Hot Topic, Inc.
Filed 5/02/02
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED FEBRUARY 2, 2002
OR
[ ] 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 NO. 0-28784
HOT TOPIC, INC.
(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
CALIFORNIA 77-0198182
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
18305 E. SAN JOSE AVE.
CITY OF INDUSTRY, CALIFORNIA 91748
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (626) 839-4681
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: none Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of
the Act:
COMMON STOCK, NO PAR VALUE
(Title of Class)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to
file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [ ]
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (Section 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 ___.
The number of shares outstanding of the registrant's Common Stock was 31,525,436 as of April 10, 2002.
The aggregate market value of Common Stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of April 10, 2002 was approximately
$722,687,000, based on the closing price on that date of Common Stock on the Nasdaq National Stock Market.*
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Certain portions of the registrant's Definitive proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on June 13,
2002, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") no later than 120 days after February 2, 2002, are
incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K (Items 10 through 13).
*Excludes 428,728 shares of Common Stock held by directors and officers on April 10, 2002. Exclusion of shares held by any
person should not be construed to indicate that such person possesses the power, direct or indirect, to direct or cause the
direction of the management or policies of the Registrant, or that such person is controlled by or under common control with the
Registrant.
THE STATEMENTS CONTAINED IN THIS ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K THAT ARE NOT HISTORICAL
ARE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS WITHIN THE MEANING OF SECTION 27A OF THE SECURITIES
ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE "SECURITIES ACT"), AND SECTION 21E OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
ACT OF 1934, AS AMENDED (THE "EXCHANGE ACT"), INCLUDING STATEMENTS REGARDING THE
COMPANY'S EXPECTATIONS, BELIEFS, INTENTIONS OR STRATEGIES REGARDING THE FUTURE.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS INCLUDE, WITHOUT LIMITATION, STATEMENTS REGARDING THE
EXTENT AND TIMING OF FUTURE REVENUES AND EXPENSES AND CUSTOMER DEMAND, STATEMENTS
REGARDING EXPECTED FINANCIAL RESULTS, THE PROFITABILITY OF FUTURE SALES OF THE
COMPANY'S PRODUCTS, NEW STORE OPENINGS AND NEW STORE CONCEPTS. ALL
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS INCLUDED IN THIS REPORT ARE BASED ON INFORMATION
AVAILABLE TO US AS OF THE DATE HEREOF AND WE ASSUME NO OBLIGATION TO UPDATE ANY
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS INVOLVE KNOWN OR
UNKNOWN RISKS, UNCERTAINTIES AND OTHER FACTORS WHICH MAY CAUSE OUR ACTUAL RESULTS,
PERFORMANCE OR ACHIEVEMENTS, OR INDUSTRY RESULTS TO BE MATERIALLY DIFFERENT FROM
ANY FUTURE RESULTS, PERFORMANCE OR ACHIEVEMENTS EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED BY SUCH
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS. FACTORS THAT COULD CAUSE OR CONTRIBUTE TO SUCH
DIFFERENCES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:
RELATIONSHIPS WITH MALL DEVELOPERS AND OPERATORS, THE AVAILABILITY OF CASH AND/OR
MALL SPACE FOR PLANNED EXPANSION, FLUCTUATIONS IN SALES AND STORE SALE RESULTS,
UNCERTAINTIES RELATED TO NEW STORE OPENINGS, NEW STORE CONCEPTS, MUSIC AND FASHION
TRENDS, COMPETITION FROM OTHER RETAILERS, SUCCESS OF JOINT VENTURES AND RELATIONSHIPS
WITH AND RELIANCE UPON THIRD PARTIES, UNCERTAINTIES GENERALLY ASSOCIATED WITH
SPECIALTY RETAILING, POLITICAL AND OR SOCIAL CHANGES OR EVENTS THAT COULD NEGATIVELY
IMPACT SHOPPING PATTERNS AND/OR MALL TRAFFIC AND THE OTHER FACTORS REFERRED TO
HEREIN INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE ITEMS DISCUSSED IN
PART I, ITEM 1 UNDER THE CAPTION "CERTAIN RISK FACTORS RELATED TO THE COMPANY'S
BUSINESS" AND IN PART II, ITEM 7 UNDER THE CAPTION "MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND
ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS."
PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
GENERAL
Hot Topic, Inc. (together with its subsidiaries, "Hot Topic" or the "Company") operates Hot Topic stores, a mall-based
specialty retailer of music-licensed and music-influenced apparel, accessories and gift items for young men and women
principally between the ages of 12 and 22. In the first half of fiscal 2001 (the fiscal year ended February 2, 2002) the Company
launched a second retail concept with the opening of six stores under the trade name Torrid(TM). Torrid offers a selection of
music influenced apparel, lingerie, shoes and accessories centered around various lifestyles for plus-size young women between
the ages of 15 and 29. The Company opened its first Hot Topic store in 1989 and at the end of fiscal 2001, the Company
operated 346 Hot Topic stores and six Torrid stores in 48 states. The Company also maintains two distinct websites,
www.hottopic.com and www.torrid.com which reflect the Hot Topic and Torrid store concepts and sell certain items of
merchandise. The Company believes teenagers throughout the United States have similar fashion preferences, largely as a result
of the nationwide influence of MTV, music distribution, movies and television programs.
The Company opened 73 Hot Topic and six Torrid stores during fiscal 2001. The Company also occasionally relocates or
expands existing stores. During fiscal 2001, the Company expanded or relocated seven stores. The Company plans to open
approximately 70 new Hot Topic stores and 15 Torrid stores in the fiscal year ending February 1, 2003 ("fiscal 2002"); and 17
of these new Hot Topic stores and none of the Torrid stores were open as of April 10, 2002.
THE MARKET
The music-licensed apparel industry began in the 1960s with bootleggers selling T-shirts at concert venues. Over the ensuing
two decades, artists began to realize the commercial potential of licensing their likenesses and logos to T-shirt manufacturers
and others who produced assorted merchandise. Management
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believes that the single largest impact on the music industry during recent years has been the success of the MTV music
network, which enables fans not only to listen to the latest music and artists 24 hours a day, but also to experience a full sight
and sound package of appearance and attitude. According to the Neilson Media Research Report, in 2001 MTV music
network programming could be seen in more than 83 million households in the United States and in over 384 million households
worldwide. As a result, popular artists and fashions are much more visible today than 30 years ago. Hot Topic's management
believes that this increased visibility has contributed to the increase in demand for music-licensed and music-influenced apparel
and accessories.
MTV Networks has also achieved great success with specialized programming. For instance, "The Osbournes" drew more
than 4 million viewers to its regular time slot on March 26, 2002. Through the Company's continued sponsorship of the largest
summer rock tour, Ozzfest, Hot Topic expects to benefit from this broader audience.
Hot Topic's target customers are young men and women between the ages of 12 to 22 years old, who are passionate about
music, music videos, music-inspired fashion, and are avid MTV viewers. The Company believes its music-oriented
merchandise appeals to teenagers from diverse socio-economic backgrounds, and that its customers are broadly representative
of the teenage population in the United States.
Torrid targets customers that are plus-size females ages 15 to 29 years old and influenced by music and pop-culture. Hot Topic
actively listens to customer feedback, and based on requests from plus-size customers, the Company launched Torrid, its new
junior plus-size store. Hot Topic believes young women wearing sizes 14 to 26 can now match the style, excitement and
selection available at other junior retailers with the assortment found in Torrid. Torrid is a new specialty retail concept largely
inspired by requests from young, female shoppers at Hot Topic stores and www.hottopic.com. After analyzing customer
feedback and researching the market demographics, the Torrid concept was born. Torrid was launched in the first half of fiscal
2001, with the opening of six locations across the country and a website, www.torrid.com. The performance of these first six
stores prompted the planned expansion of 15 additional stores starting in the second quarter of fiscal 2002.
Teenagers represent both a growing part of the United States population and an increasing source of purchasing power.
According to Teenage Research Unlimited, it is estimated that the teenage population in the United States reached
approximately 32 million in 2000 and is expected to grow to approximately 34 million by 2005, representing a projected
growth rate close to twice the rate of the overall population. By 2010, there are likely to be more teenagers in the United States
than at any other time in history. Teenage spending has also increased annually. The average American teen spent more than
$104 a week in 2001 according to the marketing research firm Teen Research Unlimited, an increase of $26 from $78 in 1998.
In the past five years, teenage spending has grown from an estimated $122 billion a year to $172 billion a year.
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HOT TOPIC BUSINESS STRATEGY
The Company's goal is to become the leading retailer of music-licensed and music-influenced apparel and accessories for
young men and women. The principal elements of the Company's business strategy are as follows:
O FOCUS ON UNIQUE MUSIC-ORIENTED MERCHANDISE
Hot Topic's management believes that fashions and products associated with popular music artists have a significant influence
on teenagers. The Company has developed a unique strategy focused exclusively on offering music-licensed and
music-influenced merchandise in the mall environment. Accordingly, the Company believes it is well positioned to capitalize on
the growing teenage population and demand for music-related merchandise.
O OFFER "EVERYTHING ABOUT THE MUSIC"
The Company's stores are designed to serve as a headquarters for music-licensed and music-influenced apparel, accessories
and gift items. The Company's slogan, "Everything About The Music," reflects the Company's broad assortment of products,
which include over 10,000 Stock Keeping Units ("SKUs") in approximately 20 different product categories. The Company
believes its selection of music-licensed merchandise is the most extensive assortment available in a single mall store. The
Company complements its licensed merchandise with a unique and eclectic assortment of music-influenced apparel and
accessories, and frequently introduces new items and categories in response to changes in trends and demand. The Company
believes it has a history of being the first to offer the latest music fashions, which, together with its assortment of merchandise,
has made it a destination store for teenagers seeking music-related products.
O PROMOTE MUSIC-INSPIRED CULTURE
Hot Topic is committed to addressing the music-oriented lifestyles of its customers by building a culture throughout the
organization that reflects a passion for music. Management diligently tracks alternative and rock music trends by regularly
monitoring new music, music video releases, and radio station air play, visiting nightclubs around the country and attending
concerts. The Company also actively solicits feedback from its associates and customers. The Company believes these
activities enable it to react quickly to emerging trends, and provide it with a competitive advantage over retailers who do not
devote the time and resources necessary to anticipate these trends.
O LISTENING TO THE CUSTOMER
Hot Topic does not dictate fashion trends, but rather seeks to identify music artists and releases that will have strong appeal and
related products that will generate strong demand. The Company has developed a disciplined approach to buying and a
dynamic inventory management process to support the merchandise strategy. The Company regularly tests new merchandise in
select stores before chain-wide distribution, and orders a majority of its merchandise not more than 60 days before delivery,
enabling it to respond quickly to emerging trends. Hot Topic is aggressive in taking prompt markdowns to maintain a fresh
merchandise mix. By actively managing the mix of categories and products in its stores, the Company believes it is able to
capitalize on emerging trends and minimize its dependence on any particular category. The Company believes that this
approach to managing its merchandise mix has contributed to its strong merchandise margins and consistent markdown rates.
The Company believes this markdown rate is lower than industry averages.
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O EMPHASIZE CUSTOMER SERVICE
Hot Topic trains its store associates to provide value-added, non-intrusive customer service. Sales associates are trained to
greet each customer, provide information about new music and fashion trends and suggest merchandise that matches the
customer's lifestyle and music preferences. The Company strives to give its teenage customers the same level of respect and
attention that is generally given to adult customers at other retail stores and to provide friendly and informed customer service
for parents. The Company believes that a high level of product knowledge and a commitment to music fashion create high
credibility and differentiate the Company from other teenage-focused retailers.
O CREATE AN ENTERTAINING STORE ENVIRONMENT
The Company seeks to create a compelling shopping environment that brings to the mall the elements of the alternative urban
shopping experience sought by teenagers. The Company has always focused on the lifestyles of the youth generation. Hot
Topic stores are designed with an industrial theme that incorporates dense merchandising and utilizes a professional sound
system playing alternative music releases to create a fun, high-energy store that teens will consider "their place" to shop with
friends. The Company believes that this atmosphere enhances the Company's image as a source for music-inspired fashion
while encouraging customers to shop in its stores for longer periods of time. Late in fiscal 2000, the Company tested a new
store design in two locations in California. Continuing to focus on the world of music and musicians as inspiration, the objective
of the new design is to provide a more kinetic and industrial-club feel, while portraying a less gothic appearance than the
Company's previous store design. This new look was inspired by the markets, clubs and old warehouse districts in London
where the Company's designers toured and created this new "industrial club" theme. Virtually all of the 73 new Hot Topic
stores opened in fiscal 2001 were built with this new design. The Company plans to continue with this design for the 70 Hot
Topic stores it expects to open in fiscal 2002.
TORRID BUSINESS STRATEGY
The Company's goal for the Torrid division is to become the leading specialty retailer of fashion forward plus-size junior
apparel. The principal elements of the Company's business strategy for Torrid are as follows:
O FOCUS ON FASHION FORWARD PLUS-SIZE APPAREL AND ACCESSORIES
THAT ARE MUSIC-INSPIRED
Torrid's merchandising team is focused on providing a fashion forward merchandise assortment that reflects the influence of
music and provides the plus-size customer with fun, hip, trendy apparel and accessories. The Company believes that it is the
first mall concept to offer a complete store assortment of fashion junior plus-size apparel.
O LISTENING TO THE CUSTOMER
Torrid does not dictate fashion trends, but rather listens to customers and watches music pop culture influences to determine
emerging trends in order to provide merchandise that will have strong customer appeal. Torrid, like Hot Topic, receives direct
feedback from Torrid store associates and customers. This feedback has a direct influence on future purchases of Torrid
merchandise.
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O EMPHASIZE CUSTOMER SERVICE AND CREATING A FUN, EXCITING
ENVIRONMENT
Torrid trains its store associates to provide one-on-one service to customers. Since the plus-size customer has been previously
unable to find the same fashion forward merchandise available to their smaller friends, Torrid's customer service approach
focuses on suggesting outfits and ensuring the correct fit.
Through a focus on customer service and an edgy fashion-forward merchandise offering, the Company seeks to create a
compelling shopping environment that will be sought after by the plus-size female customer. The warm reception, great
selection, and honest customer service by associates help to create a comfortable and exciting environment that will be
attractive and welcoming to the Torrid customer.
STORE LOCATIONS
As of February 2, 2002, the Company operated 346 Hot Topic stores in both metropolitan and middle markets in 48 states
across the United States and six Torrid stores in five states (California, Maryland, Nebraska, Maryland and Colorado).
Between February 2, 2002 and April 10, 2002, the Company opened an additional 17 Hot Topic stores. The following chart
sets forth, as of April 10, 2002, the number of Hot Topic and Torrid stores the Company operates in each state in which those
stores are located:
6
HOT TOPIC, INC.
STORES BY STATE
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HOT TOPIC STORES TORRID STORES TOTAL CO.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OPEN NEW HT HT OPEN NEW
AT FY02 AT OPEN AT TORRID OPEN AT OPEN AT
2/2/2002 TO DATE 4/10/2002 2/2/2002 FY02 TO DATE 4/10/2002 4/10/2002
Alabama 1 1 0 0 1
Arizona 6 6 0 0 6
Arkansas 2 2 0 0 2
California 51 4 55 2 2 57
Colorado 8 2 10 1 1 11
Connecticut 6 6 0 0 6
Delaware 2 2 0 0 2
Florida 18 18 0 0 18
Georgia 7 1 8 0 0 8
Hawaii 3 3 0 0 3
Idaho 1 1 0 0 1
Illinois 14 14 0 0 14
Indiana 8 8 0 0 8
Iowa 5 5 0 0 5
Kansas 4 4 0 0 4
Kentucky 4 4 0 0 4
Louisiana 3 3 0 0 3
Maine 1 1 0 0 1
Maryland 9 9 1 1 10
Massachusetts 7 7 1 1 8
Michigan 11 1 12 0 0 12
Minnesota 9 1 10 0 0 10
Mississippi 1 1 0 0 1
Missouri 7 7 0 0 7
Montana 1 1 2 0 0 2
Nebraska 2 2 1 1 3
Nevada 5 5 0 0 5
New Hampshire 4 4 0 0 4
New Jersey 12 2 14 0 0 14
New Mexico 3 3 0 0 3
New York 16 16 0 0 16
North Carolina 6 1 7 0 0 7
North Dakota 1 1 0 0 1
Ohio 10 10 0 0 10
Oklahoma 4 4 0 0 4
Oregon 3 3 0 0 3
Pennsylvania 19 19 0 0 19
Rhode Island 1 1 0 0 1
South Carolina 4 4 0 0 4
South Dakota 2 2 0 0 2
Tennessee 8 1 9 0 0 9
Texas 26 2 28 0 0 28
Utah 3 3 0 0 3
Vermont 1 1 0 0 1
Virginia 4 1 5 0 0 5
Washington 14 14 0 0 14
West Virginia 2 2 0 0 2
Wisconsin 7 7 0 0 7
TOTAL 346 17 363 6 0 6 369
# OF STATES 48 11 48 5 0 5 48
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EXPANSION STRATEGY
The following table provides a history of the Company's store expansion over the last five fiscal years:
FISCAL YEAR
----------------------------------------------------------
2002
THROUGH
1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 4-10-02
----------------------------------------------------------
(Number of stores)
Stores at beginning of year 68 108 158 212 274 352
Hot Topic store closing/reopening* (1) 1
New stores opened - Hot Topic 40 50 54 62 73 16
New stores opened - Torrid 6
----------------------------------------------------------
Stores at end of year 108 158 212 274 352 369
----------------------------------------------------------
* Victorville, CA store re-opened in first quarter of fiscal 2002.
The Company's expansion strategy is to open stores primarily in shopping malls and selected entertainment centers in both new
and existing markets throughout the United States. The Company believes it has developed a store concept that is successful in
both metropolitan and middle markets. Further, as a result of the nationwide influence of MTV, music distribution, movies and
television programs, the Company believes that its 12 to 22 year-old target customers have similar fashion preferences
throughout the United States.
The Company opened 73 new Hot Topic stores and six Torrid stores in fiscal 2001 as well as expanded or relocated seven
existing Hot Topic stores. The Company closed one store in fiscal 2001 that was at the end of its lease. During fiscal 2002, the
Company plans to open approximately 70 new Hot Topic stores (16 stores of which the Company has opened in the first
quarter of fiscal 2002 and one re-opening of the store closed in fiscal 2001) and 15 new Torrid stores, in addition to expanding
or relocating 10 existing Hot Topic stores. The Company selects and evaluates potential store locations based on a variety of
criteria including the sales and square footage of the mall, sales of anchor stores, sales of teenage-oriented stores, foot traffic,
number of teenagers in the trade area, median family income and other factors relevant to the Company's unique merchandising
strategy. Hot Topic has a real estate committee, consisting of its Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief
Financial Officer, Vice President of Store Operations, Vice President of Real Estate and the Torrid General Manager. The
Company generally seeks potential store sites between 1,600 square feet and 2,200 square feet for Hot Topic stores between
2,200 square feet and 2,800 square feet for Torrid stores. The average size of the Company's fiscal 2001 Hot Topic openings
was 1,877 square feet and 2,452 square feet for the Company's Torrid openings.
The Company's Hot Topic stores currently average approximately 1,617 square feet and 2,452 square feet for Torrid stores.
STORE-LEVEL ECONOMICS
During fiscal 2001, the Company achieved average Hot Topic store net sales of approximately $1,038,000 and average Hot
Topic store net sales per square foot of approximately $642. Store-level operating cash flow (defined as store operating
income before depreciation and excluding changes in working capital) for Hot Topic stores open the entire year in fiscal 2001
was approximately $311,000, or 30% of average net sales. In fiscal 2001, all of the
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Company's Hot Topic stores generated positive store-level operating income, but there can be no assurance this trend will
continue. There also can be no assurance that in the future the average store-level sales and operating cash flow will not vary
from historical results or that the total estimated capital expenditures for new stores will not increase.
HOT TOPIC MERCHANDISING
The Company's stores are designed to serve as a headquarters for music-licensed and music-influenced apparel, accessories
and gift items. Music-licensed merchandise includes T-shirts, hats, posters, stickers, patches, postcards, books, shoes, intimate
apparel, novelty accessories, compact discs and albums. Music-influenced merchandise includes woven and knit tops, skirts,
pants, shorts, jackets, shoes, costume jewelry, body jewelry, sunglasses, cosmetics, leather accessories and gift items.
Additional licensed apparel and accessories are influenced by television shows, cartoons and major motion pictures.
Approximately half of the Company's products are licensed, and the other half are music-influenced products. A key strategy of
the Company is to offer over 10,000 SKUs in 20 different product categories or "departments." On average, over 100
different licensed band T-shirts are carried in each store from current artists such as SlipKnot, System of a Down, Linkin Park,
Tool and the Strokes as well as classic rock artists such as Pink Floyd, Nirvana, Metallica, Jimi Hendrix, The Doors, Beatles
and Led Zeppelin. New items and categories are regularly tested as customer demand and product trends evolve.
The Company's merchandising staff consists of a Vice President, General Merchandise Manager, two divisional merchandise
managers, nine buyers, three associate buyers and ten assistant buyers. The merchandising staff reflects the Company's culture
in that its decisions and actions are influenced by music. In determining which merchandise to buy, the staff spends considerable
time viewing music videos, reviewing industry music sales, monitoring alternative radio station air play, consulting with sales
associates, reviewing customer requests, attending trade shows and reading music and fashion industry periodicals. In addition,
the merchandising staff regularly visits nightclubs and attends concerts and other events that attract young people. The
Company also solicits input from its store associates, in order to draw from many different experiences and perspectives.
The following table sets forth the Company's four major merchandise groups as an approximate percentage of net sales for
fiscal years 2001, 2000 and 1999:
PERCENTAGE OF NET SALES
2001 2000 1999
---------------------------------------
Apparel and T-Shirts 53% 51% 50%
Gifts 15 15 16
Accessories 26 27 27
Intimate Apparel and Shoes 6 7 7
---------------------------------------
100% 100% 100%
=======================================
Approximately half of the Company's products are licensed products. Artists typically license their likeness to a "master
licensor." The master licensor often retains the rights to market T-shirts and then may choose to sub-license to manufacturers,
other categories of merchandise such as posters, stickers and patches. Some artists also retain their licensing rights and
negotiate directly with licensees. Hot Topic buys its licensed merchandise from master licensors, licensees and directly from
artists. The Company currently purchases licensed T-shirts from over 30 companies and other licensed products from over 100
companies. Because of the Company's knowledge of teenage consumers' music preferences and music-influenced fashion,
licensors often seek the Company's advice prior to licensing new artists or product designs. As a result, the Company often
receives accommodations such as early shipments of new releases, exclusive merchandise, advanced lead times, exclusive
designs and vendors' acceptance of returns.
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The Company buys its unlicensed, music-influenced merchandise from a variety of manufacturers. The Company actively
searches for new vendors that offer unique and timely music-influenced products. As a result, the Company at any given time
has many different vendors of different sizes, including some from which it has not previously purchased.
The Company has five lines of private label merchandise to complement and supplement current product offerings. The
Company believes that Hot Topic brands play an important part in differentiating its stores from those of its competitors and
provide the Company with higher margin opportunities as compared to other merchandise. The Company's management
estimates that in fiscal 2001 Hot Topic brands accounted for approximately 25% of the Company's sales, the same percentage
as in fiscal 2000. The Company's proprietary brands include Morbid Makeup (cosmetics), Morbid Metals (body jewelry),
Morbid Threads (men's and women's apparel and hosiery) and MT:2 (men's and women's apparel). Shoes are also sold under
the Hot Topic label.
In order to reduce fashion risk and maintain the ability to respond quickly to emerging trends, Hot Topic buys a majority of its
merchandise not more than 60 days in advance of delivery, and will often begin with smaller test purchases prior to chain-wide
distribution. The Company regularly monitors store sales by merchandise classification, SKU, color and size to determine types
and amounts of products to purchase, to detect products and trends that are emerging or declining, and to manage the product
mix in its stores to respond to the spending patterns of its customers. The Company also works with its vendors to ensure that
sources for new and private label products are maintained and expanded.
During fiscal 2001, the Company had approximately 944 vendors, certain of which have limited financial resources and
production capabilities. No single vendor accounted for more than 5% of the Company's merchandise purchases. The
Company believes that its relationships with its vendors are good.
TORRID MERCHANDISING
The Company's Torrid stores are designed to serve as the destination for fashion forward apparel and accessories for the
plus-size junior woman. The Company believes that the Torrid customer wants to wear the same merchandise as her
smaller-sized peers. Torrid's merchandise includes novelty t-shirts, fashion tops, pants, shorts, skirts, dresses, jackets, intimate
apparel, shoes, hosiery, accessories, gifts, and beauty products. Torrid apparel is sized 14 to 26. Approximately 30% of the
products come from established branded vendors, including Paris Blues, Z Cavaricchi, Necessary Objects, Kikwear, Macgirl,
Dollhouse, Fine and Hot Kiss and more fashion-forward vendors such as Serious, Lip Service, and Tripp. The Company
worked with these and other vendors, to develop plus-size junior apparel fit specifications. The Company believes its selection
of fashion items from these and similar vendors gives the Torrid customer an opportunity to buy the same or similar branded
items that have historically been available to other young women of the same age who are not plus-size. Working together with
vendors, fashion trends and customer requests are researched, designed and manufactured for Torrid. Torrid, through its own
fit specialist, works with the manufacturers' design teams to help ensure that quality standards are achieved and maintained.
During fiscal 2001, approximately 75% of Torrid's net sales were generated in apparel merchandise categories and 25% of
Torrid's sales were produced in accessories, including intimate apparel and shoes.
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The Torrid merchandising staff consists of a divisional merchandise manager, two buyers, one associate buyer and one assistant
buyer. The Company's culture of soliciting and listening to customers and store associates is evidenced by the Torrid
merchandising staff's decisions and actions. Furthermore, the Company believes that Torrid's merchandising direction is
influenced by music and music related activities. The range of music and music artists that influence Torrid fashion is much
broader than those influencing fashion at Hot Topic stores, consistent with the broader target customer base of females ages 15
to 29.
Merchandising decisions for Torrid are also influenced by emerging fashions in the junior market. The decisions of the Torrid
merchandising group are heavily influenced by feedback from customers and associates, in order to draw from many different
experiences and perspectives. The staff also spends considerable time visiting nightclubs, attending concerts, attending trade
shows and other events that attract young people. Approximately 30% of Torrid merchandise is purchased from established
branded vendors. The remaining 70% is Torrid private label merchandise that provides the customer with unique,
fashion-forward merchandise, often at more competitive price points than branded merchandise. Private label merchandise also
often provides the Company with higher margin opportunities as compared to other merchandise. In order to reduce fashion
risk and maintain the ability to respond quickly to emerging trends, Torrid buys a majority of its merchandise not more than 90
days, and many times less than 60 days, in advance of delivery, and will often begin with small purchases for testing.
ALLOCATION AND DISTRIBUTION OF MERCHANDISE
Allocation and distribution of the Company's inventory is addressed at the store, merchandise classification and SKU levels
using integrated third party software. Most merchandise is ordered in bulk and then allocated to each store based on store
inventory plans and SKU performance by using Arthur Allocation software. Buyers determine SKU reorder quantities by using
a proprietary automated software program which considers sales history, projected sales, planned inventories by store, store
demographics, geographic preferences, store openings and planned markdown dates.
The Company's Vice President of Planning and Allocation, two directors of Planning and Allocation and 20 inventory analysts
work closely with the merchandise buyers and store associates to meet the appropriate inventory requirements of each store.
Hot Topic's headquarters and distribution facility consists of approximately 250,000 square feet located in City of Industry,
California. All merchandise is delivered by vendors to this facility, where it is inspected, priced, allocated, picked and boxed for
shipment to the Company's stores. Merchandise is shipped to stores each weekday, providing Hot Topic stores with a steady
flow of new and reordered merchandise. Minimal back stock is maintained in the Company's distribution facility and at its
stores; so that most of the Company's merchandise is available for sale on the selling floors of its stores.
In March 2001, the Company entered into a lease for an additional 125,000 square feet in the same building as is its current
headquarters and distribution facility in the City of Industry, California bringing the total square feet to approximately 250,000.
Late in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2001, the Company began construction to expand its office and distribution center into the
additional space. The expansion is planned to be completed during the second quarter of fiscal 2002 at an estimated cost of
approximately $4.2 million. The Company estimates that the operating capacity gained from this additional space and the
related offices and equipment will allow for growth to approximately 700 stores.
HOT TOPIC STORE OPERATIONS
Hot Topic's store operations are currently managed by six regional managers and 57 district or area managers who each
supervise approximately four to eight stores. Individual stores are managed by a store manager and two or three assistant
managers. In addition to managers and assistant managers, a typical store has approximately six to ten part-time sales
associates, depending on the season. The hiring and training of new associates is the responsibility of the store manager and
district manager and the Company has established training and operations procedures to assist them. Additionally, Hot Topic
uses a customized, automated telephone screening system licensed from a third party to help evaluate potential new associates,
which helps streamline the Company's interview and hiring processes at the store level.
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The Company strives to create a store environment that teenagers will consider "their place" to shop with friends. Hot Topic
seeks to hire sales associates who fit the profile of its target customer -- energetic people who are knowledgeable and
passionate about music and music-inspired fashion. To assist management in properly considering the preferences and opinions
of its target customers, selected sales associates accompany Hot Topic's buyers on buying trips. Further, in return for feedback
on fashion and other trends, sales associates are reimbursed for the cost of attending concerts and frequenting clubs, and are
encouraged to communicate customer requests and their own merchandise ideas to the buyers and management. Hot Topic
encourages its sales associates to dress and accessorize themselves with the same fashionable merchandise that is sold in its
stores. To further encourage its associates to dress and accessorize themselves with Hot Topic merchandise, the Company
offers a 40% employee discount on merchandise. Management believes its music-based culture and its interaction with and
respect for sales associates has led to associate turnover rates that the Company believes are lower than the industry average.
The primary objective of sales associates is to provide superior, informed customer service in order to maximize sales and
minimize inventory shrinkage. Store management is provided with daily store sales and category results so that performance can
be measured against set goals. Postage-paid "report cards" are provided in all stores for customers to grade performance and
make recommendations to Company management. The Company strives to give its teenage customers the same level of
respect and attention that is generally given to adult customers at other retail stores. Associates are trained to greet each
customer, to inform the customer about new music fashion trends and to suggest merchandise that matches the customer's
lifestyle and music preferences. Hot Topic also strives to provide friendly and informed customer service for parents. The
Company provides a listing of music artists' national tour dates at each of its stores. The Company believes that its high level of
product knowledge and service differentiates Hot Topic from other teenage-focused retailers.
Store, district and area managers are compensated with a base salary and may qualify to receive a quarterly bonus based on
sales and inventory shrinkage. Additionally, district, area and store managers may also qualify to receive periodic stock option
grants, and certain associates are eligible to participate in the Company's Employee Stock Purchase Plan. The Company
believes that its continued success is dependent in part on its ability to attract, retain and motivate qualified associates. In
particular, the success of the Company's expansion program will be dependent on its ability to promote and/or recruit qualified
district and store managers. To date, a significant number of its store managers have been promoted from within the Company.
TORRID STORE OPERATIONS
Torrid store operations are currently supervised by one district manager and one area manager. Individual stores are managed
by one store manager and two or three assistant managers. In addition, each store has six to ten part-time associates,
depending on the season. The store and district managers are responsible for associate training, and the Torrid division has
established training programs and operating procedures.
Similar to Hot Topic stores, Torrid district, area and store managers are compensated with a base salary and may qualify for
quarterly bonuses based on sales and inventory shrinkage results. District, area and store managers may also qualify to receive
periodic stock option grants, and certain associates are eligible to participate in the Company's Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
The division believes that its continued success is dependent in part on its ability to attract, retain and motivate qualified
associates. In particular, the success of the Torrid division's expansion program will be dependent on its ability to promote
and/or recruit qualified district and store managers.
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MARKETING, PROMOTION AND INTERNET
The Company generally locates its stores in high traffic malls within areas of high teenage population and relies on existing
customers, sales associates, store design and exciting music to attract new customers to its stores. During fiscal 2000 and fiscal
2001 the Company co-sponsored a major summer rock tour, Ozzfest. As sponsor, the Company's name was associated with
all promotional activities at each venue. The Company has entered into a similar sponsorship of Ozzfest in fiscal 2002.
The Company continued to operate its core website, www.hottopic.com, which offers merchandise, tour dates, contests, job
postings, store locations and community features such as band reviews. An additional website was also launched to support the
Torrid concept: www.torrid.com. The Torrid website also markets merchandise and announces new store locations. The
Company's net sales from Internet operations (with www.torrid.com) rose by 47% and contributed approximately 1.5% of
total sales in fiscal 2001. The Company intends to relaunch each of the websites in fiscal 2002 with improved functionality to
better drive sales and support customer needs.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Hot Topic's information systems provide integration of store, merchandising, distribution, financial, and human resources. These
systems include SKU and classification inventory tracking, purchase order management, open-to-buy, merchandise distribution,
automated ticket making, general ledger, sales audit, accounts payable, integrated financials and human resources/payroll. Most
of these systems operate on software licensed from GERS Retail Systems ("GERS") running on an Oracle database platform.
Sales are updated daily in the merchandising reporting systems by polling sales information from each store's point-of-sale
("POS") terminals. The Company's POS system consists of registers providing price look-up, time and attendance, e-mail and
credit card/check authorization. Through automated nightly two-way electronic communication with each store, sales
information, payroll hours and e-mail messages are uploaded to the host system and receiving, price changes, system
maintenance and e-mail are downloaded through the POS system. The Company evaluates information obtained through nightly
polling to implement merchandising decisions, including product purchasing/reorders, markdowns and allocation of merchandise
on a daily basis.
During fiscal 2001, the Company had two main areas of focus in information technology. The Company's POS system upgrade
was completed in all existing stores, at a cost of approximately $3.0 million. Advanced features of the GERS Retail Systems
("GERS") were implemented, along with informational report development.
In addition, in fiscal 2002 the Company plans to invest approximately $1.4 million in a new Wide Area Network to connect all
Company stores. The Company expects this new technology to improve efficiency and assist in communicating more effectively
with all store locations nationwide.
TRADEMARKS
The Company has registered on the Principal Register of the United States Patent and Trademark Office its retail store service
mark Hot Topic(R) and various trademarks for merchandise including Hot Topic(R), Morbid Make-Up(R), Morbid
Scents(R), Morbid Metals(R), Morbid Adornments(R), Tragedy(R), Misery(R), MT:2(R), Morbid Threads(R) and Everything
About the Music(R). Each federal registration is renewable indefinitely if the mark is in use at the time of the renewal.
Applications have been made to register Naturally Morbid(TM), Torrid(TM), Torrid & Design(TM) and Torrid Flaming Heart
Design(TM) in the United States. The Company is not aware of any claims of infringement or other challenges to the
Company's right to use its marks in the United States. The Company also has additional registrations and pending applications
in foreign jurisdictions. All other trademarks, tradenames and servicemarks referenced herein are the property of their
respective owners.
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HOT TOPIC COMPETITION
The teenage retail apparel and accessory industry is highly competitive and the Company expects competition in its niche to
increase. The Company competes with other retailers for vendors, customers, suitable retail locations and qualified associates.
Hot Topic currently competes with street alternative and vintage clothing stores located primarily in metropolitan areas and with
other mall-based teenage-focused retailers such as The Buckle, Claire's Stores, Inc., Charlotte Russe Inc., Delias Inc., d.e.m.o.
(a divison of Pacific Sunwear, Inc.), Gadzooks, Inc., Millers Outpost, Inc., Pacific Sunwear of California, Inc., Spencer Gifts,
Inc., Urban Outfitters, Inc., The Wet Seal, Inc., and, to a lesser extent, with music stores. Many of the Company's competitors
are larger and have substantially greater financial, marketing and other resources than the Company. The principal factors of
competition in the Company's business are merchandise selection, customer service, store location and price.
TORRID COMPETITION
Based on direct customer research conducted by the Company, Hot Topic believes that teen plus-size females have historically
shopped for apparel at department stores and specialty stores such as Lane Bryant. The Company believes such stores
generally target an older customer than does Torrid. While the Company is not aware of other mall-based chains that are
specifically targeting junior, plus-size fashion-forward customers, Torrid competes with traditional department stores, local
specialty stores and junior teen retailers that offer some larger-sized merchandise, such as Deb Shops, and certain traditional
and web-based catalogs. Many companies compete for the junior customers and additional competitors may enter into the
plus-size female market.
EMPLOYEES
The Company employed approximately 1,200 full-time and 2,800 part-time associates as of April 20, 2002. Of the
Company's 4,000 associates, approximately 290 were corporate headquarters and distribution center personnel, 60 regional
and district managers and approximately 3,650 were store associates. The number of part-time associates fluctuates with
seasonal needs. None of the Company's associates are covered by collective bargaining agreements. The Company considers
its associate relations to be good.
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND KEY EMPLOYEES
The executive officers and key employees of the Company and their ages at April 20, 2001 are as follows:
NAME AGE POSITION
---- --- --------
Elizabeth M. McLaughlin 41 President and Chief Executive Officer and Director
Gerald A. Cook 49 Chief Operating Officer
James J. McGinty 39 Chief Financial Officer
Jay A. Johnson 56 Senior Vice President of Strategic Analysis and Investor
Relations
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Thomas A. Rail 51 Senior Vice President and General Manager, Torrid
Jane Cruz 42 Senior Vice President, Human Resources
Cindy Levitt 41 Vice President, General Merchandise Manager
Darrell Kinsley 39 Vice President, Store Operations
John Neppl 45 Vice President, Real Estate and Construction
Alain Krakirian 36 Vice President, Planning and Allocation
Sue McPherson-Spissu 34 Vice President, Distribution Center and Internet
John Horwath 42 Vice President, Information Technology
George Wehlitz, Jr. 41 Vice President, Controller
Karen Talley 44 Divisional Vice President and Divisional Merchandise Manager,
Accessories
ELIZABETH M. MCLAUGHLIN has served as Chief Executive Officer of the Company since August 2000 and President
since February 2000, and has served on the Board since May 2000. From June 1996 through February 2000, Ms.
McLaughlin served as Senior Vice President and General Merchandise Manager of the Company. From May 1993 through
May 1996, Ms. McLaughlin was the Company's Vice President, Operations. Prior to joining the Company, Ms. McLaughlin
held various positions with Millers Outpost, a privately-held teen retailer, where she served as Divisional Merchandise
Manager, Director of Store Operations, and Director of Financial Planning and Budgeting. Prior to joining Millers Outpost, Ms.
McLaughlin held various financial analyst and store positions with The Broadway. Ms. McLaughlin holds a B.A. degree in
Economics from the University of California at Irvine.
GERALD A. COOK has been Chief Operating Officer of the Company since February 2001. From February 1999 until
joining the Company, he was the President and Chief Operating Officer of Travel 2000, Inc. Subsequent to his leaving Travel
2000, Inc., the company filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy in March 2001. From 1995 to April 1998, Mr. Cook was Senior
Vice President, Operations for The Bombay Company, Inc. and from 1989 to 1995, Mr. Cook was the Vice President,
Stores and the Vice President, General Merchandising Manager of Woman's World Stores. Prior to 1989, he held
management positions with Barnes & Noble/B Dalton, The Gap Stores and the Limited, Inc. Mr. Cook holds a B.S. degree in
Business Administration from the University of Minnesota.
JAMES J. MCGINTY has served as Chief Financial Officer of the Company since February 2001. Mr. McGinty joined Hot
Topic in August 2000 as its Vice President, Finance and was promoted to Chief Financial Officer in February 2001. From July
1996 to July 2000, Mr. McGinty was Vice President-Controller at Victoria's Secret Stores, the leading brand and largest
specialty retailer in the Limited, Inc. From 1984 to 1996, he held various financial and accounting positions within the Structure
and Express divisions of the Limited, Inc. Mr. McGinty holds a B.S. degree in Accounting from Miami University in Oxford,
Ohio.
JAY A. JOHNSON has served as the Senior Vice President, Strategic Analysis and Investor Relations of the Company since
February 2001. Since May 1995 he also has served as the Company's Assistant Secretary. From May 1995 to February
2001, he was the Chief Financial Officer of the Company. From January 1993 to May 1995, he was Vice President/Chief
Financial Officer of Frame-n-Lens Optical, Inc., a national optical retailer then with approximately 300 stores.
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From July 1978 to July 1992, Mr. Johnson held senior financial management positions at one manufacturing and two retail
companies. Mr. Johnson is a certified public accountant. Mr. Johnson holds a B.S. degree in Accounting from the California
State University, Northridge.
THOMAS A. RAIL has been Senior Vice President and General Manager of Torrid since May 2001. From January 1999 to
April 2001, Mr. Rail was President of Retail for Aris Industries where he was responsible for the XOXO boutique and outlet
stores, an XOXO Internet site, and the coordination of retail licensees. From August 1995 to December 1998, he was
President of Retail for Designer Holdings where he was responsible for developing 37 Calvin Klein Outlet stores and, upon its
acquisition by Warnaco in the Fall of 1997, assumed the additional responsibilities for approximately 85 Olga Warner stores.
Mr. Rail spent June 1985 through August of 1996 in various management positions with Millers Outpost, including six years as
the General Manager of Levi's Outlet by MOST (a start-up division for Millers). Mr. Rail has a B.S. in Business Management
from Brigham Young University.
JANE CRUZ joined the Company in August 2001 as Senior Vice President, Human Resources. Ms. Cruz has over 18 years
of human resource experience. From July 1996 to July 2001, Ms. Cruz held human resource management positions with
Universal Studios' Television and Networks Group, including most recently, Senior Vice President, Human Resources. At
Universal Studios her responsibilities included both domestic and international operations. From November 1994 to July 1996,
Ms. Cruz was Director, Human Resources of EQE International, an engineering consulting firm. She spent March 1983 through
November of 1994 in various Human Resource positions with Viacom - Cable Division, including Regional Director, Human
Resources. Ms. Cruz has a B.S. in Economics from the University of San Francisco and an M.B.A. from the University of
California, Berkeley.
CINDY LEVITT has been Vice President, General Merchandise Manager of the Company since February 2000. From June
1996 to February 2000, she served as the Company's Divisional Merchandise Manager, Apparel and Music. Since 1989, Ms.
Levitt has held senior buying positions at the Company. Prior to her career at Hot Topic, Ms. Levitt held buying positions at
May Department Stores.
DARRELL KINSLEY has been Vice President, Stores of the Company since February 2000. From June 1998 through
February 2000, Mr. Kinsley was the Company's Regional Director for the western United States. From February 1997
through June 1998, he was the Company's Regional Director for the eastern United States. Mr. Kinsley joined the Company in
February 1995 as the District Manager for the eastern United States. Mr. Kinsley holds a business management leadership
certificate from the Anderson School of Business at the University of California, Los Angeles.
JOHN NEPPL joined the Company in October 2001 as Vice-President of Real Estate and Contruction. From January 1995
to September 2001 Mr. Neppl served as Vice-President of Real Estate and Construction for Eastern Mountain Sports, Inc., a
specialty retailer based out of New Hampshire. Mr. Neppl served as Director of Real Estate at Miller's Outpost/Anchor Blue
from October 1987 to December 1994. Mr. Neppl held various financial positions with Mervyn's department stores, a division
of Target Corporation, from October 1978 to September 1987. Mr. Neppl received a B.S. in Accounting from Villanova
University in 1978.
ALAIN KRAKIRIAN has been the Company's Vice President, Planning and Allocation since February 2000. From July
1997 through February 2000, Mr. Krakirian was the Company's Director of Planning and Allocation. Mr. Krakirian was the
Planning Manager at Disney Stores from December 1996 to July 1997 and the Director of Merchandise Planning and
Allocation at Kids Mart from February 1996 to December 1996. From September 1991 to January 1996, Mr. Krakirian held
various merchandise control and planning positions at Clothestime Stores, including Director of Merchandise Control and
Information Office from October 1994 to January 1996. Mr. Krakirian holds a B.S. degree in Finance from the University of
LaVerne and an M.B.A. degree from Pepperdine University.
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SUE MCPHERSON-SPISSU was promoted to the Company's Vice President of Distribution Center and Internet in October
2001. Ms. McPherson-Spissu was the Company's Vice-President, Distribution Center from February 2001 to October 2001
and was the Company's Divisional Vice President of Distribution Center from February 2000 to February 2001. From March
1995 to February 2000, she was the Company's Director of the Distribution Center. Ms. McPherson-Spissu joined the
Company in 1989 as a store associate in its first store while attending the University of Southern California. Ms.
McPherson-Spissu holds a B.S. degree in Business from the University of Southern California.
JOHN HORWATH has been the Company's Vice President, Information Technology since June 2001. Mr. Horwath has over
24 years of Information Technology experience. From May 2000 until joining the Company, he was Director of Information
Technology at World Wide Restaurants, Inc. From August 1998 until May 2000, Mr. Horwath was the Vice President and
Chief Information Officer for Wherehouse Entertainment, Inc. From February 1992 to July 1998, he was Regional Vice
President of Information Technology for PolyGram Holding, Inc. Prior to 1992, he held management positions with LA Gear,
Inc., Pic`N'Save, Inc., Tutor/Saliba, Inc., and Kasler Corporation.
GEORGE WEHLITZ, JR. joined Hot Topic in February 2002 as its Vice President, Controller. From August 2000 to
February 2002, Mr. Wehlitz was Chief Financial Officer at The Popcorn Factory, Inc., a catalog company for gourmet
popcorn gifts. From 1987 to 2000 Mr. Wehlitz held various financial related positions, at the divisional and corporate level, for
The Bombay Company, Inc. Mr. Wehlitz holds a B.A. degree in Accounting from Texas Christian University and is a Certified
Public Accountant.
KAREN TALLEY has served as Divisional Vice President and Divisional Merchandise Manager, Accessories of the
Company since February 2000. Ms. Talley joined the Company in 1993 as the Senior Accessory Buyer. She was the
Company's Divisional Merchandise Manager of Accessories from April 1996 to February 2000. Prior to joining the Company,
Ms. Talley held buying positions at Jay Jacobs and Nordstrom.
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CERTAIN RISK FACTORS RELATED TO THE COMPANY'S BUSINESS
Certain sections of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including the preceding "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations," contain various forward looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A
of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which
represent the Company's expectations or beliefs concerning future events. These forward looking statements involve risks and
uncertainties, and the Company cautions that these statements are further qualified by important factors that could cause actual
results to differ materially from those in the forward looking statements, including, without limitation, the sufficiency of the
Company's working capital and cash flows from operating activities, the effect of economic conditions, the effect of severe
weather or natural disasters, political and/or social changes or events that could negatively impact shopping patterns and/or mall
traffic and the effect of competitive pressures from other retailers as well as other risks detailed below:
IMPLEMENTATION AND MANAGEMENT OF AGGRESSIVE GROWTH STRATEGY
The Company's net sales and net income have grown significantly during the past several years, primarily as a result of the
opening of stores and, to a lesser extent, the introduction of new products and categories. Seventy-nine of the Company's 352
stores opened as of February 2, 2002 had been open for less than one full year. The Company intends to continue to pursue an
aggressive growth strategy for the foreseeable future, and its future operating results will depend largely upon its ability to open
and operate stores successfully and to manage a larger business profitably. The Company anticipates opening approximately 85
stores, consisting of 70 Hot Topic and 15 Torrid stores, during fiscal 2002, which will result in a significant increase in the
number of stores operated by the Company. Operation of a greater number of new stores and expansion into new markets
may present competitive and merchandising challenges that are different from those currently encountered by the Company in
its existing stores and markets. In addition, there can be no assurance that the Company's expansion within its existing markets
will not adversely affect the individual financial performance of the Company's existing stores or its overall results of operations,
or that new stores will achieve sales and profitability levels consistent with existing stores. The Company will need to continually
evaluate the adequacy of its store management and management information and distribution systems to manage its planned
expansion. There can be no assurance that the Company will anticipate all of the changing demands that its expanding
operations will impose on such systems, and the failure to adapt its systems and procedures to such changing demands could
have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, results of operations and financial condition. There can be no
assurance that the Company will successfully achieve its expansion targets or, if achieved, that planned expansion will result in
profitable operations.
The Company's ability to open stores and the performance of such stores will depend upon many factors, including and among
others, the Company's ability to identify and enter new markets, locate suitable store sites, negotiate acceptable lease terms,
hire and train store managers and sales associates and obtain adequate capital resources on acceptable terms. Early in its
history, the Company encountered difficulties in leasing certain store sites. The Company believes these difficulties were in part
due to the Company's level of capitalization, its limited operating history at such time, its then unproven store concept, and
apprehension on the part of mall operators concerning the Company's teenage customers. In fiscal 1999, a major mall
developer asserted that the Company had violated a "use clause" applicable to certain or all of the Company's leases with that
developer. As a result, the developer ceased ongoing discussions relating to potential new Hot Topic stores and told the
Company that no new leases would be entered into. Upon notice of the alleged violation, the Company adjusted its
merchandise mix in stores leased from that developer (and to a somewhat lesser extent, in all other stores) and took certain
other actions to ensure ongoing "use clause" compliance. These actions and continuing discussions with the developer resulted
in an amended "use clause" for all leases with the developer. In early 2000, the Company satisfied the concerns of the
developer and resumed discussions with the developer concerning potential new stores for fiscal 2000 and beyond.
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There can be no assurance that the Company will not face similar resistance from mall operators or others in the future. If the
Company's relations with mall operators or developers are ever again strained, the Company may not grow as planned, may
not reach certain revenue levels and other targets, and may suffer a decline in stock price. Any restrictions on the Company's
ability to expand to new store sites or to offer a broad assortment of merchandise could have a material adverse effect on the
Company's business, results of operations and financial condition.
FLUCTUATIONS IN COMPARABLE STORE SALES RESULTS
A variety of factors affect the Company's comparable store sales including, among others, the timing of releases of new
music-related products, music and fashion trends, the general retail sales environment, the Company's ability to efficiently
source and distribute products, changes in the Company's merchandise mix and the Company's ability to execute its business
strategy efficiently. The Company's comparable store sales results have fluctuated significantly in the past and the Company
believes that such fluctuations may continue. The Company's comparable store sales results for fiscal 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000
and 2001 were 2.2%, 0.4%, 22.8%, 16.7% and 3.9% respectively. The Company's comparable store sales results were
8.0%, 2.4%, 2.2% and 3.8% for the first, second, third and fourth quarters, respectively, of fiscal 2001 and 24.1%, 21.8%,
15.3% and 11.2% for the first, second, third and fourth quarters, respectively, of fiscal 2000. Past comparable store sales
results are not an indicator of future results, and there can be no assurance that the Company's comparable store sales results
will not decrease in the future. The Company's comparable store sales results could cause the price of the Common Stock to
fluctuate substantially.
DEPENDENCE ON AND CHANGES IN MUSIC AND FASHION TRENDS
The Company's profitability is largely dependent upon (i) the continued popularity of alternative and rock music, music videos,
and MTV among teenagers and college age adults, (ii) the emergence of new artists and the success of music releases and
music-related products, (iii) the continuance of a significant level of teenage spending on music-licensed and music-influenced
products, and (iv) the Company's ability to anticipate and keep pace with the music, fashion and merchandise preferences of its
customers. The popularity of particular types of music, artists, styles and brands is subject to change. The Company's failure to
anticipate, identify and react appropriately to changing trends, could lead to, among other things, excess inventories and higher
markdowns, and poor customer acceptance of its new store design, which could have a material adverse effect on the
Company's results of operations and financial condition, and on its image with customers. There can be no assurance that the
Company's new products and new store design will be met with the same level of acceptance as in the past or that the failure of
the new products and/or new store design will not have an adverse material effect on the Company business, results of
operations and financial condition.
IMPACT OF ECONOMIC CONDITIONS; MINIMUM WAGE RATES
Certain economic conditions affect the level of consumer spending on merchandise offered by the Company, including, among
others, business conditions, interest rates, taxation and consumer confidence in future economic conditions. The Company is
also dependent upon the continued popularity of malls as a shopping destination and the ability of mall anchor tenants and other
attractions to generate customer traffic for its stores. A decrease in mall traffic would adversely affect the Company's growth,
sales results and profitability.
Changes to Federal minimum wage laws in each of 1996 and 1997 raised the mandatory minimum wage. California,
Connecticut, Washington, Massachusetts and other states have also enacted increases in state-required minimum wages that
are higher than the Federal requirements. The most recent increases in states where the Company currently operates took effect
on January 1, 2002 in California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Massachusetts, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and
Washington. The Company operated a total of 96 stores in
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those states as of April 10, 2002. Statutory increases in Federal and state minimum wages could adversely affect the
Company's profitability. The recent state increases in minimum wage and any other such increases will raise minimum wages
above current wage rates of certain of the Company's associates, and competitive factors could require corresponding
increases in higher associate wage rates, any of which would increase the Company's expenses and adversely affect results of
operations.
QUARTERLY RESULTS AND SEASONALITY
The Company's quarterly results of operations may fluctuate materially depending on, among other things, the timing of store
openings and related pre-opening and other startup expenses, net sales contributed by new stores, increases or decreases in
comparable store sales, releases of new music and music-related products, shifts in timing of certain holidays, changes in the
Company's merchandise mix and overall economic and political conditions.
The Company's business is also subject to seasonal influences, with heavier concentrations of sales during the back-to-school,
Halloween and Holiday seasons (defined as the week of Thanksgiving through the first few days of January), and other periods
when schools are not in session. The Holiday season remains the Company's single most important selling season. The
Company believes, however, that the importance of the summer vacation and back-to-school seasons (which affect operating
results in the second and third quarters, respectively) and to a lesser extent, the spring break season (which affects operating
results in the first quarter) as well as Halloween (which affects operating results in the third quarter), all reduce the Company's
dependence on the Holiday selling season. As is the case with many retailers of apparel, accessories and related merchandise,
the Company typically experiences lower first fiscal quarter net sales relative to other quarters.
DEPENDENCE ON KEY VENDORS
The Company's performance depends on its ability to purchase current music-related merchandise in sufficient quantities at
competitive prices. The Company has many sources of merchandise. Its largest vendor, Changes Manufacturing, supplied just
under 5% of the Company's merchandise purchases in fiscal 2001. Substantially all of the Company's music-licensed products
are available only from vendors that have exclusive license rights. In addition, many of the Company's music-influenced
products are supplied by small, specialized vendors that create unique products primarily for the Company. The Company's
smaller vendors generally have limited resources, production capacities and operating histories, and some of the Company's
vendors have limited the distribution of their merchandise in the past. The Company has no long-term purchase contracts or
other contractual assurances of continued supply, pricing or access to new products. There can be no assurance that the
Company will be able to acquire desired merchandise in sufficient quantities on terms acceptable to the Company in the future
or that any inability to acquire suitable merchandise, or the loss of one or more key vendors, will not have a material adverse
effect on the Company's business, results of operations and financial condition.
NEW TORRID STORES AND ASSOCIATED RISKS
The Company's ability to expand into new concepts has not been fully tested. Accordingly, the operation of its Torrid stores
and the sale of Torrid merchandise over the Internet at www.torrid.com, are subject to numerous risks, including unanticipated
operating problems, lack of experience, lack of customer acceptance, new vendor relationships and competition from existing
and new retailers. For example, it may be that the Company will not be able to generate continued customer interest in Torrid
stores and Torrid products, or that this concept may not be able to support the store format. There can be no assurance that
the Company's Torrid stores or Torrid website will achieve sales and
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profitability levels that justify the Company's investment in this new retail format. Establishing and increasing the number of
Torrid stores also involves other risks that could have a material adverse effect on the Company, including
(i) the risk of diversion of management's attention from the Company's core business and products, (ii) difficulties with the
hiring, retention and training of management and personnel for the Torrid stores, (iii) risks associated with new vendors and (iv)
difficulties with locating and obtaining favorable store sites and acceptable lease terms. Risks inherent in any new concept are
particularly acute in the Company's case with respect to Torrid, because this is the first significant new venture by the
Company. The Company has traditionally concentrated its expansion efforts on increasing the number of and sales in Hot Topic
stores.
UNCERTAINTIES REGARDING IMPLEMENTATION OF NEW MANAGEMENT INFORMATION
SYSTEM
During fiscal 1999, after completing an evaluation of its long-term management information system needs, the Company
selected new hardware and software for its stores, office and distribution center. The Company implemented the host hardware
and software systems at its office and distribution center during the second half of fiscal 2000 and installed certain point-of-sale
upgrades at its stores in fiscal 2001. In addition, in fiscal 2002 the Company plans to install a new Wide Area Network at its
stores. If the information systems and software do not work effectively, the Company may experience delays or failures in its
operations. These delays or failures could adversely impact the promptness and accuracy of the Company's transaction
processing, financial accounting and reporting and ability to properly forecast earnings and cash requirements. The Company's
current and planned systems, transaction processing, procedures and controls may not be adequate to support future
operations. To manage growth of its operations and personnel, the Company may need to continue to improve its operational
and financial systems, transaction processing, procedures and controls.
DEPENDENCE ON KEY PERSONNEL
The Company's performance depends largely on the efforts and abilities of senior management, especially Elizabeth
McLaughlin, the Company's Chief Executive Officer and President, who has been with the Company since 1993. The
Company has a $2,000,000, key-person life insurance policy on Ms. McLaughlin. However, the sudden loss of Ms.
McLaughlin's services or the services of other members of the management team could have a material adverse effect on the
Company's business, results of operations and financial condition. Furthermore, there can be no assurance that Ms. McLaughlin
and the Company's existing management team will be able to manage the Company or its growth or that the Company will be
able to attract and retain additional qualified personnel as needed in the future.
UNCERTAINTIES REGARDING DISTRIBUTION OF MERCHANDISE
The Company relies upon the United Parcel Service for its product shipments, including shipments to and from all of its stores,
and, accordingly, is subject to the risks, including employee strikes and inclement weather, associated with United Parcel
Service's ability to provide delivery services to meet the Company's shipping needs. The Company is also dependent upon
temporary associates to adequately staff its distribution facility, particularly during busy periods, such as during the Christmas
season and while multiple stores are opening. There can be no assurance that the Company will continue to receive adequate
assistance from its temporary associates, or that there will continue to be sufficient sources of temporary associates.
FAILURE TO AUTHENTICATE LICENSING RIGHTS
The Company purchases licensed merchandise from a number of suppliers who hold manufacturing and distribution rights under
the terms of certain licenses. The Company generally relies upon vendors' representations concerning manufacturing and
distribution rights and does not independently verify whether these vendors legally hold adequate rights to licensed properties
they are manufacturing or distributing. If the Company acquires unlicensed merchandise, it could be obligated to remove such
merchandise from its stores, incur costs
21
associated with destruction of merchandise if the distributor is unwilling or unable to reimburse the Company, and be subject to
liability under various civil and criminal causes of action, including actions to recover unpaid royalties and other damages. Any
of these results could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, results of operations and financial condition.
COMPETITION
The retail apparel and accessory industry is highly competitive. The Company competes with other retailers for vendors,
teenage and college age customers, suitable retail locations and qualified associates and management personnel. Hot Topic
currently competes with street alternative stores located primarily in metropolitan areas and with other mall-based
teenage-focused retailers such as The Buckle, Charlotte Russe, Claire's Stores, Inc., Delias Inc., d.e.m.o. (a division of Pacific
Sunwear, Inc.), Gadzooks, Inc., Millers Outpost, Inc., Pacific Sunwear of California, Inc., Spencer Gifts, Inc., Urban
Outfitters, Inc., The Wet Seal, Inc., and, to a lesser extent, with music stores and mail order catalogs and websites. Torrid has
other competitors, such as Lane Bryant, Deb Shops and plus size departments at traditional department stores as well as
numerous potential competitors who may begin or increase efforts to market and sell products competitive with Torrid. Many
of the Company's competitors are larger and have substantially greater financial, marketing and other resources than the
Company. Direct competition with these and other retailers may increase significantly in the future, which could require the
Company, among other things, to lower its prices and/or take other measures. Increased competition could have a material
adverse effect on the Company's business, results of operations and financial condition.
PRICE VOLATILITY
The Company's Common Stock is quoted on the Nasdaq National Market, which has experienced and is likely to experience
in the future significant price and volume fluctuations, which could adversely affect the market price of the Common Stock
without regard to the operating performance of the Company. In addition, the Company believes that factors such as quarterly
fluctuations in the financial results of the Company, fluctuations in the Company's comparable store sales, announcements by
other apparel, accessory and gift item retailers, the trading volume of the Company's Common Stock in the public market, the
condition of the overall economy and the condition of the financial markets could cause the price of the Common Stock to
fluctuate substantially.
ANTI-TAKEOVER MATTERS
The Company's Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation and Amended and Restated Bylaws contain provisions that
may have the effect of delaying, deterring or preventing a takeover of the Company that shareholders may not consider being in
their best interests. For instance, the Company's Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation and Amended and Restated
Bylaws prohibit shareholder action by written consent and include certain "fair price provisions." Additionally, the Board of
Directors has the authority to issue up to 10,000,000 shares of "blank check" Preferred Stock having such rights, preferences
and privileges as designated by the Board of Directors without shareholder approval.
ITEM 2 PROPERTIES
The Company leases all of the Company's existing store locations, with lease terms expiring between 2002 and 2012. The
leases for most of the existing stores are for ten-year years and provide for contingent rent based upon a percent of sales in
excess of specified minimums. Leases for future stores will likely include similar contingent rent provisions.
Beginning August 1, 2001, the Company doubled the size of its leased office and distribution center space, located in City of
Industry, California, and has entered into an amended lease with its existing landlord. The additional space will be fully utilized
by the middle of fiscal 2002. The amended lease is
22
for a five-year term (from the beginning of the original lease) with two options to extend the lease, each for a three-year period.
The initial five-year term will expire in April 2004. The annual base rent for the initial five-year term is approximately
$1,131,900 including the additional space.
The original lease terms of the Company's headquarters and distribution facility granted the Company the right of first refusal on
the remaining 125,000 square feet of space in the building at 90% of the fair market lease rates for such space. In February
2001, the Company was notified that the space would become available in 2001 and was provided with comparable market
lease rates. The Company believes the property covered by the amended lease will allow for growth of to up to 700 stores.
ITEM 3 LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The Company is not a party to any material pending legal proceedings.
ITEM 4 SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
Not applicable.
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS
The Common Stock of the Company is traded on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol "HOTT". A three-for-two
stock split of the Company's Common Stock became effective February 6, 2002. The stock split was affected by way of a
stock dividend. The dividend was distributed to shareholders of record as of January 23, 2002. This was the first three-for-two
stock split for the Company. The Company also effected two-for-one stock splits of the Company's Common Stock in
December 1999 and December 2000. All share and per share amounts have been restated to reflect each of these three splits.
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low end of day closing sales prices of the shares of
Common Stock of the Company, as reported on the Nasdaq National Market. Such quotations represent inter-dealer prices
without retail markup, markdown or commission and may not necessarily represent actual transactions.
2001 FISCAL YEAR QUARTERS HIGH LOW
----------------------
First Quarter $23.33 $15.46
Second Quarter $24.86 $17.01
Third Quarter $22.75 $15.00
Fourth Quarter $22.97 $16.17
2000 FISCAL YEAR QUARTERS HIGH LOW
----------------------
First Quarter $11.96 $5.29
Second Quarter $11.90 $7.59
Third Quarter $13.17 $9.17
Fourth Quarter $17.79 $9.71
On April 15, 2002, the last sales price of the Common Stock as reported on the Nasdaq National Market was $23.51 per
share. As of April 15, 2002, there were approximately 213 holders of record of the Company's Common Stock. This number
does not reflect the actual number of beneficial holders of the Company's Common Stock, which the Company believes to be
in excess of 9,000 holders.
23
The Company has not paid any cash dividends since inception and does not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the
foreseeable future.
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The following selected financial data should be read in conjunction with "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations" and the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto included elsewhere in this
Annual Report on Form 10-K.
HOT TOPIC, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES
Selected financial data:
Fiscal Year
---------------------------------------------------------------------
2001 2000 1999 1998 1997
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
(In thousands, except per share data, number of
stores, comparable store sales and sales per square
foot)
Statement of Operations Data:
Net sales $336,094 $257,187 $168,949 $103,371 $ 70,532
Cost of goods sold, including buying, distribution
and occupancy costs 204,993 154,298 103,998 65,855 44,417
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Gross margin 131,101 102,889 64,951 37,516 26,115
Selling, general and administrative expenses 86,950 67,917 44,749 29,077 19,862
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Operating income 44,151 34,972 20,202 8,439 6,253
Interest income, net 1,884 1,925 933 931 901
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Income before income taxes 46,035 36,897 21,135 9,370 7,154
Income taxes 17,435 13,652 7,634 3,367 2,611
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Net income $ 28,600 $ 23,245 $ 13,501 $ 6,003 $ 4,543
Net income per share:
Basic $ 0.92 $ 0.78 $ 0.49 $ 0.21 $ 0.16
Diluted $ 0.86 $ 0.72 $ 0.46 $ 0.20 $ 0.15
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic 30,978 29,668 27,801 28,902 28,143
Diluted 33,219 32,069 29,392 29,736 29,640
Selected Operating Data:
Number of stores at year end 352 274 212 158 108
Comparable stores sales increase 3.9% 16.7% 22.8% 0.4% 2.2%
Average sales per square foot $ 636 $ 669 $ 623 $ 542 $ 565
Average sales per store (000s) $ 1,036 $ 1,020 $ 909 $ 772 $ 769
Balance sheet data:
Cash and short-term investments $ 71,310 $ 51,288 $ 39,550 $ 26,579 $ 27,151
Working capital 82,369 61,253 37,564 28,432 29,230
Total assets 162,662 118,646 89,022 58,764 51,953
Long-term obligations including current portion 218 123 231 120 161
Shareholders' equity $135,368 $ 99,291 $ 67,278 $ 48,749 $ 44,736
24
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS GENERAL
Hot Topic Inc. (the "Company") operates Hot Topic stores, a mall-based specialty retailer of music-licensed and
music-influenced apparel, accessories and gift items for young men and women principally between the ages of 12 and
22. In the first half of fiscal 2001 (the fiscal year ended February 2, 2002) the Company launched a second retail concept with
the opening of six stores under the trade name Torrid(TM). Torrid offers a selection of apparel, lingerie, shoes and accessories
centered around various lifestyles for plus-size young women between the ages of 15 and 29. At the end of fiscal 2001, the
Company operated 346 Hot Topic stores and six Torrid stores in 48 states and websites hottopic.com and torrid.com.
The Company considers a store comparable after it has been open for 15 full months. If a store is relocated or expanded by
more than 15% in total square footage, it is removed from the comparable store base and, similar to new stores, becomes
comparable after 15 full months. At the end of fiscal 2001, 255 of the Company's 346 Hot Topic stores were included in the
comparable store base, compared to 189 of the 274 stores open at the end of fiscal 2000.
The Company operates on a 52 or 53-week fiscal year, which ends on the Saturday nearest to January 31. Fiscal 2001 and
fiscal 1999 were 52-week years. Fiscal 2000 was a 53-week year.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, certain selected statement of operations data expressed as a
percentage of net sales and certain store data:
FISCAL YEAR
-------------------------------
2001 2000 1999
------ ------ ------
Net sales 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
Cost of goods sold, including
buying, distribution & occupancy costs 61.0% 60.0% 61.6%
----- ----- -----
Gross margin 39.0% 40.0% 38.4%
Selling, general and administrative expenses 25.9% 26.4% 26.4%
----- ----- -----
Operating income 13.1% 13.6% 12.0%
Interest income, net 0.6% 0.7% 0.6%
----- ----- -----
Income before income tax 13.7% 14.3% 12.6%
Provision for income taxes 5.2% 5.3% 4.6%
----- ----- -----
Net income 8.5% 9.0% 8.0%
===== ===== =====
Number of stores at year end 352 274 212
Comparable store sales increase 3.9% 16.7% 22.8%
FISCAL 2001 COMPARED TO FISCAL 2000
Net sales increased approximately $78.9 million, or 31%, to $336.1 million in fiscal 2001 from $257.2 million in fiscal 2000.
Net sales for the 73 Hot Topic stores opened during fiscal 2001 and for the other Hot Topic stores not yet qualifying as
comparable stores contributed $65.8 million of the net sales increase. Comparable store sales increased 3.9% in fiscal 2001
and contributed $8.6 million of the increase in net sales. The six Torrid stores and torrid.com contributed to approximately $4.5
million of the increase. Hottopic.com sales were approximately one percent of total Company sales.
25
The annual average Hot Topic store volume increased to $1,038,000 in fiscal 2001 from $1,020,000 in fiscal 2000. The sales
mix in Hot Topic stores in fiscal 2001 saw a slight shift toward apparel and T-shirts, with this category contributing
approximately 53% of net sales in 2001 as compared to approximately 51% in 2000.
The Company experienced lower sales increases during the September 2001 (0.6% comp increase) and October 2001 (4.4%
comp decrease) periods. The Company attributes this to reduced mall traffic primarily due to the events of September 11,
2001 relative to the balance of fiscal 2001.
Gross margin increased approximately $28.2 million to $131.1 million in fiscal 2001 from $102.9 million in fiscal 2000. As a
percentage of net sales, gross margin decreased to 39.0% in fiscal 2001 from 40.0% in fiscal 2000. This
1.0% reduction in gross margin was due to a 0.5% increase in store occupancy expenses, a 0.4% reduction in merchandise
margin and a 0.1% increase in buying expenses all as a percentage of net sales. Occupancy expenses were 0.5% higher
primarily due to higher common area charges. The 0.4% reduction in merchandise margin was a result of three major factors:
merchandise mix changes at Hot Topic from accessories toward increased apparel, with apparel achieving lower overall
merchandise margins compared to accessories; the leveraging of markdowns in fiscal 2000 relative to the extra week of sales
volume in 2000 compared to 2001 and higher Torrid markdowns. The higher Torrid markdowns were related to minimum
purchases of merchandise required in excess of what was needed for the small store base. The remaining 0.1% increase was
due to a rise in buying expense as a percent of sales primarily due to the addition of the Torrid merchandising staffing in fiscal
2001.
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased approximately $19.0 million to $86.9 million during fiscal 2001 from
$67.9 million during fiscal 2000. As a percentage of net sales, selling, general and administrative expense was 25.9% for fiscal
2001 compared to 26.4% in fiscal 2000. The total dollar increase in selling, general and administrative expenses was primarily
attributable to an increase in the number of retail stores from 274 at the end of fiscal 2000 to 352 at the end of fiscal 2001 and
the corresponding additional payroll and other expenses required to support these additional stores. The decrease as a
percentage of net sales was primarily attributable to leveraging administrative expenses over the greater sales base in fiscal
2001 and lower store operating expenses resulting from management's efforts to control such expenses. This leverage was
partially offset by higher selling payroll expense as a percentage of sales, due to slightly higher pay rates and increased benefit
coverage.
Operating income increased approximately $9.2 million to $44.2 million during fiscal 2001 from $35.0 million during fiscal
2000. As a percentage of net sales, operating income was 13.1% in fiscal 2001 compared to 13.6% in fiscal 2000. Operating
income on an average store basis was approximately $137,000 in fiscal 2001.
Net interest income was $1.9 million in both fiscal 2001 and fiscal 2000, but it was a lower percentage of sales in fiscal 2001.
Average cash balances were higher in fiscal 2001 but interest rates were significantly lower.
The Company's effective tax rate was 37.9% in fiscal 2001 and 37.0% in fiscal 2000. The higher rate for fiscal 2001 is
principally attributable to the tax-exempt interest income that is a smaller percentage of pre-tax income in 2001 as compared to
2000 and higher effective state income tax rates in fiscal 2001.
26
FISCAL 2000 COMPARED TO FISCAL 1999
Net sales increased approximately $88.3 million, or 52%, to $257.2 million in fiscal 2000 from $168.9 million in fiscal 1999.
Net sales for the 62 stores opened during fiscal 2000 and for the other stores not yet qualifying as comparable stores
contributed $62.8 million of the net sales increase. Comparable store sales increased 16.7% in fiscal 2000 and contributed
$25.5 million of the increase in net sales. The average store volume increased to $1,020,000 from $909,000 in fiscal 1999.
The sales mix in fiscal 2000 saw a slight shift toward apparel and T-shirts, with this category contributing approximately 51% of
net sales in 2000 as compared to approximately 50% in 1999.
Gross margin increased approximately $38.0 million to $102.9 million in fiscal 2000 from $64.9 million in fiscal 1999. As a
percentage of net sales, gross margin increased to 40.0% in fiscal 2000 from 38.4% in fiscal 1999. The increase, as a
percentage of sales, reflected the leveraging of store occupancy expense achieved from the significant increase in the average
store sales volume and an increase in merchandise margin. Merchandise margin increased approximately 1.0%, as a percentage
of sales compared to the prior year, principally from an average higher initial markup and lower markdowns, shrinkage and
freight, all as a percentage of sales.
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased approximately $23.2 million to $67.9 million during fiscal 2000 from
$44.7 million during fiscal 1999. The total dollar increase in selling, general and administrative expenses was primarily
attributable to an increase in the number of retail stores from 212 at the end of fiscal 1999 to 274 at the end of fiscal 2000 and
the corresponding additional payroll and other expenses required to support these additional stores. As a percentage of net
sales, selling, general and administrative expense was 26.4% for fiscal 2000, the same percentage as in fiscal 1999. Many of
the fiscal 2000 selling, general and administrative expenses decreased as a percent of net sales due to the operating leverage
achieved through the Company's larger store base and higher average store sales volume. This leverage was off-set by higher
performance based bonuses, development costs for the new Torrid concept, higher store management payroll, increased
benefit coverage and continued investment in management infrastructure.
Operating income increased approximately $14.8 million to $35.0 million during fiscal 2000 from $20.2 million during fiscal
1999. As a percentage of net sales, operating income increased significantly to 13.6% in fiscal 2000 from 12.0% in fiscal 1999,
principally from the larger store base, higher average store sales and higher margins. Operating income on an average per store
basis was approximately $142,000 in fiscal 2000, up 30% from last year's $109,000.
Net interest income increased by $1.0 million to $1.9 million or 0.7% of sales during fiscal 2000, from $0.9 million or 0.6% of
sales during fiscal 1999, principally a result of higher average cash balances.
The Company's effective tax rate was 37.0% in fiscal 2000 and 36.1% in fiscal 1999. The variance from an expected rate of
approximately 40% in both fiscal 2000 and fiscal 1999 was a result of a significant portion of each year's interest income being
non-taxable.
QUARTERLY RESULTS AND SEASONALITY
The Company's quarterly results of operations may fluctuate materially depending on, among other things, the timing of store
openings and related pre-opening and other startup expenses, net sales contributed by new stores, increases or decreases in
comparable store sales, releases of new music and music-related products, shifts in timing of certain holidays, changes in the
Company's merchandise mix and overall economic conditions.
The Company's business is also subject to seasonal influences, with heavier concentrations of sales during the back-to-school,
Halloween and Holiday seasons (defined as the week of Thanksgiving through the first few days of January), and other periods
when schools are not in session. The Holiday season remains the Company's single most important selling season. The
Company believes, however, that the importance of the summer vacation and back-to-school
27
seasons (which affect operating results in the second and third quarters, respectively) and to a lesser extent, the spring break
season (which affects operating results in the first quarter) as well as Halloween (which affects operating results in the third
quarter), all reduce the Company's dependence on the Holiday selling season. As is the case with many retailers of apparel,
accessories and related merchandise, the Company typically experiences lower first fiscal quarter net sales relative to other
quarters.
The following table sets forth certain statement of operations and operating data for each of the Company's last eight fiscal
quarters. The quarterly statement of operations data and selected operating data set forth below were derived from unaudited
financial statements of the Company, which in the opinion of management of the Company contain all adjustments (consisting
only of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for fair presentation thereof. Results in any quarter are not necessarily
indicative of results that may be achieved for a full year.
(In thousands, except selected
operating and per share data) FISCAL YEAR 2001 FISCAL YEAR 2000
----------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------
FIRST SECOND THIRD FOURTH FIRST SECOND THIRD FOURTH
----- ------ ----- ------ ----- ------ ----- ------
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Net sales $ 62,927 $ 71,944 $ 92,080 $109,143 $ 44,839 $ 51,718 $ 72,203 $ 88,427
Gross margin 23,478 26,160 35,930 45,533 16,769 19,287 29,210 37,623
Operating income 4,743 6,342 13,236 19,830 3,457 4,578 11,165 15,772
Net income $ 3,347 $ 4,279 $ 8,507 $ 12,467 $ 2,443 $ 3,121 $ 7,317 $ 10,364
Net income per share:
Basic $ 0.11 $ 0.14 $ 0.27 $ 0.40 $ 0.08 $ 0.11 $ 0.25 $ 0.34
Diluted $ 0.10 $ 0.13 $ 0.26 $ 0.38 $ 0.08 $ 0.10 $ 0.23 $ 0.32
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic 30,611 30,900 31,104 31,295 29,162 29,598 29,692 30,220
Diluted 33,369 33,294 33,120 33,225 31,524 31,941 32,139 32,676
SELECTED OPERATING DATA:
Comparable store sales increase 8.0% 2.4% 2.2% 3.8% 24.1% 21.8% 15.3% 11.2%
Stores open at end of period 296 322 347 352 224 247 267 274
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
During the last three fiscal years, the Company's primary uses of cash have been to finance store openings, purchase
merchandise inventories, upgrade of information systems, and in fiscal 1999, expand the headquarters office and distribution
facility. The Company has satisfied its cash requirements exclusively from cash flows from operations. The Company has no
debt, other than certain capital lease obligations during fiscal 2001. At the end of fiscal 2001 the Company had $71.3 million in
cash and short-term investments, an increase of $20.0 million, or 39% compared to the $51.3 million cash and short-term
investment balance at the end of fiscal 2000. Working capital was $82.4 million, $61.3 million and $37.6 million for fiscal
2001, 2000 and 1999, respectively. The increase in working capital each of these fiscal years was primarily attributable to cash
provided by net income.
Net cash flows provided by operating activities were $38.7 million, $19.7 million, and $25.8 million in fiscal 2001, 2000 and
1999, respectively. The increase in cash flows from operating activities in fiscal 2001 as compared to fiscal 2000 was primarily
attributable to the increases in net income, depreciation and amortization, accounts payable, and income taxes payable. These
increases in cash flows were offset in part by higher inventory balances required for the increase in the number of stores from
274 at the end of fiscal 2000 to 352 at the end of fiscal 2001.
28
Net cash flows used in investing activities were $40.9 million, $17.4 million and $17.6 million in fiscal 2001, 2000 and 1999,
respectively. Cash flows used in investing activities related to property and equipment for store openings and the purchase of
computer hardware and software. In fiscal 2001, approximately $22 million was used for the construction of 73 Hot Topic
stores, six Torrid stores, the expansion of seven Hot Topic stores and progress payments for construction of Hot Topic stores
opening in early fiscal 2002. The Company also used approximately $4.0 million for computer hardware and software at the
Company's headquarters and for certain point-of-sale hardware and software upgrades at its stores during fiscal 2001. The
change in capital expenditures for fiscal 2001 compared to fiscal 2000 relate primarily to opening 17 more new stores
(including the six new Torrid stores), the higher cost of new Hot Topic stores in fiscal 2001 resulting from a slightly higher
average store size and the new industrial club design, as well as higher costs for the six Torrid stores. The Company opened 79
(including six Torrid stores), 62, and 54 stores in fiscal 2001, 2000 and 1999, respectively. Cash flows used in investing
activities also increased in fiscal 2001 by $14.7 million due to additional funds placed into low-risk, short-term investments.
Net cash flows provided by financing activities were $7.4 million, $8.7 million and $5.0 million in fiscal 2001, 2000 and 1999,
respectively. Most of the cash provided by financing activities relate to proceeds received from the exercise of stock options
for common stock shares, including the related tax benefit.
The Company anticipates that it will spend approximately $32 million on capital expenditures in fiscal 2002, including
approximately $23 million for stores, $5 million for computer hardware and software and $4 million to expand its headquarters
and distribution center. The approximately $23 million for stores is to be used for the construction of the planned 70 Hot Topic
stores and 15 Torrid stores, the expansion of approximately 10 existing Hot Topic stores and progress payments for early fiscal
2003 new store openings. During fiscal 2001, the Company's average capital expenditures to open a Hot Topic store, including
leasehold improvements and furniture and fixtures, totaled approximately $211,000, net of landlord allowances. The average
initial gross inventory for the new Hot Topic 2001 stores was approximately $107,000 (which was partially financed by trade
credit) and the average pre-opening costs for a new Hot Topic store was approximately $20,000. Initial inventory requirements
vary at new stores depending on the season and current merchandise trends. The Company expects the average total costs
associated with opening a Hot Topic store to be approximately the same in fiscal 2002 as those in fiscal 2001. The Company
expects that the average costs to open a Torrid store in fiscal 2002 will be approximately the same on a square footage basis as
a Hot Topic store. Torrid stores are planned to be approximately 2,500 square feet compared to Hot Topic stores planned to
be approximately 1,800 square feet. The actual costs that the Company will incur in connection with opening future stores
cannot be predicted with precision because such costs will vary based upon, among other things, geographic location, and the
size of the stores and the extent of the build-out required at the selected sites.
As of February 2, 2002, the aggregate capital and operating lease obligations through 2012 are approximately $169 million,
which includes approximately $22 million for fiscal 2002, $21 million for fiscal 2003, $21 million for fiscal 2004, $21 million for
fiscal 2005 and $84 million thereafter. See Note 4 to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements for additional
disclosure related to capital and operating lease obligations.
In addition, in the past the Company has repurchased a portion of its shares from time to time on the open market. The
Company may determine it in the best interest of the Company and its shareholders to make additional repurchases.
The Company believes that its existing cash balances and cash generated from operations will be sufficient to fund its operations
and planned expansion through at least the next 12 months.
29
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Management's discussion and analysis of the Company's financial condition and results of operations are based upon the
Company's consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these financial statements requires the Company to make
estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosures of
contingent assets and liabilities. On an ongoing basis, the Company evaluates estimates, including those related primarily to
inventories, long-lived assets and contingencies. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other
assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making
judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may
differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
The Company believes the following critical accounting policies affect the more significant judgments and estimates used in the
preparation of our consolidated financial statements. For a further discussion on the application of these and other accounting
policies, see Note 1 to our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report.
INVENTORIES: Inventories and related cost of sales are accounted for by the retail method. The cost of inventory is valued at
the lower of average cost or market, on a first-in, first-out (FIFO) basis, utilizing the retail method. Each month, slow moving or
seasonally obsolete merchandise is marked down. The first markdown is typically to 50% of the original retail. In cases where
the merchandise does not sell after the first markdown, an additional markdown is made in a subsequent month. Any marked
down merchandise that does not sell is marked down to a zero value and removed from the store, approximately three months
after the original markdown. In determining the lower of average cost or market value of period ending inventories, consistently
applied valuation criteria is used. Consideration is given to a number of quantitative factors, including anticipated subsequent
permanent markdowns and aging of inventories.
VALUATION OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS: The Company assesses the impairment of long-lived assets whenever events or
changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Factors considered important that could
trigger an impairment review include a significant underperformance relative to expected historical or projected future operating
results, a significant change in the manner of the use of the asset or a significant negative industry or economic trend. When the
Company determines that the carrying value of long-lived assets may not be recoverable based upon the existence of one or
more of the above indicators of impairment, the Company will measure any impairment based on a projected discounted cash
flow method using a discount rate determined by our management. The Company has not historically had an impairment of a
long-lived asset.
INFLATION
The Company does not believe that inflation has had a material adverse effect on net sales or results of operations. The
Company has generally been able to pass on increased costs related to inflation through increases in selling prices.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
The Company's market risks relevant to disclosure pursuant to Item 7A are not material and are therefore not required.
30
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
The financial statements of the Company listed in Item 14(a) are included herein on pages F-1 through F-14 and are
incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
Not applicable.
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
See the section entitled "Executive Officers and Key Employees" in Part I, Item 1 hereof for information regarding the
Company's executive officers.
The information required by this item with respect to directors is incorporated by reference to the information appearing under
the caption "Election of Directors," contained in the Company's Definitive Proxy Statement which will be filed with the SEC
within 120 days of fiscal year-end pursuant to Regulation 14A in connection with the solicitation of proxies for the Company's
Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on June 13, 2002 (the "2002 Proxy Statement").
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the information appearing under the caption "Executive
Compensation" in the 2002 Proxy Statement.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the information appearing under the caption "Security
Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management" in the 2002 Proxy Statement.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the information appearing under the caption "Certain
Transactions" in the 2002 Proxy Statement.
31
PART IV
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(a)(1) CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The following consolidated financial statements required by this item are submitted in a separate section beginning on page F-1
of this Annual Report on Form 10-K:
PAGE
Report of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors...................................... F-1
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of February 2, 2002 and February 3, 2001................ F-2
Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended February 2, 2002, February 3, 2001
and January 29, 2000.......................................................... F-3
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for the years ended
February 2, 2002, February 3, 2001 and January 29, 2000................... F-4
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended February 2, 2002, February 3,
2001 and January 29, 2000..................................................... F-5
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements............................................. F-6
(a)(2) FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
All financial statement schedules are omitted because they are not required, are not applicable, or the information is included in
the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto.
(a)(3) EXHIBITS
The exhibits listed under Item 14(c) hereof are filed with, or incorporated by reference into, this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
(b) REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
During the quarter ended February 2, 2002, the Company filed one report on Form 8-K. On January 9, 2002, the Company
filed a report on Form 8-K reporting, under Item 5, the announcement that its Board of Directors approved a three-for-two
stock split to be implemented on February 6, 2002 as a 50% stock dividend to each of the Company's shareholders of record
as of January 23, 2002.
(c) EXHIBITS
EXHIBIT
NUMBER DESCRIPTION OF DOCUMENT
------ -----------------------
3.1 Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation. (1)
3.2 Amended and Restated Bylaws. (3)
4.1 Reference is made to Exhibits 3.1 and 3.2.
4.2 Specimen stock certificate. (1)
10.1 Form of Indemnity Agreement to be entered into between Registrant and
its directors and officers. (1)
10.2 1996 Equity Incentive Plan (the "1996 Plan"). (1)
10.3 Form of Nonstatutory Stock Option Agreement of Registrant pursuant to
the 1996 Plan. (1)
10.4 Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement of Registrant pursuant to the
1996 Plan. (1)
32
EXHIBIT
NUMBER DESCRIPTION OF DOCUMENT
------ -----------------------
10.5 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option Plan. (1)
10.6 Employee Stock Purchase Plan. (1)
10.7 401(k) Defined Contribution Plan of Registrant, effective as of August
1, 1995. (1)
10.8 Industrial Real Estate Lease (Multi-Tenant Facility), dated December
10, 1998, entered into between Registrant's wholly owned subsidiary,
Hot Topic Administration, Inc. and Majestic Realty Co. and Patrician
Associates, Inc. (2)
10.9 Guaranty of Lease, dated December 10, 1998, entered into between the
Registrant and Majestic Realty Co. and Patrician Associates, Inc. (2)
10.10 First Amendment to Industrial Real Estate Lease, dated March 19, 2001,
by and between Majestic - Fullerton Road, LLC, PFG Fullerton Limited
Partnership, and Hot Topic Administration, Inc. (3)
10.11 Employment Agreement dated January 22, 2001, between the Registrant and
Elizabeth McLaughlin. (3)
10.12 Employment Offer Letter dated January 12, 2001, between the Registrant
and Jerry Cook. (3)
10.13 Form of Restricted Stock Bonus Agreement between the Registrant and
each of its non-employee directors as of March 7, 2001 (with Robert
Jaffe for 1,270 shares, and with each of Bruce Quinnell, Edgar Berner,
Andrew Schuon and Corrado Federico for 1,058 shares) and as of
September 24, 2001 (with Cynthia Cohen for 785 shares and vesting from
September 24, 2001) and as of January 28, 2002 (with W. Scott Hedrick
for 412 shares and vesting from January 28, 2002). (4)
10.14 Employment Offer Letter dated April 12, 2001, between the Registrant
and Thomas A. Rail.
10.15 Employment Offer Letter dated June 11, 2001, between the Registrant and
Jane Cruz.
23.1 Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors.
24.1 Power of Attorney is contained on the signature page.
------------
(1) Filed as an exhibit to Registrant's Registration Statement on Form SB-2
(No. 333-5054-LA) and incorporated herein by reference.
(2) Filed as an exhibit to Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
year ended January 30, 1999 and incorporated herein by reference.
(3) Filed as an exhibit to Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
year ended February 3, 2001 and incorporated herein by reference.
(4) Filed as an exhibit to Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for
the quarter ended May 5, 2001.
(d) FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
Reference is made to Item 14(a)(2).
33
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has caused this
report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Industry, County of Los Angeles,
State of California, on the 2nd day of May 2002.
HOT TOPIC, INC.
By: /s/ Elizabeth M. McLaughlin
------------------------------
Elizabeth M. McLaughlin
Chief Executive Officer,
President and Director
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints
Elizabeth M. McLaughlin and Jim McGinty, or either of them, his attorney-in-fact, each with the power of substitution, for him
in any and all capacities, to sign any amendments to this Report, and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other documents
in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming all that each of said
attorneys-in-fact, or his substitute or substitutes, may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following
persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
NAME POSITION DATE
---- -------- ----
/s/ ELIZABETH M. MCLAUGHLIN Chief Executive Officer, President May 2, 2002
----------------------------- and Director (PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE
Elizabeth M. McLaughlin OFFICER)
/s/ JAMES J. MCGINTY Chief Financial Officer (PRINCIPAL May 2, 2002
----------------------------- FINANCIAL AND ACCOUNTING OFFICER)
James J. McGinty
/s/ ROBERT M. JAFFE Chairman of the Board May 2, 2002
-----------------------------
Robert M. Jaffe
/s/ EDGAR F. BERNER Director May 2, 2002
-----------------------------
Edgar F. Berner
/s/ CORRADO FEDERICO Director May 2, 2002
-----------------------------
Corrado Federico
/s/ ANDREW SCHUON Director May 2, 2002
----------------------------
Andrew Schuon
/s/ CYNTHIA COHEN Director May 2, 2002
-----------------------------
Cynthia Cohen
/s/ W. SCOTT HEDRICK Director May 2, 2002
-----------------------------
W. Scott Hedrick
34
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
The Board of Directors and Shareholders
Hot Topic, Inc.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Hot Topic, Inc. and its subsidiaries as of February 2, 2002
and February 3, 2001, and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the
three years in the period ended February 2, 2002. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States. Those standards
require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated 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 consolidated
financial position of Hot Topic, Inc. and its subsidiaries at February 2, 2002 and February 3, 2001, and the consolidated
results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended February 2, 2002 in conformity
with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.
/S/ Ernst & Young LLP
Los Angeles, California
March 1, 2002
F-1
Hot Topic, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
FEBRUARY 2, 2002 FEBRUARY 3, 2001
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 34,071,642 $ 28,785,985
Short-term investments 37,238,076 22,501,713
Inventory 29,552,751 21,335,515
Prepaid expenses and other 5,434,328 5,552,600
Deferred tax asset 1,417,229 943,742
------------- -------------
Total current assets 107,714,026 79,119,555
Leaseholds, fixtures and equipment, net 53,926,304 39,165,998
Deposits and other 174,150 100,662
Deferred tax asset 847,332 259,845
------------- -------------
Total assets $162,661,812 $118,646,060
============= =============
Liabilities and shareholders' equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable $ 11,252,620 $ 6,632,140
Accrued liabilities 10,952,614 10,093,360
Sales and other taxes payable 1,012,820 1,103,150
Income taxes payable 2,096,037 -
Current portion of obligations under capital leases 30,372 37,691
------------- -------------
Total current liabilities 25,344,463 17,866,341
Deferred rent 1,761,246 1,403,576
Capital lease obligations, less current portion 187,889 84,869
Commitments and contingencies - -
Shareholders' equity:
Preferred shares, no par value; 10,000,000 shares
authorized; no shares issued and outstanding - -
Common shares, no par value; 50,000,000 shares authorized;
31,375,064 and 30,440,783 shares issued and outstanding at
February 2, 2002 and February 3, 2001, respectively 56,906,195 49,429,508
Retained earnings 78,462,019 49,861,766
------------- -------------
Total shareholders' equity 135,368,214 99,291,274
------------- -------------
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $162,661,812 $118,646,060
============= =============
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-2
Hot Topic, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Income
Years ended
--------------------------------------------------------
February 2, February 3, January 29,
2002 2001 2000
--------------------------------------------------------
Net sales $ 336,093,512 $ 257,187,317 $ 168,948,553
Cost of goods sold, including buying,
distribution and occupancy costs 204,992,766 154,298,004 103,998,031
--------------------------------------------------------
Gross margin 131,100,746 102,889,313 64,950,522
Selling, general and administrative expenses 86,949,911 67,917,723 44,748,988
--------------------------------------------------------
Operating income 44,150,835 34,971,590 20,201,534
Interest income (1,911,784) (1,955,414) (964,826)
Interest expense 27,596 30,025 32,086
--------------------------------------------------------
Income before income taxes 46,035,023 36,896,979 21,134,274
Provision for income taxes 17,434,770 13,651,900 7,633,600
--------------------------------------------------------
Net income $ 28,600,253 $ 23,245,079 $ 13,500,674
========================================================
Net income per share:
Basic $ 0.92 $ 0.78 $ 0.49
========================================================
Diluted $ 0.86 $ 0.72 $ 0.46
========================================================
Shares used in computing net income per share:
Basic 30,977,578 29,668,059 27,800,556
Diluted 33,218,739 32,069,127 29,392,086
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-3
Hot Topic, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity
Common Shares Total
--------------------------------- Deferred Retained Shareholders'
Shares Amount Compensation Earnings Equity
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BALANCE AT JANUARY 30, 1999 27,926,586 $ 35,675,752 $ (42,619) $ 13,116,013 $ 48,749,146
Exercise of stock options 1,446,288 4,187,278 - - 4,187,278
Employee stock purchase plan 23,658 60,469 - - 60,469
Repurchase common stock (414,000) (1,064,863) - - (1,064,863)
Amortization of deferred compensation - - 35,892 - 35,892
Tax benefit from exercise of options - 1,808,935 - - 1,808,935
Net income - - - 13,500,674 13,500,674
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BALANCE AT JANUARY 29, 2000 28,982,532 40,667,571 (6,727) 26,616,687 67,277,531
Exercise of stock options 1,439,865 4,767,049 - - 4,767,049
Employee stock purchase plan 18,386 143,170 - - 143,170
Amortization of deferred compensation - - 6,727 - 6,727
Tax benefit from exercise of options - 3,851,718 - - 3,851,718
Net income - - - 23,245,079 23,245,079
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BALANCE AT FEBRUARY 3, 2001 30,440,783 49,429,508 - 49,861,766 99,291,274
Exercise of stock options 917,163 3,679,826 - - 3,679,826
Employee stock purchase plan 17,381 204,594 - - 204,594
Fractional shares purchased in 3-for-2
stock split (263) (6,265) - - (6,265)
Tax benefit from exercise of options - 3,598,532 - - 3,598,532
Net income - - - 28,600,253 28,600,253
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BALANCE AT FEBRUARY 2, 2002 31,375,064 $ 56,906,195 - $ 78,462,019 $ 135,368,214
====================================================================================
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-4
Hot Topic, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Years ended
-------------------------------------------------
February 2, February 3, January 29,
2002 2001 2000
-------------------------------------------------
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income $ 28,600,253 $ 23,245,079 $ 13,500,674
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 11,082,192 8,645,306 5,890,519
Deferred rent 357,670 298,867 360,998
Deferred compensation - 6,727 35,892
Deferred taxes (1,060,974) (1,298,222) (422,800)
Loss on disposal of fixed assets 400,957 501,427 10,072
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Inventory (8,217,236) (5,968,770) (4,920,119)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 118,272 (3,972,167) (140,147)
Deposits and other assets (73,488) (17,676) 3,936
Accounts payable 4,620,480 417,129 4,028,549
Accrued liabilities 859,254 1,712,434 4,601,036
Sales and other taxes payable (90,330) 465,527 254,881
Income taxes payable 2,096,037 (4,288,815) 2,580,813
-------------------------------------------------
Net cash provided by operating activities 38,693,087 19,746,846 25,784,304
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchases of property and equipment (26,119,339) (16,662,796) (15,763,802)
Purchases of short-term investments (31,213,275) (23,769,601) (22,226,409)
Proceeds from sale of short-term investments 16,476,912 23,059,261 20,391,778
-------------------------------------------------
Net cash used in investing activities (40,855,702) (17,373,136) (17,598,433)
FINANCING ACTIVIITIES
Payments on capital lease obligations (28,415) (107,943) (36,541)
Repurchase common shares (6,265) - (1,064,863)
Proceeds from employee stock purchases and exercise of
stock options, including related tax benefit 7,482,952 8,761,937 6,056,682
-------------------------------------------------
Net cash provided by financing activities 7,448,272 8,653,994 4,955,278
-------------------------------------------------
Increase in cash and cash equivalents 5,285,657 11,027,704 13,141,149
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 28,785,985 17,758,281 4,617,132
-------------------------------------------------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ 34,071,642 $ 28,785,985 $ 17,758,281
=================================================
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Cash paid during the year for interest $ 27,596 $ 30,245 $ 32,086
=================================================
Cash paid during the year for income taxes $ 10,798,850 $ 17,399,328 $ 3,674,209
=================================================
Capital lease obligations entered into for equipment $ 147,132 $ - $ 171,885
=================================================
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-5
Hot Topic, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
February 2, 2002
1. ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
ORGANIZATION AND BUSINESS ACTIVITY
Hot Topic, Inc. (together with its subsidiaries, the "Company") is a mall-based specialty retailer of music-licensed and
music-influenced apparel, accessories and gift items for young men and women principally between the ages of 12 and
22. In the first half of fiscal 2001 (fiscal year ended February 2, 2002), the Company launched a new retail concept with the
opening of six stores under the trade name Torrid. Torrid offers a selection of apparel, lingerie, shoes and accessories centered
around various lifestyles for plus-size young women between the ages of 15 and 29. At the end of fiscal 2001, the Company
operated 346 Hot Topic stores in 48 states throughout the United States, six Torrid stores and websites hottopic.com and
torrid.com. The Company has one reportable segment given the similarities of the economic characteristics among the store
formats.
PRINCIPALS OF CONSOLIDATION
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant
intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
RECLASSIFICATIONS
Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year amounts to conform to current year presentation.
FISCAL YEAR
The Company's fiscal year is on a 52-53 week basis and ends on the Saturday nearest to January 31. The fiscal years ended
February 2, 2002, February 3, 2001 and January 29, 2000 were 52 weeks, 53 weeks and 52 weeks, respectively.
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
The Company considers all highly liquid investments with maturities of less than three months when purchased to be cash
equivalents. The Company is potentially exposed to a concentration of credit risk when cash deposits in banks are in excess of
federally insured limits, and as a result, the investment of cash equivalents is at two financial institutions.
SHORT-TERM INVESTEMENTS
Short-term investments with maturities in excess of three months, consist primarily of interest bearing tax exempt bonds that are
highly liquid, low risk with minimum credit quality rating of A-1 (Standard and Poor's); SP-1 (Moody's Investor Service) or
equivalent and are available for sale.
INVENTORY
Inventories and related cost of sales are accounted for by the retail method. The cost of inventory is valued at the lower of
average cost or market, on a first-in, first-out (FIFO) basis.
F-6
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment are recorded at cost or in the case of capitalized leases, at the present value of future minimum lease
payments. Depreciation is provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets (3-10 years).
Leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over the shorter of the lease term or ten years.
Expenditures for repairs that do not significantly extend the life of the asset are expensed as incurred.
REVENUE RECOGNITION
Sales are recognized upon the purchase by customers at the Company's retail store locations and websites, less merchandise
returned by customers.
STORE PRE-OPENING COSTS
Costs incurred in connection with the opening of a new store are expensed as incurred.
ADVERTISING COSTS
Advertising costs are expensed the first time the event occurs or as incurred. Advertising expenses were $334,319, $322,897
and $46,182 for the years ended February 2, 2002, February 3, 2001 and January 29, 2000, respectively.
INCOME TAXES
The Company utilizes Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes", which prescribes
the use of the liability method to compute the difference between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and the related financial
reporting amounts using currently enacted tax laws and rates.
NET INCOME PER SHARE
Net income per share has been computed in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Statement No.
128, "Earnings per Share" (see Note 6). A three-for-two stock split became effective February 6, 2002. All share and per
share amounts have been restated to reflect the split and all previous stock splits.
USE OF ESTIMATES
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires
management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying
notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
LONG-LIVED ASSETS
The Company accounts for the impairment and disposition of long-lived assets in accordance with Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to
be Disposed Of" (SFAS No. 121). In accordance with SFAS No. 121, long-lived assets to be held are reviewed for events or
changes in circumstances that indicate that their carrying value may not be recoverable. The review is based on comparing the
expected undiscounted cash flows to the net book value of the assets. At February 2, 2002, the Company believes there has
been no impairment of the value of such assets to date.
F-7
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
The Company accounts for stock-based awards to employees and directors using the intrinsic value method as prescribed by
Accounting Principle Board Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees" and provides the pro forma
disclosure provisions of SFAS No. 123 "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation." As such, compensation expense for
stock options issued to employees is recorded on the date of the grant only if the current market price of the underlying stock
exceeded the exercise price.
NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In August 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No. 144, "Accounting for the Impairment of
Long-Lived Assets", which establishes accounting and reporting standards for impairment and disposition of long-lived assets,
including discontinued operations. SFAS No. 144 becomes effective for all financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning
after December 15, 2001 and, generally, its provisions are to be applied prospectively. The Company does not believe the
adoption of SFAS No. 144 will have any immediate impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash
flows.
In June 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No. 143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement
Obligations." This Statement addresses financial accounting and reporting obligations associated with the retirement of tangible
long-lived assets and the associated asset retirement costs. This standard is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal
years beginning after June 15, 2002. The Company does not believe the adoption of SFAS No. 143 will have a significant
impact on the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of the Company.
In June 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No. 141, Business Combinations and SFAS No. 142,
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.
SFAS No. 141 addresses the initial recognition and measurement of goodwill and other intangible assets acquired in a business
combination. SFAS No. 142 addresses the initial recognition and measurement of intangible assets acquired outside of a
business combination, whether acquired individually or with a group of other assets, and the accounting and reporting for
goodwill and other intangibles subsequent to their acquisition. These standards require all future business combinations to be
accounted for using the purchase method of accounting. Goodwill will no longer be amortized, but instead will be subject to an
impairment test each reporting period. The Company is required to adopt FAS 141 and FAS 142 on a prospective basis as of
February 2, 2002. The Company does not believe the adoption of SFAS No. 141 and 142 will have an impact on the financial
position, results of operations or cash flows of the Company. The Company does not have any amortization expense related to
goodwill in its results of operations.
In March 2000, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Interpretation ("FIN") No. 44, "Accounting for Certain
Transactions Involving Stock Compensation." FIN No. 44 is an interpretation of Accounting Principal Board's ("APB")
Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees." Among other matters, FIN No. 44 clarifies the application of
APB Opinion No. 25 regarding the definition of employee for purposes of applying APB Opinion No. 25, the criteria for
determining whether a plan qualifies as non compensatory and the accounting consequences of modifications to the terms of
previously issued stock options or similar awards. The Company adopted the provisions of FIN No. 44 in fiscal 2000. The
adoption of FIN No. 44 did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated results of operations or financial
condition.
Pursuant to Emerging Issues Task Force Issue 00-10 "Accounting for Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs", cost of sales
includes the cost of merchandise, inventory markdowns, inventory shrinkage, inbound freight, distribution and warehousing, in
addition to payroll for buying personnel and retail store occupancy costs.
F-8
In December 1999, the Securities and Exchange Commission issued Staff Accounting Bulletin ("SAB") No. 101, "Revenue
Recognition in Financial Statements." SAB No. 101 summarizes the staff's views in applying accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States of America to revenue recognition in financial statements. The Company adopted SAB No. 101
in fiscal year 2000. The adoption of SAB No. 101 did not have an impact on the Company's consolidated results of operations
or financial condition.
In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and
Hedging Activities." SFAS No. 133 establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments and for hedging
activities. The Company adopted SFAS No. 133 in fiscal 2001 and the adoption did not have an impact on the Company's
consolidated results of operations or financial condition.
2. LEASEHOLDS, FIXTURES AND EQUIPMENT
Leaseholds, fixtures and equipment are summarized as follows:
February 2, February 3,
2002 2001
------------- -------------
Furniture, fixtures and equipment $ 43,481,768 $ 31,299,751
Leasehold improvements 41,412,327 29,135,468
------------- -------------
84,894,095 60,435,219
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization (30,967,791) (21,269,221)
------------- -------------
$ 53,926,304 $ 39,165,998
============= =============
3. ACCRUED LIABILITIES
Accrued liabilities consist of the following:
February 2, February 3,
2002 2001
------------- -------------
Accrued payroll and related expenses $ 5,323,743 $ 5,996,249
Gift certificates and store merchandise credits 1,626,828 981,227
Other 4,002,043 3,115,884
------------- -------------
$ 10,952,614 $ 10,093,360
============= =============
4. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENTCIES
LEASES
The Company has entered into lease agreements for retail and office space under primarily noncancelable leases with terms
ranging from three to approximately ten years. The retail space leases provide for rents based upon the greater of the minimum
annual rental amounts or 5% to 8% of annual sales volume. Certain of the leases provide for increasing minimum annual rental
amounts. Rent expense is recorded on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. Accordingly, deferred rent, as reflected in
the accompanying balance sheets, represents the difference between rent expense accrued and amounts paid under the terms of
the lease agreements. Total rent expense for the years ended February 2, 2002, February 3, 2001 and January 29, 2000 was
$21,783,895, $16,093,011 and $10,364,345, respectively, including contingent rentals of $3,163,983, $2,694,146 and
$1,221,200, respectively.
F-9
The Company leases certain equipment under capital lease obligations. Cost and accumulated depreciation of equipment under
capital leases were $263,938 and $33,492, respectively, at February 2, 2002, $159,560 and $53,282, respectively, at
February 3, 2001 and $291,151 and $49,440, respectively, at January 29, 2000.
Annual future minimum lease payments under operating and capital leases as of February 2, 2002 are as follows:
Operating Capital
Fiscal year Leases Leases
------------ ------------- -------------
2002 $ 21,999,512 $ 43,054
2003 21,022,791 136,198
2004 20,762,368 55,909
2005 20,780,877 -
2006 20,006,999 -
Thereafter 64,314,296 -
------------- -------------
Total minimum lease payments $168,886,843 $ 235,161
=============
Less amounts representing interest 16,900
-------------
Present value of future minimum capital lease payments 218,261
Less amounts due in one year 30,372
-------------
Long-term portion of obligations under capital leases $ 187,889
=============
LITIGATION
The Company is involved in various matters of litigation during the ordinary course of business. Management does not believe
any such matters will have a material affect on the financial position or results of operations of the Company.
5. SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Under the Company's 1996 Equity Incentive Plan and 1996 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option Plan (the "Plans"), the
Company may grant stock options to employees, directors or consultants of the Company as deemed appropriate by the
Board of Directors. The exercise price of options granted under the Plans shall be determined by the Board of Directors at the
date of grant and shall not be lower than (i) 100% of the fair market value of the Company's common stock on the date of
grant for incentive stock options, (ii) 85% of the fair market value of the Company's common stock on the date of grant for
non-statutory stock options, and (iii) 110% of the fair market value of the Company's common stock on the date of grant for
persons possessing 10% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company. Unless the Board
of Directors declares otherwise, options vest over four years and generally expire ten years from the date of grant. An
aggregate of 10,830,000 shares of common stock may be issued pursuant to the Plans. During fiscal 2000, the Plans were
amended to increase the aggregate number of shares of common stock authorized for issuance by 2,850,000 shares. As of
February 2, 2002, 2,204,009 shares were available for future grants. No options, under the Plans, have been granted to
consultants.
F-10
In June 1996, the Board of Directors adopted the Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the "Stock Purchase Plan"). The Stock
Purchase Plan provides for the issuance of up to 900,000 shares of common stock to employees of the Company. Under the
Stock Purchase Plan, all eligible employees are granted identical rights to purchase common stock for each Board authorized
offering under the Stock Purchase Plan. Rights granted pursuant to any offering under the Stock Purchase Plan terminate
immediately upon cessation of an employee's employment for any reason. In general, an employee may withdraw from
participation in an offering at any time during the purchase period for such offering. Rights granted under the Stock Purchase
Plan are not transferable and may be exercised only by the person to whom such rights are granted. The initial offering under
the Stock Purchase Plan commenced October 24, 1996 and terminated December 31, 1996. Subsequent offerings occur
every six months commencing January 1, 1997.
During the year ended February 2, 2002, the Company granted restricted common stock shares, totaling 9,844 shares, to
non-employee directors under the 1996 Equity Incentive Plan. The restricted shares will vest in the year ending February 1,
2003 and the shares will remain restricted until such time the recipient is no longer a member of the Company's Board of
Directors. The value of these grants is expensed over the vesting period, $129,583 was expensed in the year ended February
2, 2002.
Pro forma information regarding net income and earnings per share is required by SFAS No. 123, and has been determined as
if the Company had accounted for its employee stock options under the fair value method of that Statement. The fair value for
these options was estimated at the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted
average assumptions for fiscal 2001, 2000 and 1999: weighted average risk-free interest rate of 5% for fiscal 2001 and 6% for
fiscal 2000 and 1999; dividend yields of 0%; weighted-average volatility factors of the expected market price of the
Company's common stock of
0.61 for fiscal 2001, 0.84 for fiscal 2000 and 0.80 for fiscal 1999; and a weighted average expected life of the options of 5
years. The weighted average fair value of options granted during the year are $9.21, $7.49 and $3.34 per share for fiscal 2001,
2000 and 1999, respectively.
For purposes of pro forma disclosures, the estimated fair value of the options, based on the Black-Scholes option pricing
model, is amortized to expense over the options' vesting periods. The Company's pro forma information follows:
Years Ended
-----------------------------------------------------------
February 2, 2002 February 3, 2001 January 29, 2000
-----------------------------------------------------------
Net Earnings
As reported $ 28,600,253 $ 23,245,079 $ 13,500,674
Pro forma $ 25,560,809 $ 20,671,693 $ 11,303,530
Basic earnings per share
As reported $ 0.92 $ 0.78 $ 0.49
Pro forma $ 0.83 $ 0.70 $ 0.41
Diluted earnings per share
As reported $ 0.86 $ 0.72 $ 0.46
Pro forma $ 0.77 $ 0.64 $ 0.38
F-11
A summary of the Company's stock option activity and related information follows:
February 2, 2002 February 3, 2001 January 29, 2000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Weighted Weighted Weighted
Average Average Average
Exercise Exercise Exercise
Options Price Options Price Options Price
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Outstanding at beginning of year 3,749,613 $ 5.02 3,979,686 $ 3.23 4,194,906 $ 3.41
Granted 1,014,675 $ 16.35 1,590,150 $ 7.49 1,536,600 $ 2.46
Exercised (917,159) $ 4.01 (1,439,865) $ 3.31 (1,446,288) $ 2.90
Canceled (586,284) $ 5.36 (380,358) $ 2.97 (305,532) $ 3.48
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Outstanding at end of year 3,260,845 $ 8.77 3,749,613 $ 5.02 3,979,686 $ 3.23
====================================================================================
Exercisable at end of year 1,139,881 $ 4.96 768,020 $ 3.49 819,426 $ 3.63
====================================================================================
Exercise prices for the 3,260,845 options outstanding as of February 2, 2002 ranged from $0.83 to $22.00. The weighted
average contractual life of those options is 7.9 years. The following table summarizes information about stock options
outstanding as of February 2, 2002:
Outstanding Options
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Weighted Weighted Weighted
Average Average Average
Number Exercise Contractual Number Exercise
Range of Exercise Prices Outstanding Price Life Exercisable Price
-------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------
$0.83 - $3.97 854,925 $ 2.99 6.6 518,679 $ 3.13
$4.04 - $5.59 800,883 $ 5.32 7.4 424,318 $ 5.09
$8.75 - $15.00 671,737 $ 9.61 8.5 196,884 $ 9.50
$15.46 - $22.00 933,300 $16.42 9.2 - N/A
------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------
$0.83 - $22.00 3,260,845 $ 8.77 7.9 1,139,881 $ 4.96
============================================================= =======================================
The Company recorded tax benefits associated with the exercise of non-qualified stock options. The tax benefits increased
additional paid-in capital and decreased income taxes payable in the amounts of $3,598,532, $3,851,718 and $1,808,935 for
the years ended February 2, 2002, February 3, 2001 and January 29, 2000, respectively.
6. NET INCOME PER SHARE
The Company computes net income per share pursuant to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128, "Earnings
Per Share" (SFAS 128). Basic net income per share is computed based on the weighted average number of common shares
outstanding for the period. Diluted net income per share is computed based on the weighted average number of common and
potentially dilutive common stock equivalents outstanding for the period.
F-12
A reconciliation of the numerator and denominator of basic earnings per share and diluted earnings per share for the years
ended, is as follows:
February 2, February 3, January 29,
2002 2001 2000
------------ ------------ ------------
Basic EPS Computation:
Numerator $28,600,253 $23,245,079 $13,500,674
Denominator:
Weighted average common
shares outstanding 30,977,578 29,668,059 27,800,556
------------ ------------ ------------
Total shares 30,977,578 29,668,059 27,800,556
============ ============ ============
Basic EPS $ 0.92 $ 0.78 $ 0.49
============ ============ ============
Diluted EPS Computation:
Numerator $28,600,253 $23,245,079 $13,500,674
Denominator:
Weighted average common
shares outstanding 30,977,578 29,668,059 27,800,556
Incremental shares from assumed
conversion of options 2,241,161 2,401,068 1,591,530
------------ ------------ ------------
Total shares 33,218,739 32,069,127 29,392,086
============ ============ ============
Diluted EPS $ 0.86 $ 0.72 $ 0.46
============ ============ ============
7. INCOME TAXES
Following is the composition of the provision for income taxes for the years ended:
February 2, February 3, January 29,
2002 2001 2000
------------- ------------- -------------
Current:
Federal $ 15,726,960 $ 13,092,892 $ 6,873,075
State 2,768,784 1,847,868 1,183,325
------------- ------------- -------------
18,495,744 14,940,760 8,056,400
Deferred:
Federal (858,535) (1,069,096) (393,151)
State (202,439) (219,764) (29,649)
------------- ------------- -------------
(1,060,974) (1,288,860) (422,800)
------------- ------------- -------------
Total income tax expense $ 17,434,770 $ 13,651,900 $ 7,633,600
============= ============= =============
F-13
Significant components of the Company's deferred tax assets and liabilities:
February 2, February 3,
2002 2001
------------ ------------
Current deferred tax assets (liabilities):
Accrued vacation and other $ 459,285 $ 345,876
Inventory 648,829 650,928
State taxes 738,903 98,903
Other liabilities (429,788) (151,965)
------------ ------------
Net current deferred tax assets 1,417,229 943,742
Noncurrent deferred tax assets (liabilities):
Depreciation 201,816 (76,357)
Deferred rent 645,516 336,202
------------ ------------
Total noncurrent deferred tax assets 847,332 259,845
------------ ------------
Net deferred tax assets $ 2,264,561 $ 1,203,587
============ ============
Reconciliation of provision for taxes to statutory tax rate for the years ended:
February 2, February 3, January 29,
2002 2001 2000
---------- ---------- ----------
Statutory federal rate 35.0% 35.0% 35.0%
Permanent differences (1.0) (1.3) (1.3)
State and local taxes, net of federal
benefit 3.4 2.7 2.8
Change in valuation allowance and
other items 0.5 0.6 (0.4)
---------- ---------- ----------
Effective income tax rate 37.9% 37.0% 36.1%
========== ========== ==========
8. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN
Effective January 1, 1995, the Company adopted the Hot Topic 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan (the "401(k) Plan"). All
employees who have been employed by the Company for at least one year of service, maintained a minimum of 1,000 hours
worked during the year and are at least 21 years of age are eligible to participate. Employees may contribute to the 401(k) Plan
up to 25% of their current compensation, subject to a statutorily prescribed annual limit. The Company may in its discretion
contribute certain amounts to eligible employees' accounts. The Company has not made any contributions to the 401(k) Plan.
F-14
EXHIBIT 10.14
HOT TOPIC 18305 E. San Jose Ave.
City of Industry, CA 91748
Office: 626-839-4681
Fax: 626-8394686
Email: hottopic.com
EVERYTHING ABOUT THE MUSIC
April 12, 2001
Tom Rail
42749 Settlers Ridge
Murrieta, CA 92562
RE: EMPLOYMENT TERMS
Dear Tom:
Hot Topic, Inc. (the "Company") is pleased to offer you the position of General Manager - Torrid, pursuant to the terms of this
letter agreement ("Agreement").
1. DUTIES
You will be expected to perform various duties consistent with your position. You will report to the Company's Chief Executive
Officer ("CEO"), unless otherwise assigned by the Company. You will work at our facility located in the City of Industry.
2. BASE SALARY
Your base salary will be $250,000 per year, less payroll deductions and all required withholdings, which will be subject to
annual review. You will be paid semi-monthly and you will be eligible for the following standard Company benefits: medical
insurance, vacation, sick leave, holidays, 401k plan and Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Details about these benefit plans are
available for your review. In addition, the Company plans to obtain a long-term disability policy subject to the satisfaction of the
certain underwriting criteria. The Company may modify benefits from time to time, as it deems necessary.
3. BONUS
In addition to your base salary, you will be eligible to earn an annual performance bonus ("Bonus") pursuant to the Company's
EBIT Plan, as approved by the Board of Directors. Your target Bonus under the Plan will be twenty five percent of your base
salary based upon achievement of the goals set forth in the Plan. The Bonus will be pro-rated based on your actual time in
position. Assuming continuous employment, the Bonus will be awarded in the first quarter of the Company's fiscal year. You
must be employed on the date the Bonus is awarded to be eligible for the Bonus.
4. AUTOMOBILE ALLOWANCE
The Company will pay for you to have a Company leased automobile of your choice, provided that the value of the automobile
does not exceed $60,000. The Company will also reimburse you for expenses including gas, insurance and maintenance for the
automobile.
5. STOCK OPTIONS
Upon commencement of employment and subject to approval of the Company's Board of Directors, you will be granted an
Incentive Stock Option under the Company's 1996 Equity Incentive Plan to purchase 30,000 shares of the Company's
Common Stock (the "Stock Option"). The Stock Option will be governed by and granted pursuant to a separate Stock Option
Agreement. The exercise price per share of the Stock Option will be equal to the fair market value of the Common Stock
established on the date of grant, subject to approval by the Board of Directors. The Stock Option will be subject to vesting
over four (4) years so long as you continue to be employed with the Company, according to the following schedule:
twenty-five percent (25%) of the shares subject to the Stock Option will vest on the last day of the twelfth full calendar month
of your employment after the date of grant and the remaining shares subject to the Stock Option will vest in equal installments at
the end of each monthly period thereafter for three (3) years.
If you have questions regarding the tax implications of the Stock Option or any part of your compensation package, please
consult with your own tax advisor.
6. TERMINATION
The Company may terminate your employment at any time and for any or no reason, with or without Cause (as defined herein)
or advance notice, by giving written notice of such termination. Similarly, you may terminate your employment with the
Company at any time at your election, in your sole discretion, for any or no reason upon two weeks notice to the Company
during which time you shall provide reasonable transition assistance to the Company. The Company reserves the right to ask
you to expedite your resignation date and to leave prior to the end of the two weeks notice period. The at-will nature of your
employment relationship may not be modified except by a written agreement with the CEO of the Company.
If the Company terminates your employment without Cause (as defined herein), then upon your furnishing to the Company an
executed release and waiver of claims (a form of which is attached hereto as Exhibit A), you shall be entitled to receive
severance payments in the form of continuation of your base salary and medical insurance benefits that are in effect at the time
of your termination, subject to standard payroll deductions and withholdings, for six
(6) months (the "Severance Period"). If you voluntarily resign or your employment is terminated for Cause (as defined herein),
all compensation and benefits will cease immediately and you will receive no additional payments from the Company other than
your accrued base salary and accrued and unused vacation benefits earned through the date of your termination.
For purposes of this Agreement, "Cause" shall mean (i) willful misconduct by you, including, but not limited to, dishonesty which
materially and adversely reflects upon your ability to perform your duties for the Company, (ii) your conviction of, or the entry
of a pleading of guilty or nolo contendere by you to, any crime involving moral turpitude or any felony, (iii) fraud, embezzlement
or theft against the Company, (iv) a material breach by you of any material provision of any employment contract, assignment of
inventions, confidentiality and/or nondisclosure agreement between you and the Company, or (v) your willful and habitual failure
to attend to your duties as assigned by the CEO of the Company, after written notice to Executive and no less than a 90 day
period to cure such failure provided such failure to perform is subject to cure with the passage of time.
7. CHANGE OF CONTROL
Following a Change in Control (as defined herein) the vesting of your Stock Options will be immediately accelerated such that
one hundred percent (100%) of the Stock Options shall be vested and exercisable. For purposes of this Agreement, Change of
Control is defined as follows: (i) a sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company; (ii) a merger or consolidation in
which the Company is not the surviving corporation and in which beneficial ownership of securities of the Company
representing at least fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power entitled to vote in the election of Directors has changed;
(iii) an acquisition by any person, entity or group within the meaning of Section 13(d) or 14(d) of the Exchange Act, or any
comparable successor provisions (excluding any employee benefit plan, or related trust, sponsored or maintained by the
Company or subsidiary of the Company or other entity controlled by the Company) of the beneficial ownership (within the
meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act, or comparable successor rule) of securities of the Company
representing at least fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power entitled to vote in the election of Directors.
8. COMPANY POLICY
As a Company employee, you will be expected to abide by Company rules and regulations and acknowledge in writing that
you have read the Company's Employee Handbook which will govern the terms and conditions of your employment. The
Company's Employee Handbook may be modified from time to time at the sole discretion of the Company.
9. PROPRIETARY INFORMATION AGREEMENT
As a condition of employment, you will be required to sign and comply with the attached Proprietary Information Agreement
attached hereto as Exhibit B, which prohibits unauthorized use or disclosure of the Company's proprietary information, among
other things.
In your work for the Company, you will be expected not to use or disclose any confidential information, including trade secrets,
of any former employer or other person to whom you have an obligation of confidentiality. Rather, you will be expected to use
only that information which is generally known and used by persons with training and experience comparable to your own,
which is common knowledge in the industry or otherwise legally in the public domain, or which is otherwise provided or
developed by the Company. During our discussions about your proposed job duties, you assured us that you would be able to
perform those duties within the guidelines just described. You agree that you will not bring onto Company premises any
unpublished documents or property belonging to any former employer or other person to whom you have an obligation of
confidentiality.
10. ENTIRE AGREEMENT
This Agreement, together with Exhibits attached hereto and the stock option documents referred to herein, forms the complete
and exclusive statement of the terms of your employment with the Company. The employment terms in this Agreement
supersede any other agreements or promises made to you by anyone, whether oral or written.
11. GOVERNING LAW
This Agreement will be governed by and construed according to the laws of the State of California. You hereby expressly
consent to the personal jurisdiction of the state and federal courts located in Los Angeles, California for any lawsuit filed there
against you by the Company arising from or related to this Agreement. In the event of any litigation arising out of or relating to
this Agreement, its breach or enforcement, including an action for declaratory relief, the prevailing party in such action or
proceeding shall be entitled to receive his or its damages, court costs, and all out-of-pocket expenses, including attorneys fees.
Such recovery shall include court costs, out-of-pocket expenses, and attorneys fees on appeal, if any.
12. SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS. This Agreement will be binding upon your heirs, executors, administrators and other
legal representatives and will be for the benefit of the Company, its successors, and its assigns.
As required by law, this offer is subject to satisfactory proof of your right to work in the United States.
Sincerely,
/S/ Betsy McLaughlin
------------------------------------
Betsy McLaughlin
Chief Executive Officer
Accepted:
/S/ Tom Rail
------------------------------------
Tom Rail
April 12, 2001
Date
Attachment: Exhibit A: Waiver and Release
EXHIBIT A
RELEASE AND WAIVER OF CLAIMS
In consideration of the payments and other benefits set forth in
Section 5 of the Agreement dated April 12, 2001, to which this form is attached, I, TOM RAIL, hereby furnish Hot Topic, Inc.
(the "Company"), with the following release and waiver ("Release and Waiver").
I hereby release, and forever discharge the Company, its officers, directors, agents, employees, stockholders, successors,
assigns affiliates and Benefit Plans, of and from any and all claims, liabilities, demands, causes of action, costs, expenses,
attorneys' fees, damages, indemnities and obligations of every kind and nature, in law, equity, or otherwise, known and
unknown, suspected and unsuspected, disclosed and undisclosed, arising at any time prior to and including my employment
termination date with respect to any and all claims including, but not limited to, claims relating to my employment and the
termination of my employment, claims pursuant to any federal, state or local law relating to employment, including, but not
limited to, discrimination claims, claims under the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, and the Federal Age
Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended ("ADEA"), or claims for wrongful termination, breach of the covenant
of good faith, contract claims, tort claims, and wage or benefit claims, including but not limited to, claims for salary, bonuses,
commissions, stock, stock options, vacation pay, fringe benefits, severance pay or any form of compensation.
I also acknowledge that I have read and understand Section 1542 of the California Civil Code which reads as follows: "A
GENERAL RELEASE DOES NOT EXTEND TO CLAIMS WHICH THE CREDITOR DOES NOT KNOW OR
SUSPECT TO EXIST IN HIS FAVOR AT THE TIME OF EXECUTING THE RELEASE, WHICH IF KNOWN BY
HIM MUST HAVE MATERIALLY AFFECTED HIS SETTLEMENT WITH THE DEBTOR." I hereby expressly waive
and relinquish all rights and benefits under that section and any law of any jurisdiction of similar effect with respect to any claims
I may have against the Company.
I acknowledge that, among other rights, I am waiving and releasing any rights I may have under the ADEA, that this Release
and Waiver is knowing and voluntary, and that the consideration given for this Release and Waiver is in addition to anything of
value to which I was already entitled as an executive of the Company. I further acknowledge that I have been advised, as
required by the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act, that: (a) the Release and Waiver granted herein does not relate to
claims which may arise after this Release and Waiver is executed; (b) I have the right to consult with an attorney prior to
executing this Release and Waiver (although I may choose voluntarily not to do so); and if I am over 40 years of age upon
execution of this Release and Waiver: (c) I have twenty-one (21) days from the date of termination of my employment with the
Company in which to consider this Release and Waiver (although I may choose voluntarily to execute this Release and Waiver
earlier); (d) I have seven (7) days following the execution of this Release and Waiver to revoke my consent to this Release and
Waiver; and (e) this Release and Waiver shall not be effective until the seven (7) day revocation period has expired.
Date: By:
-------------- ---------------------------------
TOM RAIL
EXHIBIT 10.15
HOT TOPIC 18305 E. San Jose Ave.
City of Industry, CA 91748
Office: 626-839-4681
Fax: 626-8394686
Email: hottopic.com
EVERYTHING ABOUT THE MUSIC
June 11, 2001
Ms. Jane Cruz
11728 Laurelcrest Drive
Studio City, CA 91604
RE: EMPLOYMENT TERMS
Dear Jane:
Hot Topic, Inc. (the "Company") is pleased to offer you the position of Senior Vice President - Human Resources, pursuant to
the terms of this letter agreement ("Agreement").
1. DUTIES
You will be expected to perform various duties consistent with your position. You will report to the Company's Chief Executive
Officer ("CEO"), unless otherwise assigned by the Company. You will work at our facility located in the City of Industry.
2. BASE SALARY
Your base salary will be $220,000 per year, less payroll deductions and all required withholdings, which will be subject to
annual review. You will be paid semi-monthly and you will be eligible for the following standard Company benefits: medical
insurance, vacation, sick leave, holidays, 401k plan and Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Details about these benefit plans are
available for your review. In addition, the Company plans to obtain a long-term disability policy subject to the satisfaction of the
certain underwriting criteria. The Company may modify benefits from time to time, as it deems necessary.
3. BONUS
In addition to your base salary, you will be eligible to earn an annual performance bonus ("Bonus") pursuant to the Company's
EBIT Plan, as approved by the Board of Directors. Your target Bonus under the Plan will be twenty five percent of your base
salary based upon achievement of the goals set forth in the Plan. The Bonus will be pro-rated based on your actual time in
position. Assuming continuous employment, the Bonus will be awarded in the first quarter of the Company's fiscal year. You
must be employed on the date the Bonus is awarded to be eligible for the Bonus.
4. AUTOMOBILE ALLOWANCE
Your automobile allowance will be $800.00 per month. The Company will also reimburse you for expenses including gas,
insurance and maintenance for the automobile.
5. STOCK OPTIONS
Upon commencement of employment and subject to approval of the Company's Board of Directors, you will be granted an
Incentive Stock Option under the Company's 1996 Equity Incentive Plan to purchase 30,000 shares of the Company's
Common Stock (the "Stock Option"). The Stock Option will be governed by and granted pursuant to a separate Stock Option
Agreement. The exercise price per share of the Stock Option will be equal to the fair market value of the Common Stock
established on the date of grant, subject to approval by the Board of Directors. The Stock Option will be subject to vesting
over four (4) years so long as you continue to be employed with the Company, according to the following schedule:
twenty-five percent (25%) of the shares subject to the Stock Option will vest on the last day of the twelfth full calendar month
of your employment after the date of grant and the remaining shares subject to the Stock Option will vest in equal installments at
the end of each monthly period thereafter for three (3) years.
If you have questions regarding the tax implications of the Stock Option or any part of your compensation package, please
consult with your own tax advisor.
6. TERMINATION
The Company may terminate your employment at any time and for any or no reason, with or without Cause (as defined herein)
or advance notice, by giving written notice of such termination. Similarly, you may terminate your employment with the
Company at any time at your election, in your sole discretion, for any or no reason upon two weeks notice to the Company
during which time you shall provide reasonable transition assistance to the Company. The Company reserves the right to ask
you to expedite your resignation date and to leave prior to the end of the two weeks notice period. The at-will nature of your
employment relationship may not be modified except by a written agreement with the CEO of the Company.
If the Company terminates your employment without Cause (as defined herein), then upon your furnishing to the Company an
executed release and waiver of claims (a form of which is attached hereto as Exhibit A), you shall be entitled to receive
severance payments in the form of continuation of your base salary and medical insurance benefits that are in effect at the time
of your termination, subject to standard payroll deductions and withholdings, for six
(6) months (the "Severance Period"). If you voluntarily resign or your employment is terminated for Cause (as defined herein),
all compensation and benefits will cease immediately and you will receive no additional payments from the Company other than
your accrued base salary and accrued and unused vacation benefits earned through the date of your termination.
For purposes of this Agreement, "Cause" shall mean (i) willful misconduct by you, including, but not limited to, dishonesty which
materially and adversely reflects upon your ability to perform your duties for the Company, (ii) your conviction of, or the entry
of a pleading of guilty or nolo contendere by you to, any crime involving moral turpitude or any felony, (iii) fraud, embezzlement
or theft against the Company, (iv) a material breach by you of any material provision of any employment contract, assignment of
inventions, confidentiality and/or nondisclosure agreement between you and the Company, or (v) your willful and habitual failure
to attend to your duties as assigned by the CEO of the Company, after written notice to Executive and no less than a 90 day
period to cure such failure provided such failure to perform is subject to cure with the passage of time.
7. CHANGE OF CONTROL
Following a Change in Control (as defined herein) the vesting of your Stock Options will be immediately accelerated such that
one hundred percent (100%) of the Stock Options shall be vested and exercisable. For purposes of this Agreement, Change of
Control is defined as follows: (i) a sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company; (ii) a merger or consolidation in
which the Company is not the surviving corporation and in which beneficial ownership of securities of the Company
representing at least fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power entitled to vote in the election of Directors has changed;
(iii) an acquisition by any person, entity or group within the meaning of Section 13(d) or 14(d) of the Exchange Act, or any
comparable successor provisions (excluding any employee benefit plan, or related trust, sponsored or maintained by the
Company or subsidiary of the Company or other entity controlled by the Company) of the beneficial ownership (within the
meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act, or comparable successor rule) of securities of the Company
representing at least fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power entitled to vote in the election of Directors.
8. COMPANY POLICY
As a Company employee, you will be expected to abide by Company rules and regulations and acknowledge in writing that
you have read the Company's Employee Handbook which will govern the terms and conditions of your employment. The
Company's Employee Handbook may be modified from time to time at the sole discretion of the Company.
9. PROPRIETARY INFORMATION AGREEMENT
As a condition of employment, you will be required to sign and comply with the attached Proprietary Information Agreement
attached hereto as Exhibit B, which prohibits unauthorized use or disclosure of the Company's proprietary information, among
other things.
In your work for the Company, you will be expected not to use or disclose any confidential information, including trade secrets,
of any former employer or other person to whom you have an obligation of confidentiality. Rather, you will be expected to use
only that information which is generally known and used by persons with training and experience comparable to your own,
which is common knowledge in the industry or otherwise legally in the public domain, or which is otherwise provided or
developed by the Company. During our discussions about your proposed job duties, you assured us that you would be able to
perform those duties within the guidelines just described. You agree that you will not bring onto Company premises any
unpublished documents or property belonging to any former employer or other person to whom you have an obligation of
confidentiality.
10. ENTIRE AGREEMENT
This Agreement, together with Exhibits attached hereto and the stock option documents referred to herein, forms the complete
and exclusive statement of the terms of your employment with the Company. The employment terms in this Agreement
supersede any other agreements or promises made to you by anyone, whether oral or written.
11. GOVERNING LAW
This Agreement will be governed by and construed according to the laws of the State of California. You hereby expressly
consent to the personal jurisdiction of the state and federal courts located in Los Angeles, California for any lawsuit filed there
against you by the Company arising from or related to this Agreement. In the event of any litigation arising out of or relating to
this Agreement, its breach or enforcement, including an action for declaratory relief, the prevailing party in such action or
proceeding shall be entitled to receive his or its damages, court costs, and all out-of-pocket expenses, including attorneys fees.
Such recovery shall include court costs, out-of-pocket expenses, and attorneys fees on appeal, if any.
12. SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS. This Agreement will be binding upon your heirs, executors, administrators and other
legal representatives and will be for the benefit of the Company, its successors, and its assigns.
As required by law, this offer is subject to satisfactory proof of your right to work in the United States.
Sincerely,
/S/ Betsy McLaughlin
-----------------------------
Betsy McLaughlin
Chief Executive Officer
Accepted:
/S/ Jane Cruz
-----------------------------
Jane Cruz
June 11, 2001
Date
Attachment: Exhibit A: Waiver and Release
EXHIBIT A
RELEASE AND WAIVER OF CLAIMS
In consideration of the payments and other benefits set forth in
Section 5 of the Agreement dated June 11, 2001, to which this form is attached, I, JANE CRUZ, hereby furnish Hot Topic,
Inc. (the "Company"), with the following release and waiver ("Release and Waiver").
I hereby release, and forever discharge the Company, its officers, directors, agents, employees, stockholders, successors,
assigns affiliates and Benefit Plans, of and from any and all claims, liabilities, demands, causes of action, costs, expenses,
attorneys' fees, damages, indemnities and obligations of every kind and nature, in law, equity, or otherwise, known and
unknown, suspected and unsuspected, disclosed and undisclosed, arising at any time prior to and including my employment
termination date with respect to any and all claims including, but not limited to, claims relating to my employment and the
termination of my employment, claims pursuant to any federal, state or local law relating to employment, including, but not
limited to, discrimination claims, claims under the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, and the Federal Age
Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended ("ADEA"), or claims for wrongful termination, breach of the covenant
of good faith, contract claims, tort claims, and wage or benefit claims, including but not limited to, claims for salary, bonuses,
commissions, stock, stock options, vacation pay, fringe benefits, severance pay or any form of compensation.
I also acknowledge that I have read and understand Section 1542 of the California Civil Code which reads as follows: "A
GENERAL RELEASE DOES NOT EXTEND TO CLAIMS WHICH THE CREDITOR DOES NOT KNOW OR
SUSPECT TO EXIST IN HIS FAVOR AT THE TIME OF EXECUTING THE RELEASE, WHICH IF KNOWN BY
HIM MUST HAVE MATERIALLY AFFECTED HIS SETTLEMENT WITH THE DEBTOR." I hereby expressly waive
and relinquish all rights and benefits under that section and any law of any jurisdiction of similar effect with respect to any claims
I may have against the Company.
I acknowledge that, among other rights, I am waiving and releasing any rights I may have under the ADEA, that this Release
and Waiver is knowing and voluntary, and that the consideration given for this Release and Waiver is in addition to anything of
value to which I was already entitled as an executive of the Company. I further acknowledge that I have been advised, as
required by the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act, that: (a) the Release and Waiver granted herein does not relate to
claims which may arise after this Release and Waiver is executed; (b) I have the right to consult with an attorney prior to
executing this Release and Waiver (although I may choose voluntarily not to do so); and if I am over 40 years of age upon
execution of this Release and Waiver: (c) I have twenty-one (21) days from the date of termination of my employment with the
Company in which to consider this Release and Waiver (although I may choose voluntarily to execute this Release and Waiver
earlier); (d) I have seven (7) days following the execution of this Release and Waiver to revoke my consent to this Release and
Waiver; and (e) this Release and Waiver shall not be effective until the seven (7) day revocation period has expired.
Date: By:
------------- --------------------------------
JANE CRUZ
Exhibit 23.1
Consent of Independent Auditors
We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements (Form S-8 No. 333-13875, No. 333-58173, No.
333-43992), pertaining to the Non-Plan Options, the 1996 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended, and the Non-Employee
Directors' Stock Option Plan, as amended, of our report dated March 1, 2002 with respect to the consolidated financials
statements of Hot Topic, Inc. included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 2, 2002.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Los Angeles, California
April 29, 2002