10K - FY13Q4
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 10-K
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þ | ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the fiscal year ended February 1, 2014
OR
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¨ | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the transition period from to
Commission File No. 1-32637
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its Charter)
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Delaware | | 20-2733559 |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
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625 Westport Parkway | 76051 |
Grapevine, Texas | (Zip Code) |
(Address of principal executive offices) | | |
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:
(817) 424-2000
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
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(Title of Class) | | (Name of Exchange on Which Registered) |
Class A Common Stock, $.001 par value per share | | New York Stock Exchange |
Rights to Purchase Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock, $.001 par value per share | | 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 þ No ¨
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act. Yes ¨ No þ
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes þ No ¨
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§ 229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ¨
Indicate by 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):
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Large Accelerated Filer þ | | Accelerated Filer ¨ | | Non-accelerated Filer ¨ | | Smaller reporting company ¨ |
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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨ No þ
The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was approximately $5,769,000,000, based upon the closing market price of $50.39 per share of Class A Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange as of August 3, 2013. (For purposes of this calculation all of the registrant's directors and officers are deemed affiliates of the registrant.)
Number of shares of $.001 par value Class A Common Stock outstanding as of March 20, 2014: 115,305,927
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the definitive proxy statement of the registrant to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, for the 2014 Annual Meeting of Stockholders are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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PART I | |
Item 1. | | |
Item 1A. | | |
Item 1B. | | |
Item 2. | | |
Item 3. | | |
Item 4. | | |
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PART II | |
Item 5. | | |
Item 6. | | |
Item 7. | | |
Item 7A. | | |
Item 8. | | |
Item 9. | | |
Item 9A. | | |
Item 9B. | | |
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PART III | |
Item 10. | | |
Item 11. | | |
Item 12. | | |
Item 13. | | |
Item 14. | | |
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PART IV | |
Item 15. | | |
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PART I
General
GameStop Corp. (together with its predecessor companies, “GameStop,” “we,” “us,” “our,” or the “Company”) is a global, multichannel video game, consumer electronics and wireless services retailer. As the world’s largest multichannel video game retailer, we sell new and pre-owned video game hardware, physical and digital video game software, video game accessories, as well as new and pre-owned mobile and consumer electronics products and other merchandise. As of February 1, 2014, GameStop's retail network and family of brands include 6,675 company-operated stores in the United States, Australia, Canada and Europe, primarily under the names GameStopTM (“GameStop”), EB GamesTM (“EB Games”), and Micromania. We also operate electronic commerce Web sites under the names www.gamestop.com, www.ebgames.com.au, www.ebgames.co.nz, www.gamestop.ca, www.gamestop.it, www.gamestop.es, www.gamestop.ie, www.gamestop.de, www.gamestop.co.uk and www.micromania.fr. The network also includes: www.kongregate.comTM, a leading browser-based game site; Game InformerTM (“Game Informer”) magazine, the world's leading physical and digital video game publication; a digital personal computer (“PC”) distribution platform available at www.gamestop.com/pcgames; iOS and Android mobile applications; and an online consumer electronics marketplace available at www.buymytronics.comTM. We also operate Simply Mac©, a U.S. based, certified Apple© (“Apple”) products reseller; Spring Mobile©, an authorized AT&T® (“AT&T”) reseller operating AT&T branded wireless retail stores in the United States; and pre-paid wireless stores under the name Aio WirelessTM (“Aio Wireless,” an AT&T brand) as part of our expanding relationship with AT&T.
We are a Delaware corporation which, through a predecessor, began operations in November 1996. Our corporate office and one of our distribution facilities are housed in a 519,000 square foot facility in Grapevine, Texas.
Recent Developments
Strategic Activities
Following on the success of extending our buy-sell-trade model into our mobile business, we are seeking other opportunities to extend our core competencies to other products and retail categories in order to continue to grow our company. Doing so will allow us to help mitigate the cyclical nature of the video game console cycle. Aligned with this strategy we have executed the following initiatives in the 52 weeks ended February 1, 2014 (“fiscal 2013”).
Acquisition of Simply Mac. In October 2012, we acquired a minority equity ownership interest in Simply Mac, Inc. (“Simply Mac”), which operated Apple specialty retail stores in Utah and Wyoming. The investment was structured with an option whereby we could acquire the remaining ownership interest in Simply Mac's equity for a pre-negotiated price at a future point in time. Pursuant to this arrangement, in November 2013, we acquired the remaining 50.1% interest in Simply Mac for a total purchase price of $9.5 million.
Acquisition of Spring Mobile. In November 2013, we purchased Spring Communications, Inc. (“Spring Mobile”), a wireless retailer, for a purchase price of $62.6 million and the assumption of $34.5 million in term loans and a line of credit, of which $31.9 million was repaid shortly after the acquisition date.
Opening of Aio Wireless stores. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, we began to open and operate pre-paid wireless stores under the name Aio Wireless.
As a result of the Spring Mobile and Simply Mac acquisitions and the opening of our new Aio Wireless stores, we have added a new reportable segment, Technology Brands, during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013.
Decision to abandon investment in Spawn Labs. Spawn Labs, Inc. (“Spawn Labs”) is a streaming technology company with a patented technology to provide a unique game streaming and virtualization experience. Our decision to abandon this investment is a result of a lack of consumer demand for video game streaming services. As a result of this decision, we recorded an impairment charge of $19.7 million during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, of which $10.2 million was related goodwill and is recorded in the goodwill impairments line in our consolidated statements of operations and $9.5 million was related to certain technology assets and other intangible assets and is reflected in the asset impairments and restructuring charges line item in our consolidated statements of operations.
Return of Capital Strategies
In an effort to continue our commitment to drive long-term shareholder value we have accomplished the following initiatives in fiscal 2013 and so far in the 52 weeks ending January 31, 2015 (“fiscal 2014”).
Increase of cash dividend. In fiscal 2013 we paid dividends of $1.10 per share of Class A Common Stock, totaling approximately $131 million for the year. On March 4, 2014, our Board of Directors authorized an increase in our annual cash dividend from $1.10 to $1.32 per share of Class A Common Stock, which represents an increase of 20%. Additionally, on March 4, 2014, we declared our first quarterly dividend of fiscal 2014 of $0.33 per share of Class A Common Stock, payable on March 25, 2014 to stockholders of record on March 17, 2014.
Share repurchase activity. In fiscal 2013, we repurchased 6.3 million shares of our Class A Common Stock at an average price per share of $41.12 for a total of $258.3 million. On November 19, 2013, our Board of Directors authorized us to use up to $500 million to repurchase shares of our Class A Common Stock, replacing the $209.9 million remaining under our previous authorization. Between February 2, 2014 and March 20, 2014, we repurchased an additional 0.6 million shares of our Class A Common Stock for an average price per share of $37.17.
Our Reportable Segments
As of February 1, 2014, we operate our business in four Video Game Brands segments: United States, Canada, Australia and Europe; and a Technology Brands segment. The Video Game Brands segments include 6,457 stores, 4,249 of which are included in the United States segment. There are 335, 418, and 1,455 stores in the Canadian, Australian and European segments, respectively. Each of the Video Game Brands segments consists primarily of retail operations, with all stores engaged in the sale of new and pre-owned video game systems, software and accessories, which we refer to as video game products. Our Video Game Brands stores sell various types of digital products, including downloadable content, network points cards, prepaid digital, online timecards and digitally downloadable software. They also carry mobile and consumer electronics products, which consist primarily of pre-owned mobile devices, tablets and related accessories. Our buy-sell-trade program creates a unique value proposition to our customers by providing our customers with an opportunity to trade in their pre-owned video game and consumer electronics products for store credits and apply those credits towards other merchandise, which in turn, increases sales. The products in our Video Games Brands segments are substantially the same regardless of geographic location, with the primary differences in merchandise carried being the timing of release of new products in the various geographies, language translations and the timing of roll-outs of newly developed technology enabling the sale of new digital products. Stores in all Video Games Brands segments are similar in size at an average of approximately 1,400 square feet.
Results for the Video Games Brands United States segment include retail operations in the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam and Puerto Rico; the electronic commerce Web site www.gamestop.com; Game Informer magazine; www.kongregate.com, a digital PC game distribution platform available at www.gamestop.com/pcgames; and an online consumer electronics marketplace available at www.buymytronics.com. Segment results for Canada include retail and e-commerce operations in stores throughout Canada and segment results for Australia include retail and e-commerce operations in Australia and New Zealand. Segment results for Europe include retail and e-commerce operations in 11 European countries.
Our Technology Brands segment includes all of our Simply Mac, Spring Mobile and Aio Wireless stores. Simply Mac operates 23 stores primarily in the western half of the United States, which sell Apple products, including desktop computers, laptops, tablets and smart phones and related accessories and other consumer electronics products. As an authorized Apple reseller, Simply Mac also offers certified training, warranty and repair services to its customers. Spring Mobile sells post-paid AT&T services and wireless products through its 164 AT&T branded stores, as well as related accessories and other consumer electronics products. Aio Wireless is a new AT&T brand offering pre-paid wireless services, devices and related accessories. We have opened 31 Aio Wireless stores in recent months in a few key markets throughout the United States. AT&T recently acquired Leap Wireless, the operator of Cricket® (“Cricket”) branded pre-paid wireless stores. We expect that our Aio stores will be re-branded under the Cricket name in the coming months.
Additional information, including financial information, regarding our reportable segments can be found in “Part II - Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in this Annual Report on Form 10-K (the "Form 10-K") and in Note 17 to our consolidated financial statements.
Disclosure Regarding Forward-looking Statements
This Form 10-K and other oral and written statements made by us to the public contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). The forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause our actual results, performance, achievements or industry results to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to:
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• | the introduction of next-generation consoles and other product releases which impact sales of new products and old products, the current or future features of such consoles, manufacturer-imposed or regulatory restrictions, changes or conditions that may adversely affect our pre-owned business; |
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• | our ability to respond quickly to technological changes and evolving consumer preferences; |
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• | our reliance on a limited number of suppliers and vendors for timely delivery of sufficient quantities of their products; |
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• | our dependence on the production of new, innovative and popular product releases and enhanced video game platforms and accessories by developers and manufacturers; |
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• | general economic conditions in the U.S. and internationally, specifically Europe, which impact consumer confidence and consumer spending; |
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• | the proliferation of alternate sources of distribution of video game hardware, software and content, including through digital downloads; |
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• | the growth of alternate means to play video games, including mobile, social networking sites and browser gaming; |
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• | the intense competition in the video game industry; |
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• | our ability to open and operate new stores and to efficiently close underperforming stores; |
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• | our ability to attract and retain qualified personnel; |
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• | the failure to achieve the anticipated benefits from new ventures and transactions and our ability to effectively integrate and operate acquired companies, including digital gaming, technology-based, mobile, wireless or consumer electronics companies that are outside of our historical operating expertise; |
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• | the impact and costs of litigation and regulatory compliance; |
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• | the amounts, timing and prices of any share repurchases made by us under our share repurchase programs; |
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• | the risks involved with our international operations, including depressed local economic conditions, political risks, currency exchange risks, tax rates and regulatory risks; |
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• | the efficiency of our management information systems and back-office functions; |
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• | data breaches involving customers or employee data and failure of our cyber security infrastructure which could expose us to litigation; |
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• | restrictions under our credit agreement which may impose operating and financial restrictions on us; and |
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• | other factors described in this Form 10-K, including those set forth under the caption “Item 1A. Risk Factors.” |
In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of terms such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “continues,” “could,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “may,” “plans,” “potential,” “predicts,” “pro forma,” “seeks,” “should,” “will” or similar expressions. These statements are only predictions based on current expectations and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our or our industry’s actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.
Although we believe that the expectations reflected in our forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise after the date of this Form 10-K. In light of these risks and uncertainties, the forward-looking events and circumstances contained in this Form 10-K may not occur, causing actual results to differ materially from those anticipated or implied by our forward-looking statements.
Video Game Industry Background
Based upon estimates compiled by various market research firms, management estimates that the combined market for new physical video game products and PC entertainment software was approximately $22.4 billion in 2013 in the parts of the world in which we operate. According to NPD Group, Inc., a market research firm (the “NPD Group”), the electronic game industry was an approximately $13 billion market in the United States in 2013, consisting of new physical video game products, excluding sales of pre-owned video game products. In addition, content in digital format (full game and add-on content downloads, subscriptions, mobile games and social network games) was approximately $7.2 billion.
International Development Group (“IDG”), a market research firm, estimates that retail sales of video game hardware and software and PC entertainment software totaled approximately $10.6 billion in Europe in 2013. For 2013, the NPD Group reported that video game retail sales were approximately $1.0 billion in Canada and $1.0 billion in the Australian market.
New Video Game Products. Video game products appeal to a wide array of consumers, from avid gamers spending many hours per week playing console gaming systems to casual game players enjoying social and mobile games on smart phones, tablets and other devices. The average game player is 30 years old, 68% are age 18 or older and 45% of gamers are female. We expect the following trends in sales of video game products:
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• | Video Game Hardware. Gaming consoles are typically launched in cycles as technological developments provide significant improvements in graphics, audio quality, gameplay, internet connectivity, social features and other entertainment capabilities beyond video gaming. The most recent cycle of consoles (referred to as “next generation”) includes the Sony PlayStation 4 and Microsoft Xbox One, which both launched in most of the countries in which we operate in November 2013, and the Nintendo Wii U, which launched in November 2012. Early demand for the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One has been strong as sales exceeded our expectations since introduction. |
The previous generation of consoles was launched in 2005 (the Microsoft Xbox 360) and 2006 (the Sony PlayStation 3 and the Nintendo Wii). Sony and Microsoft continue to manufacture the PlayStation 3 and the Xbox 360, respectively, while Nintendo has stopped manufacturing the Wii. The demand for the previous generation hardware has been in decline since 2011 and we expect that demand will continue to decline as consumers move to the next generation consoles.
In addition, portable handheld video game devices have evolved to the Nintendo 3DS and 2DS, which were introduced in 2011 and 2013, respectively, and the Sony PlayStation Vita, which was introduced in February 2012. The market for handheld devices has declined in recent years as the proliferation of smart-phones, tablets and other mobile devices offer video game players alternative ways to play games.
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• | Video Game Software. Sales of video game software generally increase as gaming platforms mature and gain wider acceptance. Sales of video game software are dependent upon manufacturers and third-party publishers developing and releasing game titles for existing game platforms. In recent years the number of new games introduced each year has generally declined and as a result, the market for video game sales has also declined. With the introduction of the next generation consoles, we expect the number of new games introduced to increase and we expect demand for software for those devices to be strong and demand for software for the previous generation of consoles to continue to decline. |
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• | Video Game Accessories. Sales of video game hardware also drive sales of video game accessories for use with the hardware and software. The most common video game accessories are controllers and gaming headsets. We expect demand for video game accessories for use on the next generation of consoles to increase as the installed base of these consoles increases. We expect the demand for accessories for use with the previous generation of consoles to decline as the sales of those consoles decline. |
Pre-owned and Value Video Game Products. The installed base of video game hardware platforms continues to increase each year and continues to fuel the market for pre-owned video game hardware and software. Based on reports published by the NPD Group, we believe that, as of December 2013, the installed base of next generation and the most recent previous generation video game hardware systems in the United States, based on original sales, totaled over 200 million units of handheld and console video game systems and grew by 16 million units in 2013. According to IDG, the installed base of active hardware systems of the same generations as of December 2013 in Europe was approximately 158 million units and grew by 12 million units in 2013. Hardware manufacturers and third-party software publishers have produced a wide variety of software titles for each of these hardware platforms. Based on internal estimates, we believe that the installed base of video game software units in the United States currently exceeds 2.45 billion units. As the substantial installed base of video game hardware and software continues to expand, there is ongoing demand for pre-owned video game products. There is also demand for value-priced video game products, which can often be obtained as publishers or other retailers seek to reduce excess or slow-moving inventory. As we look to grow our market share and overall position in the video game industry, we have begun to expand our pre-owned category to include value video game products that typically include non-new release software purchased at closeout or from liquidation firms and on occasion includes reprints of old titles from publishers to supplement our inventory. Such products are expected to have the net effect of increasing our overall pre-owned and value video game product sales at a slightly reduced margin rate with the goal of increasing overall gross margin dollars and operating profit.
Digital Gaming. The digital game market consists of both immersive and casual games delivered over the internet to consoles, computers, tablets, smart phones and other devices. The recent generations of video game consoles contain the technology to digitally download video game software content and a growing market has developed for the sale of digitally downloadable add-on content for physical games, which the electronic game industry calls “DLC” and, more recently, full game downloads. The next generation consoles increase the availability and ease of downloading game content and we expect the demand for downloadable video games to continue to grow as the installed base of the next generation of consoles grows.
Casual Games. The casual game market consists primarily of digital games and has grown rapidly over the last few years. Casual games are generally defined as simple, easy-to-use, free or very low-priced games played through the internet in Web browsers, on dedicated gaming Web sites, and increasingly, on mobile phones or other mobile devices. Casual games cost less to develop and distribute than a traditional console video game and are often supported by in-game advertising or user-purchased premium content.
Mobile and Consumer Electronics Industry Backgrounds
Mobile and Consumer Electronics. The mobile and consumer electronics market, as we refer to it, consists primarily of wireless services, new and pre-owned mobile devices, such as smart phones and tablets, consumer electronics such as Apple products and services, non-gaming headsets and related accessories.
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• | Wireless Services and Products. Our Aio Wireless and Spring Mobile businesses are exclusive resellers of AT&T and sell AT&T’s pre-paid and post-paid services, respectively, and a variety of wireless handsets manufactured for use on AT&T’s network. The market for wireless devices and services is estimated by CTIA- the Wireless Association to be approximately $184 billion with growth projected over the next five years between 3-5% annually. We expect that the market for AT&T services and products and the wireless market in general will continue to grow as more and more wireless devices get connected to the internet through wireless networks. |
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• | Mobile Devices. We define mobile devices as smartphones, tablets and related accessories. We sell new mobile devices in our Technology Brands stores. We buy, sell and trade pre-owned mobile devices and tablets in our Video Game Brands and Technology Brands stores. We take trades of other select pre-owned electronics and smartphones in our Video Game Brands stores and in our Technology Brands stores. The market for pre-owned mobile devices and other electronics is referred to as the recommerce industry, which has been growing in recent years as companies like NextWorth and Gazelle advertise that consumers can trade in their pre-owned electronic devices. We estimate that the size of the recommerce market is $2.3 billion in the United States and will grow at an annual rate of 20-25% over the next five years. |
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• | Consumer Electronics. Our Simply Mac stores are authorized Apple resellers and also offer certified training, warranty and repair services to customers. Based on Apple public statements and filings, we estimate the market for Apple products sold at retail in the U.S. to be approximately $69 billion and is expected to grow 5-10% annually in the next five years. |
Business and Growth Strategy
Our goal is to continue to be the world’s largest multichannel retailer of new and pre-owned and value video game products and to strategically expand our Simply Mac, Spring Mobile and Aio Wireless businesses. We plan to strengthen our position as the retail market leader in the video games industry by executing the following strategies:
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• | Increase Market Share and Expand our Market Leadership Position. We plan to increase market share and awareness of the GameStop brand and drive membership in our loyalty program, expand our sales of new and pre-owned mobile products and expand our market leadership position by focusing on the launch of new hardware platforms as well as physical and digital software titles. |
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• | Increase GameStop Brand Awareness and Loyalty Membership. Substantially all of GameStop’s U.S. and European stores are operated under the GameStop name, with the exception of the Micromania stores in France. We operate loyalty programs in each of the countries in which we operate our Video Game Brands stores. The Micromania stores introduced a loyalty program in the 1990s. Using this program as a model, we introduced our U.S. loyalty program called PowerUp RewardsTM ("PowerUp Rewards") in 2010. We introduced other loyalty programs in our video game stores in remaining countries between 2011 and 2013. Building our brands has enabled us to leverage the increased awareness to capture advertising and marketing efficiencies. Our loyalty programs generally offer our customers the ability to sign up for a free or paid membership which gives our customers access to exclusive video game related rewards. The programs' paid memberships may also include a subscription to Game Informer magazine, additional discounts on pre-owned merchandise in our stores and additional credit on trade-ins of pre-owned products. As of February 1, 2014, we had 27 million members in the PowerUp Rewards program, approximately 7 million of which were paid members. In total, our loyalty programs around the world had approximately 34 million members. Our branding strategy is further supported by our Web sites which allow our customers to buy games online, reserve or pick up merchandise in our stores, order in-store for home delivery and to learn about the latest video game products and their availability in our stores. Together, our loyalty programs, Web sites, mobile applications, magazine and other properties are a part of our multi-channel retail strategy designed to enhance our relationships with our customers, make it easier for our customers to transact with us and increase brand loyalty. In fiscal 2014, we plan to continue to aggressively promote our loyalty programs and increase brand awareness over a broader demographic area in order to promote our unique buying experience in-store for new and pre-owned hardware and software, trade-ins of pre-owned video game and mobile consumer electronics products and to leverage our Web sites |
at www.gamestop.com, www.ebgames.com.au, www.ebgames.co.nz, www.gamestop.ca, www.gamestop.it, www.gamestop.es, www.gamestop.ie, www.gamestop.de, www.gamestop.co.uk, www.micromania.fr and www.gameinformer.com, the online video gaming Web site www.kongregate.com, our digital PC distribution platform available at www.gamestop.com/pcgames, and our online consumer electronics marketplace available at www.buymytronics.com.
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• | Increase Sales of Pre-Owned and Value Video Game Products. We believe we are the largest retailer of pre-owned video game products in the world and carry the broadest selection of pre-owned and value video game products for both next and previous generation platforms, giving us a unique advantage in the video game retail industry. The opportunity to trade-in and purchase pre-owned and value video game products offers our customers a unique value proposition generally unavailable at most mass merchants, toy stores and consumer electronics retailers. We obtain most of our pre-owned video game products from trade-ins made in our stores by our customers. We also obtain value-priced, or close-out, video game products at favorable prices from publishers, other retailers or distributors and can sell those products to value-conscious consumers in our stores. Pre-owned and value video game products generate significantly higher gross margins than new video game products. Our strategy consists of increasing consumer awareness of the benefits of trading in and buying pre-owned video game products and value-priced video game products at our stores through increased marketing activities and the use of both broad and targeted marketing to our loyalty program members. The supply of value-priced video game products and trade-ins of video game products, and the demand for resale of these products, is affected by overall demand for video game products and the introduction of new software and hardware by our suppliers. We expect the recent launch of next-generation consoles and software to drive close-out availability and trade-ins of older video game products, thereby expanding our supply of pre-owned and value video game products. |
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• | Expand our Digital Growth Strategy to Protect and Expand our Market Leadership Position. We expect that future growth in the electronic game industry will be driven by the sale of video games delivered in digital form and the expansion of other forms of gaming. We currently sell various types of products that relate to the digital category, including Xbox Live, PlayStation Plus and Nintendo network points cards, as well as prepaid digital and online timecards and DLC. We believe we are the only significant brick-and-mortar retail seller of DLC. We believe that we are frequently the leading seller of DLC for certain game titles by out-selling online networks. We operate an online video game platform called Kongregate.com and we acquired a digital PC distribution platform, Impulse, during the 52 weeks ended January 28, 2012 (“fiscal 2011”). We will continue to make investments in e-commerce, digital delivery systems, mobile applications and in-store and Web site functionality to enable our customers to access digital content and eliminate friction in the digital sales and delivery process. We plan to continue to grow our digital sales base. |
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• | Store Opening/Closing Strategy. We have an analysis-driven approach to store opening and closing decisions. We intend to continue to open a limited number of new Video Game Brands stores in targeted markets where we can take market share from uncontested competitors, as well as in markets in which we already operate where we have realized returns on invested capital that have exceeded our internal targets. We analyze each market relative to target population and other demographic indices, real estate availability, competitive factors and past operating history, if available. On average, our new stores opened in the past three fiscal years have had a return of original investment of less than two years. We will be aggressive in the analysis of our existing store base to determine optimal levels of profitability and close stores where profitability goals are not being met or where we can attempt to transfer sales to other nearby existing stores and increase overall profits. We utilize our PowerUp Rewards loyalty program information to determine areas that are currently underserved and also utilize our database to ensure a high customer transfer rate from closing locations to existing locations. We opened 109 new Video Game Brands stores and closed 254 Video Game Brands stores in fiscal 2013, reducing our Video Game Brands store count by 2.2%, in line with stated targets. We opened 146 new stores and closed 227 stores in the 53 weeks ended February 2, 2013 (“fiscal 2012”), reducing our store count by 1.2%, in line with stated targets and decreasing the number of stores we opened compared to previous years. We opened 285 new stores and closed 272 stores in fiscal 2011, significantly increasing the number of stores we closed compared to previous years. We plan to open approximately 40-50 new Video Game Brands stores and close approximately 170-180 Video Game Brands stores worldwide in fiscal 2014. |
Targeting a Broad Audience of Game Players. We have created store and online environments targeting a broad audience, including the video game enthusiast, the casual gamer and the seasonal gift giver. Our stores focus on the video game enthusiast who demands the latest merchandise featuring the “hottest” technology immediately on the day of release and the value-oriented customer who wants a wide selection of value-priced pre-owned video game products. Our buy-sell-trade program offers consumers the opportunity to trade-in pre-owned video game products in exchange for store credits applicable to future purchases, which, in turn, drives more sales. Our online properties, including e-commerce sites and Kongregate.com, continue to evolve to meet the needs of consumers looking to research or buy traditional boxed product video games, download the latest PC games or play browser and casual games on their PCs or mobile devices.
Kongregate.com is a leading web and mobile gaming platform that attracts more than 18 million monthly unique visitors. Kongregate’s mobile publishing division has several titles available in both the Apple and Google app stores. The majority of Kongregate’s revenues come from in-game transactions utilizing a proprietary virtual currency called Kreds.
Enhancing our Image as a Destination Location. Our video game stores and e-commerce sites serve as destination locations for game players, mobile electronics consumers and gift givers due to our broad selection of products, compelling loyalty program offers, game-oriented environment, trade-in programs and unique pricing proposition. We offer all major video game platforms, provide a broad assortment of new and pre-owned video game products and popular mobile devices and offer a larger and more current selection of merchandise than other retailers. In our stores, we provide a high level of customer service by hiring game enthusiasts and providing them with ongoing sales training, as well as training in the latest technical and functional elements of our products and services, making them the most knowledgeable associates in the video game retail market. Our stores are equipped with several video game sampling areas, which provide our customers with the opportunity to play games before purchase, as well as equipment to play video game clips.
Consistently Achieving High New Release Market Share. We focus marketing efforts and store associates on driving the sale of new release video game products, both physical and digital. We employ a variety of rapid-response distribution methods in our efforts to be the first-to-market and consistently in-stock for new physical and digital video game products. This highly efficient distribution network is essential, as a significant portion of a new title’s sales will be generated in the first few days and weeks following its release. As the world’s largest retailer of video game products with a proven capability to distribute new releases to our customers quickly and capture market share immediately following new product launches, we believe we regularly receive larger allocations of popular new video game products. On a daily basis, we actively monitor sales trends, customer reservations and store manager feedback to ensure a high in-stock position for each store. To assist our customers in obtaining immediate access to new releases, we offer our customers the opportunity to pre-order products in our stores or through our Web sites prior to their release.
Investing in our Information Systems and Distribution Capabilities. We employ sophisticated and fully-integrated inventory management, store-level point-of-sale and financial systems and state-of-the-art distribution facilities. These systems enable us to maximize the efficiency of the flow of over 5,000 SKUs, improve store efficiency, optimize store in-stock positions and carry a broad selection of inventory. Our proprietary inventory management systems enable us to maximize sales of new release titles and avoid markdowns as titles mature and utilize electronic point-of-sale equipment that provides corporate and regional headquarters with daily information regarding store-level sales and available inventory levels to automatically generate replenishment shipments to each store at least twice a week. In addition, our highly-customized inventory management systems allow us to actively manage the pricing and product availability of our pre-owned video game products across our video game store base and to reallocate our inventory as necessary. Our systems enable each store to carry a merchandise assortment uniquely tailored to its own sales mix and customer needs. Our ability to react quickly to consumer purchasing trends has resulted in a target mix of inventory, reduced shipping and handling costs for overstocks and reduced our need to discount products.
Expanding our Mobile Business. In 2011, we began to buy, sell and trade pre-owned mobile devices, including gaming tablets, new tablets and related services and accessories for those devices, in our video game stores. We believe taking trades of these devices is a logical extension of our expertise in buying, selling and trading of pre-owned video game products. We use our centralized refurbishment centers in the U.S. and in certain international locations to refurbish these devices and then re-sell them in our stores. As of February 1, 2014, we were selling select pre-owned electronics in all of our U.S. stores and on our Web site at www.gamestop.com, and in a majority of stores in our international markets. We plan to continue to drive awareness of this business in our stores in fiscal 2014. As the proliferation of smartphones and tablets continues and those devices are increasingly used for playing digital games, the market for such devices and the marketing of related games provide us opportunities to grow our revenues and profits.
Expanding our Technology Brands businesses. Following on the success of extending our buy-sell-trade model into our mobile business, we are seeking other opportunities to extend our core competencies to other products and retail categories in order to continue to grow our company. We believe our core competencies include the following:
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• | Real estate knowledge, including extensive relationships with landlords, portfolio management, negotiating skills and risk mitigation; |
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• | Experience in rapid growth retail environments with a history of opening 300-400 stores annually; |
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• | Knowledge of buy-sell-trade programs, including pricing algorithms, inventory balancing, refurbishment capabilities and secondhand dealer laws; |
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• | Human resource management practices, including hiring, training, systems and processes; |
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• | Multi-unit management in small, specialty retail stores, with expert staff in assisted selling environments and limited staffing models; |
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• | Customer retention programs, including using our loyalty programs to drive consumer awareness of new retail concepts and promote new products; and |
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• | The ability to deploy capital in ways that increase shareholder value, finding acquisitions that have high return on invested capital and will be accretive to operating earnings. |
We have entered into a strategic partnership with AT&T and are selling AT&T products and services in our Spring Mobile and Aio Wireless stores and in some of our Simply Mac and U.S. GameStop stores. We acquired Spring Mobile in November 2013. Spring Mobile has grown from approximately 90 stores at the end of 2012 to over 160 stores today through a program with two primary focuses. The first of these is opening what we refer to as “whitespace” stores, or new stores in retail locations identified by either AT&T or Spring Mobile management and agreed to by both parties. AT&T supports the opening of new whitespace stores by its resellers in an effort to increase the size of its retail distribution channel. The second focus is on acquiring smaller AT&T resellers. Both of these represent opportunities for strong growth in the next two years for Spring Mobile.
AT&T introduced the Aio Wireless brand in 2013 to compete in the pre-paid wireless market. The pre-paid sector of the wireless market is experiencing higher growth than the traditional post-paid market. Pre-paid customers are generally interested in paying for wireless service on a month-to-month basis without a longer-term contract. We began opening Aio Wireless stores in a few markets in November 2013. We also expect to expand our prepaid stores with AT&T under the Cricket brand following AT&T's acquisition of Leap Wireless.
Simply Mac has grown from 8 stores in the fall of 2012, when we acquired 49.9% of the company to 23 stores as of the end of fiscal 2013. We completed the acquisition of Simply Mac in November 2013. Simply Mac’s primary focus for store expansions is in U.S. markets which generally do not have the size and demographics to make them attractive for an Apple owned store. Examples include Midland, Texas and Springfield, Missouri. We intend to continue to open new Simply Mac stores in fiscal 2014 and the coming years.
Merchandise
Substantially all of our revenues are derived from the sale of tangible products; however, we also sell downloadable software and subscription, time and points cards, which do not involve physical product. Our product offerings consist of new and pre-owned video game products, and related products, such as video game accessories, headsets and strategy guides, as well as new and pre-owned mobile devices such as tablets, phones and music players. Our in-store inventory generally consists of a constantly changing selection of over 5,000 SKUs. We have buying groups in each of our segments that negotiate terms, discounts and cooperative advertising allowances for the stores in their respective geographic areas. We use customer requests and feedback, pre-orders, industry magazines and product reviews to determine which new releases are expected to be hits. Pre-orders are tracked at individual stores to distribute titles and capture demand effectively. This merchandise management is essential because a significant portion of a game’s sales are usually generated in the first days and weeks following its release.
New Video Game Hardware. We offer the video game platforms of all major manufacturers, including the Sony PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita, Microsoft Xbox One, Xbox 360 and Kinect and the Nintendo Wii U, Wii and DS line. We also offer extended service agreements on video game hardware and software. In support of our strategy to be the destination location for electronic game players, we aggressively promote the sale of video game platforms. Video game hardware sales are generally driven by the introduction of new platform technology and the reduction in price points as platforms mature. We are in a new console cycle beginning with the Nintendo Wii U launch in November 2012 and the launches of the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One in November 2013. We believe that selling video game hardware increases store traffic and promotes customer loyalty, leading to increased sales of video game software and accessories, which have higher gross margins than video game hardware.
New Video Game Software. We purchase new video game software from the leading manufacturers, including Sony, Nintendo and Microsoft, as well as all other major third-party game publishers, such as Electronic Arts and Activision. We are one of the largest customers of video game titles sold by these publishers. We generally carry over 700 SKUs of new video game software at any given time across a variety of genres, including Sports, Action, Strategy, Adventure/Role Playing and Simulation. In 2010, we began selling digitally downloadable add-on content developed by publishers for existing games.
Pre-owned and Value Video Game Products. We believe we are the largest retailer of pre-owned video games in the world. We provide our customers with an opportunity to trade in their pre-owned video game products in our stores in exchange for store credits which can be applied towards the purchase of other products, primarily new merchandise. We have the largest selection (approximately 3,100 SKUs) of pre-owned and value video game titles which have an average price of $21 as compared to an average price of $44 for new video game titles and which generate significantly higher gross margins than new video game products. Our trade-in program provides our customers with a unique value proposition which is generally unavailable at mass merchants, toy stores and consumer electronics retailers. From time to time we have purchased value-priced, or closeout, video game products from publishers, distributors or other retailers and we can resell these products for gross margins that are more similar to pre-
owned video game products than margins on new software. These programs provide us with an inventory of pre-owned and value video game products which we resell to our more value-oriented customers. In addition, our highly-customized inventory management system allows us to actively manage the pricing and product availability of our pre-owned and value video game products across our store base and to reallocate our inventory as necessary. Our trade-in program also allows us to be one of the only suppliers of previous generation platforms and related video games. We also operate refurbishment centers in the U.S., Canada, Australia and Europe, where defective video game products can be tested, repaired, relabeled, repackaged and redistributed back to our stores.
Video Game Accessories. Video game accessories consist primarily of controllers, gaming headsets, memory cards and other add-ons for use with video game hardware and software.
Digital. The proliferation of online game play through Microsoft Xbox Live, the PlayStation Network and PC gaming Web sites has led to consumer demand for subscription, time and points cards (“digital currency”) as well as digitally downloadable content ("DLC"), for existing console video games. We sell a wide variety of digital currency and we have developed technology to sell DLC in our stores and on our U.S. Web site. We believe we are the worldwide leading retailer of digital currency sales and the sale of DLC for Xbox Live and the PlayStation Network. We believe that we are frequently the leading seller of DLC for most major game titles.
Mobile and Consumer Electronics. Our mobile and consumer electronics business consists of the sale of new smartphones, tablets, headphones and accessories and buying, selling and trading of select pre-owned smartphones, tablets and MP3 players in our U.S. stores and in a majority of stores in our international markets. Beginning in November 2013, this product category also includes the revenues generated in our Spring Mobile, Aio Wireless and Simply Mac stores from the sales of wireless products and services and Apple and other consumer electronics.
Other Products. We purchase PC entertainment software from over 20 publishers, including Electronic Arts, Microsoft and Activision. We offer PC entertainment software across a variety of genres, including Sports, Action, Strategy, Adventure/Role Playing and Simulation. We also carry strategy guides, magazines and gaming-related toys, such as Skylanders from Activision.
Store Operations
As of February 1, 2014, we operated 6,675 stores, primarily under the names GameStop, EB Games and Micromania. We design our stores to provide an electronic gaming atmosphere with an engaging and visually captivating layout. Our stores are typically equipped with several video game sampling areas, which provide our customers the opportunity to play games before purchase, as well as equipment to play video game clips. We use store configuration, in-store signage and product demonstrations to produce marketing opportunities both for our vendors and for us.
Our Video Game Brands stores average approximately 1,400 square feet and carry a balanced mix of new and pre-owned and value video game products and mobile products. Our Technology Brands stores range between 900 and 2,600 square feet and carry wireless products and accessories and, in Simply Mac stores, Apple and other consumer electronics. Our stores are generally located in high-traffic “power strip centers,” local neighborhood strip centers, high-traffic shopping malls and pedestrian areas, primarily in major metropolitan areas. These locations provide easy access and high frequency of visits and, in the case of strip centers and high-traffic pedestrian stores, high visibility. We target strip centers that are conveniently located, have a mass merchant or supermarket anchor tenant and have a high volume of customers.
Site Selection and Locations
Site Selection. Site selections for new stores are made after an extensive review of demographic data, including data from our PowerUp Rewards loyalty program, and other information relating to market potential, competitor access and visibility, compatible nearby tenants, accessible parking, location visibility, lease terms and the location of our other stores. Spring Mobile and Aio Wireless stores are selected after approval from AT&T. Simply Mac stores are selected using input from Apple. Most of our stores are located in highly visible locations within malls and strip centers. In each of our geographic segments, we have a dedicated staff of real estate personnel experienced in selecting store locations.
Locations. The table below sets forth the number and locations of our stores included in the Video Game Brands segments in the U.S., Canada, Europe and Australia and our Technology Brands segment as of February 1, 2014:
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United States Video Game Brands | Number of Stores |
Alabama | 68 |
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Alaska | 7 |
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Arizona | 80 |
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Arkansas | 34 |
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California | 430 |
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Colorado | 65 |
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Connecticut | 53 |
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Delaware | 15 |
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District of Columbia | 3 |
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Florida | 269 |
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Georgia | 130 |
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Guam | 2 |
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Hawaii | 21 |
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Idaho | 16 |
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Illinois | 177 |
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Indiana | 90 |
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Iowa | 32 |
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Kansas | 35 |
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Kentucky | 74 |
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Louisiana | 71 |
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Maine | 11 |
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Maryland | 98 |
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Massachusetts | 90 |
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Michigan | 114 |
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Minnesota | 53 |
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Mississippi | 45 |
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Missouri | 75 |
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Montana | 10 |
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Nebraska | 20 |
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Nevada | 40 |
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New Hampshire | 26 |
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New Jersey | 140 |
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New Mexico | 26 |
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New York | 247 |
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North Carolina | 136 |
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North Dakota | 9 |
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Ohio | 179 |
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Oklahoma | 46 |
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Oregon | 37 |
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Pennsylvania | 217 |
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Puerto Rico | 46 |
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Rhode Island | 14 |
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South Carolina | 73 |
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South Dakota | 9 |
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Tennessee | 97 |
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Texas | 372 |
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United States Video Game Brands | Number of Stores |
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Utah | 28 |
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Vermont | 5 |
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Virginia | 137 |
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Washington | 78 |
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West Virginia | 31 |
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Wisconsin | 60 |
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Wyoming | 8 |
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Total Stores - United States Video Game Brands | 4,249 |
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International | Number of Stores |
Canada | 335 |
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Total Stores - Canada Video Game Brands | 335 |
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Australia | 379 |
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New Zealand | 39 |
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Total Stores - Australia Video Game Brands | 418 |
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Austria | 27 |
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Denmark | 37 |
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Finland | 20 |
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France | 442 |
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Germany | 209 |
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Ireland | 51 |
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Italy | 431 |
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Norway | 47 |
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Spain | 108 |
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Sweden | 63 |
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Switzerland | 20 |
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Total Stores - Europe Video Game Brands | 1,455 |
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Total International Stores | 2,208 |
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Technology Brands | |
Arizona | 21 |
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California | 49 |
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Colorado | 26 |
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Georgia | 8 |
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Idaho | 6 |
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Illinois | 9 |
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Indiana | 5 |
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Iowa | 4 |
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Louisiana | 1 |
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Minnesota | 3 |
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Missouri | 1 |
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Montana | 5 |
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Nebraska | 3 |
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Nevada | 5 |
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New Mexico | 2 |
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New York | 1 |
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Ohio | 6 |
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Oregon | 1 |
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Texas | 16 |
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Utah | 36 |
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Washington | 2 |
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Wyoming | 8 |
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Total Stores - Technology Brands | 218 |
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Total Stores | 6,675 |
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Game Informer
We publish Game Informer, the world’s largest physical and digital video game publication and Web site featuring reviews of new title releases, game tips and news regarding current developments in the electronic game industry. Print and digital versions of the monthly magazine are sold through subscriptions, digitally and through displays in our stores throughout most of the world. Game Informer magazine is the third largest consumer publication in the U.S. and for its December 2013 issue, the magazine had over 7.6 million paid subscribers, including over 3.0 million paid digital magazine subscribers. According to the Alliance for Audited Media, the digital version of the magazine is the largest subscription digital magazine in the world. Game Informer is a part of the PowerUp Rewards Pro loyalty program as a key feature of each paid PowerUp Rewards membership. We also operate the Web site www.gameinformer.com, which is the premier destination for moment-by-moment news, features and reviews related to video gaming. In 2013, the Web site averaged over 2.9 million monthly unique visitors. Game Informer revenues are also generated through the sale of advertising space in Game Informer magazine and on www.gameinformer.com. English version results from Game Informer operations are included in the United States segment where the majority of subscriptions and sales are generated. Other international version results from Game Informer operations are included in the segment in which the sales are generated.
E-Commerce
We operate several electronic commerce Web sites in various countries, including www.gamestop.com, www.ebgames.com.au, www.ebgames.co.nz, www.gamestop.ca, www.gamestop.it, www.gamestop.es, www.gamestop.ie, www.gamestop.de, www.gamestop.co.uk and www.micromania.fr, that allow our customers to buy video game products and other merchandise online and, in some cases, allow customers to reserve merchandise and then pick it up in stores. The sites also offer customers information and content about available games, release dates for upcoming games, and access to store information, such as location and product availability. Additionally, we offer over 2,000 titles of digitally downloadable PC video games available for purchase at www.gamestop.com/pcgames. E-commerce results are included in the geographic segment where the sales originate.
Kongregate
We operate the online video gaming site www.kongregate.com, which is a leading web and mobile gaming platform. Over 20,000 developers have uploaded more than 80,000 games to Kongregate.com that have been played nearly 3 billion times. The majority of Kongregate’s revenues come from in-game transactions utilizing a proprietary virtual currency called Kreds. Kongregate’s mobile publishing division has several titles available in both the Apple and Google app stores.
BuyMyTronics
In March 2012, we purchased the assets of BuyMyTronics, an online consumer electronics marketplace available at www.buymytronics.com. BuyMyTronics provides consumers and businesses with solutions to earn cash for their pre-owned personal or corporate-issued mobile phones, tablets, MP3 players and other consumer electronic devices. The results of BuyMyTronics are reported with our mobile results.
Advertising
Our stores are primarily located in high traffic, high visibility areas of regional shopping malls, strip centers and pedestrian shopping areas. Given the high foot traffic drawn past the stores themselves, we use in-store marketing efforts such as window displays and “coming soon” signs to attract customers, as well as to promote pre-owned video game products. Inside our stores, we feature selected products through the use of vendor displays, “coming soon” or preview videos, signs, catalogs, point-of-purchase materials and end-cap displays. These advertising efforts are designed to increase the initial sales of new titles upon their release.
On a global basis, we receive cooperative advertising and market development funds from manufacturers, distributors, software publishers and accessory suppliers to promote their respective products. Generally, vendors agree to purchase advertising space in one of our advertising vehicles. Once we run the advertising, the vendor pays to us an agreed amount.
We have loyalty programs in most of the markets in which we operate. Our various loyalty programs total over 34 million members worldwide. These programs are designed to incent our customers to shop more often at our stores and to allow us to market directly to our customers based on their individual tastes and preferences. Our loyalty programs provide members with the opportunity to earn unique video game related rewards not available through any other retailer. Vendors also participate in these programs to increase the sales of their individual products. Our PowerUp Rewards program in the United States gives our customers the ability to sign up for a free or paid membership that offers points earned on purchases in our stores, on our U.S. Web site and on Kongregate.com, which can be redeemed for discounts or merchandise. The program’s paid tier also includes a
subscription to Game Informer magazine, additional discounts on selected merchandise and additional credit on trade-ins in our stores.
In the last several years, as part of our brand-building efforts and targeted growth strategies, we expanded our advertising and promotional activities in certain targeted markets at certain key times of the year. In addition, we expanded our use of television and radio advertising in certain markets to promote brand awareness and store openings. We expect our investment in advertising through our loyalty programs to increase as we continue to expand our membership base and build our brand.
Information Management
Our operating strategy involves providing a broad merchandise selection to our customers as quickly and as cost-effectively as possible. We use our inventory management systems to maximize the efficiency of the flow of products to our stores, enhance store efficiency and optimize store in-stock and overall investment in inventory.
Distribution. We operate distribution facilities in various locations throughout the world, with each location strategically located to support the operations in a particular country or region. In order to enhance our first-to-market distribution network, we also utilize the services of several off-site, third-party operated distribution centers that pick up products from our suppliers, repackage the products for each of our stores and ship those products to our stores by package carriers. Our ability to rapidly process incoming shipments of new release titles at our facilities and third-party facilities and deliver those shipments to all of our stores, either that day or by the next morning, enables us to meet peak demand and replenish stores. Inventory is shipped to each store at least twice a week, or daily, if necessary, in order to keep stores in supply of products. Our distribution facilities also typically support refurbishment of pre-owned products to be redistributed to our stores.
We distribute products to our U.S. stores through a 362,000 square foot distribution center in Grapevine, Texas and a 260,000 square foot distribution center in Louisville, Kentucky. We currently use the center in Louisville, Kentucky to support our first-to-market distribution efforts, while our Grapevine, Texas facility supports efforts to replenish stores. The state-of-the-art facilities in both U.S. locations are designed to effectively control and minimize inventory levels. Technologically-advanced conveyor systems and flow-through racks control costs and improve speed of fulfillment in both facilities. The technology used in the distribution centers allows for high-volume receiving, distributions to stores and returns to vendors.
We distribute merchandise to our Canadian segment from two distribution centers in Brampton, Ontario. We have a distribution center near Brisbane, Australia which supports our Australian operations and a small distribution facility in New Zealand which supports the stores in New Zealand. European segment operations are supported by six regionally-located distribution centers in Milan, Italy; Memmingen, Germany; Arlov, Sweden; Valencia, Spain; Dublin, Ireland; and Paris, France. We continue to invest in state-of-the-art facilities in our distribution centers as the distribution volume, number of stores supported and returns on such investments permit.
Digital Distribution. We have developed proprietary technology to work in conjunction with developers, as well as Microsoft and Sony, to enable us to sell DLC in our stores and on our e-commerce sites. The DLC typically available today consists of add-on content developed by publishers for existing games.
Management Information Systems. Our proprietary inventory management systems and point-of-sale technology show daily sales and in-store stock by title by store. Our systems use this data to automatically generate replenishment shipments to each store from our distribution centers, enabling each store to carry a merchandise assortment uniquely tailored to its own sales mix and rate of sale. Our call lists and reservation system also provide our buying staff with information to determine order size and inventory management for store-by-store inventory allocation. We constantly review and edit our merchandise categories with the objective of ensuring that inventory is up-to-date and meets customer needs.
To support most of our operations, we use a large-scale, Intel-based computing environment with a state-of-the-art storage area network and a wired and wireless corporate network installed at our U.S. and regional international headquarters, and a secure, virtual private network to access and provide services to computing assets located in our stores, distribution centers and satellite offices and to our mobile workforce. This strategy has proven to minimize initial outlay of capital while allowing for flexibility and growth as operations expand. Computing assets and our mobile workforce around the globe access this environment via a secure, virtual private network. Regional communication links exist to each of our distribution centers and offices in international locations with connectivity to our U.S. data center as required by our international, distributed applications.
Our in-store point-of-sale system enables us to efficiently manage in-store transactions. This proprietary point-of-sale system has been enhanced to facilitate trade-in transactions, including automatic look-up of trade-in prices and printing of machine-readable bar codes to facilitate in-store restocking of pre-owned video games. In addition, our central database of all pre-owned and value video game products allows us to actively manage the pricing and product availability of our pre-owned video game products across our store base and reallocate our pre-owned and value video game products as necessary.
Field Management and Staff
Each of our Video Game Brands stores employs, on average, one manager, one assistant manager and between two and ten sales associates, many of whom are part-time employees. Each store manager is responsible for managing their personnel and the economic performance of their store. We have cultivated a work environment that attracts employees who are actively interested in electronic games. We seek to hire and retain employees who know and enjoy working with our products so that they are better able to assist customers. To encourage them to sell the full range of our products and to maximize our profitability, we provide our employees with targeted incentive programs to drive overall sales and sales of higher margin products. In certain locations, we also provide certain employees with the opportunity to take home and try new video games, which enables them to better discuss those games with our customers. In addition, employees are casually dressed to encourage customer access and increase the “game-oriented” focus of the stores.
Our stores communicate with our corporate offices daily via e-mail. This e-mail allows for better tracking of trends in upcoming titles, competitor strategies and in-stock inventory positions. In addition, this electronic communication allows title selection in each store to be continuously updated and tailored to reflect the tastes and buying patterns of the store’s local market. These communications also give field management access to relevant inventory levels and loss prevention information and the opportunity to communicate directly with our executives. We have invested in significant management training programs for our store managers and our district managers to enhance their business management skills. We also sponsor annual store managers’ conferences at which we operate intense educational training programs to provide our employees with information about the video game products that will be released by publishers in the holiday season. All video game software publishers are invited to attend the conferences.
Our U.S. Video Game Brands store operations are managed by four market vice presidents of stores and 30 regional store operations directors. The regions are further divided into districts, each with a district manager covering an average of 14 stores. In total, there are approximately 297 districts. Our international operations are managed by a senior executive, with stores in Europe managed by two senior vice presidents, one vice president and with managing directors in each region. Our stores in Australia and Canada are each managed by a vice president. We also employ regional loss prevention managers who assist the stores in implementing security measures to prevent theft of our products.
We operate the Technology Brands stores with a field management and store management structure similar to that of our Video Game Brands stores. Simply Mac stores operate with a vice president of stores overseeing three district managers, who supervise between six and ten store managers. Spring Mobile stores are managed by a senior vice president of stores who manages five regional directors, each of whom manages between two and seven district managers. District managers manage between five and 12 stores. Aio Wireless stores are managed by a vice president who oversees four regional managers, each of whom manages a geographic market containing between three and 15 stores.
Customer Service
Our store personnel provide value-added services to each customer, such as maintaining lists of regular customers and reserving new releases for customers with a down payment to ensure product availability. In addition, our store personnel readily provide product reviews and ratings to ensure customers are making informed purchasing decisions and inform customers of available resources, including Game Informer and our e-commerce sites, to increase a customer’s enjoyment of the product upon purchase.
Vendors
We purchase substantially all of our new products worldwide from over 80 manufacturers, software publishers and several distributors. Purchases from the top ten vendors accounted for approximately 87% of our new product purchases in fiscal 2013. As of February 1, 2014, six vendors accounted for greater than 10% of our new product purchases during fiscal 2013. Sony, Microsoft, Nintendo, Take-Two Interactive, Electronic Arts and Activision accounted for 20%, 15%, 12%, 11%, 10%, and 10%, respectively. We have established price protections and return privileges with our primary vendors in order to reduce our risk of inventory obsolescence. In addition, we have few purchase contracts with trade vendors and generally conduct business on an order-by-order basis, a practice that is typical throughout the industry. We believe that maintaining and strengthening our long-term relationships with our vendors is essential to our operations and continued expansion. We believe that we have very good relationships with our vendors.
Competition
The electronic game industry is intensely competitive and subject to rapid changes in consumer preferences and frequent new product introductions. We compete with mass merchants and regional chains; computer product and consumer electronics stores; other video game and PC software specialty stores; toy retail chains; direct sales by software publishers; and online retailers
and game rental companies. Video game products are also distributed through other methods such as digital delivery. We also compete with sellers of pre-owned and value video game products. Additionally, we compete with other forms of entertainment activities, including casual and mobile games, movies, television, theater, sporting events and family entertainment centers.
In the U.S., we compete with Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (“Wal-Mart”); Target Corporation (“Target”); Amazon.com, Inc. (“Amazon.com”); and Best Buy Co., Inc. (“Best Buy”). Competing video game specialists in Europe include Game Retail Limited based in the United Kingdom and its Spanish affiliate, Game Stores Iberia. Throughout Europe we also compete with major consumer electronics retailers such as Media Markt, Saturn and FNAC, major hypermarket chains like Carrefour and Auchan, and online retailer Amazon.com. Competitors in Canada include Wal-Mart, Best Buy and its subsidiary Future Shop. In Australia, competitors include K-Mart, Target and JB HiFi stores.
Our Spring Mobile stores compete with AT&T corporate-owned stores, other AT&T authorized resellers, mass market retailers such as Wal-Mart, Best Buy and Target, among others, as well as other wireless carriers and their distribution channels, including Verizon, Sprint and T-Mobile. Our Simply Mac stores compete with Apple, including on-line and corporate owned Apple stores, mass-market retailers as noted above, and other authorized Apple resellers. Aio Wireless stores compete with the pre-paid and post-paid wireless service offerings of AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, Sprint and other prepaid brands including Cricket, Boost, GoPhone and MetroPCS.
Seasonality
Our business, like that of many retailers, is seasonal, with the major portion of our sales and operating profit realized during the fourth fiscal quarter, which includes the holiday selling season. During fiscal 2013, we generated approximately 41% of our sales during the fourth quarter. Our fiscal 2012 operating loss was impacted by $680.7 million of goodwill and asset impairments. Therefore, the seasonality of our operating earnings (loss) is not comparable between fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012. Excluding the impact of the goodwill and asset impairment charges, we generated approximately 64% and 65% of our operating earnings during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012, respectively. Excluding the 53rd week sales from fiscal 2012, we generated approximately 39% of our sales during the fourth quarter.
Trademarks
We have a number of trademarks and servicemarks, including “GameStop,” “Game Informer,” “EB Games,” “Electronics Boutique,” “Spring Mobile,” “Simply Mac,” “Kongregate,” “BuyMyTronics,” “Power to the PlayersTM” and “PowerUp Rewards,” which have been registered by us with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. For many of our trademarks and servicemarks, including “Micromania,” we also have registered or have registrations pending with the trademark authorities throughout the world. We maintain a policy of pursuing registration of our principal marks and opposing any infringement of our marks.
Employees
We have approximately 17,000 full-time salaried and hourly employees and between 27,000 and 52,000 part-time hourly employees worldwide, depending on the time of year. Fluctuation in the number of part-time hourly employees is due to the seasonality of our business. We believe that our relationship with our employees is excellent. Some of our international employees are covered by collective bargaining agreements, while none of our U.S. employees are represented by a labor union or are members of a collective bargaining unit.
Available Information
We make available on our corporate Web site (www.gamestopcorp.com), under “Investor Relations — SEC Filings,” free of charge, our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file or furnish such material to the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). You may read and copy this information or obtain copies of this information by mail from the Public Reference Room of the SEC, 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates. Further information on the operation of the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. can be obtained by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC also maintains a Web site that contains reports, proxy statements and other information about issuers, like GameStop, who file electronically with the SEC. The address of that site is http://www.sec.gov. In addition to copies of our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports, our Code of Standards, Ethics and Conduct is available on our Web site under “Investor Relations — Corporate Governance” and is available to our stockholders in print, free of charge, upon written request to the Investor Relations Department at GameStop Corp., 625 Westport Parkway, Grapevine, Texas 76051.
An investment in our company involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the risks below, together with the other information contained in this report, before you make an investment decision with respect to our company. The risks described below are not the only ones facing us. Additional risks not presently known to us, or that we consider immaterial, may also impair our business operations. Any of the following risks could materially adversely affect our business, operating results or financial condition, and could cause a decline in the trading price of our common stock and the value of your investment.
Risks Related to Our Business
If economic conditions do not improve, demand for the products we sell may decline.
Sales of our products involve discretionary spending by consumers. Consumers are typically more likely to make discretionary purchases, including purchasing video game products, when there are favorable economic conditions. In recent years, poor worldwide economic conditions have led consumers to delay or reduce discretionary spending, including purchases of the products we sell. If conditions do not improve, these delays or reductions may continue, which could negatively impact our business, results of operations and financial condition.
The electronic game industry is cyclical and affected by the introduction of next-generation consoles, which could negatively impact the demand for existing products or our pre-owned business.
The electronic game industry has been cyclical in nature in response to the introduction and maturation of new technology. Following the introduction of new video game platforms, sales of these platforms and related software and accessories generally increase due to initial demand, while sales of older platforms and related products generally decrease as customers migrate toward the new platforms. A new console cycle began when Nintendo launched the Wii U in November 2012 and Sony and Microsoft launched their next generation of consoles, the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, in November 2013. If the new video game platforms are not successful, our sales of video game products could decline. The introduction of these next-generation consoles could negatively impact the demand for existing products or our pre-owned business, which could have a negative impact on our sales and earnings.
The introduction of next-generation consoles could negatively impact the demand for existing products or our pre-owned business.
The introduction of next-generation consoles, the features of such consoles, including any future restrictions or conditions that may adversely affect our pre-owned business or the ability to play prior generation video games on such consoles, and the impact on demand for existing products could have a negative impact on our sales and earnings.
We depend upon the timely delivery of products.
We depend on major hardware manufacturers, primarily Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo, to deliver new and existing video game platforms and new innovations on a timely basis and in anticipated quantities. In addition, we depend on software publishers to introduce new and updated software titles. We have experienced sales declines in the past due to a reduction in the number of new software titles available for sale. Any material delay in the introduction or delivery, or limited allocations, of hardware platforms or software titles could result in reduced sales.
We depend upon third parties to develop products and software.
Our business depends upon the continued development of new and enhanced video game platforms and accessories and video game and PC entertainment software. Our business could suffer and has declined due to the failure of manufacturers to develop new or enhanced video game platforms, a decline in the continued technological development and use of multimedia PCs, or the failure of software publishers to develop popular game and entertainment titles for current or future generation video game systems or PC hardware.
If we fail to keep pace with changing industry technology and consumer preferences, we will be at a competitive disadvantage.
The interactive entertainment industry is characterized by swiftly changing technology, evolving industry standards, frequent new and enhanced product introductions, rapidly changing consumer preferences and product obsolescence. Video games are now played on a wide variety of products, including mobile phones, tablets, social networking Web sites and other devices. In order to continue to compete effectively in the electronic game industry, we need to respond quickly to technological changes and to understand their impact on our customers’ preferences. It may take significant time and resources to respond to these technological changes. If we fail to keep pace with these changes, our business may suffer.
Technological advances in the delivery and types of video games and PC entertainment software, as well as changes in consumer behavior related to these new technologies, could lower our sales.
While it is currently possible to download video game content to the current generation video game systems, downloading is somewhat constrained by bandwidth capacity. However, broadband speeds are increasing and downloading technology is becoming more prevalent and continues to evolve rapidly. The new consoles from Sony and Microsoft have improved download technology. If these consoles and other advances in technology continue to expand our customers’ ability to access and download the current format of video games and incremental content for their games through these and other sources, our customers may no longer choose to purchase video games in our stores or reduce their purchases in favor of other forms of game delivery. As a result, our sales and earnings could decline.
We may not compete effectively as browser, mobile and social gaming becomes more popular.
Gaming continues to evolve rapidly. The popularity of browser, mobile and social gaming has increased greatly and this popularity is expected to continue to grow. Browser, mobile and social gaming is accessed through hardware other than the consoles and traditional hand-held video game devices we currently sell. If we are unable to respond to this growth in popularity of browser, mobile and social games and transition our business to take advantage of these new forms of gaming, our financial position and results of operations could suffer. We have been and are currently pursuing various strategies to integrate these new forms of gaming into our business model, but we can provide no assurances that these strategies will be successful or profitable.
Our ability to obtain favorable terms from our suppliers may impact our financial results.
Our financial results depend significantly upon the business terms we can obtain from our suppliers, including competitive prices, unsold product return policies, advertising and market development allowances, freight charges and payment terms. We purchase substantially all of our products directly from manufacturers, software publishers and, in some cases, distributors. Our largest vendors worldwide are Sony, Microsoft, Nintendo, Take-Two Interactive, Electronic Arts and Activision, which accounted for 20%, 15%, 12%, 11%, 10% and 10%, respectively, of our new product purchases in fiscal 2013. If our suppliers do not provide us with favorable business terms, we may not be able to offer products to our customers at competitive prices.
If our vendors fail to provide marketing and merchandising support at historical levels, our sales and earnings could be negatively impacted.
The manufacturers of video game hardware and software have typically provided retailers with significant marketing and merchandising support for their products. Additionally, AT&T and Apple provide our Technology Brands stores with similar support. As part of this support, we receive cooperative advertising and market development payments from these vendors. These cooperative advertising and market development payments enable us to actively promote and merchandise the products we sell and drive sales at our stores and on our Web sites. We cannot assure you that vendors will continue to provide this support at historical levels. If they fail to do so, our sales and earnings could be negatively impacted.
We have made and may make investments and acquisitions which could negatively impact our business if we fail to successfully complete and integrate them, or if they fail to perform in accordance with our expectations.
To enhance our efforts to grow and compete, we have made and continue to make investments and acquisitions. These activities include investments in and acquisitions of digital, browser, social and mobile gaming and technology-based companies as the delivery methods for video games continue to evolve, and investments in new retail categories like wireless and consumer electronics. Our plans to pursue future transactions are subject to our ability to identify potential candidates and negotiate favorable terms for these transactions. Accordingly, we cannot assure you that future investments or acquisitions will be completed. In addition, to facilitate future transactions, we may take actions that could dilute the equity interests of our stockholders, increase our debt or cause us to assume contingent liabilities, all of which may have a detrimental effect on the price of our common stock. Also, companies that we have acquired, and that we may acquire in the future, could have products that are in development, and there is no assurance that these products will be successfully developed. Finally, if any acquisitions are not successfully integrated with our business, or fail to perform in accordance with our expectations, our ongoing operations could be adversely affected. Integration of digital, browser, social and mobile gaming and mobile phone and technology-based companies or other retailers may be particularly challenging to us as these companies are outside of our historical operating expertise.
Pressure from our competitors may force us to reduce our prices or increase spending, which could decrease our profitability.
The electronic game industry is intensely competitive and subject to rapid changes in consumer preferences and frequent new product introductions. We compete with mass merchants and regional chains, including Wal-Mart and Target; computer product and consumer electronics stores, including Best Buy; internet-based retailers such as Amazon.com; other U.S. and
international video game and PC software specialty stores located in malls and other locations, such as Carrefour and Media Markt; toy retail chains; direct sales by software publishers; and online retailers and game rental companies. Some of our competitors have longer operating histories and may have greater financial resources than we do or other advantages, including non-taxability of sold merchandise. In addition, video game products and content are increasingly being digitally distributed and new competitors built to take advantage of these new capabilities are entering the marketplace, and other methods may emerge in the future. We also compete with other sellers of pre-owned video game products and other PC software distribution companies, including Steam. Certain of our mass-merchants competitors are expanding in the market for pre-owned video games through aggressive pricing which may negatively affect our margins, sales and earnings for these products. Additionally, we compete with other forms of entertainment activities, including browser, social and mobile games, movies, television, theater, sporting events and family entertainment centers. Our Technology Brands stores compete with a wide variety of other wireless carriers and retailers and consumer electronics retailers. If we lose customers to our competitors, or if we reduce our prices or increase our spending to maintain our customers, we may be less profitable.
We depend upon our key personnel and they would be difficult to replace.
Our success depends upon our ability to attract, motivate and retain a highly trained and engaged workforce, including key management for our stores and skilled merchandising, marketing, financial and administrative personnel. The turnover rate in the retail industry is relatively high, and there is an ongoing need to recruit and train new store employees. Factors that affect our ability to maintain sufficient numbers of qualified employees include employee morale, our reputation, unemployment rates, competition from other employers and our ability to offer appropriate compensation packages. Additionally, we depend upon the continued services of our key executive officers: Daniel A. DeMatteo, our Executive Chairman; J. Paul Raines, our Chief Executive Officer; Tony D. Bartel, our President; Robert A. Lloyd, our Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer; Michael Mauler, our Executive Vice President-International; and Michael P. Hogan, our Executive Vice President-Strategic Business and Brand Development. Our inability to recruit a sufficient number of qualified individuals or our failure to retain key employees in the future may have a negative impact on our business.
International events could delay or prevent the delivery of products to our suppliers.
Our suppliers rely on foreign sources, primarily in Asia, to manufacture a portion of the products we purchase from them. As a result, any event causing a disruption of imports, including natural disasters or the imposition of import restrictions or trade restrictions in the form of tariffs or quotas, could increase the cost and reduce the supply of products available to us, which could lower our sales and profitability.
Our international operations expose us to numerous risks.
We have international retail operations in Australia, Canada and Europe. Because release schedules for hardware and software introduction in these markets often differ from release schedules in the United States, the timing of increases and decreases in foreign sales may differ from the timing of increases and decreases in domestic sales. We are also subject to a number of other factors that may affect our current or future international operations. These include:
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• | economic downturns, specifically in the regions in which we operate; |
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• | currency exchange rate fluctuations; |
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• | international incidents; |
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• | government instability; and |
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• | competitors entering our current and potential markets. |
Our operations in Europe are also subject to risks associated with the current economic conditions and uncertainties in the European Union (“EU”). European and global economic conditions have already been negatively impacted by the ability of certain EU member states to service their sovereign debt obligations. Additionally, there continues to be uncertainty over the possibility that other EU member states may experience similar financial troubles, the ultimate outcome of the EU governments’ financial support programs, the possible breakup or restructuring of the EU and the possible elimination or restructuring of the EU monetary system. These continued uncertainties could further disrupt European and global economic conditions. Unfavorable economic conditions could negatively impact consumer demand for our products. These factors could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
We are also subject to risks that our operations outside the United States could be conducted by our employees, contractors, representatives or agents in ways that violate the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act or other similar anti-bribery laws. While we have
policies and procedures intended to ensure compliance with these laws, our employees, contractors, representatives and agents may take actions that violate our policies. Moreover, it may be more difficult to oversee the conduct of any such persons who are not our employees, potentially exposing us to greater risk from their actions. Any violations of those laws by any of those persons could have a negative impact on our business.
Unfavorable changes in our global tax rate could have a negative impact on our business, results of operations and cash flows.
As a result of our operations in many foreign countries, our global tax rate is derived from a combination of applicable tax rates in the various jurisdictions in which we operate. Depending upon the sources of our income, any agreements we may have with taxing authorities in various jurisdictions and the tax filing positions we take in various jurisdictions, our overall tax rate may be higher than other companies or higher than our tax rates have been in the past. We base our estimate of an annual effective tax rate at any given point in time on a calculated mix of the tax rates applicable to our business and to estimates of the amount of income to be derived in any given jurisdiction. A change in the mix of our business from year to year and from country to country, changes in rules related to accounting for income taxes, changes in tax laws in any of the multiple jurisdictions in which we operate or adverse outcomes from the tax audits that regularly are in process in any jurisdiction in which we operate could result in an unfavorable change in our overall tax rate, which could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of our operations.
If we are unable to renew or enter into new leases on favorable terms, our revenue growth may decline.
All of our retail stores are located in leased premises. If the cost of leasing existing stores increases, we cannot assure you that we will be able to maintain our existing store locations as leases expire. In addition, we may not be able to enter into new leases on favorable terms or at all, or we may not be able to locate suitable alternative sites or additional sites for new store expansion in a timely manner. Our revenues and earnings may decline if we fail to maintain existing store locations, enter into new leases, locate alternative sites or find additional sites for new store expansion.
Restrictions on our ability to take trade-ins of and sell pre-owned video game products or pre-owned mobile devices could negatively affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Our financial results depend on our ability to take trade-ins of, and sell, pre-owned video game products and pre-owned mobile devices within our stores. Actions by manufacturers or publishers of video game products or mobile devices, wireless carriers or governmental authorities to prohibit or limit our ability to take trade-ins or sell pre-owned video game products or mobile devices, or to limit the ability of consumers to play pre-owned video games or use pre-owned mobile devices, could have a negative impact on our sales and earnings.
Sales of video games containing graphic violence may decrease as a result of actual violent events or other reasons, and our financial results may be adversely affected as a result.
Many popular video games contain material with graphic violence. These games receive an “M” or “T” rating from the Entertainment Software Ratings Board. As actual violent events occur and are publicized, or for other reasons, public acceptance of graphic violence in video games may decline. Consumer advocacy groups may increase their efforts to oppose sales of graphically-violent video games and may seek legislation prohibiting their sales. As a result, our sales of those games may decrease, which could adversely affect our financial results.
An adverse trend in sales during the holiday selling season could impact our financial results.
Our business, like that of many retailers, is seasonal, with the major portion of our sales and operating profit realized during the fourth fiscal quarter, which includes the holiday selling season. During fiscal 2013, we generated approximately 41% of our sales during the fourth quarter. Any adverse trend in sales during the holiday selling season could lower our results of operations for the fourth quarter and the entire fiscal year.
Our results of operations may fluctuate from quarter to quarter.
Our results of operations may fluctuate from quarter to quarter depending upon several factors, some of which are beyond our control. These factors include, but are not limited to:
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• | the timing and allocations of new product releases including new console launches; |
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• | the timing of new store openings or closings; |
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• | shifts in the timing or content of certain promotions or service offerings; |
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• | the effect of changes in tax rates in the jurisdictions in which we operate; |
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• | acquisition costs and the integration of companies we acquire or invest in; |
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• | the mix of earnings in the countries in which we operate; |
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• | the costs associated with the exit of unprofitable markets or stores; and |
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• | changes in foreign currency exchange rates. |
These and other factors could affect our business, financial condition and results of operations, and this makes the prediction of our financial results on a quarterly basis difficult. Also, it is possible that our quarterly financial results may be below the expectations of public market analysts.
Failure to effectively manage our new store openings could lower our sales and profitability.
Our growth strategy depends in part upon opening new stores and operating them profitably. We opened 109 Video Game Brands stores and opened or acquired 218 Technology Brands stores in fiscal 2013, which is inclusive of the stores we acquired as a result of the Simply Mac and Spring Mobile acquisitions. We expect to open or acquire approximately 350 - 450 new stores in fiscal 2014, including 40 - 50 Video Game Brands stores and 300 - 400 Technology Brands stores. Our ability to open new stores and operate them profitably depends upon a number of factors, some of which may be beyond our control. These factors include:
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• | the ability to identify new store locations, negotiate suitable leases and build out the stores in a timely and cost efficient manner; |
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• | the ability to hire and train skilled associates; |
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• | the ability to integrate new stores into our existing operations; and |
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• | the ability to increase sales at new store locations. |
Our growth will also depend on our ability to process increased merchandise volume resulting from new store openings through our inventory management systems and distribution facilities in a timely manner. If we fail to manage new store openings in a timely and cost efficient manner, our growth or profits may decrease.
Failure to successfully execute our strategy to close stores and transfer customers and sales to nearby stores could adversely impact our financial results.
Our strategy includes closing stores which are not meeting our performance standards or stores at the end of their lease terms and transferring sales to other nearby GameStop locations. We plan to close approximately 170 - 180 Video Game Brands stores worldwide in fiscal 2014. We believe that we can ultimately increase profitability by successfully transferring customers and sales to other stores by marketing directly to the PowerUp Rewards members who have shopped in the stores that we plan to close. If we are unsuccessful in marketing to customers of the stores that we plan to close or in transferring sales to nearby stores, our sales and profitability could be adversely affected.
We rely on centralized facilities for refurbishment of our pre-owned products. Any disruption to these facilities could adversely affect our profitability.
We rely on centralized facilities for the refurbishment of all pre-owned products that we sell. If any disruption occurred at these facilities, whether due to natural disaster or severe weather, or events such as fire, accidents, power outages, systems failures, or other unforeseen causes, sales of our pre-owned products could decrease. Since we generally obtain higher margins on our pre-owned products, any adverse effect on their sales could adversely affect our profitability.
If our management information systems fail to perform or are inadequate, our ability to manage our business could be disrupted.
We rely on computerized inventory and management systems to coordinate and manage the activities in our distribution centers, as well as to communicate distribution information to the off-site, third-party operated distribution centers with which we work. The third-party distribution centers pick up products from our suppliers, repackage the products for each of our stores and ship those products to our stores by package carriers. We use inventory replenishment systems to track sales and inventory. Our ability to rapidly process incoming shipments of new release titles and deliver them to all of our stores, either that day or by the next morning, enables us to meet peak demand and replenish stores at least twice a week, to keep our stores in stock at optimum levels and to move inventory efficiently. If our inventory or management information systems fail to adequately perform these functions, our business could be adversely affected. In addition, if operations in any of our distribution centers were to shut down
or be disrupted for a prolonged period of time or if these centers were unable to accommodate the continued store growth in a particular region, our business could suffer.
Data breaches involving customer or employee data stored by us could adversely affect our reputation and revenues.
We store confidential information with respect to our customers and employees. A compromise of our data security systems or those of businesses we interact with could result in information related to our customers or employees being obtained by unauthorized persons. Any such breach of our systems could lead to fraudulent activity resulting in claims and lawsuits against us or other operational problems or interruptions in connection with such breaches. Consequently, despite our efforts, our security measures have been breached in the past and may be breached in the future due to cyber attack, team member error, malfeasance, fraudulent inducement or other acts; and unauthorized parties have in the past obtained, and may in the future obtain, access to our data or our customers’ data. While costs associated with past security breaches have not been significant, any breach or unauthorized access in the future could result in significant legal and financial exposure and damage to our reputation that could potentially have an adverse effect on our business. While we also seek to obtain assurances that others we interact with will protect confidential information, there is a risk the confidentiality of data held or accessed by others may be compromised. If a compromise of our data security or function of our computer systems or website were to occur, it could have a material adverse effect on our operating results and financial condition and, possibly, subject us to additional legal, regulatory and operating costs and damage our reputation in the marketplace.
Also, the interpretation and enforcement of data protection laws in the United States, Europe and elsewhere are uncertain and, in certain circumstances, contradictory. These laws may be interpreted and enforced in a manner that is inconsistent with our policies and practices. If we are subject to data security breaches or government-imposed fines, we may have a loss in sales or be forced to pay damages or other amounts, which could adversely affect profitability, or be subject to substantial costs related to compliance.
Litigation and the outcomes of such litigation could negatively impact our future financial condition and results of operations.
In the ordinary course of our business, we are, from time to time, subject to various litigation and legal proceedings. In the future, the costs or results of such legal proceedings, individually or in the aggregate, could have a negative impact on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Legislative actions and changes in accounting rules may cause our general and administrative and compliance costs to increase and impact our future financial condition and results of operations.
In order to comply with laws adopted by the U.S. government or other U.S. or foreign regulatory bodies, we may be required to increase our expenditures and hire additional personnel and additional outside legal, accounting and advisory services, all of which may cause our general and administrative and compliance costs to increase. Significant workforce-related legislative changes could increase our expenses and adversely affect our operations. Examples of possible workforce-related legislative changes include changes to an employer's obligation to recognize collective bargaining units, the process by which collective bargaining agreements are negotiated or imposed, minimum wage requirements, and health care mandates. In addition, changes in the regulatory environment affecting Medicare reimbursements, product safety, supply chain transparency, and increased compliance costs related to enforcement of federal and state wage and hour statutes and common law related to overtime, among others, could cause our expenses to increase without an ability to pass through any increased expenses through higher prices. Environmental legislation or other regulatory changes could impose unexpected costs or impact us more directly than other companies due to our operations as a global retailer. Specifically, environmental legislation or international agreements affecting energy, carbon emissions, and water or product materials are continually being explored by governing bodies. Increasing energy and fuel costs, supply chain disruptions and other potential risks to our business, as well as any significant rule making or passage of any such legislation, could materially increase the cost to transport our goods and materially adversely affect our results of operations. Additionally, regulatory and enforcement activity focused on the retail industry has increased in recent years, increasing the risk of fines and additional operational costs associated with compliance.
Our Board of Directors could change our dividend policy at any time.
We initiated our first cash dividend on our common stock during fiscal 2012. Notwithstanding the foregoing, there is no assurance that we will continue to pay cash dividends on our common stock in the future. Certain provisions in our credit facility triggered by certain borrowing levels restrict our ability to pay dividends in the future. Subject to any financial covenants in current or future financing agreements that directly or indirectly restrict our ability to pay dividends, the payment of dividends is within the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend upon our future earnings and cash flow from operations, our capital requirements, our financial condition and any other factors that the Board of Directors may consider. Unless we continue to pay
cash dividends on our common stock in the future, the success of an investment in our common stock will depend entirely upon its future appreciation. Our common stock may not appreciate in value or even maintain the price at which it was purchased.
We may record future goodwill impairment charges or other asset impairment charges which could negatively impact our future results of operations and financial condition.
In recent periods we have recorded significant non-cash charges relating to the impairment of goodwill and other tangible and intangible assets that had a material adverse effect on our consolidated statements of operations and consolidated balance sheets. Because we have grown in part through acquisitions, goodwill and other acquired intangible assets represent a substantial portion of our assets. We also have long-lived assets consisting of property and equipment and other identifiable intangible assets which we review both on an annual basis as well as when events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If a determination is made that a significant impairment in value of goodwill, other intangible assets or long-lived assets has occurred, such determination could require us to impair a substantial portion of our assets. Asset impairments could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
Risks Relating to Indebtedness
Because of our floating rate credit facility, we may be adversely affected by interest rate changes.
Our financial position may be affected by fluctuations in interest rates, as our senior credit facility is subject to floating interest rates.
Interest rates are highly sensitive to many factors, including governmental monetary policies, domestic and international economic and political conditions and other factors beyond our control. If we were to borrow against our senior credit facility, a significant increase in interest rates could have an adverse effect on our financial position and results of operations.
The terms of our senior credit facility may impose significant operating and financial restrictions on us.
The terms of our senior credit facility may impose significant operating and financial restrictions on us in certain circumstances. These restrictions, among other things, limit our ability to:
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• | incur, assume or permit to exist additional indebtedness or guaranty obligations; |
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• | incur liens or agree to negative pledges in other agreements; |
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• | engage in sale and leaseback transactions; |
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• | make loans and investments; |
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• | declare dividends, make payments or redeem or repurchase capital stock; |
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• | engage in mergers, acquisitions and other business combinations; |
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• | prepay, redeem or purchase certain indebtedness; |
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• | amend or otherwise alter the terms of our organizational documents and indebtedness; |
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• | engage in transactions with affiliates. |
We cannot assure you that these covenants will not adversely affect our ability to finance our future operations or capital needs or to pursue available business opportunities.
We may incur additional indebtedness in the future, which may adversely impact our financial condition and results of operations.
We may incur additional indebtedness in the future, including additional secured indebtedness. Our senior credit facility restricts us from incurring additional indebtedness and is subject to important exceptions and qualifications. Such future indebtedness may have restrictions similar to or more restrictive than those contained in our senior credit facility. The incurrence of additional indebtedness could impact our financial condition and results of operations.
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Item 1B. | Unresolved Staff Comments |
None.
All of our stores are leased. Store leases typically provide for an initial lease term of three to five years, plus renewal options. This arrangement gives us the flexibility to pursue extension or relocation opportunities that arise from changing market conditions. We believe that, as current leases expire, we will be able to obtain either renewals at present locations, leases for equivalent locations in the same area, or be able to close the stores with expiring leases and transfer enough of the sales to other nearby stores to improve, if not at least maintain, profitability. We expect to open or acquire approximately 350 - 450 new stores in fiscal 2014, including 40 - 50 Video Game Brands stores and 300 - 400 Technology Brands stores. We also plan to close approximately 170 - 180 Video Game Brands stores worldwide in fiscal 2014.
The terms of the store leases for the 6,675 leased stores open as of February 1, 2014 expire as follows:
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Lease Terms to Expire During | Number of Stores |
(12 Months Ending on or About January 31) |
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2015 | 2,297 |
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2016 | 1,587 |
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2017 | 1,137 |
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2018 | 638 |
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2019 and later | 1,016 |
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| 6,675 |
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At February 1, 2014, we owned or leased office and distribution facilities, with lease expiration dates ranging from 2014 to 2034 and an average remaining lease life of approximately four years, in the following locations:
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Location | | Square Footage | | Owned or Leased | | Use |
United States | | | | | | |
Grapevine, Texas, USA | | 519,000 |
| | Owned | | Distribution and administration |
Grapevine, Texas, USA | | 182,000 |
| | Owned | | Manufacturing and distribution |
Louisville, Kentucky, USA | | 260,000 |
| | Leased | | Distribution |
Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA | | 15,000 |
| | Leased | | Administration |
Salt Lake City, Utah | | 12,000 |
| | Leased | | Administration |
San Francisco, California, USA | | 8,500 |
| | Leased | | San Francisco, California, USA |
Denver, Colorado, USA | | 7,500 |
| | Leased | | Distribution and administration |
West Chester, Pennsylvania, USA | | 6,100 |
| | Leased | | Administration |
Greenwood Village, Colorado, USA | | 2,700 |
| | Leased | | Administration |
Canada | | | | | | |
Brampton, Ontario, Canada | | 119,000 |
| | Owned | | Distribution and administration |
Brampton, Ontario, Canada | | 59,000 |
| | Leased | | Distribution and administration |
Australia | | | | | | |
Eagle Farm, Queensland, Australia | | 185,000 |
| | Owned | | Distribution and administration |
Auckland, New Zealand | | 13,000 |
| | Leased | | Distribution and administration |
Europe | | | | | | |
Arlov, Sweden | | 80,000 |
| | Owned | | Distribution and administration |
Milan, Italy | | 123,000 |
| | Owned | | Distribution and administration |
Memmingen, Germany | | 67,000 |
| | Owned | | Distribution and administration |
Valencia, Spain | | 22,000 |
| | Leased | | Distribution |
Valencia, Spain | | 6,000 |
| | Leased | | Administration |
Dublin, Ireland | | 38,000 |
| | Leased | | Distribution and administration |
Paris, France | | 71,000 |
| | Leased | | Distribution |
Paris, France | | 1,000 |
| | Leased | | Administration |
Sophia Antipolis, France | | 17,000 |
| | Leased | | Administration |
Additional information regarding our properties can be found in “Item 1. Business - Store Operations” and “Item 1. Business - Site Selection and Locations” elsewhere in this Form 10-K.
In the ordinary course of business, we are, from time to time, subject to various legal proceedings, including matters involving wage and hour employee class actions and consumer class actions. We may enter into discussions regarding settlement of these and other types of lawsuits, and may enter into settlement agreements, if we believe settlement is in the best interest of our stockholders. We do not believe that any such existing legal proceedings or settlements, individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
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Item 4. | Mine Safety Disclosures |
Not applicable.
PART II
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Item 5. | Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities |
Price Range of Common Stock
Our Class A Common Stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbol “GME.”
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low sales prices of the Class A Common Stock on the NYSE Composite Tape:
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| | | | | | | | |
| | Fiscal 2013 |
| | High | | Low |
Fourth Quarter | | $ | 57.74 |
| | $ | 34.70 |
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Third Quarter | | $ | 56.08 |
| | $ | 47.04 |
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Second Quarter | | $ | 51.36 |
| | $ | 30.94 |
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First Quarter | | $ | 37.23 |
| | $ | 23.36 |
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| | | | | | | | |
| | Fiscal 2012 |
| | High | | Low |
Fourth Quarter | | $ | 28.35 |
| | $ | 21.41 |
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Third Quarter | | $ | 24.49 |
| | $ | 15.32 |
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Second Quarter | | $ | 23.08 |
| | $ | 15.47 |
|
First Quarter | | $ | 25.86 |
| | $ | 20.94 |
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Approximate Number of Holders of Common Equity
As of March 20, 2014, there were approximately 1,549 record holders of our Class A Common Stock.
Dividends
Prior to February 2012, we had never declared or paid any dividends on our common stock. During fiscal 2012, we paid quarterly dividends of $0.15 per share of Class A Common Stock during the first and second fiscal quarters and $0.25 per share of Class A Common Stock during the third and fourth fiscal quarters. During fiscal 2013, we paid quarterly dividends of $0.275 per share of Class A Common Stock during each of the four fiscal quarters. On March 4, 2014, our Board of Directors authorized an increase in our annual cash dividend from $1.10 to $1.32 per share of Class A Common Stock and on March 4, 2014, we declared our first quarterly dividend for fiscal 2014 of $0.33 per share of Class A Common Stock, payable on March 25, 2014 to stockholders of record on March 17, 2014. Our payment of dividends is and will continue to be restricted by or subject to, among other limitations, applicable provisions of federal and state laws, our earnings and various business considerations, including our financial condition, results of operations, cash flow, the level of our capital expenditures, our future business prospects, our status as a holding company and such other matters that our Board of Directors deems relevant. In addition, the terms of the senior credit facility restrict our ability to pay dividends under certain circumstances. See “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Liquidity and Capital Resources” herein for further information regarding restrictions on our dividend payments.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Our purchases of our equity securities during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended February 1, 2014 were as follows:
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| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Period | | Total Number of Shares Purchased | | Average Price Paid per Share | | Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs | | Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs(1) |
| | | | (In millions of dollars) |
November 3, 2013 through November 30, 2013 | | 321,500 |
| | $ | 51.62 |
| | 321,500 |
| | $ | 490.0 |
|
December 1, 2013 through January 4, 2014 | | 479,000 |
| | $ | 47.90 |
| | 479,000 |
| | $ | 467.1 |
|
January 5, 2014 through February 1, 2014 | | 237,300 |
| | $ | 42.05 |
| | 237,300 |
| | $ | 457.1 |
|
Total | | 1,037,800 |
| | $ | 47.71 |
| | 1,037,800 |
| | |
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(1) | In November 2012, the Board of Directors authorized $500 million to be used for share repurchases. In November 2013, the Board of Directors authorized $500 million to be used for share repurchases, replacing the November 2012 authorization. The November 2013 $500 million authorization has no expiration date. |
GameStop Stock Comparative Performance Graph
The following graph compares the cumulative total stockholder return on our Class A Common Stock for the period commencing January 30, 2009 through January 31, 2014 (the last trading date of fiscal 2013) with the cumulative total return on the Standard & Poor’s 500 Stock Index (the “S&P 500”) and the Dow Jones Retailers, Other Specialty Industry Group Index (the “Dow Jones Specialty Retailers Index”) over the same period. Total return values were calculated based on cumulative total return assuming (i) the investment of $100 in our Class A Common Stock, the S&P 500 and the Dow Jones Specialty Retailers Index on January 30, 2009 and (ii) reinvestment of dividends.
The following stock performance graph and related information shall not be deemed “soliciting material” or “filed” with the SEC, nor should such information be incorporated by reference into any future filings under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, except to the extent that we specifically incorporate it by reference in such filing.
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| | | 1/30/2009 | | | 1/29/2010 | | | 1/28/2011 | | | 1/27/2012 | | | 2/1/2013 | | | 1/31/2014 |
GME | | | 100 | | | 79.78 | | | 84.67 | | | 98.14 | | | 103.40 | | | 151.47 |
S&P 500 Index | | | 100 | | | 130.03 | | | 154.54 | | | 159.39 | | | 183.22 | | | 215.84 |
Dow Jones Specialty Retailers Index | | | 100 | | | 144.54 | | | 192.05 | | | 209.89 | | | 223.01 | | | 285.02 |
Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans
For information regarding securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans, refer to “Part III —Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.”
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Item 6. | Selected Financial Data |
The following table sets forth our selected consolidated financial and operating data for the periods ended and as of the dates indicated. Our fiscal year is composed of 52 or 53 weeks ending on the Saturday closest to January 31. The fiscal year ended February 2, 2013 consisted of 53 weeks. The fiscal years ended February 1, 2014, January 28, 2012, January 29, 2011 and January 30, 2010 consisted of 52 weeks. The “Statement of Operations Data” for the fiscal years ended February 1, 2014, February 2, 2013 and January 28, 2012 and the “Balance Sheet Data” as of February 1, 2014 and February 2, 2013 are derived from, and are qualified by reference to, our audited consolidated financial statements which are included elsewhere in this Form 10-K. The “Statement of Operations Data” for fiscal years ended January 29, 2011 and January 30, 2010 and the “Balance Sheet Data” as of January 28, 2012, January 29, 2011 and January 30, 2010 are derived from our audited consolidated financial statements which are not included elsewhere in this Form 10-K.
The selected financial data set forth below should be read in conjunction with “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in this Form 10-K.
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| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 52 Weeks Ended February 1, 2014 | | 53 Weeks Ended February 2, 2013 | | 52 Weeks Ended January 28, 2012 | | 52 Weeks Ended January 29, 2011 | | 52 Weeks Ended January 30, 2010 |
| | (In millions, except per share data and statistical data) |
Statement of Operations Data: | | | | | | | | | | |
Net sales | | $ | 9,039.5 |
| | $ | 8,886.7 |
| | $ | 9,550.5 |
| | $ | 9,473.7 |
| | $ | 9,078.0 |
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Cost of sales | | 6,378.4 |
| | 6,235.2 |
| | 6,871.0 |
| | 6,936.1 |
| | 6,643.3 |
|
Gross profit | | 2,661.1 |
| | 2,651.5 |
| | 2,679.5 |
| | 2,537.6 |
| | 2,434.7 |
|
Selling, general and administrative expenses | | 1,892.4 |
| | 1,835.9 |
| | 1,842.1 |
| | 1,698.8 |
| | 1,633.3 |
|
Depreciation and amortization | | 166.5 |
| | 176.5 |
| | 186.3 |
| | 174.7 |
| | 162.6 |
|
Goodwill impairments(1) | | 10.2 |
| | 627.0 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
|
Asset impairments and restructuring charges(2) | | 18.5 |
| | 53.7 |
| | 81.2 |
| | 1.5 |
| | 1.8 |
|
Operating earnings (loss) | | 573.5 |
| | (41.6 | ) | | 569.9 |
| | 662.6 |
| | 637.0 |
|
Interest expense (income), net | | 4.7 |
| | 3.3 |
| | 19.8 |
| | 35.2 |
| | 43.2 |
|
Debt extinguishment expense | | — |
| | — |
| | 1.0 |
| | 6.0 |
| | 5.3 |
|
Earnings (loss) before income tax expense | | 568.8 |
| | (44.9 | ) | | 549.1 |
| | 621.4 |
| | 588.5 |
|
Income tax expense | | 214.6 |
| | 224.9 |
| | 210.6 |
| | 214.6 |
| | 212.8 |
|
Net income (loss) | | 354.2 |
| | (269.8 | ) | | 338.5 |
| | 406.8 |
| | 375.7 |
|
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests | | — |
| | 0.1 |
| | 1.4 |
| | 1.2 |
| | 1.6 |
|
Net income (loss) attributable to GameStop Corp. | | $ | 354.2 |
| | $ | (269.7 | ) | | $ | 339.9 |
| | $ | 408.0 |
| | $ | 377.3 |
|
Basic net income (loss) per common share | | $ | 3.02 |
| | $ | (2.13 | ) | | $ | 2.43 |
| | $ | 2.69 |
| | $ | 2.29 |
|
Diluted net income (loss) per common share | | $ | 2.99 |
| | $ | (2.13 | ) | | $ | 2.41 |
| | $ | 2.65 |
| | $ | 2.25 |
|
Dividends per common share | | $ | 1.10 |
| | $ | 0.80 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
|
Weighted average common shares outstanding —basic | | 117.2 |
| | 126.4 |
| | 139.9 |
| | 151.6 |
| | 164.5 |
|
Weighted average common shares outstanding —diluted | | 118.4 |
| | 126.4 |
| | 141.0 |
| | 154.0 |
| | 167.9 |
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Store Operating Data: | | | | | | | | | | |
Number of stores by segment | | | | | | | | | | |
United States | | 4,249 |
| | 4,425 |
| | 4,503 |
| | 4,536 |
| | 4,429 |
|
Canada | | 335 |
| | 336 |
| | 346 |
| | 345 |
| | 337 |
|
Australia | | 418 |
| | 416 |
| | 411 |
| | 405 |
| | 388 |
|
Europe | | 1,455 |
| | 1,425 |
| | 1,423 |
| | 1,384 |
| | 1,296 |
|
Technology Brands | | 218 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
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Total | | 6,675 |
| | 6,602 |
| | 6,683 |
| | 6,670 |
| | 6,450 |
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Comparable store sales increase (decrease)(3) | | 3.8 | % | | (8.0 | )% | | (2.1 | )% | | 1.1 | % | | (7.9 | )% |
Inventory turnover | | 5.3 |
| | 5.0 |
| | 5.1 |
| | 5.1 |
| | 5.2 |
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Balance Sheet Data: | | | | | | | | | | |
Working capital | | $ | 223.6 |
| | $ | 295.6 |
| | $ | 363.4 |
| | $ | 407.0 |
| | $ | 471.6 |
|
Total assets(4) | | 4,091.4 |
| | 3,872.2 |
| | 4,608.2 |
| | 4,807.5 |
| | 4,758.4 |
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Total debt, net | | 4.0 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 249.0 |
| | 447.3 |
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Total liabilities(4) | | 1,840.0 |
| | 1,585.9 |
| | 1,568.0 |
| | 1,911.6 |
| | 2,035.4 |
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Total equity | | 2,251.4 |
| | 2,286.3 |
| | 3,040.2 |
| | 2,895.9 |
| | 2,723.0 |
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(1) | Results for fiscal 2013 include a goodwill impairment charge of $10.2 million related to our decision to abandon our investment in Spawn Labs. Results for fiscal 2012 include charges related to goodwill impairments of $627.0 million resulting from our interim goodwill impairment tests performed during the third quarter of fiscal 2012. See Note 9 to our consolidated financial statements for further information regarding our goodwill impairment charges. |
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(2) | Results for fiscal 2013 include impairments of $18.5 million, of which $7.4 million and $2.1 million were related to certain technology assets and other intangible assets, respectively, as a result of our decision to abandon our investment in Spawn Labs and the remaining $9.0 million was related to property and equipment impairments resulting from our evaluation of store property, equipment and other assets. Results for fiscal 2012 include charges related to asset impairments of $53.7 million, of which $44.9 million relates to the impairment of the Micromania trade name and $8.8 million relates to other impairment charges from the evaluations of store property, equipment and other assets. Results for fiscal 2011 include charges related to asset impairments and restructuring charges of $81.2 million, of which $37.8 million relates to the impairment of the Micromania trade name, $22.7 million relates to the impairment of investments in non-core businesses and $20.7 million relates to other impairments, termination benefits and facility closure costs. For fiscal years 2009 and 2010, results include impairment charges resulting from our evaluation of store property, equipment and other assets. |
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(3) | Comparable store sales is a measure commonly used in the retail industry and indicates store performance by measuring the growth in sales for certain stores for a particular period over the corresponding period in the prior year. Our comparable store sales are comprised of sales from stores operating for at least 12 full months as well as sales related to our Web sites and sales we earn from sales of pre-owned merchandise to wholesalers or dealers. Comparable store sales for our international operating segments exclude the effect of changes in foreign currency exchange rates. The calculation of comparable store sales for the 52 weeks ended February 1, 2014 compares the 52 weeks for the period ended February 1, 2014 to the most closely comparable weeks for the prior year period. The method of calculating comparable store sales varies across the retail industry. As a result, our method of calculating comparable store sales may not be the same as other retailers’ methods. We believe our calculation of comparable store sales best represents our strategy as a multi-channel retailer who provides its consumers several ways to access its products. |
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(4) | We have revised the presentation of outstanding checks in our prior period financial statements. Previously, we reduced cash and liabilities when the checks were presented for payment and cleared our bank accounts. As of February 1, 2014, we reduce cash and liabilities when the checks are released for payment. See Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements. |
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Item 7. | Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations |
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the information contained in our consolidated financial statements, including the notes thereto. Statements regarding future economic performance, management’s plans and objectives, and any statements concerning assumptions related to the foregoing contained in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations constitute forward-looking statements. Certain factors, which may cause actual results to vary materially from these forward-looking statements, accompany such statements or appear elsewhere in this Form 10-K, including the factors disclosed under “Part I — Item 1A. Risk Factors.”
General
GameStop Corp. (“GameStop,” “we,” “us,” “our,” or the “Company”) is a global, multichannel video game, consumer electronics and wireless services retailer and is the world’s largest multichannel video game retailer. We sell new and pre-owned video game hardware, physical and digital video game software, video game accessories, as well as new and pre-owned mobile and consumer electronics products and other merchandise primarily through our GameStop, EB Games and Micromania stores. As of February 1, 2014, we operated 6,675 stores, in the United States, Australia, Canada and Europe, which are primarily located in major shopping malls and strip centers. We also operate electronic commerce Web sites www.gamestop.com, www.ebgames.com.au, www.ebgames.co.nz, www.gamestop.ca, www.gamestop.it, www.gamestop.es, www.gamestop.ie, www.gamestop.de, www.gamestop.co.uk and www.micromania.fr. The network also includes: www.kongregate.com, a leading browser-based game site; Game Informer magazine, the leading multi-platform video game publication; a digital PC distribution platform available at www.gamestop.com/pcgames; iOS and Android mobile applications; and an online consumer electronics marketplace available at www.buymytronics.com. We also operate a certified Apple reseller with stores selling Apple products in the United States under the name Simply Mac; Spring Mobile, an authorized AT&T reseller operating AT&T branded wireless retail stores in the United States; and pre-paid wireless stores under the name Aio Wireless (an AT&T brand) as part of our expanding relationship with AT&T.
Our fiscal year is composed of 52 or 53 weeks ending on the Saturday closest to January 31. The fiscal year ended February 1, 2014 (“fiscal 2013”) consisted of 52 weeks. The fiscal year ended February 2, 2013 (“fiscal 2012”) consisted of 53 weeks. The fiscal year ended January 28, 2012 (“fiscal 2011”) consisted of 52 weeks.
Growth in the electronic game industry is generally driven by the introduction of new technology. Gaming consoles are typically launched in cycles as technological developments provide significant improvements in graphics, audio quality, game play, Internet connectivity and other entertainment capabilities beyond video gaming. The current generation of consoles (the Sony PlayStation 4, the Microsoft Xbox One and the Nintendo Wii U) were introduced between November 2012 through November 2013. The previous generation of consoles (the Sony PlayStation 3, the Microsoft Xbox 360 and the Nintendo Wii) were introduced between 2005 and 2007. The Nintendo 3DS was introduced in March 2011, the Sony PlayStation Vita was introduced in February 2012 and the Nintendo 2DS was introduced in October 2013. Typically, following the introduction of new video game platforms, sales of new video game hardware increase as a percentage of total sales in the first full year following introduction. As video game platforms mature, the sales mix attributable to complementary video game software and accessories, which generate higher gross margins, generally increases in the subsequent years. The net effect is generally a decline in gross margin percent in the first full year following new platform releases and an increase in gross margin percent in the years subsequent to the first full year following the launch period. The launch of the next-generation Sony PlayStation 4 and the Microsoft Xbox One should negatively impact our overall gross margin percentage in future years. Unit sales of maturing video game platforms are typically also driven by manufacturer-funded retail price reductions, further driving sales of related software and accessories. Historically, new hardware consoles are typically introduced every four to five years. We experienced declines in new hardware and software sales throughout the first few months of fiscal 2013 due to the age of the older generation of consoles. With the introduction of the new consoles in the fourth quarter, sales of new hardware have increased.
We expect that future growth in the electronic game industry will also be driven by the sale of video games delivered in digital form and the expansion of other forms of gaming. We currently sell various types of products that relate to the digital category, including digitally downloadable content ("DLC"), Xbox LIVE, PlayStation Plus and Nintendo network points cards, as well as prepaid digital and online timecards. We expect our sales of digital products to increase in fiscal 2014. We have made significant investments in e-commerce and in-store and Web site functionality to enable our customers to access digital content easily and facilitate the digital sales and delivery process. We plan to continue to invest in these types of processes and channels to grow our digital sales base and enhance our market leadership position in the electronic game industry and in the digital aggregation and distribution category. In fiscal 2011, we also launched our mobile business and began selling an assortment of tablets and accessories. We currently sell tablets and accessories in all of our stores in the United States and in a majority of stores in our international markets. We also sell and accept trades of pre-owned mobile devices in our stores. In addition, we intend to continue to invest in customer loyalty programs designed to attract and retain customers.
In November 2013, we acquired Spring Mobile, an authorized AT&T reseller operating over 160 stores selling wireless services and products, and acquired Simply Mac, an authorized Apple reseller selling Apple products and services in 23 stores. We also opened 31 stores under the Aio Wireless brand. Aio Wireless is an AT&T brand selling pre-paid wireless services and products. We expect to expand the number of Spring Mobile and Simply Mac stores which we operate in future years. We also expect to expand our pre-paid stores with AT&T under either the Aio Wireless brand or the Cricket brand following AT&T’s acquisition of Leap Wireless.
Critical Accounting Policies and Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the 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. In preparing these financial statements, we have made our best estimates and judgments of certain amounts included in the financial statements, giving due consideration to materiality. Changes in the estimates and assumptions used by us could have a significant impact on our financial results, and actual results could differ from those estimates. Our senior management has discussed the development and selection of these critical accounting policies, as well as the significant accounting policies disclosed in Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements, with the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors. We believe the following accounting policies are the most critical to aid in fully understanding and evaluating our reporting of transactions and events, and the estimates these policies involve require our most difficult, subjective or complex judgments.
Revenue Recognition. Revenue from the sales of our products is recognized at the time of sale, net of sales discounts and net of an estimated sales return reserve, based on historical return rates, with a corresponding reduction in cost of sales. Our sales return policy is generally limited to less than 30 days and as such our sales returns are, and have historically been, immaterial. The sales of pre-owned video game products are recorded at the retail price charged to the customer. Advertising revenues for Game Informer are recorded upon release of magazines for sale to consumers. Subscription revenues for our PowerUp Rewards loyalty program and magazines are recognized on a straight-line basis over the subscription period. Revenue from the sales of product replacement plans is recognized on a straight-line basis over the coverage period. Gift cards sold to customers are recognized
as a liability on the consolidated balance sheet until redeemed or until a reasonable point at which breakage related to non-redemption can be recognized.
We also sell a variety of digital products which generally allow consumers to download software or play games on the internet. Certain of these products do not require us to purchase inventory or take physical possession of, or take title to, inventory. When purchasing these products from us, consumers pay a retail price and we earn a commission based on a percentage of the retail sale as negotiated with the product publisher. We recognize these commissions as revenue on the sale of these digital products.
Merchandise Inventories. Our merchandise inventories are carried at the lower of cost or market generally using the average cost method. Under the average cost method, as new product is received from vendors, its current cost is added to the existing cost of product on-hand and this amount is re-averaged over the cumulative units. Pre-owned video game products traded in by customers are recorded as inventory at the amount of the store credit given to the customer. In valuing inventory, we are required to make assumptions regarding the necessity of reserves required to value potentially obsolete or over-valued items at the lower of cost or market. We consider quantities on hand, recent sales, potential price protections and returns to vendors, among other factors, when making these assumptions. Our ability to gauge these factors is dependent upon our ability to forecast customer demand and to provide a well-balanced merchandise assortment. Any inability to forecast customer demand properly could lead to increased costs associated with inventory markdowns. We also adjust inventory based on anticipated physical inventory losses or shrinkage. Physical inventory counts are taken on a regular basis to ensure the reported inventory is accurate. During interim periods, estimates of shrinkage are recorded based on historical losses in the context of current period circumstances. Our reserve for merchandise inventories was $76.5 million as of February 1, 2014.
Property and Equipment. We had net property and equipment of $476.2 million as of February 1, 2014. We review our property and equipment for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable or their depreciation or amortization periods should be accelerated. We assess recoverability based on several factors, including our intention with respect to our stores and the stores' projected undiscounted cash flows. If the results of the recoverability test indicate that an asset or asset group is not recoverable, an impairment loss is recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its fair value, as approximated by the present value of their projected discounted cash flows. We recorded impairment losses on our property and equipment of $18.5 million, $8.8 million and $11.2 million in fiscal 2013, fiscal 2012 and fiscal 2011, respectively, based on the results of our impairment tests.
Goodwill. We had goodwill totaling $1,414.7 million as of February 1, 2014. Our goodwill results from our acquisitions and represents the excess purchase price over the net identifiable assets acquired. We are required to evaluate our goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment at least annually or whenever indicators of impairment are present. This annual test is completed as of the beginning of the fourth fiscal quarter, and interim tests are conducted when circumstances indicate the carrying value of the goodwill or other intangible assets may not be recoverable. Goodwill is evaluated for impairment at the reporting unit level. We have five operating segments, including Video Game Brands in the United States, Australia, Canada and Europe, and Technology Brands in the United States, which also define our reporting units. Our reporting units are based upon the similar economic characteristics of operations within each segment, including the nature of products, product distribution and the type of customer and separate management within those regions.
We use a two-step process to measure any potential goodwill impairment. The first step of the goodwill impairment test involves estimating the fair value of each reporting unit based on its discounted projected future cash flows. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, then goodwill is not impaired; however, if the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, then the second step of the goodwill impairment test is needed. The second step compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill with its carrying amount. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined in step two of the goodwill impairment test by allocating the fair value of the reporting unit in a manner similar to a purchase price allocation used in a business combination. Any residual fair value after this allocation represents the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of its goodwill, then an impairment loss is recognized in the amount of the excess.
We utilize a discounted cash flow method to determine the fair value of reporting units. Management is required to make significant judgments based on our projected annual business plans, long-term business strategies, comparable store sales, store count, gross margins, operating expenses, working capital needs, capital expenditures and long-term growth rates, all considered in light of current and anticipated economic factors. Discount rates used in the analysis reflect a hypothetical market participant’s weighted average cost of capital, current market rates and the risks associated with the projected cash flows. Terminal growth rates were based on long-term growth rate potential and a long-term inflation forecast. The impairment testing process is subject to inherent uncertainties and subjectivity, particularly related to sales and gross margins which can be impacted by various factors including the items listed in "Item 1A. Risk Factors" within this Form 10-K. While the fair value is determined based on the best available information at the time of assessment, any changes in business or economic conditions could materially increase or decrease the fair value of the reporting unit’s net assets and, accordingly, could materially increase or decrease any related
impairment charge. While management does not anticipate any material changes to the projected undiscounted cash flows underlying its impairment test, many other factors impact the fair value calculation. Since we are required to determine fair value from a hypothetical market participant’s perspective, discount rates used in the analyses may change based on market conditions, regardless of whether our cost of capital has changed, which could negatively impact the fair value calculation. As we periodically reassess our fair value calculations using currently available market information and internal forecasts, changes in our judgments and other assumptions could result in recording material impairment charges of goodwill or other intangible assets in any of our reporting units in the future.
We completed the annual impairment test of goodwill for our United States, Canada, Australia and Europe Video Game Brands reporting units as of the first day of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013. The results of our test indicated that none of our goodwill was impaired. The Technology Brands reporting unit was excluded from the fiscal 2013 annual impairment test as it commenced operations during the fourth quarter and therefore was not a reporting unit subject to assessment as of our annual testing date. For our United States, Canada and Australia reporting units, the calculated fair value of each of these reporting units exceeded their respective carrying values by more than 20% and the calculated fair value of our Europe reporting unit exceeded its carrying value by more than 10%. A reduction in the terminal growth rate assumption of 0.25% or an increase in the discount rate assumption of 0.25% utilized in the test for each respective reporting unit would not have resulted in an impairment.
For fiscal 2013, there was a $10.2 million goodwill write-off in the United States Video Game Brands reporting unit as a result of abandoning our investment in Spawn Labs, which is described more fully in Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements.
During the third quarter of fiscal 2012, we determined that sufficient indicators of potential impairment existed to require an interim goodwill impairment test. As a result of the interim goodwill impairment test, we recorded non-cash, non-tax deductible goodwill impairments for the third quarter of fiscal 2012 of $107.1 million, $100.3 million and $419.6 million in our Australia, Canada and Europe reporting units, respectively, to reduce the carrying value of goodwill.
We completed our annual impairment test of goodwill as of the first day of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011, fiscal 2012 and fiscal 2013 and concluded that none of our goodwill was impaired. For fiscal 2011, there was a $3.3 million goodwill write-off recorded in the United States segment as a result of the exiting of a non-core business. See Note 9 to our consolidated financial statements for additional information concerning goodwill.
Other Intangible Assets. Other intangible assets consist primarily of trade names, dealer agreements, leasehold rights, advertising relationships and amounts attributed to favorable leasehold interests recorded primarily as a result of the acquisitions of Spring Mobile in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, SFMI Micromania SAS (“Micromania”) in 2008 and the merger with Electronics Boutique Holdings Corp. in 2005 (the “EB merger”). We record intangible assets apart from goodwill if they arise from a contractual right and are capable of being separated from the entity and sold, transferred, licensed, rented or exchanged individually. The useful life and amortization methodology of intangible assets are determined based on the period in which they are expected to contribute directly to cash flows.
Trade names which were recorded as a result of acquisitions, primarily Micromania, are generally considered indefinite-lived intangible assets as they are expected to contribute to cash flows indefinitely and are not subject to amortization, but they are subject to annual impairment testing. Dealer agreements were recorded primarily from our acquisition of Spring Mobile. Dealer agreements represent a value associated with the rights and privileges afforded the operator under the associated agreement. Our dealer agreements are not subject to amortization. Leasehold rights which were recorded as a result of the Micromania acquisition represent the value of rights of tenancy under commercial property leases for properties located in France. Rights pertaining to individual leases can be sold by us to a new tenant or recovered by us from the landlord if the exercise of the automatic right of renewal is refused. Leasehold rights are amortized on a straight-line basis over the expected lease term not to exceed 20 years with no residual value. Advertising relationships, which were recorded as a result of digital acquisitions, are relationships with existing advertisers who pay to place ads on our digital Web sites and are amortized on a straight-line basis over 10 years. Favorable leasehold interests represent the value of the contractual monthly rental payments that are less than the current market rent at stores acquired as part of the Micromania acquisition or the EB merger. Favorable leasehold interests are amortized on a straight-line basis over their remaining lease term with no expected residual value.
Indefinite-lived intangible assets are assessed for impairment at least annually and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. This test is completed as of the beginning of the fourth quarter each fiscal year or when circumstances indicate the carrying value of the intangible assets might be impaired. Similar to the test for goodwill impairment discussed above, the impairment test for indefinite-lived intangible assets consists of a comparison of the fair value of the intangible asset with its carrying amount. An impairment loss is recognized for the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the asset. The fair value of our trade names is calculated using a relief-from-royalty approach, which assumes the value of the trade name is the discounted cash flows of the amount that would be paid by a hypothetical market participant had they not owned the trade name and instead licensed the trade name from another company. The basis for
future cash flow projections is internal revenue forecasts, which our management believes represent reasonable market participant assumptions, to which the selected royalty rate is applied. These future cash flows are discounted using the applicable discount rate, as well as any potential risk premium to reflect the inherent risk of holding a standalone intangible asset. The discount rate used in the analysis reflects a hypothetical market participant’s weighted average cost of capital, current market rates and the risks associated with the projected cash flows. The primary uncertainties in this calculation are the selection of an appropriate royalty rate and assumptions used in developing internal revenue growth forecasts, as well as the perceived risk associated with those forecasts in developing the discount rate.
During the third quarter of fiscal 2012, we determined that sufficient indicators of potential impairment existed to require an interim impairment test of our Micromania trade name. As a result of the interim impairment test of our Micromania trade name, we recorded a $44.9 million impairment charge during the third quarter of fiscal 2012. We completed our annual impairment tests of indefinite-lived intangible assets as of the first day of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012 and concluded that none of our intangible assets were impaired. We completed our annual impairment test of indefinite-lived intangible assets as of the first day of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011 and concluded that our Micromania trade name was impaired due to revenue forecasts that had declined since the initial valuation. As a result, we recorded a $37.8 million impairment charge for fiscal 2011. For additional information related to our intangible assets, see Note 9 to our consolidated financial statements.
Cash Consideration Received from Vendors. We participate in cooperative advertising programs and other vendor marketing programs in which our vendors provide us with cash consideration in exchange for marketing and advertising the vendors’ products. Our accounting for cooperative advertising arrangements and other vendor marketing programs results in a significant portion of the consideration received from our vendors reducing the product costs in inventory rather than as an offset to our marketing and advertising costs. The consideration serving as a reduction in inventory is recognized in cost of sales as inventory is sold. The amount of vendor allowances to be recorded as a reduction of inventory was determined based on the nature of the consideration received and the merchandise inventory to which the consideration relates. We apply a sell through rate to determine the timing in which the consideration should be recognized in cost of sales. Consideration received that relates to video game products that have not yet been released to the public is deferred.
The cooperative advertising programs and other vendor marketing programs generally cover a period from a few days up to a few weeks and include items such as product catalog advertising, in-store display promotions, Internet advertising, co-op print advertising and other programs. The allowance for each event is negotiated with the vendor and requires specific performance by us to be earned.
Although we consider our advertising and marketing programs to be effective, we do not believe that we would be able to incur the same level of advertising expenditures if the vendors decreased or discontinued their allowances. In addition, we believe that our revenues would be adversely affected if our vendors decreased or discontinued their allowances; however, we are not able to reasonably estimate or quantify the impact of such actions by our vendors.
Loyalty Program. The PowerUp Rewards loyalty program allows enrolled members to earn points on purchases in our stores and on some of our Web sites that can be redeemed for rewards that include discounts or merchandise. Management estimates the net cost of the rewards that will be issued and redeemed and records this cost and the associated balance sheet reserve as points are accumulated by loyalty program members. The two primary estimates utilized to record the balance sheet reserve for loyalty points earned by members are the estimated redemption rate and the estimated weighted-average cost per point redeemed. Management uses historical redemption rates experienced under the loyalty program, prior experience with other customer incentives and data on other similar loyalty programs as a basis to estimate the ultimate redemption rate of points earned. A weighted-average cost per point redeemed is used to estimate future redemption costs. The weighted-average cost per point redeemed is based on our most recent actual costs incurred to fulfill points that have been redeemed by our loyalty program members and is adjusted as appropriate for recent changes in redemption costs, including the mix of rewards redeemed. We continually evaluate our reserve methodology and assumptions based on developments in redemption patterns, cost per point redeemed and other factors. Changes in the ultimate redemption rate and weighted-average cost per point redeemed have the effect of either increasing or decreasing the reserve through the current period provision by an amount estimated to cover the cost of all points previously earned but not yet redeemed by loyalty program members as of the end of the reporting period.
Lease Accounting. We lease retail stores, warehouse facilities, office space and equipment. These are generally leased under noncancelable agreements that expire at various dates through 2034 with various renewal options for additional periods. The agreements, which have been classified as operating leases, generally provide for minimum and, in some cases, percentage rentals, and require us to pay all insurance, taxes and other maintenance costs. Leases with step rent provisions, escalation clauses or other lease concessions are accounted for on a straight-line basis over the lease term, which includes renewal option periods when we are reasonably assured of exercising the renewal options and includes “rent holidays” (periods in which we are not obligated to pay rent). Cash or lease incentives received upon entering into certain store leases (“tenant improvement allowances”) are recognized on a straight-line basis as a reduction to rent expense over the lease term, which includes renewal option periods when we are reasonably assured of exercising the renewal options. We record the unamortized portion of tenant improvement
allowances as a part of deferred rent. We do not have leases with capital improvement funding. Percentage rentals are based on sales performance in excess of specified minimums at various stores and are accounted for in the period in which the amount of percentage rentals can be accurately estimated.
Income Taxes. We account for income taxes utilizing an asset and liability approach, and deferred taxes are determined based on the estimated future tax effect of differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates. As a result of our operations in many foreign countries, our global tax rate is derived from a combination of applicable tax rates in the various jurisdictions in which we operate. We base our estimate of an annual effective tax rate at any given point in time on a calculated mix of the tax rates applicable to our operations and to estimates of the amount of income to be derived in any given jurisdiction.
We file our tax returns based on our understanding of the appropriate tax rules and regulations. However, complexities in the tax rules and our operations, as well as positions taken publicly by the taxing authorities, may lead us to conclude that accruals for uncertain tax positions are required. In accordance with GAAP, we maintain accruals for uncertain tax positions until examination of the tax year is completed by the taxing authority, available review periods expire or additional facts and circumstances cause us to change our assessment of the appropriate accrual amount. Our liability for uncertain tax positions was $20.6 million as of February 1, 2014.
Additionally, a valuation allowance is recorded against a deferred tax asset if it is not more likely than not that the asset will be realized. Several factors are considered in evaluating the realizability of our deferred tax assets, including the remaining years available for carry forward, the tax laws for the applicable jurisdictions, the future profitability of the specific business units, and tax planning strategies. Our valuation allowance was $13.3 million as of February 1, 2014. See Note 13 to our consolidated financial statements for further information regarding income taxes.
Consolidated Results of Operations
The following table sets forth certain statement of operations items as a percentage of net sales for the periods indicated:
|
| | | | | | | | | |
| | 52 Weeks Ended February 1, 2014 | | 53 Weeks Ended February 2, 2013 | | 52 Weeks Ended January 28, 2012 |
Statement of Operations Data: | | | | | | |
Net sales | | 100.0 | % | | 100.0 | % | | 100.0 | % |
Cost of sales | | 70.6 |
| | 70.2 |
| | 71.9 |
|
Gross profit | | 29.4 |
| | 29.8 |
| | 28.1 |
|
Selling, general and administrative expenses | | 21.0 |
| | 20.7 |
| | 19.3 |
|
Depreciation and amortization | | 1.8 |
| | 2.0 |
| | 2.0 |
|
Goodwill impairments | | 0.1 |
| | 7.0 |
| | — |
|
Asset impairments and restructuring charges | | 0.2 |
| | 0.6 |
| | 0.8 |
|
Operating earnings (loss) | | 6.3 |
| | (0.5 | ) | | 6.0 |
|
Interest expense, net | | — |
| | — |
| | 0.2 |
|
Earnings (loss) before income tax expense | | 6.3 |
| | (0.5 | ) | | 5.8 |
|
Income tax expense | | 2.4 |
| | 2.5 |
| | 2.2 |
|
Net income (loss) | | 3.9 |
| | (3.0 | ) | | 3.6 |
|
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
|
Net income (loss) attributable to GameStop Corp. | | 3.9 | % | | (3.0 | )% | | 3.6 | % |
We include purchasing, receiving and distribution costs in selling, general and administrative expenses, rather than in cost of sales, in the statement of operations. We include processing fees associated with purchases made by check and credit cards in cost of sales, rather than selling, general and administrative expenses, in the statement of operations. As a result of these classifications, our gross margins are not comparable to those retailers that include purchasing, receiving and distribution costs in cost of sales and include processing fees associated with purchases made by check and credit cards in selling, general and administrative expenses. The net effect of these classifications as a percentage of sales has not historically been material.
Beginning with this Form 10-K, we are expanding the categories included in our disclosures on sales and gross profit by category in order to reflect recent changes in our business, the expansion of categories previously included in "Other", and management emphasis as we operate in the future. Our previous categories of New Video Game Hardware and New Video Game Software remain unchanged.
We are expanding our previous category of Pre-owned Video Game Products to include value-priced, or closeout, product and will be calling the category Pre-owned and Value Video Game Products now and in the future. We believe there is significant opportunity to purchase closeout and overstocked inventory from publishers, distributors and other retailers which is older new product that can be acquired for less than typical new release product costs. This product can then be resold in our Video Game Brands stores and on our Web sites as value-priced product. Our limited purchases of this product in the past have yielded significantly higher margins than new video game products, yet slightly lower margins than pre-owned video game products. We have intentionally limited the amount of this product we have acquired in order to protect the typical margin range of 46% to 49% we earn from our pre-owned business. In the future, we intend to expand our selection of value product and expect that the margins for the Pre-owned and Value Video Game Product category will range from 42% to 48%.
In the past, all other products we sold were categorized into an Other category, which included video game accessories, digital products, new and pre-owned mobile products, consumer electronics, revenues from our PowerUp Rewards program and Game Informer subscription sales, strategy guides, toys and PC entertainment software. We are separating our historical Other category into the following new categories:
| |
• | Video Game Accessories, which includes new accessories for use with video game consoles and hand-held devices and software, such as controllers, gaming headsets and memory cards; |
| |
• | Digital, which includes revenues from the sale of DLC, Xbox Live, PlayStation Plus and Nintendo network points and subscription cards, other prepaid digital currencies and time cards, Kongregate, Game Informer digital subscriptions and PC digital downloads; |
| |
• | Mobile and Consumer Electronics, which includes revenues from selling new and pre-owned mobile devices and consumer electronics in Video Game Brands stores and all revenues from our Technology Brands stores; |
| |
• | Other, which includes revenues from the sales of PC entertainment software, toys, strategy guides and revenues from PowerUp Pro loyalty members receiving Game Informer magazine in physical form. |
The following table sets forth net sales (in millions) and percentage of total net sales by significant product category for the periods indicated:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 52 Weeks Ended February 1, 2014 | | 53 Weeks Ended February 2, 2013 | | 52 Weeks Ended January 28, 2012 |
| | Net Sales | | Percent of Total | | Net Sales | | Percent of Total | | Net Sales | | Percent of Total |
Net Sales: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
New video game hardware | | $ | 1,730.0 |
| | 19.1 | % | | $ | 1,333.4 |
| | 15.0 | % | | $ | 1,611.6 |
| | 16.9 | % |
New video game software | | 3,480.9 |
| | 38.5 | % | | 3,582.4 |
| | 40.3 | % | | 4,048.2 |
| | 42.4 | % |
Pre-owned and value video game products | | 2,329.8 |
| | 25.8 | % | | 2,430.5 |
| | 27.4 | % | | 2,620.2 |
| | 27.4 | % |
Video game accessories | | 560.6 |
| | 6.2 | % | | 611.8 |
| | 6.9 | % | | 661.1 |
| | 6.9 | % |
Digital | | 217.7 |
| | 2.4 | % | | 208.4 |
| | 2.3 | % | | 143.0 |
| | 1.5 | % |
Mobile and consumer electronics | | 303.7 |
| | 3.4 | % | | 200.3 |
| | 2.3 | % | | 12.8 |
| | 0.1 | % |
Other | | 416.8 |
| | 4.6 | % | | 519.9 |
| | 5.8 | % | | 453.6 |
| | 4.8 | % |
Total | | $ | 9,039.5 |
| | 100.0 | % | | $ | 8,886.7 |
| | 100.0 | % | | $ | 9,550.5 |
| | 100.0 | % |
The following table sets forth gross profit (in millions) and gross profit percentages by significant product category for the periods indicated:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 52 Weeks Ended February 1, 2014 | | 53 Weeks Ended February 2, 2013 | | 52 Weeks Ended January 28, 2012 |
| | Gross Profit | | Gross Profit Percent | | Gross Profit | | Gross Profit Percent | | Gross Profit | | Gross Profit Percent |
Gross Profit: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
New video game hardware | | $ | 176.5 |
| | 10.2 | % | | $ | 101.7 |
| | 7.6 | % | | $ | 113.6 |
| | 7.0 | % |
New video game software | | 805.3 |
| | 23.1 | % | | 786.3 |
| | 21.9 | % | | 839.0 |
| | 20.7 | % |
Pre-owned and value video game products | | 1,093.9 |
| | 47.0 | % | | 1,170.1 |
| | 48.1 | % | | 1,221.2 |
| | 46.6 | % |
Video game accessories | | 220.5 |
| | 39.3 | % | | 237.9 |
| | 38.9 | % | | 251.9 |
| | 38.1 | % |
Digital | | 149.2 |
| | 68.5 | % | | 120.9 |
| | 58.0 | % | | 66.5 |
| | 46.5 | % |
Mobile and consumer electronics | | 65.1 |
| | 21.4 | % | | 41.3 |
| | 20.6 | % | | 3.5 |
| | 27.3 | % |
Other | | 150.6 |
| | 36.1 | % | | 193.3 |
| | 37.2 | % | | 183.8 |
| | 40.5 | % |
Total | | $ | 2,661.1 |
| | 29.4 | % | | $ | 2,651.5 |
| | 29.8 | % | | $ | 2,679.5 |
| | 28.1 | % |
Fiscal 2013 Compared to Fiscal 2012
Net sales increased $152.8 million, or 1.7%, to $9,039.5 million in the 52 weeks of fiscal 2013 from $8,886.7 million in the 53 weeks of fiscal 2012. Sales for the 53rd week included in fiscal 2012 were $112.2 million. The increase in net sales during fiscal 2013 was primarily attributable to an increase in comparable store sales of 3.8% compared to fiscal 2012. Additionally, sales included $62.8 million from the new Technology Brands segment. These increases were partially offset by a decline in domestic sales of $185.9 million due to a 4.1% decline in domestic store count, changes in foreign exchange rates, which had the effect of decreasing sales by $23.3 million when compared to the 53 weeks of fiscal 2012, and sales from the 53rd week in fiscal 2012. The increase in comparable store sales was primarily due to strong sales performance during the second half of fiscal 2013. Refer to the note to the Selected Financial Data table in "Item 6 — Selected Financial Data" for a discussion of the calculation of comparable store sales.
New video game hardware sales increased $396.6 million, or 29.7%, from fiscal 2012 to fiscal 2013, primarily attributable to an increase in hardware unit sell-through due to the launches of the Microsoft Xbox One and the Sony PlayStation 4 in November 2013. These increases were partially offset by declines in sales of previous generation hardware. New video game software sales decreased $101.5 million, or 2.8%, from fiscal 2012 to fiscal 2013, primarily due to fewer new titles that were released during fiscal 2013 when compared to fiscal 2012 and by the additional sales for the 53rd week in fiscal 2012. Pre-owned and value video game product sales decreased $100.7 million, or 4.1%, from fiscal 2012 to fiscal 2013, primarily due to less store traffic during the majority of fiscal 2013 because of lower video game demand due to the late stages of the previous console cycle, and also due to sales for the 53rd week in fiscal 2012. Sales of video game accessories declined $51.2 million, or 8.4% from fiscal 2012 to fiscal 2013 due to the decline in demand for video game products in the late stages of the last console cycle, offset slightly by sales of accessories for use with the recently launched consoles. Digital revenues increased $9.3 million, or 4.5%, from fiscal 2012 to fiscal 2013 with growth limited due to the conversion of certain types of digital currency cards from a full retail price revenue arrangement to a commission revenue model. Mobile and consumer electronics sales increased $103.4 million, or 51.6%, from fiscal 2012 to fiscal 2013, due to increased growth of the mobile business within the Video Game Brand stores and due to the Technology Brands stores acquired or started in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013. Sales of other product categories decreased $103.1 million, or 19.8%, from fiscal 2012 to fiscal 2013, primarily due to a decrease in sales of PC entertainment software due to strong launches of PC titles during fiscal 2012.
As a percentage of net sales, new video game hardware sales increased and sales of new video game software, pre-owned and value video game products and video game accessories decreased in fiscal 2013 compared to fiscal 2012. The change in the mix of net sales was primarily due to the launch of the new hardware consoles in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013.
Cost of sales increased by $143.2 million, or 2.3%, from $6,235.2 million in fiscal 2012 to $6,378.4 million in fiscal 2013 primarily as a result of the increase in net sales discussed above and the changes in gross profit discussed below, partially offset by the cost of sales associated with the 53rd week in fiscal 2012.
Gross profit increased by $9.6 million, or 0.4%, from $2,651.5 million in fiscal 2012 to $2,661.1 million in fiscal 2013. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales was 29.8% in fiscal 2012 and 29.4% in fiscal 2013. The gross profit percentage decreased primarily due to an increase in sales of new video game hardware as a percentage of total net sales and the decrease in gross profit as a percentage of sales on pre-owned and value video game products. This decrease was partially offset by a $33.6 million benefit
related to a change in management estimates on the redemption rate in our PowerUp Rewards and other customer liability programs. In addition, we recorded an increase in gross profit due to a reclassification from selling, general and administrative expenses of cash consideration received from our vendors to align those funds with the specific products we sell, net of the cost of free or discounted products for our loyalty programs, in the amount of $42.5 million. Gross profit as a percentage of sales on new video game hardware increased from 7.6% in fiscal 2012 to 10.2% in fiscal 2013 due to the mix of next generation consoles at a higher margin rate, the reclassification of cash consideration received from vendors and increased sales of extended warranties. Gross profit as a percentage of sales on new video game software increased from 21.9% for fiscal 2012 to 23.1% for fiscal 2013 due to the reclassification of cash consideration received from vendors. Gross profit as a percentage of sales on pre-owned and value video game products decreased from 48.1% in fiscal 2012 to 47.0% in fiscal 2013 due to aggressive trade offers made in the current year in order to provide consumers with trade currency to help make new consoles more affordable. Gross profit as a percentage of sales on video game accessories was comparable at 38.9% in fiscal 2012 and 39.3% in fiscal 2013. Gross profit as a percentage of sales on digital sales increased from 58.0% in fiscal 2012 to 68.5% in fiscal 2013 due to conversion of full retail price revenue digital currency cards into commission only currency cards. Gross profit as a percentage of sales on mobile and consumer electronics revenues increased from 20.6% in fiscal 2012 to 21.4% in fiscal 2013 due to maturation of the mobile business within the video game stores and due to the newly acquired Technology Brands stores. Gross profit as a percentage of sales on the other product sales category decreased from 37.2% in fiscal 2012 to 36.1% in fiscal 2013.
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $56.5 million, or 3.1%, from $1,835.9 million in fiscal 2012 to $1,892.4 million in fiscal 2013. This increase was primarily due to higher variable costs associated with the increase in comparable store sales during the second half of 2013 and the net increase in expenses associated with the change in classification of cash consideration received from vendors and the reclassification of the cost of free or discounted products for our loyalty programs discussed above. These increases were partially offset by expenses for the 53rd week in fiscal 2012 coupled with changes in foreign exchange rates, which had the effect of decreasing fiscal 2013 selling, general and administrative expenses by $2.1 million when compared to fiscal 2012. Additionally, cost control activities during the current year associated with the decline in sales at the end of the previous console cycle helped to reduce our selling, general and administrative expenses along with lower current year store counts. Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of sales increased from 20.7% in fiscal 2012 to 21.0% in fiscal 2013, primarily due to the classification of cash consideration received from vendors and loyalty costs as discussed above. Included in selling, general and administrative expenses are $19.4 million and $19.6 million in stock-based compensation expense for fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012, respectively.
Depreciation and amortization expense decreased $10.0 million from $176.5 million in fiscal 2012 to $166.5 million in fiscal 2013. This decrease was primarily due to a decrease in capital expenditures in recent years when compared to prior years, which included significant investments in our loyalty and digital initiatives, as well as a decrease in new store openings and investments in management information systems.
During fiscal 2013, we recorded a $28.7 million impairment charge, comprised of a $10.2 million goodwill impairment, a $7.4 million impairment of technology assets and an impairment of $2.1 million of intangible assets as a result of our decision to abandon Spawn Labs. Additionally, we recognized $9.0 million of property and equipment impairments during fiscal 2013. During fiscal 2012, we recorded a $680.7 million impairment charge, comprised of $627.0 million of goodwill impairments, $44.9 million of trade name impairment and $8.8 million of property and equipment impairments. Refer to Note 2 and Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements in this Form 10-K for further information associated with these impairments.
Interest income resulting from the investment of excess cash balances was $0.9 million for both fiscal 2012 and fiscal 2013. Interest expense increased from $4.2 million in fiscal 2012 to $5.6 million in fiscal 2013, primarily due to increased average borrowings under our revolving credit facility during the year and interest expense incurred on pre-acquisition indebtedness of one of the businesses acquired, prior to paying off the debt during fiscal 2013.
Income tax expense was $224.9 million on a $44.9 million loss before income tax expense in fiscal 2012, compared to $214.6 million, or an effective tax rate of 37.7% in fiscal 2013. The difference in the effective income tax rate between fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012 was primarily due to the recognition of the goodwill impairment charge in fiscal 2012 which is not tax deductible and the recording of valuation allowances against certain deferred tax assets in the European segment in fiscal 2012. Without the effect of the goodwill impairments and the recording of the valuation allowances, the effective income tax rate in fiscal 2012 would have been 36.6%. Refer to Note 13 to our consolidated financial statements for additional information regarding income taxes.
The factors described above led to an increase in operating earnings of $615.1 million from an operating loss of $41.6 million during fiscal 2012 to operating income of $573.5 million in fiscal 2013 and an increase in consolidated net income of $624.0 million from a $269.8 million net loss in fiscal 2012 to $354.2 million of consolidated net income in fiscal 2013. The increase in operating earnings is primarily attributable to goodwill and asset impairments recognized in fiscal 2012. Excluding the impact of the goodwill and other impairment charges of $28.7 million, operating earnings would have been $602.2 million for fiscal 2013. Excluding the
impact of goodwill and other impairment charges of $680.7 million, operating earnings would have been $639.1 million for fiscal 2012.
Fiscal 2012 Compared to Fiscal 2011
Net sales decreased $663.8 million, or 7.0%, to $8,886.7 million in the 53 weeks of fiscal 2012 compared to $9,550.5 million in the 52 weeks of fiscal 2011. Sales for the 53rd week included in fiscal 2012 were $112.2 million. The decrease in net sales was primarily attributable to a decrease in comparable store sales of 8.0% and changes in foreign exchange rates, which had the effect of decreasing sales by $90.7 million when compared to the 52 weeks of fiscal 2011, offset partially by sales from the 53rd week in fiscal 2012. The decrease in comparable store sales was primarily due to decreases in new video game hardware sales, new video game software sales, pre-owned and value video game products sales and video game accessories sales offset partially by an increase in digital, mobile and consumer electronics sales.
New video game hardware sales decreased $278.2 million, or 17.3%, from fiscal 2011 to fiscal 2012, primarily due to a decrease in hardware unit sell-through related to being in the late stages of the previous console cycle and sales from the launch of the Nintendo 3DS in the first quarter of fiscal 2011, which exceeded the sales from the launch of the Sony PlayStation Vita in the first quarter of fiscal 2012. These sales declines were offset partially by the launch of the Nintendo Wii U in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012 and sales for the 53rd week in fiscal 2012. New video game software sales decreased $465.8 million, or 11.5%, from fiscal 2011 to fiscal 2012, primarily due to a lack of new release video game titles in fiscal 2012 when compared to fiscal 2011 and declines in sales due to the late stages of the console cycle, offset partially by sales for the 53rd week in fiscal 2012. Pre-owned and value video game products sales decreased $189.7 million, or 7.2%, from fiscal 2011 to fiscal 2012, primarily due to a decrease in store traffic related to the lack of new release video game titles in fiscal 2012 when compared to fiscal 2011 and lower video game demand due to the late stages of the previous console cycle, offset partially by sales for the 53rd week in fiscal 2012. Video game accessories’ sales followed the same trends as other video game products given the late stages of the previous console cycle, with a decline of $49.3 million, or 7.5% from fiscal 2011 to fiscal 2012. Sales of digital products increased $65.4 million, or 45.7%, due to strong growth of DLC and digital currency sales. Our mobile and consumer electronics business grew $187.5 million from its inception in late fiscal 2011 to a full year of sales in fiscal 2012. Sales of other product categories increased $66.3 million, or 14.6%, from fiscal 2011 to fiscal 2012 due to an increase in sales of PC entertainment software and toys in fiscal 2012 when compared to fiscal 2011 and sales for the 53rd week in fiscal 2012.
As a percentage of net sales, new video game hardware sales and new video game software sales decreased and several other product sales increased in fiscal 2012 compared to fiscal 2011. The change in the mix of net sales was primarily due to the increase in digital and mobile and consumer electronics sales as a result of the expansion of both the digital and mobile sales categories and in PC entertainment software and toys in the other product sales. These categories showed significant growth in fiscal 2012 while sales of new video game hardware and new video game software decreased due to fewer new software title launches compared to the same period last year and lower sales due to the late stages of the console cycle. Cost of sales decreased by $635.8 million, or 9.3%, from $6,871.0 million in fiscal 2011 to $6,235.2 million in fiscal 2012 primarily as a result of the decrease in net sales, offset partially by cost of sales related to sales for the 53rd week in fiscal 2012 and the changes in gross profit discussed below.
Gross profit decreased by $28.0 million, or 1.0%, from $2,679.5 million in fiscal 2011 to $2,651.5 million in fiscal 2012. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales was 28.1% in fiscal 2011 and 29.8% in fiscal 2012. The gross profit percentage increase was primarily due to the increase in sales of digital, mobile and consumer electronics and other products as a percentage of total net sales and the increase in gross profit as a percentage of sales on new video game hardware and software sales and pre-owned and value video game products sales. Gross profit as a percentage of sales on new video game hardware increased slightly from 7.0% in fiscal 2011 to 7.6% in fiscal 2012. Gross profit as a percentage of sales on new video game software increased from 20.7% for fiscal 2011 to 21.9% for fiscal 2012. Gross profit as a percentage of sales on pre-owned and value video game products increased from 46.6% in fiscal 2011 to 48.1% in fiscal 2012 due to a decrease in promotional activities and improvements in margin rates throughout most of our international operations when compared to the prior year. Gross profit as a percentage of sales on video game accessories increased from 38.1% in fiscal 2011 to 38.9% in fiscal 2012. Gross profit as a percentage of sales on digital revenues increased from 46.5% in fiscal 2011 to 58.0% in fiscal 2012 due to growth in the sales of DLC as a percentage of total digital sales and conversion of full retail revenue digital currency cards into commission only currency cards. Gross profit as a percentage of sales on mobile and consumer electronics sales decreased from 27.3% in fiscal 2011 to 20.6% in fiscal 2012. Gross profit as a percentage of sales on the other product sales category decreased from 40.5% in fiscal 2011 to 37.2% in fiscal 2012.
Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased by $6.2 million, or 0.3%, from $1,842.1 million in fiscal 2011 to $1,835.9 million in fiscal 2012. This decrease was primarily due to changes in foreign exchange rates which had the effect of decreasing expenses by $26.7 million when compared to fiscal 2011 offset partially by expenses for the 53rd week in fiscal 2012. Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of sales increased from 19.3% in the fiscal 2011 to 20.7% in fiscal 2012. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales was primarily due to deleveraging
of fixed costs as a result of the decrease in comparable store sales. Included in selling, general and administrative expenses are $19.6 million and $18.8 million in stock-based compensation expense for fiscal 2012 and fiscal 2011, respectively.
Depreciation and amortization expense decreased $9.8 million from $186.3 million in fiscal 2011 to $176.5 million in fiscal 2012. This decrease was primarily due to the capital expenditures in recent years when compared to prior years, which included significant investments in our loyalty and digital initiatives, as well as a decrease in new store openings and investments in management information systems.
During fiscal 2012, we recorded a $680.7 million impairment charge, comprised of $627.0 million of goodwill impairments, $44.9 million of trade name impairment and $8.8 million of property and equipment impairments. During fiscal 2011, we recorded asset impairments and restructuring charges of $81.2 million. These charges were primarily due to impairment of our Micromania trade name in France and impairment and disposal costs related to the exit of non-core businesses, including a small retail movie chain of stores we owned until fiscal 2011. Restructuring costs include disposal and exit costs related to the exit of underperforming regions in Europe and consolidation of home office and back office functions, as well as impairment and store closure costs primarily in the international segments. See Note 9 to our consolidated financial statements for further information associated with these impairments.
Interest income resulting from the investment of excess cash balances was $0.9 million in both fiscal 2011 and fiscal 2012. Interest expense decreased from $20.7 million in fiscal 2011 to $4.2 million in fiscal 2012, primarily due to the redemption of the remaining $250.0 million of our senior notes during fiscal 2011. Debt extinguishment expense of $1.0 million was recognized in fiscal 2011 as a result of the write-off of deferred financing fees and unamortized original issue discount associated with the redemption.
Income tax expense was $210.6 million, or 38.4% of earnings before income tax expense, in fiscal 2011 compared to $224.9 million in fiscal 2012. The difference in the effective income tax rate between fiscal 2012 and fiscal 2011 was primarily due to the recognition of the goodwill impairment charge in fiscal 2012 which was not tax deductible and the recording of valuation allowances against certain deferred tax assets in the European segment in fiscal 2012. Without the effect of the goodwill impairments and the recording of the valuation allowances, the effective income tax rate in fiscal 2012 would have been 36.6%. See Note 13 to our consolidated financial statements for additional information regarding income taxes.
The factors described above led to a decrease in operating earnings of $611.5 million from $569.9 million of operating earnings in fiscal 2011 to $41.6 million of operating loss in fiscal 2012 and a decrease in consolidated net income of $608.3 million from $338.5 million of consolidated net income in fiscal 2011 to $269.8 million of consolidated net loss in fiscal 2012. The decrease in operating earnings and consolidated net income is primarily attributable to goodwill impairments recognized in fiscal 2012 offset partially by the decrease in asset impairments and restructuring charges when compared to the prior year. Excluding the impact of the goodwill and other impairment charges of $680.7 million, operating earnings would have been $639.1 million and consolidated net income would have been $403.0 million for fiscal 2012. Excluding the impact of asset impairments and restructuring charges of $81.2 million, operating earnings would have been $651.1 million and consolidated net income would have been $405.1 million for fiscal 2011.
The $0.1 million net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests for fiscal 2012 represents the portion of the minority interest stockholders’ net loss of our non-wholly owned subsidiaries included in our consolidated net income. The remaining noncontrolling interests were purchased during the second quarter of fiscal 2012.
Segment Performance
We operate our business in the following operating segments, which are also our reportable segments: Video Game Brands, which consists of four segments in the United States, Canada, Australia and Europe, and Technology Brands. We identified these segments based on a combination of geographic areas, the methods with which we analyze performance, the way in which our sales and profits are derived and how we divide management responsibility. Our sales and profits are driven through our physical stores which are highly integrated with our e-commerce, digital and mobile businesses. Due to this integration, our physical stores are the basis for our segment reporting. Each of the Video Game Brands segments consists primarily of retail operations, with all stores engaged in the sale of new and pre-owned video game systems, software and accessories (which we refer to as video game products), new and pre-owned mobile devices and related accessories. These products are substantially the same regardless of geographic location, with the primary differences in merchandise carried being the timing of the release of new products or technologies in the various segments. Stores in all Video Game Brands segments are similar in size at an average of approximately 1,400 square feet. The Technology Brands segment offers wireless services, devices and related accessories and sells Apple products.
With our presence in international markets, we have operations in several foreign currencies, including the Euro, Australian dollar, New Zealand dollar, Canadian dollar, British pound, Swiss franc, Danish kroner, Swedish krona, and the Norwegian kroner.
Net sales by reportable segment in U.S. dollars were as follows (in millions):
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 52 Weeks Ended February 1, 2014 | | 53 Weeks Ended February 2, 2013 | | 52 Weeks Ended January 28, 2012 |
Video Game Brands: | | | | | | |
United States | | $ | 6,160.4 |
| | $ | 6,192.4 |
| | $ | 6,637.0 |
|
Canada | | 468.8 |
| | 478.4 |
| | 498.4 |
|
Australia | | 613.7 |
| | 607.3 |
| | 604.7 |
|
Europe | | 1,733.8 |
| | 1,608.6 |
| | 1,810.4 |
|
Technology Brands | | 62.8 |
| | — |
| | — |
|
Total | | $ | 9,039.5 |
| | $ | 8,886.7 |
| | $ | 9,550.5 |
|
Operating earnings (loss) by operating segment, defined as income (loss) from operations before intercompany royalty fees, net interest expense and income taxes, in U.S. dollars were as follows (in millions):
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 52 Weeks Ended February 1, 2014 | | 53 Weeks Ended February 2, 2013 | | 52 Weeks Ended January 28, 2012 |
Video Game Brands: | | | | | | |
United States | | $ | 465.3 |
| | $ | 501.9 |
| | $ | 501.9 |
|
Canada | | 26.6 |
| | (74.4 | ) | | 12.4 |
|
Australia | | 37.5 |
| | (71.6 | ) | | 35.4 |
|
Europe | | 44.3 |
| | (397.5 | ) | | 20.2 |
|
Technology Brands | | (0.2 | ) | | — |
| | — |
|
Total | | $ | 573.5 |
| | $ | (41.6 | ) | | $ | 569.9 |
|
Goodwill impairments, asset impairments and restructuring charges reported in operating earnings by operating segment, in U.S. dollars were as follows (in millions):
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 52 Weeks Ended February 1, 2014 | | 53 Weeks Ended February 2, 2013 | | 52 Weeks Ended January 28, 2012 |
Video Game Brands: | | | | | | |
United States | | $ | 24.0 |
| | $ | 5.7 |
| | $ | 28.9 |
|
Canada | | — |
| | 100.7 |
| | 1.3 |
|
Australia | | — |
| | 107.3 |
| | 0.6 |
|
Europe | | 4.7 |
| | 467.0 |
| | 50.4 |
|
Technology Brands | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
|
Total | | $ | 28.7 |
| | $ | 680.7 |
| | $ | 81.2 |
|
Total assets by operating segment in U.S. dollars were as follows (in millions):
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | February 1, 2014 | | February 2, 2013 | | January 28, 2012 |
Video Game Brands: | | | | | | |
United States | | $ | 2,320.7 |
| | $ | 2,404.0 |
| | $ | 2,479.0 |
|
Canada | | 228.7 |
| | 252.2 |
| | 350.8 |
|
Australia | | 389.2 |
| | 416.6 |
| | 513.3 |
|
Europe | | 972.2 |
| | 799.4 |
| | 1,265.1 |
|
Technology Brands | | 180.6 |
| | — |
| | — |
|
Total | | $ | 4,091.4 |
| | $ | 3,872.2 |
| | $ | 4,608.2 |
|
Fiscal 2013 Compared to Fiscal 2012
Video Game Brands
United States
Segment results for Video Game Brands in the United States include retail GameStop operations in 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam, the electronic commerce Web site www.gamestop.com, Game Informer magazine,
www.kongregate.com, a digital PC game distribution platform available at www.gamestop.com/pcgames and an online consumer electronics marketplace available at www.buymytronics.com. As of February 1, 2014, the United States Video Game Brands segment included 4,249 GameStop stores, compared to 4,425 stores on February 2, 2013.
Although net sales for fiscal 2013 decreased 0.5% compared to fiscal 2012, comparable store sales increased 3.0%. The decrease in net sales was primarily due to a $185.9 million decline in sales due to a 4.1% decrease in domestic store count and sales for the 53rd week in fiscal 2012. The increase in comparable store sales was primarily due to strong performance of new video game console and title releases during the second half of the year, which more than offset the declines that had been experienced during the first half of fiscal 2013.
Asset impairments of $24.0 million were recognized in fiscal 2013 primarily related to our decision to abandon our Spawn Labs business. Asset impairments of $5.7 million were recognized in fiscal 2012 primarily related to impairment of finite-lived assets. Segment operating income for fiscal 2013 was $465.3 million compared to $501.9 million in fiscal 2012. Excluding the impact of asset impairments, segment operating income decreased $18.3 million from $507.6 million in fiscal 2012 to $489.3 million in fiscal 2013 primarily related to the impact of a decline in sales prior to the launch of the next generation consoles and the impact of lower margin console sales as a percentage of total sales, as well as the impact of the operating earnings in the 53rd week in fiscal 2012.
Canada
Segment results for Canada include retail operations in Canada and an e-commerce site. As of February 1, 2014, the Canadian segment had 335 stores compared to 336 stores as of February 2, 2013. Net sales in the Canadian segment in the 52 weeks ended February 1, 2014 decreased 2.0% compared to the 53 weeks ended February 2, 2013. The decrease in net sales was primarily attributable to unfavorable changes in exchange rates of $22.3 million for fiscal 2013 and additional sales in the 53rd week of fiscal 2012 when compared to fiscal 2013, partially offset by an increase in sales at existing stores of 5.7%. The increase in net sales at existing stores was primarily due to the launch of the next generation consoles.
The segment operating profit for fiscal 2013 was $26.6 million compared to an operating loss of $74.4 million for fiscal 2012. The increase in operating earnings was primarily due to the goodwill and asset impairment charges of $100.7 million recognized during fiscal 2012. Excluding the impact of the goodwill and asset impairment charges, adjusted segment operating earnings were $26.3 million in fiscal 2012. The increase in adjusted segment operating earnings was due to a decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses as a result of lower sales and lower store count when compared to fiscal 2012, partially offset by a $1.4 million unfavorable change in the exchange rate.
Australia
Segment results for Australia include retail operations and e-commerce sites in Australia and New Zealand. As of February 1, 2014, the Australian segment included 418 stores, compared to 416 stores as of February 2, 2013. Net sales for the 52 weeks ended February 1, 2014 increased 1.1% compared to the 53 weeks ended February 2, 2013. The increase in net sales was primarily due to a 12.6% increase in comparable store sales, partially offset by a $58.1 million reduction in sales associated with exchange rates and the additional sales in the 53rd week of fiscal 2012. The increase in sales at existing stores was due to new video game console and title releases.
The segment operating profit for fiscal 2013 was $37.5 million compared to an operating loss of $71.6 million for fiscal 2012. The increase in operating earnings was primarily due to the goodwill and asset impairment charges of $107.3 million recognized during fiscal 2012, partially offset by a $4.8 million unfavorable change in the exchange rate. Excluding the impact of the goodwill and asset impairment charges in 2012, segment operating earnings increased $1.8 million in fiscal 2013, when compared to $35.7 million in fiscal 2012.
Europe
Segment results for Europe include retail operations in 11 European countries and e-commerce operations in six countries. As of February 1, 2014, the European segment operated 1,455 stores, compared to 1,425 stores as of February 2, 2013. For the 52 weeks ended February 1, 2014, European net sales increased 7.8% compared to the 53 weeks ended February 2, 2013. This increase in net sales was partially due to the favorable impact of changes in exchange rates in fiscal 2013, which had the effect of increasing sales by $57.0 million when compared to fiscal 2012. Excluding the impact of changes in exchange rates, sales in the European segment increased 4.2%. The increase in sales was primarily due to an increase in sales at existing stores of 3.2%, offset by additional sales in the 53rd week of fiscal 2012 when compared to fiscal 2013. The increase in net sales at existing stores was primarily due to new video game console and title launches.
The segment operating profit was $44.3 million for fiscal 2013 compared to an operating loss of $397.5 million for fiscal 2012. The increase in operating earnings was primarily due to asset impairment charges of $4.7 million recognized during fiscal 2013 compared to charges totaling $467.0 million for goodwill and asset impairments and restructuring charges during fiscal 2012. Excluding the impact of the goodwill and asset impairment and restructuring charges, segment operating earnings were $49.0 million in fiscal 2013 compared to $69.5 million in fiscal 2012. The decrease in adjusted operating earnings during fiscal 2013 included the impact of a decline in sales prior to the launch of the next generation consoles and the impact of low margin consoles as a percentage of total sales, as well as the impact of the operating earnings in the 53rd week in fiscal 2012, partially offset by a $3.1 million favorable impact of the exchange rate.
Technology Brands
Segment results for the Technology Brands segment include our Simply Mac, Spring Mobile and Aio Wireless stores. As of February 1, 2014, the Technology Brands segment operated 218 stores, all of which were acquired or opened during fiscal 2013. For the 52 weeks ended February 1, 2014, Technology Brands net sales totaled $62.8 million, with an operating loss of $0.2 million that included startup costs for new stores.
Fiscal 2012 Compared to Fiscal 2011
Video Game Brands
United States
Segment results for the United States Video Game Brands segment include retail operations in 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam, the electronic commerce Web site www.gamestop.com, Game Informer magazine, www.kongregate.com, a digital PC game distribution platform available at www.gamestop.com/pcgames and an online consumer electronics marketplace available at www.buymytronics.com. As of February 2, 2013, the United States Video Game Brands segment included 4,425 GameStop stores, compared to 4,503 stores on January 28, 2012.
Net sales for fiscal 2012 decreased 6.7% compared to fiscal 2011 and comparable store sales decreased 8.7%. The decrease in comparable store sales was primarily due to decreases in new video game hardware sales, new video game software sales, pre-owned and value video game products sales, and video game accessories sales offset partially by an increase in digital, mobile and consumer electronics and other product sales and sales for the 53rd week in fiscal 2012. The decrease in new video game hardware sales was primarily due to a decrease in hardware unit sell-through related to being in the late stages of the console cycle and sales from the launch of the Nintendo 3DS in the first quarter of fiscal 2011 which exceeded the sales from the launch of the Sony PlayStation Vita in the first quarter of fiscal 2012, offset partially by the launch of the Nintendo Wii U in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012 and sales for the 53rd week in fiscal 2012. The decrease in new video game software sales was primarily due to declines in demand due to the late stages of the console cycle and a lack of new release video game titles in fiscal 2012 when compared to fiscal 2011, offset partially by sales for the 53rd week in fiscal 2012. The decrease in pre-owned and value video game product sales was primarily due to a decrease in store traffic related to the lack of new release video game titles in fiscal 2012 when compared to fiscal 2011 and the late stages of the console cycle, offset partially by sales for the 53rd week in fiscal 2012. The increase in digital, mobile and consumer electronics and other product sales was primarily due to an increase in sales of digital products, PC entertainment software and mobile devices in fiscal 2012 when compared to fiscal 2011 and sales for the 53rd week in fiscal 2012.
Asset impairments of $5.7 million were recognized in fiscal 2012 primarily related to impairment of definite-lived assets. Asset impairments and restructuring charges of $28.9 million were recognized in fiscal 2011 primarily related to asset impairments, severance and disposal costs associated with the exit of non-core businesses. Segment operating income for both fiscal 2012 and fiscal 2011 was $501.9 million. Excluding the impact of asset impairments and restructuring charges, adjusted segment operating income decreased $23.2 million from $530.8 million in fiscal 2011 to $507.6 million in fiscal 2012 primarily related to the decrease in comparable store sales between years.
Canada
Segment results for Canada include retail operations in Canada and an e-commerce site. As of February 2, 2013, the Canadian segment had 336 stores compared to 346 stores as of January 28, 2012. Net sales in the Canadian segment in the 53 weeks ended February 2, 2013 decreased 4.0% compared to the 52 weeks ended January 28, 2012. The decrease in net sales was primarily attributable to a decrease in sales at existing stores of 4.6%, partially offset by the favorable impact of changes in exchange rates of $1.6 million and additional sales in the 53rd week of fiscal 2012 when compared to fiscal 2011. The decrease in net sales at existing stores was primarily due to decreases in new video game hardware sales, new video game software sales and pre-owned and value video game product sales, offset partially by an increase in digital, mobile and consumer electronics and other product sales. The decrease in new video game hardware sales was primarily due to a decrease in hardware unit sell-through related to being in the late stages of the console cycle. The decrease in new video game software sales was primarily due to lower sales of new release video game titles and the late stages of the console cycle. The decrease in pre-owned and value video game product
sales was due primarily to a decrease in store traffic related to lower sales of new release video game titles and the late stages of the current console cycle. The increase in digital, mobile and consumer electronics and other product sales was primarily due to an increase in digital products and PC entertainment software sales and sales of mobile devices.
The segment operating loss for fiscal 2012 was $74.4 million compared to operating earnings of $12.4 million for fiscal 2011. The decrease in operating earnings was primarily due to the goodwill and asset impairment charges of $100.7 million recognized during fiscal 2012 compared to $1.3 million in fiscal 2011. Excluding the impact of the goodwill and asset impairment charges, adjusted segment operating earnings were $26.3 million in fiscal 2012, compared to $13.7 million in fiscal 2011. The increase in adjusted segment operating earnings was due to an increase in gross profit dollars as a result of the shift in sales mix from hardware to higher margin categories and an increase in gross profit percent in pre-owned and value video games products. The increase in adjusted segment operating earnings was also due to a decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses as a result of lower sales and lower store count when compared to fiscal 2011.
Australia
Segment results for Australia include retail operations and e-commerce sites in Australia and New Zealand. As of February 2, 2013, the Australian segment included 416 stores, compared to 411 stores as of January 28, 2012. Net sales for the 53 weeks ended February 2, 2013 increased 0.4% compared to the 52 weeks ended January 28, 2012. The increase in net sales was primarily due to the additional sales in the 53rd week of fiscal 2012 and the impact of five new stores opened after January 28, 2012, offset by a decrease in sales at existing stores of 2.4%. The decrease in sales at existing stores was due to a decrease in new video game hardware sales, new video game software sales and pre-owned and value video game product sales, offset by an increase in digital, mobile and consumer electronics and other product sales. The decrease in new video game hardware sales is primarily due to a decrease in hardware unit sell-through related to being in the late stages of the current console cycle. The decrease in new video game software sales is primarily due to lower sales of new release video game titles and the late stages of the current console cycle. The decrease in pre-owned and value video game product sales is due primarily to a decrease in store traffic related to lower sales of new release video game titles and the late stages of the current console cycle. The increase in digital, mobile and consumer electronics and other product sales was primarily due to an increase in digital products and PC entertainment software sales and sales of mobile devices.
The segment operating loss for fiscal 2012 was $71.6 million compared to operating earnings of $35.4 million for fiscal 2011. The decrease in operating earnings was primarily due to the goodwill and asset impairment charges of $107.3 million recognized during fiscal 2012 compared to $0.6 million in fiscal 2011. Excluding the impact of the goodwill and asset impairment charges, adjusted segment operating earnings remained relatively flat at $35.7 million in fiscal 2012, when compared to $36.0 million in fiscal 2011.
Europe
Segment results for Europe include retail operations in 11 European countries and e-commerce operations in six countries. As of February 2, 2013, the European segment operated 1,425 stores, compared to 1,423 stores as of January 28, 2012. For the 53 weeks ended February 2, 2013, European net sales decreased 11.1% compared to the 52 weeks ended January 28, 2012. This decrease in net sales was partially due to the unfavorable impact of changes in exchange rates in fiscal 2012, which had the effect of decreasing sales by $95.7 million when compared to fiscal 2011. Excluding the impact of changes in exchange rates, sales in the European segment decreased 5.9%. The decrease in sales was primarily due to a decrease in sales at existing stores of 8.3%, offset by additional sales in the 53rd week of fiscal 2012 when compared to fiscal 2011. The decrease in net sales at existing stores was primarily due to decreases in new video game hardware sales, new video game software sales and pre-owned and value video game product sales, offset partially by an increase in digital, mobile and consumer electronics and other product sales. The decrease in new video game hardware sales is primarily due to a decrease in hardware unit sell-through related to being in the late stages of the console cycle. The decrease in new video game software sales is primarily due to lower sales of new release video game titles and the late stages of the console cycle. The decrease in pre-owned and value video game product sales is due primarily to a decrease in store traffic related to lower sales of new release video game titles and the late stages of the console cycle. The increase in digital, mobile and consumer electronics and other product sales is due to an increase in sales of digital products, PC entertainment software and sales of mobile devices.
The segment operating loss was $397.5 million for fiscal 2012 compared to operating earnings of $20.2 million for fiscal 2011. The decrease in operating earnings was primarily due to the goodwill and asset impairments and restructuring charges of $467.0 million recognized during fiscal 2012 compared to $50.4 million during fiscal 2011. Excluding the impact of the goodwill and asset impairment charges, adjusted segment operating earnings remained relatively flat at $69.5 million in fiscal 2012 compared to $70.6 million in fiscal 2011.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Overview
Based on our current operating plans, we believe that available cash balances, cash generated from our operating activities and funds available under our $400 million asset-based revolving credit facility (the "Revolver") together will provide sufficient liquidity to fund our operations, store openings and remodeling activities and corporate capital expenditure programs, including the payment of dividends declared by the Board of Directors, for at least the next 12 months. On an ongoing basis, we will evaluate and consider strategic acquisitions, divestitures, repurchasing shares of our common stock or other transactions to create shareholder value and enhance financial performance. Such transactions may generate proceeds or require cash expenditures.
As of February 1, 2014, $398.9 million of our total cash on hand of $536.2 million was attributable to our foreign operations. Although we may, from time to time, evaluate strategies and alternatives with respect to the cash attributable to our foreign operations, we currently anticipate that this cash will remain in those foreign jurisdictions and it therefore may not be available for immediate use; however, we believe that our existing sources of liquidity, as described more fully above, will enable us to meet our cash requirements in the next twelve months.
We had total cash on hand of $536.2 million and an additional $391.0 million of available future borrowing capacity under the Revolver. Based on our current expectations, we believe our liquidity and capital resources will be sufficient to operate our business. However, we may, from time to time, raise additional funds through borrowings or public or private sales of debt or equity securities. The amount, nature and timing of any borrowings or sales of debt or equity securities will depend on our operating performance and other circumstances; our then-current commitments and obligations; the amount, nature and timing of our capital requirements; any limitations imposed by our current credit arrangements; and overall market conditions.
We have revised the presentation of outstanding checks in our prior period financial statements. Previously, we reduced cash and liabilities when the checks were presented for payment and cleared our bank accounts. As of February 1, 2014, we reduce cash and liabilities when the checks are released for payment.
The impact of this revision on our consolidated statements of cash flows for the 53 weeks ended February 2, 2013 and the 52 weeks ended January 28, 2012 are as follows:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | As Previously Reported | | Revision | | As Revised |
| | (In millions) |
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows: | | | | | | |
For the 53 weeks ended February 2, 2013 | | | | | | |
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | | $ | 48.1 |
| | $ | (22.2 | ) | | $ | 25.9 |
|
Net cash flows provided by operating activities | | 632.4 |
| | (22.2 | ) | | 610.2 |
|
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | | 655.0 |
| | (239.2 | ) | | 415.8 |
|
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | | 635.8 |
| | (261.4 | ) | | 374.4 |
|
| | | | | | |
For the 52 weeks ended January 28, 2012 | | | | | | |
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | | (104.5 | ) | | 17.1 |
| | (87.4 | ) |
Net cash flows provided by operating activities | | 624.7 |
| | 17.1 |
| | 641.8 |
|
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | | 710.8 |
| | (256.3 | ) | | 454.5 |
|
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | | 655.0 |
| | (239.2 | ) | | 415.8 |
|
Cash Flows
During fiscal 2013, cash provided by operations was $762.7 million, compared to cash provided by operations of $610.2 million in fiscal 2012. The increase in cash provided by operations of $152.5 million from fiscal 2012 to fiscal 2013 was primarily due to an increase in cash provided by working capital of $176.9 million, primarily driven by a change in the timing of payments of accounts payable, partially offset by higher inventory purchases in fiscal 2013. The higher inventory purchases in fiscal 2013 were primarily due to purchases to support the launch of new consoles.
During fiscal 2012, cash provided by operations was $610.2 million, compared to cash provided by operations of $641.8 million in fiscal 2011. The decrease in cash provided by operations of $31.6 million from fiscal 2011 to fiscal 2012 was due primarily to lower net income in fiscal 2012. Cash provided by working capital increased modestly between years, due primarily to a change in the timing of payments of prepaid expenses offset partially by higher inventory purchases in fiscal 2012 and the related effects on payments of accounts payable.
Cash used in investing activities was $207.5 million in fiscal 2013, $152.7 million in fiscal 2012 and $201.6 million in fiscal 2011. During fiscal 2013, we used $125.6 million for capital expenditures primarily to open 109 Video Game Brands stores in the U.S. and internationally and to invest in information systems and digital initiatives. During fiscal 2013, we also used $77.4 million of cash primarily for the acquisition of Spring Mobile and Simply Mac. During fiscal 2012, we used $139.6 million for capital expenditures primarily to invest in information systems, distribution center capacity and e-commerce, digital and loyalty program initiatives and to open 146 stores in the U.S. and internationally. During fiscal 2011, in addition to $165.1 million of cash used for capital expenditures, we also used $30.1 million for acquisitions in support of our digital initiatives.
Cash used in financing activities was $350.6 million in fiscal 2013, $498.5 million in fiscal 2012 and $492.6 million in fiscal 2011. The cash flows used in financing activities in fiscal 2013 were primarily for the repurchase of $258.3 million of treasury shares and the payment of dividends on our Class A Common Stock of $130.9 million. The cash flows used in financing activities in fiscal 2012 were primarily for the repurchase of $409.4 million of treasury shares and the payment of dividends on our Class A Common Stock of $102.0 million. The cash flows used in financing activities in fiscal 2011 were primarily for the repurchase of $262.1 million of treasury shares and repayment of $250.0 million in principal of our senior notes. The cash used in financing activities in fiscal 2013, fiscal 2012 and fiscal 2011 was also impacted by cash provided by the issuance of shares associated with stock option exercises of $58.0 million, $11.6 million and $18.1 million, respectively.
Sources of Liquidity
We utilize cash generated from operations and have funds available to us under our revolving credit facility to cover seasonal fluctuations in cash flows and to support our various growth initiatives. Our cash and cash equivalents are carried at cost, which approximates market value, and consist primarily of time deposits with highly rated commercial banks.
On January 4, 2011, we entered into a $400 million revolving credit facility (the “Revolver”), which amended and restated, in its entirety, our prior credit agreement entered into in October 2005 (the “Credit Agreement”). The Revolver provides for a five-year, $400 million asset-based facility, including a $50 million letter of credit sublimit, secured by substantially all of our and our domestic subsidiaries’ assets. We have the ability to increase the facility, which matures in January 2016, by $150 million under certain circumstances. The Revolver was further amended and restated on March 25, 2014 as described more fully below.
The availability under the Revolver is limited to a borrowing base which allows us to borrow up to 90% of the appraisal value of the inventory, in each case plus 90% of eligible credit card receivables, net of certain reserves. Letters of credit reduce the amount available to borrow by their face value. Our ability to pay cash dividends, redeem options and repurchase shares is generally permitted, except under certain circumstances, including if Revolver excess availability is less than 20%, or is projected to be so within 12 months after such payment. In addition, if Revolver usage is projected to be equal to or greater than 25% of total commitments during the prospective 12-month period, we are subject to meeting a fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.1:1.0 prior to making such payments. In the event that excess availability under the Revolver is at any time less than the greater of (1) $40 million or (2) 12.5% of the lesser of the total commitment or the borrowing base, we will be subject to a fixed charge coverage ratio covenant of 1.1:1.0.
The Revolver places certain restrictions on us and our subsidiaries, including limitations on asset sales, additional liens, investments, loans, guarantees, acquisitions and the incurrence of additional indebtedness. Absent consent from our lenders, we may not incur more than $750 million of additional unsecured indebtedness to be limited to $250 million in general unsecured obligations and $500 million in unsecured obligations to finance acquisitions valued at $500 million or more. The per annum interest rate under the Revolver is variable and is calculated by applying a margin (1) for prime rate loans of 1.25% to 1.50% above the highest of (a) the prime rate of the administrative agent, (b) the federal funds effective rate plus 0.50% or (c) the London Interbank Offered (“LIBO”) rate for a 30-day interest period as determined on such day plus 1.00%, and (2) for LIBO rate loans of 2.25% to 2.50% above the LIBO rate. The applicable margin is determined quarterly as a function of our average daily excess availability under the facility. In addition, we are required to pay a commitment fee of 0.375% or 0.50%, depending on facility usage, for any unused portion of the total commitment under the Revolver. As of February 1, 2014, the applicable margin was 1.25% for prime rate loans and 2.25% for LIBO rate loans, while the required commitment fee was 0.50% for the unused portion of the Revolver.
The Revolver provides for customary events of default with corresponding grace periods, including failure to pay any principal or interest when due, failure to comply with covenants, any material representation or warranty made by us or the borrowers proving to be false in any material respect, certain bankruptcy, insolvency or receivership events affecting us or our
subsidiaries, defaults relating to certain other indebtedness, imposition of certain judgments and mergers or our liquidation or the liquidation of certain of our subsidiaries.
During fiscal 2013, we borrowed and repaid $130.0 million under the Revolver. During fiscal 2012 and fiscal 2011, we borrowed and repaid $81.0 million and $35.0 million, respectively, under the Revolver. Average borrowings under the Revolver for the 52 weeks ended February 1, 2014 were $14.2 million. Our average interest rate on those outstanding borrowings for the 52 weeks ended February 1, 2014 was 2.8%. As of February 1, 2014, total availability under the Revolver was $391.0 million, there were no borrowings outstanding under the Revolver and letters of credit outstanding totaled $9.0 million.
On March 25, 2014, we further amended and restated our revolving credit facility. The terms of the agreement were modified to extend the maturity date for the revolving credit facility to March 25, 2019, to increase the expansion feature under the facility from $150 million to $200 million, subject to certain conditions, and to amend certain other terms, including a reduction in the fee we are required to pay on the unused portion of the total commitment amount. The five-year, asset-based revolving credit facility has a total commitment amount of $400 million, which is subject to a monthly borrowing base calculation, and is available for the issuance of letters of credit of up to $50 million. The facility is secured by substantially all of our assets and the assets of our domestic subsidiaries. We believe the extension of the maturity date of the revolving credit facility to March 2019 helps to limit our exposure to potential tightening or other adverse changes in the credit markets.
In September 2007, our Luxembourg subsidiary entered into a discretionary $20.0 million Uncommitted Line of Credit (the “Line of Credit”) with Bank of America. There is no term associated with the Line of Credit and Bank of America may withdraw the facility at any time without notice. The Line of Credit is available to our foreign subsidiaries for use primarily as a bank overdraft facility for short-term liquidity needs and for the issuance of bank guarantees and letters of credit to support operations. As of February 1, 2014, there were no cash overdrafts outstanding under the Line of Credit and bank guarantees outstanding of $4.3 million.
Uses of Capital
Our future capital requirements will depend on the number of new stores we open and the timing of those openings within a given fiscal year, as well as the investments we will make in e-commerce, digital and other strategic initiatives. We opened or acquired 327 stores in fiscal 2013, which includes the stores acquired in connection with the Spring Mobile and Simply Mac acquisitions, and we expect to open or acquire approximately 350 to 450 stores in fiscal 2014, including investments in our Technology Brands business. Capital expenditures for fiscal 2014 are projected to be approximately $160 million, to be used primarily to fund continued digital initiatives, new store openings and store remodels and invest in distribution and information systems in support of operations.
Between May 2006 and December 2011, we repurchased and redeemed $300 million of Senior Floating Rate Notes and $650 million of Senior Notes under previously announced buybacks authorized by our Board of Directors. The associated loss on the retirement of debt was $1.0 million for the 52 week period ended January 28, 2012, which consisted of the premium paid to retire the Notes and the write-off of the deferred financing fees and the original issue discount on the Notes.
We used cash to expand our operations through acquisitions. During fiscal 2013, fiscal 2012 and fiscal 2011, we used $77.4 million, $1.5 million and $30.1 million, respectively, for acquisitions which in fiscal 2013 were primarily related to the growth of our Technology Brands business.
Since January 2010, our Board of Directors has authorized several share repurchase programs authorizing management to repurchase our common stock. Since the beginning of fiscal 2011, the authorizations have been for $500 million at a time. Our typical practice is to seek Board of Directors’ approval for a new authorization before the existing one is fully used in order to make sure that we are always able to repurchase shares. For fiscal 2011, we repurchased 11.2 million shares at an average price per share of $21.38 for a total of $240.2 million, which excludes approximately $22 million of share repurchases that were executed at the end of fiscal 2010 but for which the settlement and related cash outflow did not occur until the beginning of fiscal 2011. For fiscal 2012, the number of shares repurchased was 19.9 million for an average price per share of $20.60 for a total of $409.4 million. For fiscal 2013, the number of shares repurchased was 6.3 million for an average price per share of $41.12 for a total of $258.3 million. Between February 2, 2014 and March 20, 2014, we have repurchased 0.6 million shares at an average price per share of $37.17 for a total of $20.6 million and we have $436.5 million remaining under our latest authorization from November 2013.
On February 8, 2012, our Board of Directors approved the initiation of a quarterly cash dividend to our stockholders of Class A Common Stock. We paid a total of $0.80 per share in dividends in fiscal 2012 and a total of $1.10 per share in fiscal 2013. On March 4, 2014, our Board of Directors authorized an increase in our annual cash dividend from $1.10 to $1.32 per share of Class A Common Stock and on that date we declared our first quarterly cash dividend for fiscal 2014 of $0.33 per share of Class A
Common Stock payable on March 25, 2014 to stockholders of record at the close of business on March 17, 2014. Future dividends will be subject to approval by our Board of Directors.
Contractual Obligations
The following table sets forth our contractual obligations as of February 1, 2014:
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| | Payments Due by Period |
Contractual Obligations | | Total | | Less Than 1 Year | | 1-3 Years | | 3-5 Years | | More Than 5 Years |
| | (In millions) |
Operating Leases | | $ | 1,039.4 |
| | $ | 332.5 |
| | $ | 405.8 |
| | $ | 171.1 |
| | $ | 130.0 |
|
Purchase Obligations(1) | | 538.7 |
| | 538.7 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
|
Total (2) | | $ | 1,578.1 |
| | $ | 871.2 |
| | $ | 405.8 |
| | $ | 171.1 |
| | $ | 130.0 |
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(1) | Purchase obligations represent outstanding purchase orders for merchandise from vendors. These purchase orders are generally cancelable until shipment of the products. |
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(2) | As of February 1, 2014, we had $20.6 million of income tax liability related to unrecognized tax benefits in other long-term liabilities in our consolidated balance sheet. At the time of this filing, the settlement period for the noncurrent portion of our income tax liability (and the timing of any related payments) cannot be reasonably determined and therefore these liabilities are excluded from the table above. In addition, certain payments related to unrecognized tax benefits would be partially offset by reductions in payments in other jurisdictions. See Note 13 to our consolidated financial statements for further information regarding our uncertain tax positions. |
We lease retail stores, warehouse facilities, office space and equipment. These are generally leased under noncancelable agreements that expire at various dates through 2034 with various renewal options for additional periods. The agreements, which have been classified as operating leases, generally provide for minimum and, in some cases, percentage rentals and require us to pay all insurance, taxes and other maintenance costs. Percentage rentals are based on sales performance in excess of specified minimums at various stores. We do not have leases with capital improvement funding.
As of February 1, 2014, we had standby letters of credit outstanding in the amount of $9.0 million and had bank guarantees outstanding in the amount of $18.7 million, $13.0 million of which are cash collateralized.
Recent Accounting Standards and Pronouncements
In July 2013, accounting standards update (“ASU”) 2013-11 “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists” was issued requiring an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, to be presented in the financial statements as either a reduction to a deferred tax asset or separately as a liability depending on the existence, availability and/or use of an operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward. This ASU will be effective for us beginning the first quarter of 2014. We do not expect that this ASU will have an impact on our consolidated financial statements as we currently do not have any unrecognized tax benefits in the same jurisdictions in which we have tax loss or credit carryovers.
In March 2013, ASU 2013-05 “Foreign Currency Matters (Topic 830)” was issued providing guidance with respect to the release of cumulative translation adjustments into net income when a parent company sells either a part or all of an investment in a foreign entity. The ASU requires the release of cumulative translation adjustments when a company no longer holds a controlling financial interest in a foreign subsidiary or a group of assets that constitutes a business within a foreign entity. This ASU will be effective for us beginning the first quarter of 2014. We are evaluating the effect of this ASU, but do not expect it to have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In February 2013, ASU 2013-02 “Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income” was issued regarding disclosure of amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component. An entity is required to present either on the face of the statement of operations or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income, but only if the amount reclassified is required to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period. For amounts not reclassified in their entirety to net income, an entity is required to cross-reference to other disclosures that provide additional detail about those amounts. This ASU was effective for our annual and interim periods beginning in fiscal 2013. The ASU had no effect on our consolidated financial statements as we have a single component of other comprehensive income, currency translation adjustments, which is not reclassified to net income.
Seasonality
Our business, like that of many retailers, is seasonal, with the major portion of sales and operating profit realized during the fourth quarter which includes the holiday selling season. Results for any quarter are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be achieved for a full fiscal year. Quarterly results may fluctuate materially depending upon, among other factors, the timing of new product introductions and new store openings, sales contributed by new stores, increases or decreases in comparable store sales, the nature and timing of acquisitions, adverse weather conditions, shifts in the timing of certain holidays or promotions and changes in our merchandise mix.
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Item 7A. | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk |
We are exposed to market risk due to foreign currency and interest rate fluctuations, each as described more fully below.
Foreign Currency Risk
We use forward exchange contracts, foreign currency options and cross-currency swaps (together, the “foreign currency contracts”) to manage currency risk primarily related to intercompany loans denominated in non-functional currencies and certain foreign currency assets and liabilities. The foreign currency contracts are not designated as hedges and, therefore, changes in the fair values of these derivatives are recognized in earnings, thereby offsetting the current earnings effect of the re-measurement of related intercompany loans and foreign currency assets and liabilities. For the fiscal year ended February 1, 2014, we recognized a $20.3 million loss in selling, general and administrative expenses related to derivative instruments. The aggregate fair value of the foreign currency contracts as of February 1, 2014 was a net liability of $22.1 million as measured by observable inputs obtained from market news reporting services, such as Bloomberg and The Wall Street Journal, and industry-standard models that consider various assumptions, including quoted forward prices, time value, volatility factors, and contractual prices for the underlying instruments, as well as other relevant economic measures. A hypothetical strengthening or weakening of 10% in the foreign exchange rates underlying the foreign currency contracts from the market rate as of February 1, 2014 would result in a gain or loss in value of the forwards, options and swaps of $10.5 million.
We do not use derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. We are exposed to counterparty credit risk on all of our derivative financial instruments and cash equivalent investments. We manage counterparty risk according to the guidelines and controls established under comprehensive risk management and investment policies. We continuously monitor our counterparty credit risk and utilize a number of different counterparties to minimize our exposure to potential defaults. We do not require collateral under derivative or investment agreements.
Interest Rate Risk
Our Revolver’s per annum interest rate is variable and is based on one of (i) the U.S. prime rate, (ii) the LIBO rate or (iii) the U.S. federal funds rate. We do not use derivative financial instruments to hedge interest rate exposure. We limit our interest rate risks by investing our excess cash balances in short-term, highly-liquid instruments with a maturity of one year or less. We do not expect any material losses from our invested cash balances. Additionally, a hypothetical 10% adverse movement in interest rates would not have a material impact our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows and we therefore believe that we do not have significant interest rate exposure.
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Item 8. | Financial Statements and Supplementary Data |
See Item 15(a)(1) and (2) of this Form 10-K.
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Item 9. | Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure |
None.
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Item 9A. | Controls and Procedures |
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(a) | Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures |
As of the end of the period covered by this report, our management conducted an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) at the reasonable assurance level. Based on this evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives and that our
disclosure controls and procedures are effective at the reasonable assurance level. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that it will detect or uncover failures to disclose material information otherwise required to be set forth in our periodic reports.
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(b) | Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting |
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f). Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (1992) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on our evaluation under the framework in Internal Control — Integrated Framework, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective at the reasonable assurance level as of February 1, 2014.
During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, we completed our acquisitions of Spring Mobile and the remaining equity ownership of Simply Mac that we did not previously own and began the process of integrating Spring Mobile and Simply Mac into our operations. We have excluded Spring Mobile and Simply Mac from our assessment of our internal control over financial reporting as of February 1, 2014 as we concluded there was insufficient time between the respective acquisition dates and the end of fiscal 2013 to properly plan, document, test and remediate, if necessary, the controls of Spring Mobile and Simply Mac. We will include Spring Mobile and Simply Mac in our assessment of our internal control over financial reporting as of January 31, 2015 (the end of fiscal year 2014). Because Spring Mobile and Simply Mac do not constitute a significant portion of our operations on a consolidated basis, we do not currently expect these integration efforts to have a material effect on our internal control over financial reporting. In the aggregate, Spring Mobile and Simply Mac represented 4.3% of our consolidated assets and less than 1% of our consolidated net sales and consolidated net income attributable to GameStop Corp. as of and for the 52 weeks ended February 1, 2014.
The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of February 1, 2014 has been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which is included in this Form 10-K on page 52.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during our most recently completed fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
GameStop Corp
Dallas, Texas
We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of GameStop Corp. (the "Company") as of February 1, 2014, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (1992) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. As described in Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting, management excluded from its assessment the internal control over financial reporting at Spring Communications, Inc. (“Spring Mobile”) and Simply Mac, Inc. ("Simply Mac"), which ownership interests were acquired on November 3, 2013 and November 7, 2013, respectively, and whose financial statements constitute approximately 4.3% of consolidated assets and less than 1% of consolidated net sales and consolidated net income attributable to the Company as of and for the 52 week period ended February 1, 2014. Accordingly, our audit did not include the internal control over financial reporting at Spring Mobile and Simply Mac. The Company'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 Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, 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 by, or under the supervision of, the company's principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company's 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. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the 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, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of February 1, 2014, based on the criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (1992) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.