FORM 10-K: GAMESTOP CORP.
 



UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549


Form 10-K

FOR ANNUAL AND TRANSITION REPORTS
PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

            þ  ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended February 2, 2002

            o  TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from                          to                          

Commission File No. 1-31228


GameStop Corp.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its Charter)
     
Delaware   75-2951347
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  (I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
 
2250 William D. Tate Avenue, Grapevine, Texas   76051
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (817) 424-2000

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

     
(Title of Class) (Name of Exchange on which registered)


Class A Common Stock, $.001 par value per share   New York Stock Exchange

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

      Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.     Yes þ     o

      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.     o

      The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was approximately $384,886,728 based upon the closing market price of $18.50 per share of Class A Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange as of April 11, 2002.

      Number of shares of $.001 par value Class A Common Stock outstanding as of April 11, 2002: 20,804,688

      Number of shares of $.001 par value Class B Common Stock outstanding as of April 11, 2002: 36,009,000




 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

             
Page

PART I
Item 1.
  Business     1  
Item 2.
  Properties     15  
Item 3.
  Legal Proceedings     15  
Item 4.
  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders     15  
PART II
Item 5.
  Market for Registrant’s Common Stock and Related Stockholder Matters     16  
Item 6.
  Selected Consolidated Financial Data     16  
Item 7.
  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations     19  
Item 7A.
  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk     27  
Item 8.
  Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data     27  
Item 9.
  Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure     27  
PART III
Item 10.
  Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant     27  
Item 11.
  Executive Compensation     30  
Item 12.
  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management     34  
Item 13.
  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions     35  
PART IV
Item 14.
  Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K     39  
SIGNATURES     41  
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS     F-1  
EXHIBITS     E-1  


 

PART I

Item 1.     Business

General

      GameStop Corp. (GameStop or the Company) is the largest video game and PC entertainment software specialty retailer in the United States, based on the number of stores we operate and our total revenues. We carry one of the largest assortments of new and used video game hardware, video game software and accessories, PC entertainment software, and related products, including action figures, trading cards and strategy guides. We operate 1,038 stores in the United States, Puerto Rico and Guam. We currently operate our stores under the GameStop, Babbage’s, Software Etc. and FuncoLand names and are in the process of rebranding most of our stores under the GameStop name. We carry a constantly changing selection of more than 2,800 stock keeping units (SKUs) of electronic game merchandise in most stores. In addition, we operate a web site at gamestop.com and publish Game Informer, one of the industry’s largest circulation multi-platform video game magazines, with over 500,000 subscribers.

      Of our 1,038 stores, 542 stores are located in shopping malls and other locations and 496 stores are located in strip centers. Our mall stores, which average approximately 1,200 square feet, carry primarily new video game hardware, video game software and accessories, which we refer to as video game products, and PC entertainment software, as well as a limited selection of used video game products. Our strip center stores, which average approximately 1,500 square feet, carry a balanced mix of new and used video game products and, in selected stores, PC entertainment software. Our used video game products provide a unique value proposition to our customers, and our purchasing of video game products provides our customers with an opportunity to trade in their used video game products for store credits and apply those credits towards other merchandise, which, in turn, drives more sales.

      Prior to February 12, 2002, we were a wholly-owned subsidiary of Barnes & Noble, Inc (Barnes & Noble). On February 12, 2002, we completed an initial public offering of shares of our Class A common stock at a price of $18.00 per share, raising net proceeds of approximately $348.0 million. A portion of those proceeds was used to repay $250.0 million of our indebtedness to Barnes & Noble, with Barnes & Noble contributing the remaining $150.0 million of indebtedness to the Company as additional paid-in-capital. The balance of the proceeds (approximately $98.0 million) is being used for working capital and general corporate purposes. Currently, Barnes & Noble owns approximately 63.4% of the outstanding shares of our capital stock through its ownership of 100% of our Class B common stock, which represents 94.5% of the combined voting power of all classes of our voting stock.

Risk Factors

Risks Related To Our Business

     We depend upon the timely delivery of products.

      We depend on major hardware manufacturers to deliver new and existing video game platforms on a timely basis and in anticipated quantities. In addition, we depend on software publishers to introduce new and updated software titles. Any material delay in the introduction or delivery of hardware platforms or software titles could result in reduced sales in one or more fiscal quarters.

     We depend upon third parties to develop products and software.

      Our business depends upon the continued development of new and enhanced video game platforms, PC hardware and video game and PC entertainment software. Our business could suffer due to the failure of manufacturers to develop new or enhanced video game platforms, a decline in the continued technological development and use of multimedia PCs, or the failure of software publishers to develop popular game and entertainment titles for current or future generation video game systems or PC hardware.

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      Our ability to obtain favorable terms from our suppliers may impact our financial results.

      Our financial results depend significantly upon the business terms we can obtain from our suppliers, including competitive prices, unsold product return policies, advertising and market development allowances, freight charges and payment terms. We purchase substantially all of our products directly from manufacturers, software publishers and approximately five distributors. Our largest vendors are Sony Computer Entertainment of America, Inc., Microsoft Corporation and Electronic Arts, Inc., which accounted for 25%, 11%, and 11%, respectively, of our purchases in fiscal 2001 (the 52-week period ended February 2, 2002). If our suppliers do not provide us with favorable business terms, we may not be able to offer products to our customers at competitive prices.

 
      The video game system and software product industries are cyclical, which could cause significant fluctuation in our earnings.

      The electronic game industry has been cyclical in nature in response to the introduction and maturation of new technology. Following the introduction of new video game platforms, sales of these platforms and related software and accessories generally increase due to initial demand, while sales of older platforms and related products generally decrease as customers migrate towards the new platforms. New video game platforms have historically been introduced approximately every five years. If video game platform manufacturers fail to develop new hardware platforms, our sales of video game products could decline.

 
      An adverse trend in sales during the holiday selling season could impact our financial results.

      Our business, like that of many specialty retailers, is seasonal, with the major portion of our sales and operating profit realized during the fourth fiscal quarter, which includes the holiday selling season. During fiscal 2001, we generated approximately 46% of our sales and substantially all of our operating earnings during the fourth quarter. In addition, we have historically experienced net losses in each of our first three fiscal quarters. Any adverse trend in sales during the holiday selling season could lower our results of operations for the fourth quarter and the entire year.

 
      Our results of operations may fluctuate from quarter to quarter, which could result in a lower price for our Class A common stock.

      Our results of operations may fluctuate from quarter to quarter depending upon several factors, most of which are beyond our control. These factors include:

  •  the timing of new product releases;
 
  •  the timing of new store openings; and
 
  •  shifts in the timing of certain promotions.

      These and other factors could affect our business, financial condition and results of operations, and this makes the prediction of our financial results on a quarterly basis difficult. Also, it is possible that our quarterly financial results may be below the expectations of public market analysts and investors.

 
      Our failure to effectively manage new store openings could lower our sales and profitability.

      Our growth strategy is largely dependent upon opening new stores and operating them profitably. We opened 74 stores in fiscal 2001 and expect to open approximately 150 to 200 new stores in fiscal 2002 (the 52-week period ending February 1, 2003). Our ability to open new stores and operate them profitably depends upon a number of factors, some of which may be beyond our control. These factors include:

  •  the ability to identify new store locations, negotiate suitable leases and build out the stores in a timely and cost efficient manner;
 
  •  the ability to hire and train skilled associates; and
 
  •  the ability to integrate new stores into our existing operations.

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      Our growth will also depend on our ability to process increased merchandise volume resulting from new store openings through our inventory management systems and distribution facility in a timely manner. If we fail to manage new store openings in a timely and cost efficient manner, our growth may decrease.

 
      Pressure from our competitors may force us to reduce our prices or increase spending, which could decrease our profitability.

      The electronic game industry is intensely competitive and subject to rapid changes in consumer preferences and frequent new product introductions. We compete with mass merchants and regional chains, including Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., Target Corporation and Kmart Corporation; other video game and PC software specialty stores located in malls and other locations, including Electronics Boutique Holdings Corp.; toy retail chains, including Toys “R’ Us, Inc. and KB Holdings, L.L.C.; mail-order businesses; catalogs; direct sales by software publishers; online retailers; and computer product and consumer electronics superstores, including Best Buy Co., Inc. and Circuit City Stores, Inc. Best Buy has acquired Musicland, Inc., a music retail chain with over 1,300 stores primarily located in shopping malls. Our sales may decline to the extent Best Buy substantially increases the availability of video game products in these music stores. In addition, video games are available for rental from many video stores, who, we anticipate, may increase the availability of video game products for sale. Video game products may also be distributed through other methods which may emerge in the future. We also compete with sellers of used video game products. Some of our competitors in the electronic game industry have longer operating histories and may have greater financial resources than we do. Additionally, we compete with other forms of entertainment activities, including movies, television, theater, sporting events and family entertainment centers. If we lose customers to our competitors or if we reduce our prices or increase our spending to maintain our customers, we may be less profitable.

 
      International events could delay or prevent the delivery of products to our suppliers.

      Our suppliers rely on foreign sources, primarily in Asia, to manufacture a significant portion of the products we purchase from them. As a result, any event causing a disruption of imports, including the imposition of import restrictions or trade restrictions in the form of tariffs or quotas, could increase the cost and reduce the supply of products available to us, which could lower our sales and profitability.

 
      If we are unable to renew or enter into new leases on favorable terms, our revenue growth may decline.

      All of our retail stores are located in leased premises. If the cost of leasing existing stores increases, we cannot assure you that we will be able to maintain our existing store locations as leases expire. In addition, we may not be able to enter into new leases on favorable terms or at all, or we may not be able to locate suitable alternative sites or additional sites for new store expansion in a timely manner. Our revenues and earnings may decline if we fail to maintain existing store locations, enter into new leases, locate alternative sites or find additional sites for new store expansion.

 
      The ability to download video games and play video games on the Internet could lower our sales.

      While it is currently not possible to download video game software onto existing video game platforms over the Internet, at some point in the future this technology may become available. A limited selection of PC entertainment software may currently be purchased for download over the Internet, and as technology advances, a broader selection of PC entertainment software may become available for purchase and download. If advances in technology continue to expand our customers’ ability to access software through these and other sources, our customers may no longer choose to purchase video games or PC entertainment software in our stores. As a result, our sales and earnings could decline.

 
      The terms of our credit facility could restrict our operational flexibility.

      We are subject to operational and financial covenants and other restrictions under our revolving credit facility. The covenants place restrictions on our ability to, among other things, incur more debt or create liens on our assets, merge or consolidate with others, make acquisitions and investments, dispose of assets, pay

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dividends, and enter into transactions with affiliates. These covenants could limit our operational flexibility and restrict our ability to borrow additional funds, if necessary, to finance operations. In addition, our credit facility includes a number of covenants relating to financial ratios.

      Failure to comply with these operational and financial covenants could result in an event of default under the terms of the credit facility which, if not cured or waived, could result in the borrowed amounts becoming due and payable. In addition, our obligations under the credit facility are secured by all assets owned by us and our subsidiaries. An event of default under the credit facility would permit the lenders to proceed directly against those assets.

     We depend upon our key personnel and they would be difficult to replace.

      Our success depends upon our ability to attract, motivate and retain key management for our stores and skilled merchandising, marketing and administrative personnel at our headquarters. We depend upon the continued services of our executive officers, R. Richard Fontaine, our Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, Daniel A. DeMatteo, our President and Chief Operating Officer, David W. Carlson, our Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, and John W. Woodson, President of Strip Center Stores. We do not have employment contracts with any of our key personnel. The loss of services of any of our key personnel could have a negative impact on our business.

Risks Related to our Relationship with Barnes & Noble

 
      Barnes & Noble’s control of our company could increase the difficulty of our acquisition by another company, even if such acquisition would be beneficial.

      Barnes & Noble owns 100% of our outstanding Class B common stock, which represents 94.5% of the combined voting power of all classes of our voting stock. In addition, some of the members of our board of directors (currently a majority) also serve as directors of Barnes & Noble. As a result, Barnes & Noble has control over us, the election of our board of directors and our management and policies. Barnes & Noble also has control over all matters requiring stockholder approval, including the amendment of certain provisions of our certificate of incorporation and by-laws and the approval of fundamental corporate transactions, including mergers. In light of this control, other companies could be discouraged from initiating a potential merger, takeover or any other transaction resulting in a change of control. Such a transaction potentially could be beneficial to our business or to our stockholders. This may in turn reduce the price that investors are willing to pay in the future for shares of our Class A common stock.

     Any conflict of interest between us and Barnes & Noble could hurt our business or prospects.

      There is a possibility that conflicts of interest will arise between Barnes & Noble and us in various areas pertaining to our past and ongoing relationships. Potential factors that may create a conflict of interest between Barnes & Noble and us are:

  •  some of the members of our board of directors (currently a majority) also sit on Barnes & Noble’s board of directors, which could result in Barnes & Noble’s interests being prioritized over our interests; and
 
  •  our directors currently have, or may have in the future, an equity interest in Barnes & Noble, which could affect their decisions in resolving potential conflicts between us and Barnes & Noble.

      In addition, Leonard Riggio, one of our directors, is the Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and a principal stockholder of Barnes & Noble. As of March 31, 2002, Mr. Riggio beneficially owned approximately 21.4% of the outstanding common stock of Barnes & Noble. Mr. Riggio also currently has options to acquire approximately 7.3% of our outstanding common stock. As a result, Mr. Riggio may have substantial control over the management and affairs of our company.

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      Barnes & Noble is under no obligation to resolve any potential conflicts between it and us in a manner that is favorable to us, and we cannot guarantee that the resolution of such conflicts would not adversely impact our business or prospects.

 
      If Barnes & Noble distributes our shares of Class B common stock in a tax-free distribution, the Class A common stock may trade at a lower price than the Class B common stock.

      If Barnes & Noble distributes our Class B common stock to its stockholders in a tax-free distribution, we will have two separate classes of publicly traded common stock. Following a tax-free distribution of the Class B common stock, the Class B common stockholders will continue to exercise voting control over us. This could result in less liquidity for either class of our common stock than if there were only one class of common stock and could result in the market price of our Class A common stock being lower than the market price of our Class B common stock.

 
      The limited voting rights of our Class A common stock could impact its attractiveness to investors and its liquidity and as a result, its market value.

      The holders of our Class A and Class B common stock generally have identical rights, except that holders of our Class A common stock are entitled to one vote per share and holders of our Class B common stock are entitled to ten votes per share on all matters to be voted on by stockholders. The difference in the voting rights of the Class A and Class B common stock could diminish the value of the Class A common stock to the extent that investors or any potential future purchasers of our Class A common stock ascribe value to the superior voting rights of the Class B common stock.

 
      Our ability to issue common stock may be hampered because of our relationship with Barnes & Noble, which may interfere with our ability to grow our business.

      Barnes & Noble may wish to maintain until October 2004 or thereafter its current ownership of our Class B common stock in order to qualify for a tax-free distribution of such stock to its stockholders. Barnes & Noble owns 100% of the outstanding Class B common stock, which represents 94.5% of the combined voting power of all classes of our voting stock. It may be difficult for us to issue common stock in the future because of Barnes & Noble’s control of us. In addition, we have entered into a separation agreement with Barnes & Noble that restricts our ability to issue equity securities or securities convertible into equity securities if the effect of the issuance would be to preclude a tax-free distribution by Barnes & Noble to its stockholders or our consolidation with Barnes & Noble for its financial reporting purposes. If we are unable to issue common stock, we may be unable to raise additional capital, which we may need to fund our business.

 
      Certain affiliate agreements we have with Barnes & Noble could prevent us from or increase our cost in taking certain actions.

      We have entered into various agreements with Barnes & Noble, including a separation agreement, an insurance agreement, an operating agreement, a tax disaffiliation agreement and a registration rights agreement. Because of our current status as a majority-owned subsidiary of Barnes & Noble, these agreements, or some of our future intercompany agreements with Barnes & Noble, may not be the result of arms’ length negotiations. For example, these agreements may contain terms and conditions that are less favorable to us than we could have obtained from independent third parties, and may prevent change of control attempts that are beneficial to our stockholders and restrict our ability to take certain business actions, such as selling our assets or business or issuing additional shares of our common stock.

     A change of control may result if Barnes & Noble defaults on its credit facility.

      Barnes & Noble has pledged to its lenders its ownership interest in the entity that owns our shares of common stock as collateral for its credit facility. If Barnes & Noble defaults on its credit facility, our common stock owned by Barnes & Noble could be transferred to its lenders or sold to third parties. There can be no assurance that any new owner will have the qualifications or ability to successfully operate our business.

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Industry Background

      According to NPD Group, Inc., a market research firm, the electronic game industry was approximately an $11.0 billion market in the United States in 2001. Of this $11.0 billion market, approximately $9.4 billion was attributable to video game products, excluding sales of used video game products, and approximately $1.6 billion was attributable to PC entertainment software.

      New Video Game Products. Industry experts believe that the electronic game industry is at the beginning stage of a new expansion cycle. International Data Corporation, or IDC, an industry forecaster, forecasts that domestic sales of new video game products will increase at a compound annual growth rate of approximately 47.5% over the next three years. In addition, Interactive Digital Software Association, or IDSA, estimates that 60% of all Americans, or approximately 145 million people, play video or computer games on a regular basis. We expect the following trends to result in increased sales of video game products:

  •  Hardware Platform Technology Evolution. Video game hardware has evolved significantly from the early products launched in the 1980’s. The processing speed of video game hardware has increased from 8-bit speeds in the 1980’s to 128-bit speeds in next-generation systems such as Sony PlayStation 2, launched in 2000, and Nintendo GameCube and Microsoft Xbox, which both launched in November 2001. In addition, portable handheld video game devices have evolved from the 8-bit Nintendo Game Boy to the 32-bit Game Boy Advance, which was introduced in June 2001. Technological developments in both chip processing speed and data storage have provided significant improvements in advanced graphics and audio quality, which allow software developers to create more advanced games, encourage existing players to upgrade their hardware platforms and attract new video game players to purchase an initial system. As general computer technology advances, we expect video game technology to make similar advances.
 
  •  Next-generation Systems Provide Multiple Capabilities Beyond Gaming. Many next-generation hardware platforms, including Sony PlayStation 2 and Microsoft Xbox, utilize a DVD software format and have the potential to serve as multi-purpose entertainment centers by doubling as a player for DVD movies and compact discs. In addition, Sony PlayStation 2 and Microsoft Xbox are expected to provide Internet connectivity.
 
  •  Backward Compatibility. Sony PlayStation 2 and Nintendo Game Boy Advance are both backward compatible, meaning that titles produced for the earlier version of the hardware platform may be used on the new hardware platform. We believe that backward compatibility may result in more stable industry growth because the decrease in consumer demand for products associated with existing hardware platforms that typically precedes the release of next-generation hardware platforms may be diminished.
 
  •  Introduction of Next-generation Hardware Platforms Drives Software Demand. Sales of video game software generally increase as next-generation platforms mature and gain wider acceptance. Historically, when a new platform is released, a limited number of compatible game titles are immediately available, but the selection grows rapidly as manufacturers and third-party publishers develop and release game titles for that new platform. For example, when Sony PlayStation 2 was released in October 2000, approximately 30 game titles were available for sale. By January 2002, approximately 220 game titles for the Sony PlayStation 2 platform were available for sale.
 
  •  Broadening Demographic Appeal. While the typical electronic game enthusiast is male between the ages of 14 and 34, the electronic game industry is broadening its appeal. More females are playing electronic video games, in part due to the development of video game products that appeal to them. According to IDSA, approximately 43% of all electronic game players currently are female. More adults are also playing video games as a portion of the population that played video games in their childhood continue to play and advance to the next-generation video game products. In addition, the availability of used video game products for sale has enabled a lower-economic demographic, that may not have been able to afford the considerably more expensive new video game products, to participate in the video game industry.

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      PC Entertainment Software. IDC forecasts that domestic sales of PC entertainment software will increase at a compound annual growth rate of 7.9% over the next three years. PC entertainment software is generally sold in the form of CD-ROMs and played on multimedia PCs featuring fast processors, expanded memories, and enhanced graphics and audio capabilities.

      Used Video Game Market. As the installed base of video game hardware platforms has increased and new hardware platforms are introduced, a growing used video game market has evolved in the United States. Based on reports published by NPD, management believes that, as of November 2001, the installed base of video game hardware systems in the United States, based on original sales, totaled over 109.4 million units, including approximately 25.7 million Sony PlayStation units, 4.1 million Sega Dreamcast units, 17.8 million Nintendo 64 units, 20.9 million Nintendo Game Boy and Game Boy Color units, and approximately 40.9 million total units of Sega Genesis and Super Nintendo systems, which are no longer being manufactured. Hardware manufacturers and third-party software publishers produce a wide variety of software titles for each of these hardware platforms. Based on internal company estimates, management believes that the installed base of video game software units in the United States totals over 500 million units.

Business Strategy

      Our goal is to enhance our position as the nation’s largest specialty retailer of new and used video game products and PC entertainment software by focusing on the following strategies:

      Targeting a Broad Audience of Game Players. We have created a store environment targeting a broad audience including the electronic game enthusiast, the casual gamer and the seasonal gift giver. Our mall stores primarily focus on the electronic game enthusiast who demands the latest merchandise featuring the “hottest” technology immediately on the day of release. Our strip center stores also serve the electronic game enthusiast, but focus on serving the value-oriented customer by offering a wide selection of value-priced used video game products and the opportunity to trade in used video game products in exchange for store credits applicable to future purchases, which, in turn, drives more sales.

      Enhancing our Image as a Destination Location. Our stores serve as destination locations for game players due to our broad selection of products, knowledgeable sales associates, game oriented environment and unique pricing proposition. We offer all major video game platforms, provide a broad assortment of video game products and offer a larger and more current selection of merchandise than other retailers. We provide a high level of customer service by hiring game enthusiasts and providing them with ongoing sales training, as well as training in the latest technical and functional elements of our products and services. Our stores are equipped with several video game sampling areas, which provide our customers the opportunity to play games before purchase, as well as equipment to play video game clips.

      Providing a First-to-Market Distribution Network. We employ a variety of rapid-response distribution methods in our efforts to be the first to market for new video game products and PC entertainment software. We strive to deliver popular new releases to selected stores within hours of release and to all of our stores within 24 hours of release. This highly efficient distribution network is essential as a significant portion of a new title’s sales will be generated in the first few days and weeks following its release. As the largest specialty retailer of video game products and PC entertainment software, with a proven capability to distribute new releases to our customers quickly, our management believes that we regularly receive a disproportionately large allocation of popular new video game products and PC entertainment software. On a daily basis, we actively monitor sales trends, customer reservations and store manager feedback to ensure a high in-stock position for each store. To assure our customers immediate access to new releases, we offer our customers the opportunity to pre-order products in our stores or through our web site prior to their release.

      Offering the Largest Selection of Used Video Game Products. We are the nation’s leading provider and carry the broadest selection of used video game products for both current and previous generation platforms. We are one of the only retailers that provide video game software for previous generation platforms, giving us a unique advantage in the video game retail industry. The opportunity to trade in and purchase used video game products offers our customers a unique value proposition unavailable at mass merchants, toy stores and consumer electronic retailers. We obtain most of our used video game products from trade-ins made in our

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stores by our customers. Used video game products generate significantly higher gross margins than new video game products.

      Rebranding our Stores with the GameStop Name. We currently operate stores under the GameStop, Babbage’s, Software Etc. and FuncoLand names. We have initiated a rebranding strategy under which all new stores opened since December 2000 operate under the GameStop name and existing stores in targeted markets are being rebranded under the GameStop name. We have completed rebranding our stores in Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, Seattle, and Philadelphia. At the end of fiscal 2001, we operated approximately 250 stores under the GameStop name and we intend to continue to rebrand most of our stores. Rebranding to a single GameStop name enables us to leverage brand awareness and to capture advertising and marketing efficiencies. Our rebranding strategy is further supported by the GameStop loyalty card and our web site. The GameStop loyalty card, which is obtained as a bonus with a paid subscription to our Game Informer magazine, offers customers discounts on selected merchandise in our stores. Our web site allows our customers to buy games on-line and to learn about the latest video game products and PC entertainment software and their availability in our stores.

      Investing in our Information Systems and Distribution Capabilities. We employ sophisticated and fully-integrated inventory management, store-level point of sale and financial systems and a centralized state-of-the-art distribution facility. These systems enable us to maximize the efficiency of the flow of over 2,800 SKUs, improve store efficiency, optimize store in-stock positions, and carry a broad selection of inventory. Our proprietary inventory management system enables us to maximize sales of new release titles and avoid markdowns as titles mature and utilizes electronic point-of-sale equipment that provides corporate headquarters with daily information regarding store-level sales and available inventory levels to automatically generate replenishment shipments to each store at least twice a week. In addition, our highly customized inventory management system allows us to actively manage the pricing and product availability of our used video game products across our store base and to reallocate our inventory as necessary. Our systems enable each store to carry a merchandise assortment uniquely tailored to its own sales mix and customer needs. Our ability to react quickly to consumer purchasing trends has resulted in a target mix of inventory, reduced shipping and handling costs for overstocks and reduced our need to discount products.

Growth Strategy

      New Store Expansion. We intend to continue to open new strip center stores in our targeted markets and new mall stores in selected mall locations. We opened 62 new stores in fiscal 2000 (the 53-week period ended February 3, 2001) and 74 new stores in fiscal 2001. We plan on opening approximately 150 to 200 new stores in fiscal 2002. Our primary growth vehicle will be the expansion of our strip center store base, which we believe could grow to over 2,000 stores in the United States. Our strategy is to open clusters of strip center stores in targeted major metropolitan markets under the GameStop brand name. For example, we opened 14 new stores in the Houston metropolitan area in the last ten months and now operate a total of 31 stores in Houston. We analyze each market relative to target population and other demographic indices, real estate availability, competitive factors and past operating history, if available.

      Increase Comparable Store Sales. We plan to increase our comparable store sales by capitalizing on the growth in the video game industry, expanding our sales of used video game products and increasing awareness of the GameStop name.

  •  Capitalize on Industry Growth. In fiscal 2001, our comparable store sales increased 32.0%, driven in large measure by the success of Sony PlayStation 2, which was launched in October 2000, Nintendo Game Boy Advance, which was launched in June 2001 and Microsoft Xbox and Nintendo GameCube, both of which were launched in November 2001. Over the next few years, we expect to continue to capitalize on the increasing installed base for these platforms. We expect the launch of these four platforms and the related increase in the installed hardware base to drive significant growth in video game software and accessories sales over the next few years.
 
  •  Increase Sales of Used Video Game Products. We will continue to expand the selection and availability of used video game products in both our mall and strip center stores. Our strategy consists

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  of increasing consumer awareness of the benefits of trading in and buying used video game products at our stores through increased marketing activities. We expect the launch of new platform technology to drive trade-ins of previous generation products, including Nintendo Game Boy Color and Nintendo 64, Sega Dreamcast and Sony PlayStation, thereby expanding the supply of used video game products.
 
  •  Increase GameStop Brand Awareness. We intend to increase customer awareness of the benefits of shopping in our stores. In connection with our rebranding efforts, we plan to enhance GameStop brand awareness by increasing the amount of media advertising in targeted markets, expanding our GameStop loyalty card program, aggressively promoting trade-ins of used video game products in our stores and leveraging our web site at gamestop.com.

Merchandise

      Our product offerings consist of video game products, PC entertainment software, and related products, such as action figures, trading cards and strategy guides. We also market selected PC productivity and educational software titles. Our in-store inventory generally consists of a constantly changing selection of over 2,800 SKUs. We have a central buying group that negotiates terms, discounts and cooperative advertising allowances for all of our stores. We use customer requests and feedback, industry magazines and product reviews to determine which new releases are expected to be hits. Call lists and advance orders are tracked at individual stores to distribute titles and capture demand effectively. This merchandise management is essential because a significant portion of a game’s sales are usually generated in the first days and weeks following its release. We also carefully manage product pricing utilizing a tiered pricing strategy that enables us to tailor pricing at our stores based on each store’s competitive environment.

      Video Game Hardware. We offer the video game platforms of all major manufacturers, including Sony PlayStation 2 and PlayStation, Nintendo GameCube, Game Boy Advance, Game Boy Color and Nintendo 64, Microsoft Xbox and Sega Dreamcast. We also offer extended service agreements on video game hardware. In support of our strategy to be the destination location for electronic game players, we aggressively promote the sale of video game platforms. Video game hardware sales are generally driven by the introduction of new platform technology and the reduction in price points as platforms mature. Due to our strong relationships with the manufacturers of these platforms, we often receive disproportionately large allocations of new release hardware products, which is an important component of our strategy to be the destination of choice for electronic game players. We believe that selling video game hardware increases store traffic and promotes customer loyalty, leading to increased sales of video game software, which have higher gross margins than video game hardware.

      Video Game Software. We purchase video game software directly from the leading manufacturers, including Sony, Microsoft, Nintendo of America, Inc. and Sega Corporation, as well as over 44 third-party game publishers, such as Electronic Arts, THQ Inc. and Activision, Inc. We are one of the largest customers in the United States of video game titles sold by these publishers. We carry over 1,000 SKUs at any given time across a variety of genres, including Sports, Action, Strategy, Adventure/Role Playing and Simulation.

      Used Video Game Products. We are the largest retailer of used video games in the United States. We provide our customers with an opportunity to trade in their used video game products in our stores in exchange for store credits which can be applied towards the purchase of other products, including new merchandise. We have the largest selection (approximately 1,000 SKUs) of used video game titles which have an average price of $16 as compared to $37 for new video game titles and which generate significantly higher gross margins than new video game products. Our trade-in program provides our customers with a unique value proposition which is unavailable at mass merchants, toy stores and consumer electronics retailers. This program provides us with an inventory of used video game products which we resell to our more value-oriented customers. In addition, our highly-customized inventory management system allows us to actively manage the pricing and product availability of our used video game products across our store base and to reallocate our inventory as necessary. Our trade-in program also allows us to be one of the only suppliers of previous generation platforms and related video games. We also operate a refurbishment center where defective video game products can be tested, cleaned, relabeled, repackaged, priced and redistributed back to our stores.

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      PC Entertainment and Other Software. We purchase PC entertainment software from over 42 publishers, including Electronic Arts, Microsoft and Vivendi Universal. We offer PC entertainment software across a variety of genres, including Action, Simulation, Sports, Strategy and Adventure/Role Playing. We also carry a limited assortment of educational, productivity and reference titles.

      Accessories and Other Products. Video game accessories consist primarily of controllers, memory cards and other add-ons. PC entertainment accessories consist primarily of video cards, joysticks and modems. We also carry strategy guides and magazines, as well as character-related merchandise, including action figures and trading cards. We carry over 400 SKUs of accessories and other products. In general, this category has higher margins than new video game and PC entertainment products.

      The following table sets forth sales mix, expressed as a percentage of net sales for the periods indicated:

                   
53 Weeks Ended 52 Weeks Ended
February 3, 2001 February 2, 2002


Video Games:*
               
 
Video Game Hardware
    15 %     25 %
 
Video Game Software
    49 %     48 %
 
Video Game Accessories
    11 %     12 %
PC Software
    17 %     10 %
PC Accessories and Other Products
    8 %     5 %


Includes new and used merchandise.

Store Operations

      We currently operate 1,038 stores, primarily under the GameStop, Babbage’s, Software Etc., and FuncoLand names. Each of our stores typically carries over 2,800 SKUs. We design our stores to provide an electronic gaming atmosphere with an engaging and visually captivating layout. Our stores are equipped with several video game sampling areas, which provide our customers the opportunity to play games before purchase, as well as equipment to play video game clips. We use store configuration, in-store signage and product demonstrations to produce marketing opportunities both for us and for our vendors.

     Store Formats.

  •  Mall-Based Stores. Our mall-based stores, which average approximately 1,200 square feet, carry primarily new video game products and PC entertainment software, as well as a limited selection of used video game products. We currently operate 542 mall stores in high traffic shopping malls in targeted locations throughout the United States, Puerto Rico and Guam.
 
  •  Strip Center Stores. Our strip center stores, which average approximately 1,500 square feet, carry a balanced mix of new and used video game products and, in selected stores, PC entertainment software. We currently operate 496 strip center stores in the United States. Our strip center stores are located in both high traffic “power strip centers” and local neighborhood strip centers, primarily in major metropolitan areas. These locations provide visibility, easy access and high frequency of visits. We target strip centers that are conveniently located, have a mass merchant or supermarket anchor tenant and have a high volume of customers.

      Store Economics. Average annual sales per mall store were approximately $1.3 million in fiscal 2001, and the average cost to open a new mall store is approximately $185,000, including $60,000 of inventory net of vendor financing. Average annual sales per strip center store were approximately $875,000 in fiscal 2001, and the average cost to open a new strip center store is approximately $125,000, including $50,000 of inventory net of vendor financing. We expect these costs to remain relatively constant throughout fiscal 2002. All of our new stores, lease renewals, relocations and major remodels are evaluated on the basis of their return on investment, strategic positioning and conditions of the market. We generally achieve profitability in each of our new stores within the first holiday season of opening.

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Site Selection and Locations

      Site Selection. We have a dedicated staff of real estate personnel experienced in selecting store locations. Site selections for new stores are made after an extensive review of demographic data and other information relating to market potential, competitor access and visibility, compatible nearby tenants, accessible parking, location visibility, lease terms and the location of our other stores. Most of our stores are located in highly visible locations within malls and strip centers.

      Locations. The table below sets forth the number of our stores located in each state, Puerto Rico and Guam as of February 2, 2002:

         
Number
State of Stores


Alabama
    9  
Alaska
    3  
Arizona
    19  
Arkansas
    4  
California
    114  
Colorado
    14  
Connecticut
    17  
Delaware
    3  
Florida
    33  
Georgia
    21  
Guam
    1  
Hawaii
    9  
Idaho
    2  
Illinois
    51  
Indiana
    18  
Iowa
    9  
Kansas
    5  
Kentucky
    15  
Louisiana
    11  
Maine
    1  
Maryland
    30  
Massachusetts
    27  
Michigan
    49  
Minnesota
    22  
Mississippi
    4  
Missouri
    21  
Montana
    4  
Nebraska
    3  
Nevada
    6  
New Hampshire
    5  
New Jersey
    54  
New Mexico
    4  
New York
    55  
North Carolina
    21  
North Dakota
    4  

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Number
State of Stores


Ohio
    54  
Oklahoma
    9  
Oregon
    6  
Pennsylvania
    61  
Puerto Rico
    9  
Rhode Island
    1  
South Carolina
    11  
South Dakota
    2  
Tennessee
    19  
Texas
    98  
Utah
    9  
Vermont
    1  
Virginia
    35  
Washington
    27  
West Virginia
    8  
Wisconsin
    20  

Game Informer

      We publish Game Informer, a monthly video game magazine featuring reviews of new title releases, tips and secrets about existing games and news regarding current developments in the electronic game industry. The magazine is sold through subscription and through displays in our stores. For its February 2002 issue, the magazine had more than 500,000 paid subscriptions. Game Informer revenues are also generated through the sale of advertising space. In addition, we have recently begun offering the GameStop loyalty card as a bonus with each paid subscription, providing our subscribers with a discount on selected merchandise.

E-Commerce

      We operate an electronic commerce web site at www.gamestop.com that allows our customers to buy video game products and other merchandise on-line. The site also offers customers information and content about available games, release dates for upcoming games, and access to store information, such as location and product availability. In addition, the site offers the ability to register on a call list in any store, enabling us to notify customers when a game arrives at a nearby store.

Information Management

      Our operating strategy involves providing a broad merchandise selection to our customers as quickly and as cost-effectively as possible. We use our inventory management systems to maximize the efficiency of the flow of products to our stores, enhance store efficiency and optimize store in-stock and overall investment in inventory.

      Distribution. We operate a 210,000 square foot state-of-the-art distribution center in Grapevine, Texas. By operating with a centralized distribution facility, we effectively control and minimize inventory levels. A technologically-advanced conveyor system and flow-through racks control costs and improve speed of fulfillment. The technology used in the distribution center allows for high-volume receiving, distributions to stores and returns to vendors. Inventory is shipped to each store at least twice a week, or daily, if necessary, in order to keep stores in supply of products. In order to support our first-to-market distribution network, we utilize the services of 15 off-site, third-party operated distribution centers that pick up products from our suppliers, repackage the products for each of our stores and ship those products to our stores by package carriers. Our ability to rapidly process incoming shipments of new release titles and distribute them to all of

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our stores, either that day or by the next morning, enables us to meet peak demand and replenish stores at least twice a week.

      Management Information Systems. Our proprietary inventory management system and point of sale technology show daily sales and in-store stock by title by store. Systems in place use these data to automatically generate replenishment shipments to each store from our distribution center in Grapevine, Texas, enabling each store to carry a merchandise assortment uniquely tailored to its own sales mix and rate of sale. Our call lists and reservation system also provide our centralized buying staff with information to determine order size and inventory management for store-by-store inventory allocation. We constantly review and edit our merchandise categories with the objective of ensuring that inventory is up-to-date and meets customer needs. We use a centralized PC network-based information system based in our corporate offices, in order to minimize initial outlay of capital while allowing for flexibility and growth as operations expand.

      Our in-store point-of-sale system enables us to efficiently manage in-store transactions. This proprietary point-of-sale system has been enhanced to facilitate trade-in transactions, including automatic look-up of trade-in prices and printing of machine readable bar codes to facilitate in-store restocking of used video games. In addition, our central database of all used video game products allows us to actively manage the pricing and product availability of our used video game products across our store base and re-allocate our used video game products as necessary.

Advertising

      Our stores are primarily located in high traffic, high visibility areas of regional shopping malls and strip centers. Given the high foot traffic drawn past the stores themselves, we use in-store marketing efforts such as window displays and “coming soon” signs to attract customers, as well as to promote used video game products and subscriptions to our Game Informer magazine. Inside the stores, we feature selected products through the use of vendor displays, “coming soon” or preview videos, signs, catalogs, point of purchase materials and end-cap displays. These advertising efforts are designed to increase the initial sales of new titles upon their release. We receive cooperative advertising and market development funds from manufacturers, distributors, software publishers and accessory suppliers to promote their respective products. Generally, a vendor agrees to purchase advertising space in one of our advertising vehicles. Once we run the advertising, the vendor pays to us an agreed amount. As part of our rebranding and targeted growth strategy, we also intend to expand our advertising to other media, including print and radio.

Field Management and Staff

      Our store operations are managed regionally by nine store operations directors. The regions are divided into 84 districts, each with a district manager covering an average of 13 stores. Each store employs, on average, one manager, one assistant manager and between two and ten sales associates, many of whom are part-time employees. We have cultivated a work environment that attracts employees who are actively interested in electronic games. We seek to hire and retain employees who know and enjoy working with our products so that they are better able to assist customers. To encourage them to sell the full range of our products, we provide our employees with targeted incentive programs to drive sales. We also provide our employees with the opportunity to take home and try new video games, which enables them to better discuss those games with our customers. In addition, employees are casually dressed to encourage customer access and increase the “game-oriented” focus of the stores. We also employ nine regional loss prevention managers who assist the field in implementing security to prevent theft of our products.

      Stores communicate with our corporate offices via daily e-mail. This e-mail allows for better tracking of trends in upcoming titles, competitor strategies and in-stock inventory positions. In addition, this communication allows title selection in each store to be continuously updated and tailored to reflect the tastes and buying patterns of the store’s local market. These communications also give field management access to relevant inventory levels and loss prevention information. We also sponsor an annual store managers’ conference to which we invite all video game software publishers to attend and operate an intense educational training

13


 

program for our employees to provide our employees with information about the video game products that will be released by those publishers in the holiday season.

Customer Service

      Our store personnel provide value-added services to each customer, such as maintaining lists of regular customers, notifying each customer by phone when new titles are available, and reserving new releases for customers with a down payment to ensure product availability. In addition, our store personnel readily provide product reviews to ensure customers are making informed purchasing decisions and offering help-line numbers to increase a customer’s enjoyment of the product upon purchase.

Vendors

      We purchase substantially all of our new products from approximately 85 manufacturers and software publishers and approximately five distributors. Purchases from the top five vendors accounted for approximately 59% of our new product purchases in fiscal 2001. Only Sony, Microsoft and Electronic Arts (which accounted for 25%, 11% and 11%, respectively) accounted for more than 10% of our new product purchases during fiscal 2001. We have established price protections and return privileges with our primary vendors in order to reduce the risk of inventory obsolescence. In addition, we have no purchase contracts with trade vendors and conduct business on an order-by-order basis, a practice that is typical throughout the industry. We believe that maintaining and strengthening our long-term relationships with our vendors is essential to our operations and continued expansion. We believe that we have very good relations with our vendors.

Competition

      The electronic game industry is intensely competitive and subject to rapid changes in consumer preferences and frequent new product introductions. We compete with mass merchants and regional chains, including Wal-Mart, Target and Kmart; other video game and PC software specialty stores located in malls and other locations, including Electronics Boutique; toy retail chains, including Toys “R” Us and KB Toys; mail-order businesses; catalogs; direct sales by software publishers; online retailers; and computer product and consumer electronics superstores, including Best Buy and Circuit City. Best Buy has acquired Musicland, a music retail chain with over 1,300 stores primarily located in shopping malls. Our business may be adversely affected to the extent Best Buy substantially increases the availability of video game products in these music stores. In addition, video games are available for rental from many video stores, who, we anticipate, may increase the availability of video game products for sale. Video game products may also be distributed through other methods which may emerge in the future. We also compete with sellers of used video game products. Additionally, we compete with other forms of entertainment activities, including movies, television, theater, sporting events and family entertainment centers.

Seasonality

      Our business, like that of many specialty retailers, is seasonal, with the major portion of our sales and operating profit realized during the fourth fiscal quarter, which includes the holiday selling season. During fiscal 2001, we generated approximately 46% of our sales and substantially all of our operating earnings during the fourth quarter. In addition, we have historically experienced net losses in each of our first three fiscal quarters. Any adverse trend in sales during the holiday selling season could lower our results of operations for the fourth quarter and the entire year.

Trademarks

      We have a number of trademarks and servicemarks, including “GameStop,” “Game Informer,” “Babbage’s” and “FuncoLand,” all of which have been registered by us with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. We maintain a policy of pursuing registration of our principal marks and opposing any infringement of our marks.

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Employees

      We have approximately 1,400 full-time salaried, 1,300 full-time hourly and between 5,000 and 12,000 part-time hourly employees depending on the time of year. Fluctuation in the number of part-time hourly employees is due to the seasonality of the electronic game industry. We believe that our relationship with our employees is excellent, and none of our employees is represented by a labor union or is a member of a collective bargaining unit.

Item 2.     Properties

      All of our stores are leased. Store leases typically provide for an initial lease term of three to ten years, plus renewal options. This arrangement gives us the flexibility to pursue extension or relocation opportunities that arise from changing market conditions. We believe that, as current leases expire, we will be able to obtain either renewals at present locations or leases for equivalent locations in the same area.

      The terms of the store leases for the 1,038 leased stores open as of February 2, 2002 expire as follows:

         
Number
Lease Terms to Expire During of Stores


(12 Months Ending on or About January 31)
       
Expired and in negotiations
    87  
2003
    180  
2004
    226  
2005
    173  
2006
    103  
2007 and later
    269  

      In addition to our stores, we lease a 250,000 square foot headquarters and distribution center in Grapevine, Texas. This lease expires on January 31, 2006. We have the right to renew the lease for an additional five years. Management believes that this facility will support our growth for at least the next few years.

      We also lease a 5,700 square foot office facility in Minneapolis, Minnesota which houses the operations of Game Informer magazine. This lease expires in February 2007.

Item 3.     Legal Proceedings

      In the ordinary course of our business, we are from time to time subject to various legal proceedings. We do not believe that any current legal proceedings, individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on our operations or financial condition.

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

      There were no matters submitted to a vote of security holders during the 13 weeks ended February 2, 2002.

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PART II

Item 5.     Market For Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters

Price Range of Common Stock

      The Company’s Class A common stock began trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbol “GME” on February 13, 2002. As such, there was no public trading market for the Company’s Class A common stock prior to that time. The Company’s Class B common stock is not publicly traded and is held entirely by Barnes & Noble, Inc.

Use of Proceeds of Initial Public Offering

      Pursuant to a registration statement on Form S-1 (the “Registration Statement”) filed with the SEC (File No. 333-68294), we registered and sold an aggregate of 20,763,888 shares of our Class A common stock at a price of $18.00 per share. The aggregate price of the offering amount registered and sold was approximately $373.7 million. Salomon Smith Barney acted as the managing underwriter for the offering.

      Our net proceeds from our initial public offering, after deduction of underwriting discounts and commissions of $24.3 million and expenses of $1.4 million, were $348.0 million. All of the expenses were paid directly to persons other than our directors, officers or affiliates, their associates or persons owning 10% or more of any class of our equity securities. A portion of the proceeds was used to repay $250.0 million of our indebtedness to Barnes & Noble, with Barnes & Noble contributing the remaining $150.0 million of indebtedness to the Company as additional paid-in-capital. The balance of the proceeds (approximately $98.0 million) is being used for working capital and general corporate purposes. Other than the repayment of indebtedness to Barnes & Noble and as otherwise described in the Registration Statement, none of the proceeds has been paid directly or indirectly to any of our directors, officers or affiliates, their associates or persons owning 10% or more of any class of our equity securities.

Approximate Number of Holders of Common Equity

      As of April 11, 2002, there were approximately 3,849 holders of the Company’s $.001 par value Class A common stock.

Dividends

      The Company has never declared or paid any dividends on its common stock. We do not expect to pay dividends on any of our common stock for the foreseeable future. Instead, we anticipate that all of our earnings in the foreseeable future will be used for working capital and other general corporate purposes. Our payment of dividends is and will continue to be restricted by or subject to, among other limitations, the terms of the revolving credit facility we entered into on February 13, 2002, applicable provisions of federal and state laws, our earnings and various business considerations including our financial condition, results of operations, cash flow, the level of our capital expenditures, our future business prospects, our status as a holding company and such other matters that our board of directors deems relevant.

Item 6.     Selected Consolidated Financial Data

      We completed our initial public offering on February 12, 2002. Before that date, we were a wholly-owned subsidiary of Barnes & Noble.

      The following table sets forth our selected consolidated financial and operating data for the periods and at the dates indicated. Our fiscal year is composed of 52 or 53 weeks ending on the Saturday closest to January 31. The fiscal years ended January 31, 1998, January 30, 1999, January 29, 2000 and February 2, 2002 consisted of 52 weeks and the fiscal year ended February 3, 2001 consisted of 53 weeks. The “Statement of Operations Data” for the 39 weeks ended October 30, 1999, for the 13 weeks ended January 29, 2000 and for the fiscal years 2000 and 2001 and the “Balance Sheet Data” as of February 3, 2001 and February 2, 2002 are derived from, and are qualified by reference to, our audited financial statements which are included elsewhere

16


 

in this Form 10-K. The “Statement of Operations Data” for the fiscal years ended January 31, 1998 and January 30, 1999 and the “Balance Sheet Data” as of January 31, 1998, January 30, 1999 and January 29, 2000 are derived from our audited financial statements which are not included elsewhere in this Form 10-K.

      Our wholly-owned subsidiary, Babbage’s Etc. LLC, began operations in November 1996. In October 1999, Babbage’s Etc. LLC was acquired by, and became a wholly-owned subsidiary of, Barnes & Noble. Because our financial statements subsequent to the acquisition by Barnes & Noble are not directly comparable to those prior to the acquisition, our financial statements make a distinction between the “predecessor company” and the “successor company.” In June 2000, Barnes & Noble acquired Funco, Inc. and thereafter, Babbage’s Etc. LLC became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Funco, Inc. The acquisition of Funco, Inc. has been accounted for under the purchase method of accounting. In December 2000, Funco, Inc. changed its name to GameStop, Inc.

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      Our selected financial data set forth below should be read in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere in this Form 10-K.

                                                 
Predecessor

Fiscal Year Fiscal Year 39 Weeks 13 Weeks Fiscal Year Fiscal Year
Ended Ended Ended Ended Ended Ended
January 31, January 30, October 30, January 29, February 3, February 2,
1998 1999 1999 2000 2001 2002






(In thousands, except per share and operating data)
Statement of Operations Data:
                                               
Sales
  $ 383,359     $ 465,166     $ 329,392     $ 223,748     $ 756,697     $ 1,121,138  
Cost of sales
    291,767       350,475       246,865       174,808       570,995       854,035  
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Gross profit
    91,592       114,691       82,527       48,940       185,702       267,103  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    76,309       84,644       68,112       30,019       157,891       202,719  
Acquisition incentive bonuses
                26,789                    
Depreciation and amortization
    5,405       4,805       4,475       1,926       12,974       19,172  
Amortization of goodwill
                      1,687       9,223       11,125  
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Operating earnings (loss)
    9,878       25,242       (16,849 )     15,308       5,614       34,087  
Interest expense, net
    5,620       3,544       972       3,123       23,411       19,452  
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Earnings (loss) before income taxes
    4,258       21,698       (17,821 )     12,185       (17,797 )     14,635  
Income tax expense (benefit)(1)
                      4,968       (5,836 )     7,675  
Pro forma income tax expense (benefit)(2)
    1,724       8,738       (7,142 )                  
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Net earnings (loss)(3)
  $ 2,534     $ 12,960     $ (10,679 )   $ 7,217     $ (11,961 )   $ 6,960  
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Net earnings (loss) per share — basic(3)
                          $ 0.20     $ (0.33 )   $ 0.19  
                             
     
     
 
Weighted average shares outstanding — basic
                            36,009       36,009       36,009  
                             
     
     
 
Net earnings (loss) per share — diluted(3)
                          $ 0.20     $ (0.33 )   $ 0.18  
                             
     
     
 
Weighted average shares outstanding — diluted
                            36,009       36,009       39,397  
                             
     
     
 
Other Financial Data:
                                               
Net earnings (loss) excluding the after-tax effect of goodwill amortization(4)
  $ 2,534     $ 12,960     $ (10,679 )   $ 8,295     $ (5,212 )   $ 13,613  
Net earnings (loss) per share excluding the after-tax effect of goodwill amortization — diluted(4)
                          $ 0.23     $ (0.14 )   $ 0.35  
Store Operating Data:
                                               
Stores open at the end of period
    458       473               526       978       1,038  
Comparable store sales increase (decrease)(5)
    N/A       22.4 %                     (6.7 )%     32.0 %
Inventory turnover
    4.2       4.7                       4.6       5.2  
Balance Sheet Data:
                                               
Working capital (deficit)
  $ 27,716     $ 23,635     $ (40,409 )   $ (28,849 )   $ (1,726 )   $ 31,107  
Total assets
    91,570       121,023       124,413       307,922       509,757       606,843  
Total debt
    35,000       10,000             203,613       385,148       399,623  
Total liabilities
    82,881       91,218       140,279       316,571       530,367       610,828  
Stockholders’ equity (deficit)
    8,689       29,805       (15,866 )     (8,649 )     (20,610 )     (3,985 )

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(1)  Prior to October 30, 1999, when Babbage’s Etc. LLC was acquired by Barnes & Noble, Babbage’s Etc. LLC was not subject to federal and most state income taxes, and its earnings were taxed directly to its members. For the fiscal year ended January 31, 1998, there was no provision for taxes. For the fiscal year ended January 30, 1999 and the 39 weeks ended October 30, 1999, the financial statements include only a provision for state income taxes for those states in which Babbage’s Etc. LLC was taxed as a “C” corporation. For ease of comparison, provisions for state income taxes are included in the pro forma income tax expense (benefit), which is described in footnote (2). For periods after October 30, 1999, the financial statements reflect income tax expense (benefit) as if we were taxed as a “C” corporation on a stand-alone basis.
 
(2)  For periods prior to October 30, 1999, the pro forma income tax expense (benefit) reflects taxes as if we had been a “C” corporation in all jurisdictions and includes certain state income taxes in the amount of $582 and $100 for the year ended January 30, 1999 and the 39 weeks ended October 30, 1999, respectively.
 
(3)  Net earnings (loss) for the periods prior to October 30, 1999 reflect pro forma taxes as described in footnote (2) above.
 
(4)  Net earnings (loss) excluding the after-tax effect of goodwill amortization is presented here to provide additional information about our operations. These items should be considered in addition to, but not as a substitute for or superior to, operating earnings, net earnings, cash flow and other measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
 
(5)  Stores are included in our comparable store sales base beginning in the 13th month of operation. Comparable store sales for the fiscal year ended February 3, 2001 were computed using the first 52 weeks of the 53 week fiscal year.

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

      The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the information contained in our consolidated financial statements, including the notes thereto. Statements regarding future economic performance, management’s plans and objectives, and any statements concerning assumptions related to the foregoing contained in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations constitute forward-looking statements. Certain factors, which may cause actual results to vary materially from these forward-looking statements, accompany such statements or appear elsewhere in this Form 10-K, including the factors disclosed under “Business — Risk Factors”.

General

      We are the largest specialty retailer of video game products and PC entertainment software in the United States. We sell new and used video game hardware, video game software and accessories, as well as PC entertainment software and related accessories and other merchandise. As of February 2, 2002, we operated 1,038 stores, in 49 states, Puerto Rico and Guam, under the names GameStop, Babbage’s, Software Etc. and FuncoLand. We also operate an electronic commerce web site under the name gamestop.com and publish Game Informer, one of the industry’s largest circulation multi-platform video game magazines in the United States.

      Our fiscal year is composed of 52 or 53 weeks ending on the Saturday closest to January 31. The fiscal years ended January 29, 2000, or “fiscal 1999,” and February 2, 2002, or “fiscal 2001,” consisted of 52 weeks and the fiscal year ended February 3, 2001, or “fiscal 2000,” consisted of 53 weeks.

      Our wholly-owned subsidiary, Babbage’s Etc., began operations in November 1996. In October 1999, Babbage’s Etc. was acquired by, and became a wholly-owned subsidiary of, Barnes & Noble. Because our financial statements subsequent to the acquisition by Barnes & Noble are not directly comparable to those prior to the acquisition, the financial statements included elsewhere in this Form 10-K make a distinction between the “predecessor company” and the “successor company.” The statement of operations data presented below for fiscal 1999 and any references to fiscal 1999 consist of the results of operations for the

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predecessor company for the 39 weeks ended October 30, 1999 and the results of operations for the successor company for the 13 weeks ended January 29, 2000. However, for purposes of management’s discussion and analysis of results of operations, the year ended January 29, 2000 for the predecessor and successor company combined is being compared to fiscal year 2000. In June 2000, Barnes & Noble acquired Funco, Inc. and thereafter, Babbage’s Etc. became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Funco. In December 2000, Funco changed its name to GameStop, Inc.

      Growth in the video game industry is driven by the introduction of new technology. Within the past 18 months, four new video game platforms have been introduced. In October 2000, Sony introduced PlayStation 2 and in June 2001 Nintendo introduced Game Boy Advance. Microsoft introduced Xbox and Nintendo introduced GameCube in November 2001. As is typical following the introduction of new video game platforms, we expect that the sales of these four platforms and related software and accessories will increase in the future. In contrast, we expect the sales of PlayStation, Nintendo 64 and Dreamcast products to continue to decline as is typically the trend with older video game platforms when new platforms are anticipated or introduced. Sales of new video game hardware generally increase as a percentage of sales in the first full year following the introduction of next generation platforms. As video game platforms mature, the sales mix attributable to complementary video game software and accessories, which generate higher gross margins, generally increases in the second and third years. The net effect is generally a decline in gross margins in the first full year following new platform releases and an increase in gross margins in the second and third years.

      Based upon the terms of the acquisition of Babbage’s Etc. by Barnes & Noble, in March 2002, Barnes & Noble made an additional payment of approximately $9.7 million to the former Babbage’s Etc. members because certain financial targets were met by us in the fiscal year ended February 2, 2002 and, under push-down accounting rules, as of February 2, 2002, we recognized additional goodwill of approximately $9.7 million with a corresponding increase in additional paid-in-capital.

      Prior to its acquisition by Barnes & Noble in October 1999, Babbage’s Etc., as a limited liability company, was not subject to federal and most state income taxes and its earnings were taxed directly to its members. Effective in the fourth quarter of fiscal 1999 and for all periods subsequent to that time, we recorded taxes as a “C” corporation on a stand-alone basis.

Critical Accounting Policies

      The Company believes that the following are its most significant accounting polices which are important in determining the reporting of transactions and events.

      Use of Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles 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 reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. In preparing these financial statements, management has made its best estimates and judgments of certain amounts included in the financial statements, giving due consideration to materiality. Changes in the estimates and assumptions used by management could have significant impact on the Company’s financial results. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

      Revenue Recognition. Revenue from the sales of the Company’s products is recognized at the time of sale. The sales of used video game products are recorded at the retail price charged to the customer. Sales returns (which are not significant) are recognized at the time returns are made. Subscription and advertising revenues are recorded upon release of magazines for sale to consumers and are stated net of sales discounts. Magazine subscription revenue is recognized on a straight-line basis over the subscription period.

      Merchandise Inventories. Our merchandise inventories are carried at the lower of cost or market using the average cost method. Used video game products traded in by customers are recorded as inventory at the amount of the store credit given to the customer. In valuing inventory, management is required to make

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assumptions regarding the necessity of reserves required to value potentially obsolete or over-valued items at the lower of cost or market. Management considers quantities on hand, recent sales, potential price protections and returns to vendors, among other factors, when making these assumptions.

      Impairment of Long Lived Assets. The Company’s long-lived assets include property and equipment and goodwill. At February 2, 2002, the Company had $51.6 million of property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and $318.0 million of goodwill, net of amortization, accounting for approximately 60.9% of the Company’s total assets. The goodwill was recorded in the acquisition of Funco, Inc. and through the application of “push-down” accounting in accordance with SAB 54 in connection with the acquisition of Babbage’s Etc. LLC by a subsidiary of Barnes & Noble. Goodwill represents the excess purchase price over tangible net assets acquired and is being amortized on a straight-line basis over a 30-year period. The amortization of goodwill associated with the acquisition of Babbage’s Etc. is deductible for tax purposes, whereas the amortization of goodwill associated with the Funco acquisition is not deductible for tax purposes. This non-deductible goodwill amortization affects our effective tax rate as a stand-alone corporation. The Company periodically reviews its long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable or their depreciation or amortization periods should be accelerated. The Company assesses recoverability based on several factors, including management’s intention with respect to its stores and those stores’ projected undiscounted cash flows. An impairment loss would be recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the present value of their projected cash flows. No write-downs have been necessary through February 2, 2002. For a further discussion, see Recent Accounting Pronouncements.

Results of Operations

      The following table sets forth certain income statement items as a percentage of sales for the periods indicated:

                         
Fiscal Year Fiscal Year Fiscal Year
Ended Ended Ended
January 29, February 3, February 2,
2000 2001 2002



Statement of Operations Data:
                       
Sales
    100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %
Cost of sales
    76.2       75.5       76.2  
     
     
     
 
Gross profit
    23.8       24.5       23.8  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    17.7       20.9       18.1  
Acquisition incentive bonuses
    4.9              
Depreciation and amortization
    1.2       1.7       1.7  
Amortization of goodwill
    0.3       1.2       1.0  
     
     
     
 
Operating earnings (loss)
    (0.3 )     0.7       3.0  
Interest expense, net
    0.7       3.1       1.7  
     
     
     
 
Earnings (loss) before income taxes
    (1.0 )     (2.4 )     1.3  
Income tax expense (benefit)
    (0.4 )     (0.8 )     0.7  
     
     
     
 
Net earnings (loss)
    (0.6 )%     (1.6 )%     0.6 %
     
     
     
 

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      The results of the predecessor company for the 39 weeks ended October 30, 1999 have been combined with the results for the successor company for the 13 weeks ended January 29, 2000 to facilitate comparison to results for the fiscal year ended February 3, 2001. The combination of such results are set forth below:

                         
Predecessor Successor Combined



39 Weeks 13 Weeks Fiscal Year
Ended Ended Ended
October 30, January 29, January 29,
1999 2000 2000



(In thousands)
Sales
  $ 329,392     $ 223,748     $ 553,140  
Cost of sales
    246,865       174,808       421,673  
     
     
     
 
Gross profit
    82,527       48,940       131,467  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    68,112       30,019       98,131  
Acquisition incentive bonuses
    26,789             26,789  
Depreciation and amortization
    4,475       1,926       6,401  
Amortization of goodwill
          1,687       1,687  
     
     
     
 
Operating earnings (loss)
    (16,849 )     15,308       (1,541 )
Interest expense, net
    972       3,123       4,095  
     
     
     
 
Earnings (loss) before income taxes
    (17,821 )     12,185       (5,636 )
Income tax expense (benefit)
    (7,142 )     4,968       (2,174 )
     
     
     
 
Net earnings (loss)
  $ (10,679 )   $ 7,217     $ (3,462 )
     
     
     
 

     Fiscal 2001 Compared to Fiscal 2000

      Sales increased by $364.4 million, or 48.2%, from $756.7 million in fiscal 2000 to $1,121.1 million in fiscal 2001. The increase in sales was primarily attributable to the acquisition of Funco in June 2000 and the related sales for the full year in fiscal 2001, compared to Funco sales for only 33 weeks included in fiscal 2000. Sales from the acquired FuncoLand stores and related magazine and e-commerce operations accounted for $189.3 million of the $364.4 million increase in sales. Sales also increased due to a $137.3 million increase in comparable store sales in the stores operated by the Company at the time of the Funco acquisition and opened by the Company in fiscal 2000 subsequent to the acquisition of Funco, and the additional sales resulting from 60 net new stores opened since February 3, 2001. Stores are included in our comparable store sales base beginning in the thirteenth month of operation. The comparable store sales increase of 32.0% was primarily due to sales of PlayStation 2, Game Boy Advance, Xbox and GameCube hardware, software and accessories, following the launch of these new video game platforms in October 2000, June 2001, and November 2001, respectively. The sales of these new hardware platforms and related products were partially offset by sales declines in PlayStation, Nintendo 64, Dreamcast and PC entertainment software from the corresponding period a year ago.

      Cost of sales increased by $283.0 million, or 49.6%, from $571.0 million in fiscal 2000 to $854.0 million in fiscal 2001. Cost of sales as a percentage of net sales increased from 75.5% in fiscal 2000 to 76.2% in fiscal 2001. The margin gains achieved from the sales of higher margin used video game products, which resulted from the acquisition of Funco, were offset by margin declines associated with the increased sales of lower margin video game hardware.

      Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $44.8 million, or 28.4%, from $157.9 million in fiscal 2000 to $202.7 million in fiscal 2001. The increase was primarily attributable to the increase in the number of stores in operation following the Funco acquisition in June 2000 and the related increases in store, distribution, and corporate office operating expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of sales decreased from 20.9% in fiscal 2000 to 18.1% in fiscal 2001. The decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of sales was due to the economies achieved in distribution

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and corporate operating expenses after the integration of the Funco acquisition and the store operating efficiencies gained as a result of the increase in comparable store sales.

      Depreciation and amortization expense increased from $13.0 million for fiscal 2000 to $19.2 million in fiscal 2001. This increase of $6.2 million was due to the acquisition of Funco and capital expenditures for new stores, management information systems and distribution center enhancements.

      Amortization of goodwill increased from $9.2 million in fiscal 2000 to $11.1 million in fiscal 2001 due to the Funco acquisition. The related goodwill was amortized for the full year in fiscal 2001 compared to 33 weeks in 2000.

      Interest expense, net of interest income, decreased by $3.9 million, or 16.7%, from $23.4 million in fiscal 2000 to $19.5 million in fiscal 2001. The decrease was attributable to decreases in average borrowing rates.

      Income tax benefit of $5.8 million was recorded during fiscal 2000 compared to income tax expense of $7.7 million in fiscal 2001.

     Fiscal 2000 Compared to Fiscal 1999

      Sales increased by $203.6 million, or 36.8%, from $553.1 million in fiscal 1999 to $756.7 million in fiscal 2000. The increase in sales was primarily attributable to the additional sales volume from the acquisition of Funco in June 2000. Sales from the 406 acquired FuncoLand stores and related magazine and e-commerce operations accounted for $167.8 million of the $203.6 million increase in sales. Sales also increased due to the 46 net new stores opened during fiscal 2000 and because fiscal 2000 included 53 weeks of sales compared to 52 weeks in fiscal 1999. Offsetting these increases in sales was a decrease in comparable stores sales of 6.7% for the year. Comparable store sales decreased due to declines in sales of PlayStation and Nintendo 64 hardware and software, action figures and trading cards, and PC education and productivity software, which were partially offset by increases in PlayStation 2 video game hardware and software, Dreamcast and Game Boy video game software and PC entertainment software. PlayStation 2 product availability shortages prior to the holiday selling season resulted in less than expected sales during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2000.

      Cost of sales increased by 35.4%, or $149.3 million, from $421.7 million in fiscal 1999 to $571.0 million in fiscal 2000. As a percentage of sales, cost of sales decreased from 76.2% in fiscal 1999 to 75.5% in fiscal 2000. The decrease in cost of sales as a percentage of sales was primarily attributable to the acquisition of Funco and the related increase in sales of higher margin used video game products. These margin gains were offset, to some extent, by increased sales of low margin PlayStation 2 hardware and decreased sales of high margin action figures and trading cards.

      Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $59.8 million, or 61.0%, from $98.1 million in fiscal 1999 to $157.9 million in fiscal 2000. The increase was due primarily to the Funco acquisition and the related costs to integrate corporate and distribution functions. As a percentage of sales, selling, general and administrative expenses increased from 17.7% in fiscal 1999 to 20.9% in fiscal 2000. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of sales was primarily attributable to additional distribution, corporate and store operating expenses during the integration of the Funco acquisition as well as a decrease in comparable store sales.

      In October 1999, the predecessor company authorized a $26.8 million bonus to employees upon the sale of the company to Barnes & Noble.

      Depreciation and amortization expense increased from $6.4 million in fiscal 1999 to $13.0 million in fiscal 2000. The $6.6 million increase was primarily attributable to the Funco acquisition, capital expenditures for new store openings, remodeling of existing stores and management information systems and distribution center enhancements.

      Amortization of goodwill increased from $1.7 million to $9.2 million due to the goodwill associated with the acquisition of Babbage’s Etc. by Barnes & Noble in October 1999 and due to the Funco acquisition in June 2000. The goodwill generated from the acquisition of Babbage’s Etc. was amortized for only three

23


 

months in fiscal 1999 compared to the full year in fiscal 2000. In addition, during fiscal 2000, the goodwill related to the Funco acquisition was amortized from the date of acquisition through February 3, 2001.

      Interest expense, net of interest income, increased by $19.3 million from $4.1 million in fiscal 1999 to $23.4 million in fiscal 2000. The increase was due to the $202.4 million of intercompany debt associated with the acquisition of Babbage’s Etc. by Barnes & Noble in October 1999 and the additional $159.1 million of intercompany debt incurred as a result of the acquisition of Funco in June 2000. The debt incurred as a result of the acquisition of Babbage’s Etc. accrued interest for only three months in fiscal 1999 compared to the full year in fiscal 2000. In addition, the fiscal 2000 results reflect interest on the debt related to the Funco acquisition from June 15, 2000 through February 3, 2001.

      Income tax benefit, which reflects income taxes as if we were taxed as a “C” corporation on a stand-alone basis, increased from $2.2 million in fiscal 1999 on a pro forma basis to $5.8 million in fiscal 2000.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

      The following table sets forth our contractual obligations:

                                         
Payments Due by Period

Less than After
Total 1 Year 1-3 Years 4-5 Years 5 Years





Operating Leases
  $ 176.0     $ 39.0     $ 56.0     $ 37.0     $ 44.0  

      We have no other commercial commitments such as lines of credit, standby letters of credit, guarantees, or standby repurchase obligations outstanding.

      We have historically financed our operations through a combination of cash flow generated from operations and external borrowings. Subsequent to our acquisition by Barnes & Noble in October 1999, our operations were funded by cash flows from operations and advances from Barnes & Noble. Those advances were treated as an intercompany loan owed to Barnes & Noble by us. As of February 2, 2002, we were indebted to Barnes & Noble in the amount of $399.6 million. Upon closing the common stock offering in February 2002, Barnes & Noble contributed the difference between the aggregate amount of the intercompany loans and $250.0 million as additional paid-in-capital. The amount of the capital contribution was $150.0 million.

      During fiscal 2001, cash provided by operations was $78.1 million, compared to cash used in operations of $0.5 million in fiscal 2000. In fiscal 2001, cash provided by operations was primarily due to increases in accounts payable, offset partially by increases in merchandise inventories. Cash used in operations in fiscal 2000 was primarily the result of net purchases of merchandise inventories.

      Cash used in investing activities was $180.7 million and $20.5 million during fiscal 2000 and fiscal 2001, respectively. In fiscal 2000, we used $156.8 million to purchase Funco. During fiscal 2000 and 2001, we had capital expenditures of $25.1 million and $20.5 million, respectively, to open new stores, remodel existing stores, and invest in information systems. Our future capital requirements will depend on the number of new stores we open and the timing of those openings within a given fiscal year. We opened 74 stores in fiscal 2001 and expect to open between 150 and 200 stores in fiscal 2002. Projected capital expenditures for fiscal 2002 are $35 million, to be used primarily to fund new store openings.

      On February 13, 2002, we entered into a senior secured revolving credit facility with a syndicate of banks, with Fleet National Bank as administrative agent. The credit facility is a three-year revolving facility in an

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aggregate principal amount of $75.0 million. Drawings under the credit facility will be subject to satisfaction of customary conditions precedent, including absence of a default and continued accuracy of representations and warranties.

      Loans incurred under the credit facility will be maintained from time to time, at our option, as (1) base rate loans which bear interest at the base rate (defined in the credit facility as the higher of (a) the administrative agent’s announced base rate or (b)  1/2 of 1% in excess of the federal funds effective rate, each as in effect from time to time) and (2) LIBOR loans bearing interest at the LIBOR rate for the applicable interest period, in each case plus an applicable interest margin. The applicable interest margin will initially be 0.25% for base rate loans and 1.75% for LIBOR rate loans, and in each case will thereafter vary depending on our fixed charge coverage ratio.

      We are required to reduce the outstanding amounts under the credit facility to zero for 30 consecutive days each year during the three-month period of December through February.

      We are subject to certain affirmative and negative covenants contained in the credit facility, including, but not limited to, covenants that restrict, subject to specified exceptions: the incurrence of additional indebtedness and other obligations and the granting of additional liens, mergers, acquisitions, investments and disposition of assets, dividends, engaging in certain transactions with affiliates, capital expenditures, and the use of proceeds of the credit facility. There are also covenants relating to compliance with certain laws, payment of taxes and rights and maintenance of insurance and financial reporting. In addition, the credit facility requires us to maintain compliance with certain specified financial ratios, including covenants relating to minimum fixed charge coverage and maximum leverage.

      Events of default under the credit facility include (subject to grace periods and notice provisions in certain circumstances) non-payment of principal, interest or fees, violation of covenants, inaccuracy of any representation or warranty in any material respect, default under or acceleration of certain other indebtedness, bankruptcy and insolvency events, certain judgments and other liabilities, certain environmental claims and a change of control. If an event of default occurs, the lenders under the credit facility will be entitled to take various actions, including the acceleration of amounts due under the credit facility and requiring that all such amounts be immediately paid in full.

      Our obligations under the credit facility will be secured by all assets owned by us and our subsidiaries. Based on our current operating plans, we believe that cash generated from our operating activities, available borrowings under our credit facility and the cash proceeds from the initial public offering will be sufficient to fund our operations, store expansion and remodeling activities and corporate capital expenditure programs for at least the next 12 months. There have been no borrowings under the credit facility.

Impact of Inflation

      We do not believe that inflation has had a material effect on our net sales or results of operations.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

      In June 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board finalized FASB Statements No. 141, Business Combinations (“SFAS 141”), No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (“SFAS 142”), No. 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations (“SFAS 143”) and No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets (“SFAS 144”).

      SFAS 141 requires the use of the purchase method of accounting and prohibits the use of the pooling-of-interests method of accounting for business combinations initiated after June 30, 2001. SFAS 141 also requires that we recognize acquired intangible assets apart from goodwill if the acquired intangible assets meet certain criteria. SFAS 141 applies to all business combinations initiated after June 30, 2001 and for purchase business combinations completed on or after July 1, 2001. It also requires, upon adoption of SFAS 142, that we reclassify the carrying amounts of certain intangible assets and goodwill based on the criteria in SFAS 141.

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      SFAS 142 requires, among other things, that companies no longer amortize goodwill, but instead test goodwill for impairment at least annually. In addition, SFAS 142 requires that we identify reporting units for the purposes of assessing potential future impairments of goodwill, reassess the useful lives of other existing recognized intangible assets, and cease amortization of intangible assets with an indefinite useful life. An intangible asset with an indefinite useful life should be tested for impairment in accordance with the guidance in SFAS 142. SFAS 142 is required to be applied in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2001 to all goodwill and other intangible assets recognized at that date, regardless of when those assets were initially recognized. SFAS 142 requires us to complete a transitional goodwill impairment test six months from the date of adoption. We are also required to reassess the useful lives of other intangible assets within the first interim quarter after adoption of SFAS 142. We intend to complete the transitional goodwill impairment test within six months from the date of adoption. Currently, we are assessing but have not yet determined how the adoption of SFAS 141 and SFAS 142 will impact our financial position and results of operations.

      SFAS 143 requires that the fair value for an asset retirement obligation be recognized in the period in which it is incurred if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made, and that the carrying amount of the asset, including capitalized asset retirement costs, be tested for impairment. SFAS 143 is effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2002. Management does not believe this statement will have a material effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

      SFAS 144 prescribes financial accounting and reporting for the impairment of long-lived assets and for long-lived assets to be disposed of, and specifies when to test a long-lived asset for recoverability. SFAS 144 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2001. Management does not believe this statement will have a material effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

Seasonality

      Our business, like that of many retailers, is seasonal, with the major portion of sales and operating profit realized during the fourth quarter which includes the holiday selling season. Results for any quarter are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be achieved for a full fiscal year. Quarterly results may fluctuate materially depending upon, among other factors, the timing of new product introductions and new store openings, sales contributed by new stores, increases or decreases in comparable store sales, adverse weather conditions, shifts in the timing of certain holidays or promotions and changes in our merchandise mix.

Disclosure Regarding Forward-looking Statements

      This report on Form 10-K and other oral and written statements made by the Company to the public contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause our actual results, performance, achievements or industry results to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to:

  •  our reliance on suppliers and vendors for new product releases;
 
  •  economic conditions affecting the electronic game industry;
 
  •  the competitive environment in the electronic game industry;
 
  •  our ability to open and operate new stores;
 
  •  our ability to attract and retain qualified personnel; and
 
  •  other factors described in this Form 10-K, including those set forth under the caption “Business — Risk Factors.”

      In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of terms such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “continues,” “could,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “may,” “plans,” “potential,” “predicts,”

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“will,” “should,” “seeks,” “pro forma” or similar expressions. These statements are only predictions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our or our industry’s actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.

      Although we believe that the expectations reflected in our forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise after the date of this Form 10-K. In light of these risks and uncertainties, the forward-looking events and circumstances contained in this Form 10-K may not occur, causing actual results to differ materially from those anticipated or implied by our forward-looking statements.

Item 7A.     Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

      We do not use derivative financial instruments to hedge interest rate exposure. We limit our interest rate risks by investing our excess cash balances in short-term, highly-liquid instruments with an original maturity of three months or less. We do not expect any material losses from our invested cash balances and we believe that our interest rate exposure is modest.

      We do not have any foreign currency exposure as all of our business is transacted in United States currency.

Item 8.     Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

      See Item 14(a)(1) and (2) of this Form 10-K.

Item 9.     Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

      None.

PART III

Item 10.     Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant

Executive Officers and Directors

      The following table sets forth the names and ages of our directors and executive officers and the positions they hold:

             
Name Age Position



R. Richard Fontaine
    60     Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and Director
Daniel A. DeMatteo
    54     President and Chief Operating Officer
David W. Carlson
    39     Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Assistant Secretary
John W. Woodson
    39     President of Strip Center Stores
Leonard Riggio
    61     Director
Michael N. Rosen
    61     Secretary and Director

      R. Richard Fontaine is our Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and a director. Mr. Fontaine has served as the Chief Executive Officer of GameStop, Inc. since its acquisition by Barnes & Noble in June 2000. Mr. Fontaine has also been Chief Executive Officer of Babbage’s Etc. since its formation in November 1996. Prior to November 1996, Mr. Fontaine held positions at B. Dalton Bookseller, Inc. (“B. Dalton”), Software Etc. Stores, Inc. (“Software Etc.”), Michaels Stores Inc. and Ingram Distribution.

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      Daniel A. DeMatteo is our President and Chief Operating Officer. Mr. DeMatteo has served in the same capacities for GameStop, Inc. since its acquisition by Barnes & Noble in June 2000. Mr. DeMatteo has been President and Chief Operating Officer of Babbage’s Etc. since its formation in November 1996. Mr. DeMatteo has also served in various positions with Software Etc. and B. Dalton. Prior to joining B. Dalton, Mr. DeMatteo was the Vice President of MIS for Super Valu Inc.

      David W. Carlson is our Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Assistant Secretary. Mr. Carlson has served in the same capacities for GameStop, Inc. since its acquisition by Barnes & Noble in June 2000. Mr. Carlson has been Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Babbage’s Etc. since its formation in November 1996. Mr. Carlson has held various positions within Barnes & Noble since 1989, including Director of Finance, Director of Accounting and Manager of Financial Reporting. Prior to 1989, Mr. Carlson held various positions with the public accounting firm of KPMG Peat Marwick.

      John W. Woodson has been our President of Strip Center Stores since June 2000. From August 1999 to June 2000, Mr. Woodson was Vice President of CompUSA.com, and from July 1997 to August 1999, he served as the Senior Vice President of Retail Marketing at Associates First Capital. Prior to that, Mr. Woodson was Vice President of Technology for Key Corp.

      Leonard Riggio is a director. Mr. Riggio was the Chairman of the Board of GameStop, Inc. since its acquisition by Barnes & Noble in June 2000 and of Babbage’s Etc. since he formed it in November 1996 until the completion of our common stock offering in February 2002. Mr. Riggio has been Chairman of the Board and a principal stockholder of Barnes & Noble since its inception in 1986 and served as Chief Executive Officer from its inception in 1986 until February 2002. In addition, Mr. Riggio has been Chairman of the Board of barnesandnoble.com inc. (“Barnes & Noble.com”) since its inception in February 1997. Since 1965, Mr. Riggio has been Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and the principal stockholder of Barnes & Noble College Bookstores, Inc., one of the largest operators of college bookstores in the country. Since 1985, Mr. Riggio has been Chairman of the Board and a principal beneficial owner of MBS Textbook Exchange, Inc., one of the nation’s largest wholesalers of college textbooks.

      Michael N. Rosen is our Secretary and a director. Mr. Rosen has served in the same capacities for GameStop, Inc. since its acquisition by Barnes & Noble in June 2000. Mr. Rosen has also been Secretary of Babbage’s Etc. since its acquisition by Barnes & Noble in October 1999. Mr. Rosen has been Chairman of Robinson Silverman Pearce Aronsohn & Berman LLP, counsel to our company, for more than the past five years. Mr. Rosen is also a director of Barnes & Noble and Barnes & Noble.com.

Board of Directors

      Our board of directors currently consists of three directors. We expect to appoint additional directors, including at least three independent directors.

      Our certificate of incorporation divides our board of directors into three classes: Class I, whose terms will expire at the annual meeting of stockholders to be held in 2003, Class II, whose terms will expire at the annual meeting of stockholders to be held in 2004, and Class III, whose terms will expire at the annual meeting of stockholders to be held in 2005. Michael N. Rosen is in Class I; R. Richard Fontaine is in Class II; and Leonard Riggio is in Class III. At each annual meeting of stockholders beginning in 2003, the successors to directors whose terms will then expire will be elected to serve from the time of election and qualification until the third annual meeting following election.

      In addition, our certificate of incorporation provides that the authorized number of directors may be changed only by resolution of the board of directors. Any additional directorships resulting from an increase in the number of directors will be distributed among the three classes so that, as nearly as possible, each class will consist of one-third of the total number of directors.

Executive Officers

      Our executive officers are elected by our board of directors on an annual basis and serve until the next annual meeting of our board of directors or until their successors have been duly elected and qualified.

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Board Committees

      Our board will establish an audit committee and a compensation committee. The audit committee will select, subject to stockholders’ approval, the independent public accountants to audit our annual financial statements and will establish the scope of, and oversee, the annual audit. The compensation committee will make recommendations to our board regarding the approval of employment agreements, management and consultant hiring and executive compensation.

      The audit committee and the compensation committee will each consist of three directors who meet all requirements imposed by Securities and Exchange Commission rules and regulations and the rules and regulations of the New York Stock Exchange. The audit committee will be composed of three independent directors, each of whom will be able to read and understand fundamental financial statements, including a company’s balance sheet, income statement and statement of cash flows. In addition, at least one member of the audit committee will have accounting or related financial management expertise. In keeping with New York Stock Exchange listing requirements, our board of directors will adopt a charter for our audit committee. We will file this charter at least once every three years as an appendix to the annual proxy statement that we will file with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

      Our board may establish other committees from time to time to facilitate the management of the business and affairs of our company.

Compensation of Directors

      Directors who are not employees or officers of our company or Barnes & Noble will receive compensation in amounts to be determined. In addition, we will reimburse our directors for expenses in connection with attendance at board and committee meetings. Other than with respect to reimbursement of expenses, directors who are our employees or officers will not receive additional compensation for their services as directors.

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

      Our board will establish a compensation committee. None of our executive officers serves as a member of the board of directors or compensation committee of any entity that has one or more executive officers serving as a member of our board of directors or compensation committee, except that Leonard Riggio, one of our directors, is also the Chairman of the Board of Barnes & Noble and Michael Rosen, our Secretary and a director, is also the Secretary and a director of Barnes & Noble.

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Item 11.     Executive Compensation

      The following table sets forth the compensation earned during the years indicated by our chief executive officer and our other four most highly compensated executive officers. All information set forth in this table reflects compensation earned by the named individuals for services with Barnes & Noble and its subsidiaries.

                                                   
Long-Term
Compensation Awards

Securities
Securities Underlying
Annual Underlying Barnes &
Compensation(1) GameStop Noble
Name and Fiscal
Options Options All Other
Principal Position Year Salary($) Bonus($) (Shs.) (Shs.) Compensation($)







R. Richard Fontaine
    2001     $ 339,552     $ 681,400       600,000 (7)         $ 8,945 (2)
  Chief Executive Officer     2000       328,933             562,500 (8)            
        1999       302,885       210,000             5,229       6,048,085 (2)(3)(5)
Daniel A. DeMatteo
    2001       282,945       567,800       600,000 (7)           6,963 (2)
  President and Chief     2000       274,111             562,500 (8)            
  Operating Officer     1999       252,404       175,000             4,358       6,040,883 (2)(3)(5)
David W. Carlson
    2001       198,731       225,000       351,000 (7)           7,966 (2)
  Executive Vice President,     2000       187,962             450,000 (8)           6,500 (2)
  Chief Financial Officer     1999       172,500       84,000             2,988       3,762,324 (2)(4)
  and Assistant Secretary                                                
John W. Woodson
    2001       257,431       175,000       252,000 (7)           6,361 (2)
  President of Strip     2000 (6)     134,615       100,000       450,000 (8)           62,820  
  Center Stores     1999                                
Leonard Riggio
    2001       250,000       75,000       4,500,000 (8)     700,000        
  Chairman of the Board(9)     2000       250,000       150,000                    
        1999       324,615       56,250                    


(1)  None of the perquisites or other benefits paid to each named executive officer exceeded the lesser of $50,000 or 10% of the total annual salary and bonus received by each named executive officer.
 
(2)  Includes contributions under our 401(k) plan.
 
(3)  Includes a $6,025,000 bonus in connection with the sale of Babbage’s Etc. to Barnes & Noble.
 
(4)  Includes a $3,750,000 bonus in connection with the sale of Babbage’s Etc. to Barnes & Noble.
 
(5)  Includes insurance premiums paid by us.
 
(6)  Mr. Woodson commenced employment with us in June 2000. His annual salary was $250,000 for fiscal 2000. Mr. Woodson also received a signing bonus upon the commencement of his employment with us.
 
(7)  Reflects options granted on February 13, 2002, based on performance for the fiscal year ended February 2, 2002.
 
(8)  The securities underlying GameStop options reflect the issuance of replacement options previously issued to purchase shares of common stock of GameStop, Inc. and have the same economic and vesting terms as the options they replaced.
 
(9)  Leonard Riggio was our Chairman of the Board through the fiscal year ended February 2, 2002 and until February 12, 2002. The amounts paid through October 1999 reflect Mr. Riggio’s annual compensation from Babbage’s Etc. Since Barnes & Noble’s acquisition of Babbage’s Etc. in November 1999, a portion of the compensation paid to Mr. Riggio by Barnes & Noble was allocated to us as selling, general and administrative expense.

Grants of Stock Options in Last Fiscal Year

      The following table shows all grants of options to acquire shares of Barnes & Noble common stock and our Class A common stock granted to the executive officers named in the summary compensation table in the “Executive Compensation” section for the year ended February 2, 2002. With the exception of the grant of options to Leonard Riggio, the grant of options to acquire shares of our Class A common stock were granted

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on February 13, 2002, based on performance for the year ended February 2, 2002. The potential realizable value is calculated based on the term of the option at its date of grant. It is calculated assuming that the fair market value of Barnes & Noble common stock and our Class A common stock on the date of grant appreciates at the indicated annual rates compounded annually for the entire term of the option and that the option is exercised and sold on the last day of its term for the appreciated stock. These numbers are calculated based on the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission and do not reflect our estimate of future stock price growth.
                                                           
% of Potential Realizable Value
Number of Total at Assumed Annual Rates
Securities Options Exercise Market of Stock Price Appreciation
Underlying Granted or Base Price on for Option Term
Options in Fiscal Price Date of Expiration
Granted Year ($/Shs.) Grant Date 5% ($) 10% ($)







R. Richard Fontaine
                                                       
  GameStop Class A common stock     600,000       6.7 %   $ 18.00     $ 18.00       2/12/12     $ 6,792,062     $ 17,212,419  
Daniel A. DeMatteo
                                                       
  GameStop Class A common stock     600,000       6.7 %   $ 18.00     $ 18.00       2/12/12     $ 6,792,062     $ 17,212,419  
David W. Carlson
                                                       
  GameStop Class A common stock     351,000       3.9 %   $ 18.00     $ 18.00       2/12/12     $ 3,973,356     $ 10,069,265  
John W. Woodson
                                                       
  GameStop Class A common stock     252,000       2.8 %   $ 18.00     $ 18.00       2/12/12     $ 2,852,666     $ 7,229,216  
Leonard Riggio
                                                       
  GameStop Class A common stock     4,500,000       50.0 %   $ 4.51     $ 4.51       6/05/11     $ 12,750,839     $ 32,313,128  
  Barnes & Noble, Inc. common stock     700,000       31.8 %   $ 23.65     $ 23.65       3/12/11     $ 10,411,351     $ 26,384,406  

Fiscal Year End Option Value

      The following table provides information for the executive officers named in the summary compensation table in the “Executive Compensation” section regarding exercises of options to purchase shares of Barnes & Noble common stock and options to purchase shares of our Class A common stock during the year ended February 2, 2002 and our options held as of February 2, 2002 by any of our named executive officers. The number of shares of our Class A common stock underlying the options reflects the issuance of replacement options previously issued to purchase shares of common stock of GameStop, Inc. and have the same economic and vesting terms as the options they replaced. The values realized upon exercise in the table have been calculated using the stock price at the times of exercise. The year-end values in the table for Barnes & Noble common stock have been calculated based on the $33.50 per share closing price of the Barnes & Noble common stock on February 1, 2002 (the last trading date of the fiscal year), less the applicable exercise price. There was no public trading market for our common stock as of February 2, 2002. Accordingly, the year-end values in the table for our Class A common stock have been calculated based on the price at which the

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company completed its public offering of common stock on February 12, 2002 of $18.00 per share, less the applicable exercise price.
                                                   
Number of Securities Value of Unexercised
Underlying Unexercised In-the-Money Options at
Shares Options at Fiscal Year End Fiscal Year End(1)(2)
Acquired Value

On Exercise Realized Exercisable Unexercisable Exercisable Unexercisable






(Shs.) ($)
R. Richard Fontaine
                                               
  Barnes & Noble common stock                 2,614       2,615     $ 36,759     $ 36,773  
  GameStop Class A common stock                 187,500       375,000       2,713,750       5,427,500  
Daniel A. DeMatteo
                                               
  Barnes & Noble common stock     1,089     $ 17,928       1,090       2,179       15,321       30,642  
  GameStop Class A common stock                 187,500       375,000       2,713,750       5,427,500  
David W. Carlson
                                               
  Barnes & Noble common stock     6,155       99,026       1,494       1,494       21,009       21,009  
  GameStop Class A common stock                 150,000       300,000       2,171,000       4,342,000  
John W. Woodson
                                               
  Barnes & Noble common stock                                    
  GameStop Class A common stock                 150,000       300,000       2,171,000       4,342,000  
Leonard Riggio
                                               
  Barnes & Noble common stock                 1,318,750       700,000       28,566,502       6,895,000  
  GameStop Class A common stock                 4,500,000             60,725,000        


(1)  The closing price of Barnes & Noble common stock on February 1, 2002 was $33.50 per share.
 
(2)  There was no public trading market for our common stock as of February 2, 2002. Accordingly, these values have been calculated based on the price at which the company completed its public offering of common stock on February 12, 2002 of $18.00 per share, less the applicable exercise price per share, multiplied by the number of shares.

Stock Incentive Plan

      General. We have issued stock options to our employees under our 2001 Incentive Plan. The 2001 Incentive Plan provides for the grant of options to key officers, employees, consultants, advisors and directors of our company and our parent, our subsidiaries and affiliates selected from time to time by our compensation committee. The purpose of the 2001 Incentive Plan is to assist us in attracting and retaining selected individuals to serve as directors, officers, consultants, advisors and employees who will contribute to our success and to achieve long-term objectives which will inure to the benefit of all our stockholders through the additional incentive inherent in the ownership of our Class A common stock. Awards under the 2001 Incentive Plan may take the form of stock options, including corresponding share appreciation rights (“SARs”) and reload options, restricted stock awards and stock purchase awards.

      Options available and outstanding. A total of 13,310,250 shares of Class A common stock are currently subject to outstanding options. The maximum number of shares that may be the subject of awards under the 2001 Incentive Plan is 15,000,000 shares and in any given year, the maximum number of shares with respect to which options or SARs may be granted to any employee is 4,500,000 shares.

      2001 Incentive Plan Administration. Our compensation committee will administer the 2001 Incentive Plan. Subject to the provisions of the 2001 Incentive Plan, the compensation committee has authority, in its sole discretion, to grant awards under the 2001 Incentive Plan, to interpret the provisions of the 2001 Incentive Plan and, subject to the requirements of applicable law, to prescribe, amend, and rescind rules and regulations relating to the 2001 Incentive Plan or any award thereunder as it may deem necessary or advisable.

      Options. The 2001 Incentive Plan permits the granting of “incentive stock options” meeting the requirements of Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, which we refer to as the Code, and “nonqualified stock options” that do not meet such requirements. The term of each option is determined by the compensation committee, but no incentive stock option may be exercised more than ten

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years after the date of grant. Options may also be subject to restrictions on exercise, such as exercise in periodic installments, as determined by the compensation committee. In general, the exercise price for incentive stock options must be at least equal to 100% of the fair market value of the shares on the date of the grant and the exercise price for nonqualified stock options will be determined by the compensation committee at the time of the grant. The exercise price can be paid in cash, or if approved by the compensation committee, by delivery of a promissory note, by tendering shares owned by the participant, or any combination of the foregoing. Options are not transferable except by will or the laws of descent and distribution and may generally be exercised only by the participant (or his guardian or legal representative) during his or her lifetime, provided, however, the nonqualified stock options may, under certain circumstances, be transferable to family members and trusts for the benefit of the participant or his family members. Upon completion of the initial public offering, we issued options to purchase shares of our Class A common stock in replacement of options previously issued to purchase common stock of GameStop, Inc. The replacement options have the same economic and vesting terms as the options they replaced.

      Share Appreciation Rights. The 2001 Incentive Plan provides that SARs may be granted in connection with the grant of options. Each SAR must be associated with a specific option and must be granted at the time of grant of such option. A SAR is exercisable only to the extent the related option is exercisable. Upon the exercise of a SAR, the recipient is entitled to receive from us up to, but no more than, an amount in cash or shares equal to the excess of (i) the fair market value of one share on the date of such exercise over (ii) the exercise price of any related option, multiplied by the number of shares in respect of which such SAR shall have been exercised. Upon the exercise of a SAR, the related option, or the portion thereof in respect of which such SAR is exercised, will terminate. Upon the exercise of an option granted in tandem with a SAR, such tandem SAR will terminate.

      Reload Options. The compensation committee may grant, concurrently with the award of any option, a reload option to purchase for cash or shares a number of shares equal to (i) the number of shares delivered by the participant to us to exercise the underlying option and (ii) the number of shares used to satisfy any tax withholding requirement incident to the exercise of the underlying option. Although an underlying option may be an incentive stock option, a reload option is not intended to qualify as an incentive stock option. A reload option will have the same expiration date as the underlying option and an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the shares on the date the underlying option is exercised. A reload option is exercisable six months from the date of grant.

      Restricted Stock. The compensation committee may award restricted shares under the 2001 Incentive Plan. Restricted shares give a participant the right to receive shares subject to a risk of forfeiture based upon certain conditions. The forfeiture restrictions on the shares may be based upon performance standards, length of service or other criteria as the compensation committee may determine. Until all restrictions are satisfied, lapsed or waived, we will maintain custody over the restricted shares but the participant will be able to vote the shares and will be entitled to all distributions paid with respect to the shares, as provided by the compensation committee. During such restrictive period, the restricted shares may not be sold, assigned, transferred, pledged or otherwise encumbered. Upon termination of employment, the participant forfeits the right to the shares to the extent the applicable performance standards, length of service requirements, or other measurement criteria have not been met.

      Stock Purchase Awards. The 2001 Incentive Plan also permits the grant of stock purchase awards. Participants who are granted a stock purchase award are provided with a loan to enable them to pay the purchase price for the shares acquired pursuant to the award. The compensation committee will determine the term of a stock purchase loan. The purchase price of shares acquired with a stock purchase loan is the price equal to the fair market value on the date of the award. The 2001 Incentive Plan provides that up to 100% of the stock purchase loan may be forgiven over the loan term subject to such terms and conditions as the compensation committee shall determine, provided that the participant has not resigned as an employee of our company. At the end of the loan term, the unpaid balance of the stock purchase loan will be due and payable. The compensation committee will determine the interest rate, if any, on a stock purchase loan. Stock purchase loans will be secured by a pledge to us of the shares purchased pursuant to the stock purchase award and such loans will be recourse or non-recourse as determined by the compensation committee.

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      Antidilution Provisions. The compensation committee may adjust the number of shares authorized to be issued under the 2001 Incentive Plan and subject to outstanding awards (and the grant or exercise price thereof) to prevent dilution or enlargement of rights in the event of any dividend or other distribution, recapitalization, stock split, reverse stock split, reorganization, merger, consolidation, split-up, spin-off, combination, repurchase or exchange of shares or other securities, the issuance of warrants or other rights to purchase shares or other securities, or other similar capitalization change.

      Termination and Amendment. The 2001 Incentive Plan will terminate by its terms and without any action by the Board of Directors in 2011. No awards may be made after that date. Awards outstanding on such termination date will remain valid in accordance with their terms.

      The compensation committee may alter, amend, suspend or terminate the 2001 Incentive Plan as it deems advisable, subject to any requirement for stockholder approval imposed by applicable law, including Sections 162(m) and 422 of the Code, or any rule of any stock exchange or quotation system on which shares are listed or quoted; provided that the compensation committee may not amend the 2001 Incentive Plan, without the approval of our stockholders, to increase the number of shares that may be the subject of options under the 2001 Incentive Plan.

Item 12.     Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

      All of our Class B common stock is currently indirectly owned by Barnes & Noble, a publicly held company that is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “BKS” and, therefore, none of our officers or directors owns any of our Class B common stock. As of April 11, 2002, Barnes & Noble beneficially owned 63.4% of our outstanding common stock, which represents 94.5% of the combined voting power of all classes of our voting stock. Except for Barnes & Noble and Leonard Riggio, we are not aware of any person or group that beneficially owns more than 5% of the outstanding shares of our common stock.

      The following table sets forth the number of shares of our Class A common stock and currently exercisable options to purchase such stock beneficially owned on February 2, 2002 by each director and each of the executive officers named in the summary compensation table in the “Executive Compensation” section, and all of our directors and executive officers as a group. Except as otherwise noted, the individual director or executive officer or his family members had sole voting and investment power with respect to the identified securities. The total number of shares of our Class A common stock outstanding as of April 11, 2002 was 20,804,688.

                 
Shares Beneficially Owned
Class A Common Stock

Number of Percentage
Name Shares(1) of Class



R. Richard Fontaine
    187,600 (2)     *  
Daniel A. DeMatteo
    187,500 (3)     *  
David W. Carlson
    150,000 (3)     *  
John W. Woodson
    150,000 (3)     *  
Leonard Riggio
    4,500,000 (3)     17.8 %
Michael N. Rosen
           
All directors and executive officers as a group (6 persons)(2)
    5,175,100       19.9 %


  * Less than 1.0%
 
(1)  Includes options exercisable within 60 days following April 11, 2002.
 
(2)  All but 100 of these shares are issuable upon exercise of stock options.
 
(3)  All of these shares are issuable upon exercise of stock options.

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Changes in Control

      Barnes & Noble has pledged to its lenders its ownership interest in the entity that owns our shares of Class B common stock as collateral for its credit facility. If Barnes & Noble defaults on its credit facility, our common stock owned by Barnes & Noble could be transferred to its lenders or sold to third parties. There can be no assurance that any new owner will have the qualifications or ability to successfully operate our business.

Item 13.     Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

Agreements with Barnes & Noble

      In connection with the consummation of our recently completed common stock offering, we entered into various agreements with Barnes & Noble relating to our relationship with Barnes & Noble following the completion of the offering.

     Separation Agreement

      We entered into a “separation agreement” with Barnes & Noble, which governs our respective rights and duties with respect to the offering and the possible distribution to Barnes & Noble stockholders of its shares of our capital stock, if any, and contains covenants designed to facilitate such a distribution and to protect its intended tax-free nature. However, we cannot assure you as to whether or when such a distribution will occur.

      If Barnes & Noble decides to pursue a distribution to its stockholders, we have agreed that we will cooperate with Barnes & Noble in all respects to accomplish a distribution and, at Barnes & Noble’s direction, promptly take all actions necessary or desirable to effect a distribution to Barnes & Noble stockholders, including the registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, of Barnes & Noble’s shares of our capital stock.

      We have also agreed that, as a result of the ownership by Barnes & Noble of a significant portion of our common stock and in order for Barnes & Noble to pursue a distribution to Barnes & Noble stockholders of our common stock which would qualify as a tax-free distribution under Section 355 of the Code to Barnes & Noble and its stockholders (Section 355 distribution), we will not take certain actions without the approval of Barnes & Noble, including:

  •  issuing or agreeing to issue shares of our capital stock in an amount that would result in Barnes & Noble ceasing to own an amount of our capital stock which constitutes “control” for purposes of Section 368(c) of the Code or any successor statute or provision, as such definition may be amended from time to time;
 
  •  until two years after a Section 355 distribution, entering into or permitting any transaction or series of transactions which would result in a person or persons acquiring or having the right to acquire shares of our capital stock that would comprise 50% or more of either the value of all outstanding shares of our capital stock or the total combined voting power of our outstanding voting stock; and
 
  •  until two years after a Section 355 distribution, liquidating, disposing of, or otherwise discontinuing the conduct of any portion of our active trade or business.

      We have generally agreed to indemnify Barnes & Noble and its affiliates against any and all tax-related losses incurred by Barnes & Noble in connection with any proposed tax assessment or tax controversy with respect to a Section 355 distribution to Barnes & Noble stockholders to the extent caused by any breach by us of any of our representations, warranties or covenants made in the separation agreement. This indemnification does not apply to actions which Barnes & Noble permits us to take as a result of a determination under the tax-related covenants described above.

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      In addition, we have agreed that, so long as Barnes & Noble owns at least 50% of our existing common stock, we will not, without their approval:

  •  take any action which has the effect of limiting Barnes & Noble’s ability to freely sell, pledge or otherwise dispose of shares of our common stock or limiting the legal rights of or denying any benefit to Barnes & Noble as a stockholder of us in a manner not applicable to our stockholders generally;
 
  •  issue any shares of common stock or any rights, warrants or options to acquire our common stock, if after giving effect to such issuance, Barnes & Noble would own less than 50% of the then outstanding shares of our common stock; or
 
  •  to the extent that Barnes & Noble is a party to, or enters into, any agreements that provide that actions of its subsidiaries may result in its being in breach or default under any agreement, and we have been advised of the existence of these agreements, take any actions that may result in Barnes & Noble being in breach or default.

      In addition, we have agreed that, for so long as Barnes & Noble is required to consolidate our results of operations and financial position or account for its investment in our company, we will (1) provide Barnes & Noble with financial information regarding our company and our subsidiaries, copies of all quarterly and annual financial information and other reports and documents we intend to file with the SEC prior to such filings, as well as final copies upon filing and copies of our budgets and financial projections, as well as the opportunity to meet with our management to discuss such budgets and projections; (2) consult with Barnes & Noble regarding the timing and content of earnings releases; (3) cooperate fully, and cause our accountants to cooperate fully, with Barnes & Noble in connection with any of its public filings; (4) use our best efforts to enable our auditors to complete their audit of our financial statements such that they will date their opinion the same date that they date their opinion on Barnes & Noble’s financial statements; (5) provide to Barnes & Noble and its auditors all information required for Barnes & Noble to meet its schedule for the filing and distribution of its financial statements; (6) make available to Barnes & Noble and its auditors work papers related to the annual audit of our company as well as access to the personnel who perform the annual audit and our and our subsidiaries’ books and records so that Barnes & Noble and its auditors may conduct reasonable audits relating to our financial statements; (7) adhere to generally accepted accounting principles, applied in a manner consistent with Barnes & Noble; and (8) notify and consult with Barnes & Noble regarding any changes to our accounting principles.

      We have generally agreed to indemnify Barnes & Noble and its affiliates against all liabilities arising out of any incorrect, inaccurate or incomplete financial or other information we provide to Barnes & Noble pursuant to the terms of the separation agreement.

     Insurance Agreement

      We entered into an “insurance agreement” with Barnes & Noble, pursuant to which Barnes & Noble will allow us to participate in Barnes & Noble’s worker’s compensation, property and general liability and directors’ and officers’ liability insurance programs. We will reimburse Barnes & Noble for our pro rata share of the cost of providing these insurance programs. In fiscal 2000 and 2001, as a subsidiary of Barnes & Noble, Barnes & Noble allocated approximately $632,000 and $1,291,000, respectively, to us in relation to our insurance program.

      The insurance agreement will remain in force unless terminated:

  •  by mutual agreement of us and Barnes & Noble;
 
  •  by us, as to all or any portion of the services upon not less than 180 days’ prior notice;
 
  •  by Barnes & Noble upon not less than 180 days’ prior notice;
 
  •  by either us or Barnes & Noble because of an uncured default by either of us;

36


 

  •  by declaration of the agreement’s invalidity under applicable law or force majeure; or
 
  •  automatically, in the event of the bankruptcy or a change of control of either us or Barnes & Noble.

     Operating Agreement

      We entered into an “operating agreement” with Barnes & Noble, pursuant to which we will operate the existing video game departments in 12 Barnes & Noble stores. We will pay Barnes & Noble a licensing fee equal to 7.0% of the aggregate gross sales of each such department. In fiscal 2000 and 2001, Barnes & Noble allocated approximately $886,000 and $1,098,000, respectively, to us in connection with our operation of such departments in Barnes & Noble stores.

      The operating agreement will remain in force unless terminated:

  •  by mutual agreement of us and Barnes & Noble;
 
  •  automatically, in the event that we no longer operate any department within Barnes & Noble’s stores;
 
  •  by us or Barnes & Noble, with respect to any department, upon not less than 30 days prior notice;
 
  •  by Barnes & Noble because of an uncured default by us;
 
  •  automatically, with respect to any department, if the applicable store lease in which we operate that department expires or is terminated prior to its expiration date; or
 
  •  automatically, in the event of the bankruptcy or a change in control of either us or Barnes & Noble.

     Tax Disaffiliation Agreement

      We entered into a “tax disaffiliation agreement” with Barnes & Noble which governs the allocation of federal, state, local and foreign tax liabilities and contains agreements with respect to other tax matters arising prior to and after the date of the offering. The tax disaffiliation agreement became effective at the time of the offering and, among other things, sets forth the procedures for amending returns filed prior to the date of the offering, tax audits and contests and record retention. In general, we are responsible for filing and paying our separate taxes for periods after the offering and Barnes & Noble is responsible for filing and paying its separate taxes for periods after the offering. In general, with respect to consolidated or combined returns that include Barnes & Noble and us prior to the offering, Barnes & Noble is responsible for filing and paying the related tax liabilities and will retain any related tax refunds.

      Under the tax disaffiliation agreement, without the prior written consent of Barnes & Noble, we may not amend any tax return for a period in which we were a member of Barnes & Noble’s consolidated tax group. Barnes & Noble has the sole right to represent the interests of its consolidated tax group, including our company, in any tax audits, litigation or appeals that involve, directly or indirectly, periods prior to the time that we ceased to be a member of their consolidated tax group (the date of the offering), unless we are solely liable for the taxes at issue and any redetermination of taxes would not result in any additional tax liability or detriment to any member of Barnes & Noble’s consolidated tax group. In addition, we and Barnes & Noble have agreed to provide each other with the cooperation and information reasonably requested by the other in connection with the preparation or filing of any amendment to any tax return, the determination and payment of any amounts owed relating to periods prior to the date of the offering and in the conduct of any tax audits, litigation or appeals.

      We and Barnes & Noble have agreed to indemnify each other for tax or other liabilities resulting from the failure to pay any taxes required to be paid under the tax disaffiliation agreement, tax or other liabilities resulting from negligence in supplying inaccurate or incomplete information or the failure to cooperate with the preparation of any tax return or the conduct of any tax audits, litigation or appeals. The tax disaffiliation agreement requires us to retain records, documents and other information necessary for the audit of tax returns relating to periods prior to the date we ceased to be a member of Barnes & Noble’s consolidated tax group and to provide reasonable access to Barnes & Noble with respect to such records, documents and information.

37


 

     Registration Rights Agreement

      In the event that Barnes & Noble does not divest itself of all of its shares of our common stock in a distribution, Barnes & Noble could not freely sell all of its shares without registration under the Securities Act. Accordingly, we entered into a registration rights agreement with Barnes & Noble to provide it with registration rights relating to the shares of our common stock which it holds.

      The registration rights agreement provides Barnes & Noble with registration rights relating to the shares of our common stock held by Barnes & Noble immediately after the offering and any shares of our common stock Barnes & Noble acquires thereafter. Barnes & Noble is able to require us to register under the Securities Act all or any portion of our shares covered by the registration rights agreement. In addition, the registration rights agreement provides for various piggyback registration rights for Barnes & Noble. Whenever we propose to register any of our securities under the Securities Act for ourselves or others, subject to customary exceptions, we must provide prompt notice to Barnes & Noble and include in that registration all shares of our stock which Barnes & Noble owns and requests to be included.

      The registration rights agreement sets forth customary registration procedures, including an agreement by us to make available our senior management for roadshow presentations. All registration expenses incurred in connection with any registration, other than underwriting commissions, will be paid by us. In addition, we are required to reimburse Barnes & Noble for the fees and disbursements of its outside counsel retained in connection with any such registration. The registration rights agreement also imposes customary indemnification and contribution obligations on us for the benefit of Barnes & Noble and any underwriters, although Barnes & Noble must indemnify us for any liabilities resulting from information provided by Barnes & Noble.

      Barnes & Noble’s rights under the registration rights agreement remain in effect with respect to the shares covered by the agreement until:

  •  those shares have been sold under an effective registration statement under the Securities Act;
 
  •  those shares have been sold to the public under Rule 144 under the Securities Act; or
 
  •  those shares have been transferred in a transaction where a subsequent public distribution of those shares would not require registration under the Securities Act.

Intercompany Loan

      Barnes & Noble incurred an aggregate of approximately $202.4 million of indebtedness in connection with its acquisition of Babbage’s Etc. LLC in October 1999 and an aggregate of approximately $159.1 million of indebtedness in connection with its acquisition of Funco, Inc. (now known as GameStop, Inc.) in June 2000, for an aggregate of approximately $361.5 million of indebtedness. Barnes & Noble and we have treated this amount plus additional amounts that Barnes & Noble has provided from time to time to fund our operations as an intercompany loan owed to Barnes & Noble by us. Immediately prior to the closing of the offering, Barnes & Noble contributed to us as additional paid-in capital the difference between the aggregate amount of the intercompany loan balance and $250.0 million. This $250.0 million was evidenced by a demand note and repaid with a portion of the net proceeds from the offering. The capital contribution by Barnes & Noble was $150.0 million as of the closing of the offering.

Relationship with Barnes & Noble.com

      On May 1, 2001, we entered into an agreement with barnesandnoble.com llc, a company in which Barnes & Noble owns an approximate 36% interest, pursuant to which we sell video game products and PC entertainment software through barnesandnoble.com’s web site. We pay barnesandnoble.com a referral fee based on our net sales revenue resulting from purchases made through their web site.

Other Relationships

      In October 1999, Barnes & Noble acquired Babbage’s Etc. for $208.7 million from the owners of Babbage’s Etc., which included Leonard Riggio, R. Richard Fontaine and Daniel A. DeMatteo. Because our

38


 

earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization for fiscal 2001 exceeded $54.3 million, Barnes & Noble made an additional payment to the former owners of Babbage’s Etc. of approximately $9.7 million in March 2002.

      In fiscal 2001, we purchased approximately $125,000 of merchandise from Barnes & Noble.

      Michael N. Rosen, our Secretary and one of our directors, is the Chairman of Robinson Silverman Pearce Aronsohn & Berman LLP. This law firm represents Barnes & Noble and its subsidiaries, including us. Mr. Rosen is also the Secretary and a director of Barnes & Noble.

PART IV

 
Item 14.      Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K

      (a) The following documents are filed as a part of this Form 10-K:

        (1) Index and Consolidated Financial Statements
 
        (2) Financial Statement Schedules required to be filed by Item 8 of this form:

        The following financial statement schedule for the 39 weeks ended October 30, 1999, the thirteen weeks ended January 29, 2000, the 53 weeks ended February 3, 2001 and the 52 weeks ended February 2, 2002 is filed as part of this report on Form 10-K and should be read in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial Statements appearing elsewhere in this Form 10-K:

Schedule II — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

      For the 39 weeks ended October 30, 1999, the thirteen weeks ended January 29, 2000, the 53 weeks ended February 3, 2001 and the 52 weeks ended February 2, 2002

                                         
Balance at Charged to Charged to Write-offs Balance at
Beginning Costs and Other Accounts — Net of End of
of Period Expenses Accounts Payable Recoveries Period





(In thousands)
Inventory Reserve, deducted from asset accounts
                                       
 
Predecessor:
                                       
39 Weeks Ended October 30, 1999
  $ 4,371     $ 5,567     $ 1,816     $ 6,335     $ 5,419  
 
Successor:
                                       
13 Weeks Ended January 29, 2000
    5,419       3,439       1,992       3,356       7,494  
53 Weeks Ended February 3, 2001
    7,494       10,649       5,314       15,059       8,398  
52 Weeks Ended February 2, 2002
    8,398       16,578       7,878       22,454       10,400  

      All other schedules are omitted because they are not applicable.

      (b) Reports on Form 8-K

           None.

      (c) Exhibits:

        The following exhibits are filed as part of this Form 10-K:
         
Exhibit
Number Description


  3.1     Form of Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation.**
  3.2     Bylaws.**
  10.1     Separation Agreement, between Barnes & Noble and GameStop Corp.***
  10.2     Tax Disaffiliation Agreement, between Barnes & Noble and GameStop Corp.**
  10.3     Insurance Agreement, between Barnes & Noble and GameStop Corp.**

39


 

         
Exhibit
Number Description


  10.4     Operating Agreement, between Barnes & Noble and GameStop Corp.**
  10.5     2001 Incentive Plan.***
  10.6     Lease, dated as of March 6, 1997, between RREEF Mid-Cities Industrial L.P. and Babbage’s Etc. LLC.**
  10.7     First Amendment to Lease, dated as of December 30, 1999, between RREEF Mid-Cities Industrial L.P. and Babbage’s Etc. LLC.**
  10.8     Registration Rights Agreement, between Barnes & Noble and GameStop Corp.**
  10.9     Form of Revolving Credit Agreement, among GameStop Corp., Fleet National Bank, as Administrative Agent, the Banks party thereto and Fleet Securities, Inc., as Arranger.**
  10.10     Form of Security Agreement by GameStop Corp. in favor of Fleet National Bank, as secured party and as Administrative Agent.**
  10.11     Form of Subsidiary Guaranty by and among GameStop, Inc., Babbage’s Etc. LLC, Sunrise Publications, Inc. and GameStop.com, Inc. and Fleet National Bank, as Administrative Agent.**
  10.12     Form of Securities Collateral Pledge Agreement between Gamestop Corp. and Fleet National Bank, as Administrative Agent.**
  10.13     Form of Patent and Trademark Securities Agreement between GameStop Corp. and Fleet National Bank, as secured party and as Administrative Agent.**
  11.1     Statement re: Calculation of Net Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share.
  21.1     Subsidiaries.*
  23.1     Consent of BDO Seidman, LLP.
  23.2     Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.


  *  Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Amendment No. 1 to Form S-1 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 15, 2001 (No. 333-68294).
 
 **  Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Amendment No. 3 to Form S-1 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 24, 2002 (No. 333-68294).
 
***  Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Amendment No. 4 to Form S-1 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 5, 2002 (No. 333-68294).

40


 

SIGNATURES

      Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this Form 10-K to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 
Date May 1, 2002 GAMESTOP CORP.                                     

  By:  /s/ R. RICHARD FONTAINE
 
  R. Richard Fontaine
  Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Form 10-K has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the date indicated.

             
Name Capacity Date



/s/ R. RICHARD FONTAINE

R. Richard Fontaine
  Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer)   May 1, 2002
 
/s/ DAVID W. CARLSON

David W. Carlson
  Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Assistant Secretary (Principal Accounting and Financial Officer)   May 1, 2002
 
/s/ MICHAEL N. ROSEN

Michael N. Rosen
  Secretary and Director   May 1, 2002
 
/s/ LEONARD RIGGIO

Leonard Riggio
  Director   May 1, 2002

41


 

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

           
Page

GameStop Corp. Consolidated Financial Statements:
       
Report of Independent Certified Public Accountants
    F-2  
Consolidated Financial Statements:
       
 
Balance Sheets
    F-3  
 
Statements of Operations
    F-4  
 
Statements of Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit)
    F-5  
 
Statements of Cash Flows
    F-6  
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
    F-7  
Funco, Inc. Consolidated Financial Statements:
       
Independent Auditors’ Report
    F-19  
Consolidated Financial Statements:
       
 
Balance Sheets
    F-20  
 
Statements of Income
    F-21  
 
Statement of Shareholders’ Equity
    F-22  
 
Statements of Cash Flows
    F-23  
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
    F-24  

F-1


 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

To the Board of Directors and the Stockholders of

GameStop Corp.
Grapevine, Texas

      We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of GameStop Corp. as of February 3, 2001 and February 2, 2002 and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity (deficit), and cash flows for the 13 weeks ended January 29, 2000, 53 weeks ended February 3, 2001, 52 weeks ended February 2, 2002 (Successor Company) and the 39 weeks ended October 30, 1999 (Predecessor Company). We have also audited the schedule listed in Item 14(a)(2) of this Form 10-K. These financial statements and the schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and the schedule based on our audits.

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

      In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of GameStop Corp. as of February 3, 2001 and February 2, 2002 and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the 13 weeks ended January 29, 2000, 53 weeks ended February 3, 2001 and 52 weeks ended February 2, 2002 (Successor Company) and 39 weeks ended October 30, 1999 (Predecessor Company) in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

      Also, in our opinion, the schedule presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

      As discussed in Note 2 of the consolidated financial statements, the Predecessor Company was acquired on October 30, 1999 in a business combination accounted for as a purchase. As a result, the consolidated financial statements of the Successor Company are presented on a new basis of accounting from the consolidated financial statements of the Predecessor Company and, therefore, are not comparable.

  /s/ BDO Seidman, LLP
 
  BDO SEIDMAN, LLP

Dallas, Texas

March 21, 2002

F-2


 

GAMESTOP CORP.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

                             
February 2,
2002
February 3, February 2, Pro Forma
2001 2002 (Note 12)



(Unaudited)
(In thousands)
ASSETS:
Current assets:
                       
 
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 8,641     $ 80,750     $ 80,750  
 
Receivables, net
    3,726       5,930       5,930  
 
Merchandise inventories
    108,853       138,351       138,351  
 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    13,682       8,255       8,255  
 
Deferred taxes
    3,533       3,418       3,418  
     
     
     
 
   
Total current assets
    138,435       236,704       236,704  
     
     
     
 
Property and equipment:
                       
 
Leasehold improvements
    20,874       27,898       27,898  
 
Fixtures and equipment
    45,236       57,579       57,579  
     
     
     
 
      66,110       85,477       85,477  
 
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
    14,742       33,854       33,854  
     
     
     
 
   
Net property and equipment
    51,368       51,623       51,623  
     
     
     
 
Goodwill, net
    319,418       317,957       317,957  
Other noncurrent assets
    536       559       559  
     
     
     
 
   
Total other assets
    319,954       318,516       318,516  
     
     
     
 
   
Total assets
  $ 509,757     $ 606,843     $ 606,843  
     
     
     
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT):
Current liabilities:
                       
 
Accounts payable
  $ 102,837     $ 148,597     $ 148,597  
 
Accrued liabilities
    37,324       57,000       57,000  
     
     
     
 
   
Total current liabilities
    140,161       205,597       205,597  
     
     
     
 
Payable to Barnes & Noble, Inc.
    385,148       399,623       250,000  
Deferred taxes
    2,862       3,065       3,065  
Other long-term liabilities
    2,196       2,543       2,543  
     
     
     
 
      390,206       405,231       255,608  
     
     
     
 
   
Total liabilities
    530,367       610,828       461,205  
     
     
     
 
Stockholders’ equity (deficit):
                       
 
Preferred stock — authorized 5,000 shares; no shares issued or outstanding
                 
 
Class A common stock — $.001 par value; authorized 300,000 shares; no shares issued and outstanding
                 
 
Class B common stock — $.001 par value; authorized 100,000 shares; 36,009 shares issued and outstanding
    36       36       36  
 
Additional paid-in-capital
    (15,902 )     (6,237 )     143,386  
 
Retained earnings (deficit)
    (4,744 )     2,216       2,216  
     
     
     
 
   
Total stockholders’ equity (deficit)
    (20,610 )     (3,985 )     145,638  
     
     
     
 
   
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity (deficit)
  $ 509,757     $ 606,843     $ 606,843  
     
     
     
 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-3


 

GAMESTOP CORP.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

                                   
Predecessor
Company Successor Company


39 Weeks 13 Weeks 53 Weeks 52 Weeks
Ended Ended Ended Ended
October 30, January 29, February 3, February 2,
1999 2000 2001 2002




(In thousands, except per share data)
Sales
  $ 329,392     $ 223,748     $ 756,697     $ 1,121,138  
Cost of sales
    246,865       174,808       570,995       854,035  
     
     
     
     
 
 
Gross profit
    82,527       48,940       185,702       267,103  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    68,112       30,019       157,891       202,719  
Acquisition incentive bonuses
    26,789                    
Depreciation and amortization
    4,475       1,926       12,974       19,172  
Amortization of goodwill
          1,687       9,223       11,125  
     
     
     
     
 
 
Operating earnings (loss)
    (16,849 )     15,308       5,614       34,087  
Interest income
    (169 )     (224 )     (58 )     (123 )
Interest expense
    1,141       3,347       23,469       19,575  
     
     
     
     
 
 
Earnings (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)
    (17,821 )     12,185       (17,797 )     14,635  
Income tax expense (benefit)
    100       4,968       (5,836 )     7,675  
     
     
     
     
 
 
Net earnings (loss)
  $ (17,921 )   $ 7,217     $ (11,961 )   $ 6,960  
     
     
     
     
 
Earnings (loss) before income taxes
    (17,821 )                        
Pro forma income tax expense (benefit)
    (7,142 )                        
     
                         
Pro forma net earnings (loss)
  $ (10,679 )                        
     
                         
Net earnings (loss) per common share — basic
          $ 0.20     $ (0.33 )   $ 0.19  
             
     
     
 
Weighted average shares of common stock — basic
            36,009       36,009       36,009  
             
     
     
 
Net earnings (loss) per common share — diluted
          $ 0.20     $ (0.33 )   $ 0.18  
             
     
     
 
Weighted average shares of common stock — diluted
            36,009       36,009       39,397  
             
     
     
 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-4


 

GAMESTOP CORP.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)

                                                                 
Common Stock Additional Retained
Members’
Paid in Earnings
Equity Shares Class A Shares Class B Capital (Deficit) Total








(In thousands)
Predecessor Company
                                                               
Balance at January 30, 1999
  $ 5,000             $—             $—     $     $ 24,805     $ 29,805  
Distributions
                                        (27,750 )     (27,750 )
Net loss for the 39 weeks ended October 30, 1999
                                        (17,921 )     (17,921 )
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
      5,000                                     (20,866 )     (15,866 )
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Successor Company
                                                               
Issuance of common stock for members’ equity and elimination of deficit upon acquisition by Barnes & Noble, Inc. on October 30, 1999
                      36,009       36       (15,902 )           (15,866 )
Net earnings for the 13 weeks ended January 29, 2000
                                        7,217       7,217  
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Balance at January 29, 2000
                      36,009       36       (15,902 )     7,217       (8,649 )
Net loss for the 53 weeks ended February 3, 2001
                                        (11,961 )     (11,961 )
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Balance at February 3, 2001
                      36,009       36       (15,902 )     (4,744 )     (20,610 )
Additional acquisition payments due to former owners
                                  9,665             9,665  
Net earnings for the 52 weeks ended February 2, 2002
                                        6,960       6,960  
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Balance at February 2, 2002
  $             $—       36,009       $36     $ (6,237 )   $ 2,216     $ (3,985 )
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-5


 

GAMESTOP CORP.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

                                       
Predecessor
Company Successor Company


39 Weeks 13 Weeks 53 Weeks 52 Weeks
Ended Ended Ended Ended
October 30, January 29, February 3, February 2,
1999 2000 2001 2002




(In thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:
                               
 
Net earnings (loss)
  $ (17,921 )   $ 7,217     $ (11,961 )   $ 6,960  
 
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to net cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities:
                               
   
Depreciation and amortization
    4,475       1,926       12,974       19,172  
   
Amortization of goodwill
          1,687       9,223       11,125  
   
Amortization of loan cost
    207                    
   
Deferred taxes
          657       2,090       319  
   
Loss (gain) on disposal of property and equipment
    40             (112 )     1,035  
   
Increase in other long-term liabilities for scheduled rent increases in long-term leases
    278       108       326       347  
   
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net Receivables, net
    (195 )     136       (769 )     (2,204 )
     
Merchandise inventories
    (15,816 )     14,675       (10,800 )     (29,498 )
     
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    17       (34 )     (1,986 )     5,427  
     
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
    58,783       (27,760 )     518       65,436  
     
     
     
     
 
     
Net cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities
    29,868       (1,388 )     (497 )     78,119  
     
     
     
     
 
Cash flows from investing activities:
                               
 
Purchase of property and equipment
    (12,073 )     (4,290 )     (25,131 )     (20,462 )
 
Acquisition of Babbage’s Etc., LLC by Barnes & Noble, Inc., net of cash received
          (175,760 )            
 
Acquisition of Funco, Inc., net of cash received
                (156,764 )      
 
Net increase (decrease) in other noncurrent assets
    (1,300 )     (67 )     1,227       (23 )
     
     
     
     
 
 
Net cash flows used in investing activities
    (13,373 )     (180,117 )     (180,668 )     (20,485 )
     
     
     
     
 
Cash flows from financing activities:
                               
 
Repayment of subordinated debt – affiliates
    (10,000 )                  
 
Increase in payable to Barnes & Noble, Inc. attributable to:
                               
   
Babbage’s Etc. LLC purchase
          175,760              
   
Funco, Inc. purchase
                159,144        
 
Net increase in other payable to Barnes &
                               
   
Noble, Inc.
          1,227       24,050       14,475  
 
Distribution to members
    (27,750 )                  
     
     
     
     
 
 
Net cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities
    (37,750 )     176,987       183,194       14,475  
     
     
     
     
 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    (21,255 )     (4,518 )     2,029       72,109  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    32,385       11,130       6,612       8,641  
     
     
     
     
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 11,130     $ 6,612     $ 8,641     $ 80,750  
     
     
     
     
 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-6


 

GAMESTOP CORP.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.     Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

     Background and Basis of Presentation

      GameStop Corp. (GameStop or the Company) was incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware in August 2001 as a holding company for GameStop, Inc. GameStop Corp. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Barnes & Noble, Inc. (Barnes & Noble).

      GameStop is principally engaged in the sale of video game systems and software, personal computer software and related accessories through its GameStop, Babbage’s, Software Etc., and FuncoLand trade names, a Web site (gamestop.com) and Game Informer magazine. The Company operates their business as a single segment. The Company’s stores, which totaled 1,038 at February 2, 2002, are located in major regional shopping malls and strip centers in 49 states, Puerto Rico and Guam.

      The Company began operations in November 1996 when Leonard Riggio, the Chairman of the Board, formed Babbage’s Etc. LLC (Babbage’s) and acquired most of the assets of Neostar Retail Group, Inc. at an auction held in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court. In October 1999, Mr. Riggio sold Babbage’s to Barnes & Noble and Babbage’s became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Barnes & Noble. As a result of the acquisition of Babbage’s, on October 30, 1999, a change in control occurred, and a new reporting entity exists. The consolidated financial statements reflect “push-down” accounting in accordance with Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 54 (SAB 54) under which the allocation of the purchase price and the related acquisition debt were recorded on the Company’s financial statements and the deficit in retained earnings was eliminated. Because the financial statements of the Company subsequent to the acquisition by Barnes & Noble are not directly comparable to those of the Company prior to the acquisition, a distinction was made between the “Predecessor Company” and the “Successor Company” throughout the financial statements to clearly separate the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Company before and after the change in control.

      During June 2000, Barnes & Noble acquired Funco, Inc., a publicly traded company on the NASDAQ National Market and, thereafter, through a corporate restructuring, Babbage’s became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Funco, Inc. In December 2000, the name of Funco, Inc. was changed to GameStop, Inc.

      Upon the effective date of the initial public offering (see Note 12), the Company’s Board of Directors approved the authorization of 5,000 shares of preferred stock, 300,000 shares of Class A common stock and 100,000 shares of Class B common stock. At the same time, the Company’s common stock outstanding was converted to 36,009 shares of Class B common stock. The consolidated financial statements and related net earnings (loss) per common share reflect the authorized number of shares as if the shares were authorized on October 31, 1999.

     Consolidation

      The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of GameStop Corp. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. All dollar and share amounts in the consolidated financial statements and notes to the consolidated financial statements are stated in thousands unless otherwise indicated.

     Year-End

      The Company’s fiscal year is composed of the 52 or 53 weeks ending on the Saturday closest to the last day of January. Fiscal 1999 consisted of the 52 weeks ending on January 29, 2000. Fiscal 2000 consisted of the 53 weeks ending on February 3, 2001. Fiscal 2001 consisted of the 52 weeks ending on February 2, 2002.

F-7


 

GAMESTOP CORP.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

     Cash and Cash Equivalents

      The Company considers all short-term, highly-liquid instruments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. The Company’s cash and cash equivalents are carried at cost, which approximates market value, and consist primarily of time deposits.

     Merchandise Inventories

      Our merchandise inventories are carried at the lower of cost or market using the average cost method. Used video game products traded in by customers are recorded as inventory at the amount of the store credit given to the customer. In valuing inventory, management is required to make assumptions regarding the necessity of reserves required to value potentially obsolete or over-valued items at the lower of cost or market. Management considers quantities on hand, recent sales, potential price protections and returns to vendors, among other factors, when making these assumptions.

     Property and Equipment

      Property and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives (ranging from two to eight years). Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred, while betterments and major remodeling costs are capitalized. Leasehold improvements are capitalized and amortized over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the terms of the respective leases (ranging from three to ten years). Capitalized lease acquisition costs are being amortized over the average lease terms of the underlying leases. Costs incurred in purchasing management information systems are capitalized and included in property and equipment; these costs are amortized over their estimated useful lives from the date the systems become operational.

     Long-Lived Assets

      The Company’s long-lived assets include property and equipment and goodwill. At February 2, 2002, the Company had $51.6 million of property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and 318.0 million of goodwill, net of amortization, accounting for approximately 60.9% of the Company’s total assets. The goodwill was recorded in the acquisition of Funco, Inc. and through the application of “push-down” accounting in accordance with SAB 54 in connection with the acquisition of Babbage’s by a subsidiary of Barnes & Noble. Goodwill represents the excess purchase price over tangible net assets acquired and is being amortized on a straight-line basis over a 30-year period. Accumulated amortization at February 3, 2001 and February 2, 2002 was $10,910 and $22,035, respectively. The amortization of goodwill associated with the acquisition of Babbage’s is deductible for tax purposes, whereas the amortization of goodwill associated with the Funco acquisition is not deductible for tax purposes. This non-deductible goodwill amortization affects our effective tax rate as a stand-alone corporation. The Company periodically reviews its long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable or their depreciation or amortization periods should be accelerated. The Company assesses recoverability based on several factors, including management’s intention with respect to its stores and those stores’ projected undiscounted cash flows. An impairment loss would be recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the present value of their projected cash flows. No write-downs have been necessary through February 2, 2002. For a further discussion, see Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements.

     Revenue Recognition

      Revenue from the sales of the Company’s products is recognized at the time of sale. The sales of used video game products are recorded at the retail price charged to the customer. Sales returns (which are not significant) are recognized at the time returns are made.

F-8


 

GAMESTOP CORP.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

      Subscription and advertising revenues are recorded upon release of magazines for sale to consumers and are stated net of sales discounts. Magazine subscription revenue is recognized on a straight-line basis over the subscription period.

     Pre-Opening Expenses

      All costs associated with the opening of new stores are expensed as incurred. Pre-opening expenses are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

     Closed Store Expenses

      Upon a formal decision to close or relocate a store, the Company charges unrecoverable costs to expense. Such costs include the net book value of abandoned fixtures and leasehold improvements and a provision for future lease obligations, net of expected sublease recoveries. Costs associated with store closings are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

     Advertising Expenses

      The Company expenses advertising for newspapers and other media when the advertising takes place. Advertising expenses for newspapers and other media during the 39 weeks ended October 30, 1999, the 13 weeks ended January 29, 2000, the 53 weeks ended February 3, 2001 and the 52 weeks ended February 2, 2002, were $23, $56, $228 and $838, respectively.

     Income Taxes

      For periods prior to the acquisition of Babbage’s by Barnes & Noble, the Company was not subject to federal and most state income taxes, and its income was taxed directly to its members. Pro forma income taxes on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations represents what income taxes would have been had the predecessor been taxed as a “C” corporation in all jurisdictions for the 39-week period ended October 30, 1999. From the date of acquisition by Barnes & Noble, GameStop has been included in the consolidated federal tax return of Barnes & Noble. The income tax provisions (benefits) recorded in the financial statements flow through the payable to Barnes & Noble.

      Following the closing of the initial public offering (see Note 12), Barnes & Noble owned less than 80% of GameStop Corp. and, accordingly, will not be permitted to consolidate GameStop’s operations for income tax purposes. Accordingly, the financial statements for periods subsequent to the acquisition reflect income tax expense as if GameStop had filed separate income tax returns. As a result, the Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with the provisions of SFAS 109 “Accounting for Income Taxes.” SFAS 109 utilizes an asset and liability approach, and deferred taxes are determined based on the estimated future tax effect of differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates.

     Net Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share

      Net earnings (loss) per common share is presented under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128, “Earnings Per Share” (SFAS 128). Basic earnings (loss) per common share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period and excludes any dilutive effects of the Company’s outstanding options.

      Diluted earnings per common share is computed using the weighted average number of common and dilutive common shares outstanding during the period. Due to the Company’s net loss for the 39 weeks ended October 30, 1999 and the 53 weeks ended February 3, 2001, potentially dilutive securities have been excluded from the computation for those periods, as their effect is anti-dilutive.

F-9


 

GAMESTOP CORP.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

     Stock Options

      The Company accounts for all transactions under which employees receive shares of stock or other equity instruments in the Company or its parent in amounts based on the price of its stock in accordance with the provisions of Accounting Principles Board Opinion 25 — “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees.”

     Use of Estimates

      The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles 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 reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. In preparing these financial statements, management has made its best estimates and judgments of certain amounts included in the financial statements, giving due consideration to materiality. Changes in the estimates and assumptions used by management could have significant impact on the Company’s financial results. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

     Fair Values of Financial Instruments

      The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents reported in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets approximate fair value due to the short-term maturities of these assets.

     Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

      In June 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board finalized FASB Statements No. 141, Business Combinations (“SFAS 141”), No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (“SFAS 142”), No. 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations (“SFAS 143”) and No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets (“SFAS 144”).

      SFAS 141 requires the use of the purchase method of accounting and prohibits the use of the pooling-of-interests method of accounting for business combinations initiated after June 30, 2001. SFAS 141 also requires that the Company recognize acquired intangible assets apart from goodwill if the acquired intangible assets meet certain criteria. SFAS 141 applies to all business combinations initiated after June 30, 2001 and for purchase business combinations completed on or after July 1, 2001. It also requires, upon adoption of SFAS 142, that the Company reclassify the carrying amounts of certain intangible assets and goodwill based on the criteria in SFAS 141.

      SFAS 142 requires, among other things, that companies no longer amortize goodwill, but instead test goodwill for impairment at least annually. In addition, SFAS 142 requires that the Company identify reporting units for the purposes of assessing potential future impairments of goodwill, reassess the useful lives of other existing recognized intangible assets, and cease amortization of intangible assets with an indefinite useful life. An intangible asset with an indefinite useful life should be tested for impairment in accordance with the guidance in SFAS 142. SFAS 142 is required to be applied in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2001 to all goodwill and other intangible assets recognized at that date, regardless of when those assets were initially recognized. SFAS 142 requires the Company to complete a transitional goodwill impairment test six months from the date of adoption. The Company is also required to reassess the useful lives of other intangible assets within the first interim quarter after adoption of SFAS 142.

      The Company’s previous business combinations were accounted for using the purchase method. As of February 2, 2002, the net carrying amount of goodwill was $317,957. Amortization expense during the 52 weeks ended February 2, 2002 was $11,125. The Company intends to complete the transitional goodwill impairment test within six months from the date of adoption. Currently, the Company is assessing but has not

F-10


 

GAMESTOP CORP.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

yet determined how the adoption of SFAS 141 and SFAS 142 will impact its financial position and results of operations.

      SFAS 143 requires that the fair value for an asset retirement obligation be recognized in the period in which it is incurred if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made, and that the carrying amount of the asset, including capitalized asset retirement costs, be tested for impairment. SFAS 143 is effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2002. Management does not believe this statement will have a material effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

      SFAS 144 prescribes financial accounting and reporting for the impairment of long-lived assets and for long-lived assets to be disposed of, and specifies when to test a long-lived asset for recoverability. SFAS 144 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2001. Management does not believe this statement will have a material effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

2.     Acquisitions

      On October 30, 1999, the net assets of Babbage’s were purchased by Barnes & Noble. The acquisition was accounted for by Barnes & Noble under the purchase method of accounting and the $198,967 excess of the $186,520 purchase price over the fair value of the net liabilities assumed has been recorded as goodwill by the Company through the application of “push-down” accounting in accordance with SAB 54. In connection with the acquisition of Babbage’s, its management approved bonuses for its employees aggregating $26,789 which were charged to operations during the 39 weeks ended October 30, 1999.

      The purchase agreement between Babbage’s and Barnes & Noble stipulated certain financial performance targets, which if met, would provide additional payments to the former owners of Babbage’s. GameStop’s results from operations met the specified financial performance targets for the fiscal year ended February 2, 2002. As a result, Barnes & Noble will make an additional payment in the amount of $9,665 to the former owners of Babbage’s, and GameStop has recognized additional goodwill and paid in capital in the amount of $9,665 at February 2, 2002.

      On June 14, 2000, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Barnes & Noble acquired all of the outstanding shares of Funco, Inc., a Minneapolis-based electronic games retailer. The acquisition was accounted for by Barnes & Noble under the purchase method of accounting. The excess of the $167,560 acquisition cost over the fair value of the net assets acquired, in the amount of $131,360, has been recorded as goodwill.

      The Company has allocated the purchase price to assets and liabilities based on management’s best estimates of the respective fair values with the excess cost over the net assets acquired allocated to goodwill as follows:

         
Purchase price
  $ 159,162  
Adjustment to accrued liabilities
    145  
Acquisition costs
    8,253  
     
 
Total Cost of Acquisition
  $ 167,560  
     
 
Total Cost of Acquisition
  $ 167,560  
Less: cash received
    (10,651 )
Adjustment to accrued liabilities
    (145 )
     
 
Cash paid for Funco (investing activity)
  $ 156,764  
     
 

F-11


 

GAMESTOP CORP.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
         
Cash
  $ 10,651  
Receivables, net
    535  
Inventory
    28,662  
Prepaids and other
    10,800  
Fixed assets, net
    12,632  
Other noncurrent assets
    1,806  
Accounts payable
    (11,864 )
Accrued liabilities
    (16,515 )
Other long-term liabilities
    (507 )
Goodwill
    131,360  
     
 
Total Cost of Acquisition
  $ 167,560  
     
 

      The unaudited pro forma consolidated statements of operations data for the 39 weeks ended October 30, 1999, 13 weeks ended January 29, 2000, and 53 weeks ended February 3, 2001, set forth below gives effect to the acquisitions of Babbage’s Etc. LLC and Funco, Inc. as if they occurred on January 30, 1999. The unaudited pro forma results include adjustments to reflect a full year of amortization of goodwill recorded in conjunction with the acquisition and interest on the acquisition debt.

                         
Predecessor
Company Successor Company


39 Weeks Ended 13 Weeks Ended 53 Weeks Ended
October 30, 1999 January 29, 2000 February 3, 2001



(In thousands)
(In thousands)
Sales
  $ 474,300     $ 328,600     $ 828,000  
Net earnings (loss)
  $ (23,600 )   $ 9,526     $ (16,439 )
Net earnings (loss) per share — basic and diluted
          $ 0.26     $ (0.46 )

3.     Payable to Barnes & Noble

      On November 18, 1997, Barnes & Noble obtained an $850,000, five-year senior revolving credit facility (the Revolving Credit Facility) with a syndicate led by the Chase Manhattan Bank. The Revolving Credit Facility permits borrowings at various interest rate options based upon the prime rate or London Interbank Office Rate (LIBOR) depending upon certain financial tests. The Revolving Credit Facility contains covenants, limitations, and events of default typical of credit facilities of this size and nature, including financial covenants which require and which limit capital expenditures pertaining to Barnes & Noble. The Revolving Credit Facility is secured by the capital stock, accounts receivable and general intangibles of the subsidiaries (including the Company) of Barnes & Noble.

      Amounts available under the Revolving Credit Facility were used to fund the acquisitions described in Note 2, and Barnes & Noble has allocated such debt to the Company, as reflected in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Barnes & Noble charged the Company interest of $3,121, $23,462 and $19,575, relating to this debt for the periods ended January 29, 2000, February 3, 2001 and February 2, 2002, respectively.

F-12


 

GAMESTOP CORP.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

4.     Receivables, Net

      Receivables represent primarily bankcard and other receivables as follows:

                 
February 3, February 2,
2001 2002


(In thousands)
Bankcard receivables
  $ 2,656     $ 4,090  
Other receivables
    1,198       1,973  
Allowance for doubtful accounts
    (128 )     (133 )
     
     
 
Total receivables, net
  $ 3,726     $ 5,930  
     
     
 

5.     Leases

      The Company leases retail stores, warehouse facilities, office space and equipment. These are generally leased under noncancelable agreements that expire at various dates through 2013 with various renewal options for additional periods. The agreements, which have been classified as operating leases, generally provide for both minimum and percentage rentals and require the Company to pay all insurance, taxes and other maintenance costs. Percentage rentals are based on sales performance in excess of specified minimums at various stores.

      Approximate rental expenses under operating leases are as follows:

                                 
Predecessor
Company Successor Company


39 Weeks 13 Weeks 53 Weeks 52 Weeks
Ended Ended Ended Ended
October 30, January 29, February 3, February 2,
1999 2000 2001 2002




(in thousands)
Minimum
  $ 17,000     $ 6,000     $ 35,000     $ 42,000  
Percentage rentals
    4,000       4,000       6,000       11,000  
     
     
     
     
 
    $ 21,000     $ 10,000     $ 41,000     $ 53,000  
     
     
     
     
 

      Future minimum annual rentals, excluding percentage rentals, required under leases that had initial, noncancelable lease terms greater than one year, as of February 2, 2002 are approximately

         
Year Ended Amount


(In thousands)
January 2003
  $ 39,000  
January 2004
    31,000  
January 2005
    25,000  
January 2006
    20,000  
January 2007
    17,000  
Thereafter
    44,000  
     
 
    $ 176,000  
     
 

6.     Litigation

      Various claims and lawsuits arising in the normal course of business are pending against the Company. The subject matter of these proceedings primarily includes commercial disputes and employment issues. The

F-13


 

GAMESTOP CORP.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

results of these proceedings are not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

7.     Income Taxes

      For periods prior to the acquisition of Babbage’s Etc. LLC by Barnes & Noble, the Company’s predecessor was not subject to federal and most state income taxes, and its income was taxed directly to its members. Accordingly, the consolidated statement of operations includes the actual state taxes paid totaling $100 for the 39 weeks ended October 30, 1999.

      Subsequent to the acquisition, the financial statements reflect income taxes as if the Company had filed separate tax returns as a “C” corporation on a stand-alone basis.

      The historical provision for income tax consisted of the following:

                           
13 Weeks Ended 53 Weeks Ended 52 Weeks Ended
January 29, 2000 February 3, 2001 February 2, 2002



(In thousands)
Current tax expense (benefit):
                       
 
Federal
  $ 3,453     $ (6,349 )   $ 5,892  
 
State
    858       (1,577 )     1,464  
     
     
     
 
      4,311       (7,926 )     7,356  
     
     
     
 
Deferred tax expense (benefit):
                       
 
Federal
    526       1,673       256  
 
State
    131       417       63  
     
     
     
 
      657       2,090       319  
     
     
     
 
Total income tax expense (benefit)
  $ 4,968     $ (5,836 )   $ 7,675  
     
     
     
 

      The difference in income tax provided and the amounts determined by applying the statutory rate to income before income taxes result from the following:

                         
13 Weeks Ended 53 Weeks Ended 52 Weeks Ended
January 29, 2000 February 3, 2001 February 2, 2002



Federal statutory tax rate
    35.0 %     (35.0 )%     35.0 %
State income taxes, net of federal effect
    5.3       (4.3 )     6.8  
Non-deductible Goodwill amortization
    0.5       6.2       10.5  
Other (including permanent differences)
          0.3       0.1  
     
     
     
 
      40.8 %     (32.8 )%     52.4 %
     
     
     
 

      Differences between financial accounting principles and tax laws cause differences between the bases of certain assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and tax purposes. The tax effects of these differences, to the extent they are temporary, are recorded as deferred tax assets and liabilities under SFAS 109. Deferred tax assets primarily relate to inventory capitalization temporary differences and deferred tax liabilities primarily relate to temporary differences in connection with tax-deductible goodwill.

8.     Stock Option Plan

      Effective August 2001, Barnes & Noble approved the 2001 Incentive Plan of GameStop Corp. The 2001 Incentive Plan will assume (by the issuance of replacement options) all stock options outstanding as of the effective date under the 2000 Incentive Plan of GameStop, Inc. under the same terms.

F-14


 

GAMESTOP CORP.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

      Effective September 13, 2000, Barnes & Noble approved the 2000 Incentive Plan of GameStop, Inc. (the “Option Plan”). The Option Plan provides a maximum aggregate amount of 15,000 shares of common stock with respect to which options may be granted and provides for the granting of incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, and restricted stock, which may include, without limitation, restrictions on the right to vote such shares and restrictions on the right to receive dividends on such shares. The options to purchase common shares generally are issued at fair market value on the date of grant. Generally, the options vest and become exercisable ratably over a three-year period, commencing one year after the grant date, and expire ten years from issuance.

      On December 5, 2000, the Company granted 4,488 options to its employees based upon the fair value of the shares at the date of grant ($3.53 per share) as determined by an independent appraisal. On June 13, 2001 (unaudited), options to acquire 4,500 shares were granted with immediate vesting at an exercise price of $4.51 per share to Leonard Riggio based on the fair value at the date of grant as determined by an independent appraisal. During the 52 weeks ended February 2, 2002, 178 options were forfeited. At February 2, 2002, the Company had 8,810 options outstanding.

      During the 13 weeks ended January 29, 2000, options to acquire approximately 350 shares of Barnes & Noble were issued to GameStop employees pursuant to the Barnes & Noble stock option plan. Such grants were made at the fair market value of Barnes & Noble common stock at the date of grant.

      The Company applies APB Opinion No. 25 and related interpretations in accounting for its stock options and, accordingly, no compensation cost has been recognized for stock options in the financial statements. Had the Company determined compensation cost based on the fair value at the grant date for its stock options, including options in Barnes & Noble common stock granted to GameStop employees, consistent with the method set forth under SFAS No. 123, the Company’s pro forma net loss and loss per share for the 13 weeks ended January 29, 2000, the 53 weeks ended February 3, 2001 and for the 52 weeks ended February 2, 2002 would have been as follows:

                           
Successor Company

13 Weeks 53 Weeks 52 Weeks
Ended Ended Ended
January 29, February 3, February 2,
2000 2001 2002



(In thousands, except per share data)
Net earnings (loss):
                       
 
As reported
  $ 7,217     $ (11,961 )   $ 6,960  
 
Pro forma
  $ 7,182     $ (12,556 )   $ 6,764  
Net earnings (loss) per share — assuming dilution:
                       
As reported
  $ 0.20     $ (0.33 )   $ 0.18  
Pro forma
  $ 0.20     $ (0.35 )   $ 0.17  

      The weighted-average fair value of the options granted during the 13 weeks ended January 29, 2000, the 53 weeks ended February 3, 2001, and the 52 weeks ended February 2, 2002 were estimated at $10.26, $1.60 and $2.75, respectively, using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions:

                         
Successor Company

13 Weeks 53 Weeks 52 Weeks
Ended Ended Ended
January 29, February 3, February 2,
2000 2001 2002



Volatility
    61.1 %     61.1 %     61.1 %
Risk-free interest rate
    6.54 %     5.56 %     4.97 %
Expected life (years)
    6.0       6.0       6.0  

F-15


 

GAMESTOP CORP.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

9.     Employees’ Defined Contribution Plan

      The Company sponsors a defined contribution plan (the Savings Plan) for the benefit of substantially all of its employees who meet certain eligibility requirements, primarily age and length of service. The Savings Plan allows employees to invest up to 15% of their current gross cash compensation invested on a pre-tax basis, at their option. The Company’s optional contributions to the Savings Plan are generally in amounts based upon a certain percentage of the employees’ contributions. The Company’s contributions to the Savings Plan during the 39 weeks ended October 30, 1999, the 13 weeks ended January 29, 2000, the 53 weeks ended February 3, 2001 and the 52 weeks ended February 2, 2002, were $249, $115, $481 and $660, respectively.

10.     Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

      The Company operates departments within bookstores operated by Barnes & Noble, an affiliate of the Company. The Company pays a license fee to Barnes & Noble in amounts equal to 7.0% of the gross sales of such departments. Management deems the license fee to be reasonable and based upon terms equivalent to those that would prevail in an arm’s length transaction. During the 39 weeks ended October 30, 1999, the 13 weeks ended January 29, 2000, the 53 weeks ended February 3, 2001 and the 52 weeks ended February 2, 2002 these charges amounted to $641, $322, $886 and $1,098, respectively.

      The Company participates in Barnes & Noble’s worker’s compensation, property and general liability insurance programs. The costs incurred by Barnes & Noble under these programs are allocated to the Company based upon the Company’s total payroll expense, property and equipment, and insurance claim history. Management deems the allocation methodology to be reasonable. During the 39 weeks ended October 30, 1999, the 13 weeks ended January 29, 2000, the 53 weeks ended February 3, 2001 and the 52 weeks ended February 2, 2002 these allocated charges amounted to $347, $116, $632 and $1,291, respectively.

      On May 1, 2001, the Company entered into an agreement with barnesandnoble.com llc, a company in which Barnes & Noble owns an approximately 36% interest, pursuant to which the Company sells video game products and PC entertainment software through barnesandnoble.com’s web site. The Company pays barnesandnoble.com llc a referral fee on its net sales from purchases made through barnesandnoble.com llc’s web site. For the 52 weeks ended February 2, 2002, these referral fees amounted to $80.

      The Company utilizes the management and strategic advisory services of Leonard Riggio during the normal course of its operations. The annual compensation paid by Barnes & Noble to Leonard Riggio is allocated to the Company based upon the amount of time Mr. Riggio devotes to the Company as well as his duties and responsibilities. Management deems the allocation methodology to be reasonable. During the 13 weeks ended January 29, 2000, the 53 weeks ended February 3, 2001 and the 52 weeks ended February 2, 2002, this allocated compensation amounted to $124, $400 and $325, respectively.

F-16


 

GAMESTOP CORP.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

11.     Supplemental Cash Flow Information

                                   
Predecessor
Company Successor Company


39 Weeks 13 Weeks 53 Weeks 52 Weeks
Ended Ended Ended Ended
October 30, January 29, February 3, February 2,
1999 2000 2001 2002




(In thousands)
Cash paid during the period for:
                               
 
Interest
  $ 862     $     $     $  
     
     
     
     
 
 
Income taxes
          100              
     
     
     
     
 
Subsidiaries acquired:
                               
 
Goodwill
  $     $ 198,967     $ 131,360     $ 9,665  
 
Accrual of additional acquisition payments due to former owners
                      (9,665 )
 
Cash received in acquisition
          (10,760 )     (10,651 )      
 
Accrued acquisition costs
                (145 )      
 
Net assets acquired (or liabilities assumed)
          (12,447 )     36,200        
     
     
     
     
 
Cash paid
  $     $ 175,760     $ 156,764     $  
     
     
     
     
 

12.     Subsequent Events

      In February 2002, the Company completed a public offering of 20,764 shares of Class A common stock at $18.00 per share (the “Offering”). The net proceeds of the Offering, after deducting applicable issuance costs and expenses, were $348,006. The net proceeds were used to repay $250,000 of intercompany debt owed to Barnes & Noble. Additionally, upon the effective date of the initial public offering, Barnes & Noble made a capital contribution of $150,000 for the remaining balance of the intercompany debt. The accompanying consolidated balance sheet includes a pro forma column to reflect this contribution as if it had taken place at February 2, 2002.

      Concurrent with the Offering, the Company entered into a $75,000 senior secured revolving credit facility which expires in February 2005. The revolving credit facility is governed by an eligible inventory borrowing base agreement, defined as 50% of non-defective inventory. Loans incurred under the credit facility will be maintained from time to time, at the Company’s option, as (1) base rate loans which bear interest at the base rate (defined in the credit facility as the higher of (a) the administrative agent’s announced base rate or (b)  1/2 of 1% in excess of the federal funds effective rate, each as in effect from time to time) and (2) LIBOR loans bearing interest at the LIBOR rate for the applicable interest period, in each case plus an applicable interest margin. The applicable interest margin will initially be 0.25% for base rate loans and 1.75% for LIBOR rate loans, and in each case will thereafter vary depending on the Company’s fixed charge coverage ratio. In addition, the Company is required to pay a commitment fee of 0.375% for any unused amounts of the revolving credit facility. Any borrowings under the revolving credit facility are secured by the assets of the Company. The revolving credit facility generally restricts our ability to pay dividends. There have been no borrowings under the revolving credit facility.

F-17


 

GAMESTOP CORP.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

13.     Unaudited Quarterly Financial Information

      The following table sets forth certain unaudited quarterly consolidated statement of operations information for fiscal 2000 and 2001. The unaudited quarterly information includes all normal recurring adjustments that management considers necessary for a fair presentation of the information shown.

                                                                 
Fiscal 2000 Fiscal 2001


1st 2nd 3rd 4th 1st 2nd 3rd 4th
Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter








(In thousands)
Sales
  $ 120,003     $ 127,154     $ 182,486     $ 327,054     $ 201,355     $ 206,806     $ 198,766     $ 514,211  
Gross profit
    30,007       33,619       47,383       74,693       48,008       53,711       54,578       110,806  
Operating earnings (loss)
    597       (7,580 )     (1,552 )     14,149       (5,422 )     (2,243 )     5,609       36,143  
Net earnings (loss)
    (1,749 )     (8,000 )     (5,719 )     3,507       (7,230 )     (4,849 )     253       18,786  
Net earnings (loss) per common share — basic
    (0.05 )     (0.22 )     (0.16 )     0.10       (0.20 )     (0.14 )     0.01       0.52  
Net earnings (loss) per common share — diluted
    (0.05 )     (0.22 )     (0.16 )     0.10       (0.20 )     (0.14 )     0.01       0.47  

F-18


 

Independent Auditors’ Report

Board of Directors and Shareholders

Funco, Inc.

      We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Funco, Inc. as of April 2, 2000 and March 28, 1999, and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended April 2, 2000. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

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

      In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Funco, Inc. at April 2, 2000 and March 28, 1999, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended April 2, 2000, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

  ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Minneapolis, Minnesota

May 8, 2000

F-19


 

FUNCO, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

                   
April 2, March 28,
2000 1999


(In thousands)
ASSETS
Current assets:
               
 
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 14,701     $ 8,550  
 
Short-term investments
    410        
 
Accounts receivable
    1,195       2,020  
 
Inventories
    30,280       28,485  
 
Prepaid expenses
    3,996       2,948  
 
Current deferred tax asset
    676       640  
     
     
 
Total current assets
    51,258       42,643  
Net property and equipment
    15,696       11,334  
Long-term deferred tax asset
    982       1,064  
Other assets
    63       99  
     
     
 
Total assets
  $ 67,999     $ 55,140  
     
     
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
               
 
Accounts payable
  $ 15,187     $ 9,831  
 
Accrued liabilities
    4,789       5,266  
 
Deferred revenue
    948       994  
     
     
 
Total current liabilities
    20,924       16,091  
Accrued rent
    324       213  
Shareholders’ equity:
               
 
Common stock, $0.01 par value (issued and outstanding for 2000 and 1999, respectively: 6,014,403 and 5,894,760)
    60       59  
 
Additional paid-in-capital
    16,427       15,238  
 
Retained earnings
    30,264       23,539  
     
     
 
Total shareholders’ equity
    46,751       38,836  
     
     
 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $ 67,999     $ 55,140  
     
     
 

See accompanying notes.

F-20


 

FUNCO, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

                           
Year Ended

April 2, March 28, March 29,
2000 1999 1998



(In thousands, except share and per share data)
Net sales
  $ 252,653     $ 206,673     $ 163,316  
Cost of sales
    173,543       138,693       106,628  
     
     
     
 
Gross profit
    79,110       67,980       56,688  
Operating expenses
    54,901       41,792       33,746  
General and administrative expenses
    13,427       10,587       9,512  
     
     
     
 
Operating income
    10,782       15,601       13,430  
Interest expense
    (36 )     (12 )     (20 )
Interest income
    334       417       295  
     
     
     
 
Net income before income taxes
    11,080       16,006       13,705  
Income tax provision
    4,355       6,296       5,435  
     
     
     
 
Net income
  $ 6,725     $ 9,710     $ 8,270  
     
     
     
 
Basic net income per share:
                       
 
Basic net income per share
  $ 1.13     $ 1.60     $ 1.35  
Weighted average number of common shares
    5,970,987       6,077,986       6,137,161  
Diluted net income per share:
                       
 
Diluted net income per share
  $ 1.08     $ 1.53     $ 1.26  
Weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares
    6,246,558       6,353,311       6,572,365  

See accompanying notes.

F-21


 

FUNCO, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

                                           
Common Stock Additional Total

Paid-In Retained Shareholders’
Shares Amount Capital Earnings Equity





(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Balance at March 30, 1997
    6,057     $ 61     $ 18,698     $ 5,559     $ 24,318  
 
Common stock issued, net of costs
    127       1       634             635  
 
Tax benefits of stock options
                302             302  
 
Net income
                      8,270       8,270  
     
     
     
     
     
 
Balance at March 29, 1998
    6,184       62       19,634       13,829       33,525  
 
Common stock issued, net of costs
    125       1       560             561  
 
Tax benefits of stock options
                260             260  
 
Repurchase of common stock
    (414 )     (4 )     (5,216 )           (5,220 )
 
Net income
                      9,710       9,710  
     
     
     
     
     
 
Balance at March 28, 1999
    5,895       59       15,238       23,539       38,836  
 
Common stock issued, net of costs
    119       1       872             873  
 
Tax benefits of stock options
                317             317  
 
Net income
                      6,725       6,725  
     
     
     
     
     
 
Balance at April 2, 2000
    6,014     $ 60     $ 16,427     $ 30,264     $ 46,751  
     
     
     
     
     
 

See accompanying notes.

F-22


 

FUNCO, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

                             
Year Ended

April 2, March 28, March 29,
2000 1999 1998



(In thousands)
Operating activities
                       
Net income
  $ 6,725     $ 9,710     $ 8,270  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
                       
 
Depreciation and amortization
    4,941       3,650       3,126  
 
Deferred tax (benefit)
    46       21       (209 )
 
Net loss on disposal of property and equipment
    119       123       105  
 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
                       
   
Accounts receivable
    825       107       (1,033 )
   
Inventories
    (1,795 )     (6,998 )     (7,656 )
   
Prepaid expenses
    (1,048 )     (1,773 )     (393 )
   
Accounts payable
    5,356       4,997       3,447  
   
Accrued liabilities
    (366 )     (896 )     1,102  
   
Deferred revenue
    (46 )     102       145  
     
     
     
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
    14,757       9,043       6,904  
Investing activities
                       
Additions of property and equipment
    (9,378 )     (6,838 )     (5,380 )
Increase in other assets
    (8 )     (11 )     (110 )
Purchases of short-term investments
    (410 )     (3,075 )     (1,460 )
Sales of short-term investments
          4,535        
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment
                16  
     
     
     
 
Net cash used in investing activities
    (9,796 )     (5,389 )     (6,934 )
Financing activities
                       
Payments of obligations under capital leases
                (20 )
Payments for repurchase of common stock
          (5,220 )      
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock
    1,190       821       937  
     
     
     
 
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    1,190       (4,399 )     917  
     
     
     
 
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    6,151       (745 )     887  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
    8,550       9,295       8,408  
     
     
     
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
  $ 14,701     $ 8,550     $ 9,295  
     
     
     
 

See accompanying notes.

F-23


 

FUNCO, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

April 2, 2000

1.     Significant Accounting Policies

 
      Nature of Business

      Funco, Inc. operates a single business segment, providing interactive home entertainment primarily through the purchase and resale of new and previously played video games, related hardware and accessory items through its FuncoLand stores, mail order operation and FuncoLand Superstore Web site. Accordingly, additional disclosures under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 131 (SFAS No. 131), “Disclosures About Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information,” are not required. Funco, Inc. also publishes a video game magazine, Game Informer. The Company was incorporated in Minnesota in March 1988.

 
      Principles of Consolidation

      The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

 
      Revenue Recognition

      Revenue from retail sales of the Company’s products is recognized at the time of sale. Deferred revenue represents amounts received for subscriptions to a specified number of future video game magazine issues. Subscription revenue is recognized on a straight-line basis as magazine issues are delivered.

 
      Advertising Costs

      Advertising costs, included in operating expenses, are expensed as incurred and were $3,933,000, $2,769,000 and $2,309,000 for the years 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively.

 
      Fiscal Year

      The Company’s fiscal year ends on a Sunday on or near March 31. The fiscal year ended April 2, 2000 consisted of 53 weeks and fiscal years ended March 28, 1999 and March 29, 1998 consisted of 52 weeks each. Unless otherwise stated, references to years in this report relate to fiscal years rather than calendar years.

 
      Cash Equivalents

      Cash equivalents represent investments with a maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase. Cash equivalents are recorded at cost, which approximates market.

 
      Short-Term Investments

      Short-term investments represent investments with a maturity of greater than three months at the time of purchase. Realized gains and losses and declines in value judged to be other-than-temporary on short-term investments are included in interest income. Short-term investments are recorded at cost, which approximates market.

 
      Inventories

      Inventories consist of new and previously played video games, hardware and accessories and are valued at the lower of cost, determined using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method, or market.

F-24


 

FUNCO, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 
      Property and Equipment

      Property and equipment are recorded at cost. The Company uses the straight-line method of computing depreciation based on the assets’ estimated useful lives, which range from three to five years.

 
      Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

      The Company records impairment losses of long-lived assets used in operations when indicators of impairment are present and the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by those assets are less than the assets’ carrying amounts.

 
      Internal-Use Software

      During fiscal 1999, the Company adopted Statement of Position No. 98-1 (SOP No. 98-1), “Internal Use Software.” Under SOP No. 98-1, companies are required to capitalize certain development costs related to internal-use software. The Company is amortizing these costs over five years. Total capitalized costs for fiscal 2000 and 1999 were $322,000 and $279,000, respectively. The Company historically expensed these costs.

 
      Pre-Opening Costs

      The Company adopted Statement of Position No. 98-5 (SOP No. 98-5) “Reporting on the Cost of Start-Up Activities,” in fiscal 1999. SOP No. 98-5 requires the costs of start-up activities, including store opening costs, to be expensed in the period incurred. The Company historically amortized these costs over 12 months. Annual results were not materially impacted by the adoption.

 
      Stock Options

      The Company has elected to recognize compensation cost for its stock-based compensation plans in accordance with Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees.” Accordingly, no compensation expense is recognized for stock options with exercise prices equal to, or in excess of, the market value of the underlying shares of stock at the date of grant. The Company follows the disclosure-only provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (SFAS No. 123), “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation.”

 
      Net Income Per Share

      Basic net income per share is computed based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period. Diluted net income per share includes the incremental shares assumed issued on the exercise of stock options. Unless otherwise stated, all references to income per share are calculated using the diluted method.

 
      Use of Estimates

      Preparing financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect reporting amounts in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

2.     Financing Arrangements

      The Company has a $5,000,000 unsecured revolving credit facility with a commercial bank, seasonally increasing to $20,000,000. The interest rate on outstanding borrowings under the facility (8.04% for the month ended April 2, 2000) is based upon LIBOR plus 200 basis points. The facility requires the Company to

F-25


 

FUNCO, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

maintain certain financial ratios and achieve certain operating results. The Company has no borrowings under the facility at April 2, 2000 or March 28, 1999.

3.     Leases

      The Company has rental commitments for office space, retail space, office equipment and vehicles under non-cancelable operating leases. Most of these leases contain provisions for renewal options and require the Company to pay other lease-related costs.

      Future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating leases consist of the following:

         
(In thousands)
2001
  $ 11,133  
2002
    8,185  
2003
    5,194  
2004
    1,969  
2005
    974  
     
 
Total
  $ 27,455  
     
 

      Rent expense was $10,172,000, $7,904,000 and $6,254,000, for the years 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively.

4.     Property and Equipment

      Net property and equipment consist of the following:

                 
2000 1999


(In thousands)
Furniture and fixtures
  $ 10,021     $ 7,474  
Equipment
    13,937       10,528  
Leasehold improvements
    12,030       9,497  
Other
    65       64  
     
     
 
Gross property and equipment
    36,053       27,563  
Less accumulated depreciation
    (20,357 )     (16,229 )
     
     
 
Net property and equipment
  $ 15,696     $ 11,334  
     
     
 

5.     Accrued Liabilities

      Accrued liabilities consist of the following:

                 
2000 1999


(In thousands)
Purchase credit memos payable
  $ 2,162     $ 1,848  
Employee compensation and related taxes
    955       1,338  
Sales tax payable
    943       940  
Income tax payable
          664  
Other accrued liabilities
    729       476  
     
     
 
Total accrued liabilities
  $ 4,789     $ 5,266  
     
     
 

F-26


 

FUNCO, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

6.     Stock Options

      Under the terms of the Company’s various stock option plans, a maximum of 1,450,000 shares of common stock has been reserved for issuance to directors, officers and employees, upon the exercise of stock options. Annually, on May 1, the Company reserves an additional 1% of the total number of Common Stock shares outstanding at fiscal year-end. Subsequent to April 2, 2000, the Company has reserved an additional 59,897 shares for use in its stock option plan. The stock options are exercisable over periods up to ten years from date of grant and include incentive stock options and nonqualified stock options.

      At April 2, 2000, there were 890,029 options outstanding. Options exercisable at the end of years 2000, 1999 and 1998 were 890,029, 544,056 and 442,961, respectively. A summary of stock option transactions is as follows:

                   
Weighted Average
Exercise Price
Shares Per Share


Outstanding March 30, 1997
    799,633     $ 7.16  
 
Granted
    286,936       15.37  
 
Exercised
    (124,771 )     5.11  
 
Canceled
    (22,905 )     10.90  
     
     
 
Outstanding March 29, 1998
    938,893       9.85  
 
Granted
    270,434       13.34  
 
Exercised
    (124,583 )     4.57  
 
Canceled
    (46,599 )     13.40  
     
     
 
Outstanding March 28, 1999
    1,038,145       11.24  
 
Granted
    7,700       17.40  
 
Exercised
    (119,643 )     7.98  
 
Canceled
    (36,173 )     14.13  
     
     
 
Outstanding April 2, 2000
    890,029     $ 11.61  
     
     
 

      The following table summarizes information concerning outstanding and exercisable options:

                                         
Weighted Average
Remaining
Range of Number Contractual Life Weighted Average Number Weighted Average
Exercise Prices Outstanding (Years) Exercise Price Exercisable Exercise Price






$ 0 - $ 4
    11,001       5.36     $ 3.21       11,001     $ 3.21  
$ 4 - $ 8
    160,733       3.91       5.85       160,733       5.85  
$ 8 - $12
    193,499       4.74       9.37       193,499       9.37  
$12 - $16
    482,596       6.76       14.11       482,596       14.11  
$16 - $20
    42,200       3.29       17.35       42,200       17.35  
     
     
     
     
     
 
$ 0 - $20
    890,029       5.62     $ 11.61       890,029     $ 11.61  
     
     
     
     
     
 

      In fiscal 2000, the Company issued 119,643 shares of stock through the exercise of stock options at prices ranging from $3.40 to $15.27 per share, generating net proceeds, including tax benefits, of $1,190,000.

      In fiscal 1999, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 700,000 shares of the Company’s common stock. During fiscal 1999, Company repurchased 414,800 shares of common stock at an aggregate price of $5,220,000.

F-27


 

FUNCO, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

      The Company follows the disclosure-only provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (SFAS No. 123), “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation.” The Company has elected to continue to account for stock-based compensation plans in accordance with Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” making the pro forma disclosures of net earnings and earnings per share as if the fair value-based method had been applied. Accordingly, no compensation expense is recognized for stock options with exercise prices equal to, or in excess of, the market value of the underlying shares of stock at the date of grant. Had compensation expense been recognized based on the fair value at the date of grant following provisions of SFAS No. 123, the Company’s pro forma net income and net income per share would have been as follows:

                           
2000 1999 1998



(In thousands, except
per share data)
Net income
                       
 
As reported
  $ 6,725     $ 9,710     $ 8,270  
 
Pro forma
    4,641       8,794       7,594  
Income per common share — basic:
                       
 
As reported
  $ 1.13     $ 1.60     $ 1.35  
 
Pro forma
    .78       1.48       1.26  
Income per common share — diluted:
                       
 
As reported
  $ 1.08     $ 1.53     $ 1.26  
 
Pro forma
    .74       1.42       1.17  

      The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:

                         
2000 1999 1998



Expected volatility
    66.0 %     80.5 %     70.1 %
Risk-free interest rate
    6.0 %     5.7 %     6.0 %
Expected dividend yield
    0.0 %     0.0 %     0.0 %
Expected life of options
    3 Years       3 Years       3 Years  

      The pro forma effect on net income and net income per share does not take into consideration pro forma compensation expense related to grants made prior to fiscal 1996.

      The weighted average fair value for options with an exercise price equal to market price granted during years 2000, 1999 and 1998 is $8.57, $6.70 and $7.65 per share, respectively. The weighted average fair value for options with an exercise price greater than market price granted during fiscal 1998 is $7.03. No options with an exercise price greater than market price were granted in fiscal years 2000 or 1999.

F-28


 

FUNCO, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

7.     Net Income Per Share

      In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128 “Earnings Per Share,” the following table presents a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of basic and diluted net income per common share for the years 2000, 1999 and 1998:

                           
2000 1999 1998



(In thousands, except share and
per share data)
Numerator:
                       
 
Net income
  $ 6,725     $ 9,710     $ 8,270  
     
     
     
 
Denominator:
                       
 
Denominator for basic net income per share — weighted average shares
    5,970,987       6,077,986       6,137,161  
Dilutive securities:
                       
 
Employee stock options
    275,571       275,325       435,204  
     
     
     
 
Denominator for diluted net income per share — adjusted weighted average shares
    6,246,558       6,353,311       6,572,365  
     
     
     
 
Basic net income per share
  $ 1.13     $ 1.60     $ 1.35  
     
     
     
 
Diluted net income per share
  $ 1.08     $ 1.53     $ 1.26  
     
     
     
 

8.     Income Taxes

      Significant components of the provision for income taxes for the years 2000, 1999 and 1998 are as follows:

                           
2000 1999 1998



(In thousands)
Current:
                       
 
Federal
  $ 3,404     $ 4,957     $ 4,346  
 
State
    905       1,318       1,298  
     
     
     
 
Current tax expense
    4,309       6,275       5,644  
Deferred:
                       
 
Federal
    37       17       (159 )
 
State
    9       4       (50 )
     
     
     
 
Deferred tax expense (benefit)
    46       21       (209 )
     
     
     
 
Net income tax provision
  $ 4,355     $ 6,296     $ 5,435  
     
     
     
 

F-29


 

FUNCO, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

      Deferred income taxes are due to temporary differences between carrying values of certain assets and liabilities for financial reporting and income tax purposes. Significant components of deferred taxes at April 2, 2000 and March 28, 1999, are as follows:

                 
2000 1999


(In thousands)
Accrued rent
  $ 211     $ 222  
Inventories
    254       474  
Depreciation
    1,222       1,212  
Other
    (29 )     (204 )
     
     
 
Net deferred tax asset
  $ 1,658     $ 1,704  
     
     
 

      Income taxes of $5,338,000, $7,017,000 and $4,518,000 were paid in the years 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively.

      Reconciliation of the Company’s tax rate is as follows:

                         
2000 1999 1998



(In thousands, except tax rate)
Expected tax expense
  $ 3,767     $ 5,442     $ 4,701  
State income tax, net of federal benefit
    658       870       820  
Other
    (70 )     (16 )     (86 )
     
     
     
 
Net income tax provision
  $ 4,355     $ 6,296     $ 5,435  
     
     
     
 
Effective tax rate
    39 %     39 %     40 %
     
     
     
 

9.     Subsequent Event

      The Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger with Barnes & Noble, Inc. and B&N Acquisition Corporation, pursuant to which B&N Acquisition Corporation, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Barnes & Noble, Inc., will offer to purchase all of the Company’s issued and outstanding common stock for $24.75 per share, or an aggregate purchase price of approximately $161.5 million. The transaction is expected to close in June 2000. In connection with the Agreement, Barnes & Noble is obligated to indemnify the Company for payment of a termination fee of $3,500,000 plus expenses to Electronics Boutique Holdings Corp.

F-30


 

EXHIBIT INDEX

         
Exhibit
Number Description


  3.1     Form of Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation.**
  3.2     Bylaws.**
  10.1     Separation Agreement, between Barnes & Noble and GameStop Corp.***
  10.2     Tax Disaffiliation Agreement, between Barnes & Noble and GameStop Corp.**
  10.3     Insurance Agreement, between Barnes & Noble and GameStop Corp.**
  10.4     Operating Agreement, between Barnes & Noble and GameStop Corp.**
  10.5     2001 Incentive Plan.***
  10.6     Lease, dated as of March 6, 1997, between RREEF Mid-Cities Industrial L.P. and Babbage’s Etc. LLC.**
  10.7     First Amendment to Lease, dated as of December 30, 1999, between RREEF Mid-Cities Industrial L.P. and Babbage’s Etc. LLC.**
  10.8     Registration Rights Agreement, between Barnes & Noble and GameStop Corp.**
  10.9     Form of Revolving Credit Agreement, among GameStop Corp., Fleet National Bank, as Administrative Agent, the Banks party thereto and Fleet Securities, Inc., as Arranger.**
  10.10     Form of Security Agreement by GameStop Corp. in favor of Fleet National Bank, as secured party and as Administrative Agent.**
  10.11     Form of Subsidiary Guaranty by and among GameStop, Inc., Babbage’s Etc. LLC, Sunrise Publications, Inc. and GameStop.com, Inc. and Fleet National Bank, as Administrative Agent.**
  10.12     Form of Securities Collateral Pledge Agreement between Gamestop Corp. and Fleet National Bank, as Administrative Agent.**
  10.13     Form of Patent and Trademark Securities Agreement between GameStop Corp. and Fleet National Bank, as secured party and as Administrative Agent.**
  11.1     Statement re: Calculation of Net Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share.
  21.1     Subsidiaries.*
  23.1     Consent of BDO Seidman, LLP.
  23.2     Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.


  Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Amendment No. 1 to Form S-1 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 15, 2001 (No. 333-68294).

  **  Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Amendment No. 3 to Form S-1 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 24, 2002 (No. 333-68294).

***  Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Amendment No. 4 to Form S-1 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 5, 2002 (No. 333-68294).

E-1