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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
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FORM 10-K
(MARK ONE)
[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT
OF 1934.
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2002
OR
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
ACT OF 1934.
For the transition period from to
Commission file number 0-15767
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THE SPORTSMAN'S GUIDE, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
MINNESOTA
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
41-1293081
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
411 FARWELL AVENUE, SOUTH ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA 55075
(Address of principal executive offices)
(651) 451-3030
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
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Securities registered pursuant to Section 12 (b) of the Act: NONE
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
COMMON STOCK, PAR VALUE $.01 PER SHARE
(Title of class)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [ ]
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item
405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this
Form 10-K. [X]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as
defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2). Yes [ ] No [X]
As of June 28, 2002, the aggregate market value of the registrant's Common
Stock held by non-affiliates was approximately $37,079,821 based on the last
reported sale price of the Common Stock on such date on the NASDAQ National
Market.
As of March 17, 2003, there were 4,759,010 shares of the registrant's
Common Stock outstanding.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the registrant's Proxy Statement for its Annual Meeting of
Shareholders on May 2, 2003 are incorporated by reference into Part III of this
Form 10-K.
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PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
We are a leading marketer of value priced outdoor gear and general
merchandise, with a special emphasis on outdoor clothing, equipment and
footwear. We market and sell our merchandise through two primary channels:
- catalogs; and
- e-commerce Web sites.
Our catalogs as well as our Web sites offer high quality products at low
prices. Our catalogs are advertised as The "Fun-to-Read" Catalog(R) and our
primary Web site is advertised as the "Fun-to-Browse" Website(R). Our Web sites
include www.sportsmansguide.com, our online retail store modeled on our print
catalogs featuring e-commerce and content, and www.bargainoutfitters.com, our
online liquidation outlet.
Our business was started in 1970. We were incorporated under the laws of
the State of Minnesota on March 23, 1977. Our principal executive offices are
located at 411 Farwell Avenue, South St. Paul, Minnesota 55075 and our telephone
number is (651) 451-3030.
INDUSTRY OVERVIEW
OUTDOOR SPORTS AND SPORTING GOODS. According to the Sporting Goods
Manufacturers Association, "SGMA," the sporting goods industry is estimated to
be a nearly $50 billion market, with outdoors related equipment: camping,
hiking, hunting, fishing and biking representing nearly 27% of the total market.
In 2002, manufacturers' sales are estimated at $49.1 billion, a 2.8% increase
over 2001. In 2003, sales are expected to reach nearly $50.5 billion.
The sporting goods industry's growth in 2002 went beyond that of the total
U.S. non-durable goods (GDP), a total increase of about 2.3%. The three major
markets of sporting goods are sporting goods equipment ($17.8 billion), sports
apparel ($21.8 billion) and athletic footwear ($9.5 billion). Sports apparel,
athletic footwear and fitness products overall showed improved growth for 2002.
CATALOG SALES. Studies conducted by the Direct Marketing Association (DMA)
show that total sales for 2002 are expected to grow to $125.9 billion, about 6%
over 2001.
ONLINE SHOPPING. Online sales increased in 2002 to nearly $74 billion, a
39% increase from 2001, according to the Web traffic measurement firm comScor
Media Matrix. Much of this spending was due to consumers need for saving time
and wanting convenience. The ease for consumers to compare prices on the
Internet quickly also contributed to the strong growth. Forrester Research
projected that sales totaled $9.5 billion in the United States between
Thanksgiving and Christmas of 2002 alone, a 30% increase over 2001.
OUR CATALOGS
We publish main, specialty and Buyer's Club editions of The Sportsman's
Guide catalog. We mailed approximately 46 million catalogs to existing and
prospective customers in 2002.
FORMAT. Our catalogs are designed to be fun and entertaining. Every
merchandise offering uses a highly promotional format that features various
items at sale prices. Unique to us is our product description, or copy. The
catalogs make creative and expansive use of art and copy to extensively describe
products with humorous text, call-outs, photos and photo captions. Copy is
written in the first person from Gary Olen to the reader. The catalogs are
perceived by customers as having entertainment value and are advertised as The
"Fun-to-Read" Catalog(R).
TYPES AND PURPOSES. Main catalog editions are mailed eleven months of the
year and offer selections of our best selling products in a variety of product
categories. We also use our main catalog as our primary prospecting catalog to
test new names and new products. Response data from main catalog mailings are
used
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to create specialty catalogs. New customers continue to receive monthly main
catalogs in addition to specialty catalogs featuring the product categories in
which they have shown an interest through past purchases.
Specialty catalogs contain wide selections of products from a single
product category. We identify the product categories for our specialty catalogs
based on demand generated for certain categories in our main catalogs. During
2002, we published 11 specialty catalogs targeting buyers of government surplus,
camping equipment, shooting supplies, hunting equipment and holiday gifts. The
specialty titles allow us to utilize a customized marketing plan for individual
consumer groups thereby maximizing response rates and minimizing advertising
costs as a percentage of sales. We believe that our specialty catalog titles
have been an important component in our sales growth and have allowed us to
expand our sales to existing customers and to broaden sales to new customers
beyond our historical customer profile.
The Buyer's Club Advantage(TM) catalogs offer a wide variety of product
selections with sneak previews and exclusive deals for club members only. During
2002, we published 12 Buyer's Club Advantage(TM) editions ranging from 48 to 56
pages per edition. We believe the club catalogs, as well as the growth in our
club memberships, have been an important component of our sales and
profitability growth.
CREATIVE. All catalogs are created and designed in-house by our creative
services department which produces the advertising copy and layouts for each
catalog. Substantially all of the photographs used in the catalogs are taken at
our in-house photo studio. Artwork and copy for the catalog are transmitted in
digital format from our desktop publishing systems to a pre-press vendor and
then to the printer, which prints and mails the catalogs. These capabilities
allow us to preserve the catalog's distinctive character and allow us greater
control of the catalog production schedule, which reduces the lead time
necessary to produce catalogs. We are able to prepare and mail a catalog in
approximately 75 days. This allows us to offer new merchandise quickly to our
customers, thereby maximizing pricing opportunities while minimizing inventory
carrying costs. Because we use a value-oriented sales approach, we are able to
use a lower weight and grade of paper than our competitors to reduce our catalog
production and postage costs.
OUR WEB SITES
Our Web sites offer online shopping as well as online content-rich
resources and information for the outdoor enthusiast. Our online retail stores
generated approximately $53.0 million in sales in 2002 compared to $1.3 million
in 1998. Product sales on the sites accounted for over 30% of our sales in the
fourth quarter of 2002 compared to less than 1% for all of 1998. The
GuideOutdoors Network(TM) includes the following Web sites:
- SPORTSMANSGUIDE.COM, our online retail store and community/destination
portal for the outdoor enthusiast; and
- BARGAINOUTFITTERS.COM, our online liquidation outlet.
SPORTSMANSGUIDE.COM. Our sportsmansguide.com site is our online retail
store which was launched in April 1998. We began posting our catalogs and full
product offerings on the site in February 1999.
Our sportsmansguide.com site is modeled on our print catalogs. The site
translates the distinctive look and editorial voice of our print catalog onto
the Internet, adding interactive functionality to make shopping an entertaining
experience. The site is designed to be fun-to-browse and easy to use, enabling
the ordering process to be completed with a minimum of customer effort. The site
is advertised as The "Fun-to-Browse" Website(R). The site allows customers to
order merchandise from print media, view current catalogs and request mailed
catalog copies. E-mail addresses are collected through an optional program.
E-mail broadcast messages, which include a variety of specialized product
offerings, are delivered to approximately 879,000 participants on a weekly or
bi-weekly basis.
In April 2001, we merged the guideoutdoors.com Web site with the
sportsmansguide.com Web site. In joining the two Web sites, we believe that we
have built a stronger site which now includes the full-line product selection
from Guide Outdoors together with the huge selection of discount priced name
brand items
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from The Sportsman's Guide, all within a community environment. The
sportsmansguide.com site has been expanded to offer full-line selections of
camping, fishing, footwear, clothing, hunting, archery, marine, all-terrain
vehicles, snowmobiles and hiking products at discount prices. The community
content within the sportsmansguide.com site provides a broad and deep selection
of resources and information updated regularly covering all aspects of the
outdoor experience. Within the community content, the Web pages include articles
on hiking, hunting, fishing and camping experiences, DNR information, local and
national weather forecasts, tips and hints on planning an upcoming outdoor
event, photo galleries and maps.
BARGAINOUTFITTERS.COM. The bargainoutfitters.com site is our online
liquidation outlet site launched in November 1999. The site offers clothing and
footwear products as well as home and domestics, tools, government surplus,
automotive and electronic products that are deeply discounted, discontinued or
overstocked. E-mail addresses are collected through an optional sign-up program.
E-mail broadcast messages, which include a variety of specialized product
offerings, are delivered to approximately 48,000 participants on a bi-weekly
basis.
MERCHANDISING
Our products originally were limited to a small selection of merchandise
targeted to the deer hunter. Our product offerings have gradually evolved to a
broader range of merchandise intended to appeal to the value-oriented
outdoorsman. We offer a changing mix of products.
PRODUCTS. We offer a large selection of high value products at low prices.
These products include clothing and accessories, footwear, hunting and shooting
accessories, government surplus, optics, camping and outdoor recreation
equipment, domestics, gifts, furniture and a diverse range of additional
offerings. Within the sportsmansguide.com Web site, we are able to carry deeper
and more diverse product lines and merchandise categories than we have
traditionally offered through the catalog. In the last seven years, we have
aggressively pursued a strategy to provide manufacturers' close-outs of name
brand shoes, boots, apparel and general merchandise, as well as government
surplus from around the world and private label products through our direct
import programs. Over time, our product offerings and marketing efforts have
broadened to include those interested in pursuing and living the outdoor
lifestyle in general and the value-oriented outdoorsman in particular. The table
below indicates our percentage of sales by product category for 2002:
PRODUCT CATEGORY % OF SALES
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Clothing and Accessories.......... 16.1%
Footwear.......................... 15.9%
Hunting and Shooting
Accessories..................... 12.5%
Government Surplus................ 10.1%
Optics............................ 9.5%
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PRODUCT CATEGORY % OF SALES
Camping and Outdoor Recreation.... 6.4%
Domestics......................... 4.1%
Gifts............................. 3.7%
Furniture......................... 3.7%
Other............................. 18.0%
MERCHANDISE MIX. We historically offered a changing mix of in-line
products. In-line products are those products regularly available from
manufacturers. As a complement to our value pricing approach, we aggressively
pursue manufacturers' close-outs of name brand shoes, boots, clothing, watches
and other merchandise, which we offer to our customers at savings of 25% to 60%
from original retail prices. We also offer government surplus from around the
world, providing customers a low-cost alternative for items such as wool coats
and pants, shirts, gloves, underwear, blankets, boots, sleeping bags, jackets,
backpacks, skis and snowshoes.
Our merchandising strategy has been to shift our merchandise mix to a
larger percentage of manufacturers' close-outs, government surplus, private
label products, and to minimize the number of lower price point items, while
maintaining a broad selection of products. This strategy has added to our
customer base value-oriented customers who may not otherwise be identified as
pure outdoorsmen.
SOURCING. Our buyers actively seek sources for products they believe will
interest our targeted customers. We seek to maintain existing and develop new
relationships with vendors to provide ongoing access to manufacturers'
close-outs, government surplus, direct imports and other items. Buyers regularly
attend trade shows, meet with vendors and make mass mailings and cold calls to
locate high quality, low price, name
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brand merchandise as well as unusual or unique products. We frequently purchase
large quantities of close-outs and other individual items on an opportunistic or
when-available basis. The capability to purchase large quantities in a short
time period makes us a unique and desirable outlet for manufacturers looking to
sell overstocked or discontinued products.
We purchase our merchandise from more than 1,200 suppliers and generally
purchase all of our product needs for a particular item from one vendor. No
single supplier accounted for more than 5% of our purchases during 2002, and we
believe there are numerous sources for products in our merchandise categories.
SELECTION. Our buyers and merchandising staff collectively select the
merchandise to be offered to customers by evaluating product availability,
pricing, historical demand, emerging merchandise trends and expected product
profitability. Each product is hand-picked, and most are field tested by our
buyers to ensure quality, functionality and proper sizing in order to maximize
appeal to customers.
INVENTORY MANAGEMENT. Once merchandise has been selected, our inventory
analysts are responsible for ordering all merchandise, determining the quantity
and arrival date, managing inventory levels, assessing customer demand,
adjusting estimates, canceling orders for slow-moving merchandise and reordering
merchandise. Utilizing our information systems, buyers and inventory analysts
monitor product sales on a daily basis and take responsive action. Slow-moving
merchandise is actively promoted through Web sites, telemarketing, clearance
sales or, when possible, is returned to the vendor.
As part of our merchandise liquidation strategy, we maintain a retail
outlet store at our primary warehouse and distribution facility in South St.
Paul from which we sell discontinued, overstocked, returned and regular catalog
merchandise. The retail store along with our bargainoutfitters.com Web site
provide a liquidation outlet and serve to minimize inventory mark-downs.
CATALOG AND WEB SITE CONTENT. The merchandise offered in our catalogs and
Web sites is determined based on estimated consumer demand and product
availability. Close-outs and government surplus merchandise purchased in large
quantities are normally placed in our main catalogs as well as our online retail
stores. If a supply of merchandise is limited, it is usually offered in a
specialty catalog, a Buyer's Club Advantage(TM) catalog or is included in a
multiple page insert in the main catalog mailed to a targeted customer segment
or offered on our online retail stores. Product sales are analyzed item by item
to identify trends and help plan future merchandise offerings.
MARKETING
Our marketing programs are based on gathering, analyzing and organizing
information on our customers. We believe that because we offer such a broad mix
of merchandise, it is particularly important for us to fully understand our
customers.
CUSTOMER DATABASE. We maintain a proprietary customer database in which we
store detailed information on each customer in our customer list, including
demographic data and purchasing history. Our customer database contains over 5.2
million names, including approximately 1.0 million customers who have made
purchases within the last 12 months. In addition, we have approximately 927,000
participants who have provided their e-mail addresses. The customer database is
updated regularly with information as new purchases are recorded.
CUSTOMER SELECTION. We have developed our own customer selection models to
segment our customer list according to many variables, allowing our marketing
department to analyze each segment's buying patterns. We review the results of
each of our catalog mailings and the results are used to further update the
customer database to refine the frequency and selectivity of our catalog
mailings in an effort to maximize response rates and profitability.
LIST DEVELOPMENT. Our new customer acquisition program is designed to
cost-effectively identify and capture new customers that fit our customer
profile. New customers are acquired principally through the use of targeted
mailings to individuals identified through mailing lists rented or exchanged
from other catalog companies, retail subscription lists, and lists of names
compiled from businesses whose customers have
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interests similar to those of our customers. We are generally entitled to make
one mailing to each name obtained through a rented or exchanged mailing list. If
the prospect responds, the name is added to our database and may be freely used
by us in the future. Through the Internet, we have captured new customers as a
result of the affiliate marketing programs implemented in 2000 through 2002. We
also implemented successful sweepstakes marketing programs in 2000 through 2002
to convert our catalog customers to online purchasers and to increase the
overall number of our e-mail addresses. We continue to pursue new sources of
prospective customers, such as those who request catalogs through advertising,
through our Web site or from customer referrals. New customers accounted for
approximately 15% of our sales during 2002.
Once new customers are acquired, our objective is to maximize the long-term
profit potential from these customers. With ongoing refinements in our approach
to merchandising and marketing, we have increased the frequency and quantity of
mailings and e-mail broadcasts to the most profitable segments of our existing
customer list. Analyses of historical purchasing patterns of existing customers,
including recency, frequency and monetary activity, are performed to assist in
merchandising and customer targeting and to increase sales to existing
customers. Existing customers accounted for approximately 85% of our sales
during 2002.
MARKETING PROGRAMS AND PROMOTIONAL FORMATS. We strive to develop
promotional formats that will stimulate customer purchases from our catalogs and
Web sites. Successful promotional formats include different catalog wraps,
percent off coupons, dollar discounts on specific order size, and promotional
tag lines such as "last chance" offers. Since our inception on the Internet, we
have marketed our online retail store in our catalogs. In 2002, approximately 46
million catalog covers advertised our online retail store. This marketing
channel has been the principal marketing mechanism to reach our online target
audience.
We employ a disciplined approach to our marketing activities. We test a
sample of names before mailing to a new customer group, test price and shipping
charge changes and test marketing programs and promotional formats before
full-scale implementation to ensure customer acceptance and cost-effectiveness.
The most significant, successful marketing program implemented by us has been
the Buyer's Club.
Customers can purchase a one-year membership in our Buyer's Club for a
$29.99 fee. For this annual fee, club members can take advantage of and receive
additional savings in the form of a 10% discount on all regularly priced items
except for ammunition which is limited to a 5% discount and clearance items
which have no discount off the advertised price. Our Buyer's Club offers its
members exclusive merchandise not offered to other customers. These exclusive
product offers are limited quantity items selected for club members. Club
members are presented with sneak previews of merchandise offers and given the
opportunity to buy limited quantity items prior to non-club customers. Club
members also receive member's only bargains in the catalogs and on the Web site
via e-mail campaigns.
We have found through detailed reporting and analyses that the purchase
activity, on average, of our Buyer's Club customer is two to three times greater
than a non-club member. Consequently, we continually develop new marketing
promotions that have significantly increased the number of new club members.
Throughout 2002, these same and improved promotional programs continued to be
successful. At the end of 2002, we had more than 310,000 members in our Buyer's
Club, a 22% increase compared to the end of 2001.
Another successful marketing program implemented is our installment payment
plan, known as the "Buyer's Club 4-Pay Plan," which is available to Buyer's Club
members with credit card orders of $100 or more. Payments under the plan consist
of 25% of the merchandise charges, plus 100% of any shipping charges and Buyer's
Club fees, if applicable, at the time of shipment with three equal installments
in 30 day increments, which are automatically charged to the customer's credit
card. No interest or additional fees are charged to customers who elect the
4-Pay Plan.
CUSTOMER SERVICE. A key element of our marketing strategy is our commitment
to customer service. We have a toll-free customer service telephone line
separate from our inbound ordering lines. We maintain a separate customer
service department staffed with full-time customer service representatives who
answer customer inquiries, reply to complaints and assist customers in returning
merchandise. The customer service department personally responds to all customer
correspondence and e-mails. Our commitment to customer
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service is supported by our unconditional guarantee which allows customers to
return merchandise for any reason and at any time for refund or exchange if they
are not satisfied with the merchandise.
OPERATIONS AND FULFILLMENT
INBOUND CALLS. We maintain an in-house call center. Approximately 57% of
customer orders are placed through our toll-free telephone lines which are
staffed 24 hours per day, seven days a week, while 13% of orders are received by
mail or facsimile and 30% of orders are received at our Web sites. Our telephone
system consists of an expandable AT&T GR3 digital switch. We are currently using
two DS3 circuits on separate paths for protection in the event of line damage or
system failure at a central office location. Additional redundancy protection is
provided by using Qwest SHARPS software that will automatically re-route the
service path until repairs can be completed. Our system is running nine T-1
lines split across the two DS3 circuits with a maximum capacity of 48 T-1
circuits. Computer telephony integration software identifies the caller and, if
known, accesses the customer's records simultaneously with answering the call.
When fully staffed, our in-house call center has the capacity of handling up to
2,600 calls per hour on average.
We also contract with outside call centers to handle calls on an as-needed
basis. If calls become backlogged or in the event of telephone system failure,
back-up systems and rerouting capabilities allow the outside call centers to
handle inbound telephone orders. The outside call centers have a direct
connection to our order processing system allowing orders to be processed
realtime with updated inventory information.
ORDER ENTRY. Our in-house call center is staffed with individuals who are
familiar with the products offered in the catalogs and can offer assistance to
customers on availability, color, size, and other information. Call Center sales
representatives use a catalog sales system with pre-written merchandise
descriptions and sales offers and are provided monetary incentives to sell
additional merchandise to customers who order by phone. During 2002, add-on
sales averaging $9.73 per order were made to approximately 29% of all inbound
phone orders taken by our in-house call center.
Processing of customer orders is coordinated and handled by our on-line
order entry system. Telephone orders and Internet orders are entered directly
into the system. Mail orders are batched and, after payment is verified, are
then entered into the system. The system is also used in connection with all
other order entry and fulfillment tasks including credit authorization, order
picking, packing and shipment. During 2002, our on-line order processing system
handled approximately 1.9 million orders.
CREDIT AND PAYMENT TERMS. Customers can pay for orders by major credit card
or check. Orders are shipped after credit card charges are approved or checks
are received. Charges are not billed to customer credit cards until the orders
are ready for shipment.
PICKING AND PACKING. Through our fulfillment and delivery methods, we
strive to be a low cost operator. We use an integrated computer-driven picking,
packing and shipping system. The system edits orders and generates warehouse
pick tickets and packing slips. Packers are provided monetary incentives to
ensure accuracy of orders, which has contributed to our distribution accuracy
rate in excess of 99% during 2002. We are able to fulfill and ship in excess of
25,000 packages per day. We believe we have sufficient additional capacity
available for the foreseeable future which can be utilized by adding more shifts
and weekends.
SHIPPING. Our processes allow next business day shipping on orders received
by 6 p.m. CST for in-stock merchandise and same day shipping for orders taken by
11 a.m. CST via the Internet or per specific customer request. Virtually all of
our merchandise is stocked at, and shipped from, our two warehouse and
distribution facilities in South St. Paul and Mendota Heights, Minnesota,
although a small percentage of merchandise is drop-shipped directly to the
customer by specific vendors. We primarily utilize the U.S. Postal Service and,
to a lesser extent, United Parcel Service for shipment of merchandise to
customers. Ammunition is shipped primarily via United Parcel Service. We utilize
a consolidating shipper for delivery of merchandise to the U.S. Postal Service.
A shipping and handling fee is charged on each customer order based on the total
dollar amount ordered. We expedite shipping for an additional fee.
INVENTORY CONTROL. Our merchandise mix results in our maintaining a broad
selection of products as well as large quantities of individual products.
Consequently, inventory management is an important component of
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our operations. We employ a cycle count, or perpetual inventory, procedure
utilizing R/F (radio frequency) technology which eliminates wall-to-wall
physical counts and resulted in 99.9% inventory accuracy during 2002.
RETURNS. We maintain an unconditional return policy which permits customers
to return merchandise for any reason at any time for refund or exchange.
Returned merchandise is restocked, sold in the retail outlet, returned to the
supplier or scrapped. Returns processors are provided monetary incentives to
ensure accuracy of returns processing.
SEASONAL STAFFING. We adjust the number of employees to meet variable
demand levels, particularly during the peak selling season, which includes the
months of November and December. To meet increased order volume during our peak
selling season, we hire a significant number of temporary employees.
INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGY
We have developed an integrated management information system. In addition
to on-line order entry and processing, the information system also provides
support for merchandising, inventory management, marketing, and financial and
management reporting. The on-line access to information allows management to
monitor daily trends and the performance of merchandise and planning functions.
Our main hardware platform utilizes IBM RISC 6000 series equipment. The
main application system was upgraded in the first quarter of 2002 in
anticipation of the 2002 processing needs. This equipment includes redundant
components and a combination of Independent Disks (RAID) and mirrored disk
technology to ensure optimal data protection.
Our Web site servers were upgraded in 2002 in preparation for increased
volumes and load balancing in 2002. The hardware platform utilizes a mix of Sun
servers and NT servers with mirrored disk drives for data protection. A third
party hosts and manages our two e-commerce web sites.
COMPETITION
The direct marketing industry includes a wide variety of specialty and
general merchandise retailers in a highly competitive and fragmented business
environment. We sell our products to customers in all 50 states and compete in
the purchase and sale of merchandise with all retailers. Our competitors
include:
- other outdoor/hunting mail order catalogs, including Bass Pro Shops Inc.
and Cabela's Inc.;
- discount retailers such as Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.;
- Web sites maintained by online retailers of footwear, clothing and
outdoor gear; and
- Internet portals and online service providers that feature shopping
services, such as America Online, Inc., Yahoo! Inc. and MSN.
Some of our competitors are larger and have substantially greater
financial, marketing and other resources than us.
REGULATION
We are subject to federal, state and local laws and regulations which
affect our catalog mail order operations. Federal Trade Commission regulations,
in general, govern the solicitation of orders, the information provided to
prospective customers, and the timeliness of shipments and refunds. In addition,
the Federal Trade Commission has established guidelines for advertising and
labeling many of the products we sell.
We are also subject to a variety of state laws and regulations relating to,
among other things, advertising, pricing, charging and collecting state sales or
use tax and product safety/restrictions. Some of these laws prohibit or limit
the sale, in certain states and locations, of certain items we offer such as
black powder firearms, ammunition, bows, knives and similar products. State and
local government regulation of hunting can also affect our business.
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Because we import products for sale, we are subject to U.S. customs laws
and regulations pertaining to proper item classification, quotas, payment of
duties and tariffs, and maintenance of documentation and internal control
programs.
There are few laws and regulations directed specifically at electronic
commerce on the Internet. However, given the increased use of the Internet for
both mass communications and commerce, new laws and regulations may be adopted
covering a variety of areas such as collection and use of data from Web site
visitors and related privacy issues, pricing, content, copyrights, distribution
and quality of goods and services.
SERVICE MARKS
Our service marks "The Sportsman's Guide", "Bargain Outfitters", "The
'Fun-to-Read' Catalog" and "The 'Fun-to Browse' Website" have been registered
with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. "The Sportsman's Guide" mark
has also been registered in Canada. We own United States registrations and
applications covering other trademarks and service marks used in our business.
EMPLOYEES
As of December 31, 2002, we employed 611 associates, including full-time
and part-time staff. None of our employees are currently covered by a collective
bargaining agreement. We consider our employee relations to be good.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
Our principal offices are located at 411 Farwell Avenue, South Saint Paul,
Minnesota 55075. We currently lease approximately 430,000 square feet at this
facility under a net lease expiring March 2009 and lease an additional
distribution facility of approximately 176,000 square feet in Mendota Heights,
Minnesota under a net lease expiring July 2003.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
We are not a party to any pending litigation other than litigation which is
incidental to our business and which we believe is not material.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
None.
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
Set forth below is certain information concerning our executive officers
and key employees.
NAME AGE POSITION
---- --- --------
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS:
Gary Olen................................. 60 Chairman and Director
Gregory R. Binkley........................ 54 President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
Charles B. Lingen......................... 58 Executive Vice President of Finance and
Administration, Chief Financial Officer,
Secretary/Treasurer and Director
John M. Casler............................ 52 Executive Vice President of Merchandising,
Marketing and Creative Services
KEY EMPLOYEES:
Dale D. Monson............................ 38 Vice President of Information Systems and
Technology and Chief Information Officer
Douglas E. Johnson........................ 47 Vice President of Marketing
9
Gary Olen is our co-founder. Mr. Olen served as Executive Vice President
and Secretary from our incorporation in 1977 until 1994, President from 1994 to
1998 and Chief Executive Officer from 1994 until his retirement in 2000. Mr.
Olen has been Chairman of the Board since 1998 and a director since our
incorporation. Mr. Olen was also the sole proprietor of our predecessor, The
Olen Company, founded in 1970.
Gregory R. Binkley has been a director since 1995. Mr. Binkley has been an
employee since 1994 when he was elected Vice President. Mr. Binkley became
Senior Vice President of Operations and Chief Operating Officer in 1995,
Executive Vice President in 1996, President in 1998 and Chief Executive Officer
in 2000. From 1993 to 1994, Mr. Binkley worked as an independent operations
consultant. From 1990 to 1993, Mr. Binkley was Director of Distribution of
Fingerhut Companies, Inc., a mail order catalog business and from 1988 to 1990
was Director of Distribution with Cable Value Network, Inc., a cable television
retailer. Mr. Binkley worked for Donaldsons Department Stores, a division of
Allied Stores Corporation, from 1975 to 1988, serving as Vice President of
Finance and Operations from 1987 to 1988 and Vice President of Operations from
1981 to 1987.
Charles B. Lingen has been a director since 1995. Mr. Lingen has been Chief
Financial Officer, Vice President of Finance and Treasurer since 1994. Mr.
Lingen was elected Secretary in 1995, Senior Vice President of Finance in 1996
and Executive Vice President of Finance and Administration in 2000. From 1973 to
1994, Mr. Lingen worked at Fingerhut Companies, Inc., serving as Vice President
of Finance and Controller from 1989 to 1994.
John M. Casler has been an employee since 1996. He was elected Vice
President of Merchandising in 1997, Senior Vice President of Merchandising in
1999 and Executive Vice President of Merchandising, Marketing and Creative
Services in 2000. Mr. Casler worked for Gander Mountain, Inc, a retail mail
order catalog company, from 1989 to 1995, where he served as Division
Merchandise Manager from 1990 to 1995. Prior to that time, Mr. Casler held
merchandise management positions at Munson Sporting Goods Co., Inc. from 1985 to
1989 and at the Target Stores Division of Dayton Hudson Corp. from 1982 to 1985.
Dale D. Monson has been an employee since 1997. He was elected Vice
President of Software Development in 2000 and Vice President of Information
Systems and Technology and Chief Information Officer in 2001. Mr. Monson worked
for Select Comfort Inc., a manufacturer of sleep support systems, from 1995 to
1997 as Project Manager and for Proex Photo Systems Inc., a retail photography
firm, from 1990 to 1995 as Director of Information Systems.
Douglas E. Johnson joined us in 2000 as Vice President of Marketing. Mr.
Johnson worked at Fingerhut Companies, Inc. from 1982 to 2000, where he held
various marketing positions including Director of Customer List Marketing.
10
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
Our common stock traded on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol
"SGDE" from February 5, 1998 through February 26, 2001. Our common stock was
traded on the Nasdaq SmallCap Market from February 27, 2001 through June 4,
2002. Our common stock was transferred to the Nasdaq National Market effective
June 5, 2002.
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low
bid prices of our common stock as reported on the Nasdaq National and SmallCap
Markets.
HIGH LOW
---- ---
2001
First Quarter......................................... $1.31 $0.69
Second Quarter........................................ 2.10 0.72
Third Quarter......................................... 2.60 1.86
Fourth Quarter........................................ 3.35 2.18
2002
First Quarter......................................... $5.27 $3.30
Second Quarter........................................ 8.83 5.07
Third Quarter......................................... 9.45 6.11
Fourth Quarter........................................ 7.29 4.91
HOLDERS
As of March 17, 2003, there were approximately 250 holders of record of our
common stock.
DIVIDENDS
We have not previously declared or paid any cash dividends on our common
stock. We currently intend to retain all earnings for use in our business in the
foreseeable future. We are prohibited from paying and declaring cash dividends
under the terms of our revolving credit agreement.
11
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The following table sets forth certain historical financial and operating
data for the periods indicated. The Consolidated Statement of Operations Data
and Consolidated Balance Sheet Data as of and for each of the years ended
December 31, 2002, 2001, 2000, 1999 and 1998 have been derived from our
consolidated financial statements audited by Grant Thornton LLP, independent
certified public accountants. The Selected Operating Data as of and for the
periods indicated were derived or computed from our circulation or accounting
records or the Consolidated Statement of Operations Data identified above. The
information below should be read in conjunction with "Management's Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and our
consolidated financial statements and notes thereto.
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,(1)
--------------------------------------------------------
2002 2001 2000 1999 1998
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Sales..................................... $180,290 $169,675 $154,938 $188,073 $165,383
Cost of sales............................. 120,707 113,086 103,471 123,189 106,393
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Gross profit............................ 59,583 56,589 51,467 64,884 58,990
Selling, general and administrative
expenses................................ 52,958 52,250 53,865 63,758 55,915
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Earnings (loss) from operations......... 6,625 4,339 (2,398) 1,126 3,075
Interest expense.......................... (1) (237) (1,432) (1,030) (843)
Miscellaneous income (expense), net....... (297) (349) (294) (78) (70)
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Earnings (loss) before income taxes..... 6,327 3,753 (4,124) 18 2,162
Income tax expense (benefit).............. 2,310 1,000 (935) 6 746
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net earnings (loss)..................... $ 4,017 $ 2,753 $ (3,189) $ 12 $ 1,416
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Net earnings (loss) per share(2):
Basic................................... $ .85 $ .58 $ (.67) $ -- $ .32
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Diluted................................. $ .80 $ .58 $ (.67) $ -- $ .31
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Weighted average shares outstanding(2):
Basic................................... 4,752 4,749 4,749 4,748 4,434
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Diluted................................. 5,001 4,759 4,749 4,818 4,616
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
SELECTED OPERATING DATA:
Catalog and retail outlet generated
sales................................... $127,775 $133,476 $131,218 $173,615 $164,116
Internet generated sales(3)............... 52,515 36,199 23,720 14,458 1,267
Gross profit as a percentage of sales..... 33.0% 33.4% 33.2% 34.5% 35.7%
Total catalogs mailed..................... 45,762 47,989 62,498 80,289 75,041
Total active customers(4)................. 977 1,039 1,045 1,153 1,133
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Cash and cash equivalents................. $ 17,152 $ 8,592 $ 1,344 $ -- $ 2,303
Working capital........................... 18,068 12,952 8,526 11,222 12,444
Total assets.............................. 49,513 42,088 38,860 53,258 43,665
Note payable-bank......................... -- -- 5,225 12,598 5,775
Shareholders' equity...................... 20,621 16,343 13,590 16,776 16,757
- -------------------------
(1) Our fiscal year ends on the Sunday nearest December 31, but for clarity of
presentation, we describe all periods as if the year end is December 31.
Fiscal years 2002, 2001, 2000 and 1999 consisted of 52 weeks and 1998
consisted of 53 weeks.
(2) See Note A-10 in the notes to consolidated financial statements.
(3) "Internet generated sales" are defined as sales derived from our Web sites,
catalog orders processed online and online offers placed by telephone.
(4) An "active customer" is defined as a customer who has purchased merchandise
from us within 12 months preceding the end of the period indicated.
12
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS
OVERVIEW
We are a leading marketer of value priced outdoor gear and general
merchandise, with a special emphasis on outdoor clothing, equipment and
footwear. We market and sell our merchandise through main, specialty and Buyer's
Club catalogs and two e-commerce Web sites. Our catalogs as well as our Web
sites offer high quality products at low prices. Our catalogs are advertised as
The "Fun-to-Read" Catalog(R) and our primary Web site is advertised as the
"Fun-to-Browse" Website(R). Our Web sites include www.sportsmansguide.com, our
online retail store modeled on our print catalogs and www.bargainoutfitters.com,
our online liquidation outlet.
Our business was started in 1970 by Gary Olen, our Chairman. Over time, our
product offerings and marketing efforts have broadened from the deer hunter to
include those interested in pursuing and living the outdoor lifestyle in general
and the value-oriented outdoorsman in particular. In 1992, we began our value
pricing strategy of offering outdoor equipment and supplies at discount prices,
later adding government surplus, manufacturers' close-outs and other merchandise
lines. In 1994, we began to publish specialty catalogs which allowed us to
utilize a customized marketing plan to individual customer groups.
Sales generated through the Internet have grown rapidly over the last
several years. We launched our online retail store in April 1998 and began
posting our catalogs and full product offerings on the site in February 1999.
Our e-commerce offerings generated approximately $53.0 million in sales in 2002
compared to $1.3 million in 1998. Product sales on the sites accounted for over
30% of our sales in the fourth quarter of 2002 compared to less than 1% for all
of 1998.
In the fall of 2000, we began to aggressively promote and sell the Buyer's
Club membership program. In addition, unique catalogs (Buyer's Club
Advantage(TM)) were developed and promoted to members only, allowing us to
maximize sales and profitability from our best customers.
We believe that our value pricing, specialty catalog titles, the Internet
and Buyer's Club memberships have been important to our growth in sales and
profitability. Our sales have increased from $43 million in 1992 to
approximately $180 million in 2002.
FISCAL YEAR
Our fiscal year ends on the Sunday nearest December 31, but for clarity of
presentation, we describe all periods as if the year end is December 31. Fiscal
years 2002, 2001 and 2000 consisted of 52 weeks.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Sales are recorded at the time of shipment along with a provision for
anticipated merchandise returns, net of exchanges, which is recorded based upon
historical experience and current expectations. Amounts billed to customers for
shipping and handling are recorded in revenues at the time of shipment.
Customers can purchase one year memberships in the Company's Buyer's Club
for a $29.99 annual fee. The Company also offers two year memberships for
$49.99. Club members receive merchandise discounts of 10% on regularly priced
items and 5% on ammunition. Membership fees are deferred and recognized in
income as the individual members place orders and receive discounts. Any
remaining deferred membership fees are recognized in income after the expiration
of the membership.
The cost of producing and mailing catalogs is deferred and expensed over
the estimated useful lives of the catalogs. Catalog production and mailing costs
are amortized over periods ranging from four to six months from the in-home date
of the catalog with the majority of the costs amortized within the first month.
The Company estimates the in-home date to be one week from the known mailing
date of the catalog. The ongoing cost of developing and maintaining the customer
list is charged to operations as incurred. All other advertising costs are
expensed as incurred.
13
Stock options issued to employees are accounted for under the intrinsic
value method. Pro-forma disclosures as if the fair value method were used are
included in Note A-9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, information from
our Consolidated Statements of Operations expressed as a percentage of sales:
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
-----------------------------
2002 2001 2000
---- ---- ----
Sales....................................................... 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
Cost of sales............................................... 67.0 66.6 66.8
----- ----- -----
Gross profit.............................................. 33.0 33.4 33.2
Selling, general and administrative expenses................ 29.3 30.8 34.8
----- ----- -----
Earnings (loss) from operations........................... 3.7 2.6 (1.6)
Interest and miscellaneous expense, net..................... 0.2 0.4 1.1
----- ----- -----
Earnings (loss) before income taxes....................... 3.5 2.2 (2.7)
Income tax expense (benefit)................................ 1.3 0.6 (0.6)
----- ----- -----
Net earnings (loss)....................................... 2.2% 1.6% (2.1)%
===== ===== =====
COMPARISON OF YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2002 AND 2001
SALES. Sales for 2002 of $180.3 million were $10.6 million or 6.2% higher
than sales of $169.7 million for 2001. The increase in sales was primarily due
to higher sales generated from unique product offerings on the Internet.
Internet related sales continue to grow, year over year, as we continue to make
enhancements to our Web site and implement and improve upon various marketing
and merchandising programs. For 2002, catalog related sales increased slightly
over the prior year's sales level in spite of an approximate 5% planned
reduction in our catalog circulation. As a result of a more effective mail plan
and the further implementation of several marketing and merchandising
strategies, the overall catalog productivity improved over the prior year
primarily as a result of a higher average customer order amount.
As of December 31, 2002, our Buyer's Club membership had increased to
310,000, up 22% over the 254,000 reported as of December 31, 2001.
Sales generated through the Internet increased in 2002 to approximately 29%
of sales compared to approximately 21% of sales in 2001. Sales generated through
the Internet are defined as those that are derived from our Web sites, catalog
orders processed online and online offers placed by telephone.
Gross returns and allowances for 2002 were $12.7 million or 6.6% of gross
sales compared to $13.9 million or 7.6% of gross sales in 2001. The decrease in
gross returns and allowances, as a percentage of sales, was primarily due to
lower than anticipated customer returns on several 2001 catalogs.
GROSS PROFIT. Gross profit for 2002 was $59.6 million or 33.0% of sales
compared to $56.6 million or 33.4% of sales in 2001. The decrease in the gross
profit percentage for the year was primarily due to promotional pricing and also
from a shift of sales within various product categories. We continue to employ
promotional pricing techniques to maintain our competitive position. In 2002,
sales in the higher gross profit categories of footwear and government surplus
were down compared to the prior year and sales in lower gross profit categories
of optics and hardware were up compared to the prior year.
SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES. Selling, general and
administrative expenses were $53.0 million or 29.3% of sales during 2002
compared to $52.2 million or 30.8% of sales during 2001.
Selling, general and administrative expenses, as a percentage of sales, for
the year 2002 were lower compared to the same period last year primarily due to
higher Internet sales, improved catalog productivity
14
and lower order processing costs as a result of the increase in sales generated
through the Internet. The dollar increase in selling, general and administrative
expenses was primarily due to higher medical/workers compensation expenses,
increase facility costs as a result of leasing additional, temporary warehouse
space and higher incentive compensation as a result of improved Company
performance. The dollar increase in selling, general and administrative expenses
was offset somewhat by lower advertising spending from the reduction in catalog
circulation.
Total circulation was 46 million catalogs during 2002 compared to 48
million catalogs during 2001. The decrease in catalog circulation was due to the
planned reduction in the number of specialty catalog editions offset somewhat by
the addition of three Buyer's Club Advantage (TM) catalog editions. During 2002,
we mailed 34 catalog editions consisting of 11 main catalogs, 12 Buyer's Club
Advantage(TM) catalogs and 11 specialty catalogs compared to 36 catalog editions
during 2001 consisting of 11 main catalogs, nine Buyer's Club Advantage(TM)
catalog and 16 specialty catalogs.
Advertising expense for 2002 was $30.1 million or 16.7% of sales compared
to $30.8 million or 18.1% of sales for 2001. The decrease in advertising
expense, as a percentage of sales, for 2002 compared to 2001 was primarily due
to higher Internet sales and improved catalog productivity. Advertising expense,
in dollars, for 2002 was lower compared to the same period last year primarily
as a result of the planned reduction in the catalog circulation partially offset
by the impact of a postage rate increase and increased page counts.
EARNINGS FROM OPERATIONS. Earnings from operations were $6.6 million or
3.7% of sales during 2002 compared to $4.3 million or 2.6% of sales during 2001.
The increase in earnings was primarily due to higher Internet sales and a more
effective mail plan yielding more productive catalogs.
INTEREST EXPENSE. Interest expense for 2002 was $1,000 compared to $0.2
million for the same period last year. The decrease in interest expense was
largely due to lower average levels of bank borrowings.
INCOME TAXES. Income tax expense for 2002 was $2.3 million compared to $1.0
million for 2001. In 2001, the effective rate of 26.6% reflects a benefit from
the reversal of a deferred tax asset valuation allowance established in 2000.
NET EARNINGS. Net earnings for 2002 were $4.0 million compared to $2.8
million for 2001.
COMPARISON OF YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2001 AND 2000
SALES. Sales for 2001 of $169.7 million were $14.8 million or 9.6% higher
than sales of $154.9 million for 2000. The increase in sales was primarily due
to higher sales generated from both the Internet and the catalogs. For 2001,
sales generated through the catalogs increased over the prior year's sales level
in spite of a planned reduction in our catalog circulation. Year over year, our
catalog circulation was down approximately 23% in accordance with our plans. As
a result of the reductions in catalog circulation as well as the implementation
of several marketing and merchandising strategies, overall customer response
rates improved significantly in 2001 over the previous year. In 2001, we
implemented a more effective and profitable mail plan with the elimination of
catalog mailings to unprofitable customer segments of the house customer file
and combined the clothing/footwear specialty catalogs with the monthly main
catalogs to reduce saturation and produce a more cost effective mail plan. We
also created and mailed catalogs exclusively to our Buyer's Club members to
increase overall sales and profitability. As of December 31, 2001, our Buyer's
Club membership had increased to 254,000, up 91% over the 133,000 reported as of
December 31, 2000. Management believes sales for the fourth quarter of 2001 were
up as a result of September 11, 2001, as these events may have influenced
consumer shopping behavior to favor at-home shopping over retail stores or malls
and stimulated sales of some military surplus merchandise.
Sales generated through the Internet increased in 2001 to approximately 21%
of sales compared to approximately 15% of sales in 2000. Sales generated through
the Internet are defined as those that are derived from our Web sites, catalog
orders processed online and online offers placed by telephone.
Gross returns and allowances for 2001 were $13.9 million or 7.6% of gross
sales compared to $12.6 million or 7.5% of gross sales in 2000.
15
GROSS PROFIT. Gross profit for 2001 was $56.6 million or 33.4% of sales
compared to $51.5 million or 33.2% of sales in 2000. The increase in gross
profit as a percent of sales for the year was primarily due to stronger product
margins in the fourth quarter largely from increased sales in higher margin
product categories, especially in the gift related areas. A key strategy
throughout 2001 was to refocus on the product/ value relationship which resulted
in the reduction of retail prices selectively to stimulate improved customer
response rates. This product/value strategy continued throughout the fourth
quarter, but any reduction in product margins was offset by a change in the
sales mix to higher margin product categories. In 2000, gross profit was
negatively affected by costs associated with closing one of our retail outlet
stores.
SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES. Selling, general and
administrative expenses were $52.2 million or 30.8% of sales during 2001
compared to $53.9 million or 34.8% of sales during 2000. The dollar decrease in
selling, general and administrative expenses was primarily due to lower general
and administrative expenses largely as a result of organizational changes made
in late 2000 and lower retail outlet operating expenses due to the closing of
one store in early 2001. Also, selling, general and administrative expenses for
the year 2000 included costs related to executive and other associates'
severance commitments and the write off of expenses related to an unsuccessful
equity placement. Selling, general and administrative expenses, as a percentage
of sales, for 2001 were lower compared to 2000 primarily due to a more effective
mail plan, increased Internet sales and lower general and administrative
expenses resulting from various marketing, merchandising and organizational
changes made in the latter part of 2000.
Total circulation was 48 million catalogs during 2001 compared to 62
million catalogs during 2000. The decrease in catalog circulation was due to the
planned reduction in the number of specialty catalog editions and main catalog
editions. During 2001, we mailed 36 catalog editions consisting of 11 main
catalogs, nine Buyer's Club Advantage(TM) catalogs and 16 specialty catalogs
compared to 40 catalog editions during 2000 consisting of 12 main catalogs, one
Buyer's Club Advantage(TM) catalog and 27 specialty catalogs.
Advertising expense for 2001 was $30.8 million or 18.1% of sales compared
to $31.3 million or 20.2% of sales for 2000. The decrease in advertising
expense, as a percentage of sales, for 2001 compared to 2000 was primarily due
to improved customer response rates and higher sales generated through the
Internet. Advertising expense, in dollars, for 2001 was virtually flat when
compared to the same period last year. The reduction in advertising expenses
directly related to the decrease in catalog circulation was virtually offset by
a higher cost of catalogs. The higher cost of catalogs for 2001 stemmed largely
from increased page counts, the creation of more expensive Buyer's Club
exclusive specialty editions and rate increases in our postage and paper.
EARNINGS (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS. Earnings from operations were $4.3 million
or 2.6% of sales during 2001 compared to a loss of $(2.4) million during 2000.
The increase in earnings was primarily due to a more effective mail plan
yielding higher customer response rates and higher Internet sales.
INTEREST EXPENSE. Interest expense for 2001 was $0.2 million compared to
$1.4 million for the same period last year. The decrease in interest expense was
largely due to lower average levels of bank borrowings primarily as a result of
lower inventories and improved profitability.
INCOME TAXES. Income tax expense for 2001 was $1.0 million compared to a
tax benefit of $(0.9) million for 2000. The income tax benefit for 2000
represented recovery of federal taxes paid in 1999 and 1998. In 2001, the
effective rate of 26.6% reflects a benefit from the reversal of a deferred tax
asset valuation allowance established in 2000.
NET EARNINGS (LOSS). Net earnings for 2001 were $2.8 million compared to a
net loss of $(3.2) million for 2000.
SEASONALITY AND QUARTERLY RESULTS
The majority of our sales historically occur during the second half of the
year. The seasonal nature of our business is due to our focus on outdoor
merchandise and related accessories for the fall, as well as winter apparel and
gifts for the holiday season. We expect this seasonality will continue in the
future. In anticipation
16
of increased sales activity during the third and fourth quarters, we incur
significant additional expenses for hiring employees and building inventory
levels.
The following table provides certain unaudited financial information for
each of the quarters shown:
FIRST QUARTER SECOND QUARTER THIRD QUARTER FOURTH QUARTER
------------- -------------- ------------- --------------
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
2002
Sales..................................... $41,631 $34,928 $36,946 $66,785
Gross profit.............................. 13,469 10,688 11,389 24,037
Earnings from operations.................. 1,216 494 366 4,549
Net earnings.............................. 784 317 269 2,647
Net diluted earnings per share............ .16 .06 .05 .53
2001
Sales..................................... $38,931 $31,796 $36,472 $62,476
Gross profit.............................. 11,740 10,480 11,897 22,472
Earnings (loss) from operations........... (14) (138) 9 4,482
Net earnings (loss)....................... (167) (207) (124) 3,251
Net diluted earnings (loss) per share..... (.04) (.04) (.03) .68
During the fourth quarter of 2001, the Company recorded an income tax
benefit of $427,000 related to the reversal of a previously established deferred
tax asset valuation allowance.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
WORKING CAPITAL. We had working capital of $18.1 million as of December 31,
2002 compared to $13.0 million as of December 31, 2001, with current ratios of
1.6 to 1.0 and 1.5 to 1.0, respectively. The increase of $5.1 million was
primarily due to the improved cash position resulting primarily from increased
profitability.
We purchase large quantities of manufacturers' close-outs and direct
imports, particularly in footwear and apparel merchandise categories. The
seasonal nature of the merchandise may require that it be held for several
months before being offered in a catalog. This can result in increased inventory
levels and lower inventory turnover, thereby increasing our working capital
requirements and related carrying costs.
We offer our Buyer's Club members an installment credit plan with no
finance fees, known as the "Buyer's Club 4-Pay Plan." Each of the four
consecutive monthly installments is billed directly to customers' credit cards.
We had installment receivables of $2.3 million at December 31, 2002 compared to
$2.1 million at December 31, 2001. The installment plan will continue to require
the allocation of working capital which we expect to fund from operations and
availability under our revolving credit facility.
We have an Amended and Restated Credit and Security Agreement with Wells
Fargo Bank Minnesota, National Association providing a revolving line of credit
up to $15.0 million, subject to an adequate borrowing base, expiring in May
2005. The revolving line of credit is for working capital and letters of credit.
Letters of credit may not exceed $10.0 million at any one time. Funding under
the credit facility consists of a collateral base of 45% of eligible inventory
plus 80% of eligible trade accounts receivable. Borrowings bear interest at the
bank's prime rate. The revolving credit line is collateralized by substantially
all of our assets.
All borrowings are subject to various covenants. The most restrictive
covenants include a limit on quarterly measurements of year-to-date earnings
(loss), minimum gross margin percentage, maximum days inventory levels (as
defined) and maximum annual spending levels for capital assets and prohibits the
payment of dividends to shareholders. As of December 31, 2002, we were in
compliance with or had obtained waivers for all applicable covenants under the
revolving line of credit agreement. We had no borrowings against the revolving
credit line at December 31, 2002 and December 31, 2001. Outstanding letters of
credit were $2.6 million at the end of 2002 compared to $2.4 million at the end
of 2001.
17
The Company has several long-term operating leases and other commitments
related to building facilities, computer equipment, and long-distance telephone
services with varying terms as long as seven years.
At December 31, 2002, future minimum commitments under the above agreements
are as follows for the years ended December 31, (in thousands):
2003........................................................ $ 2,787
2004........................................................ 2,136
2005........................................................ 1,997
2006........................................................ 1,988
2007........................................................ 1,988
Thereafter.................................................. 2,486
-------
$13,382
=======
OPERATING ACTIVITIES. Cash flows provided by operating activities during
2002 were $9.2 million compared to $13.0 million in 2001. The decrease in cash
provided by operations was primarily the result of the payment of 2001 income
taxes in 2002.
Cash flows provided by operating activities during 2001 were $13.0 million
compared to $10.2 million in 2000. The increase in cash provided by operations
was primarily the result of increased net earnings.
INVESTING ACTIVITIES. Cash flows used in investing activities during 2002
were $0.9 million compared to $0.5 million in 2001. During 2002, we expended
funds for computer equipment and software and machinery and equipment.
Cash flows used in investing activities during 2001 were $0.5 million
compared to $1.5 million in 2000. During 2001 and 2000, we expended funds for
computer equipment and software and machinery and equipment.
FINANCING ACTIVITIES. Cash flows provided by financing activities during
2002 were $0.3 million compared to cash flows used in financing activities of
$5.2 million during 2001. Cash flows used in financing activities during 2001
were primarily comprised of payments to reduce outstanding borrowings under the
revolving line of credit. During 2002, we did not borrow under the revolving
line of credit.
Cash flows used in financing activities during 2001 were $5.2 million
compared to $7.4 million during 2000. Cash flows used in financing activities
during 2001 and 2000 were primarily comprised of payments to reduce outstanding
borrowings under the revolving line of credit.
We believe that cash flows from operations and borrowing capacity under our
revolving credit facility will be sufficient to fund our operations for the next
12 months.
NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In December 2002, the FASB issued Statement 148 (FAS 148), Accounting for
Stock-Based Compensation -- Transition and Disclosure. FAS 148 amends the
disclosure and certain transition provisions of Statement 123, Accounting for
Stock-Based Compensation. Its disclosure provisions, which apply to all entities
with employee stock-based compensation, are effective for fiscal years ending
after December 15, 2002. New interim period disclosures are required in
financial statements for interim periods beginning after December 15, 2002.
Other than the additional disclosure requirements, this pronouncement is not
expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial
position or results of operation.
In November 2002, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 45 (FIN 45),
Guarantor's Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees of
Indebtedness of Others. FIN 45 addresses the disclosure requirements of a
guarantor in its interim and annual financial statements about its obligations
under certain guarantees that it has issued. FIN 45 also requires a guarantor to
recognize, at the inception of guarantee, a liability for the fair value of the
obligation undertaken in issuing the guarantee. The disclosure requirements of
FIN 45 are effective for the Company for its quarter ended December 31, 2002.
The liability recognition
18
requirements will be applicable prospectively to all guarantees issued or
modified after December 31, 2002. This pronouncement is not anticipated to have
a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial position or results of
operations.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of
Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934. We use words such as "may," "believe," "estimate," "plan,"
"expect," "intend," "anticipate" and similar expressions to identify
forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve risks and
uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those projected in
the forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including general
economic conditions, a changing market environment for our products and the
market acceptance of our product offerings as well as the risk factors described
in Exhibit 99 to this report.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK
The Company does not have any material, near-term, market rate risk.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
The following financial statements and schedules are included herein:
PAGE
----
Financial Statements:
Report of Independent Certified Public Accountants........ 20
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2002 and
2001................................................... 21
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended
December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000....................... 22
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity
for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000... 23
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended
December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000....................... 24
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements................ 25
Financial Statement Schedule:
Schedule II -- Valuation and Qualifying Accounts for the
years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000........... 34
19
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
Board of Directors and Shareholders
The Sportsman's Guide, Inc.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of The
Sportsman's Guide, Inc. as of December 31, 2002 and 2001 and the related
consolidated statements of operations, changes in shareholders' equity, and cash
flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2002. These
financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally
accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan
and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of The Sportsman's
Guide, Inc. as of December 31, 2002 and 2001 and the consolidated results of
their operations and their consolidated cash flows for each of the three years
in the period ended December 31, 2002 in conformity with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States of America.
We have also audited Schedule II for each of the three years in the period
ended December 31, 2002. In our opinion, this schedule presents fairly, in all
material respects, the information required to be set forth therein.
Grant Thornton LLP
/s/ GRANT THORNTON LLP
Minneapolis, Minnesota
February 6, 2003
20
THE SPORTSMAN'S GUIDE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31,
2002 2001
------------ ------------
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents................................. $17,152 $ 8,592
Accounts receivable -- net................................ 3,014 2,759
Inventory................................................. 20,593 21,076
Promotional material...................................... 2,540 3,614
Prepaid expenses and other................................ 1,133 933
Deferred income taxes..................................... 2,409 1,482
------- -------
Total current assets................................. 46,841 38,456
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT -- NET............................... 2,672 3,632
------- -------
Total assets......................................... $49,513 $42,088
======= =======
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Accounts payable.......................................... $16,230 $15,201
Accrued expenses.......................................... 3,896 2,782
Income taxes payable...................................... 1,882 2,184
Deferred revenue.......................................... 3,706 2,993
Returns reserve........................................... 1,738 1,402
Customer deposits and other liabilities................... 1,321 942
------- -------
Total current liabilities............................ 28,773 25,504
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES
Deferred income taxes..................................... 119 241
------- -------
Total liabilities.................................... 28,892 25,745
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES............................... -- --
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common Stock -- $.01 par value; 36,800,000 shares
authorized; 4,753,810 and 4,748,810 shares issued and
outstanding at December 31, 2002 and 2001.............. 47 47
Additional paid-in capital................................ 11,588 11,565
Stock subscription receivable............................. -- (238)
Retained earnings......................................... 8,986 4,969
------- -------
Total shareholders' equity........................... 20,621 16,343
------- -------
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity........... $49,513 $42,088
======= =======
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
21
THE SPORTSMAN'S GUIDE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
--------------------------------------
2002 2001 2000
---- ---- ----
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
Sales....................................................... $180,290 $169,675 $154,938
Cost of sales............................................... 120,707 113,086 103,471
-------- -------- --------
Gross profit........................................... 59,583 56,589 51,467
Selling, general and administrative expenses................ 52,958 52,250 53,865
-------- -------- --------
Earnings (loss) from operations........................ 6,625 4,339 (2,398)
Interest expense............................................ (1) (237) (1,432)
Miscellaneous income (expense), net......................... (297) (349) (294)
-------- -------- --------
Earnings (loss) before income taxes.................... 6,327 3,753 (4,124)
Income tax expense (benefit)................................ 2,310 1,000 (935)
-------- -------- --------
Net earnings (loss).................................... $ 4,017 $ 2,753 $ (3,189)
======== ======== ========
Net earnings (loss) per share:
Basic..................................................... $ .85 $ .58 $ (.67)
======== ======== ========
Diluted................................................... $ .80 $ .58 $ (.67)
======== ======== ========
Weighted average common and common equivalent shares
outstanding:
Basic..................................................... 4,752 4,749 4,749
======== ======== ========
Diluted................................................... 5,001 4,759 4,749
======== ======== ========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
22
THE SPORTSMAN'S GUIDE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
COMMON STOCK ADDITIONAL STOCK TOTAL
---------------- PAID-IN SUBSCRIPTION RETAINED SHAREHOLDERS'
SHARES AMOUNT CAPITAL RECEIVABLE EARNINGS EQUITY
------ ------ ---------- ------------ -------- -------------
(IN THOUSANDS)
Balances at December 31, 1999....... 4,748 $47 $11,562 $(238) $ 5,405 $16,776
Exercise of stock options......... 1 -- 3 -- -- 3
Net loss.......................... -- -- -- -- (3,189) (3,189)
----- --- ------- ----- ------- -------
Balances at December 31, 2000....... 4,749 47 11,565 (238) 2,216 13,590
Net earnings...................... -- -- -- -- 2,753 2,753
----- --- ------- ----- ------- -------
Balances at December 31, 2001....... 4,749 47 11,565 (238) 4,969 16,343
Exercise of stock options......... 5 -- 23 -- -- 23
Payment of stock subscription
receivable..................... -- -- -- 238 -- 238
Net earnings...................... -- -- -- -- 4,017 4,017
----- --- ------- ----- ------- -------
Balances at December 31, 2002....... 4,754 $47 $11,588 $ -- $ 8,986 $20,621
===== === ======= ===== ======= =======
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
23
THE SPORTSMAN'S GUIDE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
-----------------------------
2002 2001 2000
---- ---- ----
(IN THOUSANDS)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings (loss)....................................... $ 4,017 $ 2,753 $(3,189)
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to cash
provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization.......................... 1,579 1,770 2,111
Deferred income taxes.................................. (1,049) (1,241) (170)
Loss on disposal of property and equipment............. 310 77 78
Other.................................................. 13 123 (12)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable.................................. (255) 959 1,179
Inventory............................................ 483 1,729 14,598
Promotional material................................. 1,074 21 800
Prepaid expenses and other........................... (200) 589 (763)
Income taxes......................................... (302) 2,953 (769)
Checks written in excess of bank balances............ -- -- (2,425)
Accounts payable..................................... 1,029 1,097 (1,964)
Accrued expenses..................................... 1,114 549 424
Customer deposits and other liabilities.............. 1,414 1,642 308
------- ------- -------
Cash flows provided by operating activities....... 9,227 13,021 10,206
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment....................... (928) (563) (1,508)
Other..................................................... -- 15 16
------- ------- -------
Cash flows used in investing activities........... (928) (548) (1,492)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net payments on revolving credit line..................... -- (5,225) (7,373)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options................... 23 -- 3
Proceeds from payment of stock subscription receivable.... 238 -- --
------- ------- -------
Cash flows provided by (used in) financing
activities...................................... 261 (5,225) (7,370)
Increase in cash and cash equivalents....................... 8,560 7,248 1,344
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year.......... 8,592 1,344 --
------- ------- -------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the year................ $17,152 $ 8,592 $ 1,344
======= ======= =======
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Cash paid during the year for:
Interest............................................... $ 1 $ 274 $ 1,404
Income taxes........................................... 3,661 176 71
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
24
THE SPORTSMAN'S GUIDE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE A -- SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
The Sportsman's Guide, Inc. (the "Company") is a company offering value
priced outdoor and general merchandise, with a special emphasis on outdoor
clothing, equipment and footwear sold through both catalogs and Internet Web
sites. The Company conducts its primary operations out of one office, two
warehouse facilities and one retail outlet store in Minnesota, distributes its
catalogs throughout the United States and operates two e-commerce Web sites. The
Company operates in one business segment.
2. CONSOLIDATION
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of
the company and its wholly-owned subsidiary. All significant intercompany
balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
3. REVENUE RECOGNITION
Sales are recorded at the time of shipment along with a provision for
anticipated merchandise returns, net of exchanges, which is recorded based upon
historical experience and current expectations. The provision charged against
sales was $9.0 million, $10.2 million and $9.5 million during the years ended
December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000. Reserves for returns, net of exchanges, were
$1.7 million and $1.4 million at December 31, 2002 and 2001.
Amounts billed to customers for shipping and handling are recorded in
revenues at the time of shipment. Sales include shipping and handling revenues
of $23.5 million, $23.4 million and $21.9 million for the years ended December
31, 2002, 2001 and 2000.
Customers can purchase one year memberships in the Company's Buyer's Club
for a $29.99 annual fee. The Company also offers two year memberships for
$49.99. Club members receive merchandise discounts of 10% on regularly priced
items and 5% on ammunition. Membership fees are deferred and recognized in
income as the individual members place orders and receive discounts. Any
remaining deferred membership fees are recognized in income after the expiration
of the membership.
4. CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
The Company considers all highly liquid temporary investments purchased
with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. The
Company also considers credit card settlements in-transit as cash for reporting
purposes. Cash equivalents at December 31, 2002 and 2001 were invested in a
money market fund.
5. ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
Accounts receivable consist primarily of amounts owed for merchandise by
customers utilizing an installment payment plan and amounts owed for list rental
and other advertising services provided by the Company to third parties. The
Company had an allowance for doubtful accounts of $195,000 and $211,000 at
December 31, 2002 and 2001.
6. INVENTORY
Inventory consists of purchased finished merchandise available for sale and
is recorded at the lower of cost or market with the first-in, first-out method
used to determine cost.
25
THE SPORTSMAN'S GUIDE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE A -- SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
7. PROMOTIONAL MATERIAL AND ADVERTISING COSTS
The cost of producing and mailing catalogs is deferred and expensed over
the estimated useful lives of the catalogs. Catalog production and mailing costs
are amortized over periods ranging from four to six months from the in-home date
of the catalog with the majority of the costs amortized within the first month.
The Company estimates the in-home date to be one week from the known mailing
date of the catalog. The ongoing cost of developing and maintaining the customer
list is charged to operations as incurred. All other advertising costs are
expensed as incurred.
8. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and
amortization. The Company capitalizes external and incremental internal costs of
developing computer software (including Internet software) for internal use that
represent major enhancements and/or replacements of operating and management
systems. Depreciation and amortization is computed using the straight-line
method.
9. STOCK OPTIONS
Stock options issued to employees are accounted for under the intrinsic
value method as prescribed by APB Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to
Employees. No stock-based compensation cost is reflected in net income (loss),
as all options granted had an exercise price equal to the market value of the
underlying common stock on the date of grant. The following table illustrates
the effect on net income (loss) and earnings (loss) per share as if the Company
had applied the fair value method of accounting stock options under the
provisions of FASB Statement No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation(in
thousands, except per share data):
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
---------------------------
2002 2001 2000
---- ---- ----
Net income (loss) as reported............................... $4,017 $2,753 $(3,189)
Deduct: Total stock-based employee compensation expense
under the fair value method for all awards, net of related
tax effects............................................... (180) (253) (284)
------ ------ -------
Pro-forma net income (loss)................................. $3,837 $2,500 $(3,473)
====== ====== =======
Earnings (Loss) Per Share:
Basic -- as reported...................................... $ .85 $ .58 $ (.67)
Basic -- pro-forma........................................ .82 .57 (.73)
Diluted -- as reported.................................... $ .80 $ .58 $ (.67)
Diluted -- pro-forma...................................... .78 .57 (.73)
The fair value of each option granted is estimated on the date of grant
using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average
assumptions used: zero dividend yield; expected volatility of 94 percent in
2002, 95 percent in 2001, and 87 percent in 2000; risk-free interest rate of
4.05 percent in 2002, 5.50 percent in 2001, and 6.15 percent in 2000; and
expected life of 10 years for all years presented.
10. NET EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE
The Company's basic net earnings (loss) per share amounts have been
computed by dividing net earnings (loss) by the weighted average number of
outstanding common shares. Diluted net earnings (loss) per share amounts have
been computed by dividing net earnings (loss) by the weighted average number of
outstanding common shares and common share equivalents relating to stock options
and warrants, when dilutive.
26
THE SPORTSMAN'S GUIDE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE A -- SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
For the years ended December 31, 2002 and 2001, 248,228 and 10,042 common
share equivalents were included in the computation of diluted net earnings per
share. For the year ended December 31, 2000, no common share equivalents were
included in the computation of diluted net loss per share. If the Company had
reported net income in the year ended December 31, 2000, 12,457 common share
equivalents would have been included in the computation of diluted net earnings
per share.
Options and warrants to purchase 325,032, 683,549 and 650,388 shares of
common stock with a weighted average exercise price of $7.22, $5.68 and $6.01
were outstanding at December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000, but were not included in
the computation of diluted net earnings (loss) per share because the exercise
price exceeded the average market price of the common shares during the period.
11. FISCAL YEAR
The Company's fiscal year ends on the Sunday nearest December 31, but for
clarity of presentation, all periods are described as if the year end is
December 31. Fiscal years 2002, 2001 and 2000 consisted of 52 weeks.
12. FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Due to their short-term nature, the carrying value of the Company's current
financial assets and liabilities approximates their fair values. The fair value
of the Company's borrowings, if recalculated based on current interest rates,
would not significantly differ from the recorded amounts.
13. RECLASSIFICATIONS
Certain 2001 and 2000 amounts have been reclassified to conform to 2002
financial statement presentation.
14. USE OF ESTIMATES IN PREPARING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Preparation of the Company's financial statements in conformity with
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America
requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported
amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and
liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the amounts of revenues
and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those
estimates.
15. RECENTLY RELEASED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In December 2002, the FASB issued Statement 148 (FAS 148), Accounting for
Stock-Based Compensation -- Transition and Disclosure. FAS 148 amends the
disclosure and certain transition provisions of Statement 123, Accounting for
Stock-Based Compensation. Its disclosure provisions, which apply to all entities
with employee stock-based compensation, are effective for fiscal years ending
after December 15, 2002. New interim period disclosures are required in
financial statements for interim periods beginning after December 15, 2002.
Other than the additional disclosure requirements, this pronouncement is not
expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial
position or results of operation.
In November 2002, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 45 (FIN 45),
Guarantor's Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees of
Indebtedness of Others. FIN 45 addresses the disclosure requirements of a
guarantor in its interim and annual financial statements about its obligations
under certain guarantees that it has issued. FIN 45 also requires a guarantor to
recognize, at the inception of guarantee, a liability for the fair value of the
obligation undertaken in issuing the guarantee. The disclosure requirements
27
THE SPORTSMAN'S GUIDE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE A -- SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
of FIN 45 are effective for the Company for its quarter ended December 31, 2002.
The liability recognition requirements will be applicable prospectively to all
guarantees issued or modified after December 31, 2002. This pronouncement is not
anticipated to have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial
position or results of operations.
NOTE B -- PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment consists of the following (in thousands):
DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, ESTIMATED
2002 2001 USEFUL LIVES
------------ ------------ ------------
Machinery, equipment and furniture........................ $ 5,448 $ 5,330 3-7 years
Leasehold improvements.................................... 1,696 1,781 Lease life
Computer equipment and accessories........................ 2,793 2,303 3-5 years
Computer software......................................... 4,112 4,588 3-5 years
------- -------
14,049 14,002
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization............ 11,377 10,370
------- -------
$ 2,672 $ 3,632
======= =======
NOTE C -- REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY
In September 2002, the Company entered into an Amended Credit and Security
Agreement with Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, National Association providing a
revolving line of credit up to $15.0 million, subject to an adequate borrowing
base, expiring in May 2005. The revolving line of credit is for working capital
and letters of credit. Letters of credit may not exceed $10.0 million at any one
time. Funding under the credit facility consists of a collateral base of 45% of
eligible inventory, plus 80% of eligible trade accounts receivable. Borrowings
bear interest at the bank's prime rate. The revolving credit line is
collateralized by substantially all of the assets of the Company.
All borrowings are subject to various covenants. The most restrictive
covenants include a limit on quarterly measurements of year-to-date earnings
(loss), minimum gross margin percentage, maximum days inventory levels (as
defined), maximum annual spending levels for capital assets and prohibits the
payment of dividends to shareholders. As of December 31, 2002, the Company was
in compliance with or had obtained waivers for all applicable covenants under
the revolving line of credit agreement.
The following is a summary of the credit facility (in thousands):
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
-------------------------------
2002 2001 2000
---- ---- ----
Borrowings at end of year................................... $ -- $ -- $ 5,225
Interest rate at end of year................................ 4.25% 6.0% 9.5%
Maximum month-end borrowing during the year................. $ -- $9,127 $18,679
Average daily borrowing during the year..................... $ -- $3,063 $15,132
Weighted average interest rate during the year.............. N/A 7.76% 9.47%
Outstanding letters of credit at end of year................ $2,619 $2,429 $ 1,868
28
THE SPORTSMAN'S GUIDE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE D -- INCOME TAXES
The provision for income tax expense (benefit) consists of the following
(in thousands):
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
---------------------------
2002 2001 2000
---- ---- ----
Current
Federal................................................... $ 3,337 $ 2,111 $(946)
State..................................................... 22 130 181
------- ------- -----
3,359 2,241 (765)
Deferred
Federal................................................... (1,049) (1,241) (170)
------- ------- -----
$ 2,310 $ 1,000 $(935)
======= ======= =====
Differences between income tax expense (benefit) and amounts derived by
applying the statutory federal income tax rate to earnings (loss) before income
taxes are as follows:
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
--------------------------
2002 2001 2000
---- ---- ----
U.S. federal statutory rate................................. 34.0% 34.0% (34.0)%
State taxes................................................. 0.3 2.3 4.0
Change in valuation allowance............................... -- (11.4) 10.4
Prior year over (under) accrual............................. 0.8 0.9 (2.4)
Other....................................................... 1.4 0.8 (0.7)
---- ----- -----
36.5% 26.6% (22.7)%
==== ===== =====
The components of deferred taxes consist of the following (in thousands):
DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31,
2002 2001
------------ ------------
Current deferred tax assets (liabilities):
Inventory................................................. $ 801 $ 673
Vacation accrual.......................................... 151 174
Returns reserve........................................... 591 485
Promotional material...................................... (188) (597)
Prepaid expenses.......................................... (216) (189)
Severance agreements...................................... -- 51
Deferred revenue.......................................... 1,038 694
Other..................................................... 232 191
------ ------
Deferred tax asset..................................... 2,409 1,482
Long-term deferred tax assets (liabilities):
Internally developed software............................. (872) (872)
Depreciation.............................................. 753 631
------ ------
Deferred tax liability................................. (119) (241)
------ ------
Net deferred tax asset................................. $2,290 $1,241
====== ======
29
THE SPORTSMAN'S GUIDE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE E -- COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
LEASE AND OTHER COMMITMENTS
The Company has several long-term operating leases and other commitments
related to building facilities, computer equipment, and long-distance telephone
services with varying terms as long as seven years.
At December 31, 2002, future minimum commitments under the above agreements
are as follows for the years ended December 31, (in thousands):
2003........................................................ $ 2,787
2004........................................................ 2,136
2005........................................................ 1,997
2006........................................................ 1,988
2007........................................................ 1,988
Thereafter.................................................. 2,486
-------
$13,382
=======
In August 2001, the Company exercised an option to lease an additional
100,000 square feet at the Farwell Avenue location effective December 2002. The
Company also exercised an option to renew its existing lease at the Farwell
Avenue location for another five years.
Rent expense was $2.5 million, $2.6 million and $2.8 million for the years
ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000.
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS
The Company has employment agreements with three of its officers. The
agreements contain various terms and conditions including a provision for the
officers to receive up to three years of base salary upon the occurrence of
certain events as defined in the agreement. The officers' agreements provide for
automatic annual renewal unless two months' prior written notice is provided by
the Company or the officer.
The Company has entered into an agreement with Gary Olen pursuant to which
Mr. Olen has granted the Company the exclusive right to use his name and
likeness and provides services to the Company. The agreement continues until
June 30, 2007 and is automatically renewed for additional one-year terms unless
either party gives one year's notice of non-renewal. The Company pays Mr. Olen
$50,000 per year under the agreement, subject to an annual cost of living
adjustment, plus benefits.
PROFIT SHARING PLAN
The Company has a 401(k) plan covering substantially all employees. The
Plan allows the Company to make discretionary matching contributions to the
plan. During 2002 and 2001, the Company made contributions of $110,000 and
$85,000.
OTHER
Several states, where the Company does not currently collect and remit
sales and use taxes, have attempted to enact legislation that seeks to require
out-of-state mail order companies to collect and remit such taxes. No
assessments have been made against the Company and, to its knowledge, none has
been threatened or is contemplated. The United States Supreme Court has held
that such taxes place an unconstitutional burden on interstate commerce, which
may only be resolved by actions of the United States Congress.
30
THE SPORTSMAN'S GUIDE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE E -- COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (CONTINUED)
The Company is not a party to any pending legal proceedings other than
litigation which is incidental to its business and which the Company believes
will not have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements.
NOTE F -- RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The Company purchased $0.6 million of inventory during the year ended
December 31, 2000 from companies partially owned by a director of the Company.
No such purchases were made in 2002 or 2001.
During 1998, the Company loaned $238,000 to an officer of the Company to be
repaid over five years with interest at 5.69% per annum. In April 2002, the
outstanding loan balance and accrued interest was paid in full.
NOTE G -- SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
The Company has 40,000,000 authorized shares; 200,000 of Series A Preferred
Stock, 36,800,000 of Common Stock and 3,000,000 undesignated shares.
STOCK OPTIONS
The Company has a stock option plan (the "1991 Plan") which provides
participating employees the right to purchase common stock of the Company
through incentive stock options. A total of 35,000 shares of common stock are
reserved for issuance under the 1991 Plan. Options issued under the 1991 Plan
are exercisable over a ten year period from the date of grant. At December 31,
2002, 23,000 options were outstanding, of which 19,250 options were exercisable.
The Company has a non-qualified stock option plan (the "1994 Plan") which
provides for the issuance of options to purchase up to 100,000 shares of the
Company's common stock to certain employees, contingent upon meeting certain
quarterly pre-tax earnings levels. Options under the 1994 Plan are exercisable
over a ten year period from the date of grant. At December 31, 2002, a total of
32,126 options were outstanding, all of which were exercisable.
The Company has an incentive stock option plan (the "1996 Plan") which
provides select key employees the right to purchase common stock of the Company
through the exercise of options granted. A total of 600,000 shares of common
stock are reserved for issuance under the 1996 Plan. Options issued under the
1996 Plan are exercisable over a ten year period from the date of grant. At
December 31, 2002, a total of 495,280 options were outstanding, of which 492,780
options were exercisable.
The Company has an incentive stock option plan (the "1999 Plan") which
provides select key employees the right to purchase common stock of the Company
through the exercise of options granted. A total of 600,000 shares of common
stock are reserved for issuance under the 1999 Plan. Options issued under the
1999 Plan are exercisable over a ten year period from the date of grant. At
December 31, 2002, a total of 500,000 options were outstanding, of which 83,333
were exercisable.
31
THE SPORTSMAN'S GUIDE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE G -- SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (CONTINUED)
The following applies to options that are outstanding at December 31, 2002:
WEIGHTED WEIGHTED
WEIGHTED AVERAGE AVERAGE AVERAGE
NUMBER REMAINING EXERCISE NUMBER EXERCISE
RANGE OF EXERCISE PRICES OUTSTANDING CONTRACTUAL LIFE PRICE EXERCISABLE PRICE
------------------------ ----------- ---------------- -------- ----------- --------
$0.94................................. 15,000 8 years $0.94 11,250 $0.94
$2.50 -- $3.70........................ 342,180 8 years $2.85 175,513 $2.75
$3.94 -- $5.88........................ 173,776 5 years $4.82 171,276 $4.83
$6.50 -- $8.70........................ 519,450 8 years $6.70 269,450 $6.65
--------- -------
1,050,406 627,489
========= =======
A summary of the stock option transactions during the years ended December
31, 2002, 2001 and 2000 is as follows:
2002 2001 2000
--------------------- ------------------- -------------------
WEIGHTED WEIGHTED WEIGHTED
AVERAGE AVERAGE AVERAGE
EXERCISE EXERCISE EXERCISE
SHARES PRICE SHARES PRICE SHARES PRICE
------ -------- ------ -------- ------ --------
Outstanding at beginning of year..... 807,156 $4.52 580,856 $5.24 617,069 $5.34
Granted............................ 250,000 6.75 250,000 2.95 25,000 2.14
Exercised.......................... (5,000) 4.53 -- -- (1,000) 2.50
Canceled........................... (1,750) 6.30 (5,275) 6.40 (23,200) 5.48
Expired............................ -- -- (18,425) 5.34 (37,013) 4.71
--------- ----- ------- ----- ------- -----
Outstanding at end of year........... 1,050,406 $5.05 807,156 $4.52 580,856 $5.24
========= ===== ======= ===== ======= =====
Options exercisable at end of year... 627,489 $4.96 525,156 $5.25 456,456 $5.10
========= ===== ======= ===== ======= =====
Weighted average fair value of
options granted during the year.... $6.00 $2.66 $1.88
WARRANTS
In connection with a public offering of common stock in 1998, warrants to
purchase 100,000 shares of common stock at $8.45 per share were issued. The
warrants are exercisable immediately and expire February 2003. At December 31,
2002, 100,000 warrants were outstanding, all of which were exercisable.
NOTE H -- ADVERTISING EXPENSE
Selling, general and administrative expenses include advertising expenses
of $30.1 million, $30.8 million and $31.3 million for the years ended December
31, 2002, 2001 and 2000.
32
THE SPORTSMAN'S GUIDE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE I -- INTERIM FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)
The following table provides certain unaudited financial information for
each of the quarters shown:
FIRST QUARTER SECOND QUARTER THIRD QUARTER FOURTH QUARTER
------------- -------------- ------------- --------------
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
2002
Sales..................................... $41,631 $34,928 $36,946 $66,785
Gross profit.............................. 13,469 10,688 11,389 24,037
Earnings from operations.................. 1,216 494 366 4,549
Net earnings.............................. 784 317 269 2,647
Net diluted earnings per share............ .16 .06 .05 .53
2001
Sales..................................... $38,931 $31,796 $36,472 $62,476
Gross profit.............................. 11,740 10,480 11,897 22,472
Earnings (loss) from operations........... (14) (138) 9 4,482
Net earnings (loss)....................... (167) (207) (124) 3,251
Net diluted earnings (loss) per share..... (.04) (.04) (.03) .68
During the fourth quarter of 2001, the Company recorded an income tax
benefit of $427,000 related to the reversal of a previously established deferred
tax asset valuation allowance.
33
THE SPORTSMAN'S GUIDE, INC.
SCHEDULE II
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
COLUMN A COLUMN B COLUMN C COLUMN D COLUMN E
- --------------------------- ---------- --------------------------------- ------------ -------------
ADDITIONS
---------------------------------
(1) (2)
BALANCE AT CHARGED TO: CHARGED TO:
BEGINNING COSTS AND OTHER ACCOUNTS-- DEDUCTIONS-- BALANCE AT
DESCRIPTION OF PERIOD EXPENSES DESCRIBE DESCRIBE* END OF PERIOD
- --------------------------- ---------- ----------- ---------------- ------------ -------------
(IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)
RETURNS RESERVE
December 31, 2002........ $1,402 $ 9,040 $-- $ 8,704 $1,738
December 31, 2001........ 681 10,173 -- 9,452 1,402
December 31, 2000........ 1,180 9,528 -- 10,027 681
- -------------------------
* Represents actual returns from customers.
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
34
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
The information required by this Item 10 is set forth under "Election of
Directors" and "Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance" in the
Proxy Statement for our Annual Meeting of Shareholders on May 2, 2003 and is
incorporated herein by reference, except for certain information concerning our
executive officers which is set forth in Part I of this report.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information required by this Item 11 is set forth under "Executive
Compensation" in the Proxy Statement for our Annual Meeting of Shareholders on
May 2, 2003 and is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND
RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The information required by this Item 12 is set forth under "Security
Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management" in the Proxy Statement
for our Annual Meeting of Shareholders on May 2, 2003 and is incorporated herein
by reference.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
The information required by this Item 13 is set forth under "Certain
Relationships and Related Transactions" and "Compensation Committee Interlocks
and Insider Participation" in the Proxy Statement for our Annual Meeting of
Shareholders on May 2, 2003 and is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 14. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Within 90 days prior to the filing of this report, the Company carried out
an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company's
management, including the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial
Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company's
disclosure controls and procedures. Based on that evaluation, the Chief
Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company's
disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information
required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and
reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange
Commission's rules and forms.
There were no significant changes in the Company's internal controls or in
other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to
the date of their evaluation.
35
PART IV
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(A) 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The following financial statements of the Company are included herein
at Item 8.
Report of Independent Certified Public Accountants
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2002 and 2001
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December
31, 2002, 2001 and 2000
Consolidate Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity for the
years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December
31, 2002, 2001 and 2000
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
2. FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
The following financial statement schedule of the Company is included
herein at Item 8.
Schedule II--Valuation and Qualifying Accounts for the years ended
December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000
3. EXHIBITS
See Exhibit Index at page 40 of this report.
(B) REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
No reports on Form 8-K were filed during the quarter ended December 31,
2002.
36
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on
its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
THE SPORTSMAN'S GUIDE, INC.
By /s/ GREGORY R. BINKLEY
--------------------------------------
Gregory R. Binkley
Date: March 20, 2003 President and Chief Executive Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this
report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the
registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
SIGNATURE CAPACITY DATE
--------- -------- ----
/s/ GREGORY R. BINKLEY President, Chief Executive
- --------------------------------------------- Officer and Director
Gregory R. Binkley (principal executive officer)
/s/ CHARLES B. LINGEN Executive Vice President of
- --------------------------------------------- Finance and Administration,
Charles B. Lingen Chief Financial Officer, March 20, 2003
Secretary/Treasurer and
Director (principal financial
and accounting officer)
GARY OLEN* Chairman of the Board and
- --------------------------------------------- Director
Gary Olen
VINCENT W. SHIEL* Director
- ---------------------------------------------
Vincent W. Shiel
LEONARD M. PALETZ* Director
- ---------------------------------------------
Leonard M. Paletz
WILLIAM T. SENA* Director
- ---------------------------------------------
William T. Sena
JAY A. LEITCH* Director
- ---------------------------------------------
Jay A. Leitch
*By /s/ GREGORY R. BINKLEY
---------------------------------------
Gregory R. Binkley,
Attorney-In-Fact
37
CERTIFICATIONS
I, Gregory R. Binkley, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of The Sportsman's
Guide, Inc.;
2. Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue
statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to
make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such
statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by
this annual report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial
information included in this annual report, fairly present in all material
respects the financial condition, results of operation and cash flows of
the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this annual report;
4. The registrant's other certifying officers and I are responsible for
establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined
in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and have:
a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that
material information relating to the registrant, including its
consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those
entities, particularly during the period in which this annual report is
being prepared;
b) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure
controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing
date of this annual report (the "Evaluation Date"); and
c) Presented in this annual report our conclusions about the
effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our
evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;
5. The registrant's other certifying officers and I have disclosed,
based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant's auditors and the
audit committee of registrant's board of directors (or persons performing
the equivalent functions):
a) All significant deficiencies in the design or operation of
internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant's ability
to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have
identified for the registrant's auditors any material weaknesses in
internal controls; and
b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or
other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal
controls; and
6. The registrant's other certifying officers and I have indicated in
this annual report whether there were significant changes in internal
controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal
controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including
any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material
weaknesses.
Date: March 20, 2003
By: /s/ GREGORY R. BINKLEY
----------------------------------
Gregory R. Binkley
President and Chief Executive
Officer
38
I, Charles B. Lingen, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of The Sportsman's
Guide, Inc.;
2. Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue
statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to
make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such
statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by
this annual report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial
information included in this annual report, fairly present in all material
respects the financial condition, results of operation and cash flows of
the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this annual report;
4. The registrant's other certifying officers and I are responsible for
establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined
in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and have:
a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that
material information relating to the registrant, including its
consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those
entities, particularly during the period in which this annual report is
being prepared;
b) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure
controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing
date of this annual report (the "Evaluation Date"); and
c) Presented in this annual report our conclusions about the
effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our
evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;
5. The registrant's other certifying officers and I have disclosed,
based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant's auditors and the
audit committee of registrant's board of directors (or persons performing
the equivalent functions):
a) All significant deficiencies in the design or operation of
internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant's ability
to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have
identified for the registrant's auditors any material weaknesses in
internal controls; and
b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or
other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal
controls; and
6. The registrant's other certifying officers and I have indicated in
this annual report whether there were significant changes in internal
controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal
controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including
any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material
weaknesses.
Date: March 20, 2003
By: /s/ CHARLES B. LINGEN
----------------------------------
Charles B. Lingen
Executive Vice President of
Finance and
Administration and Chief Financial
Officer
39
EXHIBIT INDEX
EXHIBIT DESCRIPTION PAGE
- ------- ----------- ----
3.1 Restated Articles of Incorporation as restated through March
5, 1997 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Form
10-K for the year ended December 27, 1996, File No. 0-15767)
3.2 Bylaws (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to Form
S-18 Registration Statement No. 33-4496C filed April 1,
1986)
4.1 Specimen of the Company's Common Stock certificate
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Amendment No. 1
to Form S-18 Registration Statement No. 33-4496C filed May
8, 1986)
4.2 Rights Agreement dated as of May 11, 1999 between the
Company and Norwest Bank Minnesota, N.A., as Rights Agent
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Form 8-K dated
May 11, 1999)
10.1 Letter of agreement between Vincent W. Shiel and the Company
dated September 8, 1989 (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 19.1 to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September
29, 1989)
10.2* The Company's 1991 Incentive Stock Option Plan (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to Form 10-K for the year
ended December 27, 1991)
10.3 Industrial Real Estate Lease between the Company and CB
Commercial Real Estate Group, Inc. dated April 22, 1993
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20 to Form 10-K for
the year ended December 31, 1993)
10.4 Amendment to Industrial Real Estate Lease between the
Company and American Real Estate Holdings, L.P. dated
February 23, 1998 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1
to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 28, 1998)
10.5 Industrial Real Estate Lease between the Company and AMB
Property, L.P. as amended May 24, 1999 (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
July 4, 1999)
10.6 Amended and Restated Credit and Security Agreement by and
among the Company, The Sportsman's Guide Outlet, Inc. and
Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, National Association dated
September 5, 2002 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1
to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2002)
10.7* Form of Stock Option Agreement pursuant to the Company's
1994 Non-Qualified Performance Option Plan (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.16 to Form 10-K for the year ended
December 27, 1996)
10.8* The Company's 1996 Stock Option Plan (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.17 to Form 10-K for the year ended
December 27, 1996)
10.9* Form of Employment Agreement with members of senior
management (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to
Amendment No. 1 to Form S-2 Registration Statement No.
333-31111 filed January 2, 1998)
10.10* Agreement between the Company and Gary Olen dated June 28,
2002 for the use of name, likeness and services
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 10-Q for
the quarter ended June 30, 2002)
10.11* Description of 1997 Senior Management Stock Option Plan
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to Form 10-K for
the year ended December 28, 1997)
10.12* The Company's 1999 Stock Option Plan (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.16 to Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1999)
40
EXHIBIT DESCRIPTION PAGE
- ------- ----------- ----
10.13* The Sportsman's Guide, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan
effective September 1, 2002 (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.2 to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September
30, 2002)
10.14* Consulting Agreement dated December 31, 2002 between the
Company and Outdoor Consulting, Inc.
21.1 Subsidiaries of the Company
23.1 Consent of Grant Thornton LLP
24.1 Powers of Attorney of each person whose name is signed to
this report pursuant to a power of attorney
99 Risk Factors (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99 to
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001)
Those exhibits marked with an asterisk (*) above constitute management
contracts or compensatory plans or arrangements for management and executive
officers of the Company.
41