, consent, approval, license, exemption of or filing or registration with any court or governmental department, commission, agency or instrumentality, domestic or foreign, is or will be necessary

 

 

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for, or in connection with, the execution and delivery by Seller of this Agreement, for the offer, transfer, sale, execution or delivery of the Interests, or for the performance by Seller of its obligations under this Agreement and/or any Exhibits hereto.

2.04          Litigation. Except for the litigation brought by Katzke v. Chaotic USA et. al., the arbitration noticed by Epic Cycle against Seller and Epic Cycle v. Chaotic USA litigation in the Superior Court of the State Court of California, there is no litigation or governmental proceeding or investigation pending or, to the knowledge of Seller, threatened against Seller or any officer or director of Seller affecting the Interests or any properties or assets of Seller transferred or assigned by Seller to Company in exchange for any Interests in Company. To the best of Seller’s knowledge, there has not occurred any event nor does there exist any condition on the basis of which any litigation, proceeding or investigation might properly be instituted, affecting the Interests or any properties or assets of Seller transferred or assigned by Seller to Company in exchange for any Interests in Company. There are no actions or proceedings pending or, to the Seller’s knowledge, threatened (or any basis therefor known to Seller) which might result, either in any case or in the aggregate, in any material adverse change in the business or operations of Company.

2.05          Compliance with Other Instruments. Seller is in compliance, in all material respects, with the material terms and provisions of all material agreements affecting the Interests or any properties or assets of Seller transferred or assigned by Seller to Company in exchange for any Interests in Company.

2.06          Brokers or Finders. No Person has or will have, as a result of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, any right, interest or valid claim against or upon Seller or Purchaser for any commission, fee or other compensation as a finder or broker because of any act or omission by Seller or its respective agents.

ARTICLE III

MISCELLANEOUS

3.01           Notices. Any notice, demand or communication required or permitted to be given by any provision of this Agreement shall be deemed to have been sufficiently given or served for all purposes if (i) delivered personally to the Party or to an executive officer of the Party to whom the same is directed, (ii) sent by certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed to the Party’s and/or Company’s address as it appears in Company’s records, as appropriate, or (iii) sent by nationally recognized overnight courier addressed to the Party’s and/or Company’s address as it appears in Company’s records, as appropriate. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, any such properly addressed notice that is sent via certified U.S. mail shall be deemed to be given three business days after the date on which the same was deposited in a regularly maintained receptacle for the deposit of United States mail, and any notice that is sent via overnight courier shall be deemed to be given on the date of delivery of such notice.

3.02          Governing Law. This Agreement and the application or interpretation hereof shall be governed exclusively by its terms and by the laws of the State of Delaware (without resort to Delaware’s conflict of laws provisions).

 

 

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3.03           Jurisdiction. In the event that Purchaser elects to bring a cause of action, Purchaser shall bring such cause of action and agrees to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state and federal courts sitting in San Diego, California. In the event that Seller elects to bring a cause of action, Seller shall bring such cause of action and agrees to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state and federal courts sitting in New York County, New York. Each Party further agrees that personal jurisdiction over such Party may be effected by service of process as provided in Section 4.01 of this Agreement, and that when so made shall be as if served upon such Party personally within the State of such Party’s domicile. Notwithstanding the jurisdiction of any dispute, the parties agree that any such cause of action shall be governed by the laws of Delaware.

3.04          Attorneys’ Fees. In the event that any dispute between Company and any Party or among the Parties should result in litigation, the prevailing Party in such dispute shall be entitled to recover from the other Party all reasonable fees, costs, and expenses of enforcing any right of the prevailing Party, including without limitation, reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses.

3.05          Complete Agreement. This Agreement, each Exhibit hereto and the Certificate of Formation constitute the complete and exclusive statement of agreement among the Parties with respect to the subject matter herein and therein contained and replace and supersede all prior written and oral agreements or statements by and between the Parties concerning the subject matter hereof No representation, statement, condition or warranty not contained in this Agreement or the Certificate shall be binding on the Parties or have any force or effect whatsoever.

3.06          Amendments. This Agreement may be amended only with the written consent of Parties.

3.07          Additional Documents and Acts. Each Party agrees to execute and deliver such additional documents and instruments and to perform such additional acts as may be necessary or appropriate to effectuate, carry out and perform all of the terms, provisions and conditions of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby.

3.08          Construction. Whenever the singular number is used in this Agreement and when required by the context, the same shall include the plural, and the masculine gender shall include the feminine and neuter genders and vice versa. In the event any claim is made by any Party relating to any conflict, omission or ambiguity in this Agreement, no presumption or burden of proof or persuasion shall be implied by virtue of the fact that this Agreement was prepared by or at the request of a particular Party or his or her counsel.

3.09          Headings. The headings in this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and are in no way intended to describe, interpret, define, or limit the scope, extent or intent of this Agreement or any provision hereof.

3.10          Waivers. The failure of any Party to seek redress for violation of or to insist upon the strict performance of any covenant or condition of this Agreement shall not prevent a subsequent act, which would have originally constituted a violation, from having the effect of an original violation.

 

 

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3.11          Rights and Remedies Cumulative. The rights and remedies provided by this Agreement are cumulative, and the use of any one right or remedy by any Party shall not preclude or waive the right to use any or all other remedies. Such rights and remedies are given in addition to any other rights the parties may have by law, statute, ordinance or otherwise.

3.12          Severability. If any provision of this Agreement or the application thereof to any person or circumstance shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable to any extent, the remainder of this Agreement and the application thereof shall not be affected and shall be enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law.

3.13          Heirs, Successors and Assigns. Each and all of the covenants, terms, provisions and agreements contained herein shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties and, to the extent permitted by this Agreement, their respective heirs, legal representatives, successors and assigns.

3.14          Parties in Interest. Except as expressly provided in the Act, nothing in this Agreement shall confer any rights or remedies under or by reason of this Agreement on any Persons other than the Parties and Managers and their respective successors and assigns nor shall anything in this Agreement relieve or discharge the obligation or liability of any third person to any Party to this Agreement, nor shall any provision give any third person any right of subrogation or action over or against any Party to this Agreement. None of the provisions of this Agreement shall be for the benefit of or enforceable by any creditor of Company.

3.15          Confidentiality. No Party or Manager shall, during the period such Party is a Party and for a period of two (2) years after such Party has ceased to be a Party or Manager, disclose any confidential or proprietary information with respect to Company to any Person, except (i) with the prior written consent of the other Parties; (ii) to the extent necessary to comply with law (including, without limitation, Purchaser’s obligation as a subsidiary of 4Kids Entertainment, Inc., a public corporation, to disclose material transactions affecting 4Kids Entertainment, Inc.) or the valid order of a court of competent jurisdiction; (iii) as part of its normal reporting or review procedure to its Affiliates, its auditors, attorneys and professional advisors; provided, however, that such auditors, attorneys and professional advisors and Affiliate shall have a need to know such confidential or proprietary information and shall be instructed by the disclosing Party as to the requirements of this Section 3.15; (iv) in connection with the enforcement of such Party’s rights hereunder; (v) to a prospective purchaser of all or a portion of such Party’s Interests in connection with a sale thereof in accordance with the terms of this Agreement; provided, however, that such prospective purchaser agrees to be bound by the provisions of this Section 3.15.

3.16          Publicity. No public announcement of any kind shall be made by Company, Purchaser or by Seller, or by any Affiliate thereof, with respect to the content of this Agreement without the prior written consent of the Parties.

3.17          Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

 

 

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3.18          Survival of Representations and Warranties. All representations and warranties made in this Agreement, or any other instrument or document delivered in connection herewith or therewith, shall survive the execution and delivery hereof or thereof for a period of one (1) year after the date hereof, provided, however, that such representations and warranties need only be accurate as of the date of such execution and delivery, except as to such representations and warranties that speak as of a particular date, in which case such representations and warranties need only be accurate as of such date.

3.19          California Corporate Securities Law. THE SALE OF THE SECURITIES WHICH ARE THE SUBJECT OF THIS AGREEMENT HAS NOT BEEN QUALIFIED WITH THE COMMISSIONER OF CORPORATIONS OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA AND THE ISSUANCE OF SUCH SECURITIES OR THE PAYMENT OR RECEIPT OF ANY PART OF THE CONSIDERATION THEREFOR PRIOR TO SUCH QUALIFICATION IS UNLAWFUL, UNLESS THE SALE OF SECURITIES IS EXEMPT FROM QUALIFICATION BY SECTIONS 25100, 25102, OR 25105 OF THE CALIFORNIA CORPORATIONS CODE. THE RIGHTS OF ALL PARTIES TO THIS AGREEMENT ARE EXPRESSLY CONDITIONED UPON SUCH QUALIFICATION BEING OBTAINED, UNLESS THE SALE IS SO EXEMPT.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed as of the date first above written.

 

CHAOTIC USA ENTERTAINMENT GROUP , INC.

4KIDS WEBSITES, INC.

 

 

 

 

By: /s/ John T. Milito            

Name: John T. Milito  

Title: EVP

By: /s/ Samuel R. Newborn            

Name: Samuel R. Newborn  

Title: EVP

 

 

 

 

TC WEBSITES LLC

 

 

 

 

 

By: /s/ Bryan C. Gannon            

Name: Bryan C. Gannon  

Title: CEO

 

 

 

 

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EXHIBIT A

INITIAL CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS AND

PERCENTAGE INTERESTS

Name and Address
of Members

Initial Capital Contribution and Initial Capital Account

Number of Units

Member’s Percentage Interest

4Kids Websites, Inc.

1414 Avenue of the Americas

New York, New York 10019

Attn: Samuel R. Newborn, Esq.

 

 

55

55%

Chaotic USA Entertainment Group, Inc.

3830 Valley Center Drive

Suite 705-405

San Diego, CA 92130

Attention: Messrs. Gannon and Milito  

 

 

45

45%

TOTALS:

 

100

100%

 

Managers’ Names:

Bryan Gannon

John Milito

Bruce Foster

Samuel Newborn

 

Tax Matters Member: 4Kids Websites, Inc.

 

 

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EXHIBIT B

 

FORM OF ASSIGNMENT

 

Assignment

 

The undersigned Member of TC Websites LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Company”), hereby transfers and assigns the undersigned’s entire rights, title and interest in and to five (5) Units (the “Transferred Interest”) in the Company to 4Kids Websites, Inc. (“Assignee”), and transfers all of the undersigned’s obligations relating to the Transferred Interest to the Assignee. It is the intent of the undersigned that the Assignee shall succeed to the Transferred Interest as a “Substitute Member.”

 

 

This Assignment shall be effective as of December 18, 2007.

 

 

                 

 

/s/ John T. Milito                      

 

Chaotic USA Entertainment Group, Inc. [Transferring Member]

 

 

Acceptance of Assignment and

Agreement To Be Bound

 

The undersigned acknowledges having received and read a copy of that certain Operating Agreement dated as of December 11, 2006 (the “Operating Agreement”) of TC Websites LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Company”). The undersigned hereby (i) accepts the foregoing Assignment, (ii) agrees to hold said Transferred Interest as a Substitute Member, and (iii) agrees to be bound by all of the terms and conditions of the Operating Agreement.

 

This Acceptance of Assignment and Agreement to be Bound shall be effective as of December 18, 2007.

 

 

 

/s/ Samuel R. Newborn                      

 

4Kids Websites, Inc.[Assignee]

 

 

 

 

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EX-10.38 6 tcdmemshpagt.htm MEMBERSHIP INT PURCH AGMT - TCD

MEMBERSHIP INTEREST PURCHASE AGREEMENT

THIS MEMBERSHIP INTEREST PURCHASE AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is entered into as of the 18th day of December, 2007 by and among TC Digital Games LLC, a Delaware limited liability company with offices at 12481 High Bluff Drive, San Diego, CA 92130 (the “Company”), Chaotic USA Entertainment Group, Inc., with offices at 3830 Valley Center Drive, Suite 705-405, San Diego, CA 92130 (“Seller”) and 4Kids Digital Games, Inc., a Delaware Corporation with offices at 1414 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10019 (“Purchaser”). The Company, Purchaser and Seller are individually herein referred to as a “Party” and collectively, the “Parties”).

In consideration of the mutual promises, representations, warranties, covenants, and conditions set forth in this Agreement, the parties to this Agreement mutually agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

PURCHASE AND SALE OF MEMBERSHIP INTERESTS

 

1.01

Purchase and Sale of Membership Interests.

(a)       Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, Purchaser, agrees to purchase at the Closing, and Seller agrees to sell, at the Closing, two (2) units of its Membership Interest in the Company (the “Interests”) for an amount equal to $200,000 (the “Purchase Price”) representing the forgiveness of certain debts owed by Seller to Purchaser. For the avoidance of doubt, all amounts due or to become due (other than said $200,000) with respect to expenses previously incurred or to be incurred by Company shall be paid as is provided in Section 3.1 of the Company Operating Agreement.

(b)       The Parties hereby waive their respective rights and obligations pursuant to Article 8 of the Company Operating Agreement solely with respect to the transaction contemplated herein. The Parties hereby consent to the transfer by Seller to Purchaser of the two (2) Units of its Membership Interest in the Company.

(c)       The Parties agreed to execute and deliver any and all documents that may be necessary or desirable to vest in Purchaser all right, title and interest in and to the two (2) Units of its Membership Interest in the Company been transferred from Seller to Purchaser, including, without limitation, a revised Exhibit A to the Company Operating Agreement (a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit A) and the Assignment and Acceptance of Assignment and Agreement to Be Bound (a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit B).

1.02          Closing.          The closing of the purchase and sale of the Interests to be acquired by Purchaser from Seller under this Agreement shall take place on December 18, 2007, at 2:00 p.m. (the “Closing”).

 

1.03

Representations by Purchaser.

Purchaser hereby represents and warrants as follows:

 


(a)       Binding Obligations. This Agreement, and all Exhibits hereto, have been duly authorized, executed and delivered by Purchaser and constitute the legal, valid and binding obligations of Purchaser, enforceable against Purchaser in accordance with their respective terms, subject to the effect of bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, receivership, conservatorship, arrangement, suretyship, moratorium and other similar laws now or hereafter in effect relating to or affecting the rights of creditors generally, including without limitation the effect of statutory or other law regarding fraudulent conveyances and preferential transfers.

(b)       Due Authorization. To the extent required by law, this Agreement and any Exhibits hereto have been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Board of Directors and/or stockholders of Purchaser.

(c)       Preexisting Relationship or Experience. (i) Purchaser has a preexisting personal or business relationship with Company and/or one or more of its Managers (as defined in the Operating Agreement), officers or control persons, or (ii) by reason of Purchaser’s business or financial experience, or by reason of the business or financial experience of Purchaser’s financial advisor who is unaffiliated with and who is not compensated, directly or indirectly, by Company or any Affiliate (as defined in the Operating Agreement) or selling agent of Company, Purchaser is capable of evaluating the risks and merits of an investment in the Interests and of protecting Purchaser’s own interests in connection with this investment.

(d)       No Advertising. Purchaser has not seen, received, been presented with, or been solicited by any leaflet, public promotional meeting, newspaper or magazine article or advertisement, radio or television advertisement, or any other form of advertising or general solicitation with respect to the sale of the Interests.

(e)       Investment Intent. Purchaser is acquiring the Interests for investment purposes for Purchaser’s own account only, and not with a view to or for sale in connection with any distribution of all or any part of the Interests. No other person will have any direct or indirect beneficial interest in or right to Purchaser’s Interests.

(f)        Residency. Purchaser has its principal place of business in the state in which Purchaser’s address is located.

(g)       Economic Risk. Purchaser is financially able to bear the economic risk of an investment in the Interests, including the total loss thereof.

(h)       No Registration of Interests. Purchaser acknowledges that the Interests have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or qualified under the California Corporate Securities Law of 1968, as amended, or any Delaware or other applicable blue sky laws in reliance, in part, on Purchaser’s representations, warranties and agreements herein. Purchaser represents, warrants, and agrees that Company and the managers are under no obligation to register or qualify the Interests under the Securities Act or under any state securities law, or to assist Purchaser in complying with any exemption from registration and qualification.

(i)        Restricted Securities. Purchaser understands that the Interests are “restricted securities” under the Securities Act in that the Interests will be acquired from Seller in

 

 

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a transaction not involving a public offering, and that the Interests may be resold without registration under the Securities Act only in certain limited circumstances, and that otherwise the Interests must be held indefinitely.

(j)        No Disposition in Violation of Law. Without limiting the representations set forth above, Purchaser will not make any disposition of all or any part of Purchaser’s Interests which will result in the violation by Purchaser or by Company of the Securities Act, the California Corporate Securities Law of 1968, or any Delaware or other applicable securities laws. Without limiting the foregoing, Purchaser agrees not to make any disposition of all or any part of the Interests unless and until: (i) there is then in effect a registration statement under the Securities Act covering such proposed disposition and such disposition is made in accordance with such registration statement and any applicable requirements of state securities laws; or (ii) Purchaser has notified Company of the proposed disposition and has furnished Company with a detailed statement of the circumstances surrounding the proposed disposition, and reasonably requested by Company, Purchaser has furnished Company with a written opinion of counsel, reasonably satisfactory to Company, that such disposition will not require registration of any securities under the Securities Act or the consent of or a permit from appropriate authorities under any applicable state securities law.

(k)       Legends. Purchaser understands that the certificates (if any) evidencing the Interests may bear one or all of the following legends:

“THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 NOR HAVE THEY BEEN REGISTERED OR QUALIFIED UNDER ANY STATE SECURITIES LAWS. SUCH SECURITIES MAY NOT BE OFFERED FOR SALE, SOLD, TRANSFERRED, PLEDGED, OR HYPOTHECATED UNLESS QUALIFIED AND REGISTERED UNDER APPLICABLE STATE AND FEDERAL SECURITIES LAWS OR UNLESS, IN THE OPINION OF COUNSEL SATISFACTORY TO COMPANY, SUCH QUALIFICATION AND REGISTRATION ARE NOT REQUIRED. ANY TRANSFER OF THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE IS FURTHER SUBJECT TO OTHER RESTRICTIONS, TERMS AND CONDITIONS WHICH ARE SET FORTH IN THIS COMPANY’S OPERATING AGREEMENT.”

Any legend required by applicable state securities laws.

(l)        Investment Risk. Purchaser acknowledges that the Interests are a speculative investment which involves a substantial degree of risk of loss by Purchaser, that Purchaser understands and takes full cognizance of the risk factors related to the purchase of the Interests, and that Company is newly organized.

(m)      Information Reviewed. Purchaser has received and reviewed certain information Purchaser considers necessary or appropriate for deciding whether to purchase the Interests. Purchaser has had an opportunity to ask questions and receive answers from Company and its Managers, officers and employees regarding the terms and conditions of purchase of the Interests and regarding the business, financial affairs and other aspects of Company.

 

 

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(n)       No Representations by Company. Neither the Management Committee (as defined in the Operating Agreement) nor any agent nor employee of Company, nor any other Person has at any time expressly or implicitly represented, guaranteed or warranted to Purchaser that a percentage of profit and/or amount or type of consideration will result from an investment in the Interests, that past performance or experience on the part of the manager or their Affiliates or any other Person in any way indicates the predictable results of the ownership of the Interests or of the overall Company business, that any cash distributions from Company operations or otherwise will be made to Purchaser by any specific date or will be made at all, or that any specific tax benefits will accrue as a result of an investment in Company.

(o)       Consultation with Attorney. Purchaser has been advised to consult with Purchaser’s own attorney regarding all legal matters concerning an investment in Company and the tax consequences of participating in Company, and has done so, to the extent Purchaser considers necessary.

(p)       Tax Consequences. Purchaser acknowledges that the tax consequences to Purchaser of investing in Company will depend on Purchaser’s particular circumstances, and that neither Company, the managers, members, nor the partners, shareholders, managers, agents, officers, directors, employees, Affiliates or consultants of any of them, will be responsible or liable for the tax consequences to Purchaser of an investment in Company. Purchaser will look solely to, and rely upon, Purchaser’s own advisers with respect to the tax consequences of this investment.

(q)       No Assurance of Tax Benefits. Purchaser acknowledges that there can be no assurance that the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) or the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder will not be amended or interpreted in the future in such a manner so as to deprive Company and the members of some or all of the tax benefits they might now receive, or that some of the deductions claimed by Company or the allocations of items of income, gain, loss, deduction or credits among the members may not be challenged by the Internal Revenue Service.

(r)        Accredited Investor. Purchaser is an accredited investor as defined in Rule 501(a) of Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act.

(s)       Indemnity. Purchaser shall indemnify, hold harmless and defend Company, the managers, each and every other member, and any officers, directors, shareholders, managers, employees, partners, agents, attorneys and control persons of any such entity who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, by reason of or arising from any misrepresentation, misstatement of facts or omission to represent or state facts made by Purchaser in this Article 1 against losses, liabilities, and expenses of Company, the Managers, each and every other member, and any officers, directors, shareholders, managers, employees, partners, attorneys, accountants, agents and control persons of any such Person (including attorneys’ fees, judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement) incurred by such person in connection with such action, suit, proceeding or the like.

 

 

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ARTICLE II

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

OF SELLER

 

Except as set forth in the Schedule of Exceptions, Seller hereby represents and warrants to Purchaser as follows:

 

2.01

Organization and Standing of Company.

(a)       Seller is a duly organized and validly existing corporation in good standing under the laws of the State of California and has all requisite power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and all Exhibits thereto, to transfer and deliver the Interests to Purchaser and to perform its other obligations pursuant hereto and thereto.

(b)       Seller has good and marketable title to such Interests free of any mortgages, pledges, charges, liens, security interests or other encumbrances. The offer and sale of all Interests in Company issued before the Closing complied with or were exempt from all applicable federal and state securities laws and no stockholder has a right of rescission or damages with respect thereto.

 

2.02

Corporate Action.

(a)       This Agreement, and all Exhibits hereto, have been duly authorized, executed and delivered by Seller and constitute the legal, valid and binding obligations of Seller, enforceable against Seller in accordance with their respective terms, subject to the effect of bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, receivership, conservatorship, arrangement, suretyship, moratorium and other similar laws now or hereafter in effect relating to or affecting the rights of creditors generally, including without limitation the effect of statutory or other law regarding fraudulent conveyances and preferential transfers.

(b)       To the extent required by law, this Agreement and any Exhibits hereto have been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Board of Directors and/or stockholders of Seller.

(c)       The transfer, sale and delivery of the Interests from Seller to Purchaser have been duly authorized by all required action of Seller; the Interests have been validly issued, with no personal liability attaching to the ownership thereof and are free and clear of all liens, charges, restrictions, claims and encumbrances imposed by or through Seller except as set forth in this Agreement and any of the Exhibits thereto; and

2.03     Governmental Approvals. Except for the filing of any notice prior or subsequent to the transfer and assignment that may be required under applicable state and/or Federal securities laws (which, if required, shall be filed on a timely basis), no authorization, consent, approval, license, exemption of or filing or registration with any court or governmental department, commission, agency or instrumentality, domestic or foreign, is or will be necessary for, or in connection with, the execution and delivery by Seller of this Agreement, for the offer,

 

 

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transfer, sale, execution or delivery of the Interests, or for the performance by Seller of its obligations under this Agreement and/or any Exhibits hereto.

2.04     Litigation. Except for the Katzke litigation v. Chaotic USA et. al., the arbitration noticed by Epic Cycle against Seller and Epic Cycle v. Chaotic USA litigation in the Superior Court of the State Court of California, there is no litigation or governmental proceeding or investigation pending or, to the knowledge of Seller, threatened against Seller or any officer or director of Seller affecting the Interests or any properties or assets of Seller transferred or assigned by Seller to Company in exchange for any Interests in Company. To the best of Seller’s knowledge, there has not occurred any event nor does there exist any condition on the basis of which any litigation, proceeding or investigation might properly be instituted, affecting the Interests or any properties or assets of Seller transferred or assigned by Seller to Company in exchange for any Interests in Company. There are no actions or proceedings pending or, to the Seller’s knowledge, threatened (or any basis therefor known to Seller) which might result, either in any case or in the aggregate, in any material adverse change in the business or operations of Company.

2.05     Compliance with Other Instruments. Seller is in compliance, in all material respects, with the material terms and provisions of all material agreements affecting the Interests or any properties or assets of Seller transferred or assigned by Seller to Company in exchange for any Interests in Company.

2.06     Brokers or Finders. No Person has or will have, as a result of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, any right, interest or valid claim against or upon Seller or Purchaser for any commission, fee or other compensation as a finder or broker because of any act or omission by Seller or its respective agents.

 

ARTICLE III

MISCELLANEOUS

 

3.01     Notices. Any notice, demand or communication required or permitted to be given by any provision of this Agreement shall be deemed to have been sufficiently given or served for all purposes if (i) delivered personally to the Party or to an executive officer of the Party to whom the same is directed, (ii) sent by certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed to the Party’s and/or Company’s address as it appears in Company’s records, as appropriate, or (iii) sent by nationally recognized overnight courier addressed to the Party’s and/or Company’s address as it appears in Company’s records, as appropriate. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, any such properly addressed notice that is sent via certified U.S. mail shall be deemed to be given three business days after the date on which the same was deposited in a regularly maintained receptacle for the deposit of United States mail, and any notice that is sent via overnight courier shall be deemed to be given on the date of delivery of such notice.

 

 

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3.02     Governing Law. This Agreement and the application or interpretation hereof shall be governed exclusively by its terms and by the laws of the State of Delaware (without resort to Delaware’s conflict of laws provisions).

3.03     Jurisdiction. In the event that Purchaser elects to bring a cause of action, Purchaser shall bring such cause of action and agrees to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state and federal courts sitting in San Diego, California. In the event that Seller elects to bring a cause of action, Seller shall bring such cause of action and agrees to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state and federal courts sitting in New York County, New York. Each Party further agrees that personal jurisdiction over such Party may be effected by service of process as provided in Section 4.01 of this Agreement, and that when so made shall be as if served upon such Party personally within the State of such Party’s domicile. Notwithstanding the jurisdiction of any dispute, the parties agree that any such cause of action shall be governed by the laws of Delaware.

3.04     Attorneys’ Fees. In the event that any dispute between Company and any Party or among the Parties should result in litigation, the prevailing Party in such dispute shall be entitled to recover from the other Party all reasonable fees, costs, and expenses of enforcing any right of the prevailing Party, including without limitation, reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses.

3.05     Complete Agreement. This Agreement, each Exhibit hereto and the Certificate of Formation constitute the complete and exclusive statement of agreement among the Parties with respect to the subject matter herein and therein contained and replace and supersede all prior written and oral agreements or statements by and between the Parties concerning the subject matter hereof No representation, statement, condition or warranty not contained in this Agreement or the Certificate shall be binding on the Parties or have any force or effect whatsoever.

3.06     Amendments. This Agreement may be amended only with the written consent of Parties.

3.07     Additional Documents and Acts. Each Party agrees to execute and deliver such additional documents and instruments and to perform such additional acts as may be necessary or appropriate to effectuate, carry out and perform all of the terms, provisions and conditions of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby.

3.08     Construction. Whenever the singular number is used in this Agreement and when required by the context, the same shall include the plural, and the masculine gender shall include the feminine and neuter genders and vice versa. In the event any claim is made by any Party relating to any conflict, omission or ambiguity in this Agreement, no presumption or burden of proof or persuasion shall be implied by virtue of the fact that this Agreement was prepared by or at the request of a particular Party or his or her counsel.

3.09     Headings. The headings in this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and are in no way intended to describe, interpret, define, or limit the scope, extent or intent of this Agreement or any provision hereof.

 

 

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3.10     Waivers. The failure of any Party to seek redress for violation of or to insist upon the strict performance of any covenant or condition of this Agreement shall not prevent a subsequent act, which would have originally constituted a violation, from having the effect of an original violation.

3.11     Rights and Remedies Cumulative. The rights and remedies provided by this Agreement are cumulative, and the use of any one right or remedy by any Party shall not preclude or waive the right to use any or all other remedies. Such rights and remedies are given in addition to any other rights the parties may have by law, statute, ordinance or otherwise.

3.12     Severability. If any provision of this Agreement or the application thereof to any person or circumstance shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable to any extent, the remainder of this Agreement and the application thereof shall not be affected and shall be enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law.

3.13     Heirs, Successors and Assigns. Each and all of the covenants, terms, provisions and agreements contained herein shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties and, to the extent permitted by this Agreement, their respective heirs, legal representatives, successors and assigns.

3.14     Parties in Interest. Except as expressly provided in the Act, nothing in this Agreement shall confer any rights or remedies under or by reason of this Agreement on any Persons other than the Parties and Managers and their respective successors and assigns nor shall anything in this Agreement relieve or discharge the obligation or liability of any third person to any Party to this Agreement, nor shall any provision give any third person any right of subrogation or action over or against any Party to this Agreement. None of the provisions of this Agreement shall be for the benefit of or enforceable by any creditor of Company.

3.15     Confidentiality. No Party or Manager shall, during the period such Party is a Party and for a period of two (2) years after such Party has ceased to be a Party or Manager, disclose any confidential or proprietary information with respect to Company to any Person, except (i) with the prior written consent of the other Parties; (ii) to the extent necessary to comply with law (including, without limitation, Purchaser’s obligation as a subsidiary of 4Kids Entertainment, Inc., a public corporation, to disclose material transactions affecting 4Kids Entertainment, Inc.) or the valid order of a court of competent jurisdiction; (iii) as part of its normal reporting or review procedure to its Affiliates, its auditors, attorneys and professional advisors; provided, however, that such auditors, attorneys and professional advisors and Affiliate shall have a need to know such confidential or proprietary information and shall be instructed by the disclosing Party as to the requirements of this Section 3.15; (iv) in connection with the enforcement of such Party’s rights hereunder; (v) to a prospective purchaser of all or a portion of such Party’s Interests in connection with a sale thereof in accordance with the terms of this Agreement; provided, however, that such prospective purchaser agrees to be bound by the provisions of this Section 3.15.

3.16     Publicity. No public announcement of any kind shall be made by Company, Purchaser or by Seller, or by any Affiliate thereof, with respect to the content of this Agreement without the prior written consent of the Parties.

 

 

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3.17     Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

3.18     Survival of Representations and Warranties. All representations and warranties made in this Agreement, or any other instrument or document delivered in connection herewith or therewith, shall survive the execution and delivery hereof or thereof for a period of one (1) year after the date hereof, provided, however, that such representations and warranties need only be accurate as of the date of such execution and delivery, except as to such representations and warranties that speak as of a particular date, in which case such representations and warranties need only be accurate as of such date.

3.19     California Corporate Securities Law. THE SALE OF THE SECURITIES WHICH ARE THE SUBJECT OF THIS AGREEMENT HAS NOT BEEN QUALIFIED WITH THE COMMISSIONER OF CORPORATIONS OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA AND THE ISSUANCE OF SUCH SECURITIES OR THE PAYMENT OR RECEIPT OF ANY PART OF THE CONSIDERATION THEREFOR PRIOR TO SUCH QUALIFICATION IS UNLAWFUL, UNLESS THE SALE OF SECURITIES IS EXEMPT FROM QUALIFICATION BY SECTIONS 25100, 25102, OR 25105 OF THE CALIFORNIA CORPORATIONS CODE. THE RIGHTS OF ALL PARTIES TO THIS AGREEMENT ARE EXPRESSLY CONDITIONED UPON SUCH QUALIFICATION BEING OBTAINED, UNLESS THE SALE IS SO EXEMPT.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed as of the date first above written.

 

CHAOTIC USA ENTERTAINMENT GROUP, INC.

4KIDS DIGITAL GAMES, INC.

 

 

 

 

By: /s/ John T. Milito            

Name: John T. Milito  

Title: EVP

By: /s/ Samuel R. Newborn            

Name: Samuel R. Newborn  

Title: EVP

 

 

 

 

TC DIGITAL GAMES LLC

 

 

 

 

 

By: /s/ Bryan C. Gannon            

Name: Bryan C. Gannon  

Title: CEO

 

 

 

 

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EXHIBIT A

INITIAL CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS AND

PERCENTAGE INTERESTS

Name and Address
of Members

Initial Capital Contribution and Initial Capital Account

Number of Units

Member’s Percentage Interest

4Kids Digital Games, Inc.

1414 Avenue of the Americas

New York, New York 10019

Attn: Samuel R. Newborn, Esq.

 

 

55

55%

Chaotic USA Entertainment Group, Inc.

3830 Valley Center Drive,

Suite 705-405,

San Diego, CA 92130

Attention: Messrs. Gannon and Milito  

 

 

45

45%

TOTALS:

 

100

100%

 

Managers’ Names:

Bryan Gannon

John Milito

Bruce Foster

Samuel Newborn

 

Tax Matters Member: 4Kids Digital Games, Inc.

 

 

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EXHIBIT B

 

FORM OF ASSIGNMENT

 

Assignment

 

The undersigned Member of TC Digital Games LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Company”), hereby transfers and assigns the undersigned’s entire rights, title and interest in and to two (2) Units (the “Transferred Interest”) in the Company to 4Kids Digital Games, Inc. (“Assignee”), and transfers all of the undersigned’s obligations relating to the Transferred Interest to the Assignee. It is the intent of the undersigned that the Assignee shall succeed to the Transferred Interest as a “Substitute Member.”

 

 

This Assignment shall be effective as of December 18, 2007.

 

 

 

/s/ John T. Milito                      

 

Chaotic USA Entertainment Group, Inc.[Transferring Member]

 

 

Acceptance of Assignment and

Agreement To Be Bound

 

The undersigned acknowledges having received and read a copy of that certain Operating Agreement dated as of December 11, 2006 (the “Operating Agreement”) of TC Digital Games LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Company”). The undersigned hereby (i) accepts the foregoing Assignment, (ii) agrees to hold said Transferred Interest as a Substitute Member, and (iii) agrees to be bound by all of the terms and conditions of the Operating Agreement.

 

This Acceptance of Assignment and Agreement to be Bound shall be effective as of December 18, 2007.

 

 

 

/s/ Samuel R. Newborn                      

 

4Kids Digital Games, Inc.[Assignee]

 

 

 

 

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EX-31.1 7 ak302cert10k123107.htm CEO CERTIFICATION DATED 12-31-07

Exhibit 31.1

Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, As Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

I, Alfred R. Kahn, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of 4Kids Entertainment, Inc., certify that:


1.  

I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 of 4Kids Entertainment, Inc. (the “registrant”);


2.  

Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;


3.  

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;


4.  

The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:


        (a)    Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

        (b)    Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;  

        (c)    Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and  

        (d)    Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and  

5.  

The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):


        (a)    All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and  

        (b)    Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.  

      Date: March 14, 2008


  By: /s/ Alfred R. Kahn
      Alfred R. Kahn
      Chairman of the Board and
      Chief Executive Officer



EX-31.2 8 bfoster302cert10k123107.htm CFO CERTIFICATION DATED 12-31-07

Exhibit 31.2

Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, As Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

I, Bruce R. Foster, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of 4Kids Entertainment, Inc., certify that:


1.  

I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 of 4Kids Entertainment, Inc. (the “registrant”);


2.  

Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;


3.  

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;


4.  

The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:


        (a)     Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

        (b)    Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;  

        (c)    Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and  

        (d)    Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and  

5.  

The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):


        (a)    All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and  

        (b)    Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.  

      Date: March 14, 2008


  By: /s/ Bruce R. Foster
      Bruce R. Foster
      Executive Vice President and
      Chief Financial Officer



EX-32.1 9 certification90610k123107.htm JOINT CERTIFICATION DATED 12-31-07

EXHIBIT 32.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

        Each of the undersigned hereby certifies, in accordance with 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, in his capacity as an officer of 4Kids Entertainment, Inc. (the “Company”), that the Annual Report of the Company on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and that the information contained in such report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.


Date: March 14, 2008


  By: /s/ Alfred R. Kahn
      Alfred R. Kahn
      Chairman of the Board and
      Chief Executive Officer



Date: March 14, 2008


  By: /s/ Bruce R. Foster
      Bruce R. Foster
      Executive Vice President and
      Chief Financial Officer

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to 4Kids Entertainment, Inc. and will be retained by 4Kids Entertainment, Inc. and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.


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