SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION


                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

                                    FORM 10-K

(Mark One)
 [X]              ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE
                         SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
                   For the fiscal year ended December 31, 19981999
                                       or

 [ ]             TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE
                         SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
               For the transition period from ______________________ to _______________________

                             Commission File Number:
                                     1-13792
                            ------------------------

                                  GLOBAL DIRECTMAIL CORPSYSTEMAX INC.
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

                DELAWARE                              11-3262067
         (State or other jurisdiction of           (I.R.S. Employer
      of
         incorporation or organization)            Identification No.)

             22 HARBOR PARK DRIVE
           PORT WASHINGTON, NEW YORK                        11050
        (Address of principal executive offices)           (Zip Code)

       REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE: (516) 625-1555608-7000
                     ---------------------------------------

           SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(B) OF THE ACT:

                                                      NAME OF EACH EXCHANGE ON
    TITLE OF EACH CLASS                                WHICH REGISTERED
    -------------------                               -------------------------------------------------
 Common Stock, par value $ .01 per share              New York Stock Exchange

        SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(G) OF THE ACT: NONE
                              --------------------

          Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all
reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [ ]

          Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to
Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained,
to the best knowledge of the registrant, in definitive proxy or information
statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any
amendment of this Form 10-K. [X]

          The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates
of the registrant as of March 5, 199917, 2000 was approximately $142,834,000.$88,171,000. For
purposes of this computation, all executive officers and directors of the
Registrant and all parties to the Stockholders Agreement dated as of June 15,
1995 have been deemed to be affiliates. Such determination should not be deemed
to be an admission that such persons are, in fact, affiliates of the Registrant.

          The number of shares outstanding of the registrant's common stock, as
of March 5, 1999,17, 2000, was 36,089,99534,572,290 shares.

          Documents incorporated by reference: The definitive Proxy Statement of
Global DirectMail CorpSystemax Inc. relating to the 19992000 Annual Meeting of Stockholders is
incorporated by reference in Part III hereof.




                                TABLE OF CONTENTS
Part I
 Item 1.   Business............................................................1
              General.........................................................1Business...........................................................1
             General..........................................................1
             Recent Developments.............................................2
              Products........................................................2Developments..............................................2
             Products.........................................................2
             Sales and Marketing.............................................3Marketing..............................................2
             Distribution Centers............................................5
              Suppliers.......................................................6Centers.............................................5
             Suppliers........................................................5
             Management Information Systems..................................6Systems...................................5
             Research and Development........................................7
              Competition.....................................................7
              Employees.......................................................9Development.........................................6
             Competition......................................................6
             Employees........................................................7
             Environmental Matters...........................................9Matters............................................8
             Financial Information About Foreign and Domestic Operations.....9Operations......8
 Item 2.   Properties.......................................................10Properties.........................................................9
 Item 3.   Legal Proceedings................................................11Proceedings..................................................9
 Item 4.   Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders..............11Holders...............10

Part II
 Item 5.   Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related
             Stockholder Matters............................................11Matters.............................................10
 Item 6.   Selected Financial Data..........................................12Data...........................................10
 Item 7.   Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
             Condition and Results of Operations.......................................14Operations.............................12
 Item 7A.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.......22Risk........17
 Item 8.   Financial Statements and Supplementary Data .....................22Data.......................17
 Item 9.   Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting
             and Financial Disclosure.......................................22Disclosure........................................18

Part III
 Item 10.  Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant...............22Registrant................18
 Item 11.  Executive Compensation...........................................22Compensation............................................18
 Item 12.  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management.........................................22Management....18
 Item 13.  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions...................23Transactions....................18

Part IV
 Item 14.  Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K.......................................23

           Signatures........................................................268-K...18

           Signatures........................................................21




                                     PART I

          UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED, ALL REFERENCES HEREIN TO "GLOBAL DIRECTMAIL
CORP" ("GLOBAL"SYSTEMAX INC.
(SOMETIMES REFERRED TO AS "SYSTEMAX" OR THE "COMPANY") INCLUDE ITS SUBSIDIARIES.

ITEM 1. BUSINESS.

GENERAL

          GlobalSystemax is a direct marketer of both private label and brand name
personal desktop computers ("PCs"), notebook computers, computer related
products office
products and industrial products in North America and Europe. The Company also
assembles its own PCs, primarily on a "build to order" basis, and sells them
under the trademarks MIDWEST MICRO(R), SYSTEMAX(TM), Tiger(R) AND Ultra(TM)TIGER(R) and ULTRA(TM). The
Company features a broad selection ofoF products, extensive customer service and
prompt order fulfillment. GlobalSystemax has grown rapidly as a result of internal
growth and strategic acquisitions while maintaining a high level of
profitability. The Company's net sales have increased at a compound annual
growth rate of 31%29% to $1.44$1.75 billion in 19981999 from $484.2$634.5 million in 1994. During
this same period, income from operations increased at a compound annual growth
rate of 15% from $36.2 million to $64.3 million.1995.
Computers and computer related products accounted for 84%87% of the Company's net
sales in 1998.

     Global1999.

          Systemax markets its products through an integrated system of
distinctively branded, full colorfull-color direct mail catalogs, proprietary "e-commerce"
Internet sites and personalized "relationship marketing" to business customers.
The Company targets individuals at major account customers (moreaccounts (customers with more than
1,000 employees), mid-sized customers (20accounts (customers with 20 to 1,000 employees),
small office/home office customers ("SOHO") customers and value added resellers ("VARs"). VARs select,
install and maintain PCs and networks for business customers who do not have
their own computer technicians.resellers. The Company's
portfolio of catalogs includes such established brand names as GLOBAL(TM)GLOBAL COMPUTER
SUPPLIES(TM), MISCO(R), HCS GLOBAL(TM), HCS MISCO(TM), ArrowStar(TM)ARROWSTAR(TM),
DARTEK(R),DARTEK.COM, POWER UP!(R), TIGER(R)TIGERDIRECT.COM(TM), 06(TM), MIDWEST MICRO(TM) and
Infotel(TM)INFOTEL(TM). Catalog mailings increased from approximately 98 million catalogs
comprising 18 different titles in 1993 to approximately 179171 million catalogs
comprising 4437 different titles in 1998.1999. The Company currently has 1819 e-commerce
web sites and in 19981999 generated over $28$83 million in unassisted Internet sales.
At December 31, 1998,1999, the Company had 1.8 million "active"active customers (defined as
individuals who have purchased from the Company within the preceedingpreceding 12 months)
and combined customer and prospect files of more than 4548 million names.

          The Company operates in nine locations in North America. The Company's
North American operations accounted for 78%72% of net sales in 1998.1999. For some of
the Company's operations, certain functions such as merchandising, marketing, purchasing
and information systems are performed centrally.

          European operations, which represented 22%28% of net sales for 1998,1999, are
generated from eightnine sales and distribution centers located across Europe: two in
England and one each in England, Scotland, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands
and Sweden.

          Most of the Company's products are carried in stock, and orders for
such products are fulfilled directly from the Company's distribution centers,
typically on the day the order wasis received. The strategic locationlocations of the
Company's distribution centers allowsallow next day or second day delivery via low
cost ground carriers throughout the United States, Canada and Western Europe.
The strategic locations in Europe have enabled the Company to market into four
additional countries with limited incremental investment. The Company also
maintains relationships with a number of distributors that deliver products
directly to the Company's customers.

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

          ACQUISITIONS

     During the first quarter of 1998,In October 1999 the Company acquired the net assets of Zachary SoftwareProteva Inc.
("Proteva"), a direct marketerbrand name personal computer manufacturer and distributor
headquartered in Posen, Illinois for cash and the assumption of computer software in the United
States. At the end of the third quarter the Company acquired Dabus Dataprodukter
AB, a Swedish direct marketer of computerscertain
obligations. Proteva PCs are generally sold through large national and computer related products. With
the acquisition of Dabus, the Company markets to 12 European countries. In
February 1999 the Company acquired Simply Computers Limited ("Simply") of
London, England. Simply is a privately held computer products and Internet
marketer which also assembles private label PCs. Simply had approximately $100
million in total net sales in 1998 including $20 million in Internet sales. See
Footnotes 2 and 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

     EZBID

     In September 1998 the Company formed a new subsidiary, EZBid, Inc. EZBid
sells PC's, PC accessories, software, data com products,regional
merchandisers and consumer products
through an Internet auction site located at WWW.EZBID.COM. The EZBid.com site
gives shoppers the opportunity to purchase limited quantity, new and refurbished
merchandise by bidding through the Internet. New merchandise is added to the
site daily. When an auction is in progress, shoppers are notified by e-mail when
they have been out-bid, allowing them to return to the site to bid again, until
the auction closes.electronics chains.

PRODUCTS

          In positioning itself as a "corporate supplier",corporate supplier, the Company has
consistently expanded the breadth of its product offerings in order to fulfill
anthe increasingly wide range of product needs of its business product needs.customers. In
total, GlobalSystemax offers over 40,000 brand name and private label products.

          Computer sales include a wide array of private label PCs complimented withcomplemented
by offerings of popular brand named PCs and notebook computers. The Company's computer
related products include:include supplies such as laser printer toner cartridges, ink
jet printer cartridges, and paper; media such as floppy disks and magnetic tape
cartridges; peripherals such as hard disk drives, printers and scanners; memory
upgrades; data communication and networking equipment; ergonomic accessories
such as adjustable monitor support arms and anti-glare screens; and packaged
software.

          The Company's industrial product lines focus primarily onproducts include storage equipment such as
metal shelving, bins and lockers, light material handling equipment such as hand
carts and hand truckstrucks; furniture, small office machines and related supplies;
and consumable industrial products such as first aid items, safety items,
protective clothing and OSHA compliance items. Office
products include furniture, chairs, small office machines and related supplies. The table below summarizes the
Company's mix of sales by product category:

      PRODUCT TYPE - YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31 (PERCENTAGE OF TOTAL SALES)
      -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            1999   1998    1997    1996
                                                            ----   ----    ----
         Computer and Computer Related Products  ...........Products............  87%    84%     80%
         75%
  Industrial Products and Office Products............Products...............................  13     16      20      25
                                                             --     --      --
         Total .............................................Total............................................. 100%   100%    100%
                                                            ===      ===     =======   ====    ====

          Historically, the Company focused primarily on non-branded or private
label products. In 1993 the Company expanded its offerings of brand name
computer related products, including peripherals, data communications and
networking equipment, software and supplies. In 1995 the Company further
expanded its offering of brand name products to include notebooks, desktops and
servers. In addition, in 1997 the Company entered the "build to order" PC market
through the acquisition of Infotel, Inc. (now Midwest Micro Corp.). In 1998 and
1999 the Company has focused its efforts on the expansion of its "build to order" PC assembly
business by substantially increasing its PC assembly capacity at Midwest Micro's facility.factory capacity. These strategies have
impacted the Company's overall gross profit margin percentages as sales of PCs
typically have lower gross profit margin percentages than many of the Company's
other products. A significant amount of this decrease in gross profit margin has
been offset by reduced catalog production costs resulting from increased levels
of vendor supported advertising, improved catalog management, and increased cost
efficiencies.


SALES AND MARKETING

          GlobalSystemax has established an integrated three-prongthree-pronged system of direct
marketing designed to maximize sales. The Company's traditional method of
frequent catalog mailings generating inbound telephone sales has been
complemented by more personalized "relationship marketing" to larger business
customers and the availability of interactive Company web sites which allow
customers to purchase products directly over the Internet. The Company believes
that the integration of these three marketing methods will enable it to more
thoroughly penetrate theits customer base. Increased Internet exposure, for
example, should lead not only to more Internet sales but can also generate more
inbound telephone sales; andjust as catalog mailings which feature the Company's
web sites can result in greater Internet sales.

          CATALOGS AND INBOUND SALES

          The Company produces a total of 44 "full-line"37 full-line and targeted specialty
catalogs under distinct titles. "Full-line"Full-line computer product catalogs offer
products such as PCs and hardware, peripherals, magnetic media, data
communication, networking and power protection equipment, ergonomic accessories,
furniture and software. "Full-line"Full-line industrial productsproduct catalogs offer products
such as material handling products and industrial supplies. Specialty catalogs
contain more focused product offerings and are targeted to individuals most
likely to purchase from such catalogs. GlobalSystemax mails multiple catalogs to many
individuals at each location, providing the Company with multiple
points-of-entry into a business location. Once a prospect purchases a particular
product, however, the Company's customers have exhibited strong brand loyalty,
resulting in limited customer overlap among the Company's various catalog
brands. This multiple brand strategy, with the accompanying customer exposure to
the Company's products, is a crucial factor in the Company's strategy to
increase sales volume through broader market coverage and improve the
productivity of its customer file through more focused marketing.

          During 1998,1999, the Company distributed approximately 179171 million
catalogs, of which approximately 144134 million catalogs were mailed in North
America and approximately 3537 million catalogs were distributed in Europe. At
December 31, 1998,1999, the Company had 1.8 million "active" customers (defined as individuals
who have purchased from the Company within the preceding 12 months).

     In its mailings, the Company seeks to maximize the response rates of its
catalogs. The Company calculates response rate as the total number of orders
entered for the period divided by total catalogs mailed for the same period. The
following table shows the approximate number of catalogs distributed by the
Company and the catalog response rates:

     CATALOGS DISTRIBUTED
      (IN MILLIONS EXCEPT RESPONSE RATES)          1998       1997        1996
      -----------------------------------          ----       ----        ----
     North America..............................    144        125        120
     Europe.....................................     35         37         40
                                                     --         --         --
     Total......................................    179        162        160
                                                    ===        ===        ===

     Response rates.............................    2.14%      2.18%      2.12%active customers.

          The Company's in-house staff designs all of the Company's catalogs.
Catalog paper is purchased from various sources and has historically been
subject to price fluctuations. The printing of the catalogs is done by third
parties under fixed pricing arrangements. In-house catalog production helps
reduce overall catalog expense and shortens catalog production time. This allows
the Company the flexibility to alter its product offerings and pricing and to
refine its catalog formats more quickly.

          INBOUND SALES

     Global'sSystemax's catalogs generate calls to the inbound sales group. Sales
representatives use the capabilities of the Company's information systems to
fulfill orders and explore additional customer product needs. Each sales
representative has immediate access to customer files, including usage and
billing information, and real-time inventory levels by distribution center.
Using this data, inbound sales personnel are also prompted by their computer
screen to cross-sell selected products and obtain specific information relating
to customer-specific purchasing habits and product needs.

          RELATIONSHIP MARKETING

          The Company's relationship marketing program focuses on expanding
penetration of large and mid-sized businesses by establishing a personal
relationship between such customers and a designated GlobalSystemax account manager.
In the United States, GlobalSystemax also has the ability to provide such customers
with electronic data interchange ("EDI") ordering and customized billing
services, customer savings reports and stocking of specialty items specifically
requested by customers. The goal of the relationship marketing sales force's goalforce is to
increase the purchasing productivity of current customers and to actively
solicit newly targeted prospects to become customers. In 19981999 the Company added
close to 200approximately 300 relationship marketing personnel, for a total of almost 700approximately
1,000 by year end. As a result, relationship marketing sales increased 78%53% from
19971998 to $476$723 million, or 33%41% of total revenues.

          INTERNET MARKETING AND SALES

          In the past year,two years, the Company has greatly expanded and upgraded
its Internet presence. By year end, the Company had eighteennineteen e-commerce sites,
including WWW.SYSTEMAXPC.COM, WWW.GLOBALCOMPUTER.COM, WWW.MWMICRO.COM,
WWW.SYSTEMAXPC.COM, WWW.DARTEK.COM,
WWW.MISCO.COM, WWW.TIGERDIRECT.COM, and WWW.EZBID.COM, offering a wide variety
of computer, office and industrial products. Many of these sites also permit
customers to purchase "build to order" PC's configured to their own
specifications. In 19981999 the Company had over $28$83 million in unassisted Internet
sales.sales, or 5% of total revenues.

          CUSTOMER AND PROSPECT DATABASE

          GlobalSystemax has invested consistently and aggressively in developing a
proprietary customer and prospect database. This database, which includes more
than 4548 million names, represents a major asset of the Company. The Company
considers its customers to be the various individuals thatwho work within an
organization rather than the business location itself. The customer and prospect
database includes detailed information, including company size, number of
employees, industry, various demographic and geographic characteristics and
purchasing history. Management believes that this variety and depth of
information on its customers provides GlobalSystemax a significant competitive
advantage.

          CUSTOMER SERVICE AND SUPPORT

          Order entry and fulfillment occurs at each of the Company's 1718
locations. GlobalSystemax generally provides toll-freetoll- free telephone number access to its
customers. The integration of the Company's call centers also provide domestic
locations with telephone backup in the event of a disruption in phone service.
In addition to telephone orders, GlobalSystemax also receives orders by mail, by fax,
by EDI and on the Internet.

          When an order is entered into the system, it is submitted for credit
or credit card approval, as applicable. Upon approval, the order is
electronically transmitted to the warehouse and a packing slip is printed for
order fulfillment. Approximately 70%73% of the Company's 19981999 sales were on open
account and the Company's bad debt experience has traditionally been less than
1% of sales. Orders generally are shipped by United Parcel Service in the United
States and by similar national small package delivery services in Europe, as
well as by various freight lines and local carriers. Air freight is also
available. As a result of the regional locations of the Company's warehouses,
GlobalSystemax estimates that most customers receive their orders (other than custom
items, large furniture and large industrial items shipped directly by the
vendor) within one or two business days of the order date. Customers are
invoiced for merchandise, shipping and handling promptly after shipment.

          The Company provides extensive technical support to customers. A
database of commonly asked questions which is maintained for each product is
available to technical support representatives, enabling them to respond quickly
to similar questions. It also allows product managers to monitor the
effectiveness of the information provided in the catalogs. The Company conducts
regular on-site training seminars for its sales representatives to ensure that
they are well trained and informed regarding the Company's latest product
offerings.


DISTRIBUTION CENTERS

          NORTH AMERICA

          The Company operates nine separate sales and distribution facilities
in North America. Certain of thethese facilities are linked by a wide area network
management information system. In the event of adverse delivery conditions (such
as bad weather) the Company can shift inbound calls and/or order fulfillment and
shipping to an alternative location. Management believes this provides GlobalSystemax
with important operating flexibility and protection from possible sales
interruptions for many of its North American businesses. See "Management
Information Systems."

          A large number of the Company's products are carried in stock, and
consequently orders for such products are fulfilled from its distribution
center. Certain products (such as selected computer hardware and large furniture
and industrial items) are shipped directly by the supplier. Individual product
types are consistently stocked in the same physical picking location, allowing
ease of picking and minimizing picking errors. Order fulfillment at the
distribution centers is done continuously throughout the day as customer orders
are received.

          EUROPE

          The Company has branch facilities in eight European countries and a
central office near London, England to direct their activities. The central
office is responsible for marketing support, catalog production, financial
reporting, logistics and computer programming support. In addition, each
European branch has a full service sales and distribution center to process
orders and reports to the respective country manager who has ultimate profit and
loss responsibility.


SUPPLIERS

          In North America, the Company purchases the majority of its products
and components directly from manufacturers, except for certain peripherals,
software and hardware products which are purchased through wholesale
distributors. In Europe, products are sourced from a combination of local
manufacturers and wholesalers. Substantially all of the European catalog product
content is sourced in Europe. No single supplier accounted for more than 10% of
Global'sSystemax's total purchases in 1998.1999.

          Private label products are manufactured either by the Company or by
third parties to the Company's specifications. Many of these private label
products have been designed or developed by the Company's in-housein- house research and
development teams. See "Research and Development".


MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS

          The Company operates information systems that allow centralized
management of key functions. These include communication links between
distribution centers, inventory and accounts receivable management, purchasing,
pricing, sales and distribution, and the preparation of daily operating control
reports which provide concise and timely information regarding key aspects of
its business. These management information systems enable the Company to enhance
its flexibility by promptly shipping customer orders (usually on a same-day
basis), responding quickly to order changes and providing a high level of
customer service. The Company maintains a database of over 45 million customer
and prospect names and keeps records of historical purchasing patterns in order
to prompt sales personnel with product suggestions to expand customer order
values. In addition, the Company has developed a customer prospecting function
based upon geographic, economic and demographic data which enables GlobalSystemax to
utilize its information systems to maintain and expand its customer data file.files.
These applications enable the Company to achieve cost savings, deliver extensive
customer service and centrally manage its operations.


THE YEAR 2000 ISSUE

     As is the case with virtually all companies and organizations, the Company
currently utilizes certain computer programs that store two digits in
identifying the year in the date field. Those programs were designed and
developed without considering the impact of the upcoming change in the century.
If not corrected those computer programs could fail or create erroneous results
by or at the year 2000.

     The Company currently believes it will be able to modify or replace any
affected computer program in time to minimize any potential harmful effects on
operations. The Company is in the process of contacting customers, vendors and
service providers to determine which of them is affected by the year 2000
problem, and to what extent, in order to assess the potential impact on the
Company.

     System maintenance and modification costs to existing computer programs
will be expensed as incurred. The costs associated with the acquisition of new
computer programs that are year 2000 compliant will be capitalized and amortized
over the software's expected useful life.

     For additional information regarding the year 2000 issue and its potential
impact on the Company, see "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Year 2000 Compliance."


RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

          The Company's research and development teams design and develop
products for Global'sSystemax's private label programs. The individuals responsible for
research and development have backgrounds in engineering and industrial design.

          This in-house capability provides important support to the private
label programs. Many of the Company's private label products were designed or
developed by an in-house research and development team. Examples of products
designed in-house include PC's, furniture, ergonomic monitor support arms,
printer and monitor stands, wrist rests and other durable computer related
products, storage racks and shelving systems, various stock and storage carts,
work benches, plastic bins and shop furniture. The Company owns the tooling for
many of these products, including plastic bins, computer accessories, furniture,
and metal alloy monitor arms. See "Research and Development Costs" in Footnote 1
to the Consolidated Financial Statements.Statements for further information.


COMPETITION

          PCS AND NOTEBOOK COMPUTERS

          The North American and European computer industries are highly
competitive with many U.S., Asian and European companies vying for market share.
There are few barriers of entry to the PC market with PCs being sold through the
direct market channel, directly from manufacturers, computer superstores, mass
merchants and over the Internet. Timely introduction of new products or product
features are critical elements to remaining competitive. Other competitive
factors include product performance, quality and reliability, technical service
and customer support, marketing and distribution and price. There can be no
assurance that the Company will be able to maintain or improve its current
competitive position with respect to any of these or other competitive factors.
Some of the Company's competitors have stronger brand-recognition, broader
product lines and greater financial, marketing, manufacturing and technological
resources than the Company. Additionally, the Company's results could also be
adversely affected should it be unable to implement effectively its
technological and marketing arrangements with other companies, such as
Microsoft(R), Intel(R) and Intel(R).Advanced Micro Devices.

          COMPUTER RELATED PRODUCTS

          The North American computer related products market is highly
fragmented and characterized by multiple channels of distribution, including
direct response (mail order) distributors, local and national retail computer
stores that carry computer supplies, computer resellers, mass merchants,
computer "superstores" and the Internet. The tremendous growth in the computer
related products market during the past 10ten years has been accompanied by
substantial changes in the nature of product distribution and sales. The
decentralization of computers throughout factory, business, engineering and
office environments has made it increasingly difficult and expensive for many
suppliers to use traditional direct sales methods to locate users, initiate
sales contacts and effectively provide service to customers. Average order
values also tend to be smaller than in the past, reflecting individual
requirements rather than the greater needs traditionally associated with
centralized data processing departments. These changes in the structure of the
computer related products market have placed traditional distributors with
direct sales forces at a competitive disadvantage due to their cost structures
and established selling methods. As a result, direct marketers have been able to
increase sales to the larger businesses that have traditionally been served by
contract stationers and VARs.value added resellers. They have also been able to
capture sales volume and market share from the numerous small retail computer
stores.

          In Europe, the Company's major competitors are regional or
country-specific retail and direct-mail distribution companies. The Company's
presence in eight European countries provides GlobalSystemax with the flexibility to
purchase large volumes centrally. In addition, the commonality of certain core
pages of the European catalogs provides for economies in catalog production. The
Company believes that these factors allow it to take advantage of cost savings
not available to many of its competitors in Europe.

          There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to maintain or
improve its current competitive position with respect to any of these or other
competitive factors.

          INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS

          The market for the sale of industrial products in the United States is
highly fragmented and is characterized by multiple distribution channels such as
retail outlets, small dealerships, direct mail distribution and large warehouse
stores. GlobalSystemax also faces competition from manufacturers' own sales
representatives who sell industrial equipment directly to customers, and from
regional or local distributors. Many high volume purchasers, however, utilize
catalog distributors as their first source of product specifications. In the
industrial products market, customer purchasing decisions are primarily based on
price, product selection, product availability, level of service and
convenience. As is the case with the office products industry, theThe Company believes that direct mail is one of the mostan effective and
convenient distribution methodsmethod to reach mid-sized facilities which place many
small orders and require a wide selection of products. In addition, because the
industrial productproducts market is highly fragmented and generally less brand
oriented, it is well suited to private label products. The majority of the
Company's industrial products are high gross profit margin, private label
products.

          Competition with respect to industrial products in the United Kingdom
is similar to competition in the U.S., with the exception that most direct mail
companies in the United Kingdom drop ship the majority of their products from
the manufacturer, resulting in long delivery lead times. As GlobalSystemax stocks the
majority of its products featured in its dedicated industrial catalogs,
management believes it has a significant advantage over most of its direct mail
competitors in the United Kingdom.

          Elsewhere in Europe, no dedicated industrial catalogs are mailed by
the Company, although industrial products are featured in computer supplies
and/or office supplies catalogs. Overall, sales of industrial products in
Central European markets are not material to the Company's overall sales in
those markets.

          There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to maintain or
improve its current competitive position with respect to any of these or other
competitive factors.

OFFICE PRODUCTS

     The distribution of office products in the United States is highly
fragmented, with no one participant having more than a 10% market share. Office
products are typically sold through one of three channels: retail outlets,
contract stationers and direct mail. However, due to the rapid growth of the
office products market, competition and consolidation in this market are
increasing. The Company competes only on a limited basis with contract
stationers and retail outlets selling office products since the Company does not
sell office product consumables such as paper, envelopes and paper clips. The
Company believes that direct mail will continue to be a growing channel of
distribution for office products and that price, convenience and customer
service will be key factors in the success of direct mail distribution of office
products. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to maintain or
improve its current competitive position with respect to any of these or other
competitive factors.

     In Europe, the situation is similar to that in the United States. Direct
mail distributors are expanding their operations into new geographical markets
and this expansion will no doubt continue until all European major markets are
covered. While the impact of this expansion has not as yet had any material
adverse effect on Company performance, there can be no assurance that the
Company will be able to maintain or improve its current competitive position
with respect to future expansion by competitors or other competitive factors.


EMPLOYEES

          As of December 31, 1998,1999, the Company employed a total of 3,1354,311
employees, including 3,0104,140 full-time and 125171 part-time employees, of whom 2,4473,175
were in North America and 6881,136 were in Europe.

          None of the Company's employees is represented by a labor union,
except for approximately 5550 warehouse employees in New York who are covered by
an "open-shop" agreement with the Company, which expires at the end of 2001.
These employees are not required to join the union.

          The Company considers its relationships with employees to be good and
has not experienced a work stoppage in 2324 years.


ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

          Under various national, state and local environmental laws and
regulations in North America and Europe, a current or previous owner or operator
(including the lessee) of real property may become liable for the costs of
removal or remediation of hazardous substances at such real property. Such laws
and regulations often impose liability without regard to fault. The Company
leases most of its facilities. In connection with such leases, the Company could
be held liable for the costs of removal or remedial actions with respect to
hazardous substances. Although the Company has not been notified of, and is not
otherwise aware of, any material environmental liability, claim or
non-compliance, there can be no assurance that the Company will not be required
to incur remediation or other costs in connection with environmental matters in
the future.


FINANCIAL INFORMATION ABOUT FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC OPERATIONS

The Company conducts its business in North America (the United States and
Canada) and Europe. The following sets forth the Company's operations in its two
geographic markets (in thousands):

     
1998 EUROPE NORTH AMERICA TOTAL ---- -------------------- ---------------------- ----- Net sales.............................. $314,404 $1,121,250 $1,435,654 Income from operations................. $10,851 $53,497 $64,348 Identifiable assets.................... $111,412 $343,027 $454,439 1997 EUROPE NORTH AMERICA TOTAL ---- -------------------- ---------------------- ----- Net sales.............................. $270,236 $875,152 $1,145,388 Income from operations................. $3,423 $55,839 $59,262 Identifiable assets....................1999 EUROPE NORTH AMERICA TOTAL ---- ----------- ------------- ----------- NET SALES................. $491,071 $1,263,401 $ 1,754,472 INCOME FROM OPERATIONS.... $10,541 $49,294 $59,835 IDENTIFIABLE ASSETS....... $92,050 $457,912 $549,962 1998 EUROPE NORTH AMERICA TOTAL ---- ----------- ------------- ------------ Net sales................. $314,404 $1,121,250 $ 1,435,654 Income from operations.... $10,851 $53,497 $64,348 Identifiable assets....... $111,412 $343,027 $454,439 1997 EUROPE NORTH AMERICA TOTAL ---- ----------- ------------- ------------ Net sales................. $270,236 $875,152 $1,145,388 Income from operations.... $3,423 $55,839 $59,262 Identifiable assets....... $82,548 $317,197 $399,745 1996 EUROPE NORTH AMERICA TOTAL ---- -------------------- ---------------------- ----- Net sales.............................. $234,078 $677,815 $911,893 Income from operations................. $4,224 $65,250 $69,474 Identifiable assets.................... $78,490 $252,949 $331,439
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES. The Company's primary facilities, which are leased except where otherwise indicated, are as follows:
APPROX EXPIRATION FACILITY LOCATION SQ. FT. OF LEASE* -------- -------- ------- ------------------- Headquarters, Sales and Distribution Center, Catalog Operations(1) ...................................Port....................Port Washington, NY 178,000 2007 Sales and Distribution Center(1) ...................Suwanee,...Suwanee, GA 130,000 19992000 Sales and Distribution Center ......................Compton,Center......Compton, CA 140,000 2007 Sales and Distribution Center ......................Naperville,Center......Naperville, IL 241,000 2010 Sales and Distribution Center ......................Holmdel,Center.......................Holmdel, NJ 51,000 2002 Sales and Distribution Center ......................Markham,Center......Markham, Ontario 45,000 2005 Sales and Distribution Center ......................VerrieresCenter......Verrieres le Buisson, France 24,000 20002002 Sales and Distribution Center ......................Dreieich,Center......Dreieich, Germany 55,000 200092,000 2010 Sales and Distribution Center ......................Madrid,Center......Madrid, Spain 35,000 (2) Sales and Distribution Center ......................Milan,Center......Milan, Italy 80,000 199945,000 2003 Sales and Distribution Center ......................Greenock,Center......Greenock, Scotland 78,000 owned Sales and Distribution Center ......................Wellingborough,Center......Wellingborough, England 38,00045,000 2013 Sales Center and Catalog Operations ................Miami,Distribution Center......London, England 64,000 2007 Sales Center.......................Miami, FL 71,000 2010 Sales Center .......................................Amstelveen,Center.......................Amstelveen, Netherlands 5,000 2000 PC Assembly, Sales and Distribution Center .........Fletcher,Center.........Fletcher, Ohio 185,000297,000 owned European Headquarters ..............................Uxbridge,Headquarters..............Uxbridge, England 7,400 2005 - ----------- (1) Facilities leased from related parties. See "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions--Agreements-- Leases and Related Guarantees." (2) Terminable upon two months prior written notice. * The Company does not anticipate any difficulty in renewing or replacing the Company's existing facility leases when thosesuch leases expire.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS. In March 1998 the Company filed suit in U.S. District Court (Eastern District of New York) against a bankrupt supplier and its lenders (collectively, the "Defendants") seeking monetary damages of $2.8 million plus interest for breach of contract and warranty. The Company is also seeking a declaration that the Company is not indebted to the Defendants and has certain legal and equitable rights of offset against amounts otherwise due the supplier, including a contractual right to offset $4 million paid by the Company to one of the lenders under a letter of credit. In September 1998 the Defendantsdefendants denied the Company's allegations and counterclaimed alleging outstanding amounts owed and damages totaling $12.2 million plus interest. The Company believes that Defendants' claims are without meritIn December 1999, the parties agreed to settle the lawsuit and accordingly, in October 1998, askeddismiss their respective claims. After the Court to dismiss the Defendants' counterclaims. Management believes that the ultimate outcomepayment of this matter will not have a material adverse effect oncash settlement, the Company's consolidated financial position orfourth quarter results of operations.operations were positively impacted ($3.0 million net of taxes) by the reversal of amounts previously reserved for in connection with this lawsuit. The Company is a party to various other legal actions arising in the normal course of business, none of which, in management's opinion, is anticipated to have a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated financial position or results of operations. ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS. During the quarter ended December 31, 1998,1999, there were no matters submitted to a vote of the Company's security holders. PART II ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS. The Company's Common Stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "GML""SYX". The following table sets forth the high and low sales price of the Company's Common Stock as reported on the New York Stock Exchange for the periods indicated. 19981999 HIGH LOW ---- ---- ---- FIRST QUARTER.............................QUARTER....................... $23 1/16 $15$12 3/4 SECOND QUARTER............................QUARTER...................... 18 1/8 10 1/16 THIRD QUARTER....................... 11 3/4 8 3/8 FOURTH QUARTER...................... 10 7 5/16 1998 First quarter....................... $23 1/16 $ 15 Second quarter...................... 22 3/8 12 1/2 THIRD QUARTER.............................Third quarter....................... 14 3/8 12 1/16 FOURTH QUARTER............................Fourth quarter...................... 25 1/4 9 1/4 1997 ---- First quarter............................. 43 7/8 17 Second quarter............................ 26 1/4 13 1/8 Third quarter............................. 27 3/4 20 Fourth quarter............................ 22 3/8 15 5/8 On March 5, 1999,17, 2000, the last reported sale price of the Company's Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange was $15 15/16$9 1/8 per share. As of March 5, 1999,17, 2000, the Company had 237277 stockholders of record. The Company has not paid any dividends since its initial public offering and anticipates that all of its income in the foreseeable future will be retained for the development and expansion of its business, and therefore does not anticipate paying dividends on its Common Stock in the foreseeable future. See "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions" for a description of the Company's historical distributions. ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA. The following selected financial information is qualified by reference to, and should be read in conjunction with, the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements and the notes thereto, and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" contained elsewhere in this report. The selected income statement data for the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 1997 and 19961997 and the selected balance sheet data as of December 31, 19981999 and 19971998 is derived from the audited consolidated financial statements which are included elsewhere herein.in this report. The selected balance sheet data as of December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 and the selected income statement data for the year ended December 31, 1996 is derived from the audited financial statements of the Company which are not included herein.in this report. The selected balance sheet data as of December 31, 1994 and the selected income statement data for the yearsyear ended December 31, 1995 and 1994 areis derived from the audited financial statements of interrelated predecessor companies of GlobalSystemax which are not included herein.in this report.
INCOME STATEMENT DATA: (IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER COMMON SHARE DATA, NUMBER OF CATALOG TITLES AND NUMBER OF COUNTRIES) 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 --------- --------- -------- -------- ------------ ---- ---- ---- ---- Net sales .............................................sales........................................ $1,754.5 $1,435.7 $1,145.4 $911.9 $634.5 $484.2 Gross profit ..........................................profit..................................... $314.5 $288.6 $265.6$265.5 $249.6 $197.3 $149.1 Selling, general and administrative expenses ............................expenses...................... $254.7 $224.2 $206.3 $180.1 $143.2 $129.5 Income from operations ................................operations.......................... $59.8 $64.3 $59.3 $69.5 $54.1 $36.2 Income taxes ..........................................taxes.................................... $24.5 $25.8 $23.3 $27.7 $21.0(2) $14.0(2) Net income ............................................income...................................... $36.0 $41.3 $38.8 $43.7 $33.1(2) $21.9(2) Net income per common share: Basic .............................................Basic....................................... $1.01 $1.11 $1.02 $1.16 $.93(2) $.65(2) Diluted ...........................................Diluted..................................... $1.01 $1.11 $1.02 $1.15 $.93(2) $.65(2) Weighted average common shares outstanding: Basic .............................................Basic....................................... 35.8 37.3 38.0 37.6 35.5(2) 33.8(2) Diluted ...........................................Diluted..................................... 35.8 37.3 38.2 38.1 35.5(2) 33.8(2) SELECTED OPERATING DATA: Active customers (1) .............................................................. 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.7 1.7 1.1 Orders entered ........................................entered.................................. 4.4 3.8 3.5 3.4 2.5 2.2 Number of catalogs distributed ........................distributed.................. 171 179 162 160 122 114 Number of catalog titles ..............................titles........................ 37 44 41 40 32 24 Number of countries receiving catalogs ................catalogs.......... 14 14 13 12 10 7 BALANCE SHEET DATA (AT DECEMBER 31, IN MILLIONS): Working capital ....................................................................... $186.9 $194.6 $187.8 $194.4 $122.2 $74.2 Total assets ..........................................assets.................................... $550.0 $454.4 $399.7 $331.4 $247.5 $164.2 Short-term debt .......................................debt................................. $9.0 $.5 $5.4 $19.2 Long-term debt, excluding current portion .....................................portion....... $1.7 $2.5 $2.0 $2.0 $2.9 $11.5 Stockholders' equity ..................................equity............................ $308.3 $286.6 $272.2 $228.6 $154.0 $69.1 (1) An "active customer" is defined as a customer who has purchased from the Company within the preceding 12 months. (2) Amount is calculated on a pro forma basis.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS The following table represents the Company's consolidated statement of income data expressed as a percentage of net sales for the three most recent fiscal years:
1998 1997 1996 ---- ---- ---- Net sales..................................................... 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Gross profit.................................................. 20.1 23.2 27.4 Selling, general and administrative expenses.................. 15.6 18.0 19.8 Income from operations........................................ 4.5 5.2 7.6 Interest income............................................... .2 .3 .3 Interest expense.............................................. .1 Income taxes.................................................. 1.8 2.0 3.0 Net income.................................................... 2.9 3.4 4.8
1999 1998 1997 ---- ---- ---- Net sales................................... 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Gross profit................................ 17.9 20.1 23.2 Selling, general and administrative expenses 14.5 15.6 18.0 Income from operations...................... 3.4 4.5 5.2 Interest income............................. .1 .2 .3 Interest expense............................ Income taxes................................ 1.4 1.8 2.0 Net income.................................. 2.1 2.9 3.4 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999 COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998 Net sales increased by $318.8 million or 22.2% to $1.75 billion in 1999 from $1.44 billion in 1998. This increase was primarily attributable to increased demand for the Company's PC's, increased revenue from relationship marketing sales and the inclusion of sales from Simply Computers Ltd. ("Simply") since its acquisition at the beginning of February 1999. Sales from the Company's North American operations increased 12.7% to $1.26 billion in 1999 from $1.12 billion in 1998. European sales increased to $491.1 million in 1999 (including approximately $110 million from Simply) from $314.4 million in 1998, an increase of 56.2%. The effect of changes in exchange rates on European sales for the year was not significant. Gross profit, which consists of net sales less product, shipping, assembly and certain distribution center costs, increased by $26.0 million or 9.0% to $314.5 million in 1999 from $288.5 million in 1998. Gross profit margin decreased to 17.9% in 1999 from 20.1% in 1998. The decrease in gross profit margin resulted from a continuing shift in product mix, reflecting a greater percentage of PCs (which typically have a lower gross profit margin percentage than many of the Company's other products) and increased relationship marketing sales. Industry-wide shortages in certain key PC components also resulted in increased costs. The relatively lower sales contribution from higher-margin industrial products continues to affect gross margin percentage unfavorably. A portion of the decline in gross profit margin has been offset by the continued decline of selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales. While selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $30.5 million or 13.6% to $254.7 million in 1999 from $224.2 million in 1998, as a percentage of net sales they decreased to 14.5% in 1999 from 15.6% in 1998. The decrease as a percentage of net sales was primarily attributable to reduced catalog costs in North America as a result of the increased efficiencies from larger average order sizes, vendor supported advertising, continued expense control and the leveraging of selling, general and administrative expenses over a larger sales base. Income from operations decreased by $4.5 million or 7.0% to $59.8 million in 1999 from $64.3 million in 1998. Income from operations as a percentage of net sales decreased to 3.4% from 4.5% in 1998. Interest income decreased to $1.2 million in 1999 from $3.2 million in 1998 primarily due to lower levels of investments in short-term securities. The effective tax rate in 1999 increased to 40.5% from 38.5% in 1998 as a result of higher state and local taxes in the United States and a change in the relative income earned in foreign locations. As a result of the factors discussed above, net income decreased $5.2 million or 12.7% to $36.0 million in 1999. YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998 COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 Net sales of $1.44 billion in 1998 were $290.3 million or 25.3% higher than the $1.15 billion reported in 1997. The increase was attributable to higher demand for PCs, improved productivity in relationship marketing and the full year effect of the inclusion of sales from Midwest Micro Corp., acquired at the end of the third quarter of 1997. The Company also began to benefit from orders received through its various Internet web-sites. Sales attributable to the Company's North American operations increased 28.1% to $1.12 billion in 1998 from $875.2 million in 1997. European sales increased to $314.4 million in 1998 from $270.2 million in 1997, an increase of 16.3%. Movements in foreign exchange rates had an immaterial effect on the European sales comparison. Gross profit which consists of net sales less product, shipping and certain distribution center costs, increased by $23 million or 8.7% to $288.6 million in 1998 from $265.5 million in 1997. Gross profit margin decreased to 20.1% in 1998 from 23.2% in 1997. Gross profit margin on PCs improved in the current year. With sales of PCs representing an increasing proportion of the Company's sales and with margins that are lower than on other products, they have the effect of decreasing the overall gross profit margin. The decrease in the gross profit margin was also due to increased sales of brand name computer related products, which typically have lower gross profit margins, and the relatively lower sales contribution of higher-margin industrial products. Selling, general and administrative expenses totaled $224.2 million, or 15.6% of net sales in 1998 compared to $206.3 million, or 18.0% of net sales in 1997. This improvement resulted from a focus on controlling expenses and improved productivity from the Company's relationship marketing staff and offset a large portion of the gross profit margin decline. Income from operations increased by $5.1 million or 8.6% to $64.3 million in 1998 from $59.3 million in 1997. Income from operations decreased as a percentage of net sales to 4.5% in 1998 from 5.2% in 1997. Interest income decreased $0.2 million to $3.0 million in 1998 from $3.2 million in 1997 as a result of lower interest rates. Interest expense increased to $0.5 million in 1998 from $0.4 million in 1997. The effective tax rate increased to 38.5% in 1998 from 37.5% in 1997 as a result of a higher effective state income tax rate and a change in the relativemix of income earned in foreign countries. As a result of the foregoing,factors discussed above, net income increased $2.4 million, or 6.3%, to $41.3 million in 1998. YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 Net sales increased by $233.5 million or 25.6% to $1.15 billion in 1997 from $911.9 million in 1996. The increase was primarily attributable to (i) an increase in revenue from the Company's major account sales program, (ii) the inclusion of sales from Midwest Micro since its acquisition at the end of September 1997, (iii) an increase in the sales of brand name and private label PCs and notebook computers and (iv) an increased average order value resulting from increased offerings and sales of brand name products. Sales attributable to the Company's North American operations increased 29.1% to $875.2 million in 1997 from $677.8 million in 1996. European sales increased to $270.2 million in 1997 from $234.1 million in 1996, an increase of 15.4%. In local currencies without foreign exchange rate effects, European sales increased 21.3%. Gross profit, which consists of net sales less product, shipping and certain distribution center costs, increased by $15.9 million or 6.4% to $265.5 million in 1997 from $249.6 million in 1996. Gross profit margin decreased to 23.2% in 1997 from 27.4% in 1996. The decrease in gross profit margin was primarily due to (i) the Company's strategic decision to increase the proportion of net sales attributable to brand name products, particularly PCs, notebook computers, computer related products and hardware which typically have lower gross profit margin percentages than many of the Company's other products, (ii) the increase in the proportion of sales from the Company's major account sales group which generally sells to larger customers at discounted prices, and (iii) increased shipping and other costs associated with the United Parcel Service labor action in August 1997. A significant portion of this decline in gross profit margin has been offset by the continued decline in selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales. While selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $26.1 million or 14.5% to $206.3 million in 1997 from $180.1 million in 1996, as a percentage of net sales they decreased to 18.0% in 1997 from 19.8% in 1996. The decrease as a percentage of net sales was primarily attributable to reduced catalog costs in North America as a result of the increased efficiencies from larger average order sizes, vendor supported advertising, continued expense control and the leveraging of selling, general and administrative expenses over a larger sales base. Included in selling, general and administrative expenses in 1997 was a one time charge of $9.6 million incurred during the third quarter relating to the impairment of certain long lived assets, principally goodwill. As a result of the above, income from operations decreased by $10.2 million or 14.7% to $59.3 million in 1997 from $69.5 million in 1996. Income from operations as a percentage of net sales decreased to 5.2% from 7.6% in 1996. Interest income increased $ .8 million to $3.3 million in 1997 from $2.5 million in 1996 primarily due to higher levels of investments in short-term securities. Interest expense decreased $ .1 million to $ .4 million in 1997 from $ .5 million in 1996. Net income decreased $4.9 million or 11.2% to $38.8 million in 1997 principally as a result of the above. SEASONALITY The operations of the Company are somewhat seasonal. In particular, net sales have historically been modestly weaker during the second and third quarter as a result of lower business activity during the summer months. The following table sets forth the net sales, gross profit and income from operations for each of the quarters since January 1, 19971998 (AMOUNTS IN MILLIONS).
19981999 MARCH 31 JUNE 30 SEPTEMBER 30 DECEMBER 31 ---- -------- ------- ------------ ----------- NET SALES...................................... $358.3 $330.5 $359.8 $387.1$422 $414 $440 $478 GROSS PROFIT................................... $75.4 $67.1 $71.6 $74.5$79 $76 $78 $81 INCOME FROM OPERATIONS......................... $20.1 $11.6 $15.6 $17.1 1997$17 $9 $16 $18 1998 MARCH 31 JUNE 30 SEPTEMBER 30 DECEMBER 31 ---- -------- ------- ------------ ----------- Net sales...................................... $273.5 $259.5 $259.7 $352.7 (1)$358 $331 $360 $387 Gross profit................................... $69.4 $64.2 $57.3 $74.7$75 $67 $72 $75 Income from operations......................... $18.6 $17.9 $2.5 $20.3 (1) Includes approximately $62 million of net sales from Midwest Micro acquired on September 30, 1997.$20 $12 $16 $17
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES The Company continues to maintain a strong financial position. PrimaryCompany's primary capital needs are to finance working capital for sales growth, acquisitions and investments in property, equipment and information technology.technology and business acquisitions. The Company's primary source of financing has been cash from operations, allowing it to remain virtually debt-free.operations. The Company believes that its cash flow from operations, existing cash and short-term investments and available lines of credit will be adequate to support its current and anticipated activities. The Company continues to maintain a strong financial position. Cash flow is provided primarily by operations. Cash flow from operating activities was $37.7$20.5 million in 1999, $37.8 million in 1998 and $33.1 million in 19971997. The decrease in cash flow in 1999 resulted from increased inventories, caused by a one-time buildup to service increased demand. Additionally, accounts receivable increased in 1999 as a result of the increase in sales and $22.7 millionan increase in 1996. Cash flow is provided primarilythe average days sales outstanding due to a change in the mix of sales by net income and depreciation.location. The increase in inventories and accounts payable and accrued expenses in 1998 resulted from expansion activities in the Company's PC assembly operation and increased sales activity. The increase inIn 1999 the Company used net cash flow from 1996of $36.1 million for investing activities. Expenditures for property, plant and equipment totaled $22.0 million and included expansion of the Company's PC assembly facility and improvements to 1997 was dueinformation systems. Expenditures for business acquisitions, including the payment of contingent consideration, totaled $19.2 million. Short-term investments decreased by $5.0 million to improved asset management, primarily related to accounts receivable and inventory.partially fund these activities. Net cash of $13.0 million was used in 1998 in investing activities for business acquisitions and additions to property, plant and equipment. Theseequipment, offset by a $4.0 million decrease in short-term investments. This included capacity expansion at the Company's PC assembly factory,facility, completion of the new Compton, California facility and improvements to information technology systems. Net cash used in investing activities in 1997 was primarily for the acquisition of Midwest Micro and the acquisition of furniture, fixtures and leasehold improvements needed to accommodate increased staff levels at the new Compton, California facility. Short-termShort- term investments were decreased by $22.0 million as partial funding for these activities resulting in net cash used of $25.2 million for investing activities for the year. NetIn 1999 $3.8 million of cash used in investing activities in 1996 was $39.8 million, employed for the acquisition of computer equipment and additional equipment at the Naperville, Illinois facility to accommodate increased staff levels. Surplus cash balances of $31.0 million were invested. Cash was used in financing activities inactivities. In 1998 ($25.4 million)$25.4 million was used and in 1997 ($0.5 million)$0.5 million was used. In 1999, $10.1 million was used to repurchase additional shares of the Company's common stock and provided $23.9$2.5 million was used to repay a mortgage loan. This was partially funded by $9.0 million in 1996.short-term bank borrowings. In 1998, the Company used $28.6 million of cash to purchase shares of its common stock. The use of funds in 1997 was for the repayment of long-term debt. In 1996, the net proceeds from issuance of shares of common stock was partially used to repay long-term bank debt and settle long-term capital leases. The Company maintains secured and unsecured lines of credit with various financial institutions under which the maximum aggregate amount available is approximately $100$74 million. As of December 31, 1998,1999, the Company had no$9 million of outstanding borrowings under these lines of credit. Borrowings under the lines bear interest based on either the prime rate or LIBOR. The maximum borrowings under the facilities are reduced where applicable by the value of any outstanding letters of credit issued on behalf of the Company. The Company does not anticipate any difficulty in renewing or replacing any if its lines of credit as they expire. The Company is party to certain litigation, as disclosed in "Commitments and Contingencies" in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, the outcome of which the Company believes will not have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial statements. Anticipated capital expenditures in 19992000 are expected to approximate $20 million, which the Company plans to fund out of cash from operations and existing cash and cash equivalents.its lines of credit. These capital expenditures are primarily for the expansion of the Company's PC assembly operation, constructionpurchase of a new distribution center in Georgia and the acquisition of information technology systems and other fixed assets. YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE The Company is in the process of analyzing and addressing what is known as the year 2000 (or "Y2K") issue. Based on current information, management believes that the Company believes that it will be year 2000 compliant in a timely manner and theis now Y2K compliant. The cost of achieving such compliance willdid not have a materially adverse effect on the Company's results of operations or financial condition. As noted in the following discussion, however, there are multiple variables in determining whether full Y2K compliance can be achieved, a number of which are dependent on efforts of third parties. BACKGROUND. This issue has arisen because many existing computer programs use only two digits instead of four (E.G., "98" instead of "1998") to identify a year in the data field. This is a holdover from the days when businesses first started using computers and electronic memory was limited and storage was expensive. These programs were designed and developed without considering the impact of the upcoming change in the century. Accordingly, some computers can not determine if the reference to the year "02" means 2002 or 1902. The failure of such applications or systems to properly recognize the dates beginning in the year 2000 could result in miscalculations or even systems failures. The Company could be affected by this problem both as a user of computers and as a direct marketer and retail vendor of PCs and computer related products (including private label PCs assembled by its Midwest Micro subsidiary). In 1998 the Company established a Year 2000 Team to assess the Company's Y2K compliance situation. This team consists of the Company's Chief Financial Officer, Chief Information Officer, Controller, General Counsel and a representative from the Company's management information system (MIS) department. INTERNAL SYSTEMS The Company's Y2K Team established a plan to have all of the Company's computer and computer-dependent systemsCompany has tested and, ifas necessary, modifiedrepaired or replaced to ensure Y2K compliance. Each of the Company's computersits internal PC hardware/software and computer dependentnetwork systems, has been analyzed to assess what would be the impact on the Company if the system becomes materially impaired due to Y2K non-compliance. Each system has been placed in one of three categories based on the level of risk to the Company - Level I (catastrophic risk), Level II (critical risk) and Level III (sustainable risk). The Company is now in the process of modifying those systems identified during the assessment as Level I risks and doing live tests of the Level I and Level II systems to ascertain anticipated Y2K compliance. Based on its analysis to-date, the Companymanagement believes that all of itsthey are now Y2K compliant. The Company's phone systems have been tested and are Y2K compliant. The Company's internal computerbusiness systems (hardware, system softwarein both North America and applications software) and computer-dependent systems, including technology embedded in the Company's machinery and other equipment to the extent that it is date sensitive,Europe are currently Y2K compliant or will, through the replacement or modification of existing hardware and software, be made Y2K complaint in a timely manner. A target date of July 1, 1999 has been fixed for such compliance.compliant. The Company believes at this time that it should be able to meet such target date. The Company has not retained any outside service provider to conduct independent verification of the Company's compliance status and does not at this time intend to hire any such service provider but is utilizing a third-party software program to test, assess and repair non-mainframe hardware. As a direct marketer of products, the Company is particularly dependent on the ability of telecommunications, shipping and credit card companies to provide services. The Company has contacted its key vendors and service providers to ascertain their Y2K compliance to the extent that their noncomplianceproblems could affect the Company's internal systems or other aspects of the Company'sits business. The Company expectsInquiry letters were sent to have completed this process by June 1999. The Company at this time cannot make any prediction as to the degree of compliance by suchall key vendors and service providersproviders. Positive responses or the consequence to the Companyother assurances were received from all of any noncompliance. Any noncompliance by such service providers could have a material adverse impact on the Company. Similar issues will be faced with the Company's banks and payroll services, as well as other vendors. Any serious Y2K problems whichour significant vendors and service providers encounter could materially adversely impact the Company. Since the Company's customer base is diverse and no one customer accounts for a significant portion of the Company's business, the Company does not at this time believe that it is necessary to query customers on their Y2K compliance status. While the Company believes that the efforts which it has taken and plans to take should be sufficient to identify and correct any Y2K problems before December 31, 1999, there can be no assurance that the Company will be fully Y2K complaint in a timely manner.providers. PRODUCTS SOLD The Company began assembling its own private label PC hardware systems following the acquisition of its Midwest Micro subsidiary on September 30, 1997. Prior to this time the Company only sold private label PC systems assembled by third party contract manufacturers. The Company believes that all of the private label PC hardware systems it sells, including those it assembles itself, are Y2K complaint. All PC hardware systems assembled by the Company on or after January 1, 1998 have been certified to be Y2K compliant by the National Software Testing Lab (NSTL), an independent testing lab. The Company is in the process of questioningquestioned its vendors as to the Y2K compliance status of the brand name (i.e. third party-manufactured) hardware and software products it sells. Accordingly, the Company cannot be certain at this time, and does not warrant to its customers, that the brand name computer hardware and software it currently sells is Y2K compliant. This includes the brand name software that is pre-loaded onto the private label PCs the Company sells. WhileSubstantially all of the Company's significant vendors have indicated that their products are Y2K compliant although the Company believes thatmakes no warranties to customers regarding the liability for any Y2K failure of any computer hardware or software the Company sells rests with the manufacturer of such products or components, and it understands that most of the major manufacturers have "fixes" available for certain older products which have Y2K problems, it is possible that purchasers from the Company may make claims against the Company for alleged Y2K problems with respect to products sold by the Company and there can be no assurance that the Company would be successful in having any such liability be borne by its vendors. FINANCIAL RAMIFICATIONS The Company estimates that the costs of achieving Y2K compliance including costs of personnel devoting significant effort on Y2K matters, will be approximately $500,000 of which approximately $150,000 has been incurred through December 31, 1998. The costs associated with any new computers or computer programs which are year 2000 compliant have been and will be capitalized and amortized over the computer's and/or software's expected useful life. Any system modification or maintenance costs necessary to make the Company's existing computer programs Y2K compliant have been and will be expensed as incurred. Based on the Company's current status of internal Y2K compliance review and other preliminary information, the Company does not anticipate that expenses yet to be incurred to achieve year 2000 compliance will have a material impact on the Company's results of operations or financial condition or that its business will be adversely affected by the Y2K issue in any material respect. Nevertheless, achieving Y2K compliance is dependent on multiple factors, many of which are not within the Company's sole control. Should one or more of the internal systems of the Company or the Company's key vendors exhibit significant Y2K problems or if any of the products which the Company sells which are still under warranty are Y2K deficient, the Company's business and its results of operations could be materially adversely affected. The Company may see an increase in warranty claims related to the Y2K issue. The Company's standard limited warranty period for the PC systems it assembles ranges from one to five years from the date of first purchase, depending upon the system purchased and the particular component part warranted. The Company does not make any separate warranty on brand name products it sells, instead passing on the manufacturer's warranty. The Company can not at this time assess the level of Y2K-related warranty claims it may receive regarding itsthird-party manufactured products. A significant level of warranty claims relating to the Y2K issue could have a materially adverse impact on the Company's future results. RISKS Until it has completed its Y2K assessment, and attempted to fix any problems which such assessment may disclose, the Company can not be in a position to determine what would be its most reasonably likely worst case Y2K scenario or any plan for handling such scenario. The Company has not devised any back-up plans should it suffer any internal Y2K problems or should any of its vendors' Y2K problems affect the Company. After completion of its Y2K assessment, including a review of the responses received from such vendors, the Company will assess the need for any contingency plans. The failure to correct a material Y2K problem could result in an interruption of, or inability to perform in a timely fashion, a necessary business activity or operation. Such failures could materially adversely affect the Company's results of operations, liquidity and/or financial condition. Because of the general uncertainty which companies generally face regarding the Year 2000 issue, in part due to actions of third-parties which could affect a company's compliance, it is not possible to determine at this time whether any actual failures will have a material adverse impact on the Company. The foregoing discussion contains forward-looking statements which should be read in conjunction with the discussion entitled "Forward Looking Statements" set forth below. IMPLICATIONS TO THE COMPANY FROM THE ADOPTION OF A EUROPEAN COMMON CURRENCY The Company has extensive operations in certain European countries, including France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, England and Scotland. It also sells to additional countries in Europe. For the 19981999 fiscal year, approximately 22%28% of the Company's net sales were in Europe. With the exception of Sweden and the United Kingdom, all of the countries in which the Company has operations have confirmed their participation in a new 11-country European common currency, the Euro. The adoption of such common currency will beis being phased in over a three-year period startingwhich started in January 1999. During such phase-in period, both the Euro and the historical currency of a country will be valid, although new Euro-denominatedEuro- denominated currency will not be issued until 2002. Each member-country will decide when its legacy currency will cease to be legal tender, which will occur during the period January 1 through June 30, 2002. Until the introduction of Euro-denominated currency, the paying party will have the option to decide whether to pay in the legacy currency or in Euros converted to the legacy currency. Among other possible economic implications, it is expected that the adoption of a common currency will generally lead to greater price transparency and thereby increased competition within the common currency zone. For instance, with a single currency applicable to the entire region, consumers may be able to more easily discern differences in price for the Company's products between different countries and modify their buying practices accordingly. This is less likely to be a factor for the Company than for many other companies since the Company currently only advertises the Euro price on its Internet sites, not in its catalogs. Also, purchasers of low cost individual products are less likely to shop for a lower Euro price outside of their geographic location. The Company will still use national catalogs, in the appropriate language, afternotwithstanding the introduction of the Euro. Whether any such price differentials will lead to significant changes in purchasing practices by the Company's customers depends on other factors as well, such as convenience, language-related matters and other factors which may determine where a consumer will purchase products. The Company isdoes not ablebelieve at this time to gauge whether the likelihood of increased competition arising fromthat the introduction of the Euro wouldwill have any significant long-term adverse impact on the pricing for the Company's products. The adoption of a common currency will notproducts or require a significant modification to the Company's accounting systems. The Company does not believe that the adoption of a common currency will give any parties to material contracts with the Company the right to terminate or modify such contracts on the grounds of "frustration," "impossibility" or "impracticability." Other risks associated with such currency conversion include possible currency exchange and tax risks, neither of which the Company believes will have a significant effect. The Company does not at this time anticipate that the adoption of the Euro and any resulting changes in European economic and market conditions will have any material adverse impact on the Company or its European business. The Company has not adopted, nor is it at this time contemplating the adoption of, any contingency plans regarding this issue. The foregoing discussion contains forward-looking statements which should be read in conjunction with the discussion entitled "Forward Looking Statements" set forth below. FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS This report contains forward looking statements within the meaning of that term in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934). Additional written or oral forward looking statements may be made by the Company from time to time, in filings with the Securities Exchange Commission or otherwise. Statements contained herein that are not historical facts are forward looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions referenced above. Forward looking statements may include, but are not limited to, projections of revenue, income or loss and capital expenditures, statements regarding future operations, financing needs, compliance with financial covenants in loan agreements, plans for acquisition or sale of assets or businesses and consolidation of operations of newly acquired businesses, and plans relating to products or services of the Company, assessments of materiality, predictions of future events and the effects of pending and possible litigation, as well as assumptions relating to the foregoing. In addition, when used in this discussion, the words "anticipates", "believes", "estimates", "expects", "intends", "plans" and variations thereof and similar expressions are intended to identify forward looking statements. Forward looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified based on current expectations. Consequently, future events and actual results could differ materially from those set forth in, contemplated by, or underlying the forward looking statements contained in this report. Statements in this report, particularly in "Item 1. Business", "Item 3. Legal Proceedings", "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations", and the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements describe certain factors, among others, that could contribute to or cause such differences. Other factors that could contribute to or cause such differences include, but are not limited to, unanticipated developments in any one or more of the following areas: (i) the Company's ability to manage rapid growth as a result of internal expansion and strategic acquisitions, (ii) the effect on the Company of volatility in the price of paper and periodic increases in postage rates, (iii) the operation of the Company's management information systems, including the costs and effects associated with the year 2000 date change problem, (iv) the general risks attendant to the conduct of business in foreign countries, including currency fluctuations associated with sales not denominated in United States dollars, (v) significant changes in the computer products retail industry, especially relating to the distribution and sale of such products, (vi) competition in the PC, notebook computer, computer related products, industrial products and office products markets from superstores, direct response (mail order) distributors, mass merchants, value added resellers, the Internet and other retailers, (vii) the potential for expanded imposition of state sales taxes, use taxes, or other taxes on direct marketing and e-commerce companies, (viii) the continuation of key vendor relationships including the ability to continue to receive vendor supported advertising, (ix) timely availability of existing and new products, (x) risks involved with e- commerce, including possible loss of business and customer dissatisfaction if outages or other computer- related problems should preclude customer access to the Company's web sites, (xi) risks associated with delivery of merchandise to customers by utilizing common delivery services such as UPS, including possible strikes, (xii) risks due to shifts in market demand and/or price erosion of owned inventory, (xi)(xiii) borrowing costs, (xii)(xiv) changes in taxes due to changes in the mix of U.S. and non-U.S. revenue, (xiii)(xv) pending or threatened litigation and investigations and (xiv)(xvi) the availability of key personnel, as well as other risk factors which may be detailed from time to time in the Company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward looking statements contained herein,this report, which speak only as of the date hereof.of this report. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly release the result of any revisions to these forward looking statements that may be made to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unexpected events. ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK. The Company is exposed to market risks, which include changes in U.S. and international interest rates as well as changes in currency exchange rates as measured against the U.S. dollar and each other. GlobalSystemax attempts to reduce these risks by utilizing certain derivative financial instruments. The value of the U.S. dollar affects the Company's financial results. Changes in exchange rates may positively or negatively affect Global'sSystemax's sales (as expressed in U.S. dollars), gross margins, operating expenses and retained earnings. The Company may engage in hedging programs aimed at limiting in part the impact of certain currency fluctuations. Using primarily forward exchange and foreign currency option contracts, Global,Systemax, from time to time, hedges certain of its assets that, when remeasured according to generally accepted accounting principles, may impact the Statement of Consolidated Income. These hedging activities provide only limited protection against currency exchange risks. Factors that could impact the effectiveness of the Company's hedging programs include accuracy of sales forecasts, volatility of the currency markets, availability of hedging instruments and the credit-worthiness of the parties which have entered into such contracts with the Company. All currency contracts that are entered into by GlobalSystemax are for the sole purpose of hedging an existing or anticipated currency exposure, not for speculative or trading purposes. In spite of Global'sSystemax's hedging efforts to reduce the effect of changes in exchange rates against the U.S. dollar, the Company's sales or costs could still be adversely affected by changes in those exchange rates. As of December 31,1998,31,1999, the Company had no outstanding forward exchange contracts. ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA. The information required by Item 8 of Part II is incorporated herein by reference to the Consolidated Financial Statements filed with this report; see Item 14 of Part IV. ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE. None. PART III ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT. The information required by Item 10 of Part III is hereby incorporated by reference from the Company's Proxy Statement for the 19992000 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the "Proxy Statement"). ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION. The information required by Item 11 of Part III is hereby incorporated by reference from the Proxy Statement. ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT. The information required by Item 12 of Part III is hereby incorporated by reference from the Proxy Statement. ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS. The information required by Item 13 of Part III is hereby incorporated by reference from the Proxy Statement. PART IV ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K. (a) 1. The Consolidated Financial Statements of Global DirectMail Corp.Systemax Inc. Reference Independent Auditors' Report F-1 Consolidated Balance Sheets F-2 Consolidated Statements of Income F-3 Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity F-4 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows F-5 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements F-6 - F13 2. Financial Statement Schedules: Schedules not included with this additional financial data have been omitted because they are not applicable or the required information is shown in the Consolidated Financial Statements or Notes thereto. 3. Exhibits. EXHIBIT INDEX EXHIBIT NO. DESCRIPTION - -------- -------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------ 3.1 Certificate of Incorporation of Registrant(1)Registrant (1) 3.2 By-laws of Registrant(1)Registrant (1) 3.3 Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation changing the Company's name to Systemax Inc. (7) 4.1 Stockholders Agreement(2) 4.2 Specimen Stock Certificate of Registrant(1)Agreement (2) 10.1 Form of 1995 Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan(3)Plan (3)* 10.2 Exchange Agreement dated as of May 8, 1995 between certain stockholders of the Predecessor Companies and the Company1Company (1) 10.3 Lease Agreement dated October 14, 1992 between the Company and 2RB Associates Co. (Port Washington facility)(1) 10.4 Lease Agreement dated September 20, 1988 between the Company and Addwin Realty Associates (Port Washington facility)(1) 10.4A Amendment to Lease Agreement dated September 29, 1998 between the Company and Addwin Realty Associates (Port Washington facility) (8) 10.5 Lease Agreement dated May 25, 1989 between the Company and Addwin Realty Associates (Suwanee facility)(1) 10.6 Lease Agreement dated as of July 17, 1997 between the Company and South Bay Industrials Company (Compton facility)(4) 10.7 Build-to-Suit Lease Agreement dated April, 1995 among the Company, American National Bank and Trust Company of Chicago and Walsh, Higgins & Company (Naperville facility)(1) 10.8 Lease Agreement dated September 17, 1998 between Tiger Direct, Inc. and Keystone Miami Property Holding Corp. (Miami facility)(5) 10.9 Rent Guaranty dated as of October 14, 1992 by the Company to the Bank of New York(1)York (1) 10.10 Royalty Agreement dated June 30, 1986 between the Company and Richard Leeds, Bruce Leeds and Robert Leeds, and Addendum thereto(1)thereto (1) 10.11 Consulting Agreement dated as of December 22, 1992 between the Company and Paul Leeds1(1)Leeds (1)* 10.12 Form of 1995 Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors(3)Directors (3)* 10.13 Consulting Agreement dated as of January 1, 1996 between the Company and Gilbert Rothenberg(3)Rothenberg (3)* 10.14 Asset Purchase Agreement dated September 12, 1997 among Infotel, Inc., Mark L. Runkle, Midwest Micro Corp. and the Company(6)Company (6) 10.15 Employment Agreement dated as of December 12, 1997 between the Company and Steven M. Goldschein(4)Goldschein (4)* 21.119.1 Specimen stock certificate of Registrant 19.2 Form of 1999 Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan (9)* 21 Subsidiaries of the Registrant 23 Consent of experts and counsel: Consent of Independent Public Accountants 27 Financial Data Schedule (EDGAR version only) - -------------------------- 1 Incorporated herein by reference to the Company's registration statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 33-92052). 2 Incorporated herein by reference to the Company's quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 1995. 3 Incorporated herein by reference to the Company's registration statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-1852). 4 Incorporated herein by reference to the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997. 5 Incorporated herein by reference to the Company's quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 1998. 6 Incorporated herein by reference to the Company's report on Form 8-K dated September 26, 1997. 7 Incorporated herein by reference to the Company's report on Form 8-K dated May 18, 1999. 8 Incorporated herein by reference to the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998. 9 Incorporated herein by reference to the Company's report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 1999. - -------- * Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement -------- (b) Reports on Form 8-K. No reports on Form 8-K were filed by the Company during the fiscal yearquarter ended December 31, 1998. 1999. SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized in the City of New York, State of New York, on the 26th27th day of March, 1999. GLOBAL DIRECTMAIL CORP2000. SYSTEMAX INC. By: /s/ RICHARD LEEDS ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Richard Leeds Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated. SIGNATURE TITLE DATE -------- ----- ----- /s/ RICHARD LEEDS Chairman and Chief Executive Officer March 26, 199927, 2000 - ------------------------ Officer Richard Leeds---------------------- (Principal Executive Officer) Richard Leeds /s/ BRUCE LEEDS Vice Chairman and President of March 26, 199927, 2000 - ---------------------------------------------- International Operations Bruce Leeds /s/ ROBERT LEEDS Vice Chairman and President of March 26, 199927, 2000 - ---------------------------------------------- Domestic Operations Robert Leeds /s/ ROBERT DOOLEY Director and Senior Vice President-- March 26, 199927, 2000 - ------------------------ President------------------------ Worldwide Computer Robert Dooley Sales and Marketing Robert Dooley /s/ STEVEN GOLDSCHEIN Senior Vice President and Chief March 26, 199927, 2000 - ---------------------------------------------- Financial Officer (Principal Financial Steven Goldschein (Principal Financial Officer) /s/ MICHAEL SPEILLER Vice President and Controller March 26, 199927, 2000 - ---------------------------------------------- (Principal Accounting Officer) Michael Speiller /s/ ROBERT D. ROSENTHAL Director March 26, 199927, 2000 - ------------------------ Robert D. Rosenthal /s/ STACY DICK Director March 26, 199927, 2000 - ------------------------------------------------ Stacy Dick ******** INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT The Shareholders and Board of Directors of GLOBAL DIRECTMAIL CORP:SYSTEMAX INC.: We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Global DirectMail CorpSystemax Inc. and its subsidiaries, (the "Company"), as of December 31, 19981999 and 19971998 and the related consolidated statements of net income, shareholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1998.1999. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted auditing standards.in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Company at December 31, 19981999 and 1997,1998, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years ended December 31, 19981999 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted accounting principles. /s/in the United States of America. DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP New York, New York February 4, 199921, 2000
GLOBAL DIRECTMAIL CORPSYSTEMAX INC. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS DECEMBER 31, 1999 AND 1998 AND 1997 (IN THOUSANDS)THOUSANDS, EXCEPT FOR SHARE DATA) 1999 1998 1997 ---- ---- ASSETS CURRENT ASSETS: ASSETS CURRENT ASSETS: Cash and cash equivalents $ 42,02917,470 $ 43,43242,029 Short-term investments 5,050 9,017 Accounts receivable, net 200,082 154,516 132,741 Inventories 173,966 129,966 102,599 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 28,890 21,517 21,482 Deferred income tax benefit 6,369 6,865 4,059 --------- ---------- Total current assets 426,777 359,943 313,330 PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, net 46,839 33,988 29,401 GOODWILL, net 73,684 56,612 53,258 DEFERRED INCOME TAX BENEFIT 2,340 3,084 3,122 OTHER ASSETS 322 812 634 --------- ---------- TOTAL $ 454,439549,962 $ 399,745454,439 ========= ========== LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - ------------------------------------ CURRENT LIABILITIES: Notes payable to banks $ 9,000 Current portion of long-term debt 634 $ 2,681 Accounts payable $124,449 114,783 $ 75,170 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 105,803 47,853 50,392 Current portion of long-term debt 2,681 12 ------------------- ---------- Total current liabilities 239,886 165,317 125,574 --------- ---------- LONG-TERM DEBT 1,740 2,493 1,972 --------- ---------- COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY: Preferred stock, par value $.01 per share, authorized 25 million shares, issued none Common stock, par value $.01 per share, authorized 150 million shares, issued 38,231,990; outstanding 35,237,790 (1999) and 36,128,090 (1998) and 38,231,990 (1997) 382 382 Additional paid-in capital 176,743 176,743 CommonAccumulated other comprehensive income (4,598) (348) Retained earnings 174,468 138,456 --------- ---------- 346,995 315,233 --------- ---------- Less: common stock in treasury at cost - 2,994,200 (1999) and 2,103,900 (1998) shares in 1998 (28,604) Accumulated other comprehensive income (348) (2,130) Retained earnings 138,456 97,20438,659 28,604 --------- ---------- Total shareholders' equity 308,336 286,629 272,199 --------- ---------- TOTAL $ 454,439549,962 $ 399,745454,439 ========= ==========
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
GLOBAL DIRECTMAIL CORPSYSTEMAX INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF NET INCOME FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999, 1998 1997 AND 19961997 (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER COMMON SHARE AMOUNTS) 1999 1998 1997 1996 ---- ---- ---- NET SALES $ 1,754,472 $ 1,435,654 $1,145,388 $ 911,8931,145,388 COST OF SALES 1,439,947 1,147,098 879,846 662,277 ---------- --------- --------------------- ------------- GROSS PROFIT 314,525 288,556 265,542 249,616 SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES 254,690 224,208 206,280 180,142 ---------- --------- --------------------- ------------- INCOME FROM OPERATIONS 59,835 64,348 59,262 69,474 INTEREST AND OTHER INCOME (1,153) (3,225) (3,261) (2,431) INTEREST EXPENSE 465 497 425 521 ---------- --------- --------------------- ------------ INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES 60,523 67,076 62,098 71,384 PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES 24,511 25,824 23,286 27,680 ---------- --------- --------------------- ------------ NET INCOME $ 36,012 $ 41,252 $ 38,812 $ 43,704 ========== ========= ===================== ============ NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE: BASIC $ 1.11 $ 1.02 $ 1.16 =========== ========== ============ DILUTED1.01 $ 1.11 $ 1.02 =========== =========== ============= DILUTED $ 1.151.01 $ 1.11 $ 1.02 =========== ========== ======================= =============
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
GLOBAL DIRECTMAIL CORPSYSTEMAX INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996,1999, 1998 AND 1997 AND 1998 (IN THOUSANDS) COMMON STOCK -------------------- ACCUMULATED ------------------------ ADDITIONAL OTHER TREASURY NUMBER OF PAID-IN RETAINED COMPREHENSIVE STOCK SHARES AMOUNT CAPITAL EARNINGS INCOME AT COST ---------- --------- ------ --------------------- -------- ------------- ------------- ----------------- BALANCES, JANUARY 1, 1996 36,8571997 37,857 $ 369379 $ 138,470168,356 $ 14,68858,392 $ 480 Change in cumulative translation adjustment 1,030 Net proceeds from sale of common shares 1,000 10 29,886 Net income 43,704 --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -------- BALANCES, DECEMBER 31, 1996 37,857 379 168,356 58,392 1,510 Change in cumulative translation adjustment (3,640) Issuance of shares as partial consideration for the acquisition of the net assets of Infotel, Inc. 375 3 8,387 Net income 38,812 --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ----------------- BALANCES, DECEMBER 31, 1997 38,232 382 176,743 97,204 (2,130) Change in cumulative translation adjustment 1,782 Purchase of treasury shares (2,104) $ (28,604) Net income 41,252 --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- BALANCES, DECEMBER 31, 1998 36,128 382 176,743 138,456 (348) (28,604) Change in cumulative translation adjustment (4,250) Purchase of treasury shares (890) (10,055) Net income 36,012 --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- BALANCES, DECEMBER 31, 1999 35,238 $ 382 $ 176,743 $138,456$174,468 $ (348)(4,598) $ (28,604) =========(38,659) ========= ========= ========= ========= ========== =========== See notes to consolidated financial statements.
GLOBAL DIRECTMAIL CORPSYSTEMAX INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999, 1998 1997 AND 19961997 (IN THOUSANDS) 1999 1998 1997 1996 ---- ---- ---- CASH FLOWS PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net income $ 36,012 $ 41,252 $ 38,812 $ 43,704 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization, net 11,170 7,482 5,715 3,813 Charges associated with the impairment of certain long lived assets 1,921 9,200 Provision for deferred income taxes 1,160 (2,728) (5,308) (330) Provision for returns and doubtful accounts 8,832 5,264 3,283 2,745 Changes in certain assets and liabilities: Accounts receivable (46,578) (23,688) (18,395) (29,242) Inventories (39,506) (23,942) 3,103 (20,748) Prepaid catalogexpenses and other prepaid expensescurrent assets (7,186) 330 (1,569) 7,028 Accounts payable and accrued expenses 54,714 33,801 (1,727) 15,760 ------ ------ -------------- -------- -------- Net cash provided by operating activities 20,539 37,771 33,114 22,730 ------ ----- -------------- -------- -------- CASH FLOWS USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Net change in short-term investments 5,050 3,967 22,014 (31,031) Investments in property, plant and equipment (21,981) (11,051) (9,989) (8,805) Acquisitions, net of cash acquired (19,176) (5,942) (37,227) ------ ------- --------------- -------- -------- Net cash used in investing activities (36,107) (13,026) (25,202) (39,836) ------- ------- --------------- -------- -------- CASH FLOWS (USED IN) PROVIDED BYUSED IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Proceeds from long-term borrowings 3,326 Proceeds from short-term borrowings from banks 4789,000 Repayments of long-term borrowings (2,767) (168) (470) (6,442) Proceeds from issuance of common shares 29,896 Purchase of treasury shares (10,055) (28,604) ------- ------- --------------- -------- -------- Net cash (used in) provided byused in financing activities (3,822) (25,446) (470) 23,932 ------- ---- -------------- -------- -------- EFFECTS OF EXCHANGE RATES ON CASH (5,169) (702) 779 (92) ---- --- ------------ -------- -------- NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS (24,559) (1,403) 8,221 6,734 ------ ----- ------------- -------- -------- CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS - BEGINNING OF PERIOD 42,029 43,432 35,211 28,477 ------ ------ -------------- -------- -------- CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS - END OF PERIOD $ 17,470 $ 42,029 $ 43,432 $ 35,211 ================= ======== ======== SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES: Interest paid $ 537 $ 309 $ 376 $ 1,194 ======== ======== ======== Income taxes paid $ 21,684 $ 28,577 $ 29,497 $ 26,606 ======== ========= ================= ======== See notes to consolidated financial statements.
GLOBAL DIRECTMAIL CORPSYSTEMAX INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999, 1998 1997 AND 19961997 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION - The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Global DirectMail CorpSystemax Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (collectively, the "Company" or "Global""Systemax"). All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Where necessary, the results of operations of the Company's foreign subsidiaries have been adjusted to conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND SHORT-TERMSHORTTTERM INVESTMENTS - The Company considers amounts held in money market accounts and other short-term investments with an original maturity date of approximately three months or less to be cash equivalents. The Company's investments in cash equivalents and short-term investments are classified as debt securities available-for-sale. These equivalents are stated at fair market value. Unrealized holding gains and losses are not significant for any of the years presented. The investments are other debt securities and have contractual maturities of $5,050,000 of which $2,750,000 is one year or less and $2,300,000 matures between one and five years. REVENUE RECOGNITION AND ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE - The Company recognizes sales of products, including shipping revenue, at the time of shipment. Accounts receivable are shown in the consolidated balance sheets net of allowances for doubtful collections and subsequent customer returns of approximately $8,664,000$13,963,000 and $7,338,000$8,664,000 at December 31, 19981999 and 1997,1998, respectively. The changes in these allowance accounts are summarized as follows (in thousands):
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31 1999 1998 1997 1996 ------------------------------------------- -------- ------------- -------- Balance, beginning of year..................................year............................ $ 7,338 $7,7248,664 $7,338 $ 7,7317,724 Charged to expense........................................... 5,365expense.................................... 8,832 5,264 3,283 2,745Acquisitions.......................................... 1,614 Reductions, principally write-offs...........................(4,039)write-offs.................... (5,147) (3,938) (3,669) (2,752) ------- ------- ------- Balance, end of year........................................year................................. $13,963 $8,664 $ 8,664 $7,338 $ 7,7247,338 ======= ====== ======= ========
INVENTORIES - Inventories consist primarily of finished goods and are stated at the lower of cost or market value. Cost is determined by using the first-in, first-out method. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT - Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost. Depreciation of furniture, fixtures and equipment is on the straight-line or accelerated method over their estimated useful lives ranging from three to eightten years. Depreciation of buildings is on the straight-line method over estimated useful lives of 30 to 50 years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the term of the respective leases. FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION - The financial statements of the foreign entities are translated into U.S. dollars, the reporting currency, using year-end exchange rates for consolidated balance sheet items and average exchange rates for the consolidated statements of net income items. The translation differences are made directly to a separate component of shareholders' equity. FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS - Transactions in foreign currencies are recorded at the exchange rate in effect at the transaction date. Realized and unrealized exchange gains and losses during the year are included in the respective year's consolidated statement of net income. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT COSTS - Costs incurred in connection with research and development are expensed as incurred. Such expenses for the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 1997 and 19961997 aggregated approximately $2,256,000, $1,352,000 $674,000 and $573,000,$674,000, respectively. GOODWILL, NET - Goodwill and negative goodwill are combined and presented net of accumulated amortization. Goodwill represents the excess of acquisition costs over the fair market value of the net assets of acquired businesses and is being amortized on a straight-linestraight- line basis over their estimated useful lives, ranging from 10 to 40 years. In instances where the Company had acquired a business below the fair value of the assets acquired, the Company recorded negative goodwill. Annual amortization of goodwill forwas an expense of $2,323,000 in 1999, $751,000 in 1998 and 1997 was expense of $751,000 and $76,000 and for 1996 income of $435,000.in 1997. The Company continually evaluates whether events or circumstances warrant revision of the amortization periods. Additionally, the Company considers whether the carrying value of goodwill should be adjusted based on its expected future benefit. During the second quarter of 1999, the Company wrote off $1.9 million of goodwill associated with a number of small acquisitions made during the last few years. During 1997, the Company determined that, as a result of its' decision to exit certain lines of its' Tiger DirectTigerDirect Inc. subsidiary's business, an impairment of the goodwill associated with those business lines had occurred. The Company recorded a write down in the value of the goodwill of approximately $6.3 million. NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE - The Company accounts for net income per share in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 128, "Earnings Per Share". Net income per common share-basic was calculated based upon the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the respective periods. Net income per common share-diluted was calculated based upon the weighted average number of common shares outstanding and included the equivalent shares for dilutive options outstanding during the respective periods. The weighted average common shares outstanding for the computation of basic earnings per common share for 1999, 1998 and 1997 and 1996 were 35.8 million, 37.3 million 38.0 million and 37.638.0 million, respectively. Additionally 42,000 (in1999), 16,000 (1998),(in 1998) and 262,000 (1997) and 505,000 (1996)(in 1997) of equivalent common shares were included for the diluted calculation. COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - In 1998, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 130 "Reporting Comprehensive Income". This statement establishes rules for the reporting of comprehensive income and its components. Comprehensive income consists of net income and foreign currency translation adjustments and is included in the Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity. Comprehensive income was $33,355,000 in 1999, $42,335,000 (1998),in 1998 and $36,641,000 (1997) and $44,348,000 (1996),in 1997, net of tax effects on currency translation adjustments of $1,593,000 in 1999, ($699,000) (1998),in 1998 and $1,469,000 (1997) and ($386,000) (1996).in 1997. USE OF ESTIMATES IN FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS - In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (SFAS No. 133). This standard was amended by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 137, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities-- Deferral of the Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 133 and defers the effective date for adoption to all fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2000. SFAS No. 133 establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts (collectively referred to as derivatives), and for hedging activities. The Company does not believe that these pronouncements will have a material effect on its financial statements. 2. ACQUISITIONS The Company acquired two businesses in 1999 for $12.2 million in cash, two businesses in 1998 for $5.9 million in cash and three businesses in 1997 for $50.8 million in cash and stock. These acquisitions were accounted for as purchases, and accordingly, the assets and liabilities of the acquired entities have been recorded at their estimated fair values at the dates of acquisition. The excess of purchase price over the estimated fair values of net assets acquired, in the amount of $17.0 million in 1999, $5.2 million in 1998 and $15.9 million in 1997 has been recorded as goodwill and is being amortized over the estimated useful lives. The largest acquisition in 1997, Infotel Inc., included a provision for payment of additional consideration to the former shareholders if the acquired entity's results of operations exceeded certain targeted levels. Additional consideration of $2 million was earned in 1999 (payable in 2000) and $9 million was earned in 1998 (payable(paid in 1999) and waswere recorded as an increaseincreases to the purchase price. The maximum amount of remaining contingent consideration is $3 million (payable in 2000). During 1998 the estimated fair values of the net assets recorded at the date of acquisition for Infotel, Inc. were further evaluated by the Company and, in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 38, "Accounting for Pre Acquisition Contingencies of Purchased Enterprises", goodwill was reduced by approximately $10.7 million. The pro forma results for 1999, 1998 1997 and 1996,1997, assuming these acquisitions had been made at the beginning of the period, would not have been materially different from the reported results. 3. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Property, plant and equipment, net consists of the following (in thousands): 1998 1997 ------- -------- Land and buildings.............................................................$ 8,324 $ 8,085 Furniture and fixtures, office and warehouse equipment 42,471 32,857 Leasehold improvements.......................................................... 7,871 6,096 Transportation equipment........................................................ 2,111 1,817 ----- ----- 60,777 48,855 Less accumulated depreciation and amortization 26,789 19,454 ------ ------ Property, plant and equipment, net..............................................$ 33,988 $ 29,401Property, plant and equipment, net consists of the following (in thousands): 1999 1998 ------- ------- Land and buildings............................... $ 11,348 $ 8,324 Furniture and fixtures, office, computer and warehouse equipment 55,825 42,471 Leasehold improvements........................... 10,774 7,871 Transportation equipment......................... 2,529 2,111 --------- --------- 80,476 60,777 Less accumulated depreciation and amortization 33,637 26,789 --------- --------- Property, plant and equipment, net............... $ 46,839 $ 33,988 ========== ========== ===========
During 1997 the Company recorded a charge relating to the impairment of certain long-lived fixed assets of approximately $2.9 million. 4. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS The Company leases several warehouse and office facilities from affiliates (see Note 8). Rent expense under those leases aggregated approximately $1,584,000, $1,901,000$1,584,000 and $2,130,000$1,901,000 for the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 1997 and 1996,1997, respectively. 5. LONG-TERM DEBT Long-term debt consists of the following (in thousands): 1999 1998 1997------ ------- ------Secured loan (a)................................$2,374 $ 3,158 Mortgage loan (a)........................... $2,016 $ 1,972 Secured loan (b) ........................... 3,158 Other....................................... 12 ------ -------................................. 2,016 ----- ----- Total long-term debt...................debt....................... 2,374 5,174 1,984 Less: current maturities...............maturities................... 634 2,681 12 ------ ------- $ 1,740 $ 2,493 $ 1,972 ======= ============= At December 31, 1998,1999, the aggregate maturities of long-term debt are as follows (in thousands): AMOUNT ------ 1999..................................................--------- 2000................................ $ 2,681 2000................................................... 665 2001................................................... 665 2002................................................... 665 2003................................................... 498 -------634 2001................................. 634 2002................................. 634 2003................................. 472 ---------- $ 5,174 =======2,374 ========== (a) A subsidiary of the Company entered into a mortgage agreement in the amount of 1.2 million Pounds Sterling due in its entirety in June 1999, with interest payable semi-annually at a rate of 9.6 percent per annum. The mortgage is secured by land and building with an aggregate net book value of 2.4 million Pounds Sterling at December 31, 1998. The mortgage contains certain covenants calling for timely reporting of financial information, restrictions on changes in ownership and employment levels by such subsidiary. As of December 31, 1998 the Company was in compliance with those covenants. (b) subsidiary of the Company entered into a 5five year loan agreement in the amount of 26.7 million Swedish Krone which is payable in quarterly installments having commenced in November 1998 with interest payable quarterly at a rate of LIBOR plus 200 basis points. The loan is secured by substantially all of the assets of the Company's United Kingdom subsidiaries. The Company maintains lines of credit with various financial institutions. The maximum aggregate amountsamount available under these lines of credit were $101.7was $74 million at December 31, 1998 including $4.21999. There was $9.0 million denominated in a foreign currency (2.5 million Pounds Sterling). No amounts were outstanding under these lines at December 31, 1998.1999. These lines accrue interest at variable rates based on either the prime rate or LIBOR. The prime rate was 8.5 percent and LIBOR were 8was 5.82 percent and 5.1 percent, respectively, at December 31, 1998. The foreign currency line is secured by substantially all of the assets of the Company's United Kingdom subsidiaries.1999. These lines expire on various dates through December 1999.2000. Associated with the lines of credit, the Company may have outstanding letters of credit equal to the amount of the total line less outstanding borrowings. At December 31, 19981999 there was $100,000were $1,150,000 of outstanding standby letters of credit. 6. SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY In May, 1998 the Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program to acquire up to 1,350,000 (subsequently increased to 4,350,000) common shares on the open market. The Company purchased an aggregate of 2,103,990890,300 shares during 1999 at an aggregate cost of $10.1 million and 2,103,900 shares during 1998 at an aggregate cost of $28.6 million. As required by law, certain foreign subsidiaries must retain a percentage of shareholders' capital in the respective company. Accordingly, a portion of retained earnings is restricted and not available for distribution to shareholders. Such amount at December 31, 19981999 was not material. STOCK OPTION PLANS - The Company has twothree fixed option plans which reserve shares of common stock for issuance to key employees, directors, consultants and advisors to the company. The following is a description of these plans: THE 1995 LONG-TERM STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN - This plan allows the Company to issue qualified, non-qualified and deferred compensation stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock and restricted unit grants, performance unit grants and other stock based awards authorized by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. Options issued under this plan expire ten years after the options are granted and generally become exercisable ratably on the third, fourth, and fifth anniversary of the grant date. A maximum total number of 2.0 million shares may be granted under this plan of which a maximum of 800,000 shares may be of restricted stock and restricted stock units. No award shall be granted under this plan after December 31, 2005. A total of 1,628,8481,987,684 options were outstanding under this plan as of December 31, 1998.1999. THE 1995 STOCK OPTION PLAN FOR NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTORS - This plan provides for automatic awards of non-qualified options to directors of the company who are not employees of the Company or its affiliates. All options granted under this plan will have a ten year term from grant date and are immediately exercisable. A maximum of 100,000 shares may be granted for awards under this plan. This plan will terminate the day following the tenth annual stockholders meeting. A total of 14,000 options were outstanding under this plan as of December 31, 1998.1999. THE 1999 LONG-TERM STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN - This plan was adopted on October 25, 1999 with substantially the same terms and provisions as the 1995 Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan, restricting the awards to non-qualified stock options authorized by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. A maximum total number of 2.0 million shares may be granted under this plan. No award shall be granted under this plan after December 31, 2009. A total of 424,700 options were outstanding under this plan as of December 31, 1999. The Company accounts for these plans in accordance with Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25 "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees", under which no compensation costs have been recognized for stock options. Had compensation costs of the plans been determined under a fair value alternative method as stated in Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensations", the Company would have prepared a fair value model for such options and recorded such amount in the accompanying consolidated financial statements as compensation expense. On a pro forma basis, net income for 1998, 1997 and 1996 would have been $33.9 million for 1999, $39.8 million for 1998 and $37.7 million and $42.3 million respectivelyfor 1997, and diluted earnings per common share for 1998, 1997 and 1996 would have been $0.95 for 1999, $1.07 for 1998 and $0.99 and $1.11 respectively.for 1997. The Company arrived at the fair value of stock grant at the date of the grant by using the Black-Scholes pricing option model with the following assumptions used for grants: risk-free interest rate of 6.0% (1999), 5.9% (1998), and 6.2% (1997) and 6.1% (1996); expected dividend rate of 0% for 1999, 1998 1997 and 1996;1997; expected level of 3.67 years (1999), 3.78 years (1998), and 3.75 years (1997) and 4 years (1996); and expected volatility of 48% (1999), 38% (1998), 35% (1997) and 35% (1996)(1997). The stock options outstanding at December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997 have a weighted average contractual level of 7.8 years, 7.7 years and 8 years, respectively. The following table reflects the plan activity for the years ended December 31, 1996,1999, 1998 and 1997: YEAR-END OPTIONS FOR SHARES OPTION PRICES --------- ---------------- Outstanding, January 1, 1997 and 1998:
OPTIONS FOR SHARES OPTION PRICES Outstanding, January 1, 1996 865,500 $17.50 to $26.88 Granted 365,150 $27.19 to $49.13 Cancelled (24,150) $17.50 TO $49.13 ------- ---------------- Outstanding, December 31, 1996 1,206,500 $17.50 to $49.13 Granted 604,146 $17.50 to $18.41 Cancelled (505,698) $24.38 TO $49.13 -------- ---------------- Outstanding, December 31, 1997 1,304,948 $17.50 to $39.06 Granted 469,450 $12.38 to $17.50 Cancelled (131,550) $17.50 TO $18.41 --------- ---------------- Outstanding, December 31, 1998 1,642,848 $12.38 to $39.06 ===========
1,206,500 $17.50 to $49.13 Granted 604,146 $17.50 to $18.41 Cancelled (505,698) $24.38 TO $49.13 -------- ---------------- Outstanding, December 31, 1997 1,304,948 $17.50 to $39.06 Granted 469,450 $12.38 to $17.50 Cancelled (131,550) $17.50 TO $18.41 -------- ---------------- Outstanding, December 31, 1998 1,642,848 $12.38 to $39.06 Granted 848,700 $ 7.31 to $ 7.88 Cancelled (65,164) $12.38 TO $18.41 --------- ---------------- Outstanding, December 31, 1999 2,426,384 $ 7.31 to $39.06 ========= The following table summarizes information for the three years ended December 31, 19981999 concerning currently outstanding and exercisable options:
1999 1998 1997 1996 -------------------------- --------------------------- ------------------------------------------------- WEIGHTED-AVERAGE WEIGHTED AVERAGE WEIGHTED AVERAGE Fixed Options ............................ SHARES EXERCISE PRICE SHARES EXERCISE PRICE SHARES EXERCISE PRICE ------- ------------- ------ --------------- ------ ---------------------------------- ------ ---------------- Fixed Options Outstanding at beginning of year...... 1,304,948 $19.28 1,206,500 $25.45 865,500 $ 20.49 Granted .............................. 469,450 $14.49 604,146 $19.19 365,150 $ 36.80 Cancelled ............................ (131,550) $17.64 (505,698) $33.90 (24,150) $ 19.39 ---------- ----------- ------- Outstanding at end of year............year ......... 1,642,848 $18.04 1,304,948 $19.28 1,206,500 $25.45 Granted .................................. 848,700 $ 25.45 ========== ==========7.32 469,450 $14.49 604,146 $19.19 Cancelled ................................ (65,164) $17.14 (131,550) $17.64 (505,698) $33.90 ------- -------- -------- Outstanding at end of year ............... 2,426,384 $14.34 1,642,848 $18.04 1,304,948 $19.28 ========= ========= ========= Options exercisable at year end.......end .......... 595,050 335,550 189,000 139,000 Weighted average fair value per option granted during the year.....year ........ $3.02 $5.77 $13.05 $13.57
As of DecemberAS OF DECEMBER 31, 1998: Range of Weighted-Average Weighted-Average Weighted-Average Exercise Number Remaining Exercise Number Exercise Price Outstanding Contractual Life Price Exercisable Price - -------------------- --------------1999: RANGE OF WEIGHTED-AVERAGE WEIGHTED-AVERAGE WEIGHTED-AVERAGE EXERCISE NUMBER REMAINING EXERCISE NUMBER EXERCISE PRICE OUTSTANDING CONTRACTUAL LIFE PRICE EXERCISABLE PRICE --------------------- ------------- ------------------ ---------------- ------------ -------------------------------- ----------- ------------------- $12.38$ 7.31 to $17.50 1,360,348 7.85 $16.46 196,550 $17.38 $17.51$ 15.00 1,081,700 9.60 $ 8.41 $ 15.01 to $22.50 48,500 8.69 $18.73 5,000 $21.56 $22.51$ 20.00 1,105,684 6.48 $ 17.42 456,050 $ 17.40 $ 20.01 to $30.00 230,000 6.64 $26.88 130,000 $26.87 $30.01$ 30.00 235,000 5.64 $ 26.76 135,000 $ 26.68 $ 30.01 to $39.06$ 39.06 4,000 7.33 $39.066.33 $ 39.06 4,000 $39.06 ---------- ------- $12.38$ 39.06 ----- ----- $ 7.31 to $39.06 1,642,848 7.71 $18.04 335,550 $21.38 ==========$ 39.06 2,426,384 7.79 $ 14.34 595,050 $ 19.65 ========= =======
An aggregate of 420,348 options granted during 1997, with exercise prices ranging from $24.38 to $49.13, were re-priced on April 28, 1997 with an exercise price of $17.50, which represented the market price of the common stock at such date. All other terms of these options remained unchanged. 7. INCOME TAXES The provision for income taxes consists of the following (in thousands):
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31 1998 1997 1996 ---------------------- -------- ---------- -------- Current: Federal $ 22,072 $ 23,274 $ 23,140 State 4,259 4,107 3,787 Foreign 2,242 1,041 1,038 Deferred (2,749) (5,279) (865) Change in valuation allowance 143 580 -------- -------- --------- Total $ 25,824 $ 23,286 $ 27,680YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31 1999 1998 1997 ---------------------- ------- -------- --------- Current: Federal $ 18,145 $ 22,072 $ 23,274 State 3,558 4,259 4,107 Foreign 1,648 2,242 1,041 Deferred 1,160 (2,749) (5,136) -------- -------- --------- Total $ 24,511 $ 25,824 $ 23,286 ======== ======== ========= ========= =========
Income taxes are accrued and paid by each foreign entity in accordance with applicable local regulations. A reconciliation of the difference between the income tax expense and the computed income tax expense based on the Federal statutory corporate rate is as follows (in thousands):
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31 1999 1998 1997 1996 ---------------------- -------- ---------- ----------------- --------- --------- Income tax at Federal statutory rate $ 21,183 $ 23,477 $ 21,734 $ 24,984 State and local income taxes, net of Federalfederal tax benefit 2,461 2,511 2,092 2,456 Foreign tax less than domestic rate (192) (232) (463) Net operating losses utilized (276) (165) (335)with no benefit provided 932 Other items, net 304 (143) 1,038(65) (164) (540) -------- -------- --------- ---------$ 24,511 $ 25,824 $ 23,286 $ 27,680 ======== ======== =========
The deferred tax assets (liabilities) are comprised of the following:following (in thousands):
1999 1998 1997 ------------------ ----------------------- ------ Current: Current: Deductible assets.................................................... $(4,106)assets.................................. $(5,380) $ (3,649)(4,106) Non-deductible accruals and reserves..................................reserves................ 10,129 10,040 7,458 Non-deductible assets.................................................assets............................... 1,692 986 553 Foreign net operating loss carryforwards 26 Other.................................................................Other............................................... (72) (55) (329) ------- --------- Current.......................................................... $------ -------- Current........................................ 6,369 6,865 4,059 ------- --------- Non-current: Foreign net operating loss carryforwards 5,642 5,658 4,980 Accelerated depreciation..............................................depreciation............................ (968) (1,147) (1,243) Basis differences from acquisitions...................................acquisitions................. 792 1,063 1,843 Valuation allowances..................................................allowances................................ (3,126) (2,490) (2,458) ------- --------- Non-current....................................................... 3,084 3,122 ------ -------- Total........................................................Non-current..................................... 2,340 3,084 ------ -------- Total...................................... $ 9,9498,709 $ 7,1819,949 ======= ========
The foreign net operating loss carryforwards generally expire at dates through 2007 except for carryforwards in the United Kingdom and Germany, which have no expiration. In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standard 109 "Accounting for Income Taxes", the Company maintains valuation allowances against its foreign net operating loss carryforwards since, at this time, the realizability of the related deferred tax benefits can not be reasonably assured. 8. COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENCIES AND OTHER MATTERS LEASES - The Company is obligated under operating lease agreements for the rental of certain office and warehouse facilities and equipment which expire at various dates through December 2013. At December 31, 19981999 future minimum annual lease payments for related and third-party leases were as follows (in thousands):
RELATED PARTY THIRD PARTY TOTAL 1999................................ $ 1,584 $ 3,718 $ 5,302 2000................................ 1,584 3,849 5,433 2001................................ 1,224 3,515 4,739 2002................................ 1,224 3,219 4,443 2003................................ 1,224 3,158 4,382 2004-2008........................... 4,743 12,692 17,435 2009-2013........................... 3,781 3,781 --------- -------- ------- $ 11,583 $ 33,932 $ 45,515 ===========RELATED PARTY THIRD PARTY TOTAL -------------- ----------- -------- 2000................ $ 1,314 $ 4,614 $ 5,928 2001................ 1,224 4,869 6,093 2002................ 1,224 4,410 5,634 2003................ 1,224 4,163 5,387 2004................ 1,224 3,752 4,976 2005-2009........... 3,519 16,174 19,693 2010-2014........... 2,258 2,258 -------- -------- ------- $ 9,729 $ 40,240 $ 49,969 ======== ========
Rent======== Annual rent expense for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 aggregated approximately $8,223,000 for 1999, $7,665,000 for 1998 and $7,151,000 and $7,406,000, respectively.for 1997. GUARANTEES - The Company has guaranteed a mortgage obtained by an affiliate ($2 million at December 31, 1998) relating to property which the Company leases from the affiliate. Additionally the Company's U.K. subsidiaries have granted a security interest for substantially all of their assets to secure a loan and a line of credit with a U.K. financial institution. LITIGATION - In March 1998December 1999 the Company initiated legal action againstsettled its lawsuit with a bankrupt former supplier and its lenders (the "Defendants") seekinglenders. After the payment of a declaration that the Company has contractual rights of offset against indebtedness to the supplier, including $4 million drawn by one of the lenders under a letter of credit and monetary damages of $2.8 million. In September 1998 the Defendants deniedcash settlement, the Company's allegations and counterclaimedfourth quarter results of operations were positively impacted ($3.0 million net of tax) by the reversal of amounts previously reserved for amounts outstanding togetherin connection with damages totaling $12.2 million. The Company believes that the Defendants' claims are without merit and asked the Court to dismiss the counterclaims. Management believes that the ultimate outcome of this matter will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.lawsuit. The Company has been named as a defendant in other lawsuits incidental to its business. Management of the Company, based on discussions with legal counsel, believes the ultimate resolution of these lawsuits will not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial position or results of operations. COMMITMENT - The Company has exercised an option to purchase a new building to replace its Georgia warehouse facility, leased from a related party. The purchase price is $12 million and is payable during the first quarter of 2000. CONTINGENCY - The Company is required to collect sales tax on certain of its out-of-state sales. In accordance with current law,laws, approximately 16%14% of the Company's 19981999 domestic sales were subject to sales tax. A changeChanges in law could require the Company to collect sales tax in additional states. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - Certain of the U.S. subsidiaries participate in defined contribution 401(k) plans covering eligible employees as defined by the plan document. Contributions to the plans by the Company are determined as a percentage of the employees' contributions. Aggregate expense to the Company for contributions to such plans was approximately $437,000 in 1999, $397,000 in 1998 and $373,000 and $267,000 in the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.1997. Liabilities accrued by certain foreign entities for employee termination indemnities, determined in accordance with labor laws and labor agreements in effect in the respective country, were not material. FOREIGN EXCHANGE RISK MANAGEMENT - The Company has limited involvement with derivative financial instruments and does not use them for trading purposes. The Company may enter into foreign currency options or forward exchange contracts to hedge certain foreign currency transactions. The intent of this practice is to minimize the impact of foreign exchange rate movements on the Company's operating results. As of December 31,1998,31,1999, the Company had no outstanding forward exchange contracts. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - Financial instruments consist primarily of investments in cash, trade account receivables, accounts payable and debt obligations. The Company estimates the fair value of financial instruments based on interest rates available to the Company and by comparison to quoted market prices. At December 31, 19981999 and 1997,1998, the fair value of the Company's financial instruments approximated their carrying values. CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK - Concentrations of credit risk with respect to trade account receivables are limited due to the large number of customers comprising the Company's customer base. 9. SEGMENT AND RELATED INFORMATION In 1998 the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standard 131 "Disclosure About Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information". The Company evaluated its business in accordance with the statement and determined that it is engaged in a single reportable segment which markets and sells various business products. The Company's product offerings include personal computers (PC's), computer related products, industrial products and office products and are monitored for sales trends and profitability in these sub-categories. Products are marketed through an integrated system of direct mail catalogs, a network of major account sales representatives and proprietary e-commerce internetInternet web-sites. Financial information relating to the Company's operations by geographic area was as follows:
NET SALES (A) ----------------------------------------------------------- 1998 1997 1996 --------------- ---------------- ------------------ North America $1,121,250 $875,152 $677,815 Europe 314,404 270,236 234,078 ------- ------- ------- Consolidated $1,435,654 $1,145,388 $911,893follows (in thousands): NET SALES ---------------------------------------------- 1999 1998 1997 ---- ---- ---- North America $1,263,401 $1,121,250 $875,152 Europe 491,071 314,404 270,236 ------- ------- ------- Consolidated $1,754,472 $1,435,654 $1,145,388 ========== ========== ========== ========
a) Revenues are attributed to countries based on location of selling subsidiary.
LONG LIVED ASSETS ----------------------------------------------------------- 1998 1997 1996 --------------- ---------------- ------------------ North America $79,254 $77,135 $32,169 Other (principally Europe) 11,346 5,524 3,254 ------ ------- ------- Consolidated $90,600LONG-LIVED ASSETS ---------------------------------------------- 1999 1998 1997 ---- ---- ---- North America $ 91,590 $ 79,254 $77,135 Europe 28,933 11,346 5,524 ------ ------ ----- Consolidated $ 120,523 $ 90,600 $82,659 $35,423 ======== ======= ========
======== ======= 10. SUBSEQUENT EVENT On February 4, 1999, an affiliate of the Company acquired for cash consideration all of the outstanding shares of Simply Computers Limited ("Simply") of London, England. SIMPLY is a privately held computer products and internet marketer which also assembles private label PC's. The acquisition was funded through current cash reserves. 11. QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED) Quarterly financial data is as follows (in thousands, except for per share amounts):
FIRST SECOND THIRD FOURTH 1999 QUARTER QUARTER QUARTER QUARTER ---- ------- ------- ------- ------- Net sales................................. $421,651 $413,800 $440,659 $478,362 Gross profit.............................. $ 79,312 $ 76,222 $ 77,697 $ 81,294 Net income................................ $ 10,763 $ 5,230 $ 9,314 $ 10,705 Net income per common share: Basic and diluted................ $.30 $.15 $.26 $.30
FIRST SECOND THIRD FOURTH 1998 QUARTER QUARTER QUARTER QUARTER ---- ------- ------- ------- ------- Net sales.................................sales................................ $358,358 $ 330,452$330,452 $359,771 $387,073 Gross profit............................ $ 75,369 $ 67,056 $ 71,604 $ 74,527 Net income.............................. $ 12,865 $ 7,619 $ 9,561 $ 11,207 Net income per common share: Basic and diluted.............. $ .34 $ .20$.34 $.20 $.26 $ .31 FIRST SECOND THIRD FOURTH 1997 QUARTER QUARTER QUARTER QUARTER ---- ------- ------- ------- ------- Net sales................................. $273,537 $ 259,485 $ 259,661 $352,705 Gross profit............................ $ 69,407 $ 64,167 $ 57,289 $ 74,679 Net income.............................. $ 12,088 $ 11,665 $ 2,136 $ 12,923 Net income per common share: Basic and diluted.............. $ .32 $ .31 $ .06 $ .34$.31
* * * * * * * EXHIBIT INDEX EXHIBIT NO. DESCRIPTION - ------ -------------------------------------------------------------------- 3.1 Certificate of Incorporation of Registrant(1) 3.2 By-laws of Registrant(1) 3.3 Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation changing the Company's name to Systemax Inc.(7) 4.1 Stockholders Agreement(2) 10.1 Form of 1995 Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan(3)* 10.2 Exchange Agreement dated as of May 8, 1995 between certain stockholders of the Predecessor Companies and the Company(1) 10.3 Lease Agreement dated October 14, 1992 between the Company and 2RB Associates Co. (Port Washington facility)(1) 10.4 Lease Agreement dated September 20, 1988 between the Company and Addwin Realty Associates (Port Washington facility)(1) 10.4A Amendment to Lease Agreement dated September 29, 1998 between the Company and Addwin Realty Associates (Port Washington facility)(8) 10.5 Lease Agreement dated May 25, 1989 between the Company and Addwin Realty Associates (Suwanee facility)(1) 10.6 Lease Agreement dated as of July 17, 1997 between the Company and South Bay Industrials Company (Compton facility)(4) 10.7 Build-to-Suit Lease Agreement dated April, 1995 among the Company, American National Bank and Trust Company of Chicago and Walsh, Higgins & Company (Naperville facility)(1) 10.8 Lease Agreement dated September 17, 1998 between Tiger Direct, Inc. and Keystone Miami Property Holding Corp. (Miami facility)(5) 10.9 Rent Guaranty dated as of October 14, 1992 by the Company to the Bank of New York(1) 10.10 Royalty Agreement dated June 30, 1986 between the Company and Richard Leeds, Bruce Leeds and Robert Leeds, and Addendum thereto(1) 10.11 Consulting Agreement dated as of December 22, 1992 between the Company and Paul Leeds(1)* 10.12 Form of 1995 Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors(3)* 10.13 Consulting Agreement dated as of January 1, 1996 between the Company and Gilbert Rothenberg(3)* 10.14 Asset Purchase Agreement dated September 12, 1997 among Infotel, Inc., Mark L. Runkle, Midwest Micro Corp. and the Company(6) 10.15 Employment Agreement dated as of December 12, 1997 between the Company and Steven M. Goldschein(4)* 19.1 Specimen stock certificate of Registrant 19.2 Form of 1999 Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan(9)* 21 Subsidiaries of the Registrant 23 Consent of experts and counsel: Consent of Independent Public Accountants 27 Financial Data Schedule (EDGAR version only) - --------- 1 Incorporated herein by reference to the Company's registration statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 33-92052). 2 Incorporated herein by reference to the Company's quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 1995. 3 Incorporated herein by reference to the Company's registration statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-1852). 4 Incorporated herein by reference to the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997. 5 Incorporated herein by reference to the Company's quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 1998. 6 Incorporated herein by reference to the Company's report on Form 8-K dated September 26, 1997. 7 Incorporated herein by reference to the Company's report on Form 8-K dated May 18, 1999. 8 Incorporated herein by reference to the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998. 9 Incorporated herein by reference to the Company's report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 1999. * Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement