ii
Dear Fellow Stockholder,
We are pleased to present the Collectors Universe, Inc. Annual Report for fiscal year 2011. We’ve been fortunate to enjoy
record financial performance in terms of both revenue and operating cash flow, despite the stagnant macro-economic
environment.
I attribute this outcome to three factors:
First, the hard work and dedication of our business leaders and employees. Our team worked diligently and efficiently
to process a record 3.3 million units – an 11% increase over last year – while maintaining high standards for customer
service. Our team has enormous pride in what we do, and our people are the foundation of our past and future success.
Second, to our continued focus on operational efficiency. Our unit productivity measures demonstrated steady
improvement year-over-year. We understand it is easy to spend money when business is robust; yet, this inevitably leads
to unacceptable cost creep, and we challenge ourselves daily to avoid this trap.
Third, to growth initiatives in our core markets which were launched in fiscal 2010 and which delivered incremental
revenues and contribution in fiscal 2011. As importantly, we continue to look to the future, and in fiscal 2011 we
launched a number of initiatives targeted at the global marketplace and our digital assets and activities.
Finally, Collectors Universe, Inc. maintained a solid balance sheet, while at the same time distributing nearly $10.0
million in dividends.
Year in Review
Fiscal 2011 financial performance was largely driven by our core coin business, which experienced revenue growth of
14% and generated a 6% increase in operating income over the prior year to $11.0 million. Modern coin submissions
were a primary driver to the coin segment’s growth in revenue and operating income. Further, world coin submissions
grew year over year by 85%, with a commensurate 85% increase in contribution. Our autograph business experienced
continued healthy revenue growth of 28%, and that business opened an East Coast office during the first quarter of fiscal
2012. The trading card business was flat in the fourth quarter; hopefully reflecting a stabilization of that market. Our
digital activities generated $5.7 million in revenues in fiscal 2011, with advertising and subscription revenue growing
by 14% and 38%, respectively, year-over-year. Overall, the Company reported record revenue of $44.4 million and
operating cash flow of $10.5 million for fiscal 2011.
Other Major Developments During the Fiscal Year Included:
In fiscal 2010, we turned our attention to developing targeted growth initiatives which we believe have a potential for
high returns on invested capital. As a result, we implemented various new products and services that required a total
incremental investment of approximately $650,000.
Here is an update on those initiatives:
PCGS Coin Facts™ which was launched in the first quarter of fiscal 2010 gives subscribers access to extensive numismatic
information on the Internet site. As of this writing, there are approximately 5,000 subscribers paying an average
subscription fee of $10 per month. This subscription service generated a revenue stream of approximately $540,000
during fiscal 2011, at a relatively low incremental cost.
ii
PCGS Secure Plus™ grading was introduced in April 2010 to increase consumer confidence and introduce a new
certification designation. This service/technology utilizes laser scanning to help detect coins that have been artificially
enhanced. In fiscal 2011, 11,000 coins were processed using this technology at an average premium of $35 over the
standard service rates. Importantly, effective August 2011, submission and processing of world coins through Secure Plus,
became mandatory.
At Certified Coin Exchange, our memberships grew by 11% in fiscal 2011 compared to fiscal 2010, and revenue increased
by 20% to $2.0 million. We continue to add features and functionality to this offering and believe there is significant
opportunity going forward.
We expanded our world coin service offerings and market opportunities by opening an office in Paris in May 2010.
While this initiative lost approximately $300,000 in fiscal 2011, and did not meet our objective of break-even results, we
remain committed to and encouraged by the opportunity for PCGS on the European continent. Our first grading week
in Paris for fiscal 2012 generated a record number of submissions and achieved a positive contribution for the first time.
Finally, in September 2011 we announced the acquisition of Coinflation.com™ for $750,000 in cash and common
stock. Coinflation.com is an informational website providing precious metal values and the intrinsic values of the metal
content in individual coins. The website attracts over 600,000 unique visitors monthly, and we expect the combination
of Coinflation.com with our existing web properties to create numerous opportunities to drive incremental traffic and
advertising revenues. The transaction fits well with the Company’s stated strategy of protecting its core business, while
extending pragmatically and prudently within those core businesses.
Looking Forward
Our primary objective for fiscal 2012 is to continue to manage our core coin, trading card and autograph businesses.
Further, we plan to focus our growth initiatives in two areas: the global marketplace, with an emphasis on expansion
in selected markets in Asia, and digital activities that include areas of opportunity such as listing fees, subscription fees,
advertising revenues, search engine optimization and lead generation. Consistent with the past, the key elements of this
effort will be: exploring ways to build upon the Company’s leading market positions and strong business reputation,
leveraging our valuable proprietary content, and extracting incremental value from e-commerce transactions.
On behalf of the Board of Directors and management, I want to take this opportunity to thank our many customers
for placing their trust and confidence in our products and services. We will continue to work tirelessly to exceed your
expectations. I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to our employees for their commitment and teamwork over
the past year.
Sincerely,
Michael J. McConnell, Chief Executive Officer
2011 ANNUAL REPORT
(THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK)
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
x
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2011
o
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
[NO FEE REQUIRED]
OR
For the transition period from _______ to _____
Commission file number 1-34240
COLLECTORS UNIVERSE, INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of
Incorporation or organization)
1921 E. Alton Avenue, Santa Ana, California
(Address of principal executive offices)
33-0846191
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
92705
(Zip Code)
(949) 567-1234
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of Class
Name of each Exchange on which registered
Common Stock, par value $.001 per share
NASDAQ Global Market
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act: YES o NO x
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. YES o NO x
Indicate, by check mark, whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports); and
(2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No o
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive
Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12
months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). YES o NO o
Indicate, by check mark, if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§ 229.405 of this chapter) is not
contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of Registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated
by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting
company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer o
Non-accelerated filer (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) o
Accelerated Filer o
Smaller reporting company x
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Securities Exchange Act Rule 12b-2). YES o NO x
As of December 31, 2010, the aggregate market value of the Common Stock held by non-affiliates was approximately $70,244,000 based
on the per share closing price of $13.90 of registrant’s Common Stock as of such date as reported by the Nasdaq Global Market.
As of August 20, 2011, a total of 8,039,256 shares of registrant’s Common Stock were outstanding.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Except as otherwise stated therein, Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 in Part III of this Form 10-K are incorporated by reference
from Registrant’s Definitive Proxy Statement, which is expected to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or before
October 28, 2011, for its Annual Meeting of Stockholders scheduled.
COLLECTORS UNIVERSE, INC.
FORM 10-K
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2011
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I
PART II
PART III
Forward-Looking Statements
Item 1.
Business...................................................................................................................................................
Item 1A. Risk Factors .............................................................................................................................................
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments ....................................................................................................................
Item 2.
Properties ................................................................................................................................................
Item 3.
Legal Proceedings ....................................................................................................................................
Executive Officers of Registrant ...............................................................................................................
Item 5. Market for Common Stock, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities ........
Item 6.
Selected Consolidated Financial Data ......................................................................................................
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations ......................
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk ..................................................................
Item 8.
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data ........................................................................................
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm .....................................................................
Consolidated Balance Sheets at June 30, 2011 and 2010 .........................................................................
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years ended June 30, 2011, 2010 and 2009 ....................
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the Years Ended June 30, 2011,
2010 and 2009 ....................................................................................................................................
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended June 30, 2011, 2010 and 2009 ...................
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements ............................................................................................
Schedule II – Valuation and Qualifying Accounts ...................................................................................
Item 9.
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure .....................
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures .........................................................................................................................
Item 9B. Other Information ..........................................................................................................................
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance ........................................................................
Item 11. Executive Compensation .........................................................................................................................
Item 12.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters ...
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence ...........................................
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees And Services ...........................................................................................
Page
1
1
15
20
20
21
21
22
23
25
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
54
78
79
79
80
81
81
81
81
81
PART IV Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules ............................................................................................
82
SIGNATURES ...........................................................................................................................................................................
INDEX TO EXHIBITS ..............................................................................................................................................................
S-1
E-1
(i)
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Statements contained in this annual report on Form 10-K (the “Annual Report”) that are not historical facts or that
discuss our expectations, beliefs or views regarding our future operations or future financial performance, or financial or other
trends in our business or markets, constitute “forward-looking statements” as defined in the Private Securities Reform Act of 1995.
Forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. Often, such
statements include the words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “estimate,” “project,” or words of similar meaning,
or future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” or “may.” Forward-looking statements are estimates
or predictions about the future. Those estimates or predictions are based on current information and are subject to a number of
risks and uncertainties that could cause our financial condition or operating results in the future to differ significantly from those
expected at the current time, as described in the forward-looking statements that are contained in this Annual Report. Those risks
and uncertainties are described in Item 1A in Part I of this Annual Report under the caption “Risk Factors,” and in Item 7 of Part
II under the caption “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” Accordingly,
readers of this Annual Report are urged to read the cautionary statements contained in those items of this Annual Report. Due to
these uncertainties and risks, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements contained in
this Annual Report, which speak only as of the date of this Annual Report. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any
forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law or
applicable Nasdaq rules.
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Overview
PART I
We provide authentication and grading services to dealers and collectors of high-value coins, trading cards, event tickets,
autographs, memorabilia and stamps (“collectibles”). We believe that our authentication and grading services add value to these
collectibles by enhancing their marketability and thereby providing increased liquidity to the dealers, collectors and consumers that
own and buy and sell them.
Once we have authenticated and assigned a grade to a collectible, we encapsulate it in a tamper-evident, clear plastic
holder, or issue a certificate of authenticity, that (i) identifies the specific collectible; (ii) sets forth the quality grade we have assigned
to it; and (iii) bears one of our brand names and logos: “PCGS” for coins, “PSA” for trading cards and event tickets, “PSA/DNA”
for autographs and memorabilia and “PSE” for stamps. Additionally, we warrant our certification of authenticity and the grade
that we assign to the coins, trading cards and stamps bearing our brands. We do not warrant our authenticity determinations for
autographs or memorabilia. For ease of reference in this Annual Report, we will sometimes refer to coins, trading cards and other
collectibles that we have authenticated or graded as having been “certified.”
We principally generate revenues from the fees paid for our authentication and grading services. To a much lesser extent,
we generate revenues from other related services, which consist of revenues from: (i) the sale of advertising on our websites;
(ii) the sale of printed publications and collectibles price guides and advertising in such publications; (iii) the sale of membership
subscriptions in our Collectors Club and CoinFacts, which is designed to attract interest in high-value collectibles among new
collectors; (iv) the sale of subscriptions to our Certified Coin Exchange (CCE) dealer-to-dealer Internet bid-ask market for certified
coins; and (v) collectibles trade show conventions that we conduct. We also generate revenues from sales of our collectibles
inventory, which is comprised primarily of collectible coins that we have purchased under our coin grading warranty program;
however, these activities are not the focus, and we do not consider them to be an integral part of our ongoing revenue-generating
activities.
We have developed some of the leading brands in the collectibles markets in which we conduct our business:
§ “PCGS” (Professional Coin Grading Service), which is the brand name for our independent coin authentication
and grading service;
§ “PSA” (Professional Sports Authenticator), which is the brand name for our independent sports and trading cards
authentication and grading service;
(i)
1
§ “PSA/DNA” (PSA/DNA Authentication Services), which is the brand name for our independent authentication
and grading service for vintage autographs and memorabilia; and
§ “PSE” (Professional Stamp Experts), which is the brand name for our independent stamp authentication and
grading service.
PCGS and PSA are among the leading independent authentication and grading services in the collectible coin and trading
cards markets in the United States. PSA/DNA and PSE also are among the leading independent authentication services in their
respective markets.
We began offering our PCGS coin authentication and grading services in 1986 and, from inception through fiscal year
ended June 30, 2011, we authenticated and graded more than 20 million coins. In 1991, we launched our PSA trading cards
authentication and grading service and, through June 30, 2011, authenticated and graded over 14 million trading cards. In 1999,
we launched our PSA/DNA vintage autograph authentication business and in June 2004 we extended that business by introducing
vintage autograph grading services to dealers and collectors of autographed sports memorabilia. We started our PSE stamp
authentication and grading service in 2000.
The following table provides information regarding the respective numbers of coins, trading cards, autographs and stamps
that we authenticated or graded from 2009 to 2011:
Coins
Trading cards
Autographs
Stamps
Total
2011
1,973,700
1,120,800
240,100
13,900
3,348,500
59%
34%
7%
-
100%
Units Processed
2010
1,708,200
1,090,600
196,500
19,000
3,014,300
57%
36%
6%
1%
100%
2009
1,456,100
1,171,600
168,100
25,700
2,821,500
52%
41%
6%
1%
100%
The following table sets forth the estimated values at which our customers insured the coins, trading cards, autographs and
stamps that they submitted to us for authentication or grading:
2011
2010
2009
Declared Values (000s)
Coins
Trading cards
Autographs
Stamps
Total
$ 1,292,000
83,000
21,000
8,000
$ 1,404,000
92%
6%
1%
1%
100%
$ 1,390,000
73,000
18,000
13,000
$ 1,494,000
93%
5%
1%
1%
100%
$ 1,119,000
79,000
15,000
22,000
$ 1,235,000
91%
6%
1%
2%
100%
Our revenues are comprised principally of our authentication and grading service fees. Those fees range from $4 to over
$600 per item authenticated and graded, based primarily on the type of collectible authenticated or graded and the turnaround
times selected by our customers, which range from one to approximately sixty days, as we charge higher fees for higher service levels,
and our fees are not based on the value of the collectible. In fiscal 2011, our authentication and grading fees, per item processed,
for all our businesses averaged $10.91. In the case of coins, such fees ranged from $5 to $600 per coin, and averaged $13.60 per
coin and, in the case of trading cards, ranged from $4 to $50 per card, and averaged $5.37 per trading card. As a general rule,
collectibles dealers and, to a lesser extent, individual collectors, request faster turnaround times and, therefore, generally pay higher
fees for more valuable, older or “vintage” collectibles than they do for modern collectibles.
Industry Background
The primary determinants of the prices of, and the willingness of sellers, purchasers and collectors to purchase high-value
or high-priced collectibles or other high-value assets, are their authenticity, quality and rarity. The authenticity of a collectible
relates not only to the genuineness of the collectible, but also to the absence of any alterations or repairs that may have been made
to hide, damage or to restore the item. The quality of a collectible relates to its state of preservation relative to its original state
2
of manufacture or creation. The rarity of a collectible relates to its uniqueness and depends primarily on the number of identical
collectibles of equivalent or better quality that become available for purchase from time to time. With regard to value, confirmation
of authenticity generally is required before a buyer is willing to proceed with a purchase of a high-priced collectible. Quality and
rarity directly affect value and price, usually on an exponential basis, with higher quality and rare collectibles generally attracting
dramatically higher prices than those of lower quality and lesser rarity. Even a relatively modest difference in quality can translate
into a significant difference in perceived value and, therefore, in price. For example, a 1952 Mickey Mantle baseball card that
received a PSA grade from us of 9, on our PSA grading scale of 1-to-10, was sold at public auction in 2006 for $282,588. By
comparison, a similar 1952 Mickey Mantle baseball card that received a PSA grade of 8 was sold at public auction, also in 2006, for
$72,057.
Until the advent of independent third-party authentication and grading, most prospective buyers, including experienced
collectibles dealers and retailers, insisted on physically examining high-priced collectibles before consummating transactions.
However, unlike professionals in the trade, most purchasers and collectors lacked the experience and knowledge needed to
determine, with confidence, the authenticity, quality or rarity, and hence the value, of high-priced collectibles, even when they had
the opportunity to examine them physically. Therefore, they had to rely on representations made by sellers regarding authenticity,
quality and rarity. For these reasons, “buyer beware” characterized the high-value collectibles markets, and “sight-unseen” markets
for rare coins and other high-value collectibles were practically non-existent.
High-value collectibles have been traditionally marketed at retail by dealers through direct mail, catalogues, price lists and
advertisements in trade publications, and sold and purchased by them at collectibles shows, auction houses and local dealer shops.
These markets were highly inefficient because:
§ they were fragmented and localized, which limited both the variety of available collectibles and the number of
potential buyers;
§ transaction costs were often relatively high due to the number of intermediaries involved;
§ buyers usually lacked the information needed to determine the authenticity and quality and, hence the value, of the
collectibles being sold; and
§ buyers and sellers were vulnerable to fraudulent practices because they had to rely on the dealers or other sellers for
opinions or representations as to authenticity, quality and rarity.
Coin Market. In an effort to overcome some of these inefficiencies, approximately 30 years ago, professional coin dealers
began using a numerical quality grading scale for coins. That scale ranged from 1 to 70, with higher numbers denoting a higher
quality. Previously, professional dealers used descriptive terms, such as “Fair,” “Fine” and “Uncirculated,” to characterize the quality
of the coins they sold, a practice that continued after the development of the numeric grading system. However, whether using
a numeric or a descriptive system, grading standards varied significantly from dealer to dealer, depending on a dealer’s subjective
criteria of quality. Moreover, dealers were hardly disinterested or independent since, as the sellers or buyers of the coins they were
grading, they stood to benefit financially from the assignment of a particular grade.
Trading Cards Market. Misrepresentations of authenticity, quality and rarity also operated as a barrier to the liquidity and
growth of the collectibles market for trading cards. Even experienced and knowledgeable dealers insisted on physically examining
purportedly rare and higher-priced trading cards. Most collectors lacked the knowledge needed to purchase collectible trading cards
with confidence, even when they had physically examined them. Trading card dealers eventually developed a rudimentary adjectival
system to provide measures of quality, using descriptive terms such as “Poor,” “Very Good,” “Mint” and “Gem Mint.” These
measures of quality were assigned on the basis of such characteristics as the centering of the image on the card and the presence
or absence of bent or damaged corners, scratches and color imperfections. However, as was the case with coins, grading standards
varied significantly from dealer to dealer, depending on a dealer’s subjective criteria of quality. Additionally, since the dealers who
bought and sold trading cards were the ones that assigned these grades, collectors remained vulnerable to misrepresentations as to
the authenticity, quality and rarity of trading cards being sold or purchased by dealers.
2
3
Autographed Memorabilia Market. The market for autographed sports, entertainment and historical memorabilia has been
plagued by a high incidence of forgeries and misrepresentations of authenticity. For example, Operation Bullpen, initiated by the
FBI and other law enforcement agencies beginning in 1997, has uncovered a high volume of outright forgeries of signatures and
widespread misrepresentations as to the genuineness of sports memorabilia. We believe that the high incidence of such fraudulent
activities was due, in large part, to a dearth of independent third-party memorabilia authentication services and an absence of
systematic methodologies and specimen data needed for verification of authenticity.
Stamp Market. Stamp dealers developed an adjectival system, similar to the one developed for trading cards, by which
they valued and priced stamps based primarily on the centering of the stamp image on the stamp paper background, ignoring
other faults in the stamp. As a result, experienced and knowledgeable dealers insisted on physically examining purportedly rare
and higher-priced stamps before purchasing them. Additionally, most collectors lacked the knowledge and experience needed to
purchase higher-priced stamps with confidence. Consequently, as was the case with coins and trading cards, collectors were forced
to depend on representations of authenticity, quality and rarity from the very dealers from whom they purchased or to whom they
sold stamps. However, prior to our entry into the market, independent third-party stamp grading was non-existent.
These conditions created a need and the demand for independent authentication and grading services from which sellers,
purchasers and collectors could obtain:
§ determinations, from independent, third-party experts, of the authenticity of the high-value collectibles that are sold
and purchased by dealers and collectors, particularly “sight-unseen” or over the Internet;
§ representations of quality based on uniform standards consistently applied by independent, third-party experts; and
§ authoritative information, compiled by a credible third party, to help purchasers and collectors understand the factors
that affect an item’s perceived value and price, including:
— its rarity;
— its quality or grade; and
— its historical and recent selling prices.
The Impact of eBay and Other e-Commerce Websites on the Collectible Markets. The advent of the Internet and, in particular,
eBay’s development of an Internet or “virtual” marketplace and other Internet-selling websites, such as eBay and Amazon, have
overcome many of the inefficiencies that had characterized the traditional collectibles markets. eBay and other online marketplaces
(i) offer enhanced interaction between and greater convenience for sellers and buyers of high-value collectibles; (ii) eliminate
or reduce the involvement of dealers and other “middlemen;” (iii) reduce transaction costs; (iv) allow trading at all hours; and
(v) continually provide updated information. However, Internet commerce still raises, and has even heightened, concerns about
the authenticity and quality of the collectibles that are listed for sale on the Internet. Buyers have no ability to physically examine
the collectibles and no means to confirm the identity or the credibility of the dealers or sellers on the Internet. As a result, we
believe that the growth of Internet-selling websites, such as eBay and Amazon, has increased awareness of the importance of, and
the demand for, independent third-party authentication and grading services of the type we provide. Our services enable purchasers
and collectors to use the Internet to purchase high-value collectibles, without physical examination (“sight-unseen”), with the
confidence of knowing that they are authentic and are of the quality represented by sellers. The importance and value of our
services to purchasers and collectors, we believe, are demonstrated by eBay’s inclusion, on its collectibles websites, of information
that identifies, and encourages visitors to use, our independent third-party authentication and grading services, as well as similar
services offered by some of our competitors.
4
Our Services
PCGS Coin Authentication and Grading Services. Recognizing the need for third-party authentication and grading services,
we launched Professional Coin Grading Service in 1986. PCGS employs expert coin graders, who are independent of coin buyers
and sellers, to provide impartial authentication and grading services. As of June 30, 2011, we employed 21 experts who have an
average of 30 years of experience in the collectible coin market. We also established uniform standards of quality measured against
an actual “benchmark” set of coins kept at our offices. We place each coin that we authenticate and grade in a tamper-evident, clear
plastic holder which bears our logo, so that any prospective buyer will know that it is a PCGS authenticated and graded coin. We
also provide a warranty as to the accuracy of our coin authentication and grading.
By providing an independent assessment by coin experts of the authenticity and quality of coins, we believe that PCGS
has increased the liquidity of the trading market for collectible coins. Following the introduction of our independent, third-party
authentication and grading service, buyer confidence, even between dealers, increased to such a degree that coins authenticated and
graded by PCGS were able to be traded “sight-unseen.” As a result, PCGS facilitated the development, in 1990, of a dealer market,
known as the “Certified Coin Exchange,” on which coin dealers traded rare coins “sight-unseen,” over a private satellite network,
which now operates on the Internet and which we now own.
We have graded high-value U.S. coins, including an 1804 Draped Bust Silver Dollar that was purchased for approximately
$4.1 million, and the 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar, which set a new record for the highest sale price paid for an individual rare
coin at $7.8 million.
More recently, our coin authentication and grading services have facilitated the development of a growing Internet or
“virtual” marketplace for collectible coins. A prospective buyer, who might otherwise be reluctant to purchase a high-priced coin
listed sight-unseen on the Internet, is able to rely on a PCGS certification, as well as authoritative information about the coin that
is accessible on our website, in deciding whether or not to bid and in determining the amount to offer for the coin. As a result, to
enhance the marketability of higher-priced coins, many sellers submit their coins to PCGS for authentication and grading. That
enables the sellers to include, in their Internet sales listings, digital images of the coins in their tamper-evident, clear plastic holders,
which identify the coins as having been authenticated and graded by PCGS, as well as their PCGS-assigned grades.
In addition, we began to provide a range of authoritative content on coin collecting to inform and communicate with the
collector community, including guides and reports that track the trading prices and the rarity of PCGS-graded coins.
PSA Trading Card and Authentication and Grading Services. Leveraging the credibility and using the methodologies that
we had established with PCGS in the coin market, in 1991 we launched Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA), which instituted
a similar authentication and grading system for trading cards. Our independent trading card experts certify the authenticity of
and assign quality grades to trading cards using a numeric system with a scale from 1-to-10 that we developed, together with
an adjectival system to describe their condition. At June 30, 2011, we employed 14 experts who have an average of 26 years of
experience in the collectible trading card market. We believe that our authentication and grading services have removed barriers
that were created by the historical seller-biased grading process and, thereby, have improved the overall marketability of and
facilitated commerce in trading cards, including over the Internet and at telephonic sports memorabilia auctions.
The trading cards submitted to us for authentication and grading include primarily (i) older or vintage trading cards,
particularly of memorable or historically famous players, such as Honus Wagner, Joe DiMaggio, Ted Williams and Mickey Mantle,
and (ii) modern or newly produced trading cards of current or new athletes who have become popular with sports fans or have
achieved new records or milestones, such as Ken Griffey, Jr. and Derek Jeter. These trading cards have, or are perceived to have,
sufficient collectible value and are sold more frequently than are trading cards of less notable athletes, leading dealers and collectors
to submit them for grading to enhance their marketability. Also, the production and sale of each new series of trading cards, which
take place at the beginning and during the course of each new sports season, create new collectibles that provide a source of future
additional authentication and grading submissions to us. Among the trading cards that we have authenticated and graded is a
1909 Honus Wagner baseball card, which received a PSA grade of NM-MT8 and was sold by the owner, via auction in 2007, for
approximately $2.35 million and then resold in September 2007 for $2.8 million.
4
5
PSA/DNA Autograph Authentication and Grading Services. In 1999, we launched our vintage autograph authentication
business, initially offering authentication services for “vintage” sports autographs and memorabilia that were autographed or
signed prior to the time they were presented to us for authentication. The vintage autograph authentication business is distinctly
different from the “signed-in-the-presence” authentication of autographs where the “authenticator” is present and witnesses the
actual signing. Our vintage autograph authentication service involves the rendering of an opinion of authenticity by an industry
expert based on (i) an analysis of the signed object, such as the signed document or autographed item of memorabilia, to confirm its
consistency with similar materials or items that existed during the signer’s lifetime; (ii) a comparison of the signature submitted for
authentication with exemplars of such signatures; and (iii) a handwriting analysis. As of June 30, 2011, we employed 5 autograph
experts with an average of 25 years of experience in the autograph memorabilia market, as well as outside consultants that we use on
a contract basis.
In June 2004, we also began offering grading services for autographs, beginning with baseballs containing a single
signature or autograph. We use uniform grading standards that we have developed and a numeric scale of 1-to-10, with the highest
number representing top quality or “Gem Mint” condition. We assign grades to the collectibles based on the physical condition or
state of preservation of the autograph.
Memorabilia that have been authenticated by our vintage autograph service include Mark McGwire’s 70th home run
baseball, which was sold at auction in 1999 for more than $3 million, and the baseball bat, autographed by Babe Ruth, which he
used to hit the first home run ever hit in Yankee Stadium in 1923. That bat was sold by Sotheby’s for more than $1.2 million.
PSE Stamp Authentication and Grading Services. In January 2000, we launched Professional Stamp Experts (PSE) as our
independent, third-party stamp authentication and grading service. We use both an adjectival system and a numeric scale from
1-to-100 to grade stamps. We assign grades based on the centering of the stamp image on the stamp paper background and the
absence or presence of other faults on the stamp. There have been viable third-party stamp authentication services in operation
for several decades, and stamp dealers and collectors had been using a subjective grading system based primarily on the centering
of the stamp image on the stamp paper background, ignoring other faults. However, prior to our entry into the stamp market,
independent third-party stamp grading was non-existent. As a result, we encountered some resistance to this concept in the stamp
collectibles market, which is steeped in tradition and slow to change, as we did from coin dealers when we launched PCGS and
from trading card dealers when we launched PSA. In October 2005 the Philatelic Foundation, based in New York, began using
the numerical grades assigned by PSE to stamps. In the spring of 2006, Scott Publishing Company, the long-time publisher of
the Scott Catalogs also began identifying the PSE numerical grades assigned to stamps that are included in its bi-annual valuing
supplement to its catalogs. These two events have established PSE’s numerical grading scale, and we believe has facilitated the
acceptance of third-party stamp authentication and grading. As of June 30, 2011, we employed 2 stamp graders, and use another
expert on a part-time basis. Those graders have an average of 36 years of experience in the collectible stamp market.
Stamps that have been authenticated and graded by us include an 1868 1¢ “Z” Grill U.S. postage stamp, which received
a PSE grade of (XF) 90, indicating its quality was “Extremely Fine,” and which was last sold at auction in 1989 for more than
$900,000. The owner submitted the stamp to us shortly after we initiated our stamp authentication and grading service in 2000.
CCE Certified Coin Exchange and Collectors Corner. In September 2005, we acquired the Certified Coin Exchange (CCE),
a subscription-based, business-to-business Internet bid-ask market for coins that have been certified by us or by other independent
coin authentication and grading services. CCE has been a marketplace in U.S. certified rare coin trading between major coin
dealers in the United States since 1990, with similar operations for uncertified coins dating back to the 1960s. The CCE website
now features over 100,000 bid and ask prices for certified coins at www.certifiedcoinexchange.com. The CCE provides liquidity in
the geographically dispersed and highly fragmented market for rare coins. In March 2007, we introduced the Collectors Corner, a
business-to-consumer website that enables sellers on CCE to offer many certified coins simultaneously at wholesale prices on CCE
and at retail prices on Collectors Corner (www.collectorscorner.com). Registration on Collectors Corner is free for consumers, who
can search for and sort coins listed on Collectors Corner. Coin sellers must register and pay a fixed monthly fee to CCE for access
to and to effectuate sale transactions on both CCE and Collectors Corner. Currently, there are over 95,000 collectibles, consisting
primarily of coins, trading cards, currency and stamps that we have certified, which are offered for sale on Collectors Corner, with
offering prices aggregating approximately $110 million. The enhanced liquidity provided by CCE and Collectors Corner for
certified coins, trading cards, and certified stamps, has increased the volume and turnover of these items, which benefits us because,
as a general rule, increases in sales and purchases of coins, trading cards and stamps increase the demand for our authentication and
grading services. If we succeed in growing CCE and Collectors Corner, we believe that the CCE/Collectors Corner websites can
become the preeminent online markets for PCGS certified coins sold by dealers to other dealers, and for coins, trading cards and
stamps certified by PCGS, PSA and PSE, respectively, bought and sold between dealers and consumers.
6
Publications and Advertising. We publish authoritative price guides, rarity reports and other collectibles data to provide
collectors with information that makes them better informed consumers and makes collecting more interesting and exciting. Our
publications also enable us to market our services, create increased brand awareness and to generate advertising revenues. We publish
the Sports Market Report on a monthly basis primarily for distribution to approximately 5,100 PSA Collectors Club members and
the Stamp Market Quarterly for distribution to approximately 2,000 stamp dealers and collectors. We sell advertising to dealers and
vendors for placement in our publications. We manage a Collectors Universe website and individual websites for our authentication
and grading services. On those websites, we offer collectible content, relevant to the marketplace for that specific authentication
and grading service, some of which is available for a fee and some of which is available without charge. We believe our websites
for PCGS in coins, and PSA in trading cards, have the highest number of visitors and web traffic in their respective markets. We
sell advertising to dealers and vendors on these two websites and on the websites we maintain for PSA/DNA in autographs, PSE
in stamps and CCE and Collectors Corner in coins. Advertising revenues in fiscal 2011 were approximately $1.9 million, which
represented an increase of 14% over fiscal 2010.
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide the finest available independent authentication and grading services to sellers and buyers of
high-value collectibles in order to:
§ increase the values and liquidity of high-value collectibles;
§ enable and facilitate transactions in high-value collectibles;
§ generally enhance interest, activity and trading in high-value collectibles; and
§ achieve profitable growth, build long-term value for our stockholders and provide rewarding opportunities for our
employees.
Our Growth Strategy
We have established leading brands in our existing collectibles markets, including PCGS, PSA, PSA/DNA and PSE. We
use those brands to promote Collectors Universe as the premier independent provider of authentication and grading services in
the high-value collectibles markets, in order (i) to increase our market share among existing users of authentication and grading
services and (ii) to increase the use of our services by the numerous collectors that do not currently use any independent third-party
authentication or grading services.
Although we have authenticated and graded over 20 million coins since the inception of PCGS, and over 14 million
trading cards since the inception of PSA, we estimate that less than 10% of the vintage United States coins and less than 15%
vintage trading cards have been authenticated and graded by independent providers of authentication and grading services.
Additionally, we estimate that we have authenticated and graded less than 10% of the potential market of autographs and stamps
in the United States. Moreover, new collectibles are introduced each year into the markets in which we operate, some of which are
authenticated and graded in the year of their introduction. Over time, these collectibles will increase the supply of vintage items
that are sold by dealers and collectors, and we expect that many of them will be submitted for independent authentication and
grading.
6
7
To take advantage of these market opportunities and to expand our services, we have:
§ enhanced our marketing programs to promote our brands and services directly to Internet, other auction-related
businesses and high-volume distributors of modern coins. These programs emphasize the benefits of using our
services, including increased marketability and the prospect of higher bids for collectibles;
§ expanded our geographical reach by opening an office in Paris, France in 2010 to offer European coin dealers a
more timely and cost-effective alternative to sending coins to the United States for grading and authentication
and focused attention on increasing submissions of non-U.S. coins for grading and authentication. In fiscal 2011,
revenues for the Paris, France office represented about 1% of the Company’s total revenues. We will continue to
build on our fiscal 2011 success in the grading and authentication of non-U.S. coins, with particular attention to
the Asian market;
§ recently launched PCGS Secure PlusTM to increase consumer confidence and introduce a new certification
designation. The PCGS Secure process uses laser scanning to help detect coins that have been artificially enhanced
since their last certification and can also be used to help identify recovered stolen coins.
§ revamped and re-launched our PCGS CoinFactsTM website to include many new features that can be accessed for a
subscription fee of $12.95 per month. The upgraded CoinFacts website offers a comprehensive one-stop source for
historical U.S. numismatic information and value added content, including dedicated pages for nearly 33,000 coins
and access to information that can help determine coin values, including the PCGS Population Report, auction
prices realized and an expanded price guide.
§ participated at collectibles industry trade shows and organized “members only” shows for PCGS authorized dealers
and Collectors Club members, at which we offer on-site authentication and grading services to facilitate trading
activities.
§ established authorized PCGS and PSA dealer networks to increase the visibility of our brands and the use of our
services by those dealers and their customers;
§ developed and expanded our Set RegistrySM programs to increase demand for our collectible coin, trading card and
stamp authentication and grading services, among collectors and increase traffic on our websites;
§ developed and linked buying and selling demand from our Set Registry program to Collectors Corner in order to
increase the referrals of coin, trading card and stamp collectors to Collectors Corner dealer-subscribers, to enhance
the value of the Collectors Corner dealer subscription and increase the preference, among dealers, for our brands in
their respective markets;
§ expanded the offerings and markets in which Collectors Corner provides a business-to-consumer website for the
sale of third-party collectibles certified by us;
§ promoted our Collectors Clubs to attract and to provide incentives for collectors to use our services; and
§ expanded our website information services, including auction results, reference materials and ongoing price guides
and rarity reports.
§ We intend to develop a comprehensive plan to optimize all elements of our combined digital presence, which will
include CCE, Collectors Corner, Collectors Club, all advertising on our various websites and CoinFacts. These
activities combined, represented approximately 13% of total revenues in FY2011.
8
Operations
We offer authentication and grading services for coins, trading cards, autographs and autographed memorabilia and
stamps. Our trained and experienced authentication and grading experts determine the authenticity of and, using uniform quality
standards, assign quality grades to these collectibles.
PCGS. Our authentication and grading of coins involves an exacting and standardized process. We receive coins from
dealers and collectors and remove all packaging that identifies the submitter in any way. We then enter information regarding each
coin into our proprietary computerized inventory system, which tracks the coin at every stage of our authentication and grading
process. Generally, our process requires that two of our experts evaluate each coin independently, and no authenticity opinion
is issued and no quality grade is assigned unless their opinions with respect to the authenticity and quality grade independently
assigned by each of them are the same. In some cases, depending on the type of coin being authenticated and graded or on the
results of the initial review process, we involve a third expert to make the final determinations of authenticity and grade. The coin,
the determination of authenticity and its grade are then verified by one of our senior experts, who has the authority to resubmit
the coin for further review if he or she deems it to be necessary. Only after this process is complete is the coin reunited with its
identifying paperwork, thus keeping the authentication and grading process from being influenced by the identity of the owner and
the history of the coin. The coin is then sonically sealed in our specially designed, tamper-evident, clear plastic holder, which also
encases a label describing the coin, the quality grade that we have assigned to it, a unique certificate number and a bar code, and the
PCGS hologram and brand name.
PSA. On receipt of trading cards from dealers and collectors, we remove all packaging that identifies the submitter in any
way and enter information regarding the trading cards into our proprietary computerized inventory system that enables us to track
the trading cards throughout our authentication and grading process. Only after the authentication and grading process is complete
is the trading card reunited with its identifying paperwork, thus keeping the authentication and grading process independent of the
identity of the owner and the history of the trading card. The trading card is then sonically sealed in our specially designed, tamper-
evident, clear plastic holder, which also encases a label that identifies the trading card, the quality grade that we have assigned to it
and a unique certificate number, and the PSA hologram and brand name.
We primarily authenticate and grade baseball trading cards and, to a lesser extent, football, basketball, hockey and
entertainment, as well as other types of collectible cards. As is the case with coin authentication and grading, trading card
authentication and grading fees are based primarily on the particular turnaround time requested by the submitter, ranging from one
day’s turnaround for the highest level of service to approximately 60 days for the lowest level of service.
PSA/DNA. Because of the variability in the size of autographed memorabilia, the authentication and grading procedures
we use necessarily differ from those used in authenticating and grading coins and trading cards. Customers may ship the
autographed memorabilia to us for authentication at our offices or, in the case of dealers or collectors that desire to have a large
number of items authenticated, we will sometimes send an expert to the customer’s location for “on-site” examination and
authentication. Our experts reference what we believe is one of the largest databases of known genuine exemplars of signatures
for comparison to a submitted item and draw upon their training and experience in handwriting analysis. In most cases, we take a
digital photograph of the autographs that we have authenticated and store those photographs in a master database. Before shipping
the item back to the customer, a tamper-evident label is affixed to the collectible. The label contains our PSA/DNA name and logo
and a unique certificate number. For additional security, in all cases when an item is fully authenticated, we tag the items with
synthetic DNA-laced ink, which is odorless, colorless and tasteless and visible only when exposed to a narrow band wavelength of
laser light using a hand-held, battery-powered lamp. Additional verification that an autographed item was authenticated by us can
be obtained by using a chemical analysis to determine whether or not the ink used in the unique DNA code by PSA/DNA was
applied to the autographed item. As a result, if the tamper-evident label that we affixed to an autographed item were to be removed
or otherwise separated from the item, it is still possible to verify that the item was authenticated by us.
PSE. In rating the quality of stamps, we assign a numeric grade to each stamp that ranges from 1-to-100. The grade
assigned to a stamp is based on several characteristics, including the centering of the image on the stamp and the absence or
presence of various faults, such as creases, perforation problems and other imperfections that, if present, will reduce the value of the
stamp. For a stamp to receive a grade of 100, which means that it is in “gem” condition, the image on the stamp must be perfectly
centered and the stamp must be faultless. Stamps submitted to us for grading are independently examined and graded by at least
two of our stamp experts. After a stamp has been authenticated and graded, we generally issue a certificate of authentication that
briefly describes the stamp and the grade assigned to it and has a digital image of the stamp attached. The certificate bears the
PSE name and logo and a unique certification number that we assign to the stamp for record keeping purposes. We also offer our
8
9
customers the option of having the stamp encapsulated in a tamper-evident, clear plastic holder with an encased label that, like the
certificate, identifies the stamp and sets forth the grade assigned to it, its unique certification number and the PSE name and logo.
The volume of stamp authentication and grading submissions through fiscal 2011, relative to the number of coin
and trading card submissions, has not been material. Since stamp-grading services are relatively new to the market, we cannot
predict when or even whether our services will gain the level of market acceptance needed for stamp grading to become a material
contributor to our operating results.
Marketing
We employ both “pull” and “push” strategies in marketing our services to dealers and collectors of high-value collectibles.
For collectibles, our “pull” strategies are designed to promote our brands and increase the preference among collectors for our
authentication and grading services and to encourage collectors to communicate that preference to their collectibles dealers,
because most authentication and grading submissions are made by dealers. In our experience, if a customer requests a particular
grading service, the dealer ordinarily will comply with that request. On the other hand, if the customer expresses no preference,
the dealer will make its own choice of authentication and grading service or may even decide not to submit the collectible to
an independent service for authentication and grading. Therefore, our “pull” oriented marketing programs emphasize (i) the
protections that collectors and retail customers will have if they purchase collectibles that we have authenticated and graded; and
(ii) the improved marketability and higher prices that they and the associated retailers can realize if they use our independent third-
party authentication and grading services. Our “Push” Strategy, on the other hand, is designed to market our services directly to
collectibles dealers to encourage them to use and promote our services.
Our “Pull” Strategy. We have developed and implemented a number of marketing programs and initiatives designed to
create consumer preference for collectibles that have been authenticated and graded by us. Those programs and initiatives include:
§ Direct Advertising. We directly address collectors by advertising our services in trade journals and periodicals in each
of our markets. Those journals include Coin World, Numismatic News and Linn’s Stamp News. We make personal
appearances at major, national-market and international trade shows around the world that are attended by collectors,
as well as dealers. We also participate in and support programs conducted by non-profit associations whose members
are primarily collectors, such as the American Numismatic Association and the American Stamp Dealers Association.
§ Set Registry Programs. We provide collectors with the opportunity to participate in free Internet “Set Registry”
programs that we host on our collectibles websites. These programs encourage collectors to assemble full sets of
related collectibles that have been authenticated and graded by us. Generally, each registered set is comprised of
between 50 and 200 separate, but related, collectibles. Examples include particular issues of coins, such as Twenty
Dollar Gold Double Eagles or Morgan Silver Dollars; particular sets of trading cards, such as all Hall of Fame pitchers
or a particular team, like the 1961 Yankees; or sets of collectible stamps, such as Columbian Commemoratives or Graf
Zeppelin Airmail stamps. Our Set Registry programs enable collectors:
— to register their sets on our websites, which provides them with an off-site reference source for insurance and
informational purposes;
— to display on our websites, and compare the completeness and quality grades of the collectibles making up their
sets to those of other collectors who have registered similar sets on our websites, thereby creating a competitive
aspect to collecting that adds to its excitement; and
— to enter our annual Company-sponsored Set Registry competitions and awards programs in which collectors can
win awards for having collected the most complete and highest graded sets of particular series or issues of coins,
trading cards or stamps.
10
The collectibles that may be registered on our Set Registries and included in our Set Registry competitions are limited
to collectibles that have been authenticated and graded by us. To register the collectibles to be included in a particular
set, a collector is required to enter the unique certificate number that we had assigned to each of the collectibles when
last authenticated and graded by us. We use the certificate number to compare the information being submitted
by the collector with our database of information to verify that the collectibles being registered by a participant for
inclusion in a particular set qualify to be included in that set. We have found that our Set Registry competitions
(i) create a preference and increase demand among collectors for our brands, and (ii) promote the trading of
collectibles authenticated and graded by us by set registrants seeking to improve the completeness and overall quality
of their sets, which generally results in additional authentication and grading submissions to us. Annual awards for
set completeness and quality have been issued by PCGS and PSA each year since 2002 and by PSE since 2004. As
an indication of the popularity of our Set Registry programs, approximately 125,000 sets were registered on our Set
Registries as of June 30, 2011, which represents an 11% increase over the number registered as of June 30, 2010.
§ Collectors Clubs Subscription Program. We also have established “Collectors Clubs” for coin, currency and trading
card collectors. For an annual membership fee, ranging from $50 to $300, collectors receive a number of benefits,
including (i) the right to have, without any further charge, a specified number of collectibles authenticated and
graded by us, a privilege that non-member collectors do not have; and (ii) access to certain proprietary data that we
make available on our websites or in print. As of June 30, 2011, there were approximately 15,000 members in our
Collectors Clubs.
§ Certified Coin Exchange Business-to-Business Website. The Certified Coin Exchange (CCE) website is a business-to-
business website where recognized dealers make a market in and over which they can sell and purchase certified coins
and other certified collectibles. Currently, there are over 100,000 certified coins being offered at bid and ask prices,
the aggregate value of which is approximately $300 million. We believe that the liquidity created for certified coins by
CCE increases the demand for PCGS certified coins among dealers.
§ Collectors Corner Business-to-Consumer Website. We have launched Collectors Corner (www.collectorscorner.com),
which is a business-to-consumer website where consumers can visit, identify, search, sort over and select for purchase
coins, trading cards and items of currency that have been certified by us and are being offered for sale by dealers.
Currently, there are approximately 90,000 collectibles listed for sale on Collectors Corner. All items on Collectors
Corner are offered by dealer members who have applied for the right to offer such collectibles on Collectors Corner.
We believe that Collectors Corner has advantages over other business-to-consumer websites because the counterparties
to the consumer have been accepted as sellers on the Collectors Corner website and are known members of the
marketplace and selling community. Items listed are at fixed prices with the opportunity to negotiate lower prices. We
believe that the increased turnover offered for items listed on Collectors Corner, as well as the ability to use Collectors
Corner to improve a trading card set in the PSA Set Registry, create increased brand preference for PCGS, PSA and
PSE authenticated and graded items.
Our “Push” Strategy. We also market our services directly to collectibles dealers and auctioneers to promote their use of our
authentication and grading services. Our marketing message is focused on the potential increase in marketability of the collectibles
due to the increase in consumer confidence that is attributable to our independent authentication and grading of those collectibles.
These marketing programs include:
§ Trade Publication Advertising and Direct Communications. We communicate to dealers and auctioneers by direct
contact and through advertising in trade journals and publications in the respective markets. Those journals include
Coin World, Numismatic News and Linn’s Stamp News. We also communicate with our dealers and with auctioneers by
direct mail, email, and telephone.
§ Trade Shows and Conventions. There are numerous collectibles trade shows and conventions held annually in the
United States, where collectibles dealers gather on a trading floor or “bourse” to buy and sell collectibles. We
attend the largest and most significant of those trade shows and conventions, at which we offer same-day on-
site authentication and grading services, which facilitate the trading and sales of collectibles at these shows and
conventions. At the same time, we obtain additional brand exposure and generate increased revenues, because dealers
and collectors generally are willing to pay higher fees for same-day on-site services.
10
11
§ In July 2006, we acquired Expos Unlimited LLC (“Expos”), a trade show management company that operates
two of the larger and better-known coin, stamp and collectibles shows in Long Beach and Santa Clara, California,
respectively. Expos assures us of the continued availability of these two show venues for our onsite authentication
and grading services.
§ Authorized Dealer Network. We have implemented authorized dealer programs for coin and trading card collectibles
dealers and auction companies. Authorized dealers are able to use our marketing materials which are designed to
promote our services and those of our authorized dealers to collectors. Those materials include “point of sale” and
“point of purchase” displays and brochures and direct mail pieces for insertion in customer mailings. In addition,
authorized dealers may use our brand logotypes on their websites to attract buyers for coins and trading cards that
have been authenticated and graded by us. We also conduct joint marketing programs with our authorized dealers
in which we provide financial support for dealer marketing programs, approved by us, that promote both the dealer’s
products and services and our authentication and grading services.
Intellectual Property
Our intellectual property consists primarily of trademarks, copyrights, proprietary software and trade secrets. As part
of our confidentiality procedures, we generally enter into agreements with our employees and consultants and limit access to,
and distribution of, our software, documentation and other proprietary information. The following table sets forth a list of our
trademarks, both registered and unregistered, that are currently being used in the conduct of our business:
Registered Marks
Unregistered Marks
World Series of Grading
CU3000
PSE
History in Your Hands
Collectors Universe
PCGS
Professional Sports Authenticator
PSA
PSA/DNA
First Strike
Quick Opinion
Sports Market Report
Coin Universe
Collectors.com
Record Universe
Set Registry
Expos Unlimited
Long Beach Coin, Stamp and Collectibles Expo
Santa Clara Coin, Stamp and Collectibles Expo
We have not conducted an exhaustive search of possible prior users of the unregistered trademarks listed above, and
therefore it is possible that our use of some of these trademarks may conflict with others.
Collectibles Experts
As of June 30, 2011, we employed 42 experts in our authentication and grading operations, who have from 5 to 53 years,
and an overall average of 28 years, of experience. Our experts include individuals that either (i) had previously been collectibles
dealers or were recognized as experts in the markets we serve, or (ii) have been trained by us in our authentication and grading
methodologies and procedures, and/or had gained authentication and grading experience at competing authentication and grading
companies. However, talented collectibles authentication and grading experts are in short supply, and there is considerable
competition among collectibles authentication and grading companies for their services. As a result, we focus on training young
authenticators and graders who we believe have the skills or knowledge base to become collectibles experts. We also sometimes
contract with outside experts, usually collectibles dealers, to assist us with special grading issues or to enable us to address short-term
increases in authentication and grading orders.
Service Warranties
We generally issue an authenticity or grading warranty with every coin, trading card and stamp authenticated or graded
by us. Under the terms of the warranty, in general, if a coin or trading card that was graded by us later receives a lower grade
upon resubmission to us for grading, we are obligated under our warranty either to purchase the coin or trading card at the price
paid by the then-owner of the coin or trading card or, instead, at the customer’s option , to pay the difference in value of the item
between its original grade as compared with its lower grade. Similarly, if a coin or trading card that has been authenticated by us
is later determined not to have been authentic, we are obligated under our warranty to purchase the coin or trading card at the
price that the then-owner paid for that collectible. The limit on our warranty obligation for non-U.S. coins is $10,000 per coin
and for Chinese coins is $1,000 per coin effective January 1, 2010. We accrue for estimated warranty costs based on historical
12
claims experience, and we monitor the adequacy of the warranty reserves on an ongoing basis. If warranty claims were to increase
in relation to historical trends and experience, management would increase the warranty reserves and incur additional charges that
would have the effect of reducing income in those periods during which the warranty reserve is increased. Before returning an
authenticated or graded coin or trading card to our customer, we place the coin or trading card in a tamper-evident, clear plastic
holder that encapsulates a label identifying the collectible as having been authenticated and graded by us. The warranty is voided in
the event the plastic holder has been broken or damaged or shows signs of tampering.
We do not provide a warranty with respect to our opinions regarding the authenticity or quality of autographs.
Customer Service and Support
We devote significant resources, including a 21-person staff, who provide personalized customer service and support in a
timely manner handling approximately 200 customer service calls per day, while also supporting our Set Registry and trade show
programs. On our websites, customers are able to check the status of their collectibles submissions throughout the authentication
and grading process and to confirm the authenticity of the collectibles that we have graded. When customers need services or have
any questions, they can telephone or e-mail our support staff, Monday through Friday between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 5:00
p.m., Pacific Time. We also involve our collectibles experts in providing support services, when necessary, to address special issues.
Supplies
In order to obtain volume discounts through June 30, 2011, we have chosen to purchase most of the injection-molded
plastic parts for our clear plastic holders principally from a single supplier. There are numerous suppliers for these items, and we
believe that, if necessary, we could obtain those items from any of those other suppliers without significant cost to us. However,
if it were to become necessary for us to obtain another supplier, we might have to arrange for the fabrication of a die for the new
supplier. Fabrication of high-value precision dies can be a lengthy process. Although we do not have back-up dies for some of our
high-value volume injection-molded parts and we rely on one supplier for these requirements, we own the dies used to manufacture
the parts, and we believe that the Company maintains sufficient inventory of parts to allow time for us to have a new manufacturer
build parts, should the need to do so arise or should we decide to use more than one supplier for certain parts.
Competition
Coin Authentication and Grading. Our principal competitors in the coin authentication and grading market are
Numismatic Guaranty Corporation of America (“NGC”), Independent Coin Grading and ANACS.
Trading Card Authentication and Grading. Our primary competitors in trading card authentication and grading are
Beckett Trading Card Grading Corporation, and Trading Card Guaranty, LLC.
Autograph Authentication and Grading. In the vintage autograph authentication market, we compete with James Spence
Authentication (“JSA”) and a few smaller competitors.
Stamp Authentication and Grading. In stamp authentication and grading, our principal competitor is the Philatelic
Foundation, and for stamp authentication, the American Philatelic Society is also a competitor. Both of these competitors are non-
profit organizations.
The principal competitive factors in our collectibles authentication and grading markets are (i) brand recognition and
awareness; (ii) an established reputation for integrity, independence and consistency in the application of grading standards; and
(iii) responsiveness of service. Price is much less of a factor in the case of vintage collectibles, but is a more important consideration
with respect to modern coins and trading cards because of their significantly lower values. We believe that our PCGS, PSA, PSA/
DNA, and PSE brands compete favorably with respect to all of these factors and are among the leaders in each of their respective
markets. Barriers to entry into the authentication and grading market are relatively low, especially in the trading card authentication
and grading market. However, brand name recognition and a reputation for integrity, independence and consistency in the
application of grading standards can take several years to develop. The limited supply of experienced collectibles experts also
operates as a barrier to entry.
12
13
Information Technology
We have developed proprietary software systems for use in our authentication and grading operations, principally for order
tracking, processing and record keeping, as well as for the operation and maintenance of our Internet websites. These software
systems include Grading Management and Production Systems, Set Registry, Population Reports, Price Guides, Market Indexes,
Article Libraries, QuickOpinion Systems and Featured Dealer Systems. These applications are written in Microsoft Visual Basic.
NET, Microsoft C#, Microsoft ASP.NET and Microsoft SQL Server. We also have legacy systems, which we are in the process of
replacing and upgrading, including Cold Fusion and Visual Basic 6 and our Navision ERP system. Additionally, we maintain an
integrated local area network that assists in and provides certain controls on production, physical product movement, accounting
and financial functions, data warehousing and other tasks.
Although we do not primarily conduct our business on the Internet, we do use the Internet for information exchange and
delivery of market-oriented content. As a result, we have over 55 Dell PowerEdge Servers with RAID protected storage, along with
multiple fully redundant SQL Server 2000 and 2005 high-availability database clusters supporting over 10 terabytes of storage. The
majority of this hardware resides at our headquarters in a server room that has 24/7 environmental monitoring and alerting through
hardware sensors, 24/7 network availability and performance monitoring and alerting through network management software
and 24/7 Internet availability and performance monitoring and alerting through third-party providers. The Internet connectivity
flows through multiple Internet providers with an aggregate of 47 megabits of total Internet bandwidth using multiple layers of
Internet firewall protection, including 5 Cisco PIX firewalls (across multiple locations). We maintain a multi-tiered antivirus
infrastructure. We use the FrontBridge Anti-Spam managed service, which deploys multiple layers of technology to provide
preventative and protective spam defense. Critical systems are backed up nightly using a backup infrastructure with a 30-terabyte
capacity (expandable through drive upgrades to hundreds of terabytes). The network servers and infrastructure are managed by
administrators certified by Microsoft, Cisco and CompTIA.
However, since we do not have redundant systems located outside of Southern California, any damage to, or failure of,
our computer systems due to a catastrophic event in Southern California, such as an earthquake, could cause an interruption in our
services.
Government Regulation
With the exception of laws in some states that require memorabilia authenticators to certify to the accuracy of their
authentication opinions, there are no material government regulations specifically relating to the authentication and grading
businesses that we conduct, other than regulations that apply generally to businesses operating in the markets where we maintain
operations or conduct business.
Employees
As of June 30, 2011, we had 200 full-time employees and 41 part-time employees (primarily security personnel), of which
189 were employed in our authentication and grading-related businesses, including our 42 experts and 21 customer service and
support personnel. The other employees included 5 in information services, 5 in marketing, 5 in our CCE subscription business,
22 in our Expos business, of which 20 were part-time employees, and 15 in other business and administrative services. We have
never had a work stoppage, and no employees are represented under collective bargaining agreements. We consider relations with
our employees to be good.
14
ITEM 1A RISK FACTORS
Our business is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could prevent us from achieving our business objectives
and that could hurt our future financial performance and the price performance of our common stock. Such risks and uncertainties
also could cause our future financial condition and future financial performance to differ significantly from our current expectations,
which are described in the forward-looking statements contained in this Annual Report. Those risks and uncertainties, many of
which are outside of our control, include the following:
A decline in the popularity of high-value collectibles and a resulting decrease in submissions for our services could adversely
impact our business.
The volume of collectibles submitted to us for authentication and grading is affected by the demand for and market
value of those collectibles. As the demand for and value of collectibles increase, authentication and grading submissions, as well as
requests by submitters for higher price, faster turnaround times, also increase. However, that also means that a decline in popularity
and, therefore, in the value of the collectibles that we authenticate and grade would cause decreases in authentication and grading
submissions and in the requests we receive for faster turnaround times and, therefore, also in our revenues and profitability. We
have found, over the years, that the popularity of collectibles can vary due to a number of factors, most of which are outside of our
control, including perceived scarcity of collectibles, general consumer confidence and trends and their impact on disposable income,
precious metals prices, interest rates and other general economic conditions.
Our revenues and income depend significantly on revenues generated by our coin authentication and grading services.
A decrease in the level of submissions for these services, which historically has been impacted by changes in economic
conditions, could adversely affect our revenues and results of operations.
Coin authentication and grading related services and product sales accounted for approximately 66%, 65% and 57% of
our total net revenues in fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Our modern coin grading revenues represented about 25% of
total revenues in fiscal 2011. We believe that the principal factors that lead to fluctuations in coin grading submissions consist of
(i) economic downturns which can result in a decline in consumer and business confidence and disposable income and, therefore,
the willingness of dealers and collectors to buy collectible coins, (ii) the performance of the stock markets, the level of interest rates
and fluctuations in the value of the U.S. Dollar and in the value of precious metals, which can lead investors to shift some of their
investments between stocks and bonds, on the one hand, and precious metals, on the other; and (iii) in the case of modern coin
submissions, increases or reductions in the marketing activities or programs that are conducted by the U.S. Mint and by dealers
who specialize in selling modern coins. This lack of diversity in our sources of revenues and our dependence on coin authentication
and grading submissions for a majority of our net revenues make us more vulnerable to these conditions, which could result in
reductions in our total net revenues and gross margin and, therefore, hurt our operating results.
Moreover, if current economic conditions in the United States prevail, our dependence on coin authentication and
grading services for our revenues could increase, because the prices that dealers and collectors can realize on sales of trading cards
generally are significantly lower than the prices they are able to realize on sales of collectible coins, making it more difficult during
periods of adverse economic conditions, for trading card collectors to afford or justify incurring the costs of obtaining independent
authentication and grading services.
Declines in general economic conditions could result in decreased demand for our services, which could adversely affect our
operating results.
The availability of discretionary or disposable income and the confidence of collectors and dealers about future economic
conditions are important factors that can affect the willingness and ability of collectors and consumers to purchase, and the prices
that they are willing to pay for, high-value collectibles. Additionally, declines in the confidence and reductions in the cash flows of,
and reductions in credit that is available to collectibles dealers, can adversely affect their ability to purchase high-value collectibles
and to sell collectibles that may have declined in value due to adverse changes in economic conditions of this nature. Declines
in purchases and sales, and in the value of collectibles usually result, in turn, in declines in the use of authentication and grading
services, as such services are most often used by sellers and purchasers of collectibles in conjunction with and to facilitate sale and
purchase transactions. As a result, economic uncertainties, downturns and recessions can and do adversely affect our operating
results by (i) reducing the frequency with which collectibles dealers and collectors submit their coins, trading cards and other
collectibles for authentication and grading including, in particular, modern coins, trading cards and stamps, primarily because
authentication and grading fees are relatively high in relation to the value of such collectibles; (ii) causing collectibles dealers and
collectors to request longer turnaround times with respect to the collectibles they submit to us for grading, which would reduce
14
15
our revenues, gross profit margin and operating results; and (iii) reducing the ability of customers to pay outstanding accounts
receivable.
Temporary popularity of some collectibles may result in short-term increases, followed by decreases, in the volume of
submissions for our services, which could cause our revenues to fluctuate.
Temporary consumer popularity or “fads” among collectors, or the popularity of certain marketing programs, either by the
U.S. Mint or by dealers or distributors of collectibles, may lead to short-term or temporary increases, followed by decreases in the
volume and in the average service fee earned on collectibles that we authenticate and grade. These trends may result in significant
period-to-period fluctuations in our operating results and could result in declines in our net revenues and profitability, not only
because of a resulting decline in the volume of authenticating and grading submissions, but also because such trends could lead
to increased price competition, which could require us to reduce our authentication and grading fees in order to maintain market
share.
Our top five customers account for approximately 12% of our total net revenues.
During the year ended June 30, 2011, five of our customers accounted, in the aggregate, for approximately 12% of our
total net revenues. As a result, the loss of any of those customers, each of which is a collectibles dealer, or a lower level of grading
submissions by any of them, could cause our net revenues to decline and, therefore, could harm our operating results. Moreover,
historically, same-day on-site authentication and grading submissions at trade shows, on which we realize higher margins than on
other submissions, have represented a significant portion of the authentication and grading submissions we have received from these
customers. Consequently, a material decline in trade show attendance or submissions by these customers would adversely affect, not
only our revenues, but also our gross margin and, therefore, our operating results in the future.
There are risks associated with new or expanded service offerings, with which we have little experience.
On an ongoing basis, we seek to introduce new services that we might offer to our existing authentication and grading
customers as a means of increasing our net revenues and profitability. In addition, in fiscal 2011, the Company began providing
grading and authentication services in Paris, France and will focus more attention on other international markets, in particular Asia.
Those new services and international focus, however, may not meet expectations and may prove to be unprofitable and negatively
impact our operating results.
We are dependent on our key management personnel.
Our performance is greatly dependent on the performance of our senior management and certain other key employees. As
a result, the loss of the services of any of our executive officers or other key management and business development employees could
harm our business. Some of our executive officers and key employees are experts in the collectibles markets and have industry-
wide reputations for authentication and grading of collectibles. In particular, the loss of David G. Hall, our President, could have
a negative effect on our reputation for expertise in the collectible coin market and could lead to a reduction in coin authentication
and grading submissions to us.
We are dependent on our collectibles experts.
In certain of our markets, there are a limited number of individuals who have the expertise to authenticate and grade
collectibles, and competition for available collectibles experts is intense. Accordingly, our business and our growth initiatives are
heavily dependent on our ability (i) to retain our existing collectibles experts, who have developed relatively unique skills and enjoy
a reputation for being experts within the collectibles markets, and (ii) to implement personnel programs that will enable us to add
collectibles experts, as necessary, to grow our business and offset employee turnover that can occur from time to time. If we are not
successful in retaining our existing collectibles experts or in hiring and training new collectibles experts, this could limit our ability
to grow our business and adversely affect our operating results and financial condition. Moreover, some of our experts could leave
our Company to join a competitor or start a competing business.
16
We could suffer losses on authentication and grading warranties.
In general, we issue an authenticity or grading warranty for coins, trading cards and stamps that we authenticate or grade.
Those warranties with certain limits for non-U.S. coins provide that:
§ if a trading card or stamp that we authenticated and sealed in our tamper-evident plastic cases is later determined not
to have been genuine, we would have to purchase the collectible at the price paid for it by its then owner; and
§ if a coin, trading card or stamp that we graded and sealed in our tamper-evident plastic cases later receives a lower
grade upon resubmission to us for grading, we would be obligated either to purchase the collectible at the price paid
by its then owner or to pay the difference in its value at its original grade, as compared to its value at the lower grade.
We have no insurance coverage for claims made under these warranties, and therefore we maintain reserves for such
warranty claims based on historical experience. However, there is no assurance that these warranty reserves will prove to be adequate
and, if they are not, our gross margin and operating results could be harmed. As a result, we monitor the adequacy of our warranty
reserves on an ongoing basis. For example, during 2008, we unexpectedly received certain coin grading warranty claims that were
significant when compared to our prior warranty claims experience. As a result, we recognized an additional expense in 2008 to
provide for those claims. We also increased our warranty accrual rate to reflect this higher warranty claims experience. Those
actions contributed to an increase in our costs of sales and, therefore, reduced our operating income and earnings in fiscal 2008.
Increased competition could adversely affect our financial performance.
Although there are few major competitors in the collectibles authentication and grading markets in which we currently
operate, competition in these markets is, nevertheless, intense. Increased competition in our collectibles markets could adversely
affect our pricing and profit margins and our ability to achieve further growth, and we cannot provide assurances that we will
continue to be successful in competing against existing or future competitors in our collectibles markets. Also, if we were to enter
into new collectibles markets, it is likely we would face intense competition from competitors in those markets who are likely to
have greater brand name recognition and long-term relationships with collectibles dealers and individual collectors in those markets
than we will have. Such competition could adversely affect our ability to generate profits and could cause us to incur losses or
impairment charges in those markets and damage our financial condition.
The subtenant for one of our spaces in New York may not fulfill its obligation under the sublease agreement, thereby, increasing
our net obligations.
In May 2010, the Company sublet one of its spaces in New York City related to our discontinued jewelry businesses. Should
the subtenant not fulfill its obligations for this space, which are payable over the lease term through 2015, it would adversely affect
our cash used for discontinued operations and our losses incurred from discontinued operations in future periods. However, to date,
the subtenant has honored all obligations under the sublease.
No Assurance that we will Continue to Pay Cash Dividends at Current Levels.
The Company’s current policy is to pay dividends at $0.325 per share per quarter. However, the continued payment of
cash dividends is subject to a number of factors, including changes in market and financial conditions and the cash requirements
of our business. Therefore, there is no assurance that the amount of the current quarterly cash dividend will not be reduced or the
payment of cash dividends will not be suspended or discontinued by the Board of Directors. See “MARKET FOR COMMON
STOCK, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES”─Dividends in
Part II, Item 5 of this Annual Report.
Our reliance on a single source for principally all of our “tamper-evident,” clear plastic coin and trading card holders
exposes us to potential supply and quality problems.
We place all of the coins, trading cards and currency notes, and sometimes also the stamps that we authenticate and grade,
in tamper-evident, clear plastic holders. In order to take advantage of volume-pricing discounts, we purchase substantially all of
those holders, on a purchase order basis, from one principal supplier. Our reliance on a single supplier for a substantial portion
of those plastic holders exposes us to the potential for delay in our ability to deliver timely authentication and grading services in
16
17
the event that supplier were to terminate its services to us or encounter financial or production problems. If, in such an event, we
were unable to obtain replacement holders in a relatively short period of time, we could lose customer orders, or incur additional
production costs. To mitigate this risk, the Company (i) owns the dies used to manufacture the parts, (ii) is continuing to increase
its inventory of holders at June 30, 2011, which will give the Company more time to arrange for a new vendor to begin production
in the event of a termination of or interruption in service from our existing vendor, and (iii) the Company is actively identifying
alternative vendors that may reduce the reliance on the current principal vendor. In addition, if the replacement holders were not
of comparable quality to our existing supplier, we could expose ourselves to the potential for additional warranty claims in the event
that tampering with our holders was not evident. These occurrences could cause a decline in our net revenues and increases in our
costs of sales which would have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.
Our computer systems and network systems may be vulnerable to unforeseen problems and security risks, and we are
vulnerable to system failure due to a lack of redundant systems at another location.
Our operations are dependent upon our ability to protect our computer systems that we use in our authentication and
grading operations and to maintain our websites against damage from fire, power loss, telecommunications failure, earthquakes
and similar catastrophic events. In this regard, Southern California, where we are located and our computer systems are housed, is
particularly vulnerable to earthquakes and fires that could result in damage to our computer systems. We do not have redundant
computer systems at any locations that are remote from Southern California. Any damage to or failure of our computer systems
could cause an interruption in our services that could harm our business, operating results and financial condition.
In addition, our operations are dependent on our ability to protect our computer systems and network infrastructure
from damage that could occur from physical break-ins, security breaches and other disruptive problems caused by the technology
that we employ in our operations. Computer break-ins and security breaches also could jeopardize the security of information
stored in and transmitted through our computer systems and network infrastructure, which could cause us to incur significant
liability and possibly also damage our reputation. Other disruptions due to problems on the Internet or actions of Internet users
could make it difficult for our customers to access our websites. In addition, difficulties encountered during planned system
upgrades or reimplementations could lead to disruptions of our business. Problems of this nature could adversely affect our
business and operating results, and security breaches that would adversely affect the privacy of customer information could lead
existing customers to terminate their business relationships with us. Although we intend to continue to implement and upgrade
sophisticated technology to prevent such disruptions and damage, there is no assurance that those measures will prove to be
adequate or successful.
We rely on third parties for various Internet and processing services.
Our operations depend on a number of third parties for Internet access and delivery services. We have limited control
over these third parties and no long-term relationships with any of them. For example, we do not own a gateway onto the Internet,
but, instead, rely on Internet service providers to connect our website to the Internet. Should the third parties that we rely on for
Internet access or delivery services be unable to serve our needs for a sustained time period as a result of a strike, natural disaster or
for any other reason, our revenues and business could be harmed.
Acquisitions and the commencement of new businesses present risks, and we may be unable to achieve the financial and
strategic goals of any acquisition or commencement of any new business.
There may be opportunities that present themselves to acquire existing businesses or commence new businesses that
would give us the opportunity to offer additional services to our existing customers or enter into new markets and, thereby increase
our revenues and our earnings. The purchase or commencement of a new business presents a number of risks and uncertainties,
including (i) difficulties in integrating the new business into our existing operations, as a result of which we may incur increased
operating costs that can adversely affect our operating results; (ii) the risk that our current and planned facilities, computer systems
and personnel and controls will not be adequate to support our expanded operations; (iii) diversion of management time and capital
resources from our existing businesses, which could adversely affect their performance and our operating results; (iv) dependence on
key management personnel of the acquired or newly started businesses and the risk that we will be unable to integrate or retain such
personnel; and (v) the risk that the anticipated benefits of any acquisition or of the commencement of any new business may not be
realized, in which event we will not be able to achieve an acceptable return or we may incur losses on our investment.
18
We depend on our ability to protect and enforce our intellectual property rights.
We believe that our patents, trademarks and other proprietary rights are important to our success and competitive
position. We rely on a combination of patents, trademarks, copyright and trade secret laws to establish and protect our proprietary
rights. However, the actions we take to establish and protect our intellectual and other proprietary rights may prove to be
inadequate to prevent imitation of our services or products or to prevent others from claiming violations of their intellectual and
proprietary rights by us. In addition, others may develop similar trade secrets or other intellectual property independently or assert
rights in our intellectual and other proprietary rights that could lead them to seek to block sales of our services based on allegations
that use of some of our marks or other intellectual property constitutes a violation of their intellectual property rights.
Our unregistered trademarks could conflict with trademarks of others.
We have not conducted an exhaustive search of possible prior users of our unregistered trademarks or service marks,
including Coin Universe, Collectors.com and PSE. Therefore, it is possible that our use of some of these trademarks or service
marks may conflict with the rights of others. As a result, we could face litigation or lose the use of some of these trademarks or
service marks, which could have an adverse effect on our name recognition and result in a decrease in our revenues and an increase
in our expenses.
The imposition of government regulations could increase our costs of doing business.
With the exception of state laws applicable to autograph authentication, the collectible coin and other high-value
collectibles markets are not currently subject to direct federal, state or local regulation. However, from time to time government
authorities discuss additional regulations which could impose restrictions on the collectibles industry, such as regulating collectibles
as securities or requiring collectibles dealers to meet registration or reporting requirements, or regulating the conduct of auction
businesses. Adoption of laws or regulations of this nature could lead to a decline in sales and purchases of collectibles and, therefore,
also to a decline in the volume of coins, trading cards and other collectibles that are submitted to us for authentication and grading.
The repurchase of shares of our common stock in a “Dutch Auction” tender offer in July 2009 has reduced the public float
for our shares and a relatively low trading activity may adversely affect the trading value and liquidity of our common stock.
In July 2009, we completed a modified “Dutch Auction” tender offer pursuant to which we repurchased a total of
1,749,828 of our outstanding shares of common stock, reducing the number of our shares that were outstanding. Of the current
outstanding shares of 7,943,000 at June 30, 2011, affiliates of the Company own a total of approximately 2,700,000 shares (or
about 34% of the outstanding shares), the salability of which is restricted under applicable securities laws and which are, as a result,
not included in our public float. As a result, the trading volume of our shares is relatively low at a daily average of approximately
33,000 shares over the last 90 days, which can reduce the liquidity of our shares, making it more difficult for our stockholders to sell
their shares and could depress and, therefore, make it more difficult to achieve increases in, the trading prices of our shares.
18
19
If our quarterly results are below market expectations, the price of our common stock may decline.
Many factors, including those described in this “Risk Factors” section, can affect our business, financial condition and
results of operations, which makes the prediction of our future financial results difficult and uncertain. These factors include:
§ increases or decreases in number of collectibles graded from period to period;
§ changes in market conditions that can affect the demand for our authentication and grading services, such as a decline
in the popularity of certain collectibles and volatility in the prices of gold and other precious metals;
§ changes in economic conditions that reduce the availability of disposable income and may cause collectors and
collectibles dealers to reduce their purchases of collectibles, which could result in declines in the demand for the
services we provide; and
§ the actions of our competitors.
If, as a result of these or other conditions or factors, our quarterly operating results fall below market expectations, some
of our stockholders may sell their shares, which could adversely affect the trading prices of our common stock. Additionally, in
the past, companies that have experienced declines in the trading price of their shares due to events of this nature have been the
subject of securities class action litigation. If we become involved in a securities class action litigation in the future, it could result in
substantial costs and diversion of our management’s attention and resources, thus harming our business.
Provisions in our charter documents or in Delaware law may make an acquisition of us more difficult or delay a change in
control, which may adversely affect the market price of our common stock.
Our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws contain anti-takeover provisions, including those
listed below, that could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire control of us, even if that change of control would be
beneficial to our stockholders:
§ our board of directors has the authority to issue additional common stock and preferred stock and to determine the
price, rights and preferences of any new series of preferred stock without stockholder approval;
§ there are limitations on who can call special meetings of our stockholders;
§ stockholders may not take action by written consent; and
§ In addition, provisions of Delaware law and provisions of our stock incentive plans may also discourage, delay or
prevent a change in control or unsolicited acquisition proposals.
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None
ITEM 2.
PROPERTIES
We lease approximately 46,000 square feet for our California-based headquarters under a nine-year lease that expires on
March 31, 2019. We currently sublease 2,184 square feet of this office space to a related party subtenant with an expiration date
that coincides with the expiration of the Company’s lease. In connection with our Expos shows management business, we lease
approximately 1,000 square feet in Santa Barbara, California under a lease agreement with a related party on a month-to-month
basis.
20
Although we discontinued and exited our jewelry authentication and grading businesses in March 2009, we continue
to have payment obligations with respect to two office facilities in New York City that we had leased for our jewelry businesses.
In May 2010, we were able to sublet one of those facilities, and the second facility was returned to the landlord, and the lease
terminated in exchange for a reduction in the remaining financial obligations that we have with respect to that facility. See “Critical
Accounting Policies and Estimates─Accrual for Losses on Facility Leases.”
ITEM 3.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
We are sometimes named as a defendant in lawsuits that arise in the ordinary course of business. We do not believe that
any of such lawsuits that are currently pending are likely to have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or
results of operations.
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF REGISTRANT
Name
Michael J. McConnell .......
David G. Hall ...................
Joseph J. Wallace ...............
Age
45
64
51
Positions
Chief Executive Officer
President
Chief Financial Officer
MICHAEL J. MCCONNELL has served as Chief Executive Officer and Director since April 1, 2009. He is a private
investor and a Director of PaperlinX Limited, Redflex Holdings Limited and MRV Communications, Inc. From 1998 to
September 30, 2008, Mr. McConnell was a Managing Director of Shamrock Capital Advisors, Inc., a manager of private equity, real
estate and direct investment funds, including the Shamrock Activist Value Funds. Mr. McConnell also served as a member of that
firm’s Executive Committee. Prior to joining Shamrock in 1994, Mr. McConnell held various positions at PepsiCo, Merrill Lynch
and Kidder Peabody. Mr. McConnell formerly served on the boards of Ansell Limited, Nuplex Industries, Force Corporation,
iPass, Inc., and Port-link International. Mr. McConnell also serves on the Board of Governors of Opportunity International.
Mr. McConnell received his B.A. in economics from Harvard University and his MBA degree (with distinction—Shermet Scholar)
from the Darden School of the University of Virginia.
DAVID G. HALL has served as President of Collectors Universe, Inc. since September 2001. From April 2000 to
September 2001, Mr. Hall served as our Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Hall also served as Chairman of
the Board and a Director of Professional Coin Grading Services, Inc., the Company’s predecessor, since it was founded in February
1986 and also served as its President and Chief Executive Officer until January 1999. Mr. Hall was honored in 1999 by COINage
Magazine as Numismatist of the Century, along with 14 others. In 1990, Mr. Hall was named an Orange County Entrepreneur
of the Year by INC. magazine. In addition, he has written A Mercenary’s Guide to the Rare Coin Market, a book dedicated to coin
collecting. Mr. Hall is also a member of the Professional Numismatists Guild.
JOSEPH J. WALLACE became the Company’s Chief Financial Officer in September 2005. Prior to becoming Chief
Financial Officer, he was the Company’s Vice President of Finance from November 2004 and Controller from June 2004. From
1997 to 2003, Mr. Wallace was Vice President of Finance, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary of STM Wireless, Inc., a publicly
traded company engaged in the business of developing, manufacturing and marketing satellite communications products and
services. Mr. Wallace is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland, and a CPA in the State of California.
20
21
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR COMMON STOCK, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND
ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
PART II
Our common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Global Market, trading under the symbol CLCT. The following tables set
forth the high and low closing prices of our common stock, as reported by NASDAQ, and the cash dividends that we paid to our
stockholders, in each of the fiscal quarters in the fiscal years ended June 30, 2011 and 2010:
Closing Share Prices
Low
Fiscal 2011
First Quarter .......................................................
Second Quarter ...................................................
Third Quarter .....................................................
Fourth Quarter ....................................................
High
$ 13.46
16.08
14.12
15.15
Fiscal 2010
First Quarter .......................................................
Second Quarter ...................................................
Third Quarter .....................................................
Fourth Quarter ....................................................
$
5.44
9.05
11.07
14.32
$ 11.18
12.72
13.11
13.75
$
3.70
5.07
8.92
11.20
$
Cash
Dividend
Per Share
0.30
0.325
0.325
0.325
$ -
0.25
0.25
0.30
We had 93 holders of record and approximately 4,530 beneficial owners of our common stock as of June 30, 2011.
Dividends. On September 26, 2008, the Board of Directors determined that, due primarily to adverse market and
economic conditions, including the liquidity crisis in the United States, the prudent course of action would be, and the Board of
Directors voted, to suspend the payment of the Company’s then quarterly cash dividend of $0.23 per share per quarter in order to
preserve the Company’s cash resources.
In October 2009, the Board of Directors approved the resumption of the payment of cash dividends at $0.25 per share
per quarter. In April 2010 and in October 2010, the Board of Directors approved increases in the quarterly dividend to $0.30
and $0.325 per share per quarter, respectively. Dividends paid to stockholders in fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009 were $9,944,000,
$5,943,000 and $2,090,000, respectively.
The declaration and payment of cash dividends in the future, pursuant to the Company’s dividend policy, is subject
to final determination each quarter by the Board of Directors based on a number of factors, including the Company’s financial
performance and its available cash resources, its cash requirements and alternative uses of cash that the Board may conclude would
represent an opportunity to generate a greater return on investment for the Company and its stockholders. Accordingly, there is no
assurance that, in the future, the amount of the quarterly cash dividend will not be reduced or that the payment of dividends will
not be suspended or altogether discontinued.
Dutch Auction Tender Offer. On July 10, 2009, the Company purchased a total of 1,749,828 of its then outstanding shares
in a “Dutch Auction” tender offer, at a price of $5.00 per share, for a total purchase price of approximately $8,910,000 (including
the costs of conducting the tender offer of $160,000).
Share Buyback Program. In December 2005, our Board of Directors approved a share buyback program that authorized us
to repurchase up to $10,000,000 of our shares of common stock in open market or privately negotiated transactions, in accordance
with applicable Securities Exchange Commission (“SEC”) rules, when opportunities to make such repurchases, at attractive prices,
become available. During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009, we repurchased a total of 120,000 of our common stock under
this program for aggregate purchase prices of approximately $484,000. There were no repurchases in fiscal 2011 and 2010. We
currently have $3.7 million available for share purchases under the share buyback program. However, we are under no obligation to
repurchase any additional shares under this program, and the timing, actual number and value of any additional shares that may be
repurchased by us under this program will depend on a number of factors, including the Company’s future financial performance,
the Company’s available cash resources and competing uses for the cash, prevailing market prices of the Company’s common stock
the number of shares that become available for sale at prices that the Company believes are attractive and the effect that such
repurchases may have on our public float and the market liquidity of our shares.
22
ITEM 6. SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
The selected operating data for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2011, 2010 and 2009, and the selected balance sheet data
at June 30, 2011 and 2010 set forth below are derived from the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements included
elsewhere in this Annual Report. The selected operating data for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 and the related
balance sheet data at June 30, 2009, 2008 and 2007 were derived from audited consolidated financial statements that are not
included in this Annual Report. The following data should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and
the related notes thereto and with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”
included below in this Annual Report.
Our Continuing Operations. The results of our continuing operations, as set forth in the table below, consist primarily
of the results of operations of our collectible coin, trading card, autographs, memorabilia and stamp authentication and grading
businesses and our CoinFacts.com, Certified Coin Exchange (“CCE”) and Expos businesses for each of the fiscal years in the five-
year period ended June 30, 2011.
Our Discontinued Operations. The results of our discontinued operations set forth in the table below consist of the
operating results, including impairment charges, related losses on the closure and gain or losses on disposal of (i) our diamond
and our colored gemstone (“jewelry”) authentication and grading businesses through the dates in March 2009, on which we
discontinued those businesses; (ii) our currency grading and authentication business until its sale in February 2009; and (iii) to a
much lesser extent, the results of our remaining disposal activities following the disposition, in fiscal 2004, of our collectibles sales
businesses.
22
23
Consolidated Statement of Operations Data:
Year Ended June 30,
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
Net revenues(1)
Cost of revenues
Gross profit(1)
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Impairment losses
Operating income
Interest income, net
Other (expense) income, net
Income before provision (benefit) for income taxes
Provision (benefit) for income taxes(2)
Income from continuing operations
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of loss on
sales of discontinued businesses (net of income taxes)(3)
Net income (loss)
Net income (loss) per basic share:
Income from continuing operations
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of loss on
sales of discontinued businesses (net of income taxes)
Net income (loss)
Net income (loss) per diluted share:
Income from continuing operations
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of loss
on sales of discontinued businesses (net of income taxes)
Net income (loss)
Weighted average shares outstanding(4)
Basic
Diluted
Cash dividends paid on common stock
Cash dividends declared per share of common stock
Balance Sheet Data:
Cash and cash equivalents
Working capital – continuing operations
Working capital (deficit) – discontinued operations
Goodwill and Intangibles – continuing
Goodwill and Intangibles – discontinued
Total assets – continuing operations
Total assets – discontinued operations
Stockholders’ equity
2011
44,432
17,249
27,183
17,526
1,368
8,289
98
(5)
8,382
3,346
5,036
2010
(In thousands, except per share data)
2009
2008
$ 39,763
15,594
24,169
15,813
-
8,356
89
30
8,475
(8,330)
16,805
$
35,914
16,385
19,529
16,792
649
2,088
284
14
2,386
1,183
1,203
$ 39,505
19,779
19,726
18,420
-
1,306
1,138
6
2,450
2,155
295
2007
$ 38,686
16,736
21,950
18,949
16
2,985
2,149
7
5,141
2,336
2,805
83
5,119
(107)
$ 16,698
(18,126)
(16,923)
$
(15,927)
$ (15,632)
(3,320)
(515)
$
0.66
$
2.26
$
0.13
$
0.03
$
0.30
0.01
0.67
0.65
0.01
0.66
7,682
7,798
9,944
1.28
$
$
$
(0.02)
2.24
(1.99)
$ (1.86)
(1.71)
(1.68)
$
(0.36)
(0.06)
$
2.20
$ 0.13
$
0.03
$
0.30
(0.01)
2.19
7,451
7,637
(1.98)
$ (1.85)
(1.69)
$ (1.66)
(0.35)
(0.05)
$
9,103
9,135
9,295
9,419
9,204
9,462
$ 5,943
0.80
$
$ 2,090
$ 0.23
$ 8,517
0.91
$
$ 3,350
0.36
$
2011
2010
21,926
20,010
(716)
3,228
-
36,302
209
25,070
$
20,321
21,134
(871)
5,010
-
38,452
234
27,612
At June 30,
2009
$
(In thousands)
23,870
23,108
(1,725)
5,402
-
35,989
284
24,779
2008
2007
$ 23,345
26,771
(774)
6,661
5,805
42,567
9,451
43,830
$ 42,386
42,720
(511)
5,935
17,315
57,315
20,786
68,891
1.
2.
Includes revenues from product sales, consisting primarily of sales of coins purchased under our warranty policy, of $604,000, $92,000, $394,000,
$1,046,000 and $284,000 in fiscal 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Such product revenues are not considered an integral part of
our ongoing revenue generating activities. The gross margins on product sales were 28%, (44)%, (51)%, 7% and 33%, in fiscal 2011, 2010, 2009,
2008 and 2007, respectively.
The income tax benefit of $8.3 million in fiscal 2010 reflects the release of valuation allowances against deferred tax assets at June 30, 2010. See
“Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates─Income Taxes, Deferred Tax Assets and Valuation Allowances.”
3. Discontinued operations include aggregate impairment losses in 2009 and 2008 of $7,695,000 and $11,233,000, respectively, and a loss on the
closure of our jewelry businesses in fiscal 2009 of approximately $5,188,000, inclusive of an accrual for ongoing real estate lease obligations of those
businesses. See note 3 to our Consolidated Financial Statements below in Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
4. On July 10, 2009, the Company purchased a total of 1,749,828 outstanding shares of its common stock, for a total purchase price of $8,910,000 in
a “Dutch Auction” tender offer to its stockholders.
24
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the
“Selected Consolidated Financial Data” and our Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes, included elsewhere in Part II of this
Annual Report. This discussion also should be read in conjunction with the information in Item IA of Part I of this Report, entitled “Risk
Factors,” which contains information about certain risks and uncertainties that can affect our business and our financial performance in
the future.
Introduction and Overview
Our Business
Collectors Universe, Inc. (“we”, “us” “management” “our” or the “Company”) provides authentication and grading
services to dealers and collectors of high-value coins, trading cards, event tickets, autographs, sports and historical memorabilia and
stamps. We believe that our authentication and grading services add value to these collectibles by providing dealers and collectors
with a high level of assurance as to the authenticity and quality of the collectibles they seek to buy or sell; thereby enhancing their
marketability and providing increased liquidity to the dealers, collectors and consumers that own, buy and sell such collectibles.
We principally generate revenues from the fees paid for our authentication and grading services. To a much lesser extent,
we generate revenues from other related services which consist of: (i) the sale of advertising on our websites; (ii) the sale of printed
publications and collectibles price guides and advertising in our publications and on our website; (iii) the sale of membership
subscriptions in our Collectors Club, which is designed primarily to attract interest in high-value collectibles among new collectors;
(iv) the sale of subscriptions to our CCE dealer-to-dealer Internet bid-ask market for certified coins and to our CoinFacts website,
which offers a comprehensive one-stop source for historical U.S. numismatic information and value-added content; and (v) the
management and operation of collectibles trade shows and conventions. We also generate revenues from sales of our collectibles
inventory, which is primarily comprised of collectible coins that we have purchased under our coin grading warranty program;
however, such product sales are neither the focus nor an integral part of our on-going revenue generating activities.
Factors That Can Affect Operating Results and our Financial Position
Factors That Can Affect our Revenue. Our authentication and grading fees accounted for approximately 80% of our total
net revenues in each of the three years ended June 30, 2011. The amounts of those fees are primarily driven by the volume and mix
of coin and collectibles sales and purchase transactions by collectibles dealers and collectors, because our collectibles authentication
and grading services generally facilitate sales and purchases of coins and other high value collectibles by providing dealers and
collectors with a high level of assurance as to the authenticity and quality of the collectibles they seek to sell or buy. Consequently,
dealers and collectors most often submit coins and other collectibles to us for authentication and grading at those times when they
are in the market to sell or buy coins and other high-value collectibles that we authenticate and grade.
In addition, our coin authentication and grading revenues are impacted by the level of modern coin submissions, which
can be volatile, primarily depending on the timing and size of modern coin marketing programs by the United States Mint and by
customers or dealers who specialize in sales of such coins.
The amounts of our authentication and grading revenues are affected by (i) the volume and mix of authentication and
grading submissions among coins and trading cards, on the one hand, and other collectibles on the other hand; (ii) in the case of
coins and trading cards, the “turnaround” times requested by our customers, because we charge higher fees for faster service times;
and (iii) the mix of authentication and grading submissions between vintage or “classic” coins and trading cards, on the one hand,
and modern coins and trading cards, on the other hand, because dealers generally request faster turnaround times for vintage or
classic coins and trading cards than they do for modern submissions, as vintage or classic collectibles are of significantly higher
value and are more saleable by dealers than modern coins and trading cards; and (iv) as discussed above, the timing of marketing
programs for modern coins.
24
25
Our revenues are also affected by the volume of coin authentication and grading submissions we receive at collectibles
trade shows where we provide on-site authentication and grading services to show attendees, who typically request higher-priced
same-day turnaround for the coins they submit to us for authentication and grading at those shows. The volume of trade show
submissions varies from period to period depending upon a number of factors, including the number and the timing of the shows
in each period and the volume of collectible coins that are bought and sold at those shows by dealers and collectors. In addition, the
number of such submissions and, therefore, the revenues and gross profit margin we generate from the authentication and grading
of coins at trade shows can be impacted by short-term changes in the prices of gold that sometimes occur around the time of the
shows, because gold prices can affect the willingness of dealers and collectors to sell and purchase coins at the shows.
Five of our coin authentication and grading customers accounted, in the aggregate, for approximately 12% of our total
net revenues in the year ended June 30, 2011. As a result, the loss of any of those customers, or a significant decrease in the volume
of grading submissions from any of them to us, could cause our net revenues to decline and, therefore, could adversely affect our
results of operations.
The following table provides information regarding the respective numbers of coins, trading cards, autographs and stamps
that we authenticated or graded in the fiscal years ended June 30, 2011, 2010, and 2009:
Coins
Trading cards
Autographs
Stamps
Total
2011
1,973,700
1,120,800
240,100
13,900
3,348,500
59%
34%
7%
-
100%
Units Processed
2010
1,708,200
1,090,600
196,500
19,000
3,014,300
57%
36%
6%
1%
100%
2009
1,456,100
1,171,600
168,100
25,700
2,821,500
52%
41%
6%
1%
100%
The following table sets forth the estimated values at which our customers insured the coins, trading cards, autographs and
stamps that they submitted to us for grading or authentication:
2011
Declared Values (000s)
2010
Coins
Trading cards
Autographs
Stamps
Total
$ 1,292,000
83,000
21,000
8,000
$ 1,404,000
92%
6%
1%
1%
100%
$ 1,390,000
73,000
18,000
13,000
$ 1,494,000
93%
5%
1%
1%
100%
2009
$ 1,119,000
79,000
15,000
22,000
$ 1,235,000
91%
6%
1%
2%
100%
Factors Affecting our Gross Profit Margins. The gross profit margins we earn on collectibles authentication and grading
submissions are impacted by much the same factors that impact our revenues, as the average service fee and the resulting gross profit
margin earned is affected by (i) the volume and mix of those submissions among coins, trading cards and other collectibles, because
we generally realize higher margins on coin submissions than on submissions of other collectibles; (ii) in the case of coins and
trading cards, the “turnaround” times requested by our customers, because we charge higher fees for faster service times; and (iii) the
mix of authentication and grading submissions between vintage or “classic” coins and trading cards, on the one hand, and modern
coins and trading cards, on the other hand, because dealers generally request faster turnaround times for vintage or classic coins and
trading cards than they do for modern submissions. Furthermore, because a significant proportion of our costs of sales are fixed in
nature in the short-term, our gross profit margin is also affected by the overall volume of collectibles that we authenticate and grade
in any period.
Impact of Economic Conditions on our Financial Performance. As discussed above, our operating results are affected by the
volume of collectibles transactions by collectibles dealers and collectors which, in turn, is primarily affected by (i) the disposable
income available to collectors and their confidence about future economic conditions, because high-value collectibles are generally
viewed as luxury goods and are purchased with disposable income; (ii) the cash flows generated by collectibles dealers and their
confidence about future economic conditions, which affect their willingness and the ability of such dealers to purchase collectibles
for resale; (iii) the availability and cost of borrowings because collectibles dealers often rely on borrowings to fund their purchases
of collectibles, (iv) prevailing and anticipated rates of inflation and the strength or weakness of the U.S. dollar, because the threat
of increased inflation or concerns about the weakening of the U.S. dollar often lead investors and consumers to purchase gold and
silver coins as a hedge against inflation or reductions in the purchasing power of the U.S. currency; and (v) the performance and
volatility of the gold and other precious metals markets, which can affect the level of purchases and sales of collectible coins, because
26
investors and consumers will often increase their purchases of hard assets, including gold coins if they believe that the market prices
of hard assets will increase. As a result, the volume of collectibles transactions and, therefore, the demand for our authentication
and grading services, generally increase during periods characterized by economic growth, the availability of lower cost borrowings,
or increases in inflation or in gold prices or a weakening of the U.S. dollar. By contrast, collectibles transactions and, therefore, the
demand for our services generally decline during periods characterized by economic downturns or recessions, declines in consumer
and business confidence, an absence of inflationary pressure, or declines in the market prices of gold. However, these conditions can
sometimes counteract each other as it is not uncommon, for example, for investors to shift funds from gold to other investments
during periods of economic growth and growing consumer and business confidence.
Despite the continued uncertainties with respect to the strength and the sustainability of the economic recovery, our
revenues (excluding product revenues) in the current fiscal year increased by approximately 10%, compared to the same period
of the prior year, and included a 14% increase in revenue from the authentication and grading of collectible coins, which is our
largest grading and authentication market. We believe those increases reflect the continued high prices of gold and concerns about
inflation and the continued weakness of the U.S. dollar among collectors and investors, as well as customer-specific marketing
initiatives that drive the grading of modern coins. Our revenues are discussed in more detail below under the caption Results of
Operations: “Net Revenues.”
Factors That Can Affect our Financial Position. A substantial number of our authentication and grading customers
prepay our authentication and grading fees when they submit their collectibles to us for authentication and grading. As a result,
historically, we have been able to rely on internally generated cash and have never incurred borrowings to fund our continuing
operations. We currently expect that internally generated cash flows and current cash and cash equivalent balances will be sufficient
to fund our continuing operations at least through the end of fiscal 2012.
In addition to the day-to-day operating performance of our business, our overall financial position can also be affected by
the Company’s capital raising or stock buyback activities, the dividend policy adopted by the Board of Directors from time to time,
and the Company’s decisions to invest in and to fund the acquisition of businesses. In July 2009, the Company used approximately
$8.9 million of available cash to purchase 1,749,828 shares of our common stock in a “Dutch Auction” tender offer, and in fiscal
2010, the Board of Directors reinstated the payment of dividends such that we paid approximately $9.9 million and $5.9 million
in cash dividends to stockholders in fiscal 2011 and 2010, respectively. In addition, our financial position is impacted by the
Company’s tax position as the Company may only be required to pay minimum taxes, when it has net operating losses and other
tax attributes available to offset taxable income. However, once those tax losses or other tax attributes have been fully utilized, the
Company will then be required to pay taxes at an estimated annual effective tax rate of 40%, as adjusted for timing differences.
Trends and Challenges in and Opportunities for our Businesses
In response to the economic recession and the credit crisis that adversely impacted the volume of authentication and
grading submissions to us during fiscal 2009, we implemented a cost reduction program to reduce our costs of revenue and our
operating expenses to bring those costs and expenses more in line with our revenues and, thereby, increase our gross profits and
operating income. During fiscal 2010 and 2011, that program, combined with the increase in our coin authentication and grading
revenues, enabled us to realize increased gross profit margin and operating income when operating income is adjusted for a non-cash
impairment charge of $1.4 million in fiscal 2011, and cash flows from continuing operations.
26
27
Overview of Fiscal 2011 Operating Results
The following table sets forth comparative financial data for the years ended June 30, 2011 and 2010:
Net revenues
Cost of revenues
Gross profit
Selling and marketing expenses
General and administrative expenses
Impairment losses
Operating income
Interest income, net
Other (expense) income, net
Income before (benefit) provision for income taxes
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
Income from continuing operations
Income (loss) from discontinued operations
Net income
Net income (loss) per diluted share:
Income from continuing operations
Income (loss) from discontinued operations
Net income
Year Ended June 30, 2011
Year Ended June 30, 2010
Amount
44,432
17,249
27,183
6,029
11,497
1,368
8,289
98
(5)
8,382
3,346
5,036
83
5,119
0.65
0.01
0.66
$
$
$
$
Percent of
Revenues
100.0%
38.8%
61.2%
13.6%
25.9%
3.0%
18.7%
0.2%
-
18.9%
7.6%
11.3%
0.2%
11.5%
Amount
39,763
15,594
24,169
5,068
10,745
-
8,356
89
30
8,475
(8,330)
16,805
(107)
16,698
2.20
(0.01)
2.19
$
$
$
$
Percent of
Revenues
100.0%
39.2%
60.8%
12.7%
27.1%
-
21.0%
0.2%
0.1%
21.3%
(21.0)%
42.3%
(0.3)%
42.0%
In fiscal 2011, pretax income decreased by $93,000, compared to fiscal 2010. Excluding the impairment loss in fiscal
2011, pre-tax income would have increased by $1,275,000 and 15%, compared to fiscal 2010 due primarily to increases of 12% in
revenues in the current year. The increase in total revenues was primarily attributable to increases in authentication and grading fees
in our coin business, comprising increases in the modern, vintage and world coins graded and authenticated.
However, due to the recognition of an income tax provision of $3,346,000, representing a tax rate of approximately 40%
in fiscal 2011, compared to an income tax benefit of $8,330,000 in fiscal 2010, income from continuing operations decreased in
fiscal 2011. The substantially higher effective tax provision in fiscal 2011 was due to the release of valuation allowances against
deferred tax assets at June 30, 2010. Cash payments for income taxes continued to be minimal in fiscal 2011.
These, as well as other factors affecting out operating results are described in more detail below. See “Factors that Can
Affect our Operating Results and Financial Condition” “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates─Long-Lived Assets Other Than
Goodwill, Goodwill and Income Taxes, Deferred Tax Assets and Valuation Allowances” and “Results of Operations” below.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
General. In accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”), we
record our assets at the lower of cost or fair value. In determining the fair value of certain of our assets, principally accounts
and notes receivable inventories, goodwill and intangible assets, we must make judgments, estimates and assumptions regarding
circumstances or trends that could affect the value of those assets, such as economic conditions or trends that could impact, e.g., our
ability to fully collect our accounts receivable or realize the value of our inventories in future periods. Those judgments, estimates,
and assumptions are based on current information available to us at that time. Many of those conditions, trends and circumstances
on which our judgments or estimates are based; however, are outside of our control and, if changes were to occur in the events,
trends or other circumstances on which our judgments or estimates were based, or other unanticipated events were to happen
that might affect our operations, we may be required under GAAP to adjust our earlier estimates. Changes in such estimates may
require that we reduce the carrying value of the affected assets on our balance sheet (which are commonly referred to as “write-
downs” of the assets involved).
28
It is our practice to establish reserves, allowances, charges or losses to record such downward adjustments or write-downs
in the carrying value of assets, such as, for example, accounts and notes receivable and inventory. Such write-downs are recorded
as charges to income or increases in expense in our statement of operations in the periods when those reserves, allowances, charges
or losses are established or increased to take account of changed conditions or events. As a result, our judgments, estimates and
assumptions about future events and changes in the conditions, events or trends upon which those estimates and judgments
were made, can and will affect not only the amounts at which we record such assets on our balance sheet, but also our results of
operations.
The decisions as to the timing of adjustments or write-downs of this nature also require subjective evaluations or
assessments about the effects and duration of events or changes in circumstances. For example, it is difficult to predict whether
events or conditions, such as increases in interest rates or economic slowdowns, will have short or longer term consequences for
our business, and it is not uncommon for it to take some time after the occurrence of an event or the onset of changes in economic
circumstances for their full effects to be recognized. Therefore, management makes such estimates based upon the information
available at that time and reevaluates and adjusts its reserves, allowances, charges or losses for potential write-downs on a quarterly
basis.
In prior years, we acquired certain businesses and assets (some of which are now classified as part of discontinued
operations, as we have closed, or disposed of such assets), and in accordance with GAAP, we accounted for those acquisitions using
the purchase method of accounting. That accounting method required us to allocate amounts paid for those businesses in excess of
the fair value of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed, and to classify that excess as goodwill. In accordance with GAAP, we
evaluate goodwill for impairment at least annually or more frequently if we believe that goodwill has been impaired in the interim
due to changing facts or events (see “Goodwill” below). Other intangible assets that are separable from goodwill and have definite
lives are subject to amortization over their remaining useful lives (see “Long-Lived Assets Other Than Goodwill” below). Indefinite-
lived intangible assets are subject to ongoing evaluation for impairment. Management formally evaluates the carrying value of its
goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment on the anniversary date of each of the business acquisitions that
gave rise to the recording of such assets. If it is determined, from any such impairment analysis, that the estimated fair value of any
such assets has declined below their carrying values, it would become necessary for us to recognize an impairment charge that would
have the effect of reducing our income in the period when that charge is recognized.
We also estimate losses associated with the disposal of a business or the sale of assets when a decision has been made to
dispose of or discontinue such business or sell such assets. In accordance with GAAP, assets available for sale are stated at the lower
of costs or their net realizable value. In addition, the estimated fair value of liabilities for employee terminations is recognized as of
the date such terminations are communicated to the affected employees and for lease obligations as of the date we cease using the
real property or equipment subject to the lease.
In making our estimates and assumptions, we follow GAAP in order to enable us to make fair and consistent estimates of
the fair value of assets and to establish adequate reserves, allowances, charges or losses for possible write-downs in the carrying values
of our assets.
Set forth below is a summary of the accounting policies and critical estimates that we believe are material to an
understanding of our financial condition and results of operations.
Revenue Recognition Policies. We generally record revenue at the time of shipment of the authenticated and graded
collectible to the customer, net of any taxes collected. Due to the insignificant delay between the completion of our grading
and authentication services and the shipment of the collectible or high-value asset back to the customer, the time of shipment
corresponds to the completion of our services. Many of our authentication and grading customers prepay our authentication and
grading fees when they submit their collectibles to us for authentication and grading. We record those prepayments as deferred
revenue until the collectibles have been authenticated and graded and shipped back to them. At that time, we record the revenues
from the authentication and grading services we have performed for the customer and deduct this amount from deferred revenue.
For certain dealers to whom we extend open account privileges, we record revenue at the time of shipment of the authenticated and
graded collectible to the dealer.
28
29
A portion of our net revenues is comprised of subscription fees paid by customers for memberships in our Collectors Club.
Those memberships entitle members to access our on-line and printed publications and, sometimes also to receive vouchers for free
grading services from us. We record revenue for this multi-element service arrangement by recognizing approximately 65% of the
subscription fee in the month following the membership purchase. We review this estimate at least semi-annually by recalculating
the percentage based on the relative values of the various elements in the Collectors Club offering and determining the appropriate
percentage to attribute to the grading services and the remaining subscription. Our estimates have proven to be consistently around
65% on an ongoing basis. The balance of the membership fee is recognized as revenue over the life of the membership, which can
range from one to two years.
With respect to our Expos trade show business, we recognize revenue generated by the promotion, management and
operation of each of its collectibles conventions or trade shows in the fiscal period in which the convention or show takes place, and
for PCGS’s CoinFacts subscription revenues, we recognize revenue over the subscription period.
We recognize the revenue from the sale of products when it is shipped to the customer and all the requirements for
revenue recognition have been satisfied. Such products consist primarily of collectible coins that we purchase pursuant to our coin
authentication and grading warranty program and those product sales are not considered an integral part of our ongoing revenue
generating activities.
Accrual for Losses on Facility Leases. As a result of the discontinuance of and our exit from the jewelry authentication and
grading businesses in fiscal 2009, we ceased the occupancy of facilities we had leased for their operations. We retained a commercial
real estate broker to sublease those facilities on our behalf. Through June 30, 2009, we established estimated loss accruals of
$4,454,000 for liabilities under those leases. The amount of those lease accruals was determined based on estimates on a discounted
basis of (i) prevailing sublease rates in the real estate market where those facilities are located, as compared to our rental obligations
under those leases; (ii) the time we expected it would take to sublet those facilities; and (iii) other direct costs associated with the
leases. In fiscal 2010, the Company continued to re-evaluate its loss accruals for the lease obligations and recognized an additional
accrual of $405,000 in the second quarter of fiscal 2010. In May 2010, the Company entered into agreements to reduce its lease
obligations, whereby one of the spaces was sublet to a third party, and the second facility was returned to the landlord and the lease
terminated with only a financial obligation remaining. As a result of these agreements, and in accordance with GAAP, the Company
measured the change in cash flows using the same credit-adjusted risk-free rate that was used to measure the initial liabilities and the
cumulative effect of the change of approximately $500,000 resulting from the revision, was recognized as a reduction to the liability
in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010. As a result of those changes, the payment of lease obligations and the recognition of accretion
expense, the remaining obligations at June 30, 2011 were approximately $3,137,000. We will continue to review and, if necessary,
make adjustments to these accruals on a quarterly basis.
Accounts Receivable, Notes Receivable and the Allowance for Doubtful Accounts. In the normal course of our authentication
and grading business, we extend payment terms to many of the larger, more creditworthy dealers who submit collectibles to us for
authentication and grading on an ongoing basis. Until the second quarter of fiscal 2009, we also made advances to selected coin
dealers evidenced by notes receivable pursuant to a dealer-financing program, which have been substantially repaid or written down
to zero at June 30, 2011. We regularly review our accounts receivable, estimate the amounts of, and establish an allowance for,
uncollectible accounts in each quarterly period. The amount of that allowance is based on several factors, including the age and
extent of significant past due accounts and known conditions or trends that may affect the ability of account debtors to pay their
accounts receivable balances. Each quarter we review our estimates of uncollectible amounts and, if necessary, adjust the allowance
to take account of changes in economic or other conditions or trends that we believe will have an adverse effect on the ability of any
of the account debtors to pay their accounts in full. Since the allowance is increased by recording a charge against income that is
reflected in general and administrative expenses, an increase in the allowance will cause an increase in such expenses. At June 30,
2011 and 2010 allowances for doubtful accounts were $66,000 and $75,000, respectively.
Inventory Valuation Reserves. Our collectibles inventories, which consist primarily of collectible coins that we have
purchased pursuant to our coin warranty program, are valued at the lower of cost or fair value and have been reduced by an
inventory valuation allowance to provide for potential declines in the value of those inventories below their carrying values.
The amount of the allowance is determined and is periodically adjusted on the basis of market knowledge, historical experience
and estimates concerning future economic conditions or trends that may impact the sale value of the collectibles inventories.
Additionally, due to the relative uniqueness and special features of some of the collectibles included in our collectibles inventory and
the volatility in the prices of precious metals, valuation of such collectibles often involves judgments that are more subjective than
those that are required when determining the market values of more standardized products. As a result, we review the market values
of the collectibles in our inventory on a quarterly basis and make adjustments to the valuation reserve that we believe are necessary
30
or prudent based on our judgments regarding these matters. In the event that a collectible is sold for a price below its carrying
value, we record a charge to operating income. At June 30, 2011 and 2010, collectibles coin inventories were $1,468,000 and
$493,000, and inventory reserves were $126,000 and $144,000, respectively. See note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
If we liquidate collectible coins at amounts below their carrying value, we may incur losses in excess of our recorded inventory
reserves.
The Company also maintains inventories of plastic holders and other related consumables used in our grading processes.
Such consumable inventories are valued at the lower of cost or fair value.
Grading Warranty Costs. We offer a limited warranty covering the coins, trading cards and stamps that we authenticate
and grade. Under the warranty, if such a collectible that was previously authenticated and graded by us is later submitted to us
for re-grading and either (i) receives a lower grade upon resubmittal or (ii) is determined not to have been authentic, we will offer
to purchase the collectible for a price equal to the value of collectible at its original grade, or, at the customer’s option, pay the
difference between the value of the collectible at its original grade as compared with the value at its lower grade. However, this
warranty is voided if the collectible, upon resubmittal to us, is not in the same tamper-resistant holder in which it was placed
at the time we last graded the item or if we otherwise determine that the collectible had been altered after we had authenticated
and graded it. If we purchase an item under a warranty claim, we recognize the difference in the value of the item at its original
grade and its re-graded estimated value as a reduction in our warranty reserve. We include the purchased item in our inventory
at the estimated re-graded value of the collectible, which will be lower than the price we paid to purchase the item. We accrue for
estimated warranty costs based on historical trends and related experience, and we monitor the adequacy of our warranty reserve
on an ongoing basis. There also are a number of factors that can cause the estimated values of the collectibles purchased under our
warranty program to change over time and, as a result, we review the market values of those collectibles (see Inventory Valuation
Reserves above). However, once we have classified such items as inventory and they have been held in inventory beyond the end of
the fiscal quarter in which we purchased them, we classify any gains or losses on the subsequent disposal of such items as part of the
gain or loss on product sales and not as an adjustment to our warranty reserves. See note 8 to the consolidated financial statements
for activity in our warranty reserves.
Goodwill. We test the carrying value of goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets at least annually on their
respective acquisition anniversary dates, or more frequently if indicators of impairment are determined to exist. When testing for
impairment, we apply a discounted cash flow model or an income approach in determining a fair value that is used to estimate
the fair value of the reporting unit on a total basis, which is then compared to the carrying value of the reporting unit. If the fair
value of the reporting unit exceeds the carrying value of the reporting unit, no impairment of goodwill exists as of the measurement
date. If the fair value is less than the carrying value, then there is the possibility of goodwill impairment and further testing and
re-measurement of goodwill is required. During the first quarter ended September 30, 2010, we completed the annual goodwill
impairment evaluations with respect to the goodwill acquired in our fiscal year 2006 purchases of CCE and CoinFacts and the fiscal
year 2007 acquisition of our Expos business, and determined that the carrying values of the acquired goodwill of these respective
businesses were not impaired.
The fair value of the CCE and CoinFacts reporting units are substantially in excess of their carrying value, and the risks of
impairment in those businesses are minor.
As discussed in previous filings, at September 30, 2010, the fair value of our Expos business was close to its carrying value.
Management applied sensitivity analysis to our significant assumptions in concluding that no impairment existed at September 30,
2010. At June 30, 2011, we reviewed the performance of Expos for fiscal 2011 and our expectations for that business in future
periods. In fiscal 2011, the downward trend in revenues continued despite our earlier expectations that revenues would stabilize
and grow in future years. Furthermore, due to continued difficulties experienced in retaining customer participation at the shows,
we expect continued attrition in future periods. This overall downward trend in revenues, combined with the follow-on effect
on specific customer revenue assumptions in the outer year of the forecast period, the impact on the terminal value of the Expos
business due to a declining revenue base and an increase in the discount rate applicable to Expos from 17% to 19% (due to a higher
equity risk premium, small stock risk premiums and an increase in the risk-free rate), led management to conclude that the Expos
business was impaired at June 30, 2011.
Therefore, the Company recognized impairment losses related to goodwill of $743,000 in fiscal 2011, which combined
with impairment losses related to intangible assets (see Long-Lived Assets Other Than Goodwill), resulted in total impairment losses of
$1,368,000 in fiscal 2011.
30
31
With respect to our discontinued jewelry businesses, in the year ended June 30, 2009, we recognized impairment
losses for their full carrying cost to the goodwill of $1,348,000, which, when combined with impairment losses, related to other
indefinite-lived intangible assets of those businesses totaling $7,695,000, and these impairment losses have been classified as part of
discontinued operations for the year ended June 30, 2009.
Long-Lived Assets Other Than Goodwill. We regularly conduct reviews of property and equipment and other long-lived
assets other than goodwill, including certain identifiable intangibles, for possible impairment. Such reviews occur annually, or more
frequently, if events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable in full. In order
to determine if the value of a definite-lived asset is impaired, we make an estimate of the future undiscounted cash flows expected
to result from the use of that asset and its eventual disposition in order to determine if an impairment loss has occurred. If the
projected undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying amount of the asset, an impairment loss is recorded to write-down the
asset to its estimated fair value.
Based on such reviews at June 30, 2011, we determined that impairment losses had occurred with respect to certain long-
lived assets of our Expos business, and we therefore recognized impairment losses of $625,000 for intangible assets in fiscal 2011,
comprising a loss of $460,000 for the Expos trade name and $165,000 for the customer database. See Goodwill above.
In addition, in fiscal 2009, we reviewed the long-lived assets of our continuing businesses and concluded that certain
capitalized software used in our autograph business was not recoverable in full due to technical and operational inefficiency issues.
As a result, we recognized an impairment loss of $649,000 for such capitalized software in our continuing operations for the fiscal
year ended June 30, 2009.
As part of our jewelry discontinued operations, we recognized impairment losses on our identifiable tangible and
intangible assets in those businesses totaling $6,347,000 in fiscal 2009, which have been classified as part of the loss on discontinued
operations. See Goodwill above.
Stock-Based Compensation. Stock-based compensation expense is measured at the grant date of an award, based on its
estimated fair value, and is recognized as expense over the employee or non-employee director’s requisite service period, which is
generally the vesting period of the award. However, if the vesting of a stock-based compensation award is subject to satisfaction of a
performance requirement or condition, the stock-based compensation expense is recognized if, and when, management determines
that the achievement of the performance requirement or condition (and therefore the vesting of the award) has become probable.
In the event that stock-based compensation is recognized on the basis that the performance condition is probable, and management
subsequently determines that the performance condition is not met, then all expense previously recognized with respect to the
performance condition would be reversed.
We recognize stock-based compensation expense for service-based stock option awards using the Black-Scholes option
valuation method. Under that method, we make assumptions with respect to the expected lives of the options or other stock awards
that have been granted and are outstanding, the expected volatility and the dividend yield percentage of our common stock and
the risk-free interest rate at the respective dates of grant. In addition, we recognize and report stock-based compensation expense,
net of a forfeiture rate with respect to outstanding awards that we expect will occur over their respective vesting periods, which we
estimate on the basis of historical forfeiture experience or other factors that could affect the likelihood of forfeiture. We monitor
the forfeiture rate closely to ensure that all stock awards that vest are fully expensed over their respective vesting periods using the
straight-line attribution method. No options were granted in 2009 through 2011, and substantially all options granted were fully
vested as of June 30, 2011.
Service-based stock awards that are granted to members of our Board of Directors on an annual basis and to certain
members of senior management are recognized as stock-based compensation over the requisite service period.
32
Fiscal 2011 Restricted Stock Awards. On July 16, 2010, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors approved
a management incentive compensation program for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2011 (the “2011 Stock Incentive Program”).
Under the terms of that program, certain executive officers and management employees (“Participants”) were awarded 80,000
restricted shares. Retention by each Participant of the restricted shares is subject to satisfaction of certain vesting requirements and,
if a vesting requirement that applies to any of the shares is not satisfied; those shares will be forfeited and cancelled. The vesting
requirements of the 2011 Stock Incentive Program are as follows:
(1)
Service-Based Vesting Requirement. The vesting of 50% of the restricted shares (the “Service-Based Shares”)
awarded was made contingent on the Participant’s continued service with the Company; whereby 50% of the Service-Based Shares
vested on June 30, 2011 and the remaining 50% will vest on June 30, 2012.
(2)
Performance-Based Vesting Requirement. The vesting of the other fifty percent (50%) of the restricted shares
awarded to each of these Participants (the “Performance-Based Shares”) was made contingent on the Company’s achievement of a
financial performance goal for fiscal 2011. If that goal was not achieved, all of these Performance-Based Shares would have been
forfeited and cancelled. On the other hand, if the Company achieved that fiscal 2011 financial performance goal, then (i) 50% of
the Performance-Based Shares would become vested when it was determined that the performance goal was achieved, provided that
the Participant was still in the Company’s service at the end of fiscal 2011, (ii) another 25% of the Performance-Based Shares would
become vested on June 30, 2012, provided the Participant continued in the Company’s service at that time, and (iii) the final 25%
of the Performance-Based Shares would become vested on June 30, 2013, provided the Participant continued in the Company’s
service at that time, subject to acceleration of such vesting if a Participant’s service with the Company is terminated without cause
or if a change of control occurs. In the second quarter of fiscal 2011, management determined that achieving the performance
condition for fiscal 2011 was probable and began recognizing stock-based compensation for the Performance-Based Shares. In
August 2011, it was definitively determined by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors that the Company had
achieved the financial performance goal for 2011, and as a result, 50% of the Performance-Based Shares vested at that time.
Fiscal 2010 Restricted Stock Awards. In August 2010, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors definitively
determined that the Company had achieved the financial performance goal for fiscal 2010, and one-third of the fiscal 2010
performance shares vested. As a result, stock-based compensation on the remaining unvested shares granted is being recognized over
the remaining service period through June 30, 2012 dependent on the continued service of the Participant.
The Company recognized total stock-based compensation related to options and restricted shares of $1,131,000, $968,000
and $780,000 for fiscal years ended June 30, 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively.
Capitalized Software. In fiscal years 2011, 2010 and 2009, we capitalized, for continuing operations, approximately
$9,000, $35,000 and $261,000, respectively, of software development costs related to a number of in-house software development
projects. GAAP requires that certain software development costs incurred, either from internal or external sources, be capitalized
as part of intangible assets and amortized on a straight-line basis over the useful life of the software, which we have estimated
at three years. On the other hand, planning, training, support and maintenance costs incurred either prior to or following the
implementation phase of a software development project are recognized as expense in the periods in which they are incurred.
During the fiscal years ended June 30, 2011, 2010 and 2009, we recorded approximately $267,000, $466,000 and $710,000,
respectively, as amortization expense related to such capitalized software projects.
We evaluate the carrying values of capitalized software to determine whether those values are impaired and, if necessary, we
record an impairment charge in the period in which we determine that an impairment has occurred. Based on such an evaluation,
we concluded that as of June 30, 2009 certain capitalized software used in our autograph and memorabilia authentication and
grading business was not recoverable in full due to technical and operational inefficiency issues. As a result, we recognized an
impairment loss of $649,000 in our continuing operations for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended June 30, 2009. See “Long-
Lived Assets Other Than Goodwill” above. No impairment was recognized in fiscal 2011 or fiscal 2010.
32
33
Income Taxes, Deferred Tax Assets and Valuation Allowances. We account for income taxes in accordance with GAAP, which
requires the recording of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future consequences of events that have been recognized in the
Company’s financial statements or tax returns or uncertain tax positions. Measurement of the deferred items is based on enacted
tax laws. In the event the future consequences of differences between financial reporting bases and tax bases of the Company’s
assets or liabilities result in a deferred tax asset, GAAP requires that we evaluate the probability of realizing the future income tax
benefits comprising that asset based on a number of factors, which include projections of future taxable income and the nature of
the tax benefits and the respective expiration dates of tax credits and net operating losses. Through June 30, 2009, due to the length
of time and the extent of the taxable income required to fully realize our deferred tax assets, we had recorded valuation allowances
against all our deferred assets.
At June 30, 2010, due to (i) the improvement, that began in the second half of fiscal 2009 and continued throughout
fiscal 2010, in the operating performance and results of our continuing businesses, and (ii) management’s expectations that such
improved operating performance would continue in future periods, we concluded that it had become more likely than not, that we
would be able to realize all of our remaining deferred tax assets. As a result, the valuation allowances against our deferred tax assets
were released at June 30, 2010. Of this tax benefit of approximately $13.0 million, approximately $4.8 million was utilized to offset
current fiscal 2010 taxable income, and the balance of $8.2 million was recognized as an income tax benefit in the 2010 statement
of operations and as deferred tax assets at June 30, 2010.
In fiscal 2011, the Company recognized income tax provisions of $3.3 million based on an estimated annual effective tax
rate of 40%.
At June 30, 2011, the Company has not recorded a deferred tax asset for the excess tax basis over the book basis of
their investment in a subsidiary as there are uncertainties as to when the basis difference will reverse. Management analyzed these
uncertainties at the reporting date, and a deferred tax asset of approximately $750,000 - $1,000,000 will be established when it is
apparent that the difference will reverse in the foreseeable future. The resulting tax benefit would reduce future tax payments.
Results of Operations
The following table sets forth certain financial data, expressed as a percentage of net revenues, derived from our
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the respective periods indicated below:
Fiscal Year Ended June 30,
2010
100.0%
39.2%
60.8%
2009
100.0%
45.6%
54.4%
2011
100.0%
38.8%
61.2%
13.6%
25.9%
3.0%
42.5%
18.7%
0.2%
18.9%
7.6%
11.3%
0.2%
11.5%
12.7%
27.1%
-
39.8%
21.0%
0.3%
21.3%
(21.0)%
42.3%
(0.3)%
42.0%
12.0%
34.8%
1.8%
48.6%
5.8%
0.8%
6.6%
3.3%
3.3%
(50.4)%
(47.1)%
Net revenues
Cost of revenues
Gross profit
Operating expenses:
Selling and marketing expenses
General & administrative expenses
Impairment losses
Total operating expenses
Operating income
Interest and other income, net
Income before provision (benefit) for income taxes
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
Income from continuing operations
Loss from discontinued operations, net of loss
on sales of discontinued businesses (net of income taxes)
Net income (loss)
34
Net Revenues. Net revenues consist primarily of fees that we generate from the authentication and grading of high-value
collectibles, including coins, trading cards, autographs and stamps. To a lesser extent, we generate collectibles related service
revenues (referred to as “other related revenues”) from sales of collectibles club memberships and advertising on our websites and
in printed publications and collectibles price guides; subscription-based revenues primarily related to our CCE (dealer-to-dealer
Internet bid-ask market for certified coins) and CoinFacts; and fees earned from promoting, managing and operating collectibles
conventions. Net revenues also include, to a significantly lesser extent, revenues from the sales of products, which consist primarily
of coins that we purchase under our warranty policy. We do not consider such product sales to be an integral part of our ongoing
revenue generating activities.
The following tables set forth the total net revenues for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2011, 2010 and 2009
between grading and authentication services revenues and other related services (including product revenues):
Grading and authentication fees
Other related products and services
Total net revenues
2011
2010
Amount
$ 35,891
8,541
$ 44,432
% of Net
Revenues
80.8%
19.2%
100.0%
Amount
$ 32,617
7,146
$ 39,763
% of Net
Revenues
82.0%
18.0%
100.0%
Grading and authentication fees
Other related products and services
Total net revenues
2010
2009
Amount
$ 32,617
7,146
$ 39,763
% of Net
Revenues
82.0%
18.0%
100.0%
Amount
$ 28,645
7,269
$ 35,914
% of Net
Revenues
79.8%
20.2%
100.0%
2011 vs. 2010
Increase (Decrease)
Amount
$ 3,274
1,395
$ 4,669
Percent
10.0%
19.5%
11.7%
2010 vs. 2009
Increase (Decrease)
Amount
$ 3,972
(123)
$ 3,849
Percent
13.9%
(1.7)%
10.7%
The following tables set forth certain information regarding the increases or decreases in net revenues from our larger
markets (which are inclusive of revenues from our other related services) and in the number of units graded and authenticated (in
thousands):
2011
2010
2011 vs. 2010
Increase (Decrease)
Amount
$ 29,389
10,229
4,814
$ 44,432
% of Net
Revenues
66.1%
23.0%
10.9%
100.0%
Amount
$ 25,689
9,746
4,328
$ 39,763
% of Net
Revenues
64.6%
24.5%
10.9%
100.0%
Revenues
Units Processed
Amounts
$ 3,700
483
486
$ 4,669
Percent
14.4%
5.0%
11.2%
11.7%
Number
265,500
73,800
(5,100)
334,200
Percent
15.5%
5.7%
(26.8)%
11.1%
Coins
Cards and Autographs(1)
Other (2)
2010
2009
2010 vs. 2009
Increase (Decrease)
Amount
$ 25,689
9,746
4,328
$ 39,763
% of Net
Revenues
64.6%
24.5%
10.9%
100.0%
Amount
$ 20,549
10,190
5,175
$ 35,914
% of Net
Revenues
57.2%
28.4%
14.4%
100.0%
Revenues
Units Processed
Amounts
$ 5,140
(444)
(847)
$ 3,849
Percent
25.0%
(4.4)%
(16.4)%
10.7%
Number
252,100
(52,600)
(6,700)
192,800
Percent
17.3%
(3.9)%
(26.1)%
6.8%
Coins
Cards and Autographs(1)
Other (2)
(1) Consists of revenues from our PSA trading card authentication and grading business and our PSA/DNA autograph authentication and
grading business
(2)
Includes the revenues of our stamp authentication and grading business, CCE subscription fees, CFC interest income, the revenues of
our Expos convention business, and product sales revenues.
34
35
Fiscal 2011 vs. 2010. For fiscal 2011, our total net service revenues increased by $4,669,000 or 11.7%, from $39,763,000
in fiscal 2010 to $44,432,000 in fiscal 2011, and comprised increases of $3,274,000, or 10.0%, in grading and authentication fees
and $1,395,000, or 19.5%, in other related services.
The increased authentication and grading fees of $3,274,000 in fiscal 2011, was attributable to (i) increased coin
authentication and grading fees of $3,075,000 or 13.1%; and (ii) increased PSA/DNA autograph authentication and grading fees
of $659,000 or 27.6%. These increases were partially offset by decreases of $323,000 or 5.3% and $137,000 or 22.6% in our
sportcards and stamp authentication and grading fees, respectively.
The increase in fees generated from coins authenticated and graded of 13.1% in fiscal 2011, compared to fiscal 2010,
reflects the mix of fees earned from shows, vintage, modern coins and world coins (including France) grading in the respective
periods. Our modern coin grading and authentication fees increased by approximately $1,900,000 or 21% to record levels,
reflecting marketing programs by the U.S. Mint and by our customers and dealers in the second half of the year. World coin
authentication and grading revenues grew by approximately $1,300,000 or 128%, reflecting increased submissions of world coins,
including grading at our Paris, France facility. Vintage authentication and grading fees increased by approximately $60,000 or 1%.
Show authentication and grading revenues decreased by approximately $260,000 or 6%, reflecting lower average grading fees earned
per show in fiscal 2011.
As discussed under “Factors That Can Affect our Revenues and Gross Profit Margin,” the level of modern coins and trade
show revenues can be volatile, and therefore it is uncertain what level of growth in those revenues, if any, will be achieved in future
quarters. In addition, the increase in our authentication and grading fees earned, reflects increased submissions of world coins from
overseas, particularly Asia, and fiscal 2011 represented our first year of authentication and grading at our Paris, France facility. It
is, therefore, uncertain whether the increased fees earned from the authentication and grading of world coins can continue to grow
at 2011 levels or whether we can expect continued future growth. However, management plan to continue to focus attention on
world coins as a growth opportunity.
Due to the strong performance of our coin authentication and grading business relative to our other businesses in fiscal
2011, our coin business represented approximately 66% of total revenues, compared to 65% of total revenues in fiscal year 2010;
thereby, reflecting the continued importance of our coin authentication and grading business to our overall financial performance.
The increases in other related services of $1,395,000 in fiscal 2011 included increased product sales of $512,000, web-
based subscriptions, including CCE of $636,000, advertising revenues of $241,000, and Collector Club membership revenues of
$226,000, partially offset by a reduction in the revenues of our Expos collectibles trade show convention business and our CFC
Dealer Financing business, which we have wound down.
Fiscal 2010 vs. 2009. For fiscal 2010, net revenues increased by $3,849,000, or 10.7%, from $35,914,000 in fiscal 2009
to $39,763,000 in fiscal 2010. The increase was attributable to a $3,972,000, or 13.9%, increase in authentication and grading
fees and a small reduction in revenues from other related services related to product sales. The increased authentication and grading
fees for fiscal 2010 included increased coins authentication and grading fees of $4,676,000, or 25%, partially offset by reductions of
$370,000, or 4%, in revenues from our trading cards and autographs businesses and $334,000, or 36%, in stamps.
The increase in coin authentication and grading fees of $4,676,000 for fiscal 2010 was due primarily to modern coin
grading revenue increases of approximately $3,700,000, or 60%, over the corresponding periods in fiscal 2009. Also contributing
to the coin increase in fiscal 2010, was revenues from authentication and grading of coins at collectible trade shows which increased
by approximately $780,000, or 23%, over the prior fiscal year, due primarily to an increase in the number of shows attended
in those periods. Revenues from the authentication and grading of vintage coins were substantially unchanged in fiscal 2010
compared to fiscal 2009.
Gross Profit
Gross profit is calculated by subtracting the cost of revenues from net revenues. Gross profit margin is gross profit stated
as a percent of net revenues. The costs of authentication and grading revenues consist primarily of labor to authenticate and grade
collectibles, production costs, credit card fees, warranty expense, occupancy, security and insurance costs that directly relate to
providing authentication and grading services. Cost of revenues also includes printing, other direct costs of the revenues generated
by our other non-grading related services and the costs of product revenues (which represent the carrying value of the inventory of
products, which are primarily collectible coins that we sold and any inventory-related reserves, considered necessary).
36
Set forth below is information regarding our gross profits in the fiscal years ended June 30, 2011, 2010 and 2009 (in
thousands):
Gross profit ........................................................
Gross profit margin ............................................
2011
27,183
$
61.2%
Fiscal Year Ended June 30,
2010
24,169
60.8%
$
$
2009
19,529
54.4%
As indicated in the above table, our gross profit margin increased to 61.2% in fiscal 2011 from 60.8% in fiscal 2010.
Excluding the effect of product sales in all periods presented, the adjusted gross profit margin would have been 61.6% in fiscal
2011, compared with 61.0% in fiscal 2010. There can be some variability in the gross profit margin depending upon the mix of
revenues and seasonality. During fiscal 2011, our quarterly gross profit margin varied between 59% (in our second quarter, which
is typically our lowest quarter of the year due to the holidays in that period) and 62%. In addition, our gross profit margin may
increase or decrease in certain periods depending upon the number of collectibles authenticated and graded in the period due to
the relatively fixed nature of certain of our direct costs, although there can be offsetting charges in certain of our variable direct
costs depending upon the mix of revenues in the period. The gross profit margin for our Expos business declined in fiscal 2011,
reflecting lower revenues and slightly higher direct costs as we attempted to offset declines in revenues in that business.
Fiscal 2010 vs. 2009. Our gross profit margin increased to 60.8% in fiscal 2010 from 54.4% in fiscal 2009. That increase
primarily reflects (i) an increase of 25% in fiscal 2010 in coin-related revenues on which we earn a higher gross profit margin;
(ii) lower direct costs, both in dollars and percentage terms, as a result of our cost reduction programs and increased operational
efficiencies; and (iii) a reduction of $294,000 in stock-based compensation expense in fiscal 2010 as a result of awards granted in
periods prior to fiscal 2009 that became fully vested in fiscal 2009. In fiscal 2010, our gross profit margin on a quarterly basis varied
between 59% and 63%.
Selling and Marketing Expenses
Selling and marketing expenses are comprised primarily of advertising and promotions costs, trade-show expenses,
customer service personnel costs, business development incentive compensation costs, depreciation and third-party consulting costs
(in thousands):
Selling and marketing expenses ......................
As a percentage of net revenues.......................
$
2011
6,029
13.6%
Fiscal Year Ended June 30,
2010
5,068
12.7%
$
2009
$ 4,306
12.0%
The increase of $961,000 in selling and marketing expenses in fiscal 2011, compared to fiscal 2010, primarily related
to our coin business and included (i) increased business development cost incentives of approximately $260,000 due to higher
revenues in the current year; and (ii) increased costs of approximately $520,000 related to our Paris, France authentication and
grading and promotional activities, including approximately $420,000 related to conducting eight coin shows in Paris in fiscal
2011; and (iii) other sales and marketing payroll and outside services associated with increased revenues.
Fiscal 2010 vs. 2009. The $762,000 increase in selling and marketing expenses in the fiscal 2010, compared to fiscal
2009, was primarily attributable to increased incentive compensation costs due to the increase in coin authentication and grading
submissions and higher costs incurred in connection with on-site grading at trade shows due primarily to an increase in the number
of trade shows at which we participated in fiscal 2010.
36
37
General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative (“G&A”) expenses are comprised primarily of compensation paid to general and administrative
personnel, including executive management, finance and accounting personnel and information technology personnel, facilities
management costs, depreciation, amortization and other miscellaneous expenses. G&A expenses also include stock-based
compensation costs, arising from the grant of stock awards to general and administrative personnel and outside directors.
The following table compares our G&A expenses that we incurred in fiscal 2011 to the G&A expenses we incurred in
fiscal 2010 and 2009 (in thousands):
General & administrative expenses ................
As a percentage of net revenues......................
$
Fiscal Year Ended June 30,
2010
10,745
$
2009
$
12,486
27.1%
34.8%
2011
11,497
25.9%
Although, G&A expenses increased by $752,000 in fiscal 2011, compared to fiscal 2010, such expenses declined as a
percentage of net revenues to 25.9% in fiscal 2011, compared to 27.1% of revenues in fiscal 2010. The dollar increase primarily
related to the Company’s coin business and included (i) outside consultant services of approximately $275,000 incurred in
connection with the development of a more advanced technology system (designed to enhance our ability to identify counterfeit or
altered coins) and certain internal system modifications, (ii) increased compensation and incentive costs of approximately $500,000
in support of the growth of the business, and (iii) outside legal and compliance services incurred of approximately $130,000. In
addition, non-cash stock-based compensation increased by $163,000 in fiscal 2011 related to restricted stock grants to management
(see “Stock-Based Compensation Expense below”). These cost increases were partially offset by reductions in capitalized software
amortization of approximately $200,000, as certain capitalized projects become fully amortized, depreciation costs of $54,000 and
other G&A costs in fiscal 2011.
2010 vs. 2009. G&A expenses decreased by $1,741,000 in fiscal year 2010, compared to fiscal 2009. That reduction
was primarily attributable to staff reductions and other cost-savings measures, most of which were initially effectuated in the latter
half of fiscal 2009, a reduction of outside professional fees and a reduction of approximately $244,000 in capitalized software
amortization costs in fiscal 2010 as capitalized projects become fully amortized, and the absence, in fiscal year 2010, of severance
costs of approximately $400,000 recognized in connection with the departure of the Company’s former chief executive officer in
fiscal 2009.
The reduction in G&A expenses in fiscal 2010, was partially offset by increased non-cash stock-based compensation
costs of $503,000 in fiscal 2010, compared to the same periods of the prior year, primarily related to restricted stock grants to
management (see “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates─Stock-Based Compensation”).
Impairment Losses
Impairment losses on intangible assets .......
Impairment loss on goodwill .....................
Fiscal Year Ended June 30,
(Dollars in thousands)
2010
$ -
-
$ -
$
2009
649
-
$ -
$
2011
625
743
$ 1,368
The impairment losses in fiscal 2011 were attributable to an impairment in our Expos business. See “Critical Accounting
Policies and Estimates─Goodwill and Long-Lived Assets Other Than Goodwill.”
The impairment loss in fiscal 2009 was attributable to a determination that, due to technical and operational inefficiencies,
the carrying value of capitalized software developed for our autograph business was impaired at June 30, 2009.
38
Stock-Based Compensation Expense
We recognized stock-based compensation expense, arising from the grant of restricted stock and stock option awards,
of $1,131,000, $968,000 and $759,000 during fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Stock-based compensation expense is
recorded as part of (i) costs of sales, in the case of stock awards granted to employees whose costs are classified as cost of revenues;
and (ii) general and administrative expenses, in the case of stock awards granted to directors, executive and financial management
and administrative personnel, as follows (dollars in thousands):
Included In:
Cost of revenues ........................................
General and administrative expenses .........
2011
$ -
1,131
1,131
$
Fiscal Year Ended June 30,
2010
$ -
968
$ 968
2009
$ 294
465
$ 759
The increases in stock-based compensation expense that arose in both fiscal 2011 and 2010 were due primarily to the
recognition of stock-based compensation expense for the restricted stock awarded to the Company’s executive officers in fiscal 2010,
and executive officers and senior management in fiscal 2011, partially offset by reduced stock-based compensation for stock options
and awards that became fully vested in 2009. Stock-based compensation is determined based upon the grant date fair value of the
Company’s stock, which increased to $12.46 for the fiscal 2011 grants, compared to $4.07 for the fiscal 2010 grants. See “Critical
Accounting Policies and Estimates─Stock-Based Compensation Expense” above in this Item 7 of this Annual Report.
No stock options were granted in fiscals 2009 through 2011. When applicable, we calculate stock-based compensation
by estimating the fair value of stock options as of their respective grant dates using the Black-Scholes option valuation model and
various assumptions that are described in note 12 to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Annual
Report and recognize such costs on a straight-line basis over the vesting period of the options.
A total of $583,000 of compensation expense related to unvested stock-based compensation awards remained
unrecognized as of June 30, 2011 and will be recognized as compensation expense as follows (dollars in thousands):
Year Ending June 30,
2012
2013
Total
$
$
542
41
583
These amounts, which are non-cash expenses, do not include the cost of any additional stock-based compensation
awards that may be granted in future periods nor, as mentioned above, any changes that might occur in the Company’s forfeiture
percentage (see note 12 to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Report).
Interest Income, Net
Interest income is generated on cash balances that we have invested, primarily in highly liquid money market accounts
and funds, short-term bank certificates of deposit and commercial paper instruments and tax-free funds. Such interest income does
not include the interest that we generated on loans that we have made pursuant to our dealer-financing program in 2010 and 2009,
which are included in net revenues in those periods. The following table compares the interest income we earned in the fiscal years
ended June 30, 2011, 2010 and 2009 (in thousands):
Interest income, net ...........................................................
Percent of net revenue .......................................................
$
38
39
Fiscal Year Ended June 30,
2010
89
0.2%
$
$
2011
98
0.2%
2009
284
0.8%
2011 vs. 2010. Due to the continued low interest rates prevailing in both fiscal 2011 and 2010, interest income, net, was
$98,000, compared with $89,000 in fiscal 2010.
2010 vs. 2009. Interest income, net was $89,000 in fiscal 2010, compared with $284,000 in fiscal 2009. That decrease
was primarily attributable to (i) a shift, during fiscal 2009, of our cash and cash equivalent balances into money-market investments;
(ii) a decrease in our average cash balances in fiscal 2010, compared to 2009, due to the use of a portion of our available cash to
fund the buyback of common stock in our “Dutch Auction” tender offer and the payment of increased dividends to stockholders
in fiscal 2010; (iii) cash used in the operating activities of our discontinued operations; and (iv) lower prevailing interest rates as a
result of actions taken by the Federal Reserve Board.
Provision for Income Taxes
Provision (benefit) for income taxes .............................................
$
3,346
$
(8,330)
$
Fiscal Year Ended June 30,
(Dollars in thousands)
2010
2011
2009
1,183
The income tax provision of $3,346,000 in fiscal 2011 represents an estimated annual effective tax rate of
approximately 40%.
The income tax benefit of $8,330,000 in fiscal 2010 primarily reflects the release of valuation allowances, as a result of
improved operating results for fiscal 2010 and management’s assessment that it was more likely than not that the Company would
realize substantially all of its deferred tax assets at June 30, 2010. See “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates─Income Tax,
Deferred Tax Assets and Valuation Allowances.”
The income tax provision for fiscal 2009 reflects valuation allowances that we established against the Company’s deferred
tax assets due to uncertainties with respect to the realization of the tax benefits comprising those assets, net of a tax benefit of
$96,000, related to the reversal of certain tax exposures for uncertain state tax positions that had been resolved.
Discontinued Operations
Fiscal Year Ended June 30,
(Dollars in thousands)
2011
2010
2009
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of losses
on sales of discontinued businesses (net of income taxes) .........
$
83
$
(107)
$
(18,126)
The income from discontinued operations (net of income taxes) of $83,000 (net) in fiscal 2011 related to (i) accretion
expense associated with the Company’s ongoing obligations for the New York City facilities, formerly occupied by our discontinued
jewelry businesses, net of (ii) license fees of $42,000, arising from the disposal of the Company’s former currency grading and
authentication business that became determinable in fiscal 2011; (iii) a reduction in a severance accrual as a result of the settlement
of the obligation of $22,000 in fiscal 2011; and (iv) approximately $216,000 from the sale of the Company’s Gemprint and
remaining diamond assets which had been fully written down in prior years.
The loss from discontinued operations (net of income taxes) in fiscal year 2010 primarily reflects accretion expenses (net of
taxes) associated with the Company’s ongoing obligations for the spaces formerly occupied by our discontinued jewelry businesses.
In the second quarter of fiscal 2010, the Company increased its loss accruals for those leases by $405,000. In the fourth quarter of
fiscal 2010, the Company entered into two agreements to reduce its lease obligations, whereby one of the leases was sublet to a third
party, and the second facility was returned to the landlord, and the lease terminated with only a financial obligation remaining. As a
result, the Company released approximately $500,000 of its loss accruals for these leases in the fourth quarter of 2010. See “Critical
Accounting Policies and Estimates─Accrual for Losses on Facility Leases.”
40
The loss from discontinued operations for fiscal 2009 of $18,126,000, primarily reflects (i) losses of $5,219,000 that we
recognized on the discontinuance and exit from our jewelry authentication and grading businesses in fiscal 2009; (ii) impairment
losses of $7,695,000 recognized at December 31, 2008 to the carrying values of long lived assets and goodwill of those jewelry
businesses; and (iii) losses of $5,212,000 incurred from the ongoing operations of our discontinued businesses from July 1, 2009
through the date of their discontinuance, which was March 2, 2009. No income tax benefits were recognized in connection with
the recognition of those losses in fiscal 2009, due to uncertainty as to the realization of our deferred tax assets in future periods. See
“Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates─Long-Lived Assets Other Than Goodwill—Goodwill and Income Taxes and Deferred Tax
Assets” above.
Quarterly Results of Operations and Seasonality
The following tables present unaudited selected quarterly financial data for each of the eight quarters beginning September
30, 2009 and ending on June 30, 2011. The information has been derived from our unaudited quarterly financial statements,
which have been prepared by us on a basis consistent with our audited Consolidated Financial Statements appearing elsewhere
in this Form 10-K. The consolidated financial information set forth below includes all adjustments (consisting of normal
adjustments and accruals) that management considers necessary for a fair presentation of the unaudited quarterly results when read
in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and the notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this Form 10-K. These
quarterly operating results are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for any subsequent fiscal periods.
Generally, the revenues generated by our collectibles grading and authentication businesses are lower during our second
quarter, which ends on December 31, than in other quarterly periods, because collectibles commerce generally decreases during the
holiday season.
40
41
Our collectibles trade show business has added to the variability in our quarter-to-quarter operating results, as its
revenues vary based on the timing of the collectibles trade shows it conducts. As a general matter, the revenues of this business
are significantly higher in the first, third and fourth quarters of our fiscal years, compared to the second quarter, because the Long
Beach Collectibles Shows (the larger of the two trade shows that it conducts) take place during the first, third and fourth quarters,
while the smaller Santa Clara Collectibles Shows take place in the second and fourth quarters of the year.
Quarterly Results of Operations
Statement of Operations Data:
Net revenues
Cost of revenues
Gross profit
Operating Expenses:
SG&A expenses
Impairment losses (1)
Operating income (loss)
Interest and other income, net
Income (loss) before income taxes
Provision (benefit) for income taxes (2)
Income (loss) from continuing operations
Income (loss) from discontinued operations,
net of loss on sales of discontinued
businesses (net of income taxes) (3)
Net income (loss)
Net income (loss) per basic share:
From continuing operations
From discontinued operations,
net of loss on sales
of discontinued businesses
(net of income taxes)
Net income (loss)
Net income (loss) per diluted share:
From continuing operations
From discontinued operations,
net of loss on sales
of discontinued businesses
(net of income taxes)
Net income (loss)
Weighted average shares outstanding
Basic
Diluted
Quarter Ended
(In thousands, except per share data)
Sept. 30,
2009
Dec. 31,
2009
Mar. 31,
2010
June 30,
2010
Sept. 30,
2010
Dec. 31,
2010
Mar. 31,
2011
June 30,
2011
$ 9,298
3,739
5,559
$ 8,883
3,633
5,250
$ 10,790
4,204
6,586
$ 10,792
4,018
6,774
$ 9,755
3,774
5,981
$ 9,600
3,895
5,705
$ 12,818
4,907
7,911
3,763
-
1,796
40
1,836
127
1,709
3,785
-
1,465
12
1,477
(202)
1,679
4,051
-
2,535
35
2,570
129
2,441
4,214
-
2,560
32
2,592
(8,384)
10,976
4,142
-
1,839
24
1,863
745
1,118
4,154
-
1,551
28
1,579
609
970
4,598
-
3,313
36
3,349
1,381
1,968
$ 12,259
4,673
7,586
4,632
1,368
1586
5
1,591
611
980
(53)
$ 1,656
(508)
$ 1,171
(68)
$ 2,373
522
$ 11,498
(13)
$ 1,105
(22)
948
-
$ 1,968
$
118
$ 1,098
$ 0.23
$ 0.23
$ 0.33
$
1.48
$ 0.15
$ 0.13
$ 0.25
$ 0.13
(0.01)
$ 0.22
(0.07)
$ 0.16
(0.01)
$ 0.32
0.07
1.55
$
-
$ 0.15
(0.01)
$ 0.12
-
0.25
$
0.01
0.14
$
$ 0.22
$ 0.22
$ 0.32
$
1.43
$ 0.14
$ 0.12
$
0.25
0.13
-
$ 0.22
(0.07)
$ 0.15
(0.01)
$ 0.31
0.07
1.50
$
-
$ 0.14
-
$ 0.12
-
0.25
$
0.01
0.14
$
7,551
7,629
7,404
7,555
7,420
7,676
7,429
7,689
7,502
7,725
7,732
7,820
7,727
7,841
7,716
7,806
(1) The impairment losses recognized in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011, related to our Expos business. See “Critical Accounting Policies and
Estimates-Goodwill and Long-Lived Assets Other Than Goodwill.”
(2) The income tax benefit in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010 related to the release of valuation allowances. See “Critical Accounting Policies
and Estimates─Income Tax, Deferred Tax Assets and Valuation Allowances.”
(3) The income from discontinued operations in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010 related to agreements reached in the fourth quarter to reduce
the Company’s obligations under the New York leases. See “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates─Accruals for Losses on Facility Leases.”
42
Quarter Ended
(In thousands)
Sept. 30,
2009
Dec. 31,
2009
Mar. 31,
2010
June 30,
2010
Sept. 30,
2010
Dec. 31,
2010
Mar. 31,
2011
June 30,
2011
359
334
5
698
400
301
5
706
480
318
5
803
469
334
4
807
448
344
4
796
404
302
4
710
576
340
3
919
546
375
3
924
Selected Operating Data:
Units authenticated or graded
Coins
Trading cards and autographs
Stamps
Total
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash and Cash Equivalent Balances. At June 30, 2011, we had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $21,926,000, as
compared to cash and cash equivalents of $20,321,000 at June 30, 2010 and $23,870,000 at June 30, 2009.
Historically, we have been able to rely on internally generated funds, rather than borrowings, as our primary source of
funds to support our continuing grading operations, because many of our authentication and grading customers prepay our fees at
the time they submit their collectibles to us for authentication and grading. Additionally, in 2005 we completed a public offering
of 3,450,000 of our shares of common stock, of which the net cash proceeds to the Company totaled approximately $35,657,000.
We have used those proceeds primarily to fund business acquisitions, cash dividends to stockholders and share repurchases and the
expansion of our jewelry businesses, which we discontinued in fiscal 2009.
During fiscal 2010, we used approximately $8,750,000 (excluding expenses) to purchase a total of 1,749,828 of our shares
of common stock in a “Dutch Auction” tender offer and approximately $5,943,000 to pay cash dividends to our stockholders. In
fiscal 2011, we paid $9,943,000 in dividends to stockholders.
Cash Flows.
Cash Flows from Continuing Operations. During the fiscal years ended June 30, 2011, 2010 and, 2009, our operating
activities from continuing operations generated cash of $11,261,000, $10,529,000 and $5,806,000, respectively, primarily reflecting
income from continuing operations, as adjusted for non-cash expenses (including impairment losses), and, to a lesser extent,
changes in current assets and current liabilities, due to the timing of activities during those periods. In addition, changes in deferred
tax balances and the timing of income taxes receivables and payables impact our cash flows from continuing operating activities,
although the level of such tax balances can be affected by the activities of our discontinued operations, because all tax balances
(whether as a result of continuing or discontinued operations) are accounted for as part of continuing operations. The Company has
paid minimal taxes in fiscal year 2009 through 2011 due to the availability of tax operating losses and other tax attributes to offset
current taxable income.
Cash Flows of Discontinued Operations. Discontinued operations used cash of $716,000, $1,303,000 and $6,568,000
in the fiscal years ended June 30, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. In 2011 and 2010, cash used in discontinued operations
related primarily to the payment of ongoing obligations for the New York lease commitments and severance and other payments.
In 2011, the payments related to the New York lease obligations reflected the sublease of one of the facilities and the return of
the second facility to the landlord. In 2009, cash used in discontinued operations consisted of $18,126,000 of losses arising
from the discontinuance of the jewelry authentication and grading businesses, adjusted for (i) a non-cash impairment loss of
$7,695,000; (ii) the $4,000,000 long-term operating lease accrual, discussed above, for the office facilities that had been occupied
by those businesses prior to their closure; and (iii) non-cash expenses and losses on disposal of assets of our discontinued businesses
recognized in fiscal 2009. Cash used by our discontinued operations declined significantly in fiscal 2011 and 2010, primarily
because substantially all of the costs of discontinuing and exiting the jewelry businesses were paid in fiscal 2009. However, there
will continue to be cash obligations, consisting primarily of rents and related costs, payable with respect to the two office facilities in
New York City that had formerly been occupied by our discontinued jewelry businesses. See “Outstanding Financial Obligations─
Discontinued Operations” below.
42
43
Cash from or Used in Investing Activities. In fiscal 2011, cash used in financial activities was $133,000, comprising
capital expenditures of $637,000, partially offset by proceeds of $389,000 received from the sale of net assets of discontinued
operations due to the Company disposing of its Gemprint and remaining assets of its diamond operations and the receipts of
additional consideration for the sale of its former currency grading and authentication business that became determinable in fiscal
2011 and proceeds of $124,000 from the sale of property and equipment. In fiscal 2010, cash flows provided by investing activities
were $1,960,000 and were mainly comprised of the collections of $2,355,000 of customer notes receivable, partially offset by capital
expenditures of $479,000 and $200,000 for the Expos purchase price adjustment. In fiscal 2009, investing activities generated net
cash of $3,700,000, comprised, primarily of (i) $3,285,000 of net cash generated from collections of notes evidencing loans that we
had made to collectibles dealers as part of our CFC dealer financing program, as we wound down that program by discontinuing
new loans in the second half of the year; and (ii) $796,000 of cash generated from collection of receivables from discontinued
operations and proceeds from the sales of net assets of those operations, partially offset by capitalized software costs of $261,000.
Cash Used in Financing Activities. In the fiscal years ended June 30, 2011, 2010 and 2009, financing activities used net
cash of $8,807,000, $14,735,000 and $2,413,000, respectively. In fiscal 2011, the Company paid dividends to stockholders of
$9,944,000 and received $1,137,000 from the exercise of stock options. In 2010, the Company purchased shares pursuant to a
“Dutch Auction” tender offer for $8,910,000; whereas, in 2009 we bought shares for $484,000. Dividends paid to stockholders
were $5,943,000 and $2,090,000 for the fiscal years ended June 2010 and 2009, respectively. In 2009, the Board of Directors
had suspended the payment of dividends in the first quarter of that fiscal year. In the second quarter of fiscal 2010, the Company
resumed paying dividends and has increased the payment of dividends on two occasions. See below for more information on the
history of the Company’s dividend policy.
Outstanding Financial Obligations
Continuing Operations.
In December 2008, we extended the term of our operating lease for our corporate headquarters to March 2019. That
extension, which became effective in February 2009, provided for (i) a reduction in the square footage leased by the Company; (ii) a
reduction in the base rental rate per square foot for the first four years of the term of the extended lease; and (iii) a contribution by
the landlord of up to $200,000 toward tenant improvements. In accordance with GAAP, we recognize the rent expense under this
lease on a straight-line basis over the rental period. At June 30, 2011, we did not have any other material financial obligations in
connection with our continuing operations.
Future minimum lease payments (set forth in thousands) under those agreements associated with our continuing
operations at June 30, 2011, are as follows:
Year Ending June 30,
2012 ...........................................................................
2013 ...........................................................................
2014 ...........................................................................
2015 ...........................................................................
2016 ...........................................................................
Thereafter ...................................................................
Gross Payment
$
1,255
1,276
1,252
1,160
1,135
3,150
$ 9,228
Sublease
Income
43
45
46
47
49
142
372
$
$
Net
1,212
1,231
1,206
1,113
1,086
3,008
8,856
$
$
Discontinued Operations
At June 30, 2011, we had the following remaining financial obligations for two leased facilities in New York City, that
had been occupied by our discontinued jewelry authentication and grading businesses, over the remaining duration of those leases,
which will expire in December 31, 2015 and 2017. In the fourth quarter of 2010, we subleased one of the facilities, and we
returned the second facility to the landlord in exchange for a reduction in our gross remaining rental obligations for that facility,
although we continue to have a continuing financial obligation for that facility (in thousands):
44
Future minimum payments associated with our discontinued operations, including both the subleased space and the space
that was returned to the landlord at June 30, 2011, are as follows (in thousands):
Year Ending June 30,
2012 ..........................................................................
2013 ..........................................................................
2014 ..........................................................................
2015 ..........................................................................
2016 ..........................................................................
Thereafter ..................................................................
Less: Discounted estimated fair value of minimum
lease payments
Accretion expense to be recognized in future years
Gross
Payment
680
721
758
794
635
715
4,303
$
$
Sublease
Income
$
$
174
181
192
195
99
-
841
Net
506
540
566
599
536
715
3,462
3,015
447
$
$
The cash payment obligations under these two leases are to be paid on a monthly basis in accordance with the above
schedule.
We will continue to re-evaluate these estimates and update this loss accrual, as necessary, to take account of any changes
that might occur in those remaining obligations. See “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates─Accrual for Losses on Facility
Leases” above.
With the exception of these lease obligations for continuing and discontinued operations, we do not have any material
financial obligations, such as long-term debt or capital lease or purchase obligations.
Dividends. During the quarter ended September 30, 2008, we paid quarterly cash dividends of $0.23 per common share.
Subsequent to the payment of the first quarter’s dividend in September 2008, the Board of Directors determined that,
due to adverse market and economic conditions, including the liquidity crisis in the United States, the prudent course of action
would be, and the Board of Directors voted, to suspend the future payment of cash dividends in order to preserve the Company’s
cash resources to support the continued implementation of the Company’s strategic plan and the growth of its business. At the
same time, the Board of Directors approved a one time 10% stock dividend on the Company’s outstanding shares. In the second
quarter of fiscal 2010, the Board of Directors approved the resumption of the payment of dividends at $0.25 per share per quarter.
In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010, the dividend was increased to $0.30 per share per quarter, and in the second quarter of fiscal
2011, the Board of Directors increased the payments of dividends to $0.325 per share per quarter. As a result, we paid dividends of
$2,090,000 in fiscal 2009.
Share Buyback Program. In December 2005, our Board of Directors approved a stock buyback program that authorized up
to $10,000,000 of stock repurchases in open market or privately negotiated transactions, in accordance with applicable Securities
Exchange Commission (“SEC”) rules, when opportunities to make such repurchases, at attractive prices, become available. During
the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009, we repurchased a total of 120,000 of our common stock under this program for aggregate
purchase prices of approximately $484,000. There were no repurchases in fiscal 2011 and 2010. We continue to have a total of
$3.7 million available for share purchases under the share buyback program.
Future Uses and Sources of Cash. We plan to use our cash resources, consisting of available cash and cash equivalent
balances, together with internally generated cash flows, to (i) introduce new collectibles related services for our customers; (ii) fund
working capital requirements; (iii) fund acquisitions; (iv) fund obligations associated with our discontinued businesses; and (v)
fund the payment of dividends and for other general corporate purposes. In addition, because we expect that our continuing
operations will generate positive cash flow in the future, we plan to consider other uses for our available cash that we believe will
enhance stockholder value, which could include additional buybacks of shares.
44
45
Although we have no current plans to do so, we also may seek borrowings and we may issue additional shares of our stock
to finance the growth of our collectibles businesses. However, due to the continued slow recovery and the tight credit policy by
banks in the United States, there is no assurance that we would be able to obtain such borrowings or generate additional capital on
terms acceptable to us, if at all.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In January 2010, the FASB issued amended fair value disclosure guidance. The new guidance requires disclosure
of transfers in and out of Levels 1 and 2 fair value measurements including a description of the reasons for the transfer where
significant and disclosure of activity in Level 3 fair value measurements, including information on a gross basis regarding purchases,
sales, issuances and settlements. Amendments to existing guidance were also made regarding classes of assets and liabilities and
disclosures about inputs and valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The Company will adopt this guidance effective July
1, 2011. Management does not expect the adoption of these standards to have any material impact on the Consolidated Financial
Statements.
In December 2010, the FASB issued an accounting standards update requiring public companies that enter into material
business combination, and present comparative financial statements, to disclose revenue and earnings of the combined entity as
though the business combination that occurred during the current year had occurred as of the beginning of the comparable prior
annual reporting period. The amendments also expand the supplemental pro forma disclosures to include a description of the
nature and amount of material, nonrecurring pro forma adjustments directly attributable to the business combination included
in the reported pro forma revenue and earnings. This amendment is effective for the Company for the annual reporting period
beginning July 1, 2011. Management does not expect the adoption of this amendment to have any material impact on the
Consolidated Financial Statements.
In May 2011, the FASB issued amended fair value disclosure guidance. The new guidance requires additional disclosures
about the sensitivity of a fair value measurement categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy to changes in unobservable
inputs and any relationships between those unobservable inputs. Additional requirements of the amendment include the
categorization by level of the fair value hierarchy for items not measured at fair value in the statement of financial position, but for
which fair value is required to be disclosed. The Company will adopt this guidance on January 1, 2012. Management does not
expect the adoption of these standards to have a material impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements.
In August 2010, the FASB, as result of a joint project with the International Accounting Standards Board to improve the
quality of and comparability of financial information for users, published a proposal that would change the accounting and financial
reporting for both lessee and lessor as described under current guidance. The proposal would effectively eliminate off-balance
sheet accounting for most of the operating leases of lessees and would apply one of two methods to lease accounting for lessors,
depending on whether the lessor retains exposure to significant risks or benefits of the underlying assets. The date of issuance of the
final standards by the FASB and the effective date are to be determined. Management believes that the final standards, if issued in
substantially the same form as the published proposal, would have a material effect on the presentation of its consolidated financial
position and results of operations.
ITEM 7A.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Market risk represents the risk of loss that may impact our financial position, results of operations or cash flows due to
adverse changes in financial market prices, including interest rate risk, foreign currency exchange rate risk, commodity price risk and
other relevant market rate or price risks.
Due to the cash and cash equivalent balances that we maintain, we are exposed to risk of changes in short-term interest
rates. At June 30, 2011, we had approximately $21,926,000 in cash and cash equivalents, primarily invested in money market
accounts. Reductions in short-term interest rates could result in reductions in the amount of income we are able to generate on
available cash. However, any adverse impact on our operating results of reductions in interest rates is not expected to be material.
We do not engage in any activities that would expose us to significant foreign currency exchange rate risk or commodity
price risks, as the cash balances we maintain overseas for our Paris, France office are not material.
46
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm .........................................................................................................
Consolidated Balance Sheets at June 30, 2011 and 2010 .............................................................................................................
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended June 30, 2011, 2010 and 2009 .......................................................
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the Years Ended June 30, 2011, 2010 and 2009 ........................................
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended June 30, 2011, 2010 and 2009 .......................................................
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements ................................................................................................................................
Schedule II – Valuation and Qualifying Accounts ...........................................................................................................
Page
48
49
50
51
52
54
78
46
47
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Board of Directors and Stockholders
Collectors Universe, Inc. and Subsidiaries
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Collectors Universe, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of June
30, 2011 and 2010, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three
years in the period ended June 30, 2011. Our audits of the basic financial statements included the financial statement schedule listed
in the index appearing under Item 15(a)(2). These financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the
Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial statement schedule
based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).
Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements
are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal
control over financial reporting. Our audit included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing
audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of
the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining,
on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used
and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our
audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of
Collectors Universe, Inc. and subsidiaries as of June 30, 2011 and 2010, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for
each of the three years in the period ended June 30, 2011 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United
States of America. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial
statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.
/s/ GRANT THORNTON LLP
Irvine, California
August 26, 2011
48
COLLECTORS UNIVERSE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except per share data)
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $66 in 2011 and $75 in 2010
Refundable income taxes
Inventories, net
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Deferred income tax asset
Notes receivable from sale of net assets of discontinued operations
Current assets of discontinued operations
Total current assets
Property and equipment, net
Goodwill
Intangible assets, net
Deferred income tax asset
Notes receivable from sale of net assets of discontinued operations, less current portion
Other assets, including coin inventory of $750 at June 30, 2011
Non-current assets of discontinued operations
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable
Accrued liabilities
Accrued compensation and benefits
Income taxes payable
Deferred revenue
Current liabilities of discontinued operations
Total current liabilities
Deferred rent
Non-current liabilities of discontinued operations
Commitments and contingencies (note 14)
Stockholders’ equity:
June 30,
2011
2010
$ 21,926
1,534
60
1,442
959
1,769
50
27
27,767
1,301
2,083
1,145
2,956
135
942
182
$ 36,511
$
1,390
1,415
2,383
125
2,417
743
8,473
396
2,572
$ 20,321
1,246
335
708
919
4,365
96
52
28,042
1,145
2,826
2,184
3,807
170
330
182
$ 38,686
$
1,434
1,495
1,804
197
1,926
923
7,779
321
2,974
Preferred stock, $.001 par value; 3,000 shares authorized; no shares issued or outstanding
Common stock, $.001 par value; 20,000 shares authorized; shares outstanding:
7,943 in 2011 and 7,693 in 2010
Additional paid-in capital
Accumulated deficit
Total stockholders’ equity
-
-
8
70,402
(45,340)
25,070
$ 36,511
8
68,134
(40,530)
27,612
$ 38,686
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
48
49
COLLECTORS UNIVERSE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands, except per share data)
Net revenues:
Grading, authentication and related services
Cost of revenues:
Cost of grading, authentication and related services
Gross profit
Operating expenses:
Selling and marketing expenses
General and administrative expenses
Impairment losses
Total operating expenses
Operating income
Interest income, net
Other (expense) income, net
Income before provision (benefit) for income taxes
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
Income from continuing operations
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of loss on sales of
discontinued businesses (net of income taxes)
Net income (loss)
Net income (loss) per basic share:
Income from continuing operations
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of loss on sales of
discontinued businesses (net of income taxes)
Net income (loss)
Net income (loss) per diluted share:
Income from continuing operations
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of loss on sales of
discontinued businesses (net of income taxes)
Net income (loss)
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic
Diluted
Dividends declared per common share
Year Ended June 30,
2010
2011
2009
$ 44,432
$ 39,763
$ 35,914
17,249
27,183
6,029
11,497
1,368
18,894
8,289
98
(5)
8,382
3,346
5,036
15,594
24,169
5,068
10,745
-
15,813
8,356
89
30
8,475
(8,330)
16,805
16,385
19,529
4,306
12,486
649
17,441
2,088
284
14
2,386
1,183
1,203
83
$ 5,119
(107)
$ 16,698
(18,126)
$ (16,923)
$
0.66
$
2.26
$
0.13
0.01
0.67
(0.02)
2.24
$
(1.99)
(1.86)
$
0.65
0.01
0.66
7,682
7,798
1.28
$
2.20
$
0.13
(0.01)
(1.98)
$
2.19
$
(1.85)
7,451
7,637
0.80
$
9,103
9,135
0.23
$
$
$
$
$
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
50
COLLECTORS UNIVERSE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(in thousands)
Common Stock
Balance at June 30, 2008
10% stock dividend issued November 2008
Shares sold to directors
Stock-based compensation – options
1999 supplier stock options expired in 2009
Stock-based compensation – restricted stock
Shares repurchased and cancelled under the Stock Repurchase Plan
Net loss
Dividends paid
Balance at June 30, 2009
Exercise of stock options
Stock-based compensation – options
Stock-based compensation – restricted stock
Shares purchased and cancelled under the Dutch Auction
Tender Offer
Net income
Dividends paid and accrued
Balance at June 30, 2010
Exercise of stock options
Stock-based compensation – options
Stock-based compensation – restricted stock
Net income
Dividends paid and accrued
Balance at June 30, 2011
Shares
8,361
828
40
-
-
49
(120)
-
-
9,158
10
-
275
(1,750)
-
-
7,693
153
-
97
-
-
7,943
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
$
75,996
(1)
161
524
(495)
256
(484)
-
-
75,957
118
27
941
Amount
8
$
1
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
9
-
-
-
(1)
-
-
8
-
-
-
-
-
8
$
(8,909)
-
-
68,134
1,137
10
1,121
-
-
70,402
$
Accumulated
Deficit
$ (32,174)
-
-
-
-
-
-
(16,923)
(2,090)
(51,187)
-
-
-
-
16,698
(6,041)
(40,530)
-
-
-
5,119
(9,929)
$ (45,340)
Total
$ 43,830
-
161
524
(495)
256
(484)
(16,923)
(2,090)
24,779
118
27
941
(8,910)
16,698
(6,041)
27,612
1,137
10
1,121
5,119
(9,929)
$ 25,070
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
50
51
COLLECTORS UNIVERSE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided
by (used in) operating activities:
Year Ended June 30,
2010
2009
2011
$
5,119
$ 16,698
$ (16,923)
(Income) loss from discontinued operations
Depreciation and amortization expense
Stock-based compensation expense
Impairment losses
Provision for bad debts
Provision for inventory write-down
Provision for warranty
Loss (gain) on sale of property and equipment
Gain on customer notes
Interest accrued on note receivables
Provision for deferred income taxes
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable
Inventories
Prepaid expenses and other
Refundable income taxes
Other assets
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Accrued compensation and benefits
Income taxes payable
Deferred revenue
Deferred rent
Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations
Net cash used in operating activities of discontinued operations
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment
Capital expenditures
Expos purchase price adjustment
Advances on customer notes receivable
Proceeds from collection of customer notes receivable
Capitalized software
Cash received from sale of net assets of discontinued operations
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from sale of common stock
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
Payments for retirement of common stock
Dividends paid to common stockholders
Net cash used in financing activities
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
(83)
771
1,131
1,368
17
1
751
9
1
(15)
3,447
(356)
(734)
11
275
(662)
(862)
578
(72)
491
75
11,261
(716)
10,545
124
(637)
-
-
-
(9)
389
(133)
-
1,137
-
(9,944)
(8,807)
1,605
20,321
$ 21,926
107
991
968
-
4
58
641
(12)
-
(9)
(8,440)
37
(269)
(53)
(335)
(204)
(205)
463
(55)
43
101
10,529
(1,303)
9,226
104
(479)
(200)
-
2,355
(35)
215
1,960
18,126
1,401
759
649
42
176
576
2
(10)
(8)
1,168
(82)
288
(16)
575
60
(860)
72
(117)
(118)
46
5,806
(6,568)
(762)
3
(123)
-
(2,446)
5,731
(261)
796
3,700
-
118
(8,910)
(5,943)
(14,735)
(3,549)
23,870
$ 20,321
161
-
(484)
(2,090)
(2,413)
525
23,345
$ 23,870
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
52
COLLECTORS UNIVERSE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (continued)
(in thousands)
Year ended June 30,
2010
2011
2009
$
$
(251)
-
431
$
$ -
$
$
(488)
59
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Income taxes paid (refund), net
Interest paid
NON-CASH FINANCING ACTIVITY:
Supplier Warrants
During fiscal year 2009, approximately 165,000 warrants to acquire the Company’s
stock that were issued in 1999 to suppliers with an exercise price of $18.18 expired
unexercised. Prior to expiration of these warrants, the Company recognized a deferred
income tax asset of approximately $495,000 that was written off on the dates of
expiration and charged to additional paid-in capital on the Consolidated Balance Sheet at
June 30, 2009.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
52
53
COLLECTORS UNIVERSE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1.
Company Organization and Nature of Business
Organization
Collectors Universe, Inc. (“we,” “us,” the “Company,” “Management” or “Collectors Universe”) is a Delaware corporation
that was organized on February 5, 1999 for the purpose of enabling Professional Coin Grading Service, Inc. (“PCGS”), the
Company’s predecessor corporation, to acquire other businesses that, like PCGS, would provide services to the collectibles markets.
On February 5, 1999, Collectors Universe issued 4,327,000 shares of common stock in exchange for all of the outstanding shares
of PCGS. As a result of that exchange, the former stockholders of PCGS became stockholders of Collectors Universe, with each
of them receiving a number of our shares based on his or her percentage ownership of the shares of PCGS. Prior to this exchange,
Collectors Universe had no operating assets or liabilities and had not yet conducted any operations. The assets and liabilities
acquired were recorded at the PCGS’ basis as the transaction represented a transfer of assets and liabilities between entities under
common control.
Nature of Our Business
We are engaged in the business of providing third-party authentication, grading and related services for rare and high-value
collectibles consisting of coins, trading cards, stamps, sports memorabilia and autographs. We authenticate and grade the quality
of such collectibles for dealers, collectors and retail buyers and sellers of these collectibles. We also publish magazines that provide
market prices and information for certain collectibles and high-value assets, that is accessible on our websites and sell advertising in
those magazines and on those websites; own the CCE subscription business, which operates an online market for graded collectible
coins for dealers who subscribe to this service; and promote, manage and operate collectibles trade shows.
During fiscal year 2009, the Board of Directors authorized (i) the sale of PCGS Currency grading business, (ii) the
closure and sale of the jewelry grading businesses, consisting of GCAL and AGL; and (iii) the sale of the Gemprint business. These
businesses, with the exception of the Gemprint business, were sold in fiscal 2009. Gemprint was sold in fiscal 2011. The results of
operations, net operating assets and liabilities and related cash flows of those discontinued businesses sold have been classified as part
of discontinued operations in the Consolidated Financial Statements for all periods shown (see note 3).
2.
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP).
Principles of Consolidation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Collectors Universe, Inc. and its subsidiaries,
all of which are 100% owned by the Company. At June 30, 2011, such operating subsidiaries were Collectors Finance Corporation
(CFC), which was wound down in fiscal 2009 and 2010, Certified Asset Exchange, Inc. (CAE) and Expos Unlimited, Inc. (Expos).
All significant inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States
of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that can affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities
and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and
expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results from continuing operations could differ from results expected on the basis
of those estimates, and such differences could be material to our future results of operations and financial condition. Examples
of such estimates that could be material include determinations made with respect to the capitalization and recovery of software
development costs, the valuation of stock-based compensation awards and the timing of related stock-based compensation expense,
the amount of goodwill and the existence or non-existence of goodwill impairment, warranty reserves, the provisions or benefit
for income taxes and related valuation allowances and adjustments to the fair value of our remaining lease obligations for our
54
discontinued jewelry businesses. Each of these estimates is discussed in more detail in these Consolidated Financial Statements, and
in the Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates section of Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations, contained elsewhere in this Annual Report.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
We consider all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase to
be cash and cash equivalents. At June 30, 2011 and 2010, we had approximately $21,900,000 and $20,300,000, respectively,
classified as cash and cash equivalents on the consolidated balance sheets, of which approximately $18,900,000 and $17,500,000,
respectively, were invested primarily in high-quality money market accounts and funds.
At June 30, 2011, substantially all of our cash is deposited at two financial institutions. We maintain cash due from banks
in excess of the banks’ FDIC insured deposit limits of approximately $18,400,000 at June 30, 2011.
Concentrations
Credit Risks. Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to significant concentrations of credit risk at
June 30, 2011 consisted primarily of cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivables.
Financial Instruments and Cash Balances. At June 30, 2011 and 2010, the Company had funds of approximately
$18,900,000 and $17,500,000, respectively, in money market accounts and funds. In addition, at June 30, 2011 and 2010, the
Company had approximately $3,000,000 and $2,800,000 in a non-interest bearing bank account for general day-to-day operations.
Accounts Receivable. A substantial portion of accounts receivable are due from collectibles dealers. At June 30, 2011, two
individual customer accounts receivable each accounted for 10% of the Company’s total gross accounts receivable balances. At
June 30, 2010, one individual customer accounts receivable accounted for 10% of the Company’s total gross accounts receivable
balances. We perform an analysis of the expected collectability of accounts receivable based on several factors, including the age
and extent of significant past due accounts and economic conditions or trends that may impact the ability of the debtor to pay their
account receivable balances. Based on such review, we establish an allowance for doubtful accounts, when necessary. The allowance
for doubtful accounts receivable was $66,000 and $75,000 at June 30, 2011 and June 30, 2010, respectively.
Customers. The authentication and grading of collectible coins and related services accounted for approximately 66%, 65%
and 57% of our net revenues for the years ended June 30, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
Suppliers. We purchase injection-molded parts, holograms and printed labels for our grading services. There are
numerous suppliers for these items and, as a result, it is possible to change suppliers without significant delay or cost to the
Company. However, while there are numerous sources for injection-molded parts, these parts require a die to fabricate the part.
The manufacturing of high-value precision dies can be a lengthy process and requires considerable expertise in their fabrication.
Although we do not have back-up dies for some of our high-value volume injection-molded parts and we rely on one supplier for
these requirements, we own the dies used to manufacture the parts, and we believe that the Company maintains sufficient inventory
of parts to allow time for us to have a new manufacturer build parts, should the need to do so arise.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate
their respective fair values due to the short-term nature of such instruments. The carrying value of the notes receivable related to
the sale of a discontinued operation approximates fair value, as the interest rate on such note approximates an amount that would be
extended to parties with similar credit risk and remaining maturities.
Inventories
Our inventories consist primarily of (i) our coin and stamp collectibles inventories, and (ii) consumable supplies that we
use in our continuing authentication and grading businesses. We account for those collectibles inventories under the specific
identification method. Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. Inventories are periodically reviewed to identify slow-
moving items, and an allowance for inventory loss is recognized, as necessary. The allowance for inventory losses was $126,000 and
$144,000 at June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively. It is possible that our estimates of market value could change in the near term due
to market conditions in the various collectibles markets served by the Company, which could require us to increase that allowance.
54
55
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation and amortization are provided using the straight-line method
over the estimated useful lives ranging from three to five years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the
estimated useful lives of the improvements or the term of the related lease. Coin and stamp reference sets are non-depreciable assets.
Repair and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
The Company evaluates the carrying value of its goodwill and certain indefinite-lived intangible assets at least annually
for impairment, or more frequently if facts and circumstances indicate that impairment may have occurred. Management formally
evaluates the carrying value of its goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment on the anniversary date of
each of the acquisitions that gave rise to the recording of such assets or more frequently if a triggering event has occurred. If the
carrying value of a “reporting unit,” defined as an operating segment of an entity that contains goodwill, is determined to be less
than the fair value of the reporting unit, there exists the possibility of impairment of goodwill. An impairment loss of goodwill is
measured in two steps by allocating first the current fair value of the reporting unit to net assets and liabilities, including recorded
and unrecorded other intangible assets to determine the implied carrying value of goodwill. The next step is to measure the
difference between the carrying value of goodwill and the implied carrying value of goodwill, and, if the implied goodwill is less
than the carrying value of goodwill, record an impairment loss of goodwill as the difference between the implied and carrying value
amounts on the Consolidated Statements of Operations in the period in which the impairment is determined. During the 2011
fiscal year, we recognized an impairment loss of $743,000 related to our Expos goodwill. No goodwill impairment was recorded in
2010 and 2009.
Capitalized Software
Through June 30, 2011 and 2010, we had capitalized approximately $2,634,000 and $2,625,000, respectively, as
capitalized software and recognized related accumulated amortization of $2,575,000 and $2,308,000. The software is capitalized as
part of intangible assets and amortized on a straight-line basis over its useful life of three years. During fiscal years 2011, 2010 and
2009, the Company recorded amortization expense of approximately $267,000, $466,000 and $710,000, respectively. Planning,
training, support and maintenance costs incurred either prior to or following the implementation phase are recognized as expense
in the period in which they occur. Management evaluates the carrying values of capitalized software to determine if the carrying
values are impaired, and, if necessary, an impairment loss is recorded in the period in which the impairment is determined to
have occurred. The Company recorded an impairment to capitalized software of $649,000 during fiscal 2009 in connection with
capitalized software associated with our autograph authentication business that was not meeting performance expectations and
resulted in certain components of that software being replaced or abandoned. No impairment was recognized in fiscal 2011 or
2010.
Long-Lived Assets
Management regularly reviews property and equipment and other long-lived assets, including certain identifiable
intangibles, for possible impairment. This review occurs annually, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate
the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable in full. If there is an indication of impairment to property, equipment or
amortizable intangible assets, then management prepares an estimate of future undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the
use of that asset and its eventual disposition. If these cash flows are less than the carrying amount of the asset, an impairment loss
would be recognized to write-down the asset to its estimated fair value. The fair value would be estimated using the present value
of the future cash flows discounted at a rate commensurate with management’s estimates of the business risks. During the 2011
fiscal year, we recognized impairment losses of $625,000 related to our Expos business trade name and customer database. No
impairment loss was recorded in 2010.
Revenue Recognition
We record revenue at the time of shipment of the authenticated and graded collectible to the customer, net of any taxes
collected. Due to the insignificant delay between the completion of our grading and authentication services and the shipment of
the collectible or high-value asset back to the customer, the time of shipment corresponds to the completion of our services. Many
of our authentication and grading customers prepay our authentication and grading fees when they submit their collectibles to us
for authentication and grading. We record those prepayments as deferred revenue until the collectibles have been authenticated
56
and graded and shipped back to them. At that time, we record the revenues from the authentication and grading services we have
performed for the customer and deduct this amount from deferred revenue. For certain dealers to whom we extend open account
privileges, we record revenue at the time of shipment of the authenticated and graded collectible to the dealer. With respect to
our Expos trade show business, we recognize revenue generated by the promotion, management and operation of collectibles
conventions and trade shows in the periods in which the event takes place.
A portion of our net revenues are comprised of subscription fees paid by customers for memberships in our Collectors
Club. Those memberships entitle members access to our on-line and printed publications, and sometimes also to vouchers for
free grading services. We record revenue for this multi-element service arrangement, by recognizing approximately 65% of the
subscription fee in the month following the membership purchase. The balance of the membership fee is recognized as revenue over
the life of the membership, which can range from one to two years. We evaluate, at least semi-annually, the relative fair values of
the deliverables and the percentage factors used to allocate the membership fee between the grading and the other services provided
under this membership service.
We recognize product sales when items are shipped. Product revenues consist primarily of collectible coins that we
purchased pursuant to our coin authentication and grading warranty program and are not considered an integral part of the
Company’s ongoing revenue generating activities.
Shipping and Handling Costs
Shipping and handling costs incurred to return to our customers their collectibles property submitted to us for grading or
authentication are recorded as costs of revenues, net of amounts received from such customers.
Warranty Costs
We offer a warranty covering the coins, trading cards and stamps that we authenticate and grade. Under the warranty, if
a collectible that was previously authenticated and graded by us is later submitted to us for re-grading and either (i) receives a lower
grade upon that resubmittal or (ii) is determined not to have been authentic, we will offer to purchase the collectible, or, in the
alternative, at the customer’s option, pay the difference in value of the item at its original grade, as compared with its lower grade.
However, this warranty is voided if the collectible, upon resubmittal to us, is not in the same tamper-resistant holder in which it was
placed at the time we last graded it. We accrue for estimated warranty costs based on historical trends and related experience. We
monitor the adequacy of our warranty reserves on an ongoing basis and significant claims resulting from resubmissions receiving
lower grades or deemed not to be authentic could result in a material adverse impact on our results of operation (see note 8).
Advertising Costs
Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and amounted to approximately $407,000, $469,000 and $524,000 in the fiscal
years ended June 30, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
Income Taxes
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded for the future consequences of events that have been recognized in the
Company’s financial statements or tax returns. Measurement of the deferred items is based on enacted tax laws. In the event the
future consequences of differences between financial reporting bases and tax bases of the Company’s assets or liabilities result in a
deferred tax asset, we evaluate the probability of realizing the future benefits comprising that asset. In fiscal 2009, we recorded an
increase to the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets of approximately $8,390,000, as we determined that it was more likely
than not that we would not recover deferred tax assets related primarily to the $18,126,000 and $19,100,000 pre-tax losses from
discontinued operations in fiscal years 2009 and 2008, respectively, and the California Enterprise Zone Credits. In fiscal 2010,
based on the Company’s improved operating performance and management’s expectation of continued profitability, we determined
that we would realize substantially all of our deferred tax assets, and therefore we released the remaining valuation allowance of
$8,172,000 at June 30, 2010.
We adjust our financial statements to reflect only those tax positions that are more-likely-than-not to be sustained on
audit, based on the technical merits of the position. We classify related interest and penalties in our Statements of Operations as a
component of income tax expense. During fiscal 2009, we voluntarily filed tax returns in two states, which resulted in an aggregate
tax liability of approximately $54,000 for the tax years 2005 to 2008 and gave rise to a reduction in our tax expenses in those states
of $95,000, which was a benefit to income tax provision in fiscal 2009.
56
57
Foreign Currency
The Company has determined that the U.S. Dollar is the functional currency for its French branch office, which maintains
its accounting records in Euros. Based on this determination, the Company’s foreign operations are re-measured by reflecting the
financial results of such operations as if they had taken place within a U.S. dollar-based economic environment. Fixed assets and
other non-monetary assets and liabilities are re-measured from foreign currencies to U.S. dollars at historical exchange rates; whereas
cash, accounts receivable and other monetary assets and liabilities are re-measured at current exchange rates. Gains and losses
resulting from those re-measurements, which are included in income for the current periods, were not material.
Stock-Based Compensation
Stock-based compensation expense is measured at the grant date of an award, based on its estimated fair value, and
is recognized as expense over the employee or non-employee director’s requisite service period, which is generally the vesting
period. However, if the vesting of a stock-based compensation award is subject to satisfaction of a performance requirement or
condition, the stock-based compensation expense is recognized if, and when, it is determined that vesting of the award has become
probable. In the event that stock-based compensation is recognized on the basis that the performance condition is probable, and
it is subsequently determined that the performance condition is not met, then all expense previously recognized with respect to the
performance condition would be reversed.
The Company considers historical forfeiture experience to be one of several indicators of future forfeitures and reduced the
forfeiture rate from 5% at June 30, 2009 to 0% in fiscal 2011 and fiscal 2010.
For stock option grants, we estimate the fair value of each option using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. Our
determination of the fair value of such stock option awards is made as of the grant date using that option-pricing model, and that
determination is affected by our stock price, as well as assumptions regarding a number of subjective variables. These variables
include, but are not limited to, expected stock price volatility over the term of the awards, the expected term of the options, the
dividend yield and actual and projected employee stock option exercise behavior. The Black-Scholes option-pricing model was
developed for use in estimating the value of traded options that have no vesting or hedging restrictions and are fully transferable.
Because the Company’s employee stock options have certain characteristics that are significantly different from traded options, the
Black-Scholes option-pricing model may not provide an accurate measure of the fair value of the outstanding stock options or be
indicative of the fair value that would be paid in a willing buyer/willing seller market transaction. No stock options were granted in
fiscal years 2009 through 2011.
Compensation expense for the grant of a service-based restricted share award to an employee or non-employee director
is determined by amortizing over the requisite service period, or the vesting period, the aggregate fair value of the restricted shares
awarded based on the closing price of the Company’s common stock effective on the date the award was made.
58
Net Income (Loss) Per Share
Basic net income (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders by the
weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the periods presented. Diluted net income per share is computed
by dividing net income attributable to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common and common equivalent
shares outstanding during the period presented assuming the exercise of all outstanding stock options and other dilutive securities.
However, options with exercise prices that exceed the average market price of the Company’s shares for any period for which the
calculation of diluted net income per share is made are disregarded, because they are non-dilutive in their effect.
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net loss per common share (in thousands except per
share data):
Income from continuing operations
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of loss on sales of
discontinued income (loss) businesses (net of income taxes)
Net income (loss)
Net income (loss) per basic share:
From continuing operations
From discontinued operations, net of loss on sales of
discontinued businesses (net of income taxes)
Net income (loss)
Net Income (loss) per diluted share:
From continuing operations
From discontinued operations, net of loss on sales of
discontinued businesses (net of income taxes)
Net income (loss)
Weighted-average shares outstanding:
Basic
Effect of dilutive shares
Diluted
2011
$ 5,036
83
$ 5,119
Year Ended June 30,
2010
$ 16,805
$
2009
1,203
(107)
$ 16,698
(18,126)
$ (16,923)
$
0.66
$
2.26
$
0.13
0.01
0.67
$
(0.02)
2.24
$
(1.99)
(1.86)
$
$
0.65
$
2.20
$
0.13
0.01
$ 0.66
(0.01)
$ 2.19
(1.98)
(1.85)
$
7,682
116
7,798
7,451
186
7,637
9,103
32
9,135
The number of shares used in the computation of income or loss per share in fiscal 2010 gives effect to the purchase of
1,749,828 shares in the July 10, 2009 “Dutch Auction” tender offer.
Options and warrants to purchase approximately 90,000, 99,000 and 884,000 shares of common stock for the years ended
June 30, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively, at exercise prices up to $17.82 per share, were not included in the computation of
diluted earnings per share because the respective exercise prices of those options and warrants were greater than the average market
price of our shares for the respective period.
Comprehensive Income
The Company does not have any items of other comprehensive income requiring separate disclosure.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In January 2010, the FASB issued amended fair value disclosure guidance. The new guidance requires disclosure
of transfers in and out of Levels 1 and 2 fair value measurements including a description of the reasons for the transfer where
significant and disclosure of activity in Level 3 fair value measurements, including information on a gross basis regarding purchases,
sales, issuances and settlements. Amendments to existing guidance were also made regarding classes of assets and liabilities and
disclosures about inputs and valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The Company will adopt this guidance on July 1,
2011. Management does not expect the adoption of these standards to have any material impact on the Consolidated Financial
Statements.
58
59
In December 2010, the FASB issued an accounting standards update requiring public companies that enter into material
business combination, and present comparative financial statements, to disclose revenue and earnings of the combined entity as
though the business combination that occurred during the current year had occurred as of the beginning of the comparable prior
annual reporting period. The amendments also expand the supplemental pro forma disclosures to include a description of the
nature and amount of material, nonrecurring pro forma adjustments directly attributable to the business combination included
in the reported pro forma revenue and earnings. This amendment is effective for the Company for the annual reporting period
beginning July 1, 2011. Management does not expect the adoption of this amendment to have any material impact on the
Consolidated Financial Statements.
In May 2011, the FASB issued amended fair value disclosure guidance. The new guidance requires additional disclosures
about the sensitivity of a fair value measurement categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy to changes in unobservable
inputs and any relationships between those unobservable inputs. Additional requirements of the amendment include the
categorization by level of the fair value hierarchy for items not measured at fair value in the statement of financial position, but for
which fair value is required to be disclosed. The Company will adopt this guidance on January 1, 2012. Management does not
expect the adoption of these standards to have a material impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements.
In August 2010, the FASB, as result of a joint project with the International Accounting Standards Board to improve the
quality of and comparability of financial information for users, published a proposal that would change the accounting and financial
reporting for both lessee and lessor as described under current guidance. The proposal would effectively eliminate off-balance
sheet accounting for most of the operating leases of lessees and would apply one of two methods to lease accounting for lessors,
depending on whether the lessor retains exposure to significant risks or benefits of the underlying assets. The date of issuance of the
final standards by the FASB and the effective date are to be determined. Management believes that the final standards, if issued in
substantially the same form as the published proposal, would have a material effect on the presentation of its consolidated financial
position and results of operations.
3. Discontinued Operations
During fiscal 2009, the Board of Directors authorized the closure and sale of GCAL, Gemprint and AGL (the “Jewelry
Businesses”) and the sale of the currency grading business, all of which have been reclassified as assets and liabilities of discontinued
operations held for sale on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2011 and 2010. The consolidated statements of
operations for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2011, 2010 and 2009 present the results of operations for those discontinued
operations under the caption of : “Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of loss on sales of discontinued businesses (net of
income taxes);” and, the consolidated statements of cash flows for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2011, 2010 and 209 segregate the
cash flows from discontinued operations from all other cash flow activities.
At June 30, 2011, our continuing operations consisted of our collectibles grading and authentication businesses, our CCE
subscription business, and our Expos collectibles convention business.
In connection with our acquisition of CCE in September 2005, we purchased the common stock of CTP, an entity
affiliated with the owner of CCE, and we disposed of CTP in November 2005. As part of the consideration for the sale of CTP, we
recorded a note receivable of $458,000, bearing interest at 10% per annum and payable over five years. At June 30, 2011, the note
had been repaid in its entirety. At June 30, 2010, the carrying value of the note was $46,000 and is included as part of the current
portion of receivables from sale of net assets of discontinued operations.
Jewelry Businesses
In March 2009, the Company ceased operations in GCAL and AGL and announced the Company’s plan to sell the
assets of those businesses. In March 2009, the Company sold the GCAL diamond grading business to GCAL’s president and
former owner and received $370,000 in cash as full payment for certain GCAL tangible and intangible assets. During May 2009,
we concluded an asset sale agreement with a former AGL executive to whom we sold the AGL colored gemstone business for
approximately $133,250 in consideration of a $62,500 cash payment and a non-interest bearing promissory note due on November
8, 2009 in the amount of $70,750. The undiscounted amount of the note was classified as part of notes receivable from sale of net
assets of discontinued operations on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of June 30, 2009. During fiscal 2009, we recognized an
aggregate pre-tax loss on the disposal of Jewelry Businesses, including the Gemprint business which we exited in the fourth quarter
60
of fiscal 2009, of approximately $5,188,000, and is shown as part of loss from discontinued operations, net of loss on sales of
discontinued businesses (net of income taxes) within the Statements of Operations for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009.
We also recorded impairment losses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations during 2009 of $7,695,000 in
connection with our jewelry businesses.
In fiscal 2009, the Company recorded loss accruals of $3,925,000 in connection with two leased laboratory facilities
for GCAL and AGL that leased through December 31, 2015 and 2017, respectively. The total accrual (including a balance of
$630,000 that had previously been accrued as rent expense in accordance with GAAP) at June 30, 2009 related to remaining lease
obligations was approximately $4,454,000. In May 2010, the Company entered into agreements to reduce its lease obligations;
whereby, one of the spaces was sublet to a third party, and the second facility was returned to the landlord and the lease terminated
with only a financial obligation remaining. As a result of these agreements, and in accordance with GAAP, the Company measured
the change in cash flows using the same credit-adjusted risk-free rate that was used to measure the initial liabilities, and the
cumulative effect of the change of approximately $500,000 resulting from the revision, was recognized as a decrease to the liability
in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010. As a result of those changes, the payment of lease obligations and the recognition of accretion
expense, the remaining obligations at June 30, 2011 were approximately $3,137,000, of which $565,000 is classified as a current
liability, and the balance $2,572,000 is classified as a non-current liability in the accompany consolidated balance sheet at June 30,
2011. We will continue to review and, if necessary, make adjustments to the accruals on a quarterly basis.
In April 2011, the Company disposed of its remaining discontinued Gemprint and diamond jewelry assets for
approximately $216,000.
Currency Grading Business
In fiscal 2009, we disposed of our currency grading business and classified it as a discontinued operation held for sale for
approximately $354,000 in consideration of a cash payment of $50,000 and a promissory note (the “Note”) with a face value of
$304,000 with annual payments of $50,000 due on the annual anniversary dates in each year between February 2010 to February
2012 and a $154,000 payment due in February 2013. The Note is discounted using an imputed rate of 7.25% and is carried on
the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2011 and June 30, 2010 in the amount of $185,000 and $220,000, respectively, as
part of notes receivable from sale of net assets of discontinued operations, of which $50,000 is classified as a current asset and the
balance classified as long term. A net loss of $31,000 was recognized during fiscal 2009 as a loss on the disposal of the currency
grading business.
The operating results of the discontinued jewelry and the collectible sales businesses, which are included in the
accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations, are as follows (in thousands):
Net revenues.............................................................
2011
15
$
Year Ended June 30,
2010
12
$
Loss from operations of discontinued businesses.......
Impairment losses .....................................................
Gain (loss) on sales of discontinued businesses .........
Gain (loss) before income tax benefit
Provision (benefit) for income taxes ..........................
Income (loss) from discontinued operations .............
(2)
-
140
138
55
83
$
(209)
-
33
(176)
(69)
(107)
$
2009
$ 1,437
(5,212)
(7,695)
(5,219)
(18,126)
-
$ (18,126)
60
61
Balance Sheet Data of Discontinued Operations
Current Assets:
Accounts receivable, net
Assets held for sale
Non-current assets:
Other assets
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable
Lease obligations
Other accrued expenses
Deferred revenue
Non-current liabilities:
Lease obligations
Other long-term liabilities
4
Inventories
Inventories consist of the following at June 30 (in thousands):
Coins ..............................................................................................
Other collectibles ............................................................................
Grading raw materials consumable inventory ..................................
Less inventory reserve ......................................................................
Classified as long-term .....................................................................
June 30,
2011
2010
$
$
$
-
27
27
182
182
$
10
565
168
-
743
$
$ 2,572
-
$ 2,572
2011
1,468
76
774
2,318
(126)
2,192
(750)
1,442
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
25
27
52
182
182
27
532
342
22
923
$ 2,938
36
$ 2,974
2010
493
32
327
852
(144)
708
-
708
$
$
$
The inventory reserve represents a valuation allowance on certain items of our coins and other collectibles inventories
based upon our review of the current market value of such coins and collectibles.
The $750,000 classified as long-term assets represents a coin purchased under our warranty policy, which the Company
expects to sell subsequent to June 30, 2012.
5.
Property and Equipment
Coins and stamp reference sets .........................................................
Computer hardware and equipment .................................................
Computer software ...........................................................................
Equipment .......................................................................................
Furniture and office equipment ........................................................
Leasehold improvements ..................................................................
Trading card reference library ...........................................................
$
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization ..............................
Property and equipment, net ............................................................
$
2011
2010
331
1,467
1,023
2,509
912
704
52
6,998
(5,697)
1,301
$
$
461
1,419
999
2,090
907
695
52
6,623
(5,478)
1,145
62
Depreciation and amortization expense relating to property and equipment for fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009 was $348,000,
$365,000 and $530,000, respectively.
6.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
During the first quarter of fiscal year 2011, we completed our annual review of the carrying value of goodwill acquired
with the acquisitions of CoinFacts, Inc. (“CFI”) and Certified Coin Exchange (“CCE”), and, on the basis of those reviews,
determined that no impairments had occurred. During the 2011 fiscal year the Expos business experienced a downward trend in
revenues, which, when combined with the expectation of future declines in revenues, is considered a triggering event. As a result
of this trend and management’s expectations of future declines in revenues, at June 30, 2011, management performed the two-step
impairment test on goodwill for the Expos business.
In performing the step one analysis, management used the income approach, in which the fair value of the reporting
unit was based on the present value of estimated cash flows. This approach was dependent on a number of management
assumptions, including estimated future revenue attrition rates, gross margins on sales, capital expenditures and discount rates.
Management determined that the fair value of the Expos reporting unit was less than the carrying value of the net assets and,
therefore, the Company performed step-two of the impairment test for Expos.
In performing the step two analysis, management estimated the implied fair value of the Expos reporting unit’s
goodwill and compared it to the carrying value of the goodwill. This involved allocating the fair value of the reporting unit to its
respective assets and liabilities (as if it had been acquired in a separate and individual business combination and the fair value was
the price paid by a market participant to acquire it) with the excess of the fair value over the amounts assigned being the implied
fair value of goodwill. The implied value of goodwill was less than the carrying value of goodwill, which resulted in an impairment
charge of $743,000 in the fourth quarter of the 2011 fiscal year. The Company had not recorded an impairment charge to Expo’s
goodwill prior to 2011.
In connection with the triggering event and our assessment of the goodwill for impairment, management also determined
that impairment losses had occurred with respect to the Expos trade name and customer database and recognized impairment losses
of $625,000 for intangible assets in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011.
During fiscal year 2009, we recorded goodwill impairment losses of $1,348,000 as part of the loss from discontinued
operations, in relation to our discontinued jewelry businesses (see note 3).
The following table sets forth the carrying values of goodwill for those acquired businesses that are classified as continuing
operations as of June 30, 2011 and 2010 (in thousands):
CoinFacts
Expos Unlimited
CCE
2011
515
458
1,110
2,083
$
$
2010
515
1,201
1,110
2,826
$
$
During the year ended June 30, 2010, we paid $200,000 for an earn-out payment pursuant to the July 2006 Membership
Interest Purchase Agreement between the Company and the sellers of our Expos Unlimited, Inc. subsidiary. This payment
represented the full and final settlement and was recorded as additional goodwill on the consolidated balance sheet as of June 30,
2010.
Approximately $1.0 million of the $2.1 million classified as goodwill on the consolidated balance sheets at June 30, 2011
is amortizable and deductible for tax purposes over a period of 15 years.
62
63
The following table sets forth, by asset class, the amounts classified as other intangible assets, net, on the consolidated
balance sheets as of June 30, 2011 and 2010 (in thousands):
As of June 30, 2011
Gross Book
Value
Accumulated
Amortization
Impairment
loss
Net Book
Value
Gross Book
Value
As of June 30, 2010
Accumulated
Amortization
Net Book
Value
Amortized Intangible Assets:
Expos Unlimited:
Auctioneer relationships
Covenant not to compete
Customer database
$
CCE:
Covenant not to compete
Customer lists
Website
150
130
790
1,070
25
676
2
703
$
(75)
(81)
(395)
(551)
(25)
(263)
(2)
(290)
$ -
-
(165)
(165)
-
-
-
-
Capitalized Software
2,634
$ 4,407
(2,575)
(3,416)
$
-
(165)
Unamortized Intangible Assets:
Expos: Trade name
CCE: Trade name
$
$
$
740
39
779
5,186
$ -
-
$ -
(3,416)
$
(460)
-
(460)
(625)
$
$
75
49
230
354
-
413
-
413
59
826
280
39
319
1,145
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
150
130
790
1,070
25
676
2
703
2,625
4,398
740
39
779
5,177
$
(60)
(65)
(316)
(441)
(24)
(218)
(2)
(244)
(2,308)
(2,993)
$
$ -
-
-
(2,993)
$
$
90
65
474
629
1
458
-
459
317
1,405
740
39
779
2,184
$
$
$
$
Amortization expense was $423,000, $627,000 and $871,000 for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2011, 2010 and 2009,
respectively. In addition, an impairment charge of $649,000 for capitalized software was recognized in fiscal 2009. Estimated
amortization expense for each of the five succeeding years and thereafter relating to intangible assets with definite lives, is as follows
(in thousands):
Fiscal Year Ending June 30,
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
Thereafter
Total
$
$
164
137
125
106
106
188
826
The weighted average amortization period remaining as of June 30, 2011, is approximately 6.71 years.
Intangible assets with finite lives are being amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, as follows:
Customer relationships
Covenant not to compete
Auctioneer relationships
Capitalized software
CCE
15 years
5 years
-
-
Expos
10 years
8 years
10 years
-
Capitalized
Software
-
-
-
3 years
64
7.
Fair Value Measurements
Fair value is the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly
transaction between market participants at the measurement date. As such, fair value is a market-based measurement
that should be determined based on the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability.
As a basis for considering such assumptions, GAAP establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes
the inputs used in measuring fair value. These tiers include:
Level 1-defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets;
Level 2-defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly
observable; and
Level 3-defined as unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore, requiring an entity to
develop its own assumptions.
Assets and liabilities related to Expos measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis at June 30, 2011, are as
follows (in thousands):
Assets:
Goodwill
Intangible assets
At
June 30,
2011
$ 458
634
$ 1,092
Fair Value Measurements Using
(Level 2)
(Level 1)
(Level 3)
$ -
-
$ -
$ -
-
$ -
$
458
634
$ 1,092
The following table presents additional information about Level 3 measurements for the year ended June 30,
2011 (in thousands):
Beginning
Balance
June 30,
2010
$
$
1,201
1,369
2,570
Impairment
Loss
Included in
Net Income
$
(743)
(625)
$ (1,368)
Ending
Balance
June 30,
2011
$ 458
634
$ 1,092
Amortization
$ -
(110)
(110)
$
Assets:
Goodwill
Intangible assets
8. Accrued Liabilities
Accrued liabilities consisted of the following at June 30 (in thousands):
Warranty reserve ...........................................................
Professional fees ............................................................
Other ...........................................................................
2011
641
122
652
1,415
$
$
2010
669
82
744
1,495
$
$
64
65
Warranty reserve activity and balances related to fiscal years 2011, 2010 and 2009, were as follows
(in thousands):
Warranty reserve at June 30, 2008
Charged to cost of revenues
Payments
Warranty reserve at June 30, 2009
Charged to cost of revenues
Payments
Warranty reserve at June 30, 2010
Charged to cost of revenues
Payments
Warranty reserve at June 30, 2011
$
$
665
576
(533)
708
641
(680)
669
751
(779)
641
9.
Taxes
Set forth below is the (benefit) provision for income taxes for continuing operations for the years ended June 30
(in thousands):
2011
2010
2009
Current:
Federal ................................................................
State ...................................................................
Deferred:
Federal ................................................................
State ...................................................................
Total (benefit) provision for income taxes
$
(22)
(37)
(59)
2,650
755
3,405
$ 3,346
$ (242)
297
55
(5,105)
(3,280)
(8,385)
$ (8,330)
$
(8)
17
9
877
297
1,174
$ 1,183
The reconciliation of the provision (benefit) for income taxes computed at federal statutory rates to the (benefit)
provision for income taxes for the years ended June 30 was as follows (in thousands):
Provision at federal statutory rates .........................
State income taxes, net ..........................................
Meals and entertainment .......................................
Stock-based compensation
Other ....................................................................
Valuation allowances .............................................
2011
$ 2,851
473
102
(48)
(32)
-
$ 3,346
2010
$ 2,882
(1,969)
73
4
(250)
(9,070)
$ (8,330)
2009
811
208
58
164
(89)
31
1,183
$
$
The release of the valuation allowances included in the rate reconciliation for continuing operations for FY2010 above
reflects the release of valuation allowances related to discontinued operations in prior years not included in the above table. Under
GAAP, the release of such valuation allowances are classified as continuing operations as they relate to a change in the deferred tax
assets that existed at the beginning of the year.
66
Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effect of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and
liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Significant components of deferred taxes
as of June 30, 2011 and 2010 were as follows (in thousands):
Deferred tax assets:
Stock compensation costs ...........................
Reserves and accruals ..................................
Net operating loss carryforward ..................
Credits
Intangible assets ..........................................
Other
Less: valuation allowance
Total deferred tax assets ........................
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property and equipment .............................
Indefinite life ..............................................
Other
Total deferred tax liabilities ...................
Net deferred tax assets ...................................
Less: current portion ......................................
$
2011
193
2,109
1,376
790
495
84
(96)
4,951
(86)
-
(140)
(226)
4,725
(1,769)
2,956
$
2010
309
2,385
2,341
805
2,447
161
-
8,448
(46)
(95)
(135)
(276)
8,172
(4,365)
3,807
$
$
Realization of the above deferred tax assets is dependent on generating sufficient taxable income in future periods and,
in the case of the net operating losses, we must generate sufficient income prior to their expiration. For the California Enterprise
Zone Credits, we must continue to generate taxable income in the California Enterprise Zone. Due to the length of time and the
extent of the taxable income required to fully realize the deferred tax assets, the Company recorded a valuation allowance against
such assets at June 30, 2009. Based on the available information and performance of the Company, management believes it is more
likely than not that the Company will utilize the deferred tax assets during the carryover periods and, therefore, have released the
valuation allowances at June 30, 2010.
The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various states and has open tax periods for
federal taxes for the years ended June 30, 2008 through June 30, 2010 and for certain state tax jurisdictions for the years ended June
30, 1999 through June 30, 2010.
As of June 30, 2011 and June 30, 2010, the Company had $1,197,000 and $1,219,000, respectively, of California
Enterprise Zone Credits. These credits have no expiration dates, and can only be utilized to offset taxable income generated in
the California Enterprise Zone. The Company also has federal and state net operating losses of $4,660,000 and $10,255,000,
respectively, which will primarily begin to expire in 2027 and 2017, of which the benefit for $2,142,000 of federal and $2,142,000
of state net operating losses will be credited to additional paid in capital when fully utilized.
As of June 30, 2011 and 2010, the liability for income taxes associated with uncertain tax positions was $252,000,
including accrued penalties and interest of $101,000. If recognized, $198,000 of the liability for uncertain tax positions would
favorably affect the Company’s effective tax rate.
66
67
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest and penalties, is as
follows (in thousands):
Unrecognized tax benefits balance at June 30, 2009
Gross increased for tax positions of prior years
Gross decreases for tax positions of prior years
Gross increases for tax positions of current year
Settlements
Lapse of statute of limitations
Unrecognized tax benefits balance at June 30, 2010
Gross increased for tax positions of prior years
Gross decreases for tax positions of prior years
Gross increases for tax positions of current year
Settlements
Lapse of statute of limitations
Unrecognized tax benefits balance at June 30, 2011
$
$
151
-
-
-
-
-
151
-
-
-
-
-
151
The liability for uncertain tax positions is reviewed quarterly and adjusted as events occur that affect potential liabilities
for additional taxes, such as lapsing of applicable statutes of limitations, proposed assessments by tax authorities, negotiations with
taxing authorities, identification of new issues, and enactment of new legislation, regulations or promulgation of new case law.
Management believes that adequate amounts of tax and related interest, if any, have been provided for any adjustments that may
result from these examinations of uncertain tax positions. The Company does not expect the liability for uncertain tax positions to
change significantly over the next year.
At June 30, 2011, the Company has not recorded a deferred tax asset for the excess tax basis over the book basis of their
investment in a subsidiary as there are uncertainties as to when the basis difference will reverse. Management analyzed these
uncertainties at the reporting date, and a deferred tax asset of approximately $750,000 - $1,000,000 will be established when it is
apparent that the difference will reverse in the foreseeable future. The resulting tax benefit would reduce future tax payments.
10.
Employee Benefit Plans
We have an employee benefit plan that features a 401(k) salary reduction provision covering all employees who meet the
eligibility requirements of the plan. Eligible employees are able to defer up to the lesser of 75% of their base compensation or the
statutorily prescribed annual limit. The Company does not provide any employer-matching contribution.
11.
Stockholders’ Equity
Dividends
Through the first fiscal quarter of fiscal 2009, our Board of Directors approved a dividend policy that called for the
payment of regular quarterly cash dividends to our stockholders of $0.23 per common share, as adjusted retroactively for the
October 2009 10% stock dividend.
On September 26, 2008, the Board of Directors determined that, due primarily to adverse market and economic
conditions, including the liquidity crisis in the United States, the prudent course of action would be, and the Board of Directors
voted, to suspend the future payment of cash dividends in order to preserve the Company’s cash resources. In October 2009, the
Board of Directors approved the resumption of payment of quarterly dividends at $0.25 per share. In April 2010, the Board of
Directors increased that quarterly dividend to $0.30 per share, and in October 2010, the dividend was increased to $0.325 per
share per quarter. During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2011, 2010 and 2009, the Company paid cash dividends in the aggregate
amounts of approximately $9,944,000, $5,943,000 and $2,090,000, respectively.
68
The declaration of cash dividends in the future, pursuant to the Company’s dividend policy, are subject to final
determination each quarter by the Board of Directors based on a number of factors, including the Company’s financial performance
and its available cash resources, its cash requirements and alternative uses of cash that the Board may conclude would represent an
opportunity to generate a greater return on investment for the Company.
Dutch Auction Tender Offer.
On July 10, 2009, we purchased a total 1,749,828 of our then outstanding shares in a modified “Dutch Auction” tender
offer, at a price of $5.00 per share, resulting in an aggregate purchase price of approximately $8,910,000 (including the fees and
expenses incurred in conducting the tender offer of $160,000).
Stock Buyback Program
On December 6, 2005, we announced that our Board of Directors had approved a stock buyback program authorizing
us to make up to $10,000,000 of stock repurchases in the open market or private transactions, in accordance with applicable SEC
rules. Pursuant to this program, during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009, we repurchased and retired approximately 120,000
shares of our common stock, for an aggregate purchase price (including transaction costs) of approximately $484,000. The stock
buyback was the result of a repurchase from the Company’s former CEO at $4.03 per share.
We are under no obligation to repurchase any additional shares under this program, and the timing, actual number and
value of any additional shares that may be repurchased under this program will depend on a number of factors, including the
Company’s future financial performance, the Company’s available cash resources and competing uses for the cash, prevailing market
prices of the Company’s common stock and the number of shares that become available for sale at prices that the Company believes
are attractive.
Stockholder Rights Plan
On January 9, 2009, the Company’s Board of Directors unanimously adopted a limited duration stockholder rights plan.
In accordance with Institutional Shareholder Services’ guidelines, the Plan had an initial term of one year and expired in January
2010.
Supplier Warrants
During fiscal 1999, we granted warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of 165,000 shares of our common stock, at an
exercise price of $18.18 per share, to collectible experts providing content for our websites. These warrants vested immediately and
were exercisable over a ten-year term. The fair value of these warrants was expensed in fiscal 1999, and all of these warrants expired
during fiscal 2009.
12.
Stock Incentive Plans
On December 5, 2006, the Board of Directors adopted and our stockholders approved the 2006 Equity Incentive
Plan (“2006 Plan”), which consolidated all prior stock incentive plans and which provided for the grant of stock options, stock
appreciation rights (commonly referred to as “SARs”), restricted stock purchase rights and restricted stock units (collectively, “stock
awards”), to officers and other employees and non-employee directors and consultants to the Company or its subsidiaries. At the
time of the adoption of the 2006 Plan, a total of 444,000 shares of common stock were still available for the future grant of stock
options and restricted stock awards, of the total of 1,479,750 shares of common stock set aside for issuance under the prior plans.
68
69
Stock Options
Although no options have been granted since fiscal 2007, the only condition for vesting of options is continued
employment or service during the specified vesting period. For employees, typically the vesting period is four years and one year for
director awards. The term of the option grant cannot exceed ten years.
The following is a summary of stock option activity in the fiscal years 2011, 2010 and 2009 under the 2006 Plan (in
thousands, except per share data):
Options outstanding at June 30, 2008
Cancelled
Expired
Exercised
Options outstanding at June 30, 2009
Granted
Cancelled
Expired
Exercised
Options outstanding at June 30, 2010
Cancelled
Expired
Exercised
Options outstanding at June 30, 2011
Number
of Shares
927
(264)
(78)
-
585
-
(138)
(3)
(10)
434
(22)
(8)
(152)
252
Exercise
Price Per Share
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
$ 2.80
2.80
9.49
-
2.80
-
2.80
18.18
2.80
2.80
2.80
7.27
2.80
$ 2.80
$ 21.82
21.82
18.18
-
21.82
-
21.82
21.82
12.48
17.82
12.48
10.91
12.48
$ 17.82
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price Per
Share
$ 12.54
13.33
16.64
-
11.61
-
14.20
21.65
12.16
10.72
12.41
7.88
7.47
$ 12.64
The total pre-tax intrinsic value of options exercised during fiscal years ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 were approximately
$1,143,000 and $2,700, respectively. Total fair value of options vested during 2011, 2010 and 2009 were $38,000, $27,500 and
$1,101,000, respectively.
No stock option grants were awarded in fiscal years ended June 30, 2011, 2010 and 2009.
The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at June 30, 2011:
Range of Exercise Price
2.80
$ 5.27
$
$ 7.27
6.91
$
$ 13.18
9.09
$
$ 17.82
$ 14.17
Outstanding Options
Exercisable Options
Number
of Shares
Outstanding
11
50
103
88
252
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life (Years)
1.78
2.50
3.44
3.53
3.22
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
$ 3.29
$ 6.91
$ 12.15
$ 17.59
$ 12.64
($000’s)
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
$ 126
$ 391
$ 275
$
4
$ 796
Number
of Shares
Exercisable
11
50
100
88
249
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
$ 3.29
$ 6.91
$12.12
$17.59
$12.63
($000’s)
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
$
$
$
$
$
126
391
271
4
792
At June 30, 2011, unvested stock options to purchase up to a total of approximately 2,750 shares were outstanding with
a weighted average contractual remaining life of 6.4 years and at a weighted average exercise price of $13.18. As of the same date,
the aggregate intrinsic value of the unvested options (based on a closing price of our shares, as reported by Nasdaq, of $14.82) was
$4,500. At June 30, 2011, based upon the estimated forfeiture rate of 0% per annum and the remaining vesting terms of these
options, the number of options expected to vest over their remaining vesting terms was approximately 2,750 options. At June 30,
2010, unvested stock options to purchase up to a total of approximately 5,500 shares of our common stock were outstanding with a
weighted average contractual remaining life of 7.4 years and at a weighted average exercise price of $13.18. As of the same date, the
aggregate intrinsic value of the unvested options (based on a closing price of our shares, as reported by Nasdaq, of $13.41) was $0.
70
Restricted Shares
Prior to fiscal 2010, we granted restricted stock awards to employees and outside directors with respect for which the only
condition for vesting was continued employment or service during the specified vesting periods. During the fiscal years ended June
30, 2009 and 2008, we awarded an aggregate of 77,778 and 23,495 shares of restricted stock, respectively, to the Company’s CEO
and CFO and to the non-management directors, and in connection with those awards, recorded, as part of general administrative
expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended June 30, 2011, 2010 and 2009, approximately $20,000,
$20,000 and $256,000 in stock-based compensation expense, respectively.
Fiscal 2010 Equity Incentive Grants
On June 1, 2009, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors approved a management stock incentive
compensation program for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2010 (the “2010 Stock Incentive Program”), in lieu of a cash incentive
program, for the Company’s three executive officers, Michael J. McConnell, its CEO, David G. Hall, its President, and Joseph
J. Wallace, its CFO (the “Participants”). Under the terms of the 2010 Stock Incentive Program, on July 31, 2009, the three
Participants were awarded the following number of restricted shares that were reserved for future issuance under the Company’s
2006 Equity Incentive Plan that was approved by the Company’s stockholders: Mr. McConnell – 101,034 shares; Mr. Hall –
101,034 shares; and Mr. Wallace – 50,517 shares. Retention by the Participants of their restricted shares is subject to satisfaction
of certain vesting requirements and, if a vesting requirement that applies to any of the shares is not satisfied, those shares may be
forfeited and cancelled. Those vesting requirements of the 2010 Stock Incentive Program were as follows:
(1)
Performance-Based Vesting Requirement. The vesting of 75% of the restricted shares awarded to each officer was
contingent on the Company’s achievement of a financial performance goal for fiscal 2010. If that goal was not achieved, all of those
shares may be forfeited and cancelled. On the other hand, if the Company achieved that financial performance goal, then (i) one-
third of the shares would vest when it was determined that the performance goal was achieved, provided that the officer was still
in the Company’s service at the end of fiscal 2010; (ii) another one-third of those shares would vest on June 30, 2011, provided
the officer was still in the Company’s service at that time; and (iii) the final one-third of those shares would vest on June 30, 2012,
provided the officer was still in the Company’s service at that time, subject to acceleration of such vesting if an officer’s service with
the Company was terminated without cause.
(2)
Time-Based Vesting Requirement. The vesting of the remaining 25% of the restricted shares awarded to each officer
was contingent on the continued service of the officer to July 31, 2010, except for the 25% of the restricted shares awarded to
Mr. Wallace, the Company’s CFO, which became vested on the date of grant.
Management determined the fair value of the 252,585 shares of restricted stock to be an aggregate amount of $1,028,000,
based on the July 31, 2009 closing price of the Company’s common stock of $4.07, of which $257,000 relates to time-based vesting
and $771,000 related to performance-based vesting. The Company began recording stock-based compensation expense for the
time-based vesting shares over the requisite service period through July 31, 2010 or immediately for those grants that vested on the
grant date. The $771,000 associated with the performance-based vesting began to be recorded as an expense as of December 31,
2009, when it was determined that it was probable that the Company would achieve the fiscal 2010 financial performance goal. In
August, 2010, the Compensation Committee definitively determined that the Company had achieved the financial performance
goal for fiscal 2010.
Fiscal 2011 Equity Incentive Grants
On July 16, 2010, the Compensation Committee awarded 80,000 restricted shares to certain executive officers and senior
management employees (“Participant”), pursuant to the Company’s 2006 Equity Incentive Plan. Those restricted shares are subject
to certain risks of forfeiture, in which are summarized below:
(1) Service-Contingent Shares. The vesting of 50% of the restricted shares awarded (the “Service-Contingent Shares”) is
contingent on the Participant remaining in the continuous service of the Company; whereby 50% of the service-based shares vest
on June 30, 2011 and the remaining 50% will vest on June 30, 2012. If a Participant does not remain in the continuous service
of the Company until at least June 30, 2011, all of his/her restricted shares will be forfeited. If, on the other hand, a Participant
remains in the service of the Company until at least June 30, 2011, then 25% of his/her restricted shares will vest (that is, cease to
be subject to the risk of forfeiture), if he/she remains in the service of the Company until that date.
70
71
(2) Performance Contingent Shares. The vesting of 50% of the restricted shares awarded (the “Performance-Contingent
Shares”) was contingent on the Company’s achievement of a financial performance goal, measured on the basis of the Company’s
fiscal 2011 operating income. If that goal was not achieved, all of those shares would be forfeited and cancelled. If, on the
other hand, that financial performance goal was achieved, then, (i) one half of the Participant’s Performance-Contingent Shares
will become vested if he/she is still in the Company’s service on June 30, 2011; (ii) another one quarter of his/her Performance-
Contingent Shares will become vested on June 30, 2012, if the Participant is still in the Company’s service as of that date; and
(iii) the final one quarter of the Performance-Contingent Shares will vest on June 30, 2013, provided that he/she is still in the
Company’s service on such date.
The Company estimated the fair value of the 80,000 shares of restricted stock to be $997,000 based on the closing price
per share of the Company’s common stock of $12.46 on the grant date, of which $499,000 relates to service-based awards, and
$498,000 relates to Performance-Based Awards. For service-based awards, we will record stock-based compensation expense over
the requisite service period that commenced on July 16, 2010 and will continue through June 30, 2012.
As of December 31, 2010, management determined that achieving the performance condition for the full fiscal year 2011
was probable based upon financial results achieved as of that date and the expected results for the remainder of fiscal 2011. As a
result, the Company began recognizing expense for the performance grant in the quarter ended December 31, 2010, including a
catch up adjustment for the period from the grant date to September 30, 2010. In August 2011, the Compensation Committee
definitively determined that the Company had achieved the financial performance goal for fiscal 2011.
Other Fiscal 2011 and 2010 Grants
In the second quarter of fiscal 2011 and 2010, the Company granted approximately 17,025 and 22,242 service contingent
shares, respectively, which vest quarterly over the next twelve months, to its non-employee directors and one employee. The
Company estimated the fair value of those shares to be approximately $248,000 and $210,000, respectively, and such stock-based
compensation expense is being recognized over the service period of one year.
We recognized stock-based compensation (which includes compensation costs related to the grant of restricted stock
awards and stock options) of $1,131,000, $968,000 and $759,000 during fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Stock-based
compensation is recorded as part of (i) costs of sales, in the case of stock awards granted to employees whose costs are classified
as cost of revenues; (ii) selling and marketing expenses, in the case of stock awards granted to marketing and sales personnel;
(iii) general and administrative expenses, in the case of stock awards granted to directors, executive and financial management and
administrative personnel; and (iv) discontinued operations for those employees associated with businesses that have been sold, or are
held for sale, as follows (in thousands):
Included In:
Cost of revenues .................................................
Selling and marketing .........................................
General and administrative expenses ..................
Continuing operations .......................................
Discontinued operations ....................................
2011
$ -
-
1,131
1,131
-
1,131
$
Year Ended June 30,
2010
$ -
-
968
968
-
968
$
2009
294
-
465
759
21
780
$
$
72
The total amount of compensation expense related to unvested stock option and restricted stock awards not yet recognized
at June 30, 2011 was approximately $583,000 and that amount will be recognized as compensation expense as follows (in
thousands):
Fiscal Year Ending June 30,
2012
2013
$
$
542
41
583
However, such amounts, which are non-cash expenses, do not include the cost of new stock option or restricted stock
awards that may be granted in future periods nor any changes in the Company’s forfeiture percentage (see note 17 Subsequent
Events).
The following table presents the non-vested status of the restricted shares for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2011, 2010
and 2009 and their respective weighted average grant date fair values:
Non-Vested Shares:
Non-vested at June 30, 2008
Granted
Vested
Forfeited or cancelled
Non-vested at June 30, 2009
Granted
Vested
Forfeited or cancelled
Non-vested at June 30, 2010
Granted
Vested
Forfeited or cancelled
Non-vested at June 30, 2011
Shares
50,359
77,778
(55,863)
(28,847)
43,427
274,827
(64,155)
-
254,099
97,025
(217,948)
-
133,176
$
Weighted
Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value
12.60
2.70
5.73
12.48
3.80
4.50
4.42
-
4.43
12.83
5.60
-
8.64
$
13.
Related-Party Transactions
DHRCC, which is wholly owned by David Hall, who is the President and a director and a stockholder of the Company,
and Van Simmons, who is a director and a stockholder of the Company, has subleased from the Company, through March 31,
2019, approximately 2,200 square feet of office space, located at the Company’s offices in Santa Ana, California, at a rent equal to
between $1.50 and $2.00 per square foot per month. Under the original lease that was extended in February 2009, that rent per
square foot, was equal to the rent that was being paid to the Company by a prior unaffiliated subtenant for comparable space in the
same building under a sublease entered into by the Company in March 2004. The current rent is consistent with amounts being
paid by the Company under its lease agreement. Rent received under the DHRCC sublease, which commenced on March 1, 2004,
totaled $42,110 in fiscal 2011, $40,970 in fiscal 2010 and $43,240 in fiscal 2009.
During fiscal years 2011, 2010 and 2009, the Company charged, and DHRCC paid, approximately $25,230, $18,000
and $13,700 for advertising fees, approximately $8,900, $3,000 and $9,000 for grading and authentication fees, and DHRCC
was paid approximately $13,000, $22,000 and $11,000 for warranty claims, respectively. During fiscal year 2011, 2010 and 2009,
DHRCC attended the Expos Long Beach shows and paid approximately $5,900, $5,900 and $5,800, respectively, in fees to Expos
and also paid CCE $4,800, $4,600 and $4,200 in monthly subscription fees during fiscal year 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
During fiscal year 2011, 2010 and 2009, David Hall paid $31,000, $6,000 and $9,000, respectively, in grading and
authentication fees for personally owned trading cards submitted. Also, a member of Mr. Hall’s immediate family paid $663,000,
72
73
$517,000 and $191,000 in grading and authentication fees to PCGS during fiscal year 2011, 2010 and 2009 and owed the
Company approximately $54,000, $23,000 and $31,000 at June 30, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively, for services provided
during the respective years. The grading fees charged by the Company to both individuals were comparable to the fees charged by
the Company in the ordinary course of business to unaffiliated customers for similar services.
14.
Commitments and Contingencies
Leases
The Company has various operating lease commitments for facilities and equipment that expire through May 2019. In
December 2008, the Company amended the current lease obligation for its headquarters’ facility by entering into a new 10-year
lease obligation with aggregate payments of $9,982,000 that commenced on February 8, 2009 and continues to March 31, 2019. In
fiscal 2009, the Company exited its jewelry businesses and recognized the fair value of the remaining minimum lease obligations of
those leases as part of current and non-current liabilities of discontinued operations in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at June 30,
2011 and 2010.
In May 2010, the lease agreements related to the discontinued operations were modified, and approximately $1,893,000
in lease obligation reductions have been reflected in the scheduled payments presented below, related to the termination of one
of the leases, with only a financial obligation remaining. As discussed in note 3, the cumulative effect of the change in the net
obligations under the leases, resulting from these agreements of approximately $500,000, was recognized as a decrease to the
accrued liability at June 30, 2010. For the other leased space, a sublease agreement was entered into with aggregate scheduled
remaining payments under the sublease of $841,000, which coincides with the expiration of our lease obligation for that space, and
has been reflected in the net lease obligations of discontinued operations below. The sublease agreement expires on December 30,
2015.
The Company’s total rent expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease period. Total rent expense for
the fiscal years ended June 30, 2011, 2010 and 2009 for those operations classified as continuing operations, was approximately
$1,020,000, $1,004,000 and $1,077,000, respectively.
Future minimum lease payments (set forth in thousands) under those agreements associated with our continuing
operations at June 30, 2011, are as follows:
Year Ending June 30,
2012.................................................................................................
2013.................................................................................................
2014.................................................................................................
2015.................................................................................................
2016.................................................................................................
Thereafter ........................................................................................
Company’s
Gross
Payment
$
1,255
1,276
1,252
1,160
1,135
3,150
$ 9,228
Sublease
Income
43
45
46
47
49
142
372
$
$
Net
1,212
1,231
1,206
1,113
1,086
3,008
8,856
$
$
Future minimum payments associated with our discontinued operations, including both the subleased space and the space
that was returned to the landlord at June 30, 2011, are as follows (in thousands):
Year Ending June 30,
2012.................................................................................................
2013.................................................................................................
2014.................................................................................................
2015.................................................................................................
2016.................................................................................................
Thereafter ........................................................................................
Less: Discounted estimated fair value of minimum lease payments
Accretion expense to be recognized in future years
Company’s
Gross
Payment
$ 680
721
758
794
635
715
$ 4,303
74
Sublease
Income
174
181
192
195
99
-
841
$
$
Net
506
540
566
599
536
715
3,462
3,015
447
$
$
The accrual for facility-related obligations at June 30, 2011 includes an estimate of the minimum lease payments of
$3,015,000 and an estimate of the operating expenses related to the leased properties of $122,000.
With the exception of facility obligations for continuing and discontinued operations, we do not have any material
financial obligations, such as long-term debt, capital leases or purchase obligations.
Employment Agreements
The Company has entered into employment agreements with certain executive officers and other key employees. The
employment agreements provide for minimum salary levels, incentive compensation and severance benefits, among other items.
Indemnification Obligations
The Company from time to time enters into certain types of contracts that contingently require the Company to
indemnify parties against third-party claims. These contracts primarily relate to (i) agreements pursuant to which the Company
has sold its discontinued collectibles sales businesses and which require the Company to indemnify the purchasers from certain
contingent liabilities that might arise from the operation of those businesses prior to their sale by the Company, which is
customary in business sale transactions such as these; (ii) certain real estate leases under which the Company may be required to
indemnify property owners for environmental or other liabilities and other claims arising from the Company’s use of the applicable
premises; and (iii) certain agreements with the Company’s officers and directors, under which the Company may be required
to indemnify such persons for liabilities arising out of their relationships as officers or directors of the Company. The terms of
such indemnification obligations vary by contract and in most instances a specific or maximum dollar amount is not explicitly
stated therein. Historically, the Company has not been obligated to make significant payments under, and no liabilities have been
recorded in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets for these indemnification obligations.
Legal Actions and Settlements
The Company is named from time to time, as a defendant in lawsuits that arise in the ordinary course of business. The Company
continues to be involved in a dispute with a former employee who has claimed $175,000. Should this dispute proceed to trial, the
Company could also be responsible for penalties and costs. Management believes that none of such lawsuits currently pending
against it is likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company.
15.
Business Segments
Operating segments are defined as the components or “segments” of an enterprise for which separate financial information
is available that is evaluated regularly by the Company’s chief operating decision maker, or decision-making group, in deciding how
to allocate resources to and in assessing performance of those components or “segments.” The Company’s chief operating decision-
maker is its Chief Executive Officer. The operating segments of the Company are organized based on the respective services that
they offer to customers of the Company. Similar operating segments have been aggregated to reportable operating segments based
on having similar services, types of customers, and other criteria.
For our continuing operations, we operate principally in three reportable service segments: coins, trading cards and
autographs and other high-end collectibles. Services provided by these segments include authentication, grading, publication and
web-based advertising, subscription-based revenues and product sales. The other collectibles segment includes stamps, the CCE
subscription business and our collectibles conventions business.
74
75
We allocate operating expenses to each service segment based upon activity levels. The following tables set forth on a
business segment basis, including a reconciliation with the consolidated financial statements, (i) external revenues, (ii) amortization
and depreciation; (iii) impairment losses; (iv) stock-based compensation expense as significant other non-cash transactions; and (v)
operating income (loss) for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2011, 2010 and 2009. Net identifiable assets and goodwill are provided
by business segment as of June 30, 2011 and 2010. All of our sales and identifiable assets are located in the United States.
Net revenues from external customers:
Coins .........................................................................................
Trading cards and autographs .....................................................
Other .........................................................................................
Total revenue..............................................................................
2011
$ 29,992
10,229
4,211
$ 44,432
Year Ended June 30,
2010
$ 25,781
9,746
4,236
$ 39,763
2009
$ 20,943
10,190
4,781
$ 35,914
Amortization and depreciation:
Coins .........................................................................................
Trading cards and autographs .....................................................
Other .........................................................................................
Total ..........................................................................................
Unallocated amortization and depreciation ................................
$
Consolidated amortization and depreciation ..............................
$
235
172
258
665
106
771
Impairment losses:
Coins .........................................................................................
Trading cards and autographs .....................................................
Other .........................................................................................
Total ..........................................................................................
Unallocated impairment losses ...................................................
Consolidated impairment losses .................................................
Stock-based compensation:
Coins .........................................................................................
Trading cards and autographs
Other .........................................................................................
Total ..........................................................................................
Unallocated stock-based compensation ......................................
Consolidated stock-based compensation ....................................
Operating income:
Coins .........................................................................................
Trading cards and autographs .....................................................
Other .........................................................................................
Total ..........................................................................................
Unallocated operating expenses ..................................................
Consolidated operating income ..................................................
$ -
-
1,368
1,368
-
$ 1,368
$
196
30
45
271
860
$ 1,131
$ 11,041
1,380
(337)
12,084
(3,795)
$ 8,289
$
$
232
204
369
805
186
991
$ -
-
-
-
-
$ -
$ -
-
-
-
968
968
$
$ 10,437
1,173
780
12,390
(4,034)
$ 8,356
$
303
365
414
1,082
319
$ 1,401
$ -
649
-
649
-
$ 649
$
$
195
83
22
300
459
759
$ 6,825
598
396
7,819
(5,731)
$ 2,088
At June 30,
Identifiable Assets:
Coins....................................................
Trading cards and autographs ...............
Other ...................................................
Total .....................................................
Unallocated assets .................................
Consolidated assets ...............................
Goodwill:
Coins....................................................
Other ...................................................
Consolidated goodwill ..........................
2011
4,892
982
2,862
8,736
27,775
36,511
515
1,568
2,083
$
$
$
$
2010
3,509
810
4,460
8,779
29,907
38,686
515
2,311
2,826
$
$
$
$
76
16.
Quarterly Results (unaudited)
The following table sets forth the unaudited consolidated financial results for quarterly periods in fiscal years 2011 and
2010:
Quarterly Results of Operations
Quarter Ended
(In thousands, except per share data)
Statement of Operations Data:
Revenues
Cost of revenues
Gross profit
Operating Expenses:
SG&A expenses
Impairment losses(1)
Operating income
Interest and other income, net
Income before income taxes
Provision (benefit) for income taxes(2)
Income from continuing operations
Income (loss) from discontinued operations,
net of loss on sales of discontinued
businesses (net of income taxes)(3)
Sept. 30,
2009
Dec. 31,
2009
Mar. 31,
2010
June 30,
2010
Sept. 30,
2010
Dec. 31,
2010
Mar. 31,
2011
June 30,
2011
$ 9,298
3,739
5,559
$ 8,883
3,633
5,250
$ 10,790
4,204
6,586
$ 10,792
4,018
6,774
$ 9,755
3,774
5,981
$ 9,600
3,895
5,705
$ 12,818
4,907
7,911
$ 12,259
4,673
7,586
3,763
-
1,796
40
1,836
127
1,709
3,785
-
1,465
12
1,477
(202)
1,679
4,051
-
2,535
35
2,570
129
2,441
4,214
-
2,560
32
2,592
(8,384)
10,976
4,142
-
1,839
24
1,863
745
1,118
4,154
-
1,551
28
1,579
609
970
4,598
-
3,313
36
3,349
1,381
1,968
4,632
1,368
1,586
5
1,591
611
980
(53)
(508)
(68)
522
(13)
(22)
-
118
Net income
$ 1,656
$ 1,171
$ 2,373
$ 11,498
$ 1,105
$
948
$ 1,968
$ 1,098
Net income per basic share:
From continuing operations
From discontinued operations,
net of loss on sales
of discontinued businesses
(net of income taxes)
Net income
Net income per diluted share:
From continuing operations
From discontinued operations,
net of loss on sales
of discontinued businesses
(net of income taxes)
Net income
Weighted average shares outstanding
Basic
Diluted
$ 0.23
$ 0.23
$ 0.33
$ 1.48
$ 0.15
$ 0.13
$ 0.25
$ 0.13
(0.01)
(0.07)
(0.01)
$ 0.22
$ 0.16
$ 0.32
0.07
$ 1.55
-
(0.01)
-
0.01
$ 0.15
$ 0.12
$ 0.25
$ 0.14
$ 0.22
$ 0.22
$ 0.32
$ 1.43
$ 0.14
$ 0.12
$ 0.25
$ 0.13
-
(0.07)
(0.01)
0.07
-
-
-
0.01
$ 0.22
$ 0.15
$ 0.31
$
1.50
$ 0.14
$ 0.12
$ 0.25
$
0.14
7,551
7,629
7,404
7,555
7,420
7,676
7,429
7,689
7,502
7,725
7,732
7,820
7,727
7,841
7,716
7,806
(1) The impairment losses recognized in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011, related to our Expos business (see note 6).
(2) The income tax benefit in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010 relates to the release of valuation allowances. See “Critical Accounting Policies
and Estimates─Income Tax, Deferred Tax Assets and Valuation Allowances.”
(3) The income from discontinued operations in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010 relates to agreements reached in the fourth quarter to reduce
the Company’s obligations under the New York leases. See “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates─Accruals for Losses on Facility Leases.”
76
77
17.
Subsequent Events
Equity Incentive Grants.
On July 19, 2011, the Compensation Committee awarded 92,000 restricted shares to executive officers and senior
management (“Participant”), pursuant to the Company’s 2006 Plan. Those restricted shares are subject to certain risks of forfeiture,
in which are summarized below.
(1) Service-Contingent Shares. If a Participant remains in continuous service with the Company, one half of the restricted
shares are service-based shares and will vest in sixteen equal quarterly installments, with the exception of one executive officer’s
grant, for which the service contingent shares vest over eight quarters through June 30, 2013.
(2)
Performance Contingent Shares. The remaining 50% of restricted shares (the “Performance-Contingent Shares”) are
subject to forfeiture in their entirety, if the Company does not achieve a minimum financial performance goal, measured on the
basis of the Company’s fiscal 2012 operating income. Depending on the financial performance achieved, a number of shares will be
determined, and those shares will vest (i) one third if he/she is still in the Company’s service on June 30, 2012; (ii) another one third
will become vested on June 30, 2013, if the Participant is still in the Company’s service as of that date; and (iii) the final one third
will vest on June 30, 2014, provided that he/she is still in the Company’s service on such date.
Participants may also earn a maximum 10% more shares if the Company exceeds the fiscal 2012 financial performance
goal by at least 10%.
The Company will determine the fair value of the 92,000 shares of restricted stock based on the closing price per share of
the Company’s common stock on the grant date. For service-based awards, we will record stock-based compensation expense over
the requisite service periods that commenced on July 19, 2011 and will continue through June 30, 2015.
That portion of stock-based compensation expense associated with the performance-based vesting requirement will not
be recorded during the fiscal year ending June 30, 2012, unless it is considered probable that the Company will achieve the 2012
financial objectives established by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors.
Dividends
On August 1, 2011, the Company announced its quarterly cash dividend of $0.325 per share of common stock for the
first quarter of fiscal 2012. The cash dividend will be paid on August 26, 2011 to stockholders of record on August 12, 2011.
Schedule II
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
Description
Year Ended June 30, 2009
Allowance for doubtful accounts ................
Allowance for customer notes receivable .....
Inventory reserve ........................................
Valuation allowance for deferred taxes ........
Year Ended June 30, 2010
Allowance for doubtful accounts ................
Allowance for customer notes receivable .....
Inventory reserve ........................................
Valuation allowance for deferred taxes ........
Year Ended June 30, 2011
Allowance for doubtful accounts ................
Allowance for customer notes receivable .....
Inventory reserve ........................................
Balance at
Beginning
of Period
Charged
(Credited)
to Operating
Expenses
$
27,000
31,000
91,000
4,572,000
$
63,000
31,000
102,000
12,962,000
$
75,000
16,000
144,000
$
$
$
50,000
-
-
-
51,000
(15,000)
-
-
17,000
(2,000)
-
Charged
to Cost of
Revenues
Charged
(Credited)
to Tax Provision
Net
Deductions
Balance
at End
of Period
$
$
$
-
-
176,000
-
$
-
-
-
8,390,000
$ 14,000)
-
(165,000)
-
$
63,000
31,000
102,000
12,962,000
-
-
58,000
-
$
-
-
-
(12,962,000)
$ 39,000)
-
(16,000)
-
$
-
-
-
-
-
-
$ (26,000)
-
(18,000)
$
$
75,000
16,000
144,000
-
66,000
14,000
126,000
78
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING
AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in
our reports under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) is recorded, processed, summarized and
reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), and
that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief
Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating our disclosure controls and
procedures, our management recognized that any system of controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated,
can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, as ours are designed to do, and management
necessarily was required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.
As required by SEC rules, an evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief
Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the effectiveness, as of June 30, 2011, of the Company’s disclosure controls and
procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act). Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief
Financial Officer concluded that, as of June 30, 2011, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective to provide
reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in our reports that we file under the Exchange Act is recorded,
processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and that such information is
accumulated and communicated to management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely
decisions regarding required disclosure.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during our fourth fiscal quarter
ended June 30, 2011 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial
reporting.
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Management of Collectors Universe, Inc. is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over
financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f ) and 15d-15(f ) under the Exchange Act. Our internal control over financial
reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation
of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of
America. Internal control over financial reporting includes those written policies and procedures that:
§ pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and
dispositions of our assets;
§ provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements
in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America;
§ provide reasonable assurance that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorization
of our management and directors; and
§ provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition
of assets that could have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.
Internal control over financial reporting includes the controls themselves, monitoring and internal auditing practices and
actions taken to correct deficiencies as identified.
78
79
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.
Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risks that controls may become inadequate
because of changes in conditions or because the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Management’s Assessment and Determination
Our management assessed the effectiveness of Collectors Universe’s internal control over financial reporting as of June 30,
2011, based on criteria for effective internal control over financial reporting described in “Internal Control – Integrated Framework”
issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Management’s assessment included an
evaluation of the design and the testing of the operational effectiveness of Collectors Universe’s internal control over financial
reporting. Management reviewed the results of its assessment with the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors.
Based on that assessment, management determined that, as of June 30, 2011, Collectors Universe, Inc. maintained
effective internal control over financial reporting.
This Annual Report does not include an attestation report of the Company’s registered public accounting firm regarding
internal control over financial reporting, because the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act exempts
smaller reporting companies from the requirement to include such attestation reports of their registered public accounting firms in
their Annual Reports.
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
None
80
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Except for information concerning the Company’s executive officers, which is included in Part I of this Annual Report, the
information required by Item 10 is incorporated by reference from the Company’s definitive proxy statement, expected to be filed
with the Commission on or before October 28, 2011 for the Company’s 2011 annual stockholders’ meeting.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information required by Item 11 is incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s definitive proxy statement,
expected to be filed with the Commission on or before October 28, 2011 for the Company’s 2011 annual stockholders’ meeting.
ITEM 12.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND
RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
Except for the information below regarding our equity compensation plans, the information required by Item 12 is
incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s definitive proxy statement, expected to be filed with the Commission on or
before October 28, 2011 for the Company’s 2011 annual stockholders’ meeting.
The following table provides information relating to our equity compensation plans as of June 30, 2011.
Column A
Number of Securities to
be Issued Upon Exercise
of Outstanding
Options, Warrants and
Restricted Shares
Column B
Weighted-Average
Exercise Price
of Outstanding
Options,
Warrants
Column C
Number of Securities Remaining
Available for Future Issuance
under Equity Compensation
Plans (Excluding Securities
Reflected in Column A)
252,000
$12.64
$484,000
Equity compensation plans
approved by stockholders
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND
DIRECTOR INDEPENDANCE
The information required by Item 13 is incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s definitive proxy statement,
expected to be filed with the Commission on or before October 28, 2011 for the Company’s 2011 annual stockholders’ meeting.
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
The information required by Item 14 is incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s definitive proxy statement,
expected to be filed with the Commission on or before October 28, 2011 for the Company’s 2011 annual stockholders’ meeting.
80
81
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(a)(1)
Financial Statements
PART IV
The following financial statements are included in Item 8 of Form 10-K:
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2011 and 2010
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended June 30, 2011, 2010 and 2009
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended June 30, 2011, 2010 and 2009
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended June 30, 2011, 2010 and 2009
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(a)(2)
Financial Statement Schedule
Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
Other schedules are omitted because the required information is either inapplicable or has been disclosed
in the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto.
(a)(3) Exhibits
Please see Index to Exhibits immediately following the Signature Page of this Annual Report for a list of
the Exhibits required, pursuant to Item 601 of Regulation S-K, to be filed with this Annual Report.
82
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this
Annual Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
SIGNATURES
Date: August 26, 2011
COLLECTORS UNIVERSE, INC
By: /s/ JOSEPH J. WALLACE
Joseph J. Wallace, Chief Financial Officer
POWER OF ATTORNEY
Each person whose signature to this Annual Report appears below hereby appoints Michael J. McConnell and Joseph
J. Wallace, and any of them, individually, to act severally as attorneys-in-fact and agents, with power of substitution and
resubstitution, for each of them, to sign on his or her behalf, individually and in the capacities stated below, and to file, any and all
amendments to this Annual Report, which amendment or amendments may make changes and additions as such attorneys-in-fact
may deem necessary or appropriate.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Annual Report has been signed by the following
persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature
Title
Date
/s/ A. CLINTON ALLEN
A. Clinton Allen
/s/ MICHAEL J. MCCONNELL
Michael J. McConnell
/s/ DAVID HALL
David G. Hall
Chairman of the Board and Director
August 26, 2011
Chief Executive Officer and Director
August 26, 2011
President and Director
August 26, 2011
/s/ JOSEPH J. WALLACE
Joseph J. Wallace
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
/s/ VAN D. SIMMONS
Van D. Simmons
/s/ A. J. BERT MOYER
A. J. Bert Moyer
/s/ DEBORAH A. FARRINGTON
Deborah A. Farrington
/s/ BRUCE A. STEVENS
Bruce A. Stevens
Director
Director
Director
Director
August 26, 2011
August 26, 2011
August 26, 2011
August 26, 2011
August 26, 2011
82
83
Exhibit
No.
3.2
3.2.1
3.3
3.3.1
10.1
10.2
10.4
10.5
10.6
10.9
10.27
10.28
10.29
10.43
10.44
10.45
10.46
10.47
10.48
10.49
21.1
23.1
31.1
31.2
32.1
32.2
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
Description
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Collectors Universe. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the
Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-122129), filed on January 19, 2005.
Certificate of Amendment to Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Collectors Universe. Incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 3.2.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-122129), filed on January 19,
2005.
Certificate of Amendment to Section 2 of Article III of the Company’s Bylaws, effective as of September 26, 2008, establishing
a Majority-Vote requirement for Directors. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4 to the Company’s Current Report on Form
8-K dated September 26, 2008.
Amended and Restated Bylaws of Collectors Universe, Inc. as adopted and effective September 26, 2008. Incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 3.3 to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended September 30, 2008.
Collectors Universe 1999 Stock Incentive Plan.*
Form of Stock Option Agreement for the Collectors Universe 1999 Plan.*
PCGS 1999 Stock Incentive Plan.*
Form of Stock Option Agreement for the PCGS 1999 Plan.*
Form of Indemnification Agreement.*
Collectors Universe/eBay Mutual Services Term Sheet dated February 10, 1999, between the Company and eBay, Inc.*
Collectors Universe 2003 Stock Incentive Plan. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Registration
Statement on Form S-8 (File No. 333-121035), filed on December 6, 2004.
Form of Stock Option Agreement for 2003 Stock Incentive Plan. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s
Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File No. 333-121035), filed on December 6, 2004.
Form of Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement for 2003 Stock Incentive Plan. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the
Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File No. 333-121035), filed on December 6, 2004.
Collectors Universe, Inc. Fiscal 2010 Management Incentive Plan adopted as of July 1, 2009.**
Restricted Stock Agreement dated as of July 31, 2009 between Michael J. McConnell and the Company providing for the grant
of restricted shares pursuant to the 2010 Management Incentive Plan.**
Restricted Stock Agreement dated as of July 31, 2009 between David G. Hall and the Company providing for the grant
of restricted shares pursuant to the 2010 Management Incentive Plan.**
Restricted Stock Agreement dated as of July 31, 2009 between Joseph J. Wallace and the Company providing for
the grant of restricted shares pursuant to the 2010 Management Incentive Plan.**
Collectors Universe 2006 Equity Incentive Plan. Incorporated by reference from Appendix A to the Company’s 2006 Proxy
Statement filed with the Commission on October 27, 2006
Form of Restricted Stock Agreement for Restricted Stock Awards granted to the Company’s CEO and CFO on July 16, 2010.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 16, 2010.
Amended & Restated Employment Agreement dated May 9, 2011 between the Company and Michael J. McConnell, CEO.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.49 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 9, 2011.
Subsidiaries of Registrant
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Certifications of CEO Under Section 302 Of The Sarbanes-Oxley Act
Certifications of CFO Under Section 302 Of The Sarbanes-Oxley Act
CEO Certification of Periodic Report Under Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
CFO Certification of Periodic Report Under Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
*
**
Incorporated by reference to the same numbered exhibit to the Company’s Registration Statement (No. 333-86449) on Form S-1 filed with
the Commission on September 2, 1999.
Incorporated by reference to the same numbered exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30,
2009, filed with the Commission on September 4, 2009.
S-1
S-1