i
Dear Fellow Stockholders
On behalf of our directors and executive management team, I am pleased to present the 2012 Annual Report. In
2012, the Company delivered another year of solid financial results with record revenue of $48 million, operating
income of $9 million and return on invested capital of 51%.
Strategically, Collectors Universe, Inc. maintained a leading market share position in its key US markets, while
concurrently developing an international presence in both Europe and Asia.
In the United States, PCGS and PSA and PSA/DNA enhanced their services offerings, including important
programs related to their on-line digital activities. All three brands hold trusted positions in their respective markets
and deliver services and market information that provides our clients significant value on an ongoing basis. We were
able to achieve these financial results despite a slowdown in PCGS’ modern coin revenues during the fourth quarter,
due primarily to a considerable decline in sales volumes from the US Mint. Overall, our US operations delivered
strong cash flows and profitability for the year.
Internationally, our grading and operations team at PCGS made eight overseas trips in total to Paris and Hong Kong.
Despite incurring start-up losses, we remain committed to expanding our business in these markets and believe
Europe and Asia represent long-term profitable growth opportunities for us. Importantly, the capital commitments
to extend to these markets have been modest, and we continue to learn how to effectively manage our people and
resources, given the increased demands from our international expansion.
In April, we held the Company’s first strategic off-site retreat in its 26-year history. The key elements of our go-forward
strategy are as follows:
• Continued focus on our existing markets
• Expand our global presence
• Increase monetization of information
• Continued focus on operational efficiency
The Company’s balance sheet remains very strong with no debt and cash of $21 million at June 30, 2012. We
returned in excess of $10 million to stockholders via quarterly dividends during the year. Your Board remains
committed to the current dividend policy for the foreseeable future, absent a significant reduction in revenues, a
change in strategy or a significant downturn in the economy.
Several months ago following the strategic review, I began a dialogue with the Board regarding succession planning
and indicated that I would not seek an extension of my employment contract. Much has been accomplished during
my tenure as your CEO over the last four years, and I am most grateful for having had the opportunity to serve
you. Your Board and I are working together to ensure a smooth transition, and I look forward to continuing as a
non-executive director of the Company.
Finally, I want to thank those who have contributed to the success of Collectors Universe, Inc. over the last year.
Thank you to our employees for their commitment and teamwork, to our customers, suppliers, advisors and
stockholders for their ongoing support, and to my fellow Board members for their professionalism and dedication.
We look forward to continuing to deliver value to our stockholders in the years ahead.
Michael J. McConnell
Chief Executive Officer
2012 ANNUAL REPORT
(THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK)
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
H
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2012
OR
M
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
[NO FEE REQUIRED]
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
Common Stock, par value $.001 per share
Name of each Exchange on which registered
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 M NO H
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 M NO H
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 H No M
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 M NO M
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. M
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 M
Non-accelerated filer (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) M
Accelerated Filer M
Smaller reporting company H
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Securities Exchange Act Rule 12b-2). YES M NO H
As of December 31, 2011, the aggregate market value of the Common Stock held by non-affiliates was approximately $79,730,000 based on
the per share closing price of $14.57 of registrant’s Common Stock as of such date as reported by the Nasdaq Global Market.
As of August 24, 2012, a total of 8,106,657 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, 2012, for its Annual Meeting of Stockholders scheduled.
PART I
PART II
COLLECTORS UNIVERSE, INC.
FORM 10-K
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2012
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Forward-Looking Statements..................................................................................................................................
Item 1.
Business................................................................................................................................................
Item 1A. Risk Factors ..........................................................................................................................................
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments .................................................................................................................
Item 2.
Item 3.
Properties .............................................................................................................................................
Legal Proceedings .................................................................................................................................
Executive Officers of Registrant ............................................................................................................
Item 5. Market for Common Stock, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities .....
Selected Consolidated Financial Data ...................................................................................................
Item 6.
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, 2012 and 2011 ......................................................................
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years ended June 30, 2012, 2011 and 2010 .................
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the Years Ended
June 30, 2012, 2011 and 2010 .........................................................................................................
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended June 30, 2012, 2011 and 2010 ................
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 ..............................................................................................................................
PART III
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..............................................................................................
PART IV Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules .........................................................................................
SIGNATURES .........................................................................................................................................................................
Page
1
1
12
18
18
18
18
19
20
22
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
49
70
70
70
73
73
73
73
73
73
74
S-1
INDEX TO EXHIBITS ...........................................................................................................................................................
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 and memorabilia (“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 quality 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 and
“PSA/DNA” for autographs and memorabilia. Additionally, we warrant our certification of authenticity and the grade that we
assign to the coins and trading cards 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 and commissions
earned on our websites, including Coinflation.com™, which we acquired in September 2011; (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,
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 to our CoinFacts.com website, which offers a
comprehensive one-step source for historical U.S. numismatic information and value-added content; 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 also provided stamp authentication
and grading services until June 2012 when we sold that business.
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;
§ “PSA/DNA” (PSA/DNA Authentication Services), which is the brand name for our independent authentication
and grading service for vintage autographs and memorabilia.
1
PCGS, PSA and PSA/DNA are among the leading independent authentication and grading services in their
respective markets.
We began offering our PCGS coin authentication and grading services in 1986 and, from inception through the fiscal year
ended June 30, 2012, we have authenticated and graded more than 22 million coins. In 1991, we launched our PSA trading cards
authentication and grading service and, through June 30, 2012, authenticated and graded over 15 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.
The following table provides information regarding the respective numbers of coins, trading cards, autographs and stamps
that we authenticated or graded from 2010 to 2012:
Coins
Trading cards
Autographs
Stamps(1)
Total
2012
1,974,700
1,111,500
335,900
14,000
3,436,100
58%
32%
10%
-
100%
Units Processed
2011
1,973,700
1,089,500
240,100
13,900
3,317,200
60%
33%
7%
-
100%
2010
1,708,200
1,090,600
196,500
19,000
3,014,300
57%
36%
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:
2012
Declared Values (000’s)
2011
Coins
Trading cards
Autographs
Stamps(1)
Total
$ 1,306,000
92,000
25,000
9,000
$ 1,432,000
91%
6%
2%
1%
100%
$ 1,292,000
83,000
21,000
8,000
$ 1,404,000
92%
6%
1%
1%
100%
2010
$ 1,390,000
73,000
18,000
13,000
$ 1,494,000
93%
5%
1%
1%
100%
(1) We sold our stamp authentication and grading business in June 2012.
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 primarily based on the value of the collectible. In fiscal 2012, our authentication and grading fees, per item
processed, for all our businesses averaged $11.64. In the case of coins, such fees ranged from $5 to $600 per coin, and averaged
$14.89 per coin and, in the case of trading cards, ranged from $4 to $50 per card, and averaged $5.84 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
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.
2
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.
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.
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
3
§ 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 Amazon, has 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.
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, 2012, we employed 23 experts who have an
average of 27 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
4
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, 2012, we employed 15 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-MT 8 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.
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, 2012, 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.
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. In addition, effective January 1, 2012, we began
charging a listing fee for collectibles listed for sale on Collectors Corner. Currently, there are over 72,000 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 $68 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 those collectibles 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 one of the
preeminent online markets for PCGS certified coins sold by dealers to other dealers, and for coins and trading cards certified by
PCGS and PSA, respectively, bought and sold between dealers and consumers.
5
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 4,800 PSA Collectors Club members. 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 and CCE and Collectors Corner in coins.
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 and PSA/DNA. 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 22 million coins since the inception of PCGS, and over 15 million
trading cards since the inception of PSA, we believe 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 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.
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 and attended our first trade show in
Hong Kong in fiscal 2012. We intend to continue to build on our initial success in the grading and authentication
of non-U.S. coins, with particular attention to the Asian market;
§ launched PCGS Secure Plus 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.
6
§ provided numismatic information and value added content through our CoinFacts website, including dedicated
pages for coins and access to information that can help determine coin values, including the PCGS Population
Report auction prices realized and an expanded price guide that can be accessed for a subscription fee of $12.95 per
month.
§ 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 and trading card
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 and trading card 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;
§ expanded our website information services, including auction results, reference materials and ongoing price guides
and rarity reports; and
§ We are currently developing 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.
Operations
We offer authentication and grading services for coins, trading cards, autographs and autographed memorabilia. 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.
7
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.
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 media in each of our markets.
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.
§ 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. 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
8
— 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
and trading cards.
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. As an indication of the
popularity of our Set Registry programs, approximately 140,000 sets were registered on our Set Registries as of June
30, 2012, which represents a 10% increase over the number registered as of June 30, 2011
§ Collectors Clubs Subscription Program. We also have established “Collectors Clubs” for coin 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. There are 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.
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 73,000 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 and PSA
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 media in the respective markets. 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.
9
§ Expos. We acquired Expos Unlimited LLC (“Expos”), a trade show management company that operates one of the
larger and better-known coin and collectibles shows in Long Beach, California. Expos assures us of the continued
availability of this show venue 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
World Series of Grading
CU3000
History in Your Hands
Collectors Universe
PCGS
Professional Sports Authenticator
PSA
PSA/DNA
First Strike
Quick Opinion
Sports Market Report
Unregistered Marks
Coin Universe
Collectors.com
Set Registry
Expos Unlimited
Long Beach 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, 2012, we employed 43 experts in our authentication and grading operations, who have from 4 to 53 years,
and an overall average of 26 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 and trading card 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. We accrue for estimated warranty costs based on historical 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
10
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 24-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, 2012, we have chosen to purchase substantially all of the injection-
molded plastic parts for our clear plastic holders principally from two suppliers. For our highest volume most critical plastic part
we have chosen to split the supply of this part between our two supplies. For our other parts, we have one or the other of these
suppliers manufacture the part. There are numerous suppliers for these items, and we believe that, if necessary, we could alternate
the supply of parts or obtain those items from other suppliers without significant cost to us. However, if it were to become
necessary for us to alternate between our two suppliers or 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, 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 our alternative supplier build parts, should the need to
do so arise or should we decide to use another 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.
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 and
PSA/DNA 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.
Information Technology
We have developed a number of proprietary software systems for use in our authentication and grading operations,
as well as for the operation and maintenance of our websites. Custom applications include grading systems, inventory control
and order tracking systems, and other internally developed applications to manage the day-to-day operations of the Company.
Websites have multiple customer-facing content/ information systems, including (but not limited to) PSA CollectibleFacts,
PCGS CoinFacts, multiple price guide and population reports, and multiple eCommerce solutions. Internally, these websites and
applications are managed through a proprietary content management system. The majority of internally developed systems are
11
written in Microsoft C# .NET and, in some limited cases, Microsoft Visual Basic .NET (all using a number of high-availability
Microsoft SQL Server clusters on the back end). In fiscal year 2012, there were a number of legacy systems replaced or upgraded
(including a significant upgrade to our Microsoft Dynamics NAV accounting/ERP system).
The majority of the information technology systems (both for internal use and on publicly-accessible websites) are located
in our Southern California headquarters. Smaller internal-use-only local area networks exist in our New Jersey, Paris, and Hong
Kong operations centers. The Southern California office maintains a dedicated computer room with:
•
•
•
24/7/365 monitoring and alerting of environmental conditions (including temperature, humidity, power status, etc.)
through multiple/redundant hardware sensors and systems;
24/7/365 monitoring and alerting of website availability and performance through both in-house systems and third-party
solution providers; and
24/7/365 monitoring and alerting of Internet-based security threats through internal security systems, dedicated hardware
devices, and external third-party solution providers.
Cyber security is a top concern and is always contemplated when deploying new systems (both software and hardware).
To this end, key staff members maintain industry-standard security and audit certifications and regularly expand their security
knowledge.
We maintain multiple Internet connections for both web serving and outbound Internet access. Internet access points
(across all offices) are protected with Cisco enterprise-level firewalls and security products. Additionally, access to critical network
components is protected by both local Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) and a security-centric managed service provider. In
addition to the constant monitoring of these security devices, network security scans (of both internal and publicly-accessible
servers) are performed on a regular basis. These scans include penetration/intrusion testing, vulnerability assessments, and attack
surface analysis. We have multiple overlapping security infrastructures to mitigate potential single failures.
The Information Technology infrastructure in our smaller offices in New Jersey, Paris and Hong Kong is limited. Therefore
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. These risks are mitigated by a comprehensive data backup/protection solution, which includes
both daily and long-term offsite data storage.
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, 2012, we had a total of 249 employees, of which 211 were full-time employees and 38 were part-time
employees. Our authentication and grading-related businesses employed 199 people, including our 43 experts and 24 customer
service and support personnel. The other 50 employees included 5 in information services, 5 in marketing, 5 in our CCE
subscription business, 19 in our Expos business (of which 18 were part-time employees) and 16 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.
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:
12
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, as evidenced by the reduction in our modern coin grading fees in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012, 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 accounted for approximately 66%, 66% and 65% of our total net
revenues in fiscal 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Our modern coin grading revenues represented approximately 24% of total
revenues in fiscal 2012. We believe that the principal factors that can lead to fluctuations in coin grading submissions include:(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 or to delay buying 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 continue substantially unchanged for an extended period
of time, 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 and trading cards, 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
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 fees earned on collectibles that we authenticate and grade. Trends of this nature may result in
significant period-to-period fluctuations in our operating results and could result in declines in our net revenues and profitability,
13
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, 2012, 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 and geographic expansion, 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 and 2012, the Company began
providing grading and authentication services in Paris, France and in Hong Kong and the Company plans to focus more attention
on other international markets, particularly Asia. Those new services and international focus, however, may not meet expectations
and may prove to be unprofitable and negatively impact our operating results. Also, the current debt crisis and the recent onset of
recessionary conditions in Europe could, in the future, adversely affect the number of coin authentication and grading submissions
and, therefore, the revenues generated by and the financial results of our European operations.
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, both in the United States and overseas 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.
We could suffer losses on authentication and grading warranties.
In general, we issue an authenticity or grading warranty for coins and trading cards that we authenticate or grade. Those
warranties with certain requirements for non-U.S. coins provide that:
§ if a coin or trading card 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 its current market value; and
§ if a coin or trading card 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 current market value or
to pay the difference in its value at its original grade, as compared to its value at the lower grade.
14
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 obligations under the sublease agreement, thereby, increasing
our net obligations.
In May 2010, the Company sublet one of its spaces in New York City that had been formerly occupied by our discontinued
jewelry businesses. Should the subtenant not fulfill its rental obligations under the sublease, which are payable over the lease term
through 2015, it would adversely affect the cash used for discontinued operations and our losses incurred from discontinued operations
in future periods.
There is no assurance that we will continue to pay cash dividends at current levels.
The Company’s current policy is to pay cash dividends to stockholders 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 two suppliers 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 and trading cards that we authenticate and grade, in tamper-evident, clear plastic holders. In
addition, we incorporate security features into the holders to mitigate the risk of counterfeits. In order to take advantage of
volume-pricing discounts, we purchase substantially all of those holders, on a purchase order basis, from two principal suppliers.
For our highest volume most critical plastic part, we have chosen to split the supply of this part between our two supplies. For our
other parts, we have one or the other of these suppliers manufacture the part. Our reliance on a limited number of suppliers for
a substantial portion of those plastic holders exposes us to the potential for delays in our ability to deliver timely authentication
and grading services in the event that one of the suppliers was 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) has increased its inventory of holders, which will give the Company more time to arrange production in the event
of a termination of or interruption in service from our existing vendor. If the replacement holders were not of comparable quality
to our existing suppliers, or counterfeit holders were manufactured by a third party, 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.
15
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 re-implementations 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 acquiring or commencing 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) although, at present, we have no plans to make a significant acquisition, the risk that the anticipated benefits of
any acquisition or of the commencement of any new business may not be realized or changes we make to an acquired business may
damage the performance of that business, in which event we will not be able to achieve an acceptable return or we may incur losses
on our investment.
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.
16
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 and Collectors.com. 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 8,106,657 at June 30, 2012, affiliates of the Company own a total of approximately 2,575,000 shares (or
about 32% 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.
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 the numbers and mix 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:
17
§ 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 addition, we currently rent small office spaces in Paris, France and
Hong Kong.
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 named from time to time 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
46
65
52
Positions
Chief Executive Officer
President
Chief Financial Officer
MICHAEL J. MCCONNELL is, and since March 2009, has served as, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and is and
since July 2007 has been a director of the Company. He also serves as a Non-Executive Director of PaperlinX Limited and Redflex
Holdings Limited. From 1998 to 2008, Mr. McConnell was a Managing Director and a member of the Executive Committee
of Shamrock Capital Advisors, Inc., a manager of private equity, real estate and direct investment funds, including the Shamrock
Activist Value Funds. Prior to joining Shamrock in 1994, Mr. McConnell held various management positions at PepsiCo, Merrill
Lynch and Kidder Peabody. Mr. McConnell formerly served on the boards of directors of Ansell Limited, Nuplex Industries,
Force Corporation, iPass, Inc., Port-link International, MRV Communications, Cosmoline Limited and Neo Technology Ventures.
Mr. McConnell received his B.A. in Economics from Harvard University and his MBA from the Darden School of the University
of Virginia.
DAVID G. HALL has served as President of Collectors Universe since October 2001 and as a Director since its founding
in February 1999. From April 2000 to September 2001, Mr. Hall served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Company and as
Chairman of the Board from February 1999 to October 2001. Mr. Hall was a director of Professional Coin Grading Service, Inc.,
and was its Chief Executive Officer from 1986 to February 1999, when it was acquired by the Company. Mr. Hall was honored
in 1999 by COINage Magazine as Numismatist of the Century, along with 14 other individuals. In 1990, Mr. Hall was named
Orange County Entrepreneur of the Year by INC. Magazine. In addition, Mr. Hall has written A Mercenary’s Guide to the Rare
Coin Market, a book dedicated to coin collecting. Mr. Hall invented and introduced the concept of and developed the business of
18
independent third party grading of high value collectible coins and sports cards. He is also known in the numismatics community
as one of the leading experts in identifying and grading high value collectible coins and he is in demand as a speaker at coin
conventions and trade shows.
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.
PART II
ITEM 5.
MARKET FOR COMMON STOCK, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER
PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
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 per share that we paid
to our stockholders, in each of the fiscal quarters in the fiscal years ended June 30, 2012 and 2011:
Fiscal 2012
First Quarter .............................................
Second Quarter .........................................
Third Quarter ............................................
Fourth Quarter ..........................................
Fiscal 2011
First Quarter .............................................
Second Quarter .........................................
Third Quarter ............................................
Fourth Quarter ..........................................
Closing Share Prices
Low
$ 13.80
12.43
14.24
13.22
High
$ 16.74
14.97
16.91
16.25
Closing Share Prices
Low
$ 11.18
12.72
13.11
13.75
High
$ 13.46
16.08
14.12
15.15
$
$
Cash
Dividend
Per Share
0.325
0.325
0.325
0.325
Cash
Dividend
Per Share
0.30
0.325
0.325
0.325
We had 101 holders of record and approximately 5,029 beneficial owners of our common stock as of June 30, 2012.
Dividends. In October 2010, the Board of Directors approved an increase in the quarterly dividend to $0.325 per share
per quarter. Dividends paid to stockholders in fiscal 2012, 2011 and 2010 were $10,355,000, $9,944,000 and $5,943,000,
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. However, the Company does not anticipate a change in its dividend policy, absent a
significant reduction in revenues, a change in strategy or a significant downturn in the economy.
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. Separate from the Dutch Auction Tender Offer, 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. There were no repurchases in fiscals 2012, 2011 and
2010. We currently have $3.7 million available for share purchases under the share buyback program. However, we are under no
19
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.
ITEM 6. SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
The selected operating data for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2012, 2011 and 2010, and the selected balance sheet data
at June 30, 2012 and 2011 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, 2009 and 2008 and the related
balance sheet data at June 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008 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 and memorabilia authentication and grading businesses
and our Coinflation.com, Certified Coin Exchange (“CCE”) and Expos businesses for each of the fiscal years in the five-year period
ended June 30, 2012.
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.
20
Consolidated Statement of Operations Data:
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
2012
$
48,359
19,402
28,957
19,800
-
9,157
104
(16)
9,245
2,425
6,820
$
$
$
$
$
(71)
6,749
0.86
(0.01)
0.85
0.85
(0.01)
0.84
7,905
7,987
$
$
$
$
$
$
Year Ended June 30,
2009
2010
2011
(In thousands, except per share data)
$ 35,914
44,432
16,385
17,249
19,529
27,183
16,792
17,526
649
1,368
2,088
8,289
284
98
14
(5)
2,386
8,382
1,183
3,346
1,203
5,036
$ 39,763
15,594
24,169
15,813
-
8,356
89
30
8,475
(8,330)
16,805
2008
$ 39,505
19,779
19,726
18,420
-
1,306
1,138
6
2,450
2,155
295
83
5,119
(107)
$ 16,698
(18,126)
$ (16,923)
(15,927)
$ (15,632)
0.66
$
2.26
$
0.13
$
0.03
0.01
0.67
(0.02)
2.24
$
0.65
$
2.20
0.01
0.66
(0.01)
2.19
$
(1.99)
(1.86)
(1.71)
(1.68)
$
0.13
$
0.03
(1.98)
(1.85)
(1.69)
(1.66)
$
$
$
$
7,682
7,798
7,451
7,637
9,103
9,135
9,295
9,419
Cash dividends paid on common stock
Cash dividends declared per share of common stock
$
$
10,355
1.30
$
$
9,944
1.28
$ 5,943
0.80
$
$ 2,090
0.23
$
$ 8,517
0.91
$
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
__________
2012
2011
$
21,214
18,901
(777)
3,871
-
36,236
209
24,531
$
21,926
20,010
(716)
3,228
-
36,302
209
25,070
At June 30,
2010
(In thousands)
$ 20,321
21,134
(871)
5,010
-
38,452
234
27,612
2009
2008
$ 23,870
23,108
(1,725)
5,402
-
35,989
284
24,779
$ 23,345
26,771
(774)
6,661
5,805
42,567
9,451
43,830
1.
2.
3.
4.
Includes revenues from product sales, consisting primarily of sales of coins purchased under our warranty policy, of $500,000, $605,000, $91,000,
$394,000 and $1,046,000 in fiscal 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Such product revenues are not considered an integral part of our
ongoing revenue generating activities. The gross margins on product sales were (28)%, 28%, (45)%, (51)% and 7% in fiscal 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009
and 2008, respectively.
The lower income tax provision in fiscal 2012 reflects a benefit for the excess tax basis over the book basis of the Company’s investment in a subsidiary
and a lower effective tax rate resulting from a change in the Company’s state apportionment factors recognized in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012.
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.”
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.
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.
21
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. 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 and commissions earned on our
websites; including Coinflation.com, which we acquired in September 2011; (ii) the sale of printed publications and collectibles
price guides and advertising in our publications; (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. Our revenues through June 2012 include revenues for our former stamp authentication and grading business,
which we sold in June 2012. 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 83% of our total
net revenues in the year ended June 30, 2012. 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.
In addition, our coin authentication and grading revenues are impacted by the number of modern coin submissions and
the related average service fee earned on those submissions, both of which can be volatile and depend 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.
22
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, because they typically request higher-
priced same-day turnaround for the coins they submit to us for authentication and grading at those shows. The level 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, 2012. 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, 2012, 2011, and 2010:
Coins
Trading cards
Autographs
Stamps(1)
Total
2012
1,974,700
1,111,500
335,900
14,000
3,436,100
Units Processed
2011
2010
58%
32%
10%
-
100.0%
1,973,700
1,089,500
240,100
13,900
3,317,200
60%
33%
7%
-
100%
1,708,200
1,090,600
196,500
19,000
3,014,300
57%
36%
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:
2012
Declared Values (000’s)
2011
2010
Coins
Trading cards
Autographs
Stamps(1)
Total
_______________
(1) We sold our stamp authentication and grading business in June 2012.
$ 1,306,000
92,000
25,000
9,000
$ 1,432,000
91%
6%
2%
1%
100.0%
$ 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%
Factors Affecting our Gross Profit Margins. The gross profit margins we earn on collectibles authentication and grading
submissions are impacted by many of 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. In addition, 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. Furthermore, the level of other related services in any period can impact the overall gross profit margin.
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 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; (ii) the availability and cost of borrowings because collectibles dealers often
rely on borrowings to fund their purchases of collectibles, (iii) 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; (iv) prevailing and anticipated rates of inflation and the strength or weakness of the U.S. dollar, and more
23
recently worries about sovereign debt obligations and credit ratings in the United States and Europe, because conditions of this
nature often lead investors and consumers to purchase or invest in gold and silver coins as a hedge against inflation or reductions
in the purchasing power of the U.S. currency; and as an alternative to investments in government bonds and other treasury
instruments; 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 investors and consumers will often increase their purchases of gold coins, as well as
other hard assets if they believe that the market prices of those 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 increases
in disposable income and the availability of lower cost borrowings, on the one hand, or increases in inflation or in gold prices,
economic uncertainties and declines in business and consumer confidence or a weakening of the U.S. dollar on the other hand.
By contrast, collectibles transactions and, therefore, the demand for our services generally declines during periods characterized by
economic downturns or recessions, declines in consumer and business confidence, an absence of inflationary pressure, or periods
of stagnation or decline 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 and from stocks and other investments to gold during periods of economic uncertainties
and decreases in disposable income and consumer and business confidence.
Factors That Can Affect our Liquidity and 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 2013.
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 acquisitions of established and/or early stage 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. We paid approximately $10.4 million, $9.9 million and $5.9 million in cash dividends to stockholders in
fiscal 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. In addition, our liquidity and financial position are impacted by the Company’s tax
position because we have had net operating losses and other tax attributes available to offset or reduce taxes payable. Through June
30, 2012, we had fully utilized all of our federal net operating losses and other tax attributes and have begun making estimated tax
payments for federal income tax purposes at an estimated tax rate of 34%.
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 grad-
ing submissions to us during fiscal 2009, we implemented a cost reduction program to reduce our costs of revenue and our operat-
ing expenses to bring those costs and expenses more in line with our revenues and, thereby, increase our gross profits and operating
income. That program, combined with the increase in our coin authentication and grading revenues, resulted in operating income
(before a non-cash impairment loss in 2011) increasing from $2.7 million in 2009, to $8.4 million in 2010 and $9.7 million in
2011. In 2012, despite a 9% increase in revenues, operating income declined to $9.2 million, primarily as a result of a decline in
revenues from modern coins in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012. Through the six months ended December 31, 2011, our modern
coin grading fees were up 34%, compared to the comparable period of the prior year, whereas, for the year ended June 30, 2012,
those fees increased by only 2%. In the third quarter of fiscal 2012, our modern coin grading fees were substantially unchanged,
compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2012, and in the fourth quarter of 2012, our modern coin grading fees declined by approxi-
mately $1.1 million, or 31%, compared to the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011. Our modern coin fees can be volatile depending on
the timing and size of marketing programs by the United States Mint and by customers and dealers who specialize in sales of such
coins. See “Factors That Can Affect Operating Results and our Financial Position: Net Revenues” as part of this section.
24
Overview of Fiscal 2012 Operating Results
The following table sets forth comparative financial data for the years ended June 30, 2012 and 2011:
Year Ended June 30, 2012
Year Ended June 30, 2011
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 provision for income taxes
Provision 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
$
Amount
48,359
19,402
28,957
6,844
12,956
-
9,157
104
(16)
9,245
2,425
6,820
(71)
6,749
$
$
$
0.85
(0.01)
0.84
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%
Percent of
Revenues
100.0%
40.1%
59.9%
14.2%
26.8%
-
18.9%
0.2%
-
19.1%
5.0%
14.1%
(0.1)%
14.0%
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
$
$
$
$
As discussed above under “Trends and Challenges in and Opportunities for our Businesses” our operating income before the
impairment loss in 2011 decreased from $9.7 million in fiscal 2011 to $9.2 million, due primarily to lower revenues from our
modern coin fees in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012, compared to the same period of fiscal 2011.
The lower tax provision in fiscal 2012, compared to fiscal 2011, reflects a benefit for the excess tax basis over the book basis
of the Company’s investment in a subsidiary of approximately $1.3 million and a lower effective tax rate resulting from a change in
the Company’s state apportionment factors recognized in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011.
These, as well as other factors affecting out operating results are described in more detail below. Also 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 these 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 values of the affected assets on our balance sheet (which are commonly referred to as “write-
downs” of the assets involved).
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.
25
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.
We have 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 cost 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.
A portion of our net revenues is 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, in some cases, include vouchers for
free grading services. Through the second quarter of fiscal 2012, we recorded 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 was recognized as revenue over the life of the membership, which can range from one to two years. We evaluated,
at least semi-annually, the relative fair values of the deliverables and the percentage factors used to allocate the membership fees
between the grading services and the other services provided to members. In the third quarter of fiscal 2012, arising from the
upgrading of the Company’s accounting systems, which enables us to track separately the issuance and redemption of individual free
grading vouchers, the Company began recognizing revenue attributable to free grading vouchers on a specific basis and to classify
such revenues as part of grading and authentication fees rather than other related service revenues. The balance of the membership
fee continues to be recognized over the life of the membership. This refinement of the Company’s revenue recognition policy
resulted in approximately $300,000 of revenues being deferred that we otherwise would have recognized in the six months ended at
June 30, 2012.
26
In the case of our Expos trade show business, we recognize revenue generated by the promotion, management and opera tion
of each of its collectibles conventions or trade shows in the fiscal period in which the convention or show takes place. For PCGS’s
CoinFacts and Certified Coin Exchange subscription revenues, we recognize revenue ratably over the relevant 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 and established estimated loss accruals of $4,454,000 for liabilities under
those leases. In May 2010, we entered into agreements to reduce those 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. As a result of those changes, our ongoing
payments of the obligations and the recognition of accretion expense, the remaining obligations were approximately $2,782,000 at
June 30, 2012. 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. 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, 2012 and 2011, the allowances for doubtful accounts were $70,000 and $66,000, respectively.
Inventory Valuation Reserves. Our collectibles inventories, which consist primarily of collectible coins that we have
purchased pursuant to our coin warranty program and other consumable inventory related to our authentication and grading
activities, 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 sales value of the collectibles inventories. Additionally, due to the relative uniqueness and special
features of some of the coin 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 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, 2012 and 2011, collectibles inventories were $2,651,000 and $2,318,000, and inventory reserves were
$378,000 and $126,000, respectively. See note 5 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.
Grading Warranty Costs. We offer a limited warranty covering the coins and trading cards 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 re-submittal 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 re-submittal 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
27
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 on a quarterly basis (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 9 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 consider qualitative factors, and where determined necessary by management, we proceed to the two-step goodwill
impairment test. When applying the two-step impairment test, we apply a discounted cash flow model or an income approach
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, 2011, we completed the annual goodwill impairment evaluations with
respect to the goodwill acquired in our fiscal year 2006 purchases of CCE and CoinFacts. We assessed qualitative factors, including
the significant excess of fair value over carrying value in prior years, and any material changes in the estimated cash flows of those
reporting units and determined that it was more likely than not that the respective fair values of CCE and CoinFacts exceeded their
respective carrying values, including goodwill, and therefore it was not necessary to proceed to the two-step impairment test.
As discussed in previous filings, the Company recognized impairment losses of $1,368,000 in fiscal 2011 related to Expos,
including goodwill of $743,000 and intangible assets of $625,000 (see Long-Lived Assets Other Than Goodwill). We completed our
annual goodwill impairment evaluation with respect to Expos at June 30, 2012 and concluded that no further impairment had
occurred.
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 tradename and $165,000 for the customer database. See Goodwill above.
As a result of the impairment of the Expos tradename recorded at June 30, 2011 and management’s expectations as to the
period over which the tradename will contribute to and generate future cash flows of the Company, the tradename was determined
to have a finite life. Effective July 1, 2011, the tradename is being amortized over a period of 10 years.
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 forfeitures with respect to outstanding awards that we expect will occur over their respective vesting periods, which we estimate
28
on the basis of historical forfeiture experience or other factors that could affect the likelihood of forfeiture. We monitor the rate of
forfeitures 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 fiscal years 2010 through 2012, and all options previously granted had
become fully vested as of June 30, 2012.
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.
Restricted Shares
Annual Director Grants. We grant restricted stock awards to each outside director with a grant date value of $35,000 per
director on an annual basis with respect for which the only condition for vesting is continued service during the specified vesting
periods.
Fiscal 2011 and 2010-Management Restricted Stock Awards. In August 2011 and 2010, the Compensation Committee of
the Board of Directors definitively determined that the Company had achieved the financial performance goal for fiscals 2011 and
2010, respectively. As a result, stock-based compensation on the remaining unvested shares granted for those respective years is
being recognized over the remaining service period, dependent on the continued service of the Participant.
Fiscal 2012-Management Restricted Stock Awards.
On July 19, 2011, the Compensation Committee awarded 92,000 restricted shares to executive officers and senior
management (“Participant”), pursuant to the Company’s stockholder approved 2006 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2006 Plan”).
Those restricted shares are subject to certain risks of forfeiture, which are summarized below.
(1) Service-Contingent Shares. The vesting of 50% of the restricted shares is contingent on the Participants remaining in
continuous service of the Company (the “Service-Based Shares”) and will vest in sixteen equal quarterly installments through June
2015, with the exception of the Company’s chief executive officer, whose service contingent shares vest over eight quarters through
June 30, 2013.
(2) Performance Contingent Shares. The remaining 50% of the restricted shares (the “Performance-Based 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 as follows: (i) one third of the shares will become vested if the Participant is still in the
Company’s service on June 30, 2012; (ii) another one third of the shares 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 if the Participant is still in the
Company’s service on such date.
Participants may also earn a maximum additional 10% more shares if the Company exceeds the fiscal 2012 financial
performance goal by at least 10%.
Management estimated the fair value of the 92,000 shares of restricted stock to be $1,440,000 based on the closing price
per share of the Company’s common stock of $15.65 on the grant date, of which $720,000 relates to the service-based awards
and $720,000 relates to the performance-based awards. For service-based awards, we record stock-based compensation expense
over the requisite service periods that commenced on July 19, 2011 and that will continue through June 30, 2015. In December
2011, the Company began recognizing stock-based compensation for the Performance Contingent Shares on the basis that it was
probable that the Company would meet 100% of the financial performance goal for fiscal 2012. In August 2012, it was determined
by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors, that the Company had achieved approximately 97% of the financial
performance goal for 2012, and, as a result, approximately 83% of the Performance Contingent Shares qualified for vesting at that
time, and approximately $57,000 of expense recognized in the nine months ended March 31, 2012 was reversed in the fourth
quarter of 2012.
The Company recognized total stock-based compensation related to options and restricted shares of $1,244,000,
$1,131,000 and $968,000 for fiscal years ended June 30, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively.
Capitalized Software. In fiscal years 2012, 2011 and 2010, we capitalized approximately $248,000, $9,000 and $35,000,
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,
29
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,
2012, 2011 and 2010, we recorded approximately $83,000, $267,000 and $466,000, 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.
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.
The lower tax provision in fiscal 2012 reflects a benefit for the excess tax basis over the book basis of the Company’s
investment in a subsidiary of approximately $1.3 million and a lower effective tax rate resulting from a change in the Company’s
state apportionment factors, both recognized in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012. In fiscal 2011, the Company recognized income
tax provisions of $3.3 million based on an estimated annual effective tax rate of 40%.
In earlier years, we had established valuation allowances against our deferred tax assets. At June 30, 2010, 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.
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:
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
Fiscal Year Ended June 30,
2011
100.0%
38.8%
61.2%
2010
100.0%
39.2%
60.8%
2012
100.0%
40.1%
59.9%
14.2%
26.8%
-
41.0%
18.9%
0.2%
19.1%
5.0%
14.1%
(0.1)%
14.0%
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%
Net Revenues. Net revenues consist primarily of fees that we generate from the authentication and grading of high-value
collectibles, including coins, trading cards and autographs. Through June 2012, we were also engaged in the authentication and
grading of stamps. To a lesser extent, we generate collectibles related service revenues (which we refer to as “other related revenues”)
from advertising and commissions earned on our websites (including Coinflation.com, which we acquired in September 2011)
and in printed publications and collectibles price guides; subscription/membership revenues related to our CCE (dealer-to-dealer
Internet bid-ask market for certified coins), CoinFacts and Collectors Club; 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.
30
The following tables set forth the total net revenues for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2012, 2011 and 2010 between
grading and authentication services revenues and other related services (including product revenues):
2012
2011
2012 vs. 2011
Increase (Decrease)
Amount
$ 39,991
7,868
$ 47,859
500
$ 48,359
% of Net
Revenues
82.7%
16.3%
99.0%
1.0%
100.0%
Amount
$ 36,983
6,844
$ 43,827
605
$ 44,432
% of Net
Revenues
83.2%
15.4%
98.6%
1.4%
100.0%
Amount
$ 3,008
1,024
$ 4,032
(105)
$ 3,927
Percent
8.1%
15.0%
9.2%
(17.4)%
8.8%
2011
2010
2011 vs. 2010
Increase (Decrease)
Amount
$ 36,983
6,844
$ 43,827
605
$ 44,432
% of Net
Revenues
83.2%
15.4%
98.6%
1.4%
100.0%
Amount
$ 33,509
6,163
$ 39,672
91
$ 39,763
% of Net
Revenues
84.3%
15.5%
99.8%
0.2%
100.0%
Amount
$ 3,474
681
$ 4,155
514
$ 4,669
Percent
10.4%
11.0%
10.5%
564.8%
11.7%
Grading and authentication fees(1)
Other related services(1)
Total service revenues
Product revenues
Total net revenues
Grading and authentication fees(1)
Other related services(1)
Total service revenues
Product revenues
Total net revenues
___________
(1) Revenues for 2011 and 2010 have been reclassified to reflect the free grading voucher revenues as authentication and grading fees rather
than other related services in accordance with the Company’s updated policy for Collectors Club revenues (see “Critical Accounting Policies
and Estimates: Revenue Recognition” above).
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 authenticated and graded (in
thousands):
2012
2011
Amount
$ 31,932
11,335
4,592
500
$ 48,359
% of Net
Revenues
66.0%
23.5%
9.5%
1.0%
100.0%
Amount
$ 29,389
10,229
4,209
605
$ 44,432
2011
2010
Amount
$ 29,389
10,229
4,209
605
$ 44,432
% of Net
Revenues
66.1%
23.0%
9.5%
1.4%
100.0%
Amount
$ 25,689
9,746
4,237
91
$ 39,763
% of Net
Revenues
66.1%
23.0%
9.5%
1.4%
100.0%
% of Net
Revenues
64.6%
24.5%
10.7%
0.2%
100.0%
2012 vs. 2011
Increase (Decrease)
Revenues
Units Processed
Amounts
$ 2,543
1,106
383
(105)
$ 3,927
Percent
8.7%
10.8%
9.1%
(17.4)%
8.8%
Number
Percent
1,000
117,800
100
-
118,900
0.1%
8.9%
0.7%
-
3.6%
2011 vs. 2010
Increase (Decrease)
Revenues
Units Processed
Amounts
$ 3,700
483
(28)
514
$ 4,669
Percent
14.4%
5.0%
(0.7)%
564.8%
11.7%
Number
265,500
42,500
(5,100)
-
302,900
Percent
15.5%
3.3%
(26.8)%
-
10.0%
Coins
Cards and Autographs (1)
Other (2)
Product revenues
Coins
Cards and Autographs (1)
Other (2)
Product revenues
_____
(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 (which we sold on June 29, 2012), CCE subscription fees,
Coinflation.com, CFC interest income and the revenues of our Expos convention business.
31
Fiscal 2012 vs. 2011. For fiscal 2012, our total service revenues increased by $4,032,000 or 9.2% compared to fiscal 2011
and included increases of $3,008,000 or 8.1% in authentication and grading fees and $1,024,000 or 15% in other related service
revenues. The $3,008,000 increase in authentication and grading fees included increases of $2,058,000, or 8% in coin fees, and
$1,033,000, or 11% in cards and autograph fees. Authentication and grading fees were lower in fiscal 2012 by approximately
$300,000, resulting from the refinement in the Company’s revenue recognition policy for Collectors Club. See Critical Accounting
Policies and Estimates: Revenue Recognition.
The 8.1% increase in our authentication and grading fees, compared to a 3.6% increase in the number of units
authenticated and graded in fiscal 2012, relates to an increase in the average service fee earned on coins, primarily driven by
increases in the average service fees earned for the authentication and grading of modern and world coins, due to the mix of services
provided and due to pricing initiatives on certain of our modern coin programs.
World coin authentication and grading revenues grew by approximately $1,723,000 or 73% in fiscal 2012, compared to
the same periods of the prior year, reflecting increased submissions of world coins, including grading at our Paris, France facility
and in Hong Kong. Our modern coin authentication and grading fees increased by $249,000 or 2% in fiscal 2012, compared
to the same periods of the prior year, reflecting marketing programs by the U.S. Mint and by our dealers and customers. Show
authentication and grading revenues were substantially unchanged and increased by approximately $30,000 or 1% for fiscal 2012.
Vintage authentication and grading fees increased by $56,000 or 1% in fiscal 2012. Vintage authentication and grading fees
were impacted by the refinement in the Company’s revenue recognition policy for Collectors Club, which resulted in an increased
deferral of coin authentication and grading fees of approximately $232,000.
Our coin authentication and grading fees grew by 8% in fiscal 2012, compared to fiscal 2011; however, in the fourth
quarter of fiscal 2012, our coin authentication and grading fees declined by 14%, compared to the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011, due
primarily to a decrease in modern coin fees. We attribute the decrease to sales of Silver and Gold Eagles from the US Mint being
down approximately 22% and 48%, respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 2012, as compared to the same period last year.
This general market decline is impacting our customers who submit modern coins to us. Therefore, it is uncertain what level of
growth, if any, we can expect or if we may experience a decline in coin revenues in fiscal 2013, compared to fiscal 2012.
As discussed under “Factors That Can Affect our Operating Results and Financial Position”, the level of modern coin and
trade show revenues can be volatile, as evidenced by the fact that modern coin revenues decreased by $1.1 million in the fourth
quarter of fiscal 2012, compared to the same quarter of fiscal 2011, 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, also
reflects increased submissions of world coins from overseas, particularly Asia, and authentication and grading at our Paris, France
and Hong Kong facilities, and it is uncertain whether the increased fees earned from the authentication and grading of world coins
can continue at the levels achieved in fiscal 2012 or whether we can expect continued future growth. However, management plans
to continue to focus attention on world coins as a growth opportunity for us.
Despite that decline in our coin authentication and grading fees in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012, our coin
authentication and grading business represented approximately 66% of total revenues in both fiscal 2012 and 2011, which reflects
the continued importance of our coin authentication and grading business to our overall financial performance.
The increase of $1,033,000, or 11% in authentication and grading fees for cards and autographs, included a 6% increase
in cards and a 22% increase in autographs, reflecting increased submissions and a higher average service fee.
The increases in revenues from other related services of $1,024,000 or 15% in fiscal 2012, included increases in advertising
and commission revenues (including revenues earned in fiscal 2012 by Coinflation.com, which we acquired in September 2011 and
which accounted for revenues of $322,000 in fiscal 2012), revenues from our CCE web-based subscriptions related fees, partially
offset by a reduction in the revenues of our Expos collectibles trade show management business.
Fiscal 2011 vs. 2010. For fiscal 2011, our total net service revenues increased by $4,155,000 or 10.5%, from $39,672,000
in fiscal 2010 to $43,827,000 in fiscal 2011, and comprised increases of $3,474,000, or 10.4%, in grading and authentication fees
and $681,000, or 11%, in other related services.
The increased authentication and grading fees of $3,474,000 in fiscal 2011, was attributable to (i) increased coin
authentication and grading fees of $3,275,000 or 13.4%; 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.
32
The increase in fees generated from coins authenticated and graded of 13.4% 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%, 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 $260,000 or 3%. Show authentication
and grading revenues decreased by approximately $260,000 or 6%, reflecting lower average grading fees earned per show in fiscal
2011.
The increases in other related services of $681,000 or 11%in fiscal 2011 included web-based subscriptions, including CCE
of $636,000 and advertising revenues of $241,000, 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.
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).
Set forth below is information regarding our gross profits in the fiscal years ended June 30, 2012, 2011 and 2010 (in
thousands):
Gross profit services .............................
Gross profit product sales ....................
Total ....................................................
$
2012
60.8%
(27.7)%
59.9%
Fiscal Year Ended June 30,
2011
$
61.6%
27.8%
61.2%
$
2010
61.0%
(44.6)%
60.8%
As indicated in the above table, our services gross profit margin was 60.8% for fiscal 2012, compared to 61.6% for
fiscal 2011. But, for the deferral of approximately $300,000 related to the refinement of the Company’s Collectors Club revenue
recognition policy, the services gross profit margin would have been 61.0% in fiscal 2012. There can be some period-to-period
variability in the services gross profit margin depending upon the mix of revenues in any quarter and the seasonality of our
businesses. During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2012, our quarterly services gross profit margin varied between 59% and 62%.
In addition, our gross profit margin will typically increase as the number of units graded and authenticated increases due to the
relatively fixed nature of certain of our direct costs.
Fiscal 2011 vs. 2010. Our services gross profit margin increased to 61.6% in fiscal 2011 from 61.0% in fiscal 2010. 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.
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
$
2012
6,844
14.2%
Fiscal Year Ended June 30,
2011
6,029
13.6%
$
$
2010
5,068
12.7%
The increase in selling and marketing expenses of $815,000 in fiscal 2012, compared to fiscal 2011, was primarily
attributable to the Company’s coin authentication and grading business and was comprised of increased trade show and business
development costs of $483,000 (which included costs associated with attending and providing authentication and grading services
for the first time in Hong Kong), increases of $134,000 in performance-related incentives and general sales and marketing expense
increases (including personnel costs) to support the growth in the business in the current year periods.
33
Fiscal 2011 vs. 2010. 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 performance-related 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.
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 2012 to the G&A expenses we incurred in fiscal
2011 and 2010 (in thousands):
General & administrative expenses ..............
As a percentage of net revenues.......................
$
2012
12,956
26.8%
Fiscal Year Ended June 30,
2011
11,497
$
$
25.9%
2010
10,745
27.1%
G&A expenses increased by $1,459,000 in fiscal 2012, compared to fiscal 2011, and represented 26.8% of revenues,
compared to 25.9% of revenues in fiscal 2011, respectively. The dollar increase was primarily comprised of (i) compensation and
performance-related incentive costs of approximately $760,000 in fiscal 2012, related to the performance-based incentives and
increased personnel costs to support the growth of the business; (ii) consulting and outside services fees of $388,000 in connection
with system modifications, upgrades and temporary help. In addition, non-cash stock-based compensation increased by $113,000 in
fiscal 2012 related to restricted stock grants to officers and other key management personnel (see “Stock-Based Compensation below”).
2011 vs. 2010. G&A expenses increased by $752,000 in fiscal 2011, compared to 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.
Impairment Losses
Impairment losses on intangible assets .......
Impairment loss on goodwill .....................
2012
$ -
-
$ -
Fiscal Year Ended June 30,
(Dollars in thousands)
2011
625
743
$ 1,368
$
2010
$ -
-
$ -
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.”
Stock-Based Compensation Expense
We recognized stock-based compensation expense, arising from the grants of restricted stock and stock option awards,
of $1,244,000, $1,131,000 and $968,000 during fiscal 2012, 2011 and 2010, 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:
General and administrative expenses .........
2012
1,244
$
2011
1,131
$
2010
968
$
Fiscal Year Ended June 30,
34
The increases in stock-based compensation expense that arose in both fiscal 2012 and 2011 were due primarily to the
recognition of stock-based compensation expense for the restricted stock awarded to the Company’s senior management in
fiscal 2012 and 2011, partially offset by reduced stock-based compensation for stock option awards. Stock-based compensation
is determined based upon the grant date fair value of the Company’s common stock. 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 2010 through 2012. 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 13 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 $830,000 of compensation expense related to unvested stock-based compensation awards remained
unrecognized as of June 30, 2012 and will be recognized as compensation expense as follows (dollars in thousands):
Year Ending June 30,
2013
2014
2015
Total
501
197
132
830
$
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 rate (see
note 13 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, which are
included in net revenues in that period. The following table compares the interest income we earned on our cash balances in the
fiscal years ended June 30, 2012, 2011 and 2010 (in thousands):
Interest income, net ...........................................................
$
104
$
98
$
Fiscal Year Ended June 30,
2011
2012
2010
89
Due to the continued low interest rates prevailing in all periods, interest income, net, was $104,000, $98,000 and $89,000
in fiscal 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
Provision for Income Taxes
Provision (benefit) for income taxes ..........................................
$
2012
2,425
Fiscal Year Ended June 30,
(Dollars in thousands)
2011
3,346
$
$
2010
(8,330)
The lower tax provision in fiscal 2012 reflects a benefit for the excess tax basis over the book basis of the Company’s
investment in a subsidiary of approximately $1.3 million and a lower effective tax rate, resulting from a change in the Company’s
state apportionment factors, both recognized in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012
The income tax provision of $3,346,000 in fiscal 2011 represented an estimated annual effective tax rate of
approximately 40%.
35
The income tax benefit of $8,330,000 in fiscal 2010 was primarily due to 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.”
Discontinued Operations
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of losses
on sales of discontinued businesses (net of income taxes) .......
Fiscal Year Ended June 30,
(Dollars in thousands)
2011
2010
2012
$
(71)
$
83
$
(107)
The losses from discontinued operations (net of income taxes), related to ongoing accretion expenses of $150,000,
$166,000 and $224,000 in fiscal years 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, recognized in connection with the Company’s ongoing
obligations for the New York City facilities, formerly occupied by our discontinued jewelry businesses, net of license fee income
of $51,000 and $42,000 in fiscal 2012 and 2011, respectively, arising from the disposal of the Company’s former currency
authentication and grading business. In fiscal 2011, there was income of approximately $216,000 from the sale of the Company’s
Gemprint and remaining diamond assets and a reduction of $22,000 in a severance accrual as a result of the settlement of the
obligation.
See “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates —Accrual for Losses on Facility Leases.”
Quarterly Results of Operations and Seasonality
The following tables present unaudited selected quarterly financial data for each of the eight quarters beginning September
30, 2010 and ending on June 30, 2012. 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. As discussed under “net revenues” in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012, net revenues were lower than the comparable
period of fiscal 2011, due to a $1.1 million decline in the revenues earned from the authentication and grading of modern coins.
Our collectibles trade show business adds 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. Generally, the revenues of this business are higher in the first, third
and fourth quarters of our fiscal years, compared to the second quarter, because the Long Beach, California Collectibles Shows (the
larger of the two trade shows that it conducts) take place during the first, third and fourth quarters. In fiscal 2012, we exited the
Santa Clara show which, in previous years, took place in the second and fourth quarters.
36
Quarterly Results of Operations
Quarter Ended
(In thousands, except per share data)
Statement of Operations Data:
Net 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)
Net income
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
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
Sept. 30,
2010
Dec. 31,
2010
Mar. 31,
2011
June 30,
2011
Sept. 30,
2011
Dec. 31,
2011
Mar. 31,
2012
June 30,
2012
$ 9,755
3,774
5,981
4,142
-
1,839
24
1,863
745
1,118
$ 9,600
3,895
5,705
4,154
-
1,551
28
1,579
609
970
$ 12,818
4,907
7,911
4,598
-
3,313
36
3,349
1,381
1,968
$ 12,259
4,673
7,586
4,632
1,368
1,586
5
1,591
611
980
$ 12,072
4,725
7,347
4,854
-
2,493
20
2,513
1,019
1,494
$ 11,472
4,717
6,755
4,861
-
1,894
18
1,912
795
1,117
$ 13,082
5,064
8,018
5,104
-
2,914
26
2,940
1,209
1,731
$ 11,733
4,896
6,837
4,981
-
1,856
24
1,880
(598)
2,478
(13)
(22)
-
118
(18)
(32)
7
(28)
$ 1,105
$
948
$ 1,968
$ 1,098
$ 1,476
$ 1,085
$ 1,738
$ 2,450
$ 0.15
$ 0.13
$ 0.25
$
0.13
$ 0.19
$ 0.14
$ 0.22
$ 0.31
-
$ 0.15
(0.01)
$ 0.12
-
0.25
$
0.01
0.14
$
-
$ 0.19
-
$ 0.14
-
0.22
$
-
0.31
$
$ 0.14
$ 0.12
$
0.25
$
0.13
$ 0.19
$ 0.14
$
0.22
$
0.31
-
$ 0.14
-
$ 0.12
-
0.25
$
0.01
0.14
$
-
$ 0.19
-
$ 0.14
-
0.22
$
-
0.31
$
7,502
7,725
7,732
7,820
7,727
7,841
7,716
7,806
7,854
7,965
7,904
7,999
7,922
8,020
7,933
7,972
(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 lower tax provision in fiscal 2012 reflects a benefit for the excess tax basis over the book basis of the Company’s investment in a subsidiary
of $1.3 million and a lower effective tax rate resulting from a change in the Company’s state apportionment factors recognized in the fourth
quarter of fiscal 2012.
Selected Operating Data:
Units authenticated or graded
Coins
Trading cards and autographs
Stamps
Total
Sept. 30,
2010
Dec. 31,
2010
Mar. 31,
2011
June 30,
2011
Sept. 30,
2011
Dec. 31,
2011
Mar. 31,
2012
June 30,
2012
Quarter Ended
(In thousands)
448
344
4
796
404
302
4
710
576
340
3
919
546
343
3
892
479
353
4
836
429
349
4
782
571
366
3
940
496
379
3
878
37
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash and Cash Equivalent Balances. At June 30, 2012, we had cash and cash equivalents of $21,214,000, as compared to
cash and cash equivalents of $21,926,000 at June 30, 2011 and $20,321,000 at June 30, 2010.
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 and 2012, we paid $9,943,000 and $10,355,000, respectively, in dividends to stockholders.
Cash Flows.
Cash Flows from Continuing Operations. During the fiscal years ended June 30, 2012, 2011 and, 2010, our operating
activities from continuing operations generated cash of $11,223,000, $11,284,000 and $10,529,000, respectively, primarily
reflecting income from continuing operations, as adjusted for non-cash expenses (including deferred income taxes, stock-based
compensation and impairment losses), and, to a lesser extent, changes in current assets and current liabilities, due to the timing of
activities during those periods. The Company has paid minimal taxes in fiscal years 2010 through 2012 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 $437,000, $716,000 and $1,303,000 in
the fiscal years ended June 30, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. In 2010 to 2012 cash used in discontinued operations related
primarily to the payment of ongoing obligations for the New York lease commitments. In June 2010, we subleased one of the
spaces to a third party and returned the second space to the landlord with only a financial obligation remaining, which reduced the
payments in fiscal 2011 and 2012. In addition, there was a severance payment in fiscal 2011.
Cash from or Used in Investing Activities. Investing activities used cash of $1,716,000 during fiscal 2012. In fiscal
2012, the Company paid $1,300,000 for capital expenditures and capitalized software costs for upgrading our software systems
and infrastructure equipment, including capital expenditure related to the Company’s expansion into Asia and $550,000 for
the purchase of the assets of Coinflation.com. These payments were partially offset by cash received of $50,000 from the sale of
property and equipment and the collection of $84,000 related to discontinued businesses. In fiscal 2011, cash used in financial
activities was $156,000, comprising capital expenditures and capitalized software of $646,000, partially offset by proceeds of
$366,000 received from the sale of our discontinued businesses and $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 $514,000 and $200,000 for the Expos purchase price
adjustment.
Cash Used in Financing Activities. In the fiscal years ended June 30, 2012, 2011 and 2010, financing activities used net
cash of $9,782,000, $8,807,000 and $14,735,000, respectively. In fiscal 2012, the Company received cash proceeds of $573,000
from the exercise of employee stock options and used cash of $10,355,000 to pay our quarterly cash dividends to our stockholders.
In fiscal 2011, the Company paid cash 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 and paid cash
dividends to stockholders of $5,943,000, while receiving $118,000 from the exercise of stock options.
38
Outstanding Financial Obligations
Continuing Operations.
In December 2008, we extended the term of our operating lease for our corporate headquarters to March 2019.
At June 30, 2012, we did not have any other material financial obligations in connection with our continuing operations.
At June 30, 2012, future minimum lease payments (set forth in thousands) under those agreements associated with our
continuing operations, are as follows:
Year Ending June 30,
2013 .........................................................................................
2014 .........................................................................................
2015 .........................................................................................
2016 .........................................................................................
2017 .........................................................................................
..............................................................................
Thereafter
Discontinued Operations
Gross Payment
$
1,331
1,415
1,287
1,162
1,156
2,300
$ 8,651
Sublease
Income
45
46
47
49
50
92
329
$
$
Net
$ 1,286
1,369
1,240
1,113
1,106
2,208
$ 8,322
At June 30, 2012, our remaining financial obligations for two leased facilities in New York City, that had been occupied
by our discontinued jewelry authentication and grading businesses, which will expire in December 31, 2015 and 2017, consist of
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, 2012, are as follows (in thousands):
Year Ending June 30,
2013 ..........................................................................................
2014 ..........................................................................................
.........................................................................................
2015
........................................................................................
2016
........................................................................................
2017
..............................................................................
Thereafter
Less: Discounted estimated fair value of minimum lease payments
Accretion expense to be recognized in future years
Gross
Payment
732
758
794
635
470
245
3,634
$
$
Sublease
Income
181
192
195
99
-
-
667
$
$
Net
551
566
599
536
470
245
2,967
2,641
326
$
$
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.
39
Dividends. 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 $10,355,000, $9,944,000 and $5,943,000 in fiscals 2012, 2011 and 2010,
respectively.
Share Buyback Program. In December 2005, our Board of Directors approved a stock buyback program that authorized
us to make up to $10,000,000 of stock repurchases in the 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. There were no repurchases in fiscals 2012, 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.
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 August 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“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.
In September 2011, the FASB issued an accounting standards update which modifies the way in which a Company
may conduct the annual goodwill impairment test of a reporting unit. Under the revised accounting standard, management of
a reporting unit has the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether events or circumstances exist that imply it
is more likely than not an impairment of goodwill has occurred. If, after performing this qualitative assessment, management
determines that it is more likely than not that a goodwill impairment has not occurred, then performing the two-step impairment
test is not necessary. Under the amendments in this accounting update, management of a reporting unit may also elect to proceed
directly to the two-step goodwill impairment test and, if such election is made, may resume performing the qualitative assessment
in any subsequent period. The Company early adopted this guidance on September 30, 2011. The adoption of this pronoun
cement did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
40
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, 2012, we had approximately $21,214,000 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 our foreign activities and the cash balances we maintain overseas for our Paris, France and Hong Kong offices are not
material.
41
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, 2012 and 2011 .............................................................................................................
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended June 30, 2012, 2011 and 2010 .......................................................
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the Years Ended June 30, 2012, 2011 and 2010 ........................................
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended June 30, 2012, 2011 and 2010 .......................................................
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements ................................................................................................................................
Schedule II – Valuation and Qualifying Accounts ...........................................................................................................
`
Page
43
44
45
46
47
49
70
42
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Board of Directors and Stockholders
Collectors Universe, Inc.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Collectors Universe Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”)
as of June 30, 2012 and 2011, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for
each of the three years in the period ended June 30, 2012. Our audits of the basic consolidated 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. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts
and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits
provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the 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, 2012 and 2011, and the results of their operations and their
cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended June 30, 2012, 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 consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information
set forth therein.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States),
the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of June 30, 2012, based on criteria established in Internal Control—
Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) and our
report dated August 30, 2012 expressed an unqualified opinion.
/s/ GRANT THORNTON LLP
Irvine, California
August 30, 2012
43
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 $70 in 2012 and $66 in 2011
Refundable income taxes
Inventories, net
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Deferred income tax assets
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 assets
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 15)
June 30,
2012
2011
$ 21,214
1,794
-
2,273
813
1,177
148
27
27,446
1,795
2,083
1,788
2,982
-
169
182
$ 36,445
$
1,625
1,917
2,463
191
2,322
804
9,322
447
2,145
$ 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
Stockholders’ equity:
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:
8,107 in 2012 and 7,943 in 2011
Additional paid-in capital
Accumulated deficit
Total stockholders’ equity
-
-
8
73,683
(49,160)
24,531
$ 36,445
8
70,402
(45,340)
25,070
$ 36,511
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statement
44
COLLECTORS UNIVERSE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands, except per share data)
Grading, authentication and related services 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, including income on sale
of discontinued businesses (net of income taxes)
Net income
Net income per basic share:
Income from continuing operations
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, including income on sale of
discontinued businesses (net of income taxes)
Net income
Net income per diluted share:
Income from continuing operations
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, including income on sale of
discontinued businesses (net of income taxes)
Net income
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic
Diluted
Dividends declared per common share
2012
$ 48,359
19,402
28,957
6,844
12,956
-
19,800
9,157
104
(16)
9,245
2,425
6,820
Year Ended June 30,
2011
$ 44,432
17,249
27,183
2010
$ 39,763
15,594
24,169
6,029
11,497
1,368
18,894
8,289
98
(5)
8,382
3,346
5,036
5,068
10,745
-
15,813
8,356
89
30
8,475
(8,330)
16,805
(71)
$ 6,749
83
$ 5,119
(107)
$ 16,698
$
0.86
$
0.66
$
2.26
(0.01)
0.85
$
0.01
0.67
$
(0.02)
2.24
$
$
0.85
$
0.65
$
2.20
(0.01)
0.84
7,905
7,987
1.30
$
$
0.01
0.66
7,682
7,798
1.28
$
$
(0.01)
2.19
7,451
7,637
0.80
$
$
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
45
COLLECTORS UNIVERSE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(in thousands)
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
Issuance of shares for Coinflation.com
Exercise of stock options
Stock-based compensation – options
Stock-based compensation – restricted stock
Excess tax benefits realized
Net income
Dividends paid and accrued
Balance at June 30, 2012
Common Stock
Shares
Amount
$
9,158
10
-
275
9
-
-
-
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
$ 75,957
118
27
941
Accumulated
Deficit
$ (51,187)
-
-
-
Total
$ 24,779
118
27
941
(1,750)
(1)
(8,909)
-
(8,910)
-
-
7,693
153
-
97
-
-
7,943
12
49
-
103
-
-
-
8,107
$
-
-
8
-
-
-
-
-
8
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
8
-
-
68,134
1,137
10
1,121
-
-
70,402
190
572
3
1,241
1,275
-
-
$ 73,683
16,698
(6,041)
(40,530)
-
-
-
5,119
(9,929)
(45,340)
-
-
-
-
-
6,749
(10,569)
$ (49,160)
16,698
(6,041)
27,612
1,137
10
1,121
5,119
(9,929)
25,070
190
572
3
1,241
1,275
6,749
(10,569)
$ 24,531
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
46
COLLECTORS UNIVERSE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided
by operating activities:
(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
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable
Inventories
Prepaid expenses and other
Deferred income taxes
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 operating activities
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment
Capital expenditures
Expos purchase price adjustment
Purchase of Coinflation.com
Proceeds from collection of customer notes receivable
Capitalized software development costs
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 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
2012
Year Ended June 30,
2011
2010
$
6,749
$
5,119
$ 16,698
71
825
1,244
-
2
223
736
(5)
-
(12)
(239)
(313)
143
1,843
60
24
(233)
80
66
(92)
51
11,223
(437)
10,786
50
(1,052)
-
(550)
-
(248)
84
(1,716)
(83)
771
1,131
1,368
17
1
751
9
1
(15)
(333)
(734)
11
3,447
275
(662)
(862)
578
(72)
491
75
11,284
(716)
10,568
124
(637)
-
-
-
(9)
366
(156)
107
991
968
-
4
58
641
(12)
-
(9)
37
(269)
(53)
(8,440)
(335)
(204)
(205)
463
(55)
43
101
10,529
(1,303)
9,226
104
(479)
(200)
-
2,355
(35)
215
1,960
573
-
(10,355)
(9,782)
(712)
21,926
$ 21,214
1,137
-
(9,944)
(8,807)
1,605
20,321
$ 21,926
118
(8,910)
(5,943)
(14,735)
(3,549)
23,870
$ 20,321
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
47
COLLECTORS UNIVERSE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (continued)
(in thousands)
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Income taxes paid (refund), net
Interest paid
Effective September 13, 2011, the Company acquired Coinflation.com, as follows:
Intangible Assets: Website
Common Stock Issued at Fair Value
Cash Paid
Year ended June 30,
2011
2012
2010
412
$
$ -
$
$
740
(190)
550
$
$
$
$
(251)
-
-
-
-
$
$
$
$
431
-
-
-
-
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
48
COLLECTORS UNIVERSE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1.
Nature of Business
Collectors Universe, Inc. (“we,” “us,” the “Company,” “management” or “Collectors Universe”) is engaged in the business
of providing third-party authentication, grading and related services for rare and high-value collectibles consisting of coins, trading
cards, 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 are accessible on our websites. We sell advertising and earn commissions on those websites,
and sell advertising in the magazines that we publish; 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 the Long Beach Coin show.
In June 2012, we sold the grading and authentication assets of our stamp grading and authentication business. The stamp grading
and authentication business comprised revenues of $435,000, $536,000 and $708,000 and operating income (losses) of $(35,000),
$61,000 and $(153,000) for fiscal years 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Due to the immateriality of the stamp authentication
and grading financial results to the overall financial results of the Company, we have not classified the stamp authentication and
grading results as discontinued operations.
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 wholly
owned subsidiaries. At June 30, 2012, such operating subsidiaries were Certified Asset Exchange, Inc. (CAE), Collectors Universe
(Hong Kong ) Limited 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 valuation of coin inventory, 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 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, 2012 and 2011, we had approximately $21,200,000 and $21,900,000, respectively, classified as
cash and cash equivalents on the consolidated balance sheets, of which approximately $18,900,000 in both periods was invested
primarily in high-quality money market accounts and funds.
At June 30, 2012, 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 $17,400,000 at June 30, 2012.
49
Concentrations
Credit Risks. Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to significant concentrations of credit risk at
June 30, 2012 consisted primarily of cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivables.
Financial Instruments and Cash Balances. At June 30, 2012 and 2011, the Company had funds of approximately
$18,900,000 in money market accounts and funds. In addition, at June 30, 2012 and 2011, the Company had approximately
$2,300,000 and $3,000,000 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, 2012, no
individual customer accounts receivable accounted for 10% of the Company’s total gross accounts receivable balances. At June
30, 2011, two individual customer accounts receivable each 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 customer 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 $70,000 and $66,000 at June 30, 2012 and June 30, 2011, respectively.
Customers. The authentication and grading of collectible coins and related services accounted for approximately 66%, 66%
and 65% of our net revenues for the years ended June 30, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
Suppliers. We purchase substantially all of the injection-molded parts, holograms and printed labels for our grading
services from two suppliers. There are, however, numerous suppliers for these items and, as a result, it is possible to change suppliers
without significant delay or cost to the Company. 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 primarily rely on two suppliers 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 alternate between our two suppliers or to have a new
supplier 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 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 $378,000 and $126,000 at
June 30, 2012 and 2011, 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.
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 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
50
of each of the acquisitions that gave rise to the recording of such assets or more frequently if a triggering event has occurred. In
fiscal 2012, we considered qualitative factors as part of the formal evaluation of the carrying value of goodwill. If qualitative
factors are not applicable and 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, we would record an impairment loss of goodwill calculated 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 2012 and 2010.
Capitalized Software
Through June 30, 2012 and 2011, we had capitalized approximately $2,882,000 and $2,634,000, respectively, as
capitalized software and recognized related accumulated amortization of $2,658,000 and $2,575,000. 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 2012, 2011 and
2010, the Company recorded amortization expense for capitalized software of approximately $83,000, $267,000 and $466,000,
respectively. Planning, training, support and maintenance costs incurred either prior to or following the implementation phase
of a project 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.
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 tradename and customer database. As a result of
the impairment of the Expos tradename recorded at June 30, 2011 and management’s expectations as to the period over which the
tradename will contribute to and generate future cash flows of the Company, the tradename was determined to have a finite life.
Consequently, effective July 1, 2011, the tradename is being amortized over a period of 10 years. No impairment loss was recorded
in 2012 or 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
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, in some cases, to receive vouchers
for free grading services. Through the second quarter of fiscal 2012, we recorded 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 was recognized as revenue over the life of the membership, which can range from one to two years. We evaluated,
at least semi-annually, the relative fair values of the deliverables and the percentage factors used to allocate the membership fees
51
between the grading services and the other services provided to members. In the third quarter of fiscal 2012, arising from the
upgrading of the Company’s accounting systems, which enables us to track separately the issuance and redemption of individual
Collectors Club free grading vouchers, the Company began recognizing revenue attributed to free grading vouchers on a specific
basis and to classify such revenues as part of grading and authentication fees rather than other related service revenues. The balance
of the membership fee continues to be recognized over the life of the membership. This refinement of the Company’s revenue
recognition policy resulted in approximately $300,000 of revenues being deferred that otherwise would have recognized in the six
months ended at June 30, 2012.
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. However, those sales 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 and trading cards 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 re-submittal 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 re-submittal 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 9).
Advertising Costs
Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and amounted to approximately $362,000, $407,000 and $469,000 in the fiscal
years ended June 30, 2012, 2011 and 2010, 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 earlier years, we recorded
valuation allowances against deferred tax assets. 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.
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 and its Hong Kong subsidiary, which maintains its accounting records in U.S. dollars. 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 respective current periods, were not material.
52
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 was 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 the
forfeiture rate was 0% in fiscal years 2010 to 2012, respectively.
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 2010 through 2012.
Net Income Per Share
Basic net income (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income 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 common 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, including income on sale
of discontinued businesses (net of income taxes)
Net income (loss)
Net income (loss) per basic share:
From continuing operations
From discontinued operations, including income on sale of
discontinued businesses (net of income taxes)
Net income (loss)
Net Income (loss) per diluted share:
From continuing operations
From discontinued operations, including income on sale of
discontinued businesses (net of income taxes)
Net income (loss)
Weighted-average shares outstanding:
Basic
Effect of dilutive shares
Diluted
53
2012
$ 6,820
Year Ended June 30,
2011
$ 5,036
2010
$ 16,805
(71)
$ 6,749
83
$ 5,119
(107)
$ 16,698
$
0.86
$
0.66
$
2.26
(0.01)
0.85
$
0.01
0.67
$
(0.02)
2.24
$
$
0.85
$
0.65
$
2.20
(0.01)
$ 0.84
0.01
$ 0.66
(0.01)
$ 2.19
7,905
82
7,987
7,682
116
7,798
7,451
186
7,637
Options to purchase approximately 84,000, 90,000 and 99,000 shares of common stock for the years ended June 30,
2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, at exercise prices up to $17.82 per share, were not included in the computation of diluted
earnings per share because their respective exercise prices were greater than the average market price of our shares for the respective
periods.
Comprehensive Income
The Company does not have any items of other comprehensive income requiring separate disclosure.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In August 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“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.
In September 2011, the FASB issued an Accounting Standards Update which modifies the way in which a Company
may conduct the annual goodwill impairment test of a reporting unit. Under the revised accounting standard, management of
a reporting unit has the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether events or circumstances exist that imply it
is more likely than not an impairment of goodwill has occurred. If, after performing this qualitative assessment, management
determines that it is more likely than not that a goodwill impairment has not occurred, then performing the two-step impairment
test is not necessary. Under the amendments in this accounting update, management of a reporting unit may also elect to proceed
directly to the two-step goodwill impairment test and, if such election is made, may resume performing the qualitative assessment
in any subsequent period. The Company adopted this guidance early on September 30, 2011. The adoption of this pronouncement
did not have a material effect on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
3. Asset Acquisition
In September 2011, we acquired the websites, website-related assets and domain names of Coinflation.com, which owned
and operated websites, providing information on precious metal values and the intrinsic values of individual coins. The Company’s
plan is to drive incremental web traffic, generate incremental advertising dollars and add to the Company’s position as a leading
service provider of valuable information and content to coin market participants. Acquisition related costs of $27,000 were
incurred and have been included in general and administrative expenses for fiscal 2012.
The following table summarizes the consideration paid and the assets acquired in the transaction (in thousands):
Cash
12,500 common shares of Collectors Universe, Inc.
Total Consideration
Allocated to:
Websites, website-related assets, domain names
$
$
$
550
190
740
740
The fair value of the common shares issued as part of the consideration paid was determined based on the closing market
price of $15.17 on the acquisition date of September 13, 2011.
The website and related assets are being amortized over an estimated useful life of five years.
Approximately $322,000 of Coinflation.com revenue is included in net revenues in fiscal 2012, representing the revenues
earned since the date of acquisition through June 30, 2012.
54
The following unaudited pro forma information set forth in the following table was prepared assuming that the acquisition
of Coinflation.com had occurred on July 1, 2010 rather than the actual date of acquisition. The following unaudited pro forma
results of operations are not indicative of what our operating results would have been had the Coinflation.com acquisition been
consummated on July 1, 2010 or what our results of operations will be in the future (in thousands).
Revenue
Income from continuing operations
Income (loss) from discontinued operations,
net of income taxes
Net income
Net income per basic share:
Income from continuing operations
Income (loss) from discontinued operations
Net income per basic shares
Net income per diluted share:
Income from continuing operations
Income (loss) from discontinued operations
Net income per diluted shares
Fiscal Year Ended
June 30,
2012
$ 48,494
2011
$ 44,899
$ 6,882
$ 5,129
(71)
$ 6,811
83
5,212
$
$
$
0.87
(0.01)
0.86
$
$
0.67
0.01
0.68
$
$
0.86
(0.01)
0.85
$
$
$
0.66
0.01
0.67
4. 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 its 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, 2012 and 2011. The consolidated statements of
operations for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2012, 2011 and 2010 present the results of operations for those discontinued
operations and the consolidated statements of cash flows for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2012, 2011 and 2010 segregate the cash
flows from discontinued operations from all other cash flow activities.
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 were leased through December 31, 2015 and 2017, respectively. 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 resulting from the revision, was recognized as a decrease to
the liability in 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, 2012 totaled approximately $2,782,000, of which $637,000 is classified as a current liability,
and the balance of $2,145,000 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.
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 and a final $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, 2012 and June 30, 2011 in the amount of $148,000 and $185,000, respectively, as part of notes receivable from the sale of
net assets of discontinued operations, of which $148,000 is classified as a current asset as of June 30, 2012.
55
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............................................................................
$
Income (loss) from operations of discontinued businesses
Gain (loss) on sales of discontinued businesses ........................
Gain (loss) before provision (benefit) for income taxes ...........
Provision (benefit) for income taxes .........................................
Income (loss) from discontinued operations ............................
$
Year Ended June 30,
2011
15
$
2010
12
$
(2)
140
138
55
83
$
(209)
33
(176)
(69)
(107)
$
2012
5
1
(119)
(118)
(47)
(71)
Balance Sheet Data of Discontinued Operations
Current Assets:
Assets held for sale
Non-current assets:
Other assets
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable
Lease obligations
Other accrued expenses
Non-current liabilities:
Lease obligations
June 30,
2012
2011
$
27
$
27
$
182
$
182
$
$
7
637
160
804
$
$
10
565
168
743
$ 2,145
$ 2,572
5. 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 ..................................................
2012
$ 1,166
110
1,375
2,651
(378)
2,273
-
$ 2,273
2011
1,468
76
774
2,318
(126)
2,192
(750)
1,442
$
$
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 coin that was classified as a long-term asset at June 30, 2011, was a coin purchased under our warranty
policy, which the Company expected to sell prior to September 30, 2012. At December 31, 2011, the value of this coin was
reduced to $637,000 to reflect recent transactions for similar coins, and the write-down of $113,000 was recorded in cost of
revenues. In August 2012, the coin was sold and realized $550,000. The additional loss of $87,000 was accrued at June 30, 2012.
The estimated value of coins can be subjective and can vary depending on market conditions for precious metals, the
number of qualified buyers for a particular coin and the uniqueness and special features of a particular coin.
56
6. Property and Equipment
Property and equipment consist of the following at June 30 (in thousands):
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 ..................................................
$
2012
294
1,760
1,051
2,999
950
732
52
7,838
(6,043)
1,795
2011
331
1,467
1,023
2,509
912
704
52
6,998
(5,697)
1,301
$
$
Depreciation and amortization expense relating to property and equipment for fiscal 2012, 2011 and 2010 was $481,000,
$348,000 and $365,000, respectively.
7. Goodwill and Intangible Assets
During the first quarter of fiscal year 2012, 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 fiscal 2011, the Expos business experienced a downward trend in revenues, which, when combined with the
expectation of future declines in revenues, was considered a triggering event, which led us at June 30, 2011, to perform the two-step
impairment test on goodwill for the Expos business. Based on that test, an impairment charge of $1,368,000 was recognized at
June 30, 2011, comprising goodwill impairment of $743,000 and intangible assets impairment of $625,000.
As a result of the impairment of the Expos tradename recorded at June 30, 2011 and management’s expectations as to the
period over which the tradename will contribute to and generate future cash flows of the Company, the tradename was determined
to have a finite life. Effective July 1, 2011, the tradename is being amortized over a period of 10 years. At June 30, 2012, we
performed our annual review of the carrying value of the goodwill of Expos and concluded that no further impairment had
occurred.
The following table sets forth the carrying values of goodwill for those acquired businesses that are classified as continuing
operations as of June 30, 2012 and 2011 (in thousands):
CoinFacts
Expos Unlimited
CCE
2012
515
458
1,110
2,083
$
$
2011
515
458
1,110
2,083
$
$
Approximately $1.0 million classified as goodwill on the consolidated balance sheets at June 30, 2012 and 2011,
respectively, is amortizable and deductible for income tax purposes over a period of 15 years.
57
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, 2012 and 2011 (in thousands):
Gross Book
Value
As of June 30, 2012
Accumulated
Amortization
Net Book
Value
Gross Book
Value
Accumulated
Amortization
Impairment
loss
Net Book
Value
As of June 30, 2011
Amortized Intangible Assets:
CUI:
Coinflation.com website
Expos Unlimited:
Auctioneer relationships
Covenant not to compete
Customer database
Tradename
CCE:
Covenant not to compete
Customer lists
Website
Capitalized Software
Unamortized Intangible Assets:
CCE: Tradename
$
$
$
740
150
130
230
280
790
$
$
$
(111)
(90)
(98)
(46)
(28)
(262)
-
676
-
676
-
(308)
-
(308)
2,882
5,088
(2,658)
(3,339)
$
39
5,127
-
(3,339)
$
$
$
629
$
-
$
-
-
$ -
$
$
$
60
32
184
252
528
-
368
-
368
224
1,749
39
1,788
$
$
$
$
-
-
(165)
(460)
(625)
-
-
-
-
$
(75)
(81)
(395)
-
(551)
$
(25)
(263)
(2)
(290)
(2,575)
(3,416)
-
(625)
-
(3,416)
$
-
(625)
$
$
$
$
$
$
150
130
790
740
1,810
25
676
2
703
2,634
5,147
39
5,186
$
$
$
$
75
49
230
280
634
-
413
-
413
59
1,106
39
1,145
Amortization expense was $344,000, $423,000 and $626,000 for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2012, 2011 and 2010,
respectively. 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,
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
Thereafter
Total
396
383
323
282
110
255
$ 1,749
The weighted average amortization period remaining as of June 30, 2012, is approximately 5.56 years.
Intangible assets with finite lives are being amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, as follows:
Website
Customer relationships
Covenant not to compete
Auctioneer relationships
Capitalized software
Tradename
CCE
-
15 years
-
-
-
-
Expos
-
10 years
8 years
10 years
-
10 years
Capitalized
Software
-
-
-
-
3 years
-
CUI
5 years
-
-
-
-
-
58
8. 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):
Assets:
Goodwill
Intangible assets
Beginning
Balance
June 30,
2010
Impairment
Loss
Included in
Net Income
Amortization
$
$
1,201
1,369
2,570
$
$
-
(110)
(110)
$
(743)
(625)
$ (1,368)
Ending
Balance
June 30,
2011
$
458
634
$ 1,092
There have been no re-measurements of fair value of the assets on a recurring or non-recurring basis at June 30,
2012.
9. Accrued Liabilities
Accrued liabilities consisted of the following at June 30 (in thousands):
Warranty reserve ...........................................................
Professioal fees ..............................................................
Other ...........................................................................
2012
998
70
849
1,917
$
$
2011
641
122
652
1,415
$
$
59
Warranty reserve activity and balances related to fiscal years 2012, 2011 and 2010, were as follows
(in thousands):
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
Charged to cost of revenues
Payments
Warranty reserve at June 30, 2012
$
$
$
708
641
(680)
669
751
(779)
641
736
(379)
998
10. Taxes
For fiscal years ended June 30, 2012, 2011 and 2010, pre-tax income (loss) was attributed to the following jurisdictions (in
thousands):
Domestic operations
Foreign operations
2012
$ 9,804
(559)
$ 9,245
2011
$ 8,675
(293)
$ 8,382
2010
$ 8,475
-
$ 8,475
Set forth below is the (benefit) provision for income taxes for continuing operations for the years ended June 30
(in thousands):
Current:
Federal .......................................................
State ...........................................................
Deferred:
Federal .......................................................
State ...........................................................
Total (benefit) provision for income taxes
2012
2011
2010
$ 1,717
96
1,813
146
466
612
$ 2,425
$
(22)
(37)
(59)
2,650
755
3,405
$ 3,346
$ (242)
297
55
(5,105)
(3,280)
(8,385)
$ (8,330)
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 ...............................................................
Excess tax basis of subsidiary ............................
Valuation allowances ........................................
2012
$ 3,143
375
116
(52)
(17)
(1,267)
127
$ 2,425
2011
$ 2,851
473
102
(48)
(128)
-
96
$ 3,346
2010
$ 2,882
(1,969)
73
4
(250)
-
(9,070)
$ (8,330)
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.
60
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, 2012 and 2011 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 .............................
Other .........................................................
Total deferred tax liabilities ...................
Net deferred tax assets ...................................
Less: current portion ......................................
2012
2011
$
$
939
2,097
598
690
374
93
(223)
4,568
(280)
(129)
(409)
4,159
(1,177)
2,982
$
$
193
2,109
1,376
790
495
84
(96)
4,951
(86)
(140)
(226)
4,725
(1,769)
2,956
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. The valuation allowances of $223,000 and
$96,000 at June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively, primarily relate to the Company’s foreign operations in France and Hong Kong,
and such valuation allowances have been established due to the uncertainty of realizing our foreign tax benefits.
The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, various states and overseas in France and Hong
Kong and has open tax periods for federal taxes for the years ended June 30, 2009 through June 30, 2011 and for certain state tax
jurisdictions for the years ended June 30, 2000 through June 30, 2011.
As of June 30, 2012 and June 30, 2011, the Company had $1,045,000 and $1,197,000, 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 state net operating losses of $10,664,000, which will primarily begin to expire
in 2017, of which the benefit of $3,751,000 will be credited to additional paid in capital when fully utilized.
As of June 30, 2012, the liability for income taxes associated with uncertain tax positions was $260,000, including accrued
penalties and interest of $109,000. If recognized, $206,000 of the liability for uncertain tax positions would favorably affect the
Company’s effective tax rate.
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, 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
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, 2012
61
$
$
$
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, 2012, the Company realized a deduction of approximately $3.7 million for federal and various states and $8.5
million in California for the excess tax basis over the book basis of the investment in a subsidiary, as the difference reversed. This tax
benefit reduced estimated tax payments in fiscal 2012.
11. 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.
12. Stockholders’ Equity
Dividends
In April 2010, the Board of Directors increased that quarterly dividend from $0.25 per share to $0.30 per share, and in
October 2010, the dividend was increased to $0.325 per share per quarter. During the fiscal years ended June 30, 2012, 2011 and
2010, the Company paid cash dividends in the aggregate amounts of approximately $10,355,000, $9,944,000 and $5,943,000,
respectively.
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. There were no repurchases of stock under this program in fiscals 2010 to 2012.
We currently have $3.7 million available for share purchases under the stock buyback programs. 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 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.
13. 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.
62
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. At June 30, 2012, all options were fully vested.
The following is a summary of stock option activity in the fiscal years 2012, 2011 and 2010 under the 2006 Plan
(in thousands, except per share data):
Number of
Shares
Exercise
Price Per Share
Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
Per Share
Options outstanding at June 30, 2009
Cancelled
Expired
Exercised
Options outstanding at June 30, 2010
Cancelled
Expired
Exercised
Options outstanding at June 30, 2011
Exercised
Options outstanding at June 30, 2012
585
(138)
(3)
(10)
434
(22)
(8)
(152)
252
(49)
203
$ 2.80
2.80
18.18
2.80
2.80
2.80
7.27
2.80
2.80
2.80
$ 3.45
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
$ 21.82
21.82
21.82
12.48
17.82
12.48
10.91
12.48
17.82
13.18
$ 17.82
$ 11.61
14.20
21.65
12.16
10.72
12.41
7.88
7.47
12.64
11.83
$ 12.83
The total pre-tax intrinsic value of options exercised during fiscal years ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 were approximately
$226,000 and $1,143,000, respectively. Total fair value of options vested during 2012, 2011 and 2010 were $42,000, $38,000 and
$27,500, respectively.
The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at June 30, 2012:
Outstanding Options
Exercisable Options
Number
of Shares
Outstanding
(in thousands)
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life (Years)
8
50
57
88
203
1.25
1.50
2.34
2.53
2.17
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
$ 3.45
$ 6.91
$ 11.99
$ 17.59
$ 12.83
($000’s)
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
$
93
$ 385
$ 154
$
3
$ 635
Number
of Shares
Exercisable
8
50
57
88
203
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
$ 3.45
$ 6.91
$ 11.99
$ 17.59
$ 12.83
($000’s)
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
$
$
$
$
$
93
385
154
3
635
Range of Exercise Price
$
2.80
$
6.91
9.09
$
$ 14.17
$ 5.27
$ 7.27
$ 13.18
$ 17.82
Restricted Shares
We grant restricted stock awards to each outside director with a grant date value of $35,000 per director on an annual basis
with respect for which the only condition for vesting is continued service during the specified vesting periods.
Consequently, in the second quarter of fiscal 2012, 2011 and 2010, the Company granted approximately 11,480, 12,025
and 22,242 service contingent shares, respectively, which vested in each case quarterly over the succeeding twelve months, to its
non-employee directors and 5,000 shares in fiscal 2011 to one employee, which vested over the succeeding four quarters. The
Company estimated the fair value of those shares to be approximately $175,000, $248,000 and $210,000, respectively, and such
stock-based compensation expense is being recognized over the service period of one year.
63
Fiscal 2011 and 2010-Management Restricted Stock Awards. In August 2011 and 2010, the Compensation Committee
of the Board of Directors determined that the Company had achieved the financial performance goal for fiscals 2011 and 2010,
respectively. As a result, stock-based compensation on the remaining unvested shares granted for those respective years is being
recognized over the remaining service period, dependent on the continued service of the Participant.
Fiscal 2012-Management Restricted Stock Awards.
On July 19, 2011, the Compensation Committee awarded 92,000 restricted shares to executive officers and senior
management (“Participant”), pursuant to the Company’s stockholder approved 2006 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2006 Plan”).
Those restricted shares are subject to certain risks of forfeiture, which are summarized below.
(1) Service-Contingent Shares. The vesting of 50% of the restricted shares is contingent on the Participants remaining in
continuous service of the Company (the “Service-Based Shares”) and will vest in sixteen equal quarterly installments through June
2015, 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 the restricted shares (the “Performance-Based 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 as follows: (i) one third of the shares will become vested if the Participant is still in the
Company’s service on June 30, 2012; (ii) another one third of the shares 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 if the Participant is still in the
Company’s service on such date.
Participants may also earn a maximum additional 10% more shares if the Company exceeds the fiscal 2012 financial
performance goal by at least 10%.
Management estimated the fair value of the 92,000 shares of restricted stock to be $1,440,000 based on the closing price
per share of the Company’s common stock of $15.65 on the grant date, of which $720,000 relates to the service-based awards and
$720,000 relates to the performance-based awards. For service-based awards, we record stock-based compensation expense over the
requisite service periods that commenced on July 19, 2011 and that will continue through June 30, 2015. In August 2012, it was
determined by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors, that the Company had achieved approximately 97% of the
financial performance goal for 2012, and, as a result, 83% of the Performance Contingent Shares qualified for vesting at that time.
We recognized stock-based compensation (which includes compensation costs related to the grant of restricted stock
awards and stock options) of $1,244,000, $1,131,000 and $968,000 during fiscal 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, which were
classified as part of general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.
The total amount of compensation expense related to unvested stock option and restricted stock awards not yet recognized
at June 30, 2012 was approximately $830,000 and that amount will be recognized as compensation expense as follows (in
thousands):
Year Ending June 30,
2013
2014
2015
Total
$
$
501
197
132
830
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.
64
The following table presents the non-vested status of the restricted shares for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2012, 2011
and 2010 and their respective weighted average grant date fair values:
Non-Vested Shares:
Non-vested at June 30, 2009
Granted
Vested
Non-vested at June 30, 2010
Granted
Vested
Non-vested at June 30, 2011
Granted
Vested
Non-vested at June 30, 2012
Shares
43,427
274,827
(64,155)
254,099
97,025
(217,948)
133,176
103,480
(143,528)
93,128
Weighted
Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value
3.80
4.50
4.42
4.43
12.83
5.60
8.64
15.60
9.35
15.28
$
$
14. Related-Party Transactions
DHRCC, which is wholly owned by David Hall, who is the President and a director and a holder of more than 10%
of our outstanding shares, 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 $43,400 in fiscal 2012, $42,110 in fiscal 2011 and $40,970 in fiscal 2010.
During fiscal years 2012, 2011 and 2010, the Company charged, and DHRCC paid to the Company, approximately
$25,500, $25,230 and $18,000 for advertising fees, approximately $6,200, $8,900 and $3,000 for grading and authentication
fees, and the Company paid DHRCC approximately $18,800, $13,000 and $22,000 for warranty claims, respectively. During
fiscal years 2012, 2011 and 2010, DHRCC attended the Expos Long Beach shows and paid approximately $4,700, $5,900 and
$5,900, respectively, in fees to Expos and also paid CCE $6,100, $4,800 and $4,600 in monthly subscription and listing fees
during fiscal years 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
During fiscal years 2012, 2011 and 2010, David Hall paid $12,600, $31,000 and $6,000, respectively, in grading and
authentication fees to us for personally owned trading cards submitted. Also, a member of Mr. Hall’s immediate family paid
$464,000, $663,000 and $517,000 in grading and authentication fees to PCGS during fiscal years 2012, 2011 and 2010 and
owed the Company approximately $106,000, $54,000 and $23,000 at June 30, 2012, 2011 and 2010, 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.
15. Commitments and Contingencies
Leases
The Company has various operating lease commitments for facilities and equipment, including its corporate headquarters
facility, that expire through May 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, 2012 and 2011.
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, 2012, 2011 and 2010 for those operations classified as continuing operations, was approximately
$1,067,000, $1,056,000 and $1,004,000, respectively.
65
Continuing Operations
At June 30, 2012, 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, 2012, are as follows:
Year Ending June 30,
2013 .........................................................................................
2014 .........................................................................................
2015 .........................................................................................
2016 .........................................................................................
2017 .........................................................................................
..............................................................................
Thereafter
Discontinued Operations
Gross
Payment
1,331
1,415
1,287
1,162
1,156
2,300
8,651
$
$
Sublease
Income
45
46
47
49
50
92
329
$
$
Net
$ 1,286
1,369
1,240
1,113
1,106
2,208
$ 8,322
At June 30, 2012, 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, which will expire in December 31, 2015 and
2017 and consist of future minimum payments associated with our discontinued operations, including both a subleased space and a
space that was returned to the landlord at June 30, 2012, are as follows (in thousands):
Year Ending June 30,
2013 ..........................................................................................
2014 ..........................................................................................
.........................................................................................
2015
........................................................................................
2016
........................................................................................
2017
..............................................................................
Thereafter
Less: Discounted estimated fair value of minimum lease payments
Accretion expense to be recognized in future years
Gross
Payment
Sublease
Income
$
$
732
758
794
635
470
245
3,634
$
$
181
192
195
99
-
-
667
Net
551
566
599
536
470
245
2,967
2,641
326
$
$
The accrual for facility-related obligations at June 30, 2012 includes an estimate of the minimum lease payments of
$2,641,000 and an estimate of the operating expenses related to the leased properties of $141,000.
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.
66
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.
Management currently believes that none of the lawsuits currently pending against it is likely to have a material adverse effect on the
Company.
16. Business Segments
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, the Coinflation.com business and our collectibles conventions business.
We allocate operating expenses to each service segment based upon activity levels. The following tables set forth
on a business segment basis, (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,
2012, 2011 and 2010. Net identifiable assets and goodwill are provided by business segment as of June 30, 2012 and 2011.
Net revenues from external customers(1):
Coins ...............................................................................................
Trading cards and autographs ...........................................................
Other ...............................................................................................
Total revenue ...................................................................................
Amortization and depreciation:
Coins ...............................................................................................
Trading cards and autographs ...........................................................
Other ...............................................................................................
Total ................................................................................................
Unallocated amortization and depreciation ......................................
Consolidated amortization and depreciation ....................................
Impairment losses:
Other ...............................................................................................
Total ................................................................................................
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 ......................................................
____
2012
$ 32,432
11,335
4,592
$ 48,359
$
$
282
76
289
647
178
825
Year Ended June 30,
2011
$ 29,992
10,229
4,211
$ 44,432
2010
$ 25,781
9,746
4,236
$ 39,763
$
$
235
172
258
665
106
771
$
$
232
204
369
805
186
991
-
-
$ 1,368
$ 1,368
-
-
$
272
85
84
441
803
$ 1,244
$ 10,428
1,597
1,249
13,274
(4,117)
$ 9,157
$
196
30
45
271
860
$ 1,131
$ 11,041
1,380
(337)
12,084
(3,795)
$ 8,289
$ -
-
-
-
968
968
$
$ 10,437
1,173
780
12,390
(4,034)
$ 8,356
(1) Includes revenues of $1.1 million and $0.4 million generated outside the United States in fiscal years 2012 and 2011,
respectively.
67
At June 30,
Identifiable Assets:
Coins..............................................................
Trading cards and autographs .........................
Other .............................................................
Total ...............................................................
Unallocated assets ...........................................
Consolidated assets .........................................
Goodwill:
Coins..............................................................
Other .............................................................
Consolidated goodwill ....................................
2012
5,878
1,171
2,669
9,718
26,727
36,445
515
1,568
2,083
$
$
$
$
2011
4,892
982
2,862
8,736
27,775
36,511
515
1,568
2,083
$
$
$
$
17.
Quarterly Results (unaudited)
The following table sets forth the unaudited consolidated financial results for quarterly periods in fiscal years 2012 and 2011:
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
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)
Net income
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
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
Weighted average shares outstanding
Basic
Diluted
____
Quarter Ended
(In thousands, except per share data)
Sept. 30,
2010
Dec. 31,
2010
Mar. 31,
2011
June 30,
2011
Sept. 30,
2011
Dec. 31,
2011
Mar. 31,
2012
June 30,
2012
$ 9,755
3,774
5,981
4,142
-
1,839
24
1,863
745
1,118
$ 9,600
3,895
5,705
4,154
-
1,551
28
1,579
609
970
$ 12,818
4,907
7,911
4,598
-
3,313
36
3,349
1,381
1,968
$ 12,259
4,673
7,586
$ 12,072
4,725
7,347
$ 11,472
4,717
6,755
$ 13,082
5,064
8,018
$ 11,733
4,896
6,837
4,632
1,368
1,586
5
1,591
611
980
4,854
-
2,493
20
2,513
1,019
1,494
4,861
-
1,894
18
1,912
795
1,117
5,104
-
2,914
26
2,940
1,209
1,731
4,981
-
1,856
24
1,880
(598)
2,478
(13)
$ 1,105
(22)
948
-
$ 1,968
$
118
$ 1,098
(18)
$ 1,476
(32)
$ 1,085
7
$ 1,738
(28)
$ 2,450
$ 0.15
$ 0.13
$ 0.25
$
0.13
$ 0.19
$ 0.14
$ 0.22
$
0.31
-
$ 0.15
(0.01)
$ 0.12
-
$ 0.25
0.01
0.14
$
-
$ 0.19
-
$ 0.14
-
$ 0.22
-
0.31
$
$ 0.14
$ 0.12
$ 0.25
$
0.13
$ 0.19
$ 0.14
$ 0.22
$
0.31
-
$ 0.14
-
$ 0.12
-
$ 0.25
0.01
0.14
$
-
$ 0.19
-
$ 0.14
-
$ 0.22
-
0.31
$
7,502
7,725
7,732
7,820
7,727
7,841
7,716
7,806
7,854
7,965
7,904
7,999
7,922
8,020
7,933
7,972
(1) The impairment losses recognized in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011, related to our Expos business (see note 7).
(2) The lower tax provision in fiscal 2012 reflects a benefit for the excess tax basis over the book basis of the Company’s investment in a
subsidiary of approximately $1.3 million and a lower effective tax rate, resulting from a change in the Company’s state apportionment
factors, both recognized in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012.
68
18. Subsequent Events
Dividends
On July 30, 2012, the Company announced its quarterly cash dividend of $0.325 per share of common stock for the first
quarter of fiscal 2013. The cash dividend will be paid on August 31, 2012 to stockholders of record on August 17, 2012.
69
Description
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 ...............................................
Valuation allowances for deferred tax assets .......
Year Ended June 30, 2012
Allowance for doubtful accounts .......................
Allowance for customer notes receivable ............
Inventory reserve ...............................................
Valuation allowances for deferred
tax assets
..................................................
Schedule II
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
Balance at
Beginning
of Period
Charged
(Credited)
to Operating
Expenses
Charged
to Cost of
Revenues
Charged
(Credited)
to Tax
Provision
Net
Deductions
Balance
at End
of Period
$
63,000
31,000
102,000
12,962,000
$
$
75,000
16,000
144,000
-
66,000
14,000
126,000
96,000
$ 51,000
(15,000)
-
-
$ 17,000
(2,000)
-
-
$
5,000
-
-
-
$ -
-
58,000
-
$
-
-
-
(12,962,000)
$ (39,000)
-
(16,000)
-
$
$
$
-
-
-
-
$
-
-
263,000
-
-
-
96,000
$ (26,000)
-
(18,000)
-
-
-
-
$
(1,000)
-
(11,000)
$
$
$
75,000
16,000
144,000
-
66,000
14,000
126,000
96,000
70,000
14,000
378,000
-
127,000
-
223,000
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, 2012, 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, 2012, 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 were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during our fourth fiscal quarter ended
June 30, 2012 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
70
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.
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,
2012, 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, 2012, Collectors Universe, Inc. maintained
effective internal control over financial reporting.
Grant Thornton LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, which audited and reported on our consolidated
financial statements for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2012 which are included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, has audited
the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of June 30, 2012 as stated in their report set forth below.
71
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Board of Directors and Stockholders
Collectors Universe, Inc.
We have audited Collectors Universe Inc. and subsidiaries’ (“the Company”) internal control over financial reporting as
of June 30, 2012 based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring
Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal
control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the
accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on
the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United
States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal
control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal
control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating
effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we consider necessary in the
circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding
the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that
(1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions
of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of
financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company
are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable
assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that
could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.
Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate
because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of
June 30, 2012, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by COSO.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United
States), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of June 30, 2012 and 2011, and the related consolidated statements of
operations, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended June 30, 2012, and our report dated
August 30, 2012 expressed an unqualified opinion.
/s/ GRANT THORNTON LLP
Irvine, California
August 30, 2012
72
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
None
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
PART III
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, 2012 for the Company’s 2012 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, 2012 for the Company’s 2012 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, 2012 for the Company’s 2012 annual stockholders’ meeting.
The following table provides information relating to our equity compensation plans as of June 30, 2012.
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)
Equity compensation plans
approved by stockholders
203,000
$
12.83
$
381,000
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND
DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
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, 2012 for the Company’s 2012 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, 2012 for the Company’s 2012 annual stockholders’ meeting.
73
PART IV
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(a)(1)
Financial Statements
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, 2012 and 2011
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended June 30, 2012, 2011 and 2010
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended June 30, 2012, 2011 and 2010
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended June 30, 2012, 2011 and 2010
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(a)(2) Financial Statement Schedule
Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts included in Item 8 of Form 10-K.
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.
74
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 30, 2012
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 30, 2012
Chief Executive Officer and Director
August 30, 2012
President and Director
August 30, 2012
/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 30, 2012
August 30, 2012
August 30, 2012
August 30, 2012
August 30, 2012
75S-1
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
10.47
10.48
10.49
21.1
23.1
31.1
31.2
32.1
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.**
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
32.2
_________
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.
*
**
E-1