Blockbuster Income Statement
Blockbuster Income Statement
Blockbuster Income Statement
FORM 10-K
⌧ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005.
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 001-15153
BLOCKBUSTER INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
DELAWARE 52-1655102
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification Number)
1201 Elm Street
Dallas, Texas 75270
(214) 854-3000
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of Each Class Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
Class A Common Stock, $.01 par value per share New York Stock Exchange
Class B Common Stock, $.01 par value per share New York Stock Exchange
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities
Act. Yes No⌧
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the
Act. Yes No ⌧
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 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 of the registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in
Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer (as
defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Large accelerated filer ⌧
Accelerated filer Non-accelerated filer
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes No ⌧
As of June 30, 2005, which was the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, the
aggregate market value of the registrant’s common stock held by non-affiliates was $1,512,058,109, based on the closing price of
$9.12 per share of Class A common stock and $8.58 per share of Class B common stock as reported on the New York Stock
Exchange composite tape on that date.
As of March 1, 2006, 119,454,598 shares of Class A common stock, $0.01 par value per share, and 72,000,000 shares of Class B
common stock, $0.01 par value per share, were outstanding.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of our definitive proxy statement to be filed for our 2006 annual meeting of stockholders are incorporated by reference
into Parts II and III of this Form 10-K. In addition, our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on November 15, 2005 is incorporated by reference into Item 5 of Part II of this Form 10-K.
THIS ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K IS BEING DISTRIBUTED TO STOCKHOLDERS IN LIEU OF A SEPARATE
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO RULE 14a-3(b) OF THE ACT AND SECTION 203.01 OF THE NEW YORK STOCK
EXCHANGE LISTED COMPANY MANUAL.
BLOCKBUSTER INC.
TABLE OF CONTENTS TO FORM 10-K
Page
PART I
Item 1. Business 1
Item 1A. Risk Factors 20
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments 35
Item 2. Properties 36
Item 3. Legal Proceedings 36
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders 36
PART II
Item 5. Market for Our Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities 37
Item 6. Selected Financial Data 38
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 39
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 69
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 70
Item 9. Changes In and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure 133
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures 133
Item 9B. Other Information 135
PART III
Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant 136
Item 11. Executive Compensation 136
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters 137
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions 137
Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services 137
PART IV
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules 138
DISCLOSURE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
This annual report on Form 10-K contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements may also
be included from time to time in our other public filings, press releases, our website and oral and written presentations by
management. Specific forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current
facts and include, without limitation, words such as “may,” “will,” “expects,” “believes,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “estimates,”
“projects,” “targets,” “seeks,” “could,” “intends,” “foresees” or the negative of such terms or other variations on such terms or
comparable terminology. Similarly, statements that describe our strategies, initiatives, objectives, plans or goals are forward-looking.
These forward-looking statements are based on management’s current intent, belief, expectations, estimates and projections
regarding our company and our industry. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties,
assumptions and other factors that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual results may vary materially from what is expressed in or
indicated by the forward-looking statements. The risk factors set forth below under “Item 1A. Risk Factors,” and other matters
discussed from time to time in subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the “Disclosure Regarding
Forward-Looking Information” and “Risk Factors” sections of our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, among others, could affect
future results, causing these results to differ materially from those expressed in our forward-looking statements. In that event, our
business, financial condition, results of operations or liquidity could be materially adversely affected and investors in our securities
could lose part or all of their investments. Accordingly, our investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-
looking statements since, while we believe the assumptions on which the forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, there
can be no assurance that these forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate.
Further, the forward-looking statements included in this Form 10-K and those included from time to time in our other public
filings, press releases, our website and oral and written presentations by management are only made as of the respective dates thereof
and we undertake no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statement in this Form 10-K or in other documents, our
website or oral statements for any reason, even if new information becomes available or other events occur in the future.
PART I
Item 1. Business
BLOCKBUSTER OVERVIEW
Blockbuster Inc. is a leading global provider of in-home rental and retail movie and game entertainment, with over 9,000 stores
in the United States, its territories and 24 other countries as of December 31, 2005.
We operate in the highly competitive home video and home video game industries, which include in-home movie (i.e., theatrical
movie, television series and direct-to-video product) and game entertainment offered primarily by traditional (i.e., “in-store”) retail
outlets, online retailers and cable and satellite providers. We believe our offering of both in-store and online movie and game rental
and in-store retail products has uniquely positioned us to meet the entertainment needs of our customers. However, the increasing
availability of in-home entertainment through delivery methods other than traditional in-store models has led to significant challenges
for us. Our 2005 results reflect the decline in the in-store home video rental industry, which we believe was caused by various factors
including competition from other sources of in-home entertainment and other leisure activities, in addition to a weak slate of titles
released to home video during most of 2005.
During 2004 and 2005, we focused on an investment strategy that we believe is essential to confront the significant challenges
facing our company and industry. Specifically, we have invested in various strategic initiatives, which we believe will help offset our
declining in-store rental revenues, add incremental future revenues and support future profitability growth. These initiatives include
our “no late fees” program, BLOCKBUSTER Online®, in-store subscription programs, movie and game trading and expanded game
concepts. During 2005, we focused our efforts on the “no late fees” program and BLOCKBUSTER Online. The “no late fees”
program was launched to eliminate our most prevalent customer complaint with the movie rental experience and to combat our
competitors’ use of “late fees” as a means of differentiating their service offerings. In locations where this program was implemented,
we stopped charging extended viewing fees, commonly referred to as “late fees,” on all movie and game rentals.
Domestic Operations
In-Store
As of December 31, 2005, we had 5,696 stores operating under the BLOCKBUSTER® brand and other brand names in the
United States and its territories. Of the 5,696 stores, 1,079 were operated through our franchisees. The stores operating under the
BLOCKBUSTER brand offer movie and game rental and new and traded movie and game product to our customers. Our stores
operating under other brand names include (i) 94 specialty retail game stores operating under the name RHINO VIDEO GAMES®
which offer new and traded games; (ii) 92 stores operating under the Movie Brands Inc. umbrella which offer rental and retail movie
and game product; and (iii) 35 MOVIE TRADING CO. ® stores which primarily offer movie and game product for sale or trade.
Effective January 1, 2005, we implemented the “no late fees” program at all of our BLOCKBUSTER-branded company-
operated stores and certain participating franchise stores in the United States.
During the fourth quarter of 2005, we completed the sale of our domestic subsidiary, D.E.J. Productions Inc., for consideration
of $22.5 million. In addition, we are currently reviewing our asset portfolio with a focus on optimizing profitability through our core
Blockbuster-branded businesses.
Online
In mid-2004, we launched BLOCKBUSTER Online in the United States and a smaller online subscription service in the United
Kingdom. Our internet-based subscription services allow customers to rent DVDs by mail and offer substantially more titles than our
stores, including a wide array of both new release and catalog DVDs.
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We believe that our online offerings allow us to retain and attract additional customers who prefer the convenience of renting online,
including those customers located in a geographic area where we do not presently have a convenient store location. Additionally, we
believe that our ability to integrate our online service with our in-store offerings provides us with a distinct competitive advantage. To
take advantage of this distinction, we have expanded our cross-promotional efforts between our online service and our store locations.
For example, BLOCKBUSTER Online subscribers receive two free in-store movie rental coupons each month, providing our
customers with an incentive to come to our stores. Beginning in February 2006, new BLOCKBUSTER Online subscribers receive
one free in-store movie rental coupon each week that expires weekly. Existing BLOCKBUSTER Online subscribers can elect to opt
into this program or continue to receive two free in-store movie rental coupons that expire monthly. We have found that many of our
in-store customers spend more with us after joining BLOCKBUSTER Online because of our cross-promotional efforts. To further
take advantage of this incremental spending, during 2005, we increased the promotion of our online service in our store locations by
offering prepaid online services for purchase by our customers.
During the second quarter of 2005, we began fulfilling some BLOCKBUSTER Online orders through inventory from certain
company-operated and franchise store locations and expanded this fulfillment process to approximately 1,000 stores by the end of
2005. We believe this integrated approach, which further combines our online and in-store capabilities, will allow us to get movies to
customers faster in remote locations while also allowing us to use our existing in-store labor, product and real estate resources to
reduce overall costs.
Our online subscription services require significant ongoing subscriber acquisition investment in order to tap into this growing
market and build a customer base large enough to allow this business to be profitable. As of December 31, 2005, we had
approximately 1.2 million BLOCKBUSTER Online subscribers and we remain committed to achieving our goal of two million
subscribers by the end of 2006.
International Operations
As of December 31, 2005, we also had 3,346 stores operating under the BLOCKBUSTER brand and other brand names owned
by us located in 24 markets outside of the United States. Of these stores, 805 were operated through our franchisees. In the Republic
of Ireland and Northern Ireland, we operate under the XTRA-VISION® brand name due to its strong local brand awareness. In the
United Kingdom, we operate freestanding and store-in-store game locations under the brand name GAMESTATION®. In Australia,
Italy, Mexico and Denmark, we also operate freestanding and store-in-store game locations under the GAME RUSH ® brand. In 2005,
32.5% of our worldwide revenues were generated outside of the United States, compared to 30.5% in 2004 and 26.2% in 2003. As
discussed in more detail below in “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,”
the overall increase in revenues generated outside of the United States reflects the continued growth in international retail sales, the
addition of freestanding game stores in certain international markets, the elimination of extended viewing fees in the United States
and the impact of favorable foreign exchange rates. Our international operations are more dependent on retail sales and, in particular,
the retail game industry. During 2005, retail sales comprised approximately 46% of our international revenues, which were largely
driven by the freestanding and store-in-store game locations discussed above. Additional information regarding our revenues and
long-lived assets by geographic area is included in Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements.
Effective January 29, 2005, we implemented the “no late fees” program at all of our stores in Canada. In 2006, we will continue
to research and review consumer propositions in our international markets, including testing strategic initiatives that may be
appropriate for those markets. In addition, we will continue to evaluate our international markets and make investment decisions
based on local market conditions and our desire to better focus on key international markets. As part of our evaluation process, we
may also consider the divestiture of or other strategic alternatives with regard to some or all of our international operations upon
acceptable terms.
We maintain offices for each major region and most of the countries in which we operate in order to manage, among other
things, (i) store development and operations; (ii) marketing; and (iii) the purchase, supply and distribution of product.
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INDUSTRY OVERVIEW
Of those distribution channels, the retail home video industry includes the sale and rental of movies on DVD and VHS by:
• traditional video store retailers such as Blockbuster and other businesses with video store operations, such as Movie Gallery;
• online retailers, such as BLOCKBUSTER Online, Netflix and Amazon.com; and
• other retailers, including mass merchant retailers such as Wal-Mart, Best Buy and Target.
Consumer Spending. According to estimates from Kagan Research, LLC (“Kagan”), consumer spending for in-home movie
viewing in the overall home video industry increased from about $25.5 billion in 2004 to about $28.2 billion in 2005 and is projected
to increase to about $37.0 billion by 2010. Of the $28.2 billion in overall home video industry revenues during 2005, about $26.8
billion were generated by the retail home video industry. The remainder of the revenues for the overall home video industry were
generated by pay-per-view and other specialized cable and satellite services.
Of the $26.8 billion in revenues generated by the retail home video industry during 2005, about $18.7 billion were generated by
sales of movies and about $8.1 billion were generated by in-store and online rentals of movies. This compared to about $16.2 billion
of revenues that were generated by sales of movies and about $8.1 billion that were generated by in-store and online rentals of movies
during 2004. While the retail home video industry is projected to grow over the next several years, Kagan projects that movie rental
revenues will decline, from approximately $8.1 billion in 2005 to about $6.7 billion in 2010. While Adams Media Research
(“Adams”) also predicts a decline in movie rental revenues over the same period, they do not predict as substantial a decline as Kagan
does. Because of the many variables affecting movie rental revenues, it is difficult to predict fluctuations in the movie rental industry
with certainty. For example, beginning late in the second quarter of 2005 and continuing through the end of the year, the domestic in-
store home video rental industry declined faster than industry analysts had previously anticipated. Adams estimates that the in-store
movie rental industry declined approximately 9% in 2005 alone. We believe that this decline was caused primarily by (i) a weak slate
of titles released to home video during most of 2005; (ii) increased competition from retail mass merchant sales of low-priced DVDs,
online rentals and other sources of in-home entertainment such as digital video recorders and other devices that are capable of
downloading content for in-home viewing; and (iii) competition from other forms of leisure entertainment.
The continued growth in the retail home video industry reflects the movie studios’ continued “sell-through” pricing to home
video retailers for DVDs. As discussed in more detail below under “—Our Operations—Suppliers and Purchasing Arrangements,”
unlike the historically high wholesale pricing for VHS product, substantially all DVD product is released at a price to the home video
retailer that is low enough to allow for affordable pricing for sales to consumers at the same time as movies are released to consumers
for rental. This sell-through pricing has given consumers the option to purchase DVDs instead of, or in addition to, renting them and
has enabled consumers to build home film libraries. Yet, while movie sales are estimated to have increased during 2005, rental
transactions continued to exceed sales transactions. According to industry statistics, during 2004, rentals represented approximately
69.6% of the total number of industry transactions and sales represented
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approximately 30.4% of the total number of industry transactions. During 2005, rentals represented approximately 64.4% of the total
number of industry transactions and sales represented approximately 35.6% of the total number of industry transactions. We believe
that rentals continue to provide a compelling proposition for consumers because movie rentals offer relatively low cost entertainment
and because video rental stores and online rental websites provide a convenient opportunity for customers to browse from among a
very broad selection of movie titles.
In addition, we believe that the increased market penetration of the DVD format has been important for the rental industry. The
number of U.S. DVD households is estimated to have increased from 64.8% of U.S. television households at the end of 2004 to
74.9% of U.S. television households by the end of 2005. Kagan projects that this will increase to 83.6% of U.S. television households
by the end of 2006 and to 94.5% of U.S. television households by the end of 2010. However, despite increased DVD penetration,
according to estimates of ICR CENTRIS, the number of console DVD households (meaning households that have a DVD player
connected to their television) that actively purchase DVDs decreased approximately 5% from 31.1 million console DVD households
during an average month of the fourth quarter of 2004 to 29.6 million console DVD households during an average month of the fourth
quarter of 2005, while the frequency of purchases has declined approximately 6%, from 3.9 units to 3.7 units per console DVD
household during an average month. During that same time, the number of console DVD households that actively rent DVDs
increased approximately 2% from 27.5 million console DVD households during an average month of the fourth quarter of 2004 to
28.2 million console DVD households during an average month of the fourth quarter of 2005, while the frequency of rentals has not
changed, remaining at 4.8 rentals per console DVD household during an average month. We also believe that our efforts to increase
consumer satisfaction, such as our “no late fees” program, our Guaranteed in Stock rental program and our in-store and online rental
subscription programs, will enhance the relevance of movie rentals to consumers and help drive rental business in the future.
Kagan projects that the percentage of overall home video industry revenues generated by the retail home video industry will
decline somewhat in the future; however, we believe that the DVD format will drive continued growth in the retail home video
industry due to increasing popularity of in-home theater systems and related enhanced viewing and sound capabilities, and the
anticipated launch of high-definition DVD. In addition, we believe that the superior sound and picture quality of DVD as opposed to
VHS, as well as its ease of use as compared with other digital distribution propositions, will help drive growth in the retail home
video industry. We also believe that there are continued opportunities in the consumer market for used DVDs.
Studio Release Schedule to Home Video Retailers. A competitive advantage that the U.S. retail home video industry currently
enjoys over most other movie distribution channels, except theatrical release, is the early timing of its “distribution window.” As
discussed below under “—Worldwide Retail Home Video Industry—Key Source of Movie Studio Revenue,” the retail home video
industry is a critical source of revenue to U.S. movie studios. In order to maximize this revenue, studios currently release their movies
to different distribution channels at different points in time. The first major distribution channel after theatrical release is currently
home video (rental and retail, including mass merchant retail). The home video distribution window is typically exclusive against
most other forms of non-theatrical movie distribution, such as pay-per-view, video-on-demand, premium television, basic cable and
network and syndicated television. The length of this exclusive distribution window for home video retailers varies, but, since the
mid-1990s, has averaged between 43 and 54 days for domestic home video retailers. Thereafter, movies are made sequentially
available to the television distribution channels.
Recently, there has been a great deal of media coverage regarding potential industry-wide changes to the studio release schedule
and there has been some experimentation with the current distribution windows, including simultaneous video-on-demand and DVD
releases. We believe, however, that while the industry’s practice with respect to the home video distribution window may change at
any time, the studios have a vested interest in maintaining the home video distribution window so that they are able to maximize
revenues generated by the retail home video industry. In addition, a portion of the attention regarding the studio release schedule has
centered around the possible shortening of time between theatrical release and release on home video. We believe that if this
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were to occur, it would benefit our business because movies would be made available to consumers for rental or purchase earlier and
because rental would provide a cheaper alternative to viewing a movie at the theater.
In addition, although the distribution window is a significant advantage to the U.S. retail home video industry, its advantage to
traditional home video retailers with core rental businesses has been diminished due to the sell-through pricing of DVDs. “Sell-
through pricing” is the process by which substantially all DVD titles are released at a price to the home video retailer that is low
enough to allow for an affordable sales price by the retailer to the consumer from the beginning of the retail home video distribution
window. Sell-through pricing has resulted in significant competition from mass merchant retailers, as movies are released for rental
and sale at the same time. Studio pricing is discussed further below under “—Our Operations—Suppliers and Purchasing
Arrangements” and “Item 1A. Risk Factors—Changes in studio pricing policies have resulted in increased competition, in particular
from mass merchant retailers, which has impacted consumer rental and purchasing behavior. We cannot control or predict future
studio decisions or resulting consumer behavior, and future changes could negatively impact our profitability.”
We believe that sales and rentals by home video retailers will continue to be a key source of revenues for the movie studios. As
discussed above, rentals provide particular benefits to the studios, as video rental stores and
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online rental websites acquire and rent movies that did not generate significant revenues in the theatrical box office, thus providing
the movie studios with a reliable source of revenue for movies that would not be as popular for purchase. We believe that consumers
are more likely to rent movies that were not box office hits because:
• the relatively low cost of a movie rental encourages consumers to rent movies they might not pay to view at a theater or
desire to own; and
• video rental stores and online rental websites provide a convenient opportunity to browse from among a broad selection of
movie titles.
As discussed above under “—Domestic Home Video Industry—In-Home Movies—Studio Release Schedule to Home Video
Retailers,” we believe there is a strong economic incentive to the studios to maintain the retail home video distribution window.
However, any consolidation or vertical integration of media companies to include both content providers and digital distributors could
pose a risk to this continuation of the distribution window.
Game software sales in the United States decreased from approximately $6.2 billion in 2004 to approximately $6.1 billion in
2005. We expect game software sales to continue to decline during 2006. This reflects the cyclical nature of the home video game
industry, which has traditionally been affected by changing technology, limited hardware and software lifecycles, frequent
introduction of new products and the popularity, price and timing of new hardware platforms and software titles. The home video
game industry typically grows with the introduction of new hardware platforms and games, but tends to slow prior to the introduction
of new platforms, as consumers hold back their purchases in anticipation of new platform and game enhancements. However, we
believe that the cyclical nature of the industry, along with the sizeable number of gaming households and the substantial number of
game titles available, has contributed to the creation of a significant market for used games and games trading. Games trading enables
consumers to exchange their games for merchandise credit, discounts on other products and, in some international stores, cash.
We also believe that the game rental industry continues to play an important role in the video game cycle, due in part to the
relatively high purchase prices for game software. As discussed above, purchase prices for new platform games are expected to
increase further, due mainly to an increase in software development costs. Therefore, we believe that the difference between the retail
price and the rental price of a popular new video game title is typically high enough to make rentals an attractive alternative for
customers. In addition, we believe rental pricing provides an attractive alternative for customers who do not want to buy a game close
to the introduction of a new hardware platform. Game rentals also provide a testing ground for many consumers considering a game
purchase. However, we believe that increased retail offerings of low-priced catalog, or “value,” games and increased games trading
by us and our competitors compete with game rentals and sales of previously rented game product. We also believe that game rentals
will decline during 2006 as the supply and demand for new game titles is currently reduced in anticipation of the new game platforms.
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Competition
We operate in a highly competitive environment. We believe our most significant competition comes from (i) retailers that rent,
sell or trade movies and games; (ii) providers of direct delivery home viewing entertainment or other alternative delivery methods of
entertainment content; (iii) piracy; and (iv) other competition.
Competition with Retailers that Rent, Sell or Trade Movies and Games. These retailers include, among others:
• mass merchant retailers, such as Wal-Mart, Best Buy and Target;
• local, regional and national video and game stores, such as Movie Gallery and GameStop;
• Internet sites, including online movie rental services, such as Netflix and Amazon.com;
• toy and entertainment retailers; and
• supermarkets, pharmacies and convenience stores.
We believe that the principal factors we face in competing with retailers that rent, sell or trade movies and games are:
• consumer preference between purchasing and renting movies and games;
• alternative product distribution channels and the perceived convenience of such alternative channels to the customer;
• pricing;
• convenience and visibility of store locations;
• quality, quantity and variety of titles in the desired format; and
• customer service.
In particular, while the studios’ promotion of DVDs for simultaneous sale and rental has served to lower the wholesale cost of
DVDs to us, it has also resulted in increased competition from mass merchant retailers, as discussed under “Item 1A. Risk Factors—
Changes in studio pricing policies have resulted in increased competition, in particular from mass merchant retailers, which has
impacted consumer rental and purchasing behavior. We cannot control or predict future studio decisions or resulting consumer
behavior, and future changes could negatively impact our profitability.”
Competition with Providers of Direct Delivery Home Viewing Entertainment or Other Alternative Delivery Methods of
Entertainment Content. These providers include direct broadcast satellite, cable, digital terrestrial, network and syndicated television,
Internet content providers and other providers of alternative delivery methods of entertainment content. We believe that a competitive
risk to our video store business comes from direct broadcast satellite, digital cable television, high-speed Internet access and other
alternatives for delivering videos to consumers. Further growth in the direct broadcast satellite and digital cable subscriber bases
could cause a smaller number of movies to be rented from us if viewers were to favor the expanded number of conventional channels
and expanded programming, including sporting events, offered through these services. Direct broadcast satellite, digital cable and
“traditional” cable providers not only offer numerous channels of conventional television, they also offer pay-per-view movies, which
permit a subscriber to pay a fee to see a selected movie, and other specialized movie services. Some digital cable providers and a
limited number of Internet content providers have also implemented technology referred to as “video-on-demand,” which transmits
movies and other entertainment content on demand with interactive capabilities such as start, stop and rewind. Other examples of
alternative delivery methods of entertainment content include personal video recorders, downloadable DVDs, video vending
machines, disposable DVDs and video downloads to portable devices. Any consolidation or vertical integration of media companies
to include both content providers and digital distributors
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could pose additional competitive risk to our business. The risks associated with this competition are discussed further under “Item
1A. Risk Factors—We cannot predict the impact that the following may have on our business: (i) new or improved technologies or
video formats, (ii) alternative methods of content delivery or (iii) changes in consumer behavior facilitated by these technologies or
formats and alternative methods of content delivery. We also compete generally for the consumer’s entertainment dollar and leisure
time.” and “Item 1A. Risk Factors—Our video business would lose a competitive advantage if the movie studios were to shorten or
eliminate the home video retailer distribution window or otherwise adversely change their current practices with respect to the timing
of the release of movies to the various distribution channels.”
Piracy. We compete against the illegal copying and sale of movies and video games. Because piracy is an illegal activity, it is
difficult to quantify its exact impact on the home video industry. The primary methods of piracy affecting the home video industry are
(i) the illegal copying of theatrical films at the time they are first run, (ii) the illegal copying of DVDs that are authorized by the
studios solely for retail sale and/or rental by authorized retailers and (iii) the illegal online downloading of movies. These methods of
piracy enable the low-cost sale of DVDs, as well as free viewing and sharing of DVDs, both of which compete with rentals and sales
by authorized retailers like us. Competition from piracy has increased in recent years, in particular in our international markets, due in
part to developments in technology that allow for faster copying and downloading of DVDs. Piracy has had a lesser effect on the
video game industry in the United States, but has been a significant hindrance to the development of the home video game industry in
many international markets, particularly in Latin America and Asia.
Other Competition. We also compete generally for the consumer’s entertainment dollar and leisure time with, among others,
(i) movie theaters; (ii) Internet browsing, online gaming and other Internet-related activities; (iii) consumers’ existing personal movie
libraries; (iv) live theater; and (v) sporting events.
We cannot assure you that the competitive pressures we face will not have a material adverse effect on our company.
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OUR OPERATIONS
Site Selection. We have developed a comprehensive model that we use to find suitable locations for company-operated stores
and to assist our franchisees with finding suitable locations for franchised stores in the United States and in some of our larger
international markets. In our smaller international markets, while we have specific site selection criteria, the lack of availability,
access and reliability of local demographic, geographic and statistical data sometimes makes it difficult to develop a model that is as
comprehensive as that mentioned above. Within each targeted market, we identify potential sites for new and replacement stores by
evaluating market dynamics, some of which include population demographics, customer concentration levels and possible
competitive factors. We seek to place stores in locations that are convenient and visible to the public. We also seek to locate our
stores in geographic areas with population and customer concentrations that enable us to better allocate available resources and
manage operating efficiencies in inventory management, advertising, marketing, distribution, training and store supervision. We use
our extensive membership transaction and real estate databases to monitor market conditions, select strategic store locations and
maximize revenues without significantly decreasing the revenues of our nearby stores. We also periodically examine whether the size
and formats of our existing stores are optimal for their location and may adjust the size of or relocate existing stores as conditions
require. Our franchise program provides us with an additional avenue for maximizing our consumer reach.
As part of our efforts to reduce our cost structure, we anticipate opening fewer new company-operated stores in 2006 than in
recent years. We are also currently reviewing many of our store leases and selecting sites to close or downsize based on store
profitability. As a result, we could potentially close up to 10% of our store base over the next several years.
Store Development. The following table sets forth our store count information for both company-operated and franchised stores,
domestic and international, during 2005:
Store Locations. At December 31, 2005, in the United States and its territories, we operated 4,617 stores and our franchisees
operated 1,079 stores. The following table sets forth, by state or territory, the number of domestic stores operated by us and our
franchisees as of December 31, 2005.
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Number
of
Company- Number of
Operated Franchised Total
STATE OR TERRITORY Stores Stores (1)
Alaska — 17 17
Alabama 40 39 79
Arkansas 1 19 20
Arizona 126 7 133
California 610 55 665
Colorado 124 4 128
Connecticut 41 21 62
District of Columbia 6 — 6
Delaware 7 8 15
Florida 376 58 434
Georgia 178 33 211
Guam 3 — 3
Hawaii 25 — 25
Iowa 45 3 48
Idaho 1 14 15
Illinois 245 3 248
Indiana 72 48 120
Kansas 22 35 57
Kentucky 38 46 84
Louisiana 58 32 90
Massachusetts 66 59 125
Maryland 107 22 129
Maine 6 — 6
Michigan 161 22 183
Minnesota 67 19 86
Missouri 96 13 109
Mississippi 14 32 46
Montana — 8 8
North Carolina 160 1 161
North Dakota — 6 6
Nebraska 30 5 35
New Hampshire 15 5 20
New Jersey 133 24 157
New Mexico — 35 35
Nevada 49 8 57
New York 271 9 280
Ohio 187 2 189
Oklahoma 65 5 70
Oregon 79 16 95
Pennsylvania 187 15 202
Puerto Rico — 39 39
Rhode Island — 25 25
South Carolina 70 8 78
South Dakota 2 14 16
Tennessee 54 58 112
Texas 397 116 513
Utah 65 4 69
Virginia 102 32 134
Virgin Islands — 2 2
Vermont 7 1 8
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Number
of
Company- Number of
Operated Franchised Total
STATE OR TERRITORY Stores Stores (1)
Washington 126 4 130
Wisconsin 71 11 82
West Virginia 12 7 19
Wyoming — 10 10
Domestic Store Totals 4,617 1,079 5,696
(1) This does not include non-operating stores that are leased or owned.
At December 31, 2005, outside of the United States, we operated 2,541 stores, including 204 specialty games stores operating
under the name GAMESTATION in the United Kingdom and 9 operating under the name GAME RUSH in Australia and Italy. In
addition, our franchisees operated 805 stores outside of the United States. The following table sets forth, by country, the number of
stores operated by us and by our franchisees as of December 31, 2005.
Number
of
Company- Number of
Operated Franchised Total
COUNTRY Stores Stores (1)(2)
Great Britain 915 — 915
Canada 443 — 443
Australia 64 345 409
Mexico 310 5 315
Italy 187 69 256
Ireland (Republic) and Northern Ireland 200 — 200
Brazil — 136 136
Taiwan 89 39 128
Spain 93 13 106
Argentina 83 1 84
Chile 82 — 82
Denmark 72 — 72
New Zealand — 39 39
Portugal — 27 27
Thailand — 22 22
Colombia — 21 21
Venezuela — 20 20
Panama — 16 16
Israel — 15 15
Dominican Republic — 12 12
Peru — 12 12
Guatemala — 8 8
El Salvador — 5 5
Uruguay 3 — 3
International Store Totals 2,541 805 3,346
United States 4,617 1,079 5,696
Domestic and International Store Totals 7,158 1,884 9,042
(1) This does not include non-operating stores that are leased or owned.
(2) In addition to the stores listed in the table, as of December 31, 2005, there were 21 video vending machines in Spain.
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Franchised Operations
We believe our franchising program is an effective way to expand our consumer reach. At December 31, 2005, approximately
225 domestic franchisees operated 1,079 stores in the United States and approximately 270 international franchisees operated 805
stores outside of the United States. Our $5.9 billion in revenues during 2005 does not include the actual revenues of our franchisees,
as we only record royalty revenues generated from our franchised operations. Under our current U.S. franchising program, we enter
into a development agreement and subsequent franchise agreement(s) with the franchisee. This process may vary with respect to our
current international franchising program. Pursuant to the terms of a typical development agreement, we grant the franchisee the right
to develop one or a specified number of stores at a permitted location or locations within a defined geographic area and within a
specified time. We generally charge the franchisee a development fee at the time of execution of the development agreement for each
store to be developed during the term of the development agreement. A development agreement is not, however, typically entered into
when a franchisee acquires an existing store from us or another franchisee. The typical franchise agreement is a long-term agreement
that governs, among other things, the operations of the store to protect our brand. We generally require the franchisee to pay us a one-
time franchise fee and continuing royalty fees, service fees and monthly payments for, among other things, maintenance of our
proprietary software. In addition, from time to time we provide optional programs and product and support services to our franchisees
for which we sometimes receive fees. We also require our franchisees to contribute funds for national advertising and marketing
programs and also require that franchisees spend an additional amount for local advertising or other marketing efforts. The amounts
our franchisees are required to contribute for national advertising and marketing efforts have been reduced for 2006 to allow our
franchisees to reinvest funds into their businesses. Additionally, as an alternative to the national advertising and marketing
contributions, starting in 2006, franchisees may opt to spend amounts equal to those they would have contributed to our national
advertising and marketing fund on their own regional advertising and marketing activities.
Our franchisees have control over all operating and pricing decisions at their respective locations. For example, our franchisees
have control over whether or not to eliminate extended viewing fees and the specific rental terms underlying any elimination of
extended viewing fees. This has resulted in variations of rental terms, selling terms and restocking fees between company-operated
and franchised BLOCKBUSTER stores, as well as variations in these terms among franchised BLOCKBUSTER stores. In the United
States, approximately 550 franchise stores implemented the “no late fees” program on January 1, 2005. As of March 1, 2006,
approximately 340 of our franchisees in the United States were participating in the “no late fees” program. We also do not require our
franchisees to purchase inventory from us. Generally, a franchisee has sole responsibility for all financial commitments relating to the
development, opening and operation of its stores, including rent, utilities, payroll and other capital and incidental expenses. We
cannot offer assurances that our franchisees will be able to achieve profitability levels in their businesses sufficient to pay our
franchise fees, as discussed in more detail below under “Item 1A. Risk Factors—Our results of operations could be materially
adversely affected if our franchisees failed to pay our franchise fees.” Furthermore, we cannot offer assurances that we will be
successful in marketing and selling new franchises, that we will continue to actively pursue new franchisees or that any new
franchisees will be able to obtain desirable locations and acceptable leases. Finally, we cannot predict the impact that our franchisees’
decisions with respect to product depth and pricing may have on our overall business results.
This enables us to focus our resources in areas that we believe will generate the best return on our investment.
During 2005, we continued to focus on offering programs that are an alternative to the programs offered by mass merchant
retailers and other online subscription service providers. For example, in the United States, we introduced our “no late fees” program
in January of 2005, reintroduced our Guaranteed in Stock rental program in June of 2005 and continued to offer our in-store movie
and game subscription services, the BLOCKBUSTER Movie Pass® and the BLOCKBUSTER Game Pass®. Additionally, we
continued our BLOCKBUSTER Rewards® program, expanded DVD and game trading significantly in our U.S. locations and offered
in-store rental coupons to our BLOCKBUSTER Online subscribers. Each of these is discussed below.
• No Late Fees. The “no late fees” program eliminates extended viewing fees on movies and games at all of our company-
operated BLOCKBUSTER stores in the United States and Canada and at certain participating franchise locations in the
United States.
• Guaranteed in Stock. The Guaranteed in Stock program offers customers the assurance that certain popular newly released
video titles will be in stock or the customer will receive a coupon that can be redeemed for a free rental of that movie within
the following 30 days.
• BLOCKBUSTER Movie Pass and BLOCKBUSTER Game Pass. These programs allow customers to rent a select number of
titles for one price and keep them for whatever period of time that they desire during the term of the pass, subject to certain
limitations.
• BLOCKBUSTER Rewards. This premium in-store membership program is designed to offer benefits to our customers and
enhance customer loyalty by encouraging our customers to rent movies and games only from our stores.
• DVD and Game Trading. DVD and game trading allows our customers to trade in used product for merchandise credit,
discounts on other products and, in some international stores, cash.
• In-Store Movie Rental Coupons for BLOCKBUSTER Online Subscribers. This promotion offers BLOCKBUSTER Online
subscribers free in-store movie rental coupons, providing them with an incentive to come to our stores.
We continued our customer relations management (“CRM”) business strategy to build relationships with specific customer
segments in order to maintain our high-value customers and introduce our customers to our strategic initiatives. By segmenting our
customer base and targeting our direct marketing channel communications, we believe we are improving the effectiveness and
efficiency of our direct marketing efforts in traditional channels such as direct mail, as well as non-traditional channels such as e-mail
and point of sale. Specific to our strategic initiatives, we believe our existing capabilities help drive customers to both our in-store and
online subscription services. In addition to using our existing CRM systems, we have built and are continuing to build new CRM
systems specific to online subscription that will help us understand online consumer behavior in regards to web traffic and rental
patterns.
We believe that our CRM activities positively impact our ability to drive incremental store visits, consumer spending and
customer retention rates. We are communicating with customers at critical junctions in the “customer lifecycle,” and we believe we
are driving changes to their activity to enhance our business. Additionally, we continue frequent and consistent relationship-building
activities with customers via e-mail, an extremely low-cost communication channel, and by leveraging our direct mail database.
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In 2005, our advertising expenses remained relatively flat as compared to those in 2004. During 2005, we focused our
advertising on growing BLOCKBUSTER Online and on our “no late fees” program. Worldwide, during 2005, we incurred $255.3
million in advertising expenses, which included $208.0 million in the United States and $47.3 million outside of the United States,
compared to $257.4 million in advertising expenses during 2004, which included $203.9 million in the United States and $53.5
million outside of the United States. Of the $208.0 million in advertising expenses that we incurred domestically during 2005,
approximately $60 million was incurred during the first two quarters of 2005 in connection with the marketing and implementation of
our “no late fees” program. In addition, we incurred approximately $30 million of additional selling and advertising expenses,
including subscriber acquisition costs, in support of the growth of BLOCKBUSTER Online during 2005. Our advertising focus
during 2006 will primarily be in support of growing BLOCKBUSTER Online. Meanwhile, we anticipate that the studios will
continue their spending to advertise new DVD releases. In addition, some of our business alliances, including some of those with the
studios, allow us to direct a portion of their home video advertising expenditures. For example, we often receive cooperative
advertising funds from the studios that might be used for direct mail or point-of-purchase advertising.
During 2006, we will continue to take advantage of studio advertising of new releases and our use of cost effective direct
marketing tools. We also expect to reduce our selling, general and administrative expenses by approximately $100 million from 2005
to 2006 and anticipate that a significant portion of these savings will be realized through lower marketing expenses. As such, we will
continue to evaluate our advertising and marketing expenses in 2006 and determine the appropriate spending to support our strategic
initiatives. We will also continue to adjust our core advertising and marketing spend as necessary depending on market opportunities.
Revenue-sharing arrangements were significant to us historically due to otherwise relatively high wholesale prices for VHS
rental product, which made it difficult for home video retailers to purchase enough copy depth to satisfy consumer demand. Studio
pricing for movies released to home video retailers historically was based on whether or not a studio desired to promote a movie for
both rental and sale to the consumer, or primarily for rental, from the beginning of the home video distribution window. In order to
promote a movie title for rental, the title would be released to home video retailers at a price that was too high to allow for an
affordable sales price by the retailer to the consumer at the beginning of the retail home video distribution window. As rental demand
subsided, the studio would reduce pricing in order to then allow for reasonably priced sales to consumers. The initial period during
which the movie was released with higher pricing was referred to as the “rental window.”
Currently, substantially all DVD titles are released at a price to the home video retailer that is low enough to allow for an
affordable sales price by the retailer to the consumer from the beginning of the retail home video distribution window. When the
home video market shifted towards the sell-through priced DVD format, the overall significance to us of revenue-sharing
arrangements generally declined, as the lower sell-through pricing for DVD product enabled us to acquire significant quantities of
product with or without revenue-sharing. However, the success of our movie and game passes and our elimination of extended
viewing fees has put a
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strain on the availability of the newest releases, and we are working to improve this availability through new revenue-sharing and
other copy depth programs. During 2005, we continued to increase our use of revenue- sharing arrangements for DVD product as an
important part of our focus on increasing rental margins by allowing us the flexibility to increase our copy depth, while providing a
lower degree of risk to our movie rental gross margin than purchases under traditional arrangements. However, product not returned
at the end of the rental and goodwill periods is automatically purchased by the customer and might trigger an additional payment
under certain revenue-sharing agreements for the early sale of the product, which increases the cost of the revenue-sharing
arrangement. Based on market conditions and current economics, we may adjust the use of revenue-sharing arrangements in the
future.
We currently purchase most of our movie rental inventory for BLOCKBUSTER Online from a third-party distributor. During
2005, we began purchasing some of this rental product from the studios through revenue-sharing arrangements. Additionally, we
began fulfilling some of our online rentals from our non-revenue sharing stock in store locations during 2005.
In our international markets, more than half of our movie and game rental inventory units are purchased on a title-by-title basis
through purchase orders directly from the studios or through sub-wholesalers appointed by the studios to distribute the studios’
product in particular countries. The remainder of our international rental product is purchased under revenue-sharing arrangements
similar to those discussed above. Our purchasing arrangements vary by country and studio depending on factors such as the
availability of the rental window and revenue-sharing terms.
New retail movie and game inventory is purchased from the studios or their designated sub-wholesalers on a title-by-title basis
through purchase orders. We also acquire retail movie and game inventory through our trading programs. We purchase general
merchandise that is complementary to our rental and retail movie and video game inventory, such as confection, game and other
accessories and consumer electronics, from a variety of suppliers on a product-by-product basis through purchase orders.
We require each franchisee to comply with basic guidelines that set forth the minimum amount and selection of movies to be
kept in its store inventory. Franchisees typically obtain movies from their own suppliers and are also responsible for obtaining some
of the other complementary products from their own suppliers. However, if we have purchased the distribution rights to a movie or if
a franchisee participates with us under our revenue-sharing arrangements, the franchisee may obtain the applicable product from us.
We believe our distribution center gives us a significant advantage over some of our competitors that primarily use third-party
distributors because we are able to process and distribute a greater quantity of products while reducing costs and improving services
to our stores. The distribution center supports substantially all of our company-operated stores in the United States and operates 24
hours a day, six days a week. As of December 31, 2005, we employed about 955 employees at our distribution center.
In addition to our distribution center in McKinney, we also have 30 distribution centers spread strategically throughout the
United States to support BLOCKBUSTER Online. These online distribution centers are spread
15
across the country because we use the United States Postal Service to distribute our online product, and the closer the distribution
center is to a customer, the faster the customer receives the product. During 2005, we also began fulfilling online rental product orders
from approximately 1,000 stores. We believe this integration will reduce overall product costs and improve margin.
Franchisees generally obtain their products directly from third-party suppliers, except for their point-of-sale systems’ hardware
and software, some accessories and supplies, movies for which we have exclusive distribution rights and movies for franchisees that
participate in our franchisee revenue-sharing programs, which domestic franchisees receive from our distribution center.
In our international markets, our stores generally receive rental product directly from the studios or sub-wholesalers. Retail
product is generally distributed through a central warehouse for the market or through a third-party distributor.
All of our BLOCKBUSTER-branded company-operated stores use our point-of-sale system. Our national point-of-sale system
in the United States is linked with a data center located in our distribution center. The point-of-sale system tracks all of our products
distributed from the distribution center to each U.S. store using scanned bar code information. All domestic rental and sales
transactions are recorded by the point-of-sale system when scanned at the time of customer checkout. At the end of each day, the
point-of-sale system transmits store data from operations to the data center and the membership transaction database.
During 2005, we implemented a new enterprise resource planning system, which included Financial, Human Resource and
Payroll modules, to replace certain of our existing finance, accounting, payroll and benefits administrative systems.
In 2005, we continued significant investment in our strategic initiatives, including BLOCKBUSTER Online, where we
implemented systems that allow us to fulfill online rental product orders from our stores, thereby enabling us to get movies to
customers faster in remote locations.
Regulation
Domestic Regulation
We are subject to various federal, state and local laws that govern the access to and use of our video stores by disabled
customers and the disclosure and retention of customer records, including laws pertaining to the use of our membership transaction
database. We also must comply with various regulations affecting our business, including federal, state or local securities, advertising,
consumer protection, credit protection, franchising, licensing, zoning, land use, construction, second-hand dealer, environmental,
health and safety, minimum wage, labor and employment, trading activities and other regulations.
We are also subject to the Federal Trade Commission’s Trade Regulation Rule entitled “Disclosure Requirements and
Prohibitions Concerning Franchising and Business Opportunity Ventures” and state laws and regulations that govern the offer and
sale of franchises and franchise relationships. If we want to offer and sell a franchise, we are required to furnish to each prospective
franchisee a current franchise offering circular prior to the offer or sale of a franchise. In addition, a number of states require us to
comply with registration or filing requirements prior to offering or selling a franchise in the state and to provide a prospective
franchisee with a current franchise offering circular complying with the state’s laws, prior to the offer or sale of the franchise. We
intend to maintain a franchise offering circular that complies with all applicable federal and state franchise sales
16
and other applicable laws. However, if we are unable to comply with federal franchise sales and disclosure laws and regulations, we
will be unable to offer and sell franchises anywhere in the United States. In addition, if we are unable to comply with the franchise
sales and disclosure laws and regulations of any state that regulate the offer and sale of franchises, we will be unable to offer and sell
franchises in that state.
We are also subject to a number of state laws and regulations that regulate some substantive aspects of the franchisor-franchisee
relationship, including:
• those governing the termination or non-renewal of a franchise agreement, such as requirements that:
(a) “good cause” exist as a basis for such termination; and
(b) a franchisee be given advance notice of, and a right to cure, a default prior to termination;
• requirements that the franchisor deal with its franchisees in good faith;
• prohibitions against interference with the right of free association among franchisees; and
• those regulating discrimination among franchisees in charges, royalties or fees.
Compliance with any of the regulations discussed above is costly and time-consuming, and we cannot assure you that we will
not encounter difficulties, delays or significant costs in connection with such compliance.
International Regulation
We are subject to various international laws that govern the disclosure and retention of customer records. For example, the laws
pertaining to the use of our membership transaction database in some markets outside of the United States are more restrictive than
the relevant laws in the United States and may restrict data flow across international borders.
We must also comply with various other international regulations affecting our business, including advertising, consumer
protection, access to and use of our video stores by disabled customers, credit protection, film and game classification, franchising,
licensing, zoning, land use, construction, second-hand dealer, environmental, health and safety, minimum wage and other labor and
employment regulations. Some foreign countries have copyright and other intellectual property laws that differ from the laws of the
United States. These laws may prevent or limit certain types of business activity in the affected markets.
Similar to the United States, some foreign countries have franchise registration and disclosure laws affecting the offer and sale
of franchises within their borders and to their citizens. They are often not as extensive and onerous as U.S. laws and regulations.
However, as in the United States, failure to comply with such laws could limit or preclude our ability to expand in those countries
through franchising or could affect the enforceability of franchise agreements.
Historical Information
Our business and operations were previously conducted by Blockbuster Entertainment Corporation, which was incorporated in
Delaware in 1982 and entered the movie rental business in 1985. Blockbuster Inc., formerly an indirect subsidiary of Viacom Inc.
(“Viacom”) was incorporated under a different name on October 16, 1989 in Delaware. On September 29, 1994, Blockbuster
Entertainment Corporation was merged with and into Viacom. Subsequent to the merger, our business and operations were conducted
by various indirect subsidiaries of Viacom. Over the year and a half prior to our initial public offering in August 1999, our business
and operations were either (1) merged into Blockbuster Inc. or (2) purchased by Blockbuster Inc. and/or one of its subsidiaries. In
October 2004, Blockbuster Inc. split-off from Viacom and became a fully independent company.
Intellectual Property
Trademarks. We own various existing trademark registrations and have trademark applications pending registration with respect
to our services and products offered worldwide. These include BLOCKBUSTER ®,
17
BLOCKBUSTER VIDEO ®, TORN TICKET Logos, blockbuster.com®, BLOCKBUSTER Online®, BLOCKBUSTER Night®,
BLOCKBUSTER GiftCard/s®, BLOCKBUSTER Game Pass® and BLOCKBUSTER Movie Pass® word marks and logos,
BLOCKBUSTER Rewards® and the related BLOCKBUSTER Family of Marks, GAME RUSH® word mark and logo, LIFE AFTER
LATE FEES.THE START OF MORE™, BE KIND RETURN ON TIME™, THE MOVIE STORE AT YOUR DOOR®, RENTING
IS BETTER THAN EVER™, THE GIFT OF ENTERTAINMENT®, MAKE IT A BLOCKBUSTER NIGHT®, QUIK DROP®,
MOVIE TRADING CO. ®, MR. MOVIES®, RHINO VIDEO GAMES®, GAMESTATION ®, and XTRA-VISION ®, among others, and
trade dress elements including the blue and yellow awning outside our stores. In addition, we own the domain name registration for
“blockbuster.com” and various “blockbuster” top level and country domain names, and a wide variety of other domain names
registrations worldwide. We consider our intellectual property rights to be among our most valuable assets.
Copyrights. In addition to our own intellectual property rights, the scope of the rights of those who own copyrights in the
products we rent also are of importance to us. The copyright “first sale” doctrine provides that, in the United States, the owner of a
legitimate copy of a copyrighted work may, without the consent of the copyright owner, sell, rent or otherwise transfer possession of
that copy. The first sale doctrine does not apply to sound recordings or computer software (other than software made for a limited
purpose computer, such as a video game platform) for which the U.S. Copyright Act vests the right to control the rental of the copy in
the copyright holder. The first sale doctrine does not exist in most countries outside of the United States where the copyright owner
retains the rental rights to a copyrighted work. In these countries, home video retailers must obtain the right to rent videos to
consumers through a licensing arrangement or a “purchase-with-the-right-to-rent” arrangement. Studios may charge these home video
retailers more for product purchased for rental than product purchased solely for sale to consumers. This is commonly referred to as
“two-tiered pricing.” The potential impact of studio pricing decisions in countries where two-tiered pricing is allowed is discussed
under “Item 1A. Risk Factors—Changes in studio pricing policies have resulted in increased competition, in particular from mass
merchant retailers, which has impacted consumer rental and purchasing behavior. We cannot control or predict future studio decisions
or resulting consumer behavior, and future changes could negatively impact our profitability.” The risk of changes in U.S. and
international copyright laws is discussed under “Item 1A. Risk Factors—We are subject to governmental regulation particular to the
retail home video industry and changes in U.S. or international laws may adversely affect us.”
Seasonality
There is a distinct seasonal pattern to the home video and video games business, with slower business in April and May, due in
part to improved weather and Daylight Saving Time, and in September and October, due in part to the start of school and the
introduction of new television programs. The months of November and December have historically been our highest revenue months.
While we expect these months to continue to make the largest contributions to our rental revenues, we believe the strength of rental
revenues in these months has been and will continue to be negatively affected, to some degree, by consumers purchasing DVDs
during the holiday season. The popularity of our rental subscription passes has helped us mitigate, to some extent, the impact of
seasonality on our business by providing a steady revenue stream across all months.
Employees
As of December 31, 2005, we employed about 72,600 persons, including about 50,300 within the United States and about
22,300 outside of the United States. Of the total number of U.S. employees, about 17,300 were full-time, about 30,700 were part-time
and about 2,300 were seasonal employees. We believe that our employee relations are good.
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Executive Officers of the Registrant
The following information regarding our executive officers is as of March 1, 2006.
Set forth below is a description of the background of each of our executive officers.
John F. Antioco has served as our chairman of the board of directors and chief executive officer since 1997 and served as our
president from 1997 until 2001. Mr. Antioco serves as chairman of the board of directors of Main Street Restaurant Group, Inc. and is
a member of the board of governors of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
Frank G. Paci has served as our executive vice president, strategic planning and business development since February 2006 and
served as our executive vice president, finance and accounting, strategic planning and development from January 2005 until February
2006. He served as our executive vice president, finance, strategic planning and development from 2003 to 2005 and as senior vice
president, strategic planning and finance operations from 2001 to 2003. Mr. Paci also served as our senior vice president, strategy and
planning from 2000 to 2001 and senior vice president international finance and worldwide mergers and acquisitions from April 2000
until October 2000. Mr. Paci served as senior vice president of international finance and administration from 1999 to 2000.
Nicholas P. Shepherd has served as our executive vice president and president, Blockbuster North America since May 2005 and
served as our executive vice president and president, U.S. store operations from November 2004 until May 2005. He also served as
our executive vice president, chief marketing and merchandising officer from 2003 until 2004 and as our executive vice president,
merchandising and chief concept officer from 2001 until 2003. Mr. Shepherd also served as our senior vice president and chief
concept officer from April 2001 until September 2001. From 1998 until 2001, Mr. Shepherd served as our senior vice president,
international.
Christopher J. Wyatt has served as our executive vice president and president, international, since 2001 and served as our
president, international, from March 2001 until October 2001. Mr. Wyatt served as our senior vice president, international, from 1999
until 2001.
Larry J. Zine has served as our executive vice president and chief financial officer since 1999 and as our chief administrative
officer since September 2001. Mr. Zine currently serves as a director of Petro Stopping Centers, L.P. and is also a member of the
board of trustees for the National Urban League.
The address of our Internet website is www.blockbuster.com, and the Investor Relations section of Blockbuster’s website may
be accessed directly at http://investor.blockbuster.com. Through links on the Investor
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Relations portion of our website, we make available free of charge our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q,
current reports on Form 8-K and any amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such material is made available through our website as soon as reasonably practicable
after we electronically file the material with, or furnish it to, the SEC. The information contained on our website does not constitute
part of this annual report on Form 10-K.
Stock Listing
Blockbuster Inc. Class A and Class B common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbols BBI and
BBI.B, respectively.
NYSE Certifications
We have submitted to the New York Stock Exchange the certification of our Chief Executive Officer, dated as of June 9, 2005,
as required by Section 303A.12(a) of the New York Stock Exchange Listed Company Manual.
We have filed with the SEC the certifications of our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer required under
Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 with respect to this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The certifications are attached
hereto as Exhibits 31.1 and 31.2.
Changes in studio pricing policies have resulted in increased competition, in particular from mass merchant retailers, which
has impacted consumer rental and purchasing behavior. We cannot control or predict future studio decisions or resulting
consumer behavior, and future changes could negatively impact our profitability.
We operate in the highly competitive home video industry, which includes in-home movie entertainment offered through the
following distribution channels:
• the retail home video industry;
20
• the cable industry; and
• the satellite industry.
The retail home video industry includes the sale and rental of movies on DVD and VHS by:
• traditional home video retailers, such as Blockbuster and other businesses with video store operations, such as Movie
Gallery;
• online retailers, such as BLOCKBUSTER Online, Netflix and Amazon.com; and
• other retailers, including mass merchant retailers such as Wal-Mart, Best Buy and Target.
The studios’ current practice is generally to sequentially release their movies to different distribution channels. After the initial
theatrical release of a movie, studios generally make their movies available to home video retailers (for rental and retail, including by
mass merchant retailers) for a specified period of time. This distribution channel is typically exclusive against other forms of non-
theatrical movie distribution, including cable and satellite distribution, and is commonly referred to as the home video retailer’s
“distribution window.” This practice could change at any time, which would negatively impact our business. Recently, there has been
some experimentation with the current distribution windows, including simultaneous video-on-demand and DVD releases.
Historically, at the beginning of a particular movie title’s distribution window, the movie would be priced to home video
retailers based on the applicable studio’s decision to promote the movie to the consumer either primarily for rental, or for both rental
and sale, at the beginning of the distribution window. In order to promote a movie title primarily for rental at the beginning of the
distribution window, a studio would initially release the title to home video retailers at a price that was too high to enable them to sell
the title to consumers at an affordable price. As rental demand subsided, the studio would reduce the pricing for the movie, which
would then enable retailers to sell the title to consumers at an affordable price. The time during which the studios released the title at
the higher pricing was commonly referred to as the “rental window.” Currently, substantially all DVD titles are initially released to
home video retailers at a price that is low enough to allow them to offer movies at affordable prices to the consumer from the
beginning of the home video retailer’s distribution window. This method of pricing is commonly referred to as “sell-through” pricing,
and has improved our ability to purchase rental product at lower prices. However, the studios’ sell-through pricing policy has also led
to increasing competition from other retailers, in particular mass merchants such as Wal-Mart, Best Buy and Target. It has also led to
increased competition from online retailers. These other retailers are able, due to the lower sell-through prices, to purchase DVDs for
sale to consumers at the same time as traditional home video retailers, who, like us, purchase product for rental. In addition, some
retailers lower their sales prices in order to increase overall traffic to their stores or businesses, and mass merchants may be more
willing to sell at lower, or even below wholesale, prices to drive traffic and thereby increase sales of their other inventory items. All
of these factors have increased consumer interest in purchasing DVDs, which has resulted in increased competition and reduced the
significance of the historical rental window.
We believe that the increased consumer purchases of movies have been due in part to consumer interest in building DVD
libraries of classic movies and personal favorites and that the studios will remain dependent on traditional home video retailers to
generate revenues for the studios from titles that are not classics or current box office hits. We therefore believe the importance of the
video rental industry to the studios will continue to be a factor in studio pricing decisions. However, we cannot control or predict
studio pricing policies with certainty, and we cannot assure you that consumers will not, as a result of further decreases in studio sell-
through pricing and/or sustained or further depressed pricing by competitors, increasingly desire to purchase rather than rent movies.
Personal DVD libraries could also cause consumers to rent or purchase fewer movies in the future. Our profitability could, therefore,
be negatively affected further if, in light of any such consumer behavior, we were unable to (i) maintain or increase our rental
business; (ii) replace gross profits from generally higher-margin rentals with gross profits from increased sales of generally lower-
margin sell-through product; or (iii) otherwise
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positively affect gross profits, such as through price increases or cost reductions. Our ability to achieve one or more of these
objectives is subject to risks, including the risk that we may not be able to compete effectively with other DVD retailers, some of
whom may have competitive advantages such as the pricing flexibility described above or favorable consumer perceptions regarding
value.
Our profitability is also dependent on our ability to enter into arrangements with the studios that effectively balance cost
considerations and the number of copies of a title stocked by us. Each type of arrangement provides different advantages and
challenges for us. For example, we have benefited from sell-through pricing of DVDs because the lower cost associated with DVD
product has resulted in higher rental margins than product purchased under our historical VHS revenue-sharing arrangements. Our
profitability could be negatively affected if studios were to make other changes in their pricing policies, which could include changes
in revenue sharing arrangements, pricing or rental windows for DVDs or expanded exploitation by studios of international two-tiered
pricing laws, which allow studios to charge different prices for movies intended for rental to consumers, as opposed to sale. In
addition, we cannot predict what use the studios might make of current or future alternative supply methods, such as downloading to
stores or consumers, or what impact the use of such supply chain changes by us or our competitors might have on our profitability.
Our video business would lose a competitive advantage if the movie studios were to shorten or eliminate the home video
retailer distribution window or otherwise adversely change their current practices with respect to the timing of the release of
movies to the various distribution channels.
A competitive advantage that home video retailers currently enjoy over most other movie distribution channels, except theatrical
release, is the early timing of the home video retailer’s distribution window. As noted above, after the initial theatrical release of a
movie, the studios’ current practice is to generally make their movies available to home video retailers (for rental and retail, including
by mass merchant retailers) for specified periods of time. This distribution window is typically exclusive against most other forms of
non-theatrical movie distribution, such as pay-per-view, video-on-demand, premium television, basic cable, and network and
syndicated television. The length of this exclusive distribution window for home video retailers varies, but since the mid-1990’s, has
averaged between 43 and 54 days for domestic home video retailers. Thereafter, movies are made sequentially available to television
distribution channels. The studios’ practices with respect to the distribution windows could change at any time. Recently, there has
been some experimentation with the current distribution windows, including simultaneous video-on-demand and DVD releases.
This is because newly released movies would be made available earlier on these other forms of non-theatrical movie distribution, and
consumers might no longer need to wait until after the home video retailer distribution window to view a newly released movie on
one or more of these other distribution channels. In such event, we would need to address additional competition. According to
industry statistics, more movies are now being released to pay-per-view at the shorter end of the home video retailer distribution
window range than at the longer end. In addition, many of the major movie studios have entered into various ventures to provide
video-on-demand or similar services of their own. Increased studio participation in or support of these types of services could impact
their decisions with respect to the timing and exclusivity of the home video retailer distribution window.
We believe that the studios have a significant interest in maintaining a viable home video retail industry. However, because the
order, length and exclusivity of each window for each distribution channel is determined solely by the studio releasing the movie, we
cannot predict the impact, if any, of any future decisions by the
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studios. In addition, any consolidation or vertical integration of media companies to include both content providers and digital
distributors could pose a risk to the continuation of the home video retailer distribution window.
We cannot predict the impact that the following may have on our business: (i) new or improved technologies or video
formats, (ii) alternative methods of content delivery or (iii) changes in consumer behavior facilitated by these technologies or
formats and alternative methods of content delivery. We also compete generally for the consumer’s entertainment dollar and
leisure time.
Advances in technologies such as video-on-demand, new video formats, downloading or alternative methods of content delivery
or certain changes in consumer behavior driven by these or other technologies and methods of delivery could have a negative effect
on our business. In particular, our business could be adversely impacted if:
• newly released movies were to be made widely available by the studios to these technologies or these formats at the same
time or before they are made available to home video retailers for rental; and
• these technologies or new formats were to be widely accepted by consumers.
The widespread availability of additional channels on satellite and digital cable systems may significantly reduce public
demand for our products. Advances in direct broadcast satellite and cable technologies may also adversely affect consumer demand
for video store rentals and sales. Direct broadcast satellite providers transmit numerous channels of programs by satellite transmission
into subscribers’ homes. In addition, cable providers are taking advantage of digital technology to transmit many additional channels
of television programs over cable lines to subscribers’ homes. Because of their increased availability of channels, direct broadcast
satellite and digital cable providers have been able to enhance their pay-per-view businesses by:
• substantially increasing the number and variety of movies they can offer their subscribers on a pay-per-view basis; and
• providing more frequent and convenient start times for the most popular movies.
In addition, pay-per-view allows the consumer to avoid trips to the video store for rentals and returns of movies. However,
newly released movies are currently made available by the studios for rental prior to being made available on a pay-per-view basis. In
addition, pay-per-view does not currently provide the same start, stop and rewind capabilities as DVD or video. If, however, direct
broadcast satellite and digital cable services, including enhanced pay-per-view services, were to become more widely available and
accepted, this could have a negative effect on our video store business. This is because a smaller number of movies may be rented or
sold if viewers were to favor the expanded number of conventional channels and expanded content, including movies, specialty
programming and sporting events, offered through these services. Additionally, increases in the size of the pay-per-view market could
lead to an earlier distribution window for movies on pay-per-view if the studios were to perceive this to be a better way to maximize
their revenues.
The availability of content through personal video recorders, video-on-demand and similar other technologies may
significantly reduce the demand for our products or otherwise negatively affect our business. Any method for delivery of
entertainment content that serves as an alternative to obtaining product or services from us can impact our business. Examples of
delivery methods that have impacted, or could impact, our business are personal video recorders, video-on-demand, downloadable
DVDs, video vending machines, disposable DVDs and video downloads to portable devices.
Personal video recorders. Personal video recorders allow consumers to automatically and digitally record programs to create a
customized television line-up for viewing at any time. They also enable consumers to pause, rewind, fast forward, instant replay and
playback in slow motion any live television broadcast and are increasingly being used to download movies. Personal movie libraries
and other television entertainment recorded via personal video recorders has caused and could continue to cause consumers to rent or
purchase fewer movies in the future.
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Video-on-demand. Some digital cable providers and a limited number of Internet content providers have implemented
technology referred to as video-on-demand. This technology transmits movies and other entertainment content on demand with
interactive capabilities such as start, stop and rewind. In addition, some cable providers have introduced subscription video-on-
demand, which allows consumers to pay a flat fee per month for access to a selection of content with fast-forward, stop and rewind
capabilities. These developments could cause studios to alter the home video retailer distribution window. As discussed above, there
has been some recent experimentation with the current distribution windows, including simultaneous video-on-demand and DVD
releases. In addition to being available from most major cable providers in select markets, video-on-demand has been introduced over
the Internet, as high-speed Internet access has greatly increased the speed and quality of viewing content, including feature-length
movies, on personal computers. Moreover, one of the major studios has recently launched a video-on-demand service whereby
movies are delivered to a set-top box. We have, from time to time, tested an entertainment-on-demand service, which delivered video-
on-demand to consumers’ television sets via digital subscriber lines and fiber optic connections, and we may conduct similar tests
from time to time. The future of video-on-demand services, including any services provided by us, is uncertain. Video-on-demand
could have a negative effect on our video store business if:
• video-on-demand could be provided at a reasonable price to the customer; and
• newly released movies were made available at the same time, or before, they were made available to the home video
retailers for rental and sale.
Downloadable DVDs. The technology now exists for consumers to pay for and download movies and other content via the
Internet. While the future of downloadable DVDs is uncertain, if the studios overcome their reluctance to license content in this
manner or decide to offer product through this channel themselves, consumers might rent or buy fewer movies via the traditional in-
store or online channels in the future, and our business would be negatively impacted.
Video Vending Machines. McDonalds recently announced that they have begun renting DVDs from vending machines located
on their premises for $0.99 per day. Any time movies or games are offered to consumers at a deeply discounted price, we view this as
competition for our customers’ entertainment dollars. In addition, Movie Gallery has recently announced that it is experimenting with
branded DVD vending machines in grocery and convenience stores. Other companies may also offer video vending machines. We
cannot predict how broad the selection of movies offered via video vending machines will become or their impact on our business.
Disposable DVDs. The technology also exists for retailers to offer disposable DVDs, which allow a consumer to view a DVD
for an unlimited number of times during a specified period of time, at the end of which the DVD becomes unplayable as a result of
chemistry technology. We cannot predict the impact that this or other similar technologies will have on our business.
Video Downloads to Portable Devices. Apple Computer recently began offering its customers the ability to download music
videos and certain television shows from its iTunes music store. Customers can purchase the videos and watch them on their
computers or on a portable iPod device. We cannot predict whether Apple’s offering will expand to include movies, how broad the
selection of any movies could become or whether other companies may offer video downloads to portable devices that could provide
an alternative method of delivery for movies.
Other Competition for Consumer Dollars and Leisure Time. We compete generally for the consumer’s entertainment dollar and
leisure time with, among others, (i) movie theaters; (ii) Internet browsing, online gaming and other Internet-related activities; (iii) live
theater; and (iv) sporting events. Our results can therefore fluctuate depending on the desirability of other forms of entertainment.
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We believe that some degree of industry consolidation will be necessary in the in-store home video rental industry over the
coming years. Should we not be successful in capitalizing on this industry consolidation, our financial results may be adversely
affected.
Based upon current industry projections, we believe that over-capacity exists in the video rental market and that, as a result,
many video stores, including some of our own stores, will be forced to close in the future. If we are unable to capitalize on the store
closings of our competitors, we may be unable to grow our market share and our financial results may be adversely affected. In
addition, we have historically closed underperforming video stores and will continue to consider the closure of underperforming
stores. We are currently reviewing many of our store leases and selecting sites to close or downsize based on store profitability. As a
result, we could potentially close up to 10% of our store base over the next several years.
Our revenues could be adversely affected due to the variability in consumer appeal of the movie titles and game software
released for rental and sale.
The quality of movie titles and game software released for rental and sale is not within our control, and our results of operations
have from time to time reflected the variability in consumer appeal for such items. We cannot assure you that future releases of movie
titles and game software will appeal to consumers and, as a result, our revenues and profitability may be adversely affected.
We are dependent on the introduction and supply of new and enhanced game platforms and software to attract and retain
our video game customers.
The home video game industry has traditionally been a hit-driven business characterized by short product lifecycles and frequent
introduction of new products. Historically, the lifecycle for game platforms has been about five years, with a limited number of
platforms achieving success at any given time. The industry typically grows with the introduction of new hardware platforms and
games, but tends to slow prior to the introduction of new platforms, as consumers hold back their purchases in anticipation of new
platform and game enhancements. Additionally, during the slow period prior to the introduction of new game platforms, vendors
often reduce their prices on existing game platforms and corresponding games, thereby reducing our gross profits for these items. Our
video games business is, therefore, dependent on the introduction of new and enhanced game platforms and software in order to
attract and retain our video game customers. Delays in the introduction and/or shipment of hardware or software or any failure to
obtain sufficient product from our suppliers on favorable terms could negatively affect our business or increase fluctuations in our
results of operations.
Piracy of the products we offer or the disregard of release dates by other retailers may adversely affect our operations.
Although piracy is illegal, it is a significant threat to the home video industry. The primary methods of piracy affecting the home
video industry are (i) the illegal copying of theatrical films at the time they are first run; (ii) the illegal copying of DVDs that are
authorized by the studios solely for retail sale and/or rental by authorized retailers; and (iii) the illegal online downloading of movies.
These methods of piracy enable the low-cost sale of DVDs as well as the free viewing and sharing of DVDs, both of which compete
with rentals and sales by authorized retailers like us. Competition from piracy has increased in recent years due in part to
developments in technology that allow for faster copying and downloading of DVDs.
Although piracy is a concern in the United States, it is having a more significant adverse affect on the home video industry in
international markets. We cannot assure you that movie studios and others with rights in the product that we rent or sell can, or will,
take steps to enforce their rights against piracy or that they will be successful in preventing the distribution of pirated content.
Increases in piracy could continue to negatively affect our revenues.
Another risk that we face is the disregard by other home video retailers of the studios’ specified release dates for their titles. If
other home video retailers rent or sell product before the specified release dates
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(i.e., before us), we can be adversely affected, as the first weeks after a movie title’s release typically represent a significant portion of
the demand for that title. We cannot assure you that the studios can or will control such distribution and release practices, particularly
in countries outside of the United States.
We made significant investments in our business during 2005 by eliminating extended viewing fees and investing in
BLOCKBUSTER Online. Our investment in BLOCKBUSTER Online, together with weakness in the rental industry, has
adversely affected and may continue to adversely affect our profitability. Further, our financial results have been, and may
continue to be, adversely affected by our elimination of extended viewing fees.
During 2005, we made significant investments in two strategic initiatives designed to improve our overall rental offering. First,
we eliminated extended viewing fees on movie and game rentals at all of our company-operated BLOCKBUSTER stores in the
United States and Canada. Second, we invested heavily in BLOCKBUSTER Online. We believe that these and other of our strategic
initiatives will allow us to take advantage of emerging trends in home entertainment. However, some of our strategic initiatives have
been, or are, at the beginning of what we believe are their potential growth curves and will continue to require significant start-up
costs, including BLOCKBUSTER Online in which we intend to continue to invest during 2006.
As mentioned above, we eliminated extended viewing fees on movie and game rentals at all of our company-operated
BLOCKBUSTER stores in the United States effective January 1, 2005. In addition, approximately 340 of our franchise stores in the
United States have eliminated extended viewing fees as of March 1, 2006. Our Canadian operations adopted a similar program at all
of its stores effective January 29, 2005. In connection with our “no late fees” program, we incurred approximately $60 million in
marketing and implementation costs during 2005 and reduced rental revenues by over $500 million. If the loss of revenues and
operating income associated with the elimination of extended viewing fees is not offset by continued growth in base rental revenues
resulting from increased store traffic, less promotional and marketing activity and increased focus on managing operating expenses,
our financial results will be significantly adversely affected. In addition, we cannot control the pricing decisions of our franchisees
and therefore cannot predict the impact that such pricing decisions could have on our overall business results. Our franchisees’ control
over operating and pricing decisions is discussed in more detail under “Item 1. Business—Our Operations—Franchised Operations”
in this Form 10-K.
In addition, our online subscription services require considerable ongoing investments in order to increase our subscriber base
and implement our plan to fulfill BLOCKBUSTER Online orders from our stores. Since its launch in August 2004, BLOCKBUSTER
Online has built a subscriber base of approximately 1.2 million subscribers. Additionally, we began fulfilling some BLOCKBUSTER
Online orders from certain company-operated and franchise store locations in the second quarter of 2005 and continued to expand this
fulfillment process during the remainder of 2005. If we are unable to integrate our in-store and online capabilities fully, our gross
margin will be adversely impacted because we will be required to purchase more product to support our online operations. Both our
plan to fulfill BLOCKBUSTER Online orders from our stores and our goal of increasing our online subscriber base require
significant investment. During 2005, BLOCKBUSTER Online incurred significant operating losses and approximately $25 million in
capital expenditures. We expect to incur additional costs in the future and cannot assure you when or if BLOCKBUSTER Online will
become profitable.
Further, we have experienced challenges caused by the faster than anticipated decline in the worldwide in-store home video
rental industry. We believe that this decline has been caused primarily by (i) a weak slate of titles released to home video during most
of 2005; (ii) increased competition from retail mass merchant sales of low-priced DVDs, online rentals and other sources of in-home
entertainment such as digital video recorders and other devices that are capable of downloading content for in-home viewing;
(iii) competition from piracy in certain international markets; and (iv) competition from other forms of leisure entertainment.
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The significant investments required to develop and implement our initiatives, together with the faster than anticipated decline in
the worldwide in-store home video rental industry, adversely affected our 2005 financial results and could adversely affect our
financial results thereafter. For example, our financial results would be impacted by:
• our ability to effectively and timely prioritize and implement these and other initiatives;
• the extent and timing of our continued investment of incremental operating expenses and capital expenditures to continue to
develop and implement our initiatives, and our corresponding ability to effectively control operating expenses;
• our ability to timely implement and maintain the necessary information technology systems and infrastructure to support
shifts in consumer preferences and any corresponding changes to our initiatives; and
• the impact of competitor pricing and product and service offerings.
We have had limited experience with certain new customer proposition initiatives and cannot assure you when or if these or
future initiatives will have a positive impact on our profitability.
We have implemented and expect to continue to implement initiatives that are designed to enhance efficiency, customer
convenience and our product offerings, including initiatives to expand our online offerings to customers. The implementation of new
initiatives has involved, and will continue to involve, significant investments by us of time and money and could be adversely
impacted by (i) our inability to timely implement and maintain the necessary information technology systems and infrastructure to
support shifts in consumer preferences and any corresponding changes to our operating model, including continued support for our
initiatives and (ii) the extent and timing of our continued investment of incremental operating expenses and capital expenditures to
continue to develop and implement our initiatives and our corresponding ability to effectively control operating expenses. Because we
have limited experience with some of our strategic initiatives, we cannot assure you that they will be successful or profitable,
including success in retaining customers. Our ability to effectively and timely prioritize and implement our initiatives will also affect
when and if they will have a positive impact on our profitability.
If the average sales and rental prices for our product are not at or above expected prices, our expected gross margins may be
adversely affected.
To achieve our expected revenues and gross margins, we need to sell and rent, as applicable, our product, including previously
rented, retail and rental (whether in-store or online) product at or above expected prices. If the average sales or rental prices of such
product are not at or above these expected prices, our revenues and gross margins may be adversely affected. For example, our U.K.
games business experienced some gross margin erosion during 2005 as a result of the drastically reduced price offerings of a
competitor. In an effort to compete, we and a number of mass merchant retailers in the U.K. were forced to meet the competitor’s
reduced price offerings. As a result of the fact that prices for games in the U.K. have not yet risen to the level they were at prior to
these reduced price offerings, our gross margin with respect to our U.K. games business has suffered and may continue to suffer.
It is also important that we maximize our gross margins through our allocation of store space. We may need to turn our
inventory of previously rented and retail product more quickly in the future in order to make room in our stores for additional DVDs
or strategic initiatives. Therefore, we cannot assure you that in the future we will be able to rent or sell, on average, our product at or
above the expected price.
Other factors that could affect our ability to rent or sell our product at expected prices include:
• consumer desire to rent any of our movies and games;
• consumer desire to own a particular movie or game;
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• the amount of product available for rental or sale by others to the public; and
• changes in the price of product by the studios or changes by other retailers, particularly mass merchant retailers.
Our business plan contemplates significant cost reductions over the next two years. Should we not achieve our cost cutting
objectives, our financial results could be adversely affected.
Our business plan and expectations for the future are based on management’s assessments regarding significant cost reductions
through 2007, including aggressive reductions in operating expenses and capital expenditures. These cost cutting objectives may not
be fully achievable, and should we not reduce costs to the full extent currently contemplated, our financial results may be adversely
affected.
Our level of indebtedness may make it more difficult for us to pay our debts and more necessary for us to divert our cash flow
from operations to debt service payments.
Our total indebtedness as of December 31, 2005 was approximately $1,158.0 million. Our debt service obligations could have an
adverse impact on our earnings and cash flows for as long as the indebtedness is outstanding.
Our indebtedness could have important consequences for our business. For example, it could:
• make it more difficult for us to pay our debts as they become due during general adverse economic and market or industry
conditions because any related decrease in revenues could cause us to not have sufficient cash flows from operations to
make our scheduled debt payments;
• limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the industry in which we operate, including
limiting our ability to invest in our strategic initiatives, and, consequently, place us at a competitive disadvantage to our
competitors with less debt;
• require a substantial portion of our cash flows from operations to be used for debt service payments, thereby reducing the
availability of our cash flow to fund working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions and other general corporate purposes;
• cause our trade creditors to change their terms for payment on goods and services provided to us, thereby negatively
impacting our ability to receive products and services on acceptable terms; and
• result in higher interest expense in the event of increases in interest rates since some of our borrowings are, and will
continue to be, at variable rates of interest.
Additionally, we could incur additional indebtedness in the future and, if new debt is added to our current debt levels, the risks
above could intensify. Additional debt would further increase the possibility that we may not generate sufficient cash to pay, when
due, interest on and other amounts due in respect of our indebtedness, and would further reduce our funds available for operations,
working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions and other general purposes. Additional debt may also decrease our ability to
refinance or restructure our indebtedness, and further limit our ability to adjust to changing market conditions. If we or our
subsidiaries add new debt to our current debt levels, the related risks that we and they now face could increase.
We may not have sufficient cash flows from operating activities, cash on hand and available borrowings under our credit
facilities to service our indebtedness.
Our ability to make payments on and to refinance our indebtedness will depend on our ability to generate cash in the future.
This, to some extent, is subject to general economic, financial, competitive, industry and other factors that are beyond our control. We
cannot assure you that our future cash flow will be sufficient to meet our obligations and commitments. If we are unable to generate
sufficient cash flow from operations in the future to service our indebtedness and to meet our other commitments, we will be required
to adopt one or more
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alternatives, such as refinancing or restructuring our indebtedness, selling material assets or operations or seeking to raise additional
debt or equity capital. We cannot assure you that any of these actions could be effected on a timely basis or on satisfactory terms or at
all, or that these actions would enable us to continue to satisfy our capital requirements. In addition, our existing debt agreements,
including the indenture governing our senior subordinated notes and our credit agreement, contain restrictive covenants which may
prohibit us from adopting one or more of these alternatives, and any future debt agreements may contain similar restrictive covenants.
Our failure to comply with these covenants could result in an event of default which, if not cured or waived, could result in the
acceleration of all of our debts, which we may be unable to repay.
Any failure by us to comply with any of the restrictions in our debt agreements could result in acceleration of our debt. Were
this to occur, we might not have, or be able to obtain, sufficient cash to pay our accelerated indebtedness.
The operating and financial restrictions and covenants in our debt agreements, including our credit agreement and the indenture
governing our senior subordinated notes, may adversely affect our ability to finance future operations or capital needs or to engage in
new business activities. The debt agreements restrict our ability to, among other things:
• declare dividends or redeem or repurchase capital stock;
• prepay, redeem or repurchase other debt;
• incur liens;
• make loans, guarantees, acquisitions and investments;
• incur additional indebtedness;
• engage in sale and leaseback transactions;
• amend or otherwise alter debt and other material agreements;
• engage in mergers, acquisitions or asset sales; and
• transact with affiliates.
In addition, our debt covenants require that we maintain certain financial measures and ratios. As a result of these covenants and
ratios, we are limited in the manner in which we can conduct our business, and we may be unable to engage in favorable business
activities or finance future operations or capital needs. Accordingly, these restrictions may limit our ability to successfully operate our
business. A failure to comply with these restrictions or to maintain the financial measures and ratios contained in the debt agreements
could lead to an event of default that could result in an acceleration of the indebtedness. During 2005, we were required to enter into
three amendments to our credit agreement to modify or seek waivers for our financial covenants thereunder. For an additional
discussion of these amendments, please refer to “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations-Liquidity and Capital Resources—Capital Structure.”
Should the outstanding obligations under our credit agreement be accelerated and become due and payable because of our
failure to comply with the applicable debt covenants in the future, we would be required to search for alternative measures to finance
current and ongoing obligations of our business. If amounts outstanding under the credit agreement were called by the lenders due to
a covenant violation, amounts under other agreements, such as the indenture governing our senior subordinated notes, could also
become due and payable immediately. There can be no assurance that such financing will be available on acceptable terms, if at all.
Our ability to obtain future financing or to sell assets could be adversely affected because a very large majority of our assets have
been secured as collateral under the credit agreement. In addition, our recent financial results, our substantial indebtedness, our credit
ratings and the declining rental industry in which we operate could adversely affect the availability and terms of our financing.
Further, as discussed below, uncertainty surrounding our ability to finance our obligations has caused some of our trade creditors to
impose increasingly less favorable terms and
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continuing uncertainty could result in even more unfavorable terms from our trade creditors. In addition, there are other situations
(including a change in the composition of our board of directors, whereby the majority of directors who were serving on the board at
the time we entered into our credit agreement and indenture (or their successors or nominees) are no longer serving on the board)
where our debt may be accelerated and we may be unable to repay such debt. Any of these scenarios could adversely impact our
liquidity and results of operations or force us to file for protection under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code.
Uncertainty surrounding our ability to meet our financial obligations has adversely impacted and could continue to adversely
impact our ability to obtain sufficient product on favorable terms.
During 2005, we entered into three amendments of our credit agreement pursuant to which certain covenants in our credit
agreement were amended or waived. This, coupled with the continued declines and uncertainty in the rental industry, has caused
negative publicity surrounding our business. As a result, our flexibility with our suppliers has been affected, both domestically and
internationally. We cannot assure you that our trade creditors will not further change their terms for payment on goods and services
provided to us or that we will continue to be able to receive products and services on acceptable terms.
Our financial results could be adversely affected if we are unable to manage our inventory effectively or if we are unable to
obtain or maintain favorable terms from our suppliers.
Our purchasing decisions are influenced by many factors, including, among others, gross margin considerations and supplier
product return policies. While much of our retail movie product in the United States, but not outside the United States, is returnable to
vendors, our investments in retail movie inventory may result in excess inventories in the event anticipated sales fail to materialize. In
addition, returns of our games inventory, which is prone to obsolescence risks because of the nature of the industry, are subject to
negotiation with vendors.
Our purchasing decisions also involve predictions of consumer demand. While the growth of our in-store and online
subscription programs and our elimination of extended viewing fees have increased consumer demand for our products, these
programs, along with the recent reintroduction of our Guaranteed in Stock program for select new release titles (whereby if a
Guaranteed in Stock title is unavailable, customers will be given a rain check for a free rental of that title good for 30 days at the same
store), have increased the complexity of our purchasing decisions. In addition, the prevalence of multiple game platforms adds to the
difficulty of accurately predicting consumer demand with respect to video games. The nature of and market for our products,
particularly games and DVDs, also makes them prone to risk of theft and loss.
Our operating results could therefore suffer if we are not able to:
• obtain or maintain favorable terms from our suppliers with respect to such matters as copy depth, use of product, including
without limitation fulfillment of online orders, and product returns;
• maintain adequate copy depth to maintain customer satisfaction;
• control shrinkage resulting from theft or loss; or
• avoid significant inventory excesses that could force us to sell products at a discount or loss.
Further, as discussed above, uncertainty surrounding our ability to finance our obligations has caused some of our trade creditors
to impose increasingly less favorable terms and continuing uncertainty could result in even more unfavorable terms from our trade
creditors.
Our results of operations could be materially adversely affected if our franchisees failed to pay our franchise fees.
A portion of our revenues are derived from royalty fees through our franchising program. We may experience difficulties in
collecting our franchise fees on a timely basis, or at all, for a variety of reasons,
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including the inability of our franchisees to achieve sufficient revenues and cash flows from their stores or to otherwise effectively
operate their stores under challenging industry conditions. Lawsuits and other disputes with our franchisees may also reduce the
amount of our royalties from franchise fees. Any failure by our franchisees to pay their franchise fees to us on time or at all could
materially adversely affect our results of operations.
Any failure or inadequacy of our information technology infrastructure could harm our business.
The capacity, reliability and security of our information technology hardware and software infrastructure and our ability to
expand and update this infrastructure in response to our changing needs are important to the continued implementation of our new
customer proposition initiatives, as well as the operation of our business generally. To avoid technology obsolescence and enable
future cost savings and customer enhancements, we are continually updating our information technology infrastructure. In addition,
we intend to add new features and functionality to our products, services and systems that could result in the need to develop, license
or integrate additional technologies. Our inability to add additional software and hardware or to upgrade our technology infrastructure
could have adverse consequences, which could include the delayed implementation of our new customer proposition initiatives,
service interruptions, impaired quality or speed of the users’ experience and the diversion of development resources. Our failure to
provide new features or functionality to our systems also could result in these consequences. We may not be able to effectively
upgrade and expand our systems, or add new systems, in a timely and cost effective manner and we may not be able to smoothly
integrate any newly developed or purchased technologies with our existing systems. These difficulties could harm or limit our ability
to improve our business. In addition, any failure of our existing information technology infrastructure could result in significant
additional costs to us.
Our business model is substantially dependent on the functionality of our distribution centers.
Our domestic distribution system for our store-based operations is centralized. We ship a substantial portion of the products to
our U.S. company-operated stores through our distribution center. We also have 30 regional U.S. distribution centers to support
BLOCKBUSTER Online, our domestic online DVD subscription service. If our distribution centers became non-operational for any
reason, we could incur significantly higher costs and longer lead times associated with distributing our movies and other products. In
international markets, we utilize a variety of distribution methodologies with similar risks to those in the United States.
Our financial results have been and could further be negatively impacted by impairments of goodwill or other intangible
assets required by SFAS 142, our ability to realize our deferred income tax assets required by SFAS 109, the application of future
accounting policies or interpretations of existing accounting policies.
In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets referred to as
“SFAS 142,” we test goodwill and other intangible assets for impairment during the fourth quarter of each year and on an interim date
should factors or indicators become apparent that would require an interim test. In 2002, 2003 and 2004 we took significant charges
relating to the impairment of goodwill. See Notes 2 and 3 to the consolidated financial statements and “Item 7. Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Critical Accounting Estimates” in this Form 10-K.
In addition, in conjunction with the decline in the worldwide in-store home video rental industry and the resulting decline in our
stock price, we performed an impairment test on our goodwill balances during the third quarter of 2005 and determined that the
goodwill balance was impaired, thereby recognizing non-cash charges of $332.0 million to impair goodwill in accordance with SFAS
142. See Notes 2 and 3 to the consolidated financial statements and “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations—Critical Accounting Estimates” in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Additionally, SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes referred to as “SFAS 109,” requires us to periodically assess whether
it is more likely than not that we will generate sufficient taxable income to realize our
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deferred income tax assets. In making this determination, we consider all available positive and negative evidence and make certain
assumptions. We consider, among other things, our deferred tax liabilities, the overall business environment, our historical earnings
and losses, our industry’s current trends and our outlook for future years.
In the third quarter of 2005, we determined that it was unclear as to the timing of when we will generate sufficient taxable
income to realize deferred tax assets. This was primarily due to the negative trends in our industry which caused our actual and
anticipated financial performance to be significantly worse than we originally projected. Accordingly, during the third quarter of
2005, we recorded a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets in our domestic and certain foreign jurisdictions, which resulted
in a provision for income taxes of $115.0 million in that quarter. Until we determine that it is more likely than not that we will
generate sufficient taxable income to realize our deferred income tax assets in these markets, income tax benefits associated with
current period losses will not be recognized. At the end of 2005, we had net deferred tax assets of $177.0 million related primarily to
timing differences of depreciation and amortization, net operating losses and other tax credits for certain foreign jurisdictions where it
is more likely than not that deferred tax assets will be realized. We have a valuation allowance of $149.9 million set against these
deferred tax assets in jurisdictions where it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will not be recognized. If we do not
generate sufficient taxable income in certain foreign jurisdictions, we may not realize the remaining deferred tax assets that do not
have a valuation allowance.
A downward revision in the fair value of one of our reporting units could result in additional impairments of goodwill under
SFAS 142 and additional non-cash charges. Additionally, an expectation that future taxable income in a particular jurisdiction will be
insufficient to realize our deferred tax assets could result in additional valuation allowances under SFAS 109. Any charge resulting
from the application of SFAS 142 or SFAS 109 could have a significant negative effect on our reported net income. In addition, our
financial results could be negatively impacted by the application of existing and future accounting policies or interpretations of
existing accounting policies, including without limitation the impact of accounting policies related to our rental library and our recent
related restatement, any continuing impact of SFAS 142 or SFAS 109 or any interpretation issued in connection with Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 123R, Share-Based Payment.
We are subject to various litigation matters that could, if judgments were to be rendered against us, have an adverse effect on
our operating results.
We are a defendant in various lawsuits and may become subject to additional lawsuits in the future. If judgments were to be
rendered against us in these lawsuits, our results of operations could be adversely affected. See Note 9 to the consolidated financial
statements for a discussion of certain pending litigation matters relating to our business.
Our business and operations have been, and could further be, negatively impacted as a result of the proxy fight during 2005
and election of three dissident nominees to our board of directors. Further, if a subsequent proxy fight is waged against us and is
successful, we could be in default under our credit agreement and may be unable to finance a change of control offer under the
indenture governing our senior subordinated notes or repay our bank debt should it become accelerated.
On April 8, 2005, we were notified that a slate of dissident nominees would be proposed for election at our 2005 annual
stockholders meeting. On May 11, 2005, the dissident nominees were elected by our stockholders to serve on our board of directors.
As a result of the proxy contest and the subsequent elections of the dissident nominees, our business and operations have been, and
may further be, negatively impacted. For example:
• we incurred substantial costs associated with the proxy contest;
• the proxy contest was disruptive to our operations; and
• dissention on our board of directors may impact our ability to effectively and timely implement our initiatives and to retain
and attract experienced executives and employees.
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Further, under the terms of our credit agreement and the indenture governing our senior subordinated notes, a change in the
composition of our board of directors, including as a result of one or more director resignations, whereby the majority of directors
who were serving on the board at the time we entered into our credit agreement and indenture (or their successors or nominees) are no
longer serving on the board, could constitute a change of control. If a subsequent proxy contest is waged against us and is successful,
an event of default could result under our credit agreement, and under the indenture, we may be required to make an offer for cash to
purchase the notes at 101% of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest and additional interest, if any. We cannot
assure you that we will have the financial resources necessary to purchase the notes upon a change of control or that we will have the
ability to obtain the necessary funds on satisfactory terms, if at all. Further, our credit agreement prohibits the purchase of all of the
outstanding notes prior to repayment of the borrowings under our credit agreement and any exercise by the holders of the notes of
their right to require us to repurchase the notes will also cause an event of default under our credit agreement. We may be unable to
repay any acceleration of our debts that may arise under this scenario.
If we lose key senior management or are unable to attract and retain the talent required for our business, our operating
results could suffer.
Our performance depends largely on the efforts and abilities of our members of senior management. Our executives have
substantial experience and expertise in our business and have made significant contributions to our growth and success. We have
experienced senior management departures recently. The unexpected future loss of services of one or more of members of our senior
management team could have an adverse effect on our business. We will need to attract and retain additional qualified personnel and
develop, train and manage management-level employees. We cannot assure you that we will be able to attract and retain personnel as
needed in the future.
We are subject to governmental regulation particular to the retail home video industry and changes in U.S. or international
laws may adversely affect us.
Any finding that we have been, or are, in noncompliance with respect to, or otherwise liable under, the laws affecting our
business could result in costs, including, among other things, governmental penalties or private litigant damages, which could have a
material adverse effect on us. We are subject to various international and U.S. federal and state laws that govern the offer and sale of
our franchises because we act as a franchisor. In addition, because we operate video stores and develop new video stores, we are
subject to various international and U.S. federal and state laws that govern, among other things, the disclosure and retention of our
video rental records and access to and use of our video stores by disabled persons, and are subject to various international, U.S.
federal, state and local advertising, consumer protection, credit protection, franchising, licensing, zoning, land use, construction,
trading activities, second-hand dealer, minimum wage and labor and other employment regulations, as well as laws and regulations
relating to the protection and cleanup of the environment and health and safety matters. The international home video and video game
industry varies from country to country due to, among other things, legal standards and regulations, such as those relating to foreign
ownership rights; unauthorized copying; intellectual property rights; movie ratings, which in many countries are legal standards
unlike the voluntary standards of the United States; labor and employment matters; trade regulation and business practices;
franchising and taxation; environmental matters; and format and technical standards. Our obligation to comply with, and the effects
of, the above governmental regulations are increased by the magnitude of our operations.
Changes in existing laws, including environmental and employment laws, adoption of new laws or increases in the minimum
wage, may increase our costs or otherwise adversely affect us. For example, the repeal or limitation in the United States of certain
favorable copyright laws would have an adverse impact in the United States on our rental business. Similarly, the adoption or
expansion of laws in any other country to allow copyright owners to charge retailers more for rental product than for sell-through
product could have an adverse impact on our rental business in that country.
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Any acquisitions we make involve a degree of risk.
We have in the past, and may in the future, engage in acquisitions to expand our domestic and international rental and retail
presence. For example, during the past several years, we have made asset acquisitions of stores in the United States and in markets
outside of the United States. If these or any future acquisitions are not successfully integrated with our business, our ongoing
operations could be adversely affected. Additionally, acquisitions may not achieve desired profitability objectives or result in any
anticipated successful expansion of the acquired businesses or concepts. Although we review and analyze assets or companies we
acquire, such reviews are subject to uncertainties and may not reveal all potential risks. Additionally, although we attempt to obtain
protective contractual provisions, such as representations, warranties and indemnities, in connection with acquisitions, we cannot
assure you that we can obtain such provisions in our acquisitions or that they will fully protect us from unforeseen costs of the
acquisition. We may also incur significant costs in connection with pursuing possible acquisitions, even if the acquisition is not
ultimately consummated.
We have assumed obligations pursuant to agreements with Viacom relating to certain real estate leases guaranteed by
Viacom, which obligations may adversely affect our ability to negotiate renewals or modifications to a subset of such leases.
In October 2004, we completed our divestiture from Viacom. We entered into an amended and restated initial public offering
and split-off agreement with Viacom in connection with this divestiture. This agreement, which is referred to as the “IPO agreement,”
imposes various restrictions and limitations on our ability to renew or modify, in a manner that increases Viacom’s potential liability,
a subset of the leases guaranteed by Viacom, which could make it more difficult and expensive, and in some cases impossible, to
renew or modify certain of these leases.
We have also assumed obligations pursuant to the IPO agreement to maintain letters of credit in favor of Viacom, which
obligations reduce our borrowing capacity.
Pursuant to the IPO agreement, we have provided letters of credit, at Viacom’s expense, for the benefit of Viacom to support
Viacom’s potential liability for certain real estate lease obligations of ours. The letters of credit reduce our borrowing capacity under
the terms of our credit facilities by $150 million. Until the letters of credit or any renewals thereof are terminated, we anticipate any
future or additional lenders may treat our letter of credit obligation as if it were outstanding indebtedness when assessing our
borrowing capacity. Furthermore, if we are unable to renew or otherwise replace the letters of credit prior to their expiration as
required by the IPO agreement, Viacom has the right to draw down the full amount of the outstanding letters of credit, which may
cause us to borrow funds under our credit facility to reimburse the issuing bank. In either case, our obligation to maintain the letters of
credit may restrict or prevent us from being able to borrow amounts necessary to engage in favorable business activities, consummate
strategic acquisitions or otherwise fund capital needs.
Our tax matters agreement with Viacom prohibits us from engaging in certain corporate transactions, and we may not have
adequate funds to perform our indemnity obligations under this agreement.
In connection with our split-off from Viacom, we and Viacom entered into an amended and restated tax matters agreement,
dated as of June 18, 2004, which is referred to as the “tax matters agreement.” The tax matters agreement contains restrictions that,
among other things, prohibit us from voluntarily entering into certain transactions for a period of two years following the split-off
from Viacom, including certain merger transactions or transactions involving the sale of a significant amount of our capital stock or
assets, without Viacom’s consent. In addition, we agreed under the tax matters agreement to indemnify Viacom for any tax liability
incurred as a result of the failure of the split-off to qualify as a tax-free transaction due to a takeover of us or any other transaction
involving our capital stock, assets or businesses, regardless of whether such transaction is within our control. We may not, however,
have adequate funds to perform these indemnification obligations should they arise. These restrictions and potential liabilities may
make us less attractive to a potential
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acquiror and reduce the possibility that an acquiror will propose or seek to effect certain transactions with us during the restricted
two-year period.
We, along with Viacom and certain of Viacom’s related entities, are a party to a judgment sharing agreement arising out of
two revenue sharing antitrust cases. Should we, Viacom or Viacom’s related entities incur liability with respect to such cases, we
would be responsible for satisfying a portion of that liability.
On November 9, 2001, we entered into a judgment sharing agreement with Viacom, Paramount Home Entertainment, Inc.
(“Paramount”), Sumner Redstone and certain studio defendants in Cleveland, et al. v. Viacom Inc., et al, No. SA-99-CA-0783 in the
United States District Court for the Western District of Texas and in Merchant, et al. v. Redstone, et al., No. BC 244 270 in the
Superior Court for the State of California, County of Los Angeles, whereby we, Viacom, Paramount and Mr. Redstone agreed to be
responsible for any liability that arises out of either of the two revenue sharing antitrust cases. No liability will arise from the
Cleveland case as judgment was entered in favor of us and the other defendants and all appeals by plaintiffs failed. The Merchant
case was appealed following judgment in our favor and remanded back to the trial court for further proceedings. On June 18, 2004, in
connection with our split-off from Viacom, we entered into an agreement with Viacom, Paramount and Mr. Redstone, which we refer
to as the Viacom entities, whereby we agreed to pay a percentage allocation of any liability arising from the November 9, 2001
judgment sharing agreement of 33.33% and the Viacom entities agreed to pay 66.67% of any such liability. We cannot assure you that
we will not be held liable in the Merchant case. Therefore, we may become responsible for contributing one-third of any judgment
arising from such case.
Provisions in our charter documents, Delaware law and our tax matters agreement could make it more difficult to acquire
our company.
Our second amended and restated certificate of incorporation (“certificate of incorporation”) and amended and restated bylaws
(“bylaws”) contain provisions that may discourage, delay or prevent a third party from acquiring us, even if doing so would be
beneficial to our stockholders. Our bylaws limit who may call special meetings of stockholders to any officer at the request of a
majority of our board of directors, the chairman of the board or the chief executive officer of the company. Our certificate of
incorporation and bylaws provide that the bylaws may be altered, amended or repealed by the board of directors.
Pursuant to our certificate of incorporation, the board of directors may by resolution establish one or more series of preferred
stock, having such number of shares, designation, relative voting rights, dividend rates, liquidation or other rights, preferences and
limitations as may be fixed by the board of directors without any further stockholder approval. Such rights, preferences, privileges
and limitations as may be established could have the effect of impeding or discouraging the acquisition of control of us, which could
adversely affect the price of our equity securities.
In addition, Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law may discourage, delay or prevent a change in control by
prohibiting us from engaging in a business combination with an interested stockholder for a period of three years after the person
becomes an interested stockholder.
Further, our tax matters agreement contains provisions that make us less attractive to a potential acquiror and reduce the
possibility that an acquiror will propose or seek to effect certain transactions with us. See “—Our tax matters agreement with Viacom
prohibits us from engaging in certain corporate transactions, and we may not have adequate funds to perform our indemnity
obligations under this agreement.”
We have an office in Uxbridge, England that manages most of our international operations. We also have country head offices in
Buenos Aires, Argentina; Melbourne, Australia; Toronto, Canada; Santiago, Chile; Dublin, Ireland; Milan, Italy; Mexico City,
Mexico; and Taipei, Taiwan. For most countries in which we have company-operated stores, we maintain offices to manage our
operations within that country.
We lease substantially all of our existing store sites. These leases generally have a term of five to ten years and provide options
to renew for between five and ten additional years. We expect that most future stores will also occupy leased properties.
Item 5. Market for Our Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
The shares of Blockbuster Class A and Class B common stock are listed and traded on the New York Stock Exchange, or
“NYSE,” under the symbols “BBI” and “BBI.B,” respectively. Our Class A common stock began trading on August 11, 1999,
following our initial public offering and our Class B common stock began trading on October 14, 2004 in conjunction with our
divestiture from Viacom Inc. (“Viacom”). The following table contains, for the periods indicated, the high and low sales prices per
share of our Class A and Class B common stock as reported on the NYSE composite tape and the cash dividends per share of our
Class A and Class B common stock:
Cash
Blockbuster Class A Blockbuster Class B Dividends
Common Stock Common Stock per share of
Sales Price Sales Price Common Stock
High Low High Low (3)
Year Ended December 31, 2004:
Quarter Ended March 31, 2004 $ 19.37 $ 15.60 — — $ 0.02
Quarter Ended June 30, 2004 $ 17.58 $ 14.61 — — $ 0.02
Quarter Ended September 30, 2004(1) $ 15.12 $ 7.24 — — $ 5.02
Quarter Ended December 31, 2004(2) $ 10.49 $ 6.50 $ 9.85 $ 6.31 $ 0.02
Year Ended December 31, 2005:
Quarter Ended March 31, 2005 $ 10.04 $ 8.35 $ 9.49 $ 8.12 $ 0.02
Quarter Ended June 30, 2005 $ 10.65 $ 8.76 $ 10.18 $ 8.32 $ 0.02
Quarter Ended September 30, 2005 $ 9.21 $ 4.17 $ 8.65 $ 4.00 $ —
Quarter Ended December 31, 2005 $ 5.74 $ 3.19 $ 5.40 $ 2.96 $ —
(1) On August 20, 2004, Blockbuster announced the declaration of a special distribution of $5.00 per share (approximately $905.6
million in the aggregate), which was paid on September 3, 2004 to stockholders of record at the close of business on August 27,
2004. On August 25, 2004, Blockbuster’s Class A common stock began trading ex-dividend, reflecting the special distribution.
(2) Blockbuster’s Class B common stock was not listed for trading until October 14, 2004.
(3) Blockbuster historically paid a quarterly recurring cash dividend of $0.02 per share on both its Class A and Class B common
stock, however, it has not paid a dividend since the second quarter of 2005. Blockbuster’s board of directors will evaluate
declaring quarterly cash dividends in the future.
The terms of our debt agreements, as discussed in “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources,” limit Blockbuster’s ability to repurchase common stock and pay dividends.
Subject to these limitations, Blockbuster’s board of directors may change Blockbuster’s dividend practices from time to time and
decrease or increase the dividend paid, or not pay a dividend, on Blockbuster’s common stock based on factors such as results of
operations, financial condition, cash requirements and future prospects and other factors deemed relevant by Blockbuster’s board of
directors.
The number of holders of record of shares of our Class A and Class B common stock as of March 1, 2006 was 1,246 and 907,
respectively.
For information regarding Blockbuster’s equity compensation plans, refer to the proxy statement to be filed for our 2006 annual
meeting of stockholders incorporated by reference into Item 12 of Part III of this Form 10-K.
Information regarding Blockbuster’s recent sale of unregistered 7 1/2% Series A cumulative convertible perpetual preferred
securities (the “Series A convertible preferred stock”) is incorporated herein by reference from Blockbuster’s current report on Form
8-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on
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November 15, 2005. The initial purchasers for the offering of the Series A convertible preferred stock were Citigroup Global Markets
Inc., J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. and Credit Suisse First Boston LLC.
(1) During 2005, as described in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, we recognized non-cash charges totaling
approximately $356.8 million to impair goodwill and other long-lived assets, in accordance with SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and
Other Intangible Assets (“SFAS 142”), and SFAS No. 144, Accounting
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for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets (“SFAS 144”). These charges are reflected as a separate item on the
Consolidated Statements of Operations.
(2) During 2005, we recognized $39.1 million of compensation expense related to share-based compensation as required by
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) 123 (revised), Share-Based Payments (“SFAS 123R”).
(3) During the fourth quarter of 2004, in conjunction with our adoption SFAS 123R, as described in Note 1 to the consolidated
financial statements, we recognized $18.3 million of compensation expense related to share-based compensation. Also, as
described in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, we adopted the expense recognition provisions of FIN 28 as of
January 1, 2004. Because we applied the disclosure-only provisions of SFAS 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation
(“SFAS 123”), through September 30, 2004, the cumulative effect of change in accounting principle of $23.1 million, net of tax,
recognized upon adoption of the expense recognition provisions of FIN 28 has not been reflected in our Consolidated Statements
of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2004.
(4) During the third quarter of 2004, as described in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, we recognized non-cash
charges totaling approximately $1.50 billion to impair goodwill and other long-lived assets, in accordance with SFAS 142 and
144. These charges are reflected as a separate item on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
(5) During the third quarter of 2004, as described in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, we paid a $5.00 special
distribution per share prior to our divestiture from Viacom.
(6) During the fourth quarter of 2003, as described in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, we recognized non-cash
charges totaling approximately $1.30 billion to impair goodwill and other long-lived assets, in accordance with SFAS 142 and
SFAS 144. These charges are reflected as a separate item on our Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended
December 31, 2003.
(7) During the first quarter of 2003, we adopted SFAS No. 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations (“SFAS 143”), which
requires the capitalization of any retirement costs as part of the total cost of the related long-lived asset and the subsequent
allocation of the total expense to future periods. The application of this new accounting standard required us to record a $4.4
million cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of tax, as described in Note 1 to the consolidated financial
statements.
(8) During the first quarter of 2002, we adopted SFAS 142, which eliminates the amortization of goodwill and intangible assets with
indefinite lives and requires instead that those assets be tested for impairment annually. The application of the transition
provisions of this new accounting standard required us to reduce our goodwill by approximately $1.82 billion, net of tax, as
described in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements.
(9) During the third quarter of 2001, we recognized charges of $195.9 million in cost of sales, $54.5 million in incremental selling,
general and administrative expenses, $2.6 million in depreciation expense and $1.9 million in equity in income (loss) of
affiliated companies related to the execution of a strategic re-merchandising plan to allow for an expansion of store space for
DVD and other strategic product offerings. Additionally, in connection with this strategic re-merchandising plan, we re-
evaluated and changed our accounting estimates related to our rental library. As a result of the changes in estimate, cost of rental
revenues was $141.7 million higher during 2001 than it would have been under the previous method.
(10) During the fourth quarter of 2005, as described in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, we restated our previously
issued financial statements to adjust the classification of our rental library and related deferred income taxes. This restatement
resulted in adjustments to our total assets at December 31, 2001 through 2004.
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
(Tabular Dollars in Millions)
The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes
appearing elsewhere in this document.
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Overview
Blockbuster Inc. is a leading global provider of in-home rental and retail movie and game entertainment, with over 9,000 stores
in the United States, its territories and 24 other countries as of December 31, 2005.
We have restated our consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003. See Note 1 to the
consolidated financial statements for a summary of the effects of these changes on our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December
31, 2004 and in our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003. See Note 14 to the
consolidated financial statements for a summary of the effects of these changes on our unaudited quarterly financial information for
2005 and 2004. This annual report on Form 10-K gives effect to these restatements.
2005 Overview
Our 2005 results reflect both the significant challenges facing the in-store rental industry, which intensified in the second and
third quarters, as well as encouraging results from our strategic initiatives. As more fully described in “Item 1A. Risk Factors,” we
believe the decline in the worldwide in-store home video rental industry has been caused primarily by (i) a weak slate of titles
released to home video during most of 2005; (ii) increased competition from retail mass merchant sales of low-priced DVDs, online
rentals and other sources of in-home entertainment such as digital video recorders and other devices that are capable of downloading
content for in-home viewing; (iii) competition from piracy in certain international markets; and (iv) competition from other forms of
leisure entertainment. While these factors negatively impacted our results for the year, we believe that our strategic initiatives allowed
us to counteract some of the decline in the in-store rental industry.
Over the past two years, we have focused on an investment strategy that we believe is essential to confront the significant
challenges facing our industry. Specifically, we have invested in various strategic initiatives, which we believe will help offset our
declining movie rental revenues, add incremental future revenues and support future profitability growth. These initiatives include the
“no late fees” program in the United States and Canada, BLOCKBUSTER Online®, in-store subscription programs, movie and game
trading and expanded game concepts. During 2005, we focused our efforts on the “no late fees” program and BLOCKBUSTER
Online. Effective January 1, 2005, we stopped charging extended viewing fees, commonly referred to as “late fees,” on movie and
game rentals at all of our BLOCKBUSTER-branded company-operated stores and certain participating franchise stores in the United
States. Our Canadian operations adopted a similar program at all of its stores effective January 29, 2005. The “no late fees” program
was designed to eliminate our most prevalent customer complaint with the movie rental experience and to combat our competitors’
use of “late fees” as a means of differentiating their service offerings. While the industry has been undergoing significant change, we
believe that Blockbuster is well positioned within the industry because we are one of the only retailers that can leverage our store
locations, traffic and infrastructure to provide a customer offering both in-store and online. Due to the integrated nature of the online
pass, revenues generated from BLOCKBUSTER Online are included in our same-store rental revenues. Additionally, we have
increased our promotion of BLOCKBUSTER Online in
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our stores and improved our online offering in an effort to bring our online customers to our stores more often. We believe that our
ability to integrate our online service with our in-store offering provides us with a distinct competitive advantage.
We believe the success of our strategic initiatives during 2005 can be evidenced by several positive trends, including:
• “No Late Fees”—Despite the elimination of extended viewing fees, which accounted for approximately 14% of our rental
revenues during 2004, and a declining in-store rental industry, we experienced only a 5.0% decline in our rental revenues
from 2004. We believe this accomplishment was due, in large part, to positive consumer responses to the “no late fees”
program, as evidenced by the active member trends in our domestic company-operated stores, which continue to outperform
those in our domestic franchise stores that have not eliminated extended viewing fees. As a result, we experienced a 4.7%
increase from 2004 in our worldwide in-store base rental revenues, which consist of in-store movie and game rentals
excluding extended viewing fees.
• BLOCKBUSTER Online—Our approximately 1.2 million subscribers to BLOCKBUSTER Online have helped to offset the
negative in-store industry trends and boost our same-store rental revenues. While BLOCKBUSTER Online experienced
relatively slow growth in the third and fourth quarters of 2005, we remain committed to achieving our goal of two million
online subscribers by the end of 2006. During the second quarter of 2005, we began to leverage our in-store infrastructure by
fulfilling some BLOCKBUSTER Online orders through inventory from certain company-operated and franchise store
locations and expanded this fulfillment process to approximately 1,000 stores by the end of 2005. We believe this integrated
approach, which further combines our online and in-store capabilities, will allow us to get movies to customers faster in
remote locations while also enabling us to use our existing in-store labor, product and real estate resources to reduce overall
costs.
• Movie and game trading initiatives and expanded game concepts—Total retail sales in 2005 increased 3.5% as compared
with 2004. This increase was driven by an over 70% increase in worldwide unit sales of traded movies and games, which
primarily occurred during the first half of 2005 and resulted from our movie and game trading initiatives. In addition, we
experienced a 14.9% increase in sales of new games during 2005 due to the addition of freestanding games stores and an
increase in the average selling price resulting from sales of higher-priced new platforms. These positive results helped to
offset the overall decline in worldwide unit sales of new movies during 2005 as a result of the continued competition from
mass merchant sales of low-priced DVDs.
While we believe that these programs will give us a critical advantage in the highly competitive rental industry, they also require
us to make significant investments. These investments, when combined with the decline in the in-store rental industry during most of
2005, have negatively impacted our gross profit, operating expenses and cash flow. The decline in our gross profit primarily resulted
from a decline in our rental gross margin and a reduction in rental revenues from 2004. The decline in our rental gross margin was
due to the impact of several factors. In mid-2004, we launched two new subscription programs, the BLOCKBUSTER Movie Pass®
and BLOCKBUSTER Online, which each charge a fixed fee for multiple rentals, and we launched our “no late fees” program at the
beginning of 2005. During 2005, we increased our product purchases in order to grow BLOCKBUSTER Online and support the
increased product demand resulting from these new in-store rental offerings. However, as a result of changing industry conditions in
2005, including a weak slate of titles released to home video, our total rental revenues decreased more than anticipated relative to our
product purchases. In addition, the shipping costs incurred by BLOCKBUSTER Online are included in the cost of rental revenues.
During 2005, we also incurred approximately $25 million in capital expenditures in support of BLOCKBUSTER Online in order
to improve our website performance and to facilitate the fulfillment of some BLOCKBUSTER Online orders from certain company-
operated and franchise stores locations, which began late in the second quarter of 2005. In addition, we incurred significant operating
expenses during 2005 in order to
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grow our BLOCKBUSTER Online subscriber base. During the first and second quarters of 2005, we also incurred approximately $60
million in initial marketing and implementation costs in connection with the launch of our “no late fees” program.
In light of the difficult environment in which we are operating and in order to support continued investment in our initiatives, we
are aggressively reducing our operating expenses and capital expenditures. During 2005, we implemented a cost-reduction strategy,
which included a reduction-in-force and other measures targeted at reducing our operating expenses. We incurred approximately
$11.2 million in severance costs during 2005 as a result of implementing these changes. We also reduced our capital expenditures by
approximately $150 million during 2005, as compared with 2004, primarily because the initial capital expenditure outlay necessary to
support our strategic initiatives and systems and infrastructure improvements occurred during 2004.
In conjunction with the decline in the industry and the resulting decline in our stock price, we performed an impairment test on
our goodwill balances during the third quarter of 2005 and determined that the goodwill balance related to our international reporting
unit was impaired. We recognized non-cash charges of approximately $332.0 million to impair goodwill in accordance with SFAS
142. In addition, we recognized non-cash charges of approximately $24.8 million to impair certain other long-lived assets in
accordance with SFAS 144 during 2005. We also determined during the third quarter of 2005 that it was unclear as to the timing of
when we will generate sufficient taxable income to realize our deferred tax assets. Accordingly, during the third quarter of 2005, we
recorded a valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets in the United States and one international market, which resulted in a
provision for income taxes of $64.6 million for the year. Until we determine that it is more likely than not that we will generate
sufficient taxable income to realize our deferred income tax assets in these markets, income tax benefits associated with current
period losses will not be recognized.
As discussed above, the faster than expected decline of the in-store rental industry that occurred during 2005 negatively
impacted our financial results. As a result, we entered into three separate amendments to our credit agreement during the year, which
provided for covenant relief during the second and third quarters of 2005, modified our ongoing financial covenants through 2007 and
made other modifications to the credit agreement, in exchange for certain additional restrictions and increased interest rates, among
other things. In addition, in order to provide us with improved operating flexibility, on November 15, 2005, we completed a private
offering of 150,000 shares of Series A convertible preferred stock for net proceeds of $144.0 million. We used the net proceeds from
the offering to repay a portion of the outstanding borrowings under our revolving credit facility and for general corporate purposes.
As of December 31, 2005, we were in compliance with our debt covenants. See further discussion in “—Liquidity and Capital
Resources.”
Outlook
We are committed to improving our profitability and are taking steps that we believe will enable us to achieve that goal. These
steps include lowering operating expenses, selectively marketing in-store programs with a focus on profitability rather than top-line
revenue and, subject to market conditions, raising prices as necessary to offset increasing expenses, such as utilities. In addition, we
are currently reviewing our asset portfolio with a focus on optimizing profitability through our core Blockbuster-branded rental
businesses. For example, during the fourth quarter of 2005, we completed the sale of our subsidiary D.E.J. Productions Inc. for cash
consideration of $22.5 million. As part of our asset portfolio review, we may also consider the divestiture of or other strategic
alternatives with regard to some or all of our international operations upon acceptable terms. Moreover, as part of our focus on store
profitability, we are currently reviewing many of our store leases and selecting sites to close or downsize. As a result, we could
potentially close up to 10% of our store base over the next several years. Based on current industry projections, we believe that some
degree of industry consolidation may be necessary in order to stabilize the in-store rental business. We believe that our focus on
profitability will allow us to be a beneficiary of any such industry consolidation by increasing our market share.
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We also expect to begin implementing additional cost-saving measures aimed at further reducing our operating expenses,
primarily including general and administrative and advertising expenses, by approximately $100 million from 2005 to 2006 and an
incremental $50 million in 2007. We expect to realize these savings through a reduction in both corporate and store level overhead
expenses, lower advertising expenses and operational savings from the optimization of store labor hours and the divestiture of certain
non-core assets and store closures. In addition, while we will continue to make capital expenditures in BLOCKBUSTER Online at
approximately the same levels as we did in 2005, we plan to significantly lower our total capital expenditures in 2006 to
approximately $90 million primarily due to fewer new store openings.
The steps we took to improve liquidity and better position ourselves financially and operationally during late 2005, as discussed
above, enabled us to reduce the outstanding balance on our revolving credit facility by $75 million from the end of 2005 through
March 1, 2006 and allowed us to further reduce our accounts payable balance. With the significant investment in most of the
previously discussed strategic initiatives behind us, we expect that our 2006 financial results will be positively impacted by lower
operating costs as discussed above, lower operating income impact year-over-year from BLOCKBUSTER Online and optimization of
our store portfolio. We believe that the rental industry will remain under pressure in 2006. However, we believe that our “no late
fees” program and BLOCKBUSTER Online will have a positive impact on our domestic same-store rental revenues and enable us to
outperform the domestic rental industry in 2006. Our 2006 results, however, are subject to risks, including those discussed in “Item
1A. Risk Factors.”
We believe the following accounting policies require our more significant judgments and estimates and that changes in these
estimates or the use of different estimates could have a material impact on our results of operations or financial position.
Revenue Recognition
Rental revenues are generally recognized at the time of rental or sale. Rental revenues are generated from the rental of movies
and video games, any eventual sale of previously rented movies and video games (“PRP revenues”) and restocking fees.
As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, on January 1, 2005, we implemented the “no late fees” program
in certain markets. Under this new policy, rental transactions continue to have two-day or weekly rental periods, depending on the
specific rental, with all transactions having a one-week goodwill period from the due date. If the product has not been returned by the
end of the goodwill period, it is purchased by the customer under the terms of our standard membership agreement. The purchase
price is the lower of (i) the full retail price or (ii) the price for previously-rented product at the time of the rental, if the product was
available from us as a previously-rented product. In addition, the purchase price is reduced by the amount of the rental fee paid. If the
product is subsequently returned within 30 days from the date the customer is charged for the
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product, the customer receives a full credit to his or her account, less a minimal restocking fee, which is $1.25 at our company-
operated stores in the United States. Where extended viewing fees have been eliminated, revenues generated from sales to customers
for product that has not been returned by the end of the original rental and goodwill periods is recognized after expiration of the 30-
day return period. Revenues generated from restocking fees are recognized upon return of the product within the 30-day return period.
Revenues are reduced by an estimate of the amounts that we do not anticipate collecting based upon historical experience.
Merchandise sales include the sales of new movies and games and other general merchandise, including confections. In addition,
we offer movie and game trading, pursuant to which we purchase used movies and game software from our customers in exchange for
merchandise credit, discounts on other products and, in some international stores, cash. The sales of traded product are also included
in merchandise sales. Sales of merchandise are recognized at the time of sale and a provision for sales returns and allowances on
merchandise sales is estimated and recorded based on historical trends. Due to the nature of the products sold, sales returns and
allowances are minimal.
We have agreements with certain companies that allow these companies to purchase free rental cards from us, which can then be
awarded at their discretion. We defer revenue for the estimated number of free rental cards that will ultimately be redeemed and
recognize the amounts deferred as revenue upon redemption. Revenue for estimated non-redemptions is generally recognized when
the cards are issued. A 10% change in the estimate of non-redemptions would not have had a material impact on our revenues for
2005. If the actual number of free rentals redeemed is significantly different than our estimate, an adjustment to the revenues recorded
in a particular period may be required. We also sell gift cards, which generally expire after two years, and are available in various
denominations. Gift card liabilities are recorded at the time of sale and the costs of designing, printing and distributing the cards are
recorded as advertising expense at the time of sale. The liability is relieved and revenue is recognized upon redemption of the gift
cards. Revenue for unredeemed gift cards is recognized when our liability has been extinguished, which is generally upon expiration
of the gift card.
Based upon these estimates and our current customer propositions and offerings, we currently amortize the cost of our in-store
and online rental library, which includes movies and games, over periods ranging from three months to twenty-four months to
estimated residual values ranging from $0 to $5 per unit, according to the product category.
We also review the carrying value of our rental library to ensure that estimated future cash flows exceed the carrying value. We
record adjustments to the value of previously rented product primarily for estimated obsolete or excess product based upon changes in
our original assumptions about future demand and market conditions. If future demand or actual market conditions are less favorable
than those estimated by management, additional adjustments, including adjustments to rental amortization periods or residual values,
may be required. We continually evaluate the estimates surrounding the useful lives and residual values used in amortizing our rental
library. Changes to these estimates resulting from changes in consumer demand, changes in our customer propositions or the price or
availability of retail video product may materially impact the carrying value of our rental library and our rental margins.
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For example, as discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, during the first quarter of 2005, we re-evaluated
our estimates surrounding the useful life and residual value of our rental libraries due to recent changes in our rental business,
including the launch of the BLOCKBUSTER Movie Pass and BLOCKBUSTER Online in 2004 as well as the elimination of
extended viewing fees under our “no late fees” program in 2005. Each of these initiatives has changed the delivery method, pricing
and cost structure of the rental programs that we offer to our customers as well as the customers’ rental habits. These new programs
allow customers to keep rental product for longer periods of time and generate increased rental transactions and overall rentals per
piece of library product. Beginning in the first quarter of 2005, we changed the estimated useful life of our online new release DVDs
from six months to twelve months and the estimated useful life of our online catalog inventory from 12 months to 24 months. In
addition, we reduced the residual value of our online catalog inventory from $4 to $0 in the first quarter of 2005. We also changed the
estimated useful life of our in-store DVD catalog inventory in the United States from 12 months to 24 months. These changes in
estimates related to the useful lives and residual values of our rental libraries decreased our cost of rental revenues and net loss by
approximately $7.6 million, or $0.04 per share, for the year ended December 31, 2005. As our business continues to change as a result
of our initiatives and market dynamics, we will continue to evaluate the reasonableness of the estimates surrounding our rental
library.
Merchandise Inventory
Our merchandise inventory, which includes new and traded movies and games and other general merchandise, including
confections, is stated at the lower of cost or market. We include an allocation of costs incurred in our distribution center to prepare
new products for our stores in the cost of our merchandise inventory. We record adjustments to the value of inventory primarily for
estimated obsolete or excess inventory equal to the difference between the carrying value of inventory and the estimated market value
based upon assumptions about future demand and market conditions. If future demand or actual market conditions are less favorable
than those projected by management, additional inventory adjustments may be required. Our accrual for inventory shrinkage is based
on the actual historical shrink results of our most recent physical inventories adjusted, if necessary, for current economic conditions.
These estimates are compared with actual results as physical inventory counts are taken and reconciled to the general ledger. DVD
and video game products are susceptible to shrink due to their portability and popularity.
Income Taxes
In determining net income for financial statement purposes, we make certain estimates and judgments in the calculation of tax
expense and the resulting tax liabilities and in the recoverability of deferred tax assets that arise from temporary differences between
the tax and financial statement recognition of revenue and expense.
In the ordinary course of business, there may be many transactions and calculations where the ultimate tax outcome is uncertain.
We establish reserves for tax contingencies when, despite the belief that our tax return positions are fully supported, certain positions
are likely to be challenged and may not be fully sustained. The tax contingency reserves are analyzed on a quarterly basis and
adjusted based on changes in facts and circumstances, such as the progress of international, federal and state audits, case law and
enacted legislation. We establish tax reserves based upon management’s assessment of exposure associated with permanent tax
differences and certain tax sharing agreements. While we believe that the amount of our estimated tax reserve is reasonable, it is
possible that the ultimate outcome of current or future examinations may exceed current reserves or a favorable settlement of tax
audits may result in a reduction of future tax provisions. The favorable or unfavorable outcome of tax examinations could have a
material impact on our results of operations. Any tax benefit from favorable settlement of tax audits would be recorded upon final
resolution of the audit or expiration of the statute of limitations.
We record valuation allowances to reduce our deferred tax assets to amounts that are more likely than not to be realized. In
2005, we determined that it was unclear as to the timing of when we will generate sufficient taxable income to realize our deferred tax
assets. This was primarily due to the negative industry trends, which caused our actual and anticipated financial performance to be
significantly worse than we originally projected.
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Accordingly, we recorded a valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets in the United States and certain foreign jurisdictions.
Until we determine that it is more likely than not that we will generate sufficient taxable income to realize our deferred income tax
assets in certain markets, income tax benefits associated with current period losses will not be recognized.
Goodwill impairment is determined using a two-step process. The first step of the goodwill impairment test is to identify a
potential impairment by comparing the book value of our reporting units, domestic and international, to their estimated fair values.
The estimates of fair value of our reporting units are computed using the present value of estimated future cash flows. This analysis
utilizes a multi-year forecast of estimated cash flows and a terminal value at the end of the cash flow period. The forecast period
growth assumptions consist of internal projections that are based on our budget and long-range strategic plan. The discount rate used
at the testing date is our weighted-average cost of capital. The assumptions included in the discounted cash flow analysis require
judgment, and changes to these inputs could materially impact the results of the calculation.
If the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its book value, goodwill of the reporting unit is not deemed impaired and the second
step of the impairment test is not performed. If the book value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step of the
goodwill impairment test is performed to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any. The second step of the goodwill impairment
test compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. The implied fair value
of goodwill is determined by allocating the estimated fair value of Blockbuster to the estimated fair value of our existing tangible
assets and liabilities as well as existing identified intangible assets and previously unrecognized intangible assets. The unallocated
portion of the estimated fair value of Blockbuster is the implied fair value of goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s
goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess.
As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, beginning late in the second quarter of 2005 and continuing
through the end of the year, the in-store home video industry declined at a rate that exceeded our and industry analysts’ forecasted
expectations and has negatively impacted our future outlook on the industry. We believed the decline in the overall industry and the
resulting decline in our stock price to be factors that would require us to perform an interim impairment test in accordance with SFAS
142. As a result, in connection with the preparation of our third quarter financial statements, we performed an interim impairment test
on our goodwill balances. In estimating the fair value of each of our reporting units, we included the impact of trends in the business
and industry noted in 2005, primarily including the accelerated decline in the in-store home video industry caused by (i) increased
competition from retail mass merchant sales of low-priced DVDs, online rentals and other sources of in-home entertainment such as
digital video recorders and other devices that are capable of downloading content for in-home viewing; (ii) competition from piracy in
certain international markets and (iii) competition from other forms of leisure entertainment. As a result of these factors and the
related risks associated with our business, the fair value was negatively impacted. The estimated fair value of our domestic unit was
more than its related book value, so we determined that it was not necessary to perform step two of the goodwill impairment test for
the domestic reporting unit. However, the estimated fair value of our international reporting unit was less than its related book value
and we determined that the international goodwill balance was impaired. As such, step two of the goodwill impairment test was
completed for the international reporting unit. Accordingly, we recorded an impairment charge totaling approximately $332.0 million
during the third quarter of 2005. We also recorded goodwill impairment charges related to our domestic and international reporting
units of approximately $1.50 billion and approximately $1.29 billion during the third quarter of 2004 and the fourth quarter of 2003,
respectively.
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We performed our annual impairment test as of October 31, 2005 and updated the test for events occurring through
December 31, 2005, which resulted in the estimated fair values of each of our reporting units exceeding their book values. We will
perform our annual impairment test for 2006 during the fourth quarter, and on an interim date in 2006 should factors or indicators
become apparent that would require an interim test.
Also as discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, during the third quarters of 2005 and 2004 and the fourth
quarter of 2003, in conjunction with the goodwill impairments discussed above, we reviewed our long-lived assets for impairment as
required by SFAS 144. During the third quarter of 2005, we determined that the carrying value of fixed assets and tradenames in
certain of our domestic markets and domestic subsidiaries exceeded the estimated undiscounted future cash flows to be generated by
those assets. Accordingly, we recorded an impairment charge of approximately $15.6 million during the third quarter of 2005. During
the third quarter of 2004 and the fourth quarter of 2003, we recorded impairment charges related to impairment of long-lived assets in
certain of our international markets of approximately $1.7 million and $18.5 million, respectively.
Additionally, during the second quarter of 2005, we performed an impairment analysis for long-lived assets in certain of our
international markets based on impairment indicators present, including current period operating and cash flow losses combined with
revised forecasts that project continuing losses associated with the use of the long-lived assets. As a result of this analysis, we
recorded an impairment charge of approximately $9.2 million in the second quarter of 2005.
Share-Based Compensation
We adopted SFAS 123R as of October 1, 2004 in conjunction with the Stock Option Exchange Offer discussed in Note 4 to the
consolidated financial statements. SFAS 123R requires us to recognize compensation expense for all share-based payments made to
employees based on the fair value of the share-based payment on the date of grant. We elected to use the modified prospective
method for adoption, which requires compensation expense to be recorded for all unvested stock options and restricted shares
beginning in the first quarter of adoption. For all unvested options outstanding as of October 1, 2004, the previously measured but
unrecognized compensation expense, based on the fair value at the original grant date, is recognized on an accelerated basis in the
Consolidated Statements of Operations over the remaining vesting period. For share-based payments granted subsequent to October 1,
2004, compensation expense, based on the fair value on the date of grant, is recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations
on an accelerated basis over the vesting period. In determining the fair value of stock options, we use the Black-Scholes option
pricing model that employs the following assumptions:
• Expected volatility—based on the weekly historical volatility of our stock price, over the expected life of the option.
• Expected term of the option—based on historical employee stock option exercise behavior, the vesting terms of the
respective option and a contractual life of ten years.
• Risk-free rate—based upon the rate on a zero coupon U.S. Treasury bill, for periods within the contractual life of the option,
in effect at the time of grant.
• Dividend yield—calculated as the ratio of historical dividends paid per share of common stock to the stock price on the date
of grant.
Our stock price volatility and option lives involve management’s best estimates at that time, both of which impact the fair value
of the option calculated under the Black-Scholes methodology and, ultimately, the expense that will be recognized over the life of the
option.
The fair value of most of our restricted shares is based on the price of a share of our Class A common stock on the date of grant.
The fair value of our grants of restricted shares and restricted share units that are subject to hold provisions is discounted for the lack
of marketability due to such post-vesting restrictions. Our grants of
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restricted share units that are payable in cash are based on the average closing prices of a share of each of our Class A and B common
stock on the date of grant, recorded as a liability on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and marked-to-market at the end of each
reporting period. A $1.00 increase in our stock price would not have a material impact on our results of operations.
SFAS 123R also requires that we recognize compensation expense for only the portion of options or restricted shares that are
expected to vest. Therefore, we apply estimated forfeiture rates that are derived from historical employee termination behavior using a
stratified model based on the employee’s position within the company and the vesting period of the respective stock options or
restricted shares. If the actual number of forfeitures differs from those estimated by management, additional adjustments to
compensation expense may be required in future periods.
Results of Operations
Consolidated Results
The following table sets forth a summary of consolidated results of certain operating and other financial data.
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Year Ended December 31,
2005 2004 2003 2002 2001
(In millions, except worldwide store data)
Cash Flow Data:
Cash flows provided by (used for) operating activities(3) $ (70.5) $ 417.0 $ 593.7 $ 401.4 $ 554.0
Cash flows used for investing activities(3) $(114.2) $ (313.9) $ (188.0) $(253.7) $(104.1)
Cash flows provided by (used for) financing activities $ 138.3 $ (18.8) $ (335.5) $(199.2) $(441.2)
Other Data:
Depreciation and intangible amortization $ 230.9 $ 249.7 $ 268.4 $ 240.8 $ 438.4
Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets $ 356.8 $1,504.4 $1,304.9 $ — $ —
Margins:
Rental margin(4) 66.4% 71.8% 70.0% 66.1% 57.7%
Merchandise margin(5) 22.1% 22.3% 19.8% 17.1% 18.9%
Gross margin(6) 54.9% 59.7% 59.6% 57.6% 53.1%
(1) Operating expenses include non-cash charges to impair goodwill and other long-lived assets in accordance with SFAS 142 and
SFAS 144 totaling approximately $356.8 million, $1.50 billion and $1.30 billion for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004
and 2003, respectively.
(2) The provision for income taxes of $64.6 million in 2005 includes a valuation allowance recorded on our deferred tax assets in
various jurisdictions. During the third quarter of 2005, we recorded a valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets in the
United States and certain foreign jurisdictions because we determined that it was unclear as to the timing of when we will
generate sufficient taxable income to realize these deferred tax assets. It was still unclear as to the timing of when we will
generate sufficient taxable income to realize these deferred tax assets at the end of 2005.
(3) During the fourth quarter of 2005, as described in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, we restated our previously
issued financial statements to adjust the classification of our rental library and rental library purchases. This restatement resulted
in adjustments to our cash flow data for the years ended December 31, 2001 through 2004.
(4) Rental gross profit (rental revenues less cost of rental revenues) as a percentage of rental revenues.
(5) Merchandise gross profit (merchandise sales less cost of merchandise sold) as a percentage of merchandise sales.
(6) Gross profit as a percentage of total revenues.
(7) A store is included in the same-store revenues calculation after it has been opened and operated by us for more than 52 weeks.
An acquired store becomes part of the same-store base in the 53rd week after its acquisition and conversion. The percentage
change is computed by comparing total net revenues for same-stores at the end of the applicable reporting period with total net
revenues from these same-stores for the comparable period in the prior year. The same-store revenues calculation does not
include the impact of foreign exchange. Due to the integrated nature of the online pass, beginning in the third quarter of 2004,
revenues generated from BLOCKBUSTER Online have been and will continue to be included in same-store rental revenues.
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Comparison of 2005 to 2004
Revenues. Revenues decreased $188.8 million, or 3.1%, from 2004 to 2005. The following is a summary of revenues by
category:
(1) International same-store revenues do not include the impact of foreign exchange.
The decrease in overall revenues primarily reflects a 4.9% decrease in worldwide same-store revenues during the year, which
was partially offset by an increase in the average number of company-operated stores and the impact of favorable foreign exchange
rates. The decrease in overall worldwide same-store revenues was primarily the result of the elimination of extended viewing fees, a
decline in the overall rental industry during 2005 and continued competition from mass merchant sales of low-priced DVDs. In
addition, we experienced a 21.0% decline in other revenues resulting from lower revenues from our marketing partnerships and lower
royalties and fees from our franchisees, who are experiencing similar trends as our company-operated stores.
Rental Revenues. As discussed above, we implemented the “no late fees” program during 2005. However, the “no late fees”
program does not apply at our non-Blockbuster branded stores in the United States or at our international locations excluding stores in
Canada. In these locations, our membership agreement provides that the customer pays for any continuations of rentals past the initial
rental period. Therefore, revenues generated from rental transactions in these locations include revenues received in connection with
the initial rentals of product, as well as revenues associated with any continuations of such rentals past the initial rental period
(“extended viewing fees” or “EVF”).
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Rental revenues decreased $223.4 million, or 5.0%, from 2004 to 2005, due to decreased rental revenues of both movies and
games. The following is a summary of rental revenues by product category:
(1) International same-store rental revenues do not include the impact of foreign exchange.
The decrease in overall rental revenues primarily reflects a 5.7% decrease in worldwide same-store rental revenues, which was
partially offset by the impact of favorable foreign exchange rates and an increase in the average number of company-operated stores.
The decline in same-store rental revenues occurred both domestically and internationally and resulted primarily from the changes
discussed below.
Movie Rental Revenues. Movie rental revenues decreased $178.6 million, or 4.5%, in 2005 as compared with 2004,
primarily due to the elimination of extended viewing fees, which accounted for approximately 14% of our movie rental revenues
in 2004. In addition, beginning late in the second quarter of 2005 and continuing through the end of the year, we experienced
challenges caused by negative industry trends currently facing the video rental industry, which we believe include (i) a weak
slate of titles released to home video during most of 2005; (ii) increased competition from retail mass merchant sales of low-
priced DVDs, online rentals and other sources of in-home entertainment such as digital video recorders and other devices that
are capable of downloading content for in-home viewing; (iii) competition from piracy in certain international markets; and
(iv) competition from other forms of leisure entertainment. However, we believe that the changes we have made in our in-store
business, including the elimination of extended viewing fees and the launch of the BLOCKBUSTER Movie Pass and
BLOCKBUSTER Online, helped to offset the impact of the declining industry conditions and drive a $281.5 million, or 9.8%,
increase in our base movie rental revenues since 2004. This growth in base movie rental revenues during 2005 primarily
occurred domestically, where we have implemented all of the programs mentioned above, and can be attributed mostly to an
increase in domestic movie rental transactions and increased rental pricing, which includes a significant reduction in
promotional credits.
In mid-2004, we launched BLOCKBUSTER Online, which allows customers to rent a wide array of both new release and
catalog movies by mail. The increase in online base movie rental revenues primarily reflects the growth in our average
subscriber base from zero in mid-2004 to approximately 1.2 million
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subscribers at the end of 2005. We view BLOCKBUSTER® as one brand and believe that our ability to integrate our online
service with an in-store offering provides us with a distinct competitive advantage. We have leveraged our in-store operations to
grow BLOCKBUSTER Online, including promotion of the online subscription service in our domestic stores. Likewise, our
BLOCKBUSTER Online customers receive coupons for free in-store rentals, which drive some of our online customers into our
stores. As a result, we believe that the cross-promotion will enhance the BLOCKBUSTER brand and help to set us apart from
our competition.
The changes in movie rental revenues, discussed above, resulted in a 5.2% decrease in total worldwide same-store movie
rental revenues, including the elimination of extended viewing fees.
Industry analysts currently believe that the trends experienced in the worldwide in-store movie rental industry during 2005
will continue through the first part of 2006 with sequential improvements throughout the remainder of the year. We also believe
that the in-store movie rental industry will remain under pressure in 2006 and, therefore, expect total movie rental revenues to
decrease year-over-year. However, we believe that our “no late fees” program and BLOCKBUSTER Online will have a positive
impact on our domestic same-store rental revenues and will enable us to outperform the domestic rental industry during 2006.
Game Rental Revenues. Game rental revenues decreased $44.8 million, or 9.0%, in 2005 as compared with 2004. This
decrease primarily reflects the elimination of extended viewing fees in the United States and Canada, which reduced our game
rental revenues by $62.8 million from 2004. The decrease in extended viewing fee revenues was partially offset by a $10.5
million increase in sales of previously played games and a $7.5 million increase in base game rental revenues primarily due to
an increase in game rental pricing domestically in 2005. New game platforms were released during 2005 and additional game
platforms are expected to be released in late 2006 or early 2007. We believe customers view the availability of previously played
games as a value alternative to buying higher-priced new games while waiting for the release of new game platforms. We expect
2006 to be a challenging year for game rental revenues because they will be contingent upon our ability to generate significant
rental and sale activity on existing formats, which will be highly dependent upon the release of strong new titles throughout the
year. However, the supply and demand for new game titles is currently reduced in anticipation of the new platforms.
Merchandise Sales. Merchandise sales increased $53.9 million, or 3.5%, from 2004 to 2005, due primarily to increased sales of
games. The following is a summary of merchandise sales by product category:
Note: Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to current period presentation.
(1) International same-store merchandise sales do not include the impact of foreign exchange.
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The increase in overall merchandise sales resulted primarily from the addition of approximately 60 freestanding games stores
and the impact of favorable foreign exchange rates. The increase was offset by a 2.6% decline in same-store merchandise sales.
Merchandise sales continued to grow as a percent of our total business, representing 27.1% of total revenues in 2005 as compared to
25.3% in 2004, primarily as a result of growth in international retail sales and the elimination of extended viewing fees in the United
States and Canada.
Movie Sales. Movie sales, which include sales of both new and traded DVDs and VHS tapes, decreased $59.6 million or
9.6% from 2004 to 2005. This change was primarily the result of an 11.8% decrease in worldwide same-store movie sales which
was slightly offset by an increase in the average number of company-operated stores and the impact of favorable foreign
exchange rates. The decline in worldwide same-store movie sales was mainly due to reduced sales of new movies during 2005
resulting from our efforts to reduce our merchandise inventory levels of deep catalog titles as well as product availability
constraints in the second half of the year. The decline in sales of new movies was partially offset by strong sales of traded
movies due to the implementation of trading in an additional 2,100 locations worldwide during 2005. By the end of 2005, we
were offering movie trading in approximately 6,000 stores worldwide. While these additional trading locations increased our
overall unit sales of movies worldwide by 6.0%, it also reduced the average retail selling price of movies by 14.7%, since traded
movies generally have a lower average selling price than new retail product. We expect that our reduced levels of merchandise
inventory as well as less advertising on our trading initiatives will negatively impact our retail movie sales in 2006.
Game Sales. Game sales, including sales of new and traded game software, hardware consoles and accessories, increased
$129.6 million, or 23.7%, from 2004 to 2005. This change primarily resulted from the addition of approximately 60 company-
operated freestanding RHINO VIDEO GAMES® and GAMESTATION® stores and a 10.2% increase in worldwide same-store
game sales. In addition, by the end of 2005, we were offering games trading in approximately 6,000 stores worldwide as
compared with 3,900 stores worldwide at the end of 2004. The addition of these freestanding game stores and store-in-store
trading locations contributed to a 23.0% improvement in the worldwide unit sales of retail games in 2005 as compared to 2004.
In addition, we experienced a slight increase in the average selling price of retail games during 2005. While the increase in sales
of traded product, which generally have a lower average selling price than new games, reduced the average selling price of retail
games, our game sales benefited from the launch of Sony’s PSP model in early 2005 and XBOX 360 in late 2005 and helped
drive an increase in the average selling price of new retail games. Additional game platforms are expected to be released in late
2006 or early 2007. The home video game industry tends to slow prior to the introduction of new platforms as consumers hold
back their purchases in anticipation of new platforms and game enhancements. During 2006, we also anticipate a further
reduction in our merchandise inventory levels and a decrease in our marketing activities surrounding our game concepts. As a
result of all of these factors, we expect game sales to decline during 2006.
General Merchandise Sales. General merchandise sales, which include sales of confections, other movie and game-related
products and sales to franchisees, decreased $16.1 million, or 4.4%, from 2004 to 2005, primarily as a result of a 6.1% decline in
worldwide same-store general merchandise sales. This decline was partially offset by an increase in the average number of
company-owned stores and the impact of favorable foreign exchange rates. The decrease in same-store sales was primarily the
result of the discontinuation of sales of various movie-related products domestically during the latter part of 2004.
Cost of Sales. Cost of sales of $2,647.1 million in 2005 increased $205.7 million, or 8.4%, from $2,441.4 million in 2004,
primarily as a result of changes in gross margin discussed below.
Gross Profit. Gross profit of $3,217.3 million in 2005 decreased $394.5 million, or 10.9%, from $3,611.8 million in 2004. The
decrease in gross profit was caused by a decrease in our gross margin to 54.9% in 2005 from 59.7% in 2004 and a 3.1% decrease in
total revenues. The total gross margin for 2005 was negatively impacted by a decline in our rental gross margin, as further discussed
below, and a shift in our revenues from higher margin rental revenues to lower margin merchandise sales.
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Rental Gross Profit. Rental gross profit of $2,793.3 million in 2005 decreased $384.6 million, or 12.1%, from $3,177.9
million in 2004. The decrease in rental gross profit was primarily due to a decrease in our rental gross margin from 71.8% in
2004 to 66.4% in 2005 and a $223.4 million decrease in rental revenues. The decrease in our rental gross margin was due to the
impact of several factors. In mid-2004, we launched two new subscription programs, the BLOCKBUSTER Movie Pass and
BLOCKBUSTER Online, which each charge a fixed fee for multiple rentals, and we launched our “no late fees” program at the
beginning of 2005. During 2005, we increased our product purchases in order to grow BLOCKBUSTER Online and support the
increased product demand resulting from these new in-store rental offerings. However, as a result of changing industry
conditions in 2005, including a weak slate of titles released to home video, our total rental revenues decreased more than
anticipated relative to our product purchases. In addition, the shipping costs incurred by BLOCKBUSTER Online are included
in the cost of rental revenues.
Merchandise Gross Profit. Merchandise gross profit of $351.3 million in 2005 increased $9.4 million, or 2.7%, from
merchandise gross profit of $341.9 million in 2004. The increase in merchandise gross profit was primarily attributable to
growth in merchandise sales. Merchandise gross margin of 22.1% in 2005 remained relatively flat with 2004.
Operating Expenses. Total operating expenses, which include compensation expenses, selling and advertising expenses,
occupancy costs, other corporate and store expenses, depreciation and intangible amortization and impairment of goodwill and other
long-lived assets, totaled $3,643.8 million in 2005, a decrease of $1,221.2 million, or 25.1%, from $4,865.0 million in 2004. Total
operating expenses and operating expenses as a percent of total revenues decreased primarily as a result of non-cash impairment
charges which totaled approximately $356.8 million in 2005 as compared with approximately $1.5 billion in 2004 and the following
other items:
Selling, General and Administrative Expense. Selling, general and administrative expense, which includes expenses
incurred in-store and online and at the regional and corporate levels, of $3,056.1 million in 2005, decreased $54.8 million, or
1.8%, from $3,110.9 million in 2004. Selling, general and administrative expense as a percentage of total revenues increased to
52.1% in 2005 as compared with 51.4% in 2004 as a result of a decrease in total revenues in 2005. The change in selling,
general and administrative expense in 2005 resulted from the following items:
• Other general and administrative expenses decreased $84.4 million, or 15.2%, due primarily to reduced expenses related to
decreased extended viewing fees and other in-store strategic initiatives implemented in 2004, increased focus on operating
expense management and reduced legal settlements. These decreases were partially offset by approximately $12.6 million of
costs incurred related to our efforts to acquire Hollywood Entertainment Corporation, additional general and administrative
expenses incurred in support of the growth of BLOCKBUSTER Online during 2005 and approximately $6.9 million of
additional bad debt expense from our franchisees, including approximately $4.5 million related to a note receivable.
• Occupancy costs increased $38.9 million, or 4.4%, primarily as a result of the increase in our average store base and the
addition of 30 distribution centers to support the growth of BLOCKBUSTER Online since mid-2004, increased foreign
exchange rates and the impact of general inflation on lease renewals and utilities.
• Compensation expense in 2005 remained consistent with 2004 resulting from the cost-saving measures implemented during
the year, offset by additional compensation expenses incurred from 2004. We experienced a decrease in compensation
expense related to lower bonus accruals attributed to lower operating results for 2005 and labor savings resulting from our
cost-saving initiatives in 2005, including the reduction-in-force discussed above. However, during 2005 we also incurred
additional compensation expenses from 2004 for additional personnel needed to support the growth of BLOCKBUSTER
Online during 2005, incremental share-based compensation expense, additional store labor in support of our growth in
freestanding games stores, severance costs as a result of a reduction-in-force during 2005 and increased foreign exchange
rates.
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• Advertising expense remained relatively flat with 2004. During 2005, we focused our advertising on growing
BLOCKBUSTER Online and on our “no late fees” program. To accomplish this, we reduced our advertising for our in-store
business and shifted the remaining dollars from spending on various campaigns throughout the year as in 2004 to larger
campaigns designed to promote our “no late fees” program. As a result, we incurred approximately $60 million during the
first two quarters of 2005 in connection with the marketing and implementation of our “no late fees” program and very little
advertising expense during the back half of the year. We also incurred approximately $30 million of additional selling and
advertising expenses, including subscriber acquisition costs, in support of the growth of BLOCKBUSTER Online during
2005.
As discussed in Note 11 to the consolidated financial statements, we completed the sale of our subsidiary D.E.J.
Productions Inc. on November 14, 2005. As a result of the sale, we recorded a gain on sale of approximately $5.8 million which
is included in “General and administrative” on the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2005.
We are committed to improving our profitability and are taking steps that we believe will enable us to achieve that goal.
These steps include lowering operating expenses, selectively marketing in-store programs with a focus on profitability rather
than top-line revenue and, subject to market conditions, raising prices as necessary to offset increasing expenses, such as
utilities. During 2005, we implemented a cost-reduction strategy, which included a reduction-in-force and other measures
targeted at reducing our operating expenses. Our focus for 2006 will be on continuing to reduce operating expenses in light of
the accelerated decline of the in-store rental industry that began late in the second quarter of 2005. To accomplish this, we are
implementing additional cost-saving measures aimed at further reducing our operating expenses, primarily including general and
administrative and advertising expenses, by approximately $100 million from 2005 to 2006 and an incremental $50 million in
2007. We expect to realize these savings through a reduction in corporate and store level overhead expenses, lower advertising
expenses, operational savings from the optimization of store labor hours, the divestiture of certain non-core assets and store
closures. As a result of the reduction in corporate personnel, we expect to incur approximately $10 million in severance charges
during the first quarter of 2006.
Depreciation and Intangible Amortization. Depreciation and intangible amortization of $230.9 million in 2005 decreased
$18.8 million, or 7.5%, as compared with $249.7 million in 2004. The decrease was primarily the result of an increase in fully
depreciated property and equipment and lower capital expenditures, which was partially offset by increased foreign exchange
rates.
Impairment of Goodwill and Other Long-Lived Assets. As described above and in Note 2 to the consolidated financial
statements, we recorded non-cash impairment charges totaling approximately $332.0 million in 2005 to impair goodwill in our
international reporting unit and approximately $1.5 billion in 2004 to impair goodwill in both our domestic and international
reporting units in accordance with SFAS 142. We also recognized non-cash impairment charges of approximately $24.8 million
in 2005 and approximately $1.7 million in 2004 to impair other long-lived assets in accordance with SFAS 144.
Operating Loss. Operating loss of $426.5 million in 2005 represents a decrease in operating loss of $826.7 million, or 66.0%,
from an operating loss of $1,253.2 million in 2004. This decrease was due to the non-cash charges to impair goodwill and other long-
lived assets and other changes discussed above.
Interest Expense. Interest expense of $98.7 million in 2005 increased $60.6 million, or 159.1%, as compared with $38.1 million
in 2004. The increase in interest expense was primarily related to the net borrowing of $950.0 million during the third quarter of
2004, in conjunction with the funding of the special distribution of $5.00 per share paid to stockholders as a result of the divestiture
from Viacom, additional borrowings under our credit agreement during 2005 and rising interest rates on our variable rate debt.
Benefit (Provision) for Income Taxes. We recognized a provision for income taxes of $64.6 million in 2005 primarily as a
result of a valuation allowance recorded on our deferred tax assets. In 2004, we recognized a benefit for income taxes of $37.3
million. The income tax benefit in 2004 was primarily the result of a $37.1
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million tax benefit recorded as a result of specific federal income tax audit issues resolved during the first quarter of 2004. See Note 8
to the consolidated financial statements for further discussion of income taxes.
Net Loss. Net loss of $588.1 million in 2005 reflects a decrease in losses of $660.7 million from a net loss of $1,248.8 million in
2004. The decrease in net loss was attributable to the non-cash charges to impair goodwill and other long-lived assets and other
changes discussed above.
(1) International same-store revenues do not include the impact of foreign exchange.
The increase in overall revenues primarily reflected the impact of favorable foreign exchange rates and the addition of company-
operated stores, which were partially offset by a 3.2% decrease in worldwide same-store revenues during the year. The decrease in
overall worldwide same-store revenues resulted from the continued decrease in both domestic and international same-store rental
revenues. The worldwide rental industry continued to be negatively impacted in 2004 by competition from mass merchant sales of
DVDs, and the international rental industry was further impacted by the effects of piracy. These factors caused the rental industry to
experience lighter traffic industry-wide, which caused our active member base to decrease during 2004 as compared with 2003. While
rental demand continued to slow during 2004, retail demand for DVDs and games continued to increase and, during the year, we
enhanced our presence in these areas to take advantage of this increased demand. Worldwide same-store merchandise sales increased
during the year primarily as a result of substantial growth in international movie and game sales and domestic game sales.
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Rental Revenues. Rental revenues decreased $104.9 million, or 2.3%, from 2003 to 2004, due primarily to decreased rentals of
movies. The following is a summary of rental revenues by product category:
(1) International same-store revenues do not include the impact of foreign exchange.
The decrease in overall rental revenues primarily reflected a 5.7% decrease in worldwide same-store rental revenues, which was
partially offset by the impact of favorable foreign exchange rates and the addition of company-operated stores. The decrease in same-
store rental revenues occurred both domestically and internationally and reflected generally lighter traffic in the in-store rental
industry, which continued to be negatively impacted by increased competition from mass merchant sales of DVDs. Our revenues in
2004 were also impacted by the national rollout of the BLOCKBUSTER Movie Pass, which reduced our EVF revenues in exchange
for growth in our rental subscription sales. Our domestic operations represented 76.4% of our rental revenues for 2004 as compared
with 78.6% of our rental revenues for 2003, primarily as a result of the impact of favorable foreign exchange rates.
Movie Rental Revenues. Movie rental revenues decreased $105.6 million, or 2.6%, in 2004 as compared with 2003, due
primarily to a 6.1% decline in our worldwide same-store movie rental revenues. This decline was partially offset by the impact
of favorable foreign exchange rates and the addition of company-operated stores. The decline in worldwide same-store movie
rental revenues resulted from the continued decline in the overall in-store rental industry, which was negatively impacted by
continued competition from mass merchant sales of DVDs and decreasing extended viewing fees caused by the national launch
of the BLOCKBUSTER Movie Pass in May 2004. While the national launch of the BLOCKBUSTER Movie Pass negatively
impacted EVF revenues, sales of these passes helped increase our rental revenues during 2004. In addition to the ongoing
subscription revenue, we found that customers who purchased the pass also increased their store visits and total in-store
spending while a pass member. The overall decrease in same-store movie rental revenues was also partially offset by a 4.0%
increase in total rental revenues generated by the sales of previously rented movies during 2004 as compared with 2003,
resulting from increases both domestically and internationally. Sales of previously rented movies were primarily driven by
pricing and promotional activities designed to position our used movie offerings as a
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value-based alternative to new retail product. These activities resulted in a 4.5% increase in unit sales of previously rented
movies during the year, which was partially offset by a slight decrease in the average selling price of previously rented movies.
DVD rental revenues continued to increase as a percentage of total rental revenues during 2004, caused by increasing DVD
penetration, while VHS rental revenues continued to decline.
Game Rental Revenues. Game rental revenues increased $0.7 million, or 0.1%, in 2004 as compared with 2003, due to the
impact of favorable foreign exchange rates and the addition of new company-operated stores which were partially offset by a
2.8% decrease in worldwide same-store game rental revenues. The decrease in worldwide same-store game rental revenues in
2004 was the result of a 3.9% decrease in domestic same-store game rental revenues caused primarily by the increased retail
offering of low-priced catalog, or “value,” games and increased games trading, by us and our competitors. We believe both of
these offerings competed with our rental and previously played game product. This decrease was partially offset by a 2.9%
increase in international same-store game rental revenues driven by growth in game rentals and rental revenues generated by the
sales of previously played games in several international markets.
Merchandise Sales. Merchandise sales increased $251.0 million, or 19.6%, from 2003 to 2004, due to increases in movie and
game sales. The following is a summary of merchandise sales by product category:
Note: Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to current period presentation.
(1) International same-store merchandise sales do not include the impact of foreign exchange.
The increase in overall merchandise sales resulted primarily from the addition of new company-operated stores, including
approximately 125 freestanding games stores, the impact of favorable foreign exchange rates and a 5.6% increase in worldwide same-
store merchandise sales. The increase in worldwide same-store merchandise sales during 2004 was driven primarily by a 13.5%
increase in international same-store merchandise sales, reflecting increased sales of movies and games. Domestic same-store
merchandise sales decreased slightly as compared with 2003 due primarily to a 7.5% decrease in same-store movies sales. This
decrease was partially offset by the increase in the sale of new and traded games, driven in part by the addition of approximately 450
domestic game store-in-store locations since late 2003. Merchandise sales continued to grow as a percent of our business during 2004,
representing 25.3% of total revenues in 2004, compared with 21.7% of total revenues in 2003. Our domestic operations represented
48.8% of our merchandise sales in 2004 as compared with 56.1% of
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our merchandise sales in 2003. This decrease was attributable to the continued retail revenue growth internationally, including the
impact of favorable exchange rates.
Movie Sales. Movie sales, including sales of both new and traded DVDs and VHS tapes, increased $30.3 million or 5.1%
from 2003 to 2004, primarily as a result of the addition of company-operated stores, a 20.5% increase in international same-store
movie sales and favorable foreign exchange rates, which were partially offset by a 7.5% decrease in domestic same-store movie
sales. The increase in international movie sales was the result of the increased popularity of retail DVD internationally. The
decrease in domestic same-store merchandise sales was caused by the elimination of retail VHS sales in substantially all of our
domestic stores during the first quarter of 2004, lighter rental traffic and pricing pressure on DVDs from the studios and mass
merchant retailers. These factors were partially offset by an increase in the sales of traded movies, which have a lower average
selling price than new retail product. The growth in international movie sales was the primary driver behind an increase in the
overall unit sales of retail movies worldwide. The average retail selling price of movies decreased from 2004 to 2003 partially as
a result of increased sales of lower-priced traded movies, including sales of traded VHS internationally.
Game Sales. Game sales, including sales of new and traded game software, hardware consoles and accessories, increased
$240.1 million, or 78.3%, from 2003 to 2004, primarily as a result of a 32.5% increase in worldwide same-store game sales, the
addition of new company-operated freestanding RHINO VIDEO GAMES and GAMESTATION stores, and favorable foreign
exchange rates. The increase in worldwide same-store game sales was due, in part, to the addition of approximately 450
domestic game store-in-store locations and approximately 30 international game store-in-store locations since late 2003. These
store-in-store locations offer an assortment of new and traded retail game software, hardware and accessories. In addition,
during 2004, we began offering games trading in approximately 3,400 stores worldwide that do not have a game store-in-store
concept. International same-store retail game sales grew as the international markets increased their game offerings to
accommodate the growing demand for games internationally. These factors, and the addition of new freestanding games stores,
led to a significant improvement in the overall unit sales of retail games worldwide. In addition, the overall average selling price
of retail games increased in 2004, driven, in part, by an increase in the average selling price of new games, including increased
sales of premium-priced new releases, or “front-line games.” Front-line games have a higher average selling price than value-
priced games and, therefore, are primarily sold through our new specialty freestanding and store-in-store game concepts. These
factors were partially offset by the increased sales of traded games, which generally have a lower average selling price than new
games.
General Merchandise Sales. General merchandise sales, which include sales of confections, other movie and game-related
products and sales to franchisees, decreased $19.4 million, or 5.1%, from 2003 to 2004, primarily due to a 7.4% decrease in our
worldwide same-store general merchandise sales, partially offset by the impact of favorable foreign exchange rates. The
decrease in our worldwide same-store general merchandise sales due to the discontinuation of sales of various movie-related
products domestically during the latter part of 2004, which was partially offset by increased sales of confections, and lower sales
to franchisees.
Cost of Sales. Cost of sales of $2,441.4 million in 2004 increased $51.6 million, or 2.2%, from $2,389.8 million in 2003,
primarily as a result of increased revenues, as discussed above, and the changes in gross profit discussed below.
Gross Profit. Gross profit of $3,611.8 million in 2004 increased $89.9 million, or 2.6%, from $3,521.9 million in 2003. The
increase in gross profit was primarily driven by increased sales from 2003 to 2004. Total gross margin for 2004 totaled 59.7% as
compared with 59.6% in 2003. The total gross margin for 2004 was negatively impacted by a shift in our revenues from higher
margin rental revenues to lower margin merchandise sales. This impact of this shift in our product mix was offset by improvements in
both rental and retail gross margins.
Rental Gross Profit. Rental gross profit of $3,177.9 million in 2004 increased $6.5 million, or 0.2%, from $3,171.4 million
in 2003. The increase in rental gross profit primarily resulted from an increase in
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rental gross margin from 70.0% in 2003 to 71.8% in 2004. The continued improvement in our rental gross margin was primarily
due to the following:
• As a result of improved product buying and inventory management, rental product purchase costs, in total and on an average
store basis, were lower during 2004 as compared with 2003. Our focus on profitability was implemented in the first quarter
of 2003 and, as a result, the rate of growth in gross margins recognized during late 2003 and the first quarter of 2004 slowed
during the second, third and fourth quarters of 2004.
• During late 2003 and early 2004, we increased the proportion of rental product purchased under revenue-sharing
arrangements. This provided flexibility in our rental copy depth, while also providing the ability to maintain a favorable
level of movie rental gross margin.
• With the increasing penetration of the DVD format, VHS rentals declined. As a result, we decreased our purchases of rental
VHS tapes while managing the copy depth necessary to meet customer demand. Successful management of this continued
transition improved our results in VHS rental margins.
Merchandise Gross Profit. Merchandise gross profit of $341.9 million in 2004 increased $88.0 million, or 34.7%, from
merchandise gross profit of $253.9 million in 2003. The increase in merchandise gross profit was primarily attributable to
growth in merchandise sales and continued improvement in our merchandise gross margin, which increased to 22.3% in 2004
compared with 19.8% in 2003. The increase in merchandise gross margin was primarily caused by growth in higher margin
international game sales and increased merchandise sales from traded movies and games. Traded movies and games have higher
average gross margins than new retail product.
Operating Expenses. Total operating expenses, including compensation expenses, selling and advertising expenses, occupancy
costs, other corporate and store expenses, depreciation and intangible amortization, totaled $4,865.0 million in 2004, an increase of
$506.4 million, or 11.6%, from $4,358.6 million in 2003. Total operating expenses increased as a percentage of total revenues to
80.4% in 2004 from 73.7% in 2003. Total operating expenses and operating expenses as a percent of total revenues increased
primarily as a result of non-cash impairment charges which totaled approximately $1.5 billion in 2004 as compared with non-cash
impairment charges totaling approximately $1.3 billion in 2003 and the following other items:
Selling, General and Administrative Expense. Selling, general and administrative expense, including expenses incurred at
the store, regional and corporate levels, of $3,110.9 million in 2004, increased $325.6 million, or 11.7%, from $2,785.3 million
in 2003. Selling, general and administrative expense as a percentage of total revenues increased to 51.4% in 2004 as compared
with 47.1% in 2003. The change in selling, general and administrative expense in 2004 resulted from the following items:
• Compensation expense increased $130.4 million, or 10.2%, primarily as a result of increased foreign exchange rates,
additional personnel needed to support our store growth and strategic initiatives, $18.3 million in share-based compensation
expense primarily resulting from our adoption of SFAS 123R, increasing payroll and insurance costs due to general inflation
and approximately $8.6 million in severance costs incurred during late 2004.
In conjunction with our Stock Option Exchange Offer, we adopted SFAS 123R as of October 1, 2004. SFAS 123R requires
us to recognize compensation expense for all share-based payments made to employees based on the fair value of the share-
based payment at the date of grant. For all unvested options outstanding as of October 1, 2004, the previously measured but
unrecognized compensation expense, based on the fair value at the original grant date, is being recognized in the
Consolidated Statements of Operations over the remaining vesting period. For share-based payments granted subsequent to
October 1, 2004, compensation expense, based on the fair value on the date of grant, is being recognized in the Consolidated
Statements of Operations from the date of grant. For the year ended December 31, 2004, we recognized $18.3 million of
compensation expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for share-based payments to employees, which is
discussed further in Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements.
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Additionally, effective January 1, 2004, we adopted the expense recognition provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 28,
Accounting for Stock Appreciation Rights and Other Variable Stock Option or Award Plans (“FIN 28”). FIN 28 requires
unearned compensation associated with share-based awards with graded vesting periods to be amortized on an accelerated
basis over the vesting period of the option or award. Prior to the adoption of the expense recognition provisions of FIN 28,
which has been accounted for as a change in accounting principle, we amortized the unearned compensation on a straight-
line basis over the vesting period. We applied the disclosure-only provisions of SFAS 123 through September 30, 2004;
therefore, the cumulative effect of change in accounting principle of $23.1 million, net of tax, has not been reflected in our
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2004 but has been appropriately reflected in the
SFAS 123 pro forma disclosures in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements.
• Advertising expense, including online subscriber acquisition costs, increased $78.0 million, or 43.5%, reflecting increased
spending in support of our strategic initiatives, including the launch of BLOCKBUSTER Online during the third quarter of
2004, the rollout of DVD and games trading in approximately 3,500 stores worldwide in 2004, the continued rollout of our
game store-in-stores and other promotional activity and customer service initiatives.
• Occupancy costs increased $60.6 million, or 7.3%, primarily as a result of increased foreign exchange rates, the net addition
of new company-operated stores, the renewal of certain domestic store leases at generally higher rates and increased repair
and maintenance costs.
• Other general and administrative corporate and store expenses increased $56.6 million, or 11.3%, due primarily to expenses
related to our strategic initiatives and related systems and infrastructure improvements, increased costs as a result of our
divestiture from Viacom, increased foreign exchange rates, and the addition of new company-operated stores.
Other general and administrative expenses were negatively impacted in the fourth quarter of 2004 by the settlement of a
complaint filed by Buena Vista Home Entertainment, Inc. Buena Vista claimed that Blockbuster had breached the revenue-
sharing agreement between the two parties and claimed damages in excess of $120 million. The parties agreed to binding
arbitration of their dispute and, as a result, we accrued $18 million in connection with such arbitration, of which $12 million
was recorded in 2004.
Depreciation Expense. Depreciation expense of $247.4 million in 2004 decreased $18.6 million, or 7.0%, as compared
with $266.0 million in 2003. The decrease was primarily the result of an increase in fully depreciated property and equipment,
which was partially offset by increased foreign exchange rates and the addition of new company-operated stores.
Impairment of Goodwill and Other Long-Lived Assets. During the third quarter of 2004 and fourth quarter of 2003, as
described above and in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, we recorded non-cash impairment charges totaling
approximately $1.5 billion and approximately $1.3 billion, respectively, to impair goodwill in both our domestic and
international reporting units in accordance with SFAS 142. During the third quarter of 2004 and the fourth quarter of 2003, we
also recognized non-cash impairment charges of approximately $1.7 million and approximately $18.5 million, respectively, to
impair other long-lived assets in accordance with SFAS 144.
During 2004, we incurred approximately $120 million in incremental operating expenses for our strategic initiatives, which
negatively impacted our operating income. These costs primarily included incremental advertising costs, costs to make incremental
improvements in systems and infrastructure and personnel costs, as discussed above. In addition, as a result of our divestiture from
Viacom, we incurred approximately $10 million in incremental operating expenses during 2004 due to the replacement of services
and contracts previously provided through Viacom.
Interest Expense. Interest expense of $38.1 million in 2004 increased $5.0 million, or 15.1%, as compared with $33.1 million in
2003. The increase in interest expense was primarily related to the net borrowing of $950.0 million during the third quarter of 2004,
in conjunction with the funding of the special distribution.
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Provision for Income Taxes. We recognized an income tax benefit of $37.3 million in 2004 as compared with a provision of
$106.5 million in 2003. The income tax benefit in 2004 primarily reflected a $37.1 million tax benefit as a result of the resolution of
specific federal income tax audit issues during the first quarter of 2004. Additionally, a large portion of the charges to impair goodwill
and other long-lived assets in 2003 and 2004 were non-deductible.
Cumulative Effect of Change in Accounting Principle, Net of Tax. Effective January 1, 2003, we adopted SFAS 143 which
requires us to provide for estimated long-lived asset retirement obligations that will be incurred upon future store closings. The initial
adoption of SFAS 143 required us to record a cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of tax, of $4.4 million in our
income statement in the first quarter of 2003. The initial adoption of this statement did not affect operating income or cash flow.
Net Loss. Net loss of $1,248.8 million in 2004 reflects additional losses of $270.1 million from a net loss of $978.7 million in
2003. The increase in net loss was attributable to the changes discussed above.
As described more fully in Notes 7 and 9 to the consolidated financial statements, at December 31, 2005 our contractual
obligations, were as follows:
Contractual Obligations < 1 Year 1-3 Years 3-5 Years After 5 Years Total
Operating leases $ 597.4 $ 893.0 $ 483.1 $ 520.7 $2,494.2
Capital lease obligations(1) 22.1 30.6 22.2 28.7 103.6
Purchase obligations(2) 271.7 54.4 11.6 20.2 357.9
Revenue-sharing obligations(3) 72.3 — — — 72.3
Long-term debt 20.5 63.4 378.4 617.6 1,079.9
Interest expense on long-term debt(4) 90.4 174.2 135.8 61.8 462.2
Preferred stock dividends(5) 11.3 22.5 22.5 — 56.3
$1,085.7 $1,238.1 $1,053.6 $ 1,249.0 $4,626.4
Capital Structure
On August 20, 2004, we entered into $1,150.0 million in senior secured credit facilities, consisting of (i) a five-year $500.0
million revolving credit facility, of which $150.0 million is reserved for issuance of the Viacom Letters of Credit, described in Note 6
to the consolidated financial statements; (ii) a five-year $100.0 million term loan A facility; and (iii) a seven-year $550.0 million term
loan B facility, and we issued $300.0 million aggregate principal amount of 9% senior subordinated notes due 2012. These
borrowings are described in Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements. The proceeds from the credit facilities and the senior
subordinated notes were used (i) to fund the payment of the special distribution in August 2004; (ii) to finance transaction costs and
expenses in connection with our divestiture from Viacom and the special distribution; (iii) to repay amounts outstanding under our
prior credit agreement; and (iv) for working capital and other general corporate purposes. As of December 31, 2005, $135.0 million of
borrowings were outstanding under the revolving credit facility, $644.9 million was outstanding under the term loan portions of our
credit facilities and $300.0 million was outstanding under the senior subordinated notes. The available borrowing capacity under our
credit facilities, excluding the $150.0 million reserved for issuance of the Viacom Letters of Credit and $46.5 million reserved to
support other letters of credit, totaled $168.5 million at December 31, 2005.
The borrowing availability under the revolving credit facility will be automatically reduced by quarterly installments of 5% of
the original borrowing availability from October 2007 through July 2009 and will terminate in full in August 2009. The Term A Loan
Facility is payable in quarterly installments of 3.75% of the original principal balance from October 2005 through July 2008, and
13.75% beginning October 2008 through August 2009. The Term B Loan Facility is payable in quarterly installments of 0.25% of the
original principal balance from October 2005 through July 2008, 2.5% beginning October 2008 through July 2010 and 19.25%
beginning October 2010 through August 2011. The term loans are subject to mandatory prepayments from a portion of proceeds from
asset sales and excess cash flow, as defined by the credit facilities. Interest payments on the senior subordinated notes are due semi-
annually through 2012, when the bonds mature.
Under a registration rights agreement as part of the offering of the senior subordinated notes, we are obligated to use our
reasonable best efforts to file with the SEC a registration statement with respect to an offer to exchange the senior subordinated notes
for substantially similar notes that are registered under the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”). Alternatively, if the
exchange offer for the senior subordinated notes is not available or cannot be completed, we will be required to use our reasonable
best efforts to file a shelf registration statement to cover resales of the senior subordinated notes under the Securities Act. Because an
exchange offer for the senior subordinated notes was not completed before May 18, 2005, we were required to pay additional interest
on the senior subordinated notes of 0.25% per annum for the first 90-day period after May 18, 2005 and are required to pay an
additional 0.25% per annum with respect to each subsequent 90-day period, up to a
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maximum aggregate increase of 1% per annum, until an exchange offer is completed or, if required, a shelf registration statement is
declared effective. As a result, we incurred additional interest expense of 0.25% per annum for the 90-day period from May 19, 2005
through August 18, 2005, 0.50% per annum for the 90-day period from August 19, 2005 through November 18, 2005, 0.75% per
annum for the 90-day period from November 19, 2005 through February 18, 2006 and began incurring additional interest expense of
the maximum of 1.0% per annum subsequent to February 18, 2006. We expect to file a registration statement with respect to an
exchange offer with the SEC during the first quarter of 2006. The interest rate on the senior subordinated notes will revert back to
9.0% per annum upon completion of the exchange offer.
On May 4, 2005, we and the syndicate of lenders for the credit facilities amended the credit agreement in certain respects (the
“first amendment”). As part of the first amendment, our obligations with respect to maintaining a maximum leverage ratio were
amended for the second and third quarters of 2005, and our obligations for maintaining a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio were
amended for the second, third and fourth quarters of 2005. We paid a standard amendment fee in the second quarter of 2005 in
connection with the first amendment.
On August 8, 2005, we entered into a further amendment to the credit agreement (the “second amendment”), which provided for
a waiver of our then current second and third quarter 2005 leverage ratio covenant and our then current third quarter 2005 fixed
charge coverage covenant. Without the benefit of the lenders’ waiver of the leverage ratio covenant for the second and third quarters
of 2005 that was contained in the second amendment, we would have been in default of such covenant. The second amendment made
various changes to the credit agreement, which included (i) modification of the applicable margins based on the applicable credit
rating, from time to time, of our senior, secured long-term indebtedness; (ii) granting the syndicate of lenders a security interest in
substantially all of our domestic assets (other than our real estate leasehold interests); (iii) compliance with minimum consolidated
EBITDA and maximum capital expenditure covenants for the third and fourth quarters of 2005; and (iv) other changes described in
Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements. In connection with the second amendment, the applicable margin on our borrowings
under our credit facility increased 50 basis points through the end of the waiver period and we paid a standard amendment fee during
the third quarter of 2005.
In order to provide us with improved operating flexibility, on November 4, 2005, we entered into another amendment to the
credit agreement (the “third amendment”) with our lenders to modify the financial covenants and make other modifications. Upon the
effectiveness of the third amendment, the interim waiver period provisions contained in the second amendment ceased to be in effect
and certain changes were made to the credit agreement, including (i) modification of the applicable margins to reflect adjustments to
such applicable margins based on our gross leverage ratio from time to time; (ii) execution of account control agreements covering
substantially all of our deposit accounts and securities accounts to perfect the security interest of the syndicate lenders in substantially
all of our available cash (including cash held in our domestic concentration accounts as defined in the third amendment); (iii)
compliance with a minimum consolidated EBITDA covenant through December 31, 2007, compliance with a maximum capital
expenditure covenant for the remaining term of the credit agreement, and compliance with maximum leverage ratio and minimum
fixed charge coverage ratio covenants for the remaining term of the credit agreement after December 31, 2007; and (iv) other changes
described in Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements. In connection with the third amendment, the applicable margin for
borrowings under our credit facilities increased 50 basis points and commitment fees on the unused portion of the revolving credit
facility increased from 0.375% per annum to 0.500% per annum. The increase in the annual commitment fee rate is subject to
reduction based on the applicable credit rating, from time to time, of our senior secured long-term indebtedness. We also paid a
standard amendment fee to the administrative agent and the syndicate of lenders during the fourth quarter of 2005.
The credit facilities currently require compliance with a minimum EBITDA covenant through December 31, 2007, a maximum
capital expenditure covenant for the remaining term of the credit agreement and maximum leverage ratio and minimum fixed charge
coverage ratio covenants from 2008 through 2011. Additionally, the
64
credit facilities and senior subordinated notes contain certain restrictive covenants, which, among other things, limit, during the terms
of the facilities and the notes, (i) the amount of dividends that we may pay, (ii) the amount of our common stock that we may
repurchase and (iii) the amount of other distributions that we may make in respect of our common stock. Without the benefit of the
lenders’ waiver of the leverage ratio and fixed charge coverage ratio covenants for the fourth quarter of 2005, we would have been in
default of such covenants. However, we were in compliance with the required minimum EBITDA covenant, the maximum capital
expenditure covenant and all other applicable covenants as of December 31, 2005.
On November 15, 2005, we completed a private placement of $150 million in Series A convertible preferred stock. The
aggregate discounts and commissions to the initial purchasers and fees paid to third parties in conjunction with the preferred stock
issuance were approximately $6.0 million. We used the net proceeds from the offering to repay a portion of our borrowings under our
revolving credit facility and for general corporate purposes. See Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements for a description of
the Series A convertible preferred stock.
The following table sets forth the current portion of our long-term debt and capital lease obligations:
At December 31,
2005 2004
Credit Facilities:
Term A loan, interest rate ranging from 7.8% to 8.3% at December 31, 2005 $ 15.0 $ 3.7
Term B loan, interest rate ranging from 7.9% to 8.7% at December 31, 2005 5.5 1.4
Current maturities of all other obligations — 0.7
Total current portion of long-term debt 20.5 5.8
Current portion of capital lease obligations 15.9 19.7
$ 36.4 $ 25.5
The following table sets forth our long-term debt and capital lease obligations, less current portion:
At December 31,
2005 2004
Credit Facilities:
Revolving credit facility, interest rate ranging from 7.8% to 8.0% at December 31, 2005 $ 135.0 $ 100.0
Term A loan, interest rate ranging from 7.8% to 8.3% at December 31, 2005 81.3 96.3
Term B loan, interest rate ranging from 7.9% to 8.7% at December 31, 2005 543.1 548.6
Senior Subordinated Notes, interest rate of 9.75% at December 31, 2005 300.0 300.0
Total long-term debt, less current portion 1,059.4 1,044.9
Capital lease obligations, less current portion 62.2 74.8
$1,121.6 $1,119.7
Subsequent to December 31, 2005, we have made payments of $75.0 million on our revolving credit facility. Additional
information on our capital structure can be found in Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements.
During 2005, we increased our rental library purchases to provide increased product availability in support of our new in-store
rental offerings and the growth of BLOCKBUSTER Online. However, our non-cash rental library amortization also increased from
2004 to 2005 due to the timing and composition of our purchases. As a result, our rental library purchases, net of rental library
amortization, caused an increase in our cash flows from operating activities of approximately $66.8 million during 2005.
Investing Activities. Net cash flow used for investing activities decreased $199.7 million from $313.9 million in 2004 to $114.2
million in 2005. This decrease was primarily due to a reduction of $149.7 million in cash used for capital expenditures during 2005
primarily because the initial capital expenditure outlay necessary to support our strategic initiatives and systems and infrastructure
improvements occurred during 2004. We also reduced our spending for acquisitions by $23.0 million in 2005 as compared with 2004
and sold our subsidiary, D.E.J. Productions Inc., which provided cash of $22.5 million during 2005.
We plan to decrease our capital expenditures further in 2006 as compared with 2005, primarily by reducing our new store
openings. We expect total capital expenditures for 2006 to be approximately $90.0 million as compared with $139.4 million in 2005.
Financing Activities. Net cash flow for financing activities increased $157.1 million from cash used of $18.8 million in 2004 to
cash provided of $138.3 million in 2005. This change was primarily due to net proceeds of $144.0 million from the issuance of the
Series A convertible preferred stock during 2005 and a decrease in cash dividends paid of $912.3 million. The decrease in dividends
during the year resulted from the special distribution paid during the third quarter of 2004 and the declaration by our board of
directors of only two dividend payments during 2005. These amounts were partially offset by a decrease in net proceeds from long-
term debt of $897.0 million primarily as a result of borrowings under our credit facilities and senior subordinated notes during 2004.
In connection with our divestiture from Viacom, we entered into an amended and restated initial public offering and split-off
agreement with Viacom. This amended agreement provides, among other things, (i) for Viacom to pay various expenses related to the
transaction; (ii) for an allocation of expenses and liabilities related to the transaction and to Blockbuster’s business operations; and
(iii) for Blockbuster to provide Viacom with letters of credit, at Viacom’s expense, in an amount up to $150.0 million to secure a
portion of Viacom’s contingent liabilities with respect to certain store lease guarantees originally entered into before our August 1999
initial public offering. In conjunction with this agreement, we recognized a $7.0 million capital contribution for
66
the year ended December 31, 2004, representing Viacom’s reimbursement of a portion of the deferred financing costs incurred in
conjunction with our $1,150.0 million in senior secured credit facilities, which are discussed in Note 7 to the consolidated financial
statements.
As of December 31, 2005, no amounts were receivable from or payable to Viacom in conjunction with these and other related
divestiture agreements.
Market Risk
We are exposed to various market risks including interest rates on our debt and foreign exchange rates, and we monitor these
risks throughout the normal course of business. As of December 31, 2005 and 2004, we did not have any interest rate or foreign
exchange hedging instruments in place.
As discussed above and in Note 7 to our consolidated financial statements, we are obligated to use our reasonable best efforts to
file with the SEC a registration statement with respect to an offer to exchange our senior subordinated notes for substantially similar
notes that are registered under the Securities Act. Because an exchange offer for the senior subordinated notes was not completed
before May 18, 2005, we are required to pay additional interest on the senior subordinated notes of 0.25% per annum every 90 days
thereafter, up to a maximum aggregate increase of 1% per annum, until the exchange offer is completed or, if required, the shelf
registration statement is declared effective. An increase of 1% in the interest rate on our senior subordinated notes would increase our
interest expense by approximately $3 million per year.
67
Foreign Exchange Risk
Operating in international markets involves exposure to movements in currency exchange rates. Currency exchange rate
movements typically also reflect economic growth, inflation, interest rates, government actions and other factors. As currency
exchange rates fluctuate, translation of the statements of operations of our international businesses into U.S. dollars may affect year-
over-year comparability and could cause us to adjust our financing and operating strategies. Revenues and operating income would
have decreased by $28.8 million and $1.3 million, respectively, for 2005 if foreign exchange rates in 2005 were consistent with 2004.
Our operations outside the United States constituted approximately 33%, 31% and 26% of our total revenues in 2005, 2004 and
2003, respectively. Our operations in Europe constituted approximately 21%, 20% and 16% of our total revenues in 2005, 2004 and
2003, respectively.
FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) No. 109-2, Accounting and Disclosure Guidance for the Foreign Earnings Repatriation Provision
within the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 (“FSP 109-2”), provides guidance under SFAS 109, Accounting for Income Taxes,
with respect to recording the potential impact of the repatriation provisions of the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 (the “Jobs
Act”) on enterprises’ income tax expense and deferred tax liability. The Jobs Act was enacted on October 22, 2004. FSP 109-2 states
that an enterprise is allowed time beyond the financial reporting period of enactment to evaluate the effect of the Jobs Act on its plan
for reinvestment or repatriation of foreign earnings for purposes of applying SFAS 109. Our adoption of FSP 109-2 did not have a
material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In November 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 151, Inventory Costs—An Amendment of ARB No. 43, Chapter 4 (“SFAS 151”).
SFAS 151 amends the guidance in ARB No. 43, Chapter 4, Inventory Pricing (“ARB 43”) to clarify the accounting for abnormal
amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs and wasted material. Among other provisions, the new rule requires that items
such as idle facility expense, excessive spoilage, double freight and rehandling costs be recognized as current-period charges
regardless of whether they meet the criterion of “so abnormal” as stated in ARB 43. Additionally, SFAS 151 requires that the
allocation of fixed production overhead to the costs of conversion be based on the normal capacity of the production facilities. SFAS
151 is effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2005. We do not expect the adoption of SFAS 151 to have a material impact
on our consolidated financial statements.
In May 2005, the FASB issued SFAS No. 154, Accounting Changes and Error Corrections (“SFAS 154”). This new standard
replaces APB Opinion No. 20, Accounting Changes, and SFAS No. 3, Reporting Accounting Changes in Interim Financial
Statements. Among other changes, SFAS 154 requires retrospective application of a voluntary change in accounting principle with all
prior period financial statements presented on the new accounting principle, unless it is impracticable to do so. SFAS 154 also
requires that a change in method of depreciating or amortizing a long-lived nonfinancial asset be accounted for prospectively as a
change in estimate, and correction of errors in previously issued financial statements should be termed a restatement. The new
standard is effective for accounting changes and correction of errors made in fiscal years beginning after
68
December 15, 2005. We do not expect the adoption of SFAS 154 to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In June 2005, the FASB issued Staff Position No. 143-1, Accounting for Electronic Equipment Waste Obligations (“FSP 143-
1”), which provides guidance on the accounting for obligations associated with the Directive on Waste Electrical and Electronic
Equipment (the “WEEE Directive”), which was adopted by the European Union. FSP 143-1 provides guidance on accounting for the
effects of the WEEE Directive with respect to “historical waste,” which is waste associated with products on the market on or before
August 13, 2005. FSP 143-1 requires commercial users to account for their WEEE obligation as an asset retirement liability in
accordance with FASB Statement No. 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations. FSP 143-1 was required to be applied
beginning in the later of the first reporting period ending after June 8, 2005 or the date of the adoption of the WEEE Directive into
law by the applicable European Union member country. We will apply the guidance of FSP 143-1 as it relates to the European Union
member countries in which we operate when those countries have adopted the WEEE Directive into law. We do not expect the
adoption of FSP 143-1 to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In September 2005, the Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) reached a consensus on Issue 04-13, Accounting for Purchases
and Sales of Inventory with the Same Counterparty (“EITF 04-13”). The FASB Task Force concluded that inventory purchases and
sales transactions with the same counterparty should be combined for accounting purposes if they were entered into in contemplation
of each other. The Task Force provided indicators to be considered for purposes of determining whether such transactions are entered
into in contemplation of each other. The Task Force also provided guidance on the circumstances under which nonmonetary
exchanges of inventory within the same line of business should be recognized at fair value. EITF 04-13 will be effective in reporting
periods beginning after March 15, 2006. We do not expect the adoption of EITF 04-13 to have a material impact on our consolidated
financial statements.
In October 2005, the FASB issued FSP No. FAS 13-1, Accounting for Rental Costs Incurred during a Construction Period
(“FSP FAS 13-1”). FSP FAS 13-1 requires rental costs associated with operating leases that are incurred during a construction period
to be recognized as rental expense. FSP FAS 13-1 is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2005. We do not
expect FSP FAS 13-1 to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
BLOCKBUSTER INC.
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Page
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 71
Audited Consolidated Financial Statements:
Consolidated Statements of Operations—Years Ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003 73
Consolidated Balance Sheets—December 31, 2005 and 2004 74
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Loss—Years Ended December 31,
2005, 2004 and 2003 75
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows—Years Ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003 76
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 77
We have completed integrated audits of Blockbuster Inc.’s 2005 and 2004 consolidated financial statements and of its internal
control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005, and an audit of its 2003 consolidated financial statements in accordance
with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Our opinions, based on our audits, are
presented below.
As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has restated its 2004 and 2003 financial
statements.
As discussed in Notes 1 and 4 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company adopted the expense recognition provisions
of Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 28, Accounting for Stock Appreciation Rights and Other Variable Stock
Option or Award Plans, as of January 1, 2004. As discussed in Notes 1 and 4 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company
adopted the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (revised 2004), Share Based Payment, as of
October 1, 2004. As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company adopted the provisions of Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations, as of January 1, 2003.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the
reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that
(i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the
assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial
statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being
made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance
regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a
material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also,
projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of
changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Dallas, Texas
March 15, 2006
72
BLOCKBUSTER INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In millions, except per share amounts)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
73
BLOCKBUSTER INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In millions, except per share amounts)
December 31,
2005 2004
Restated
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 276.2 $ 330.3
Receivables, less allowances of $6.4 and $14.5 for 2005 and 2004, respectively 127.8 177.8
Merchandise inventories 310.3 516.6
Rental library, net 475.5 457.6
Deferred income taxes 15.6 24.0
Prepaid and other current assets 218.4 193.0
Total current assets 1,423.8 1,699.3
Property and equipment, net 723.5 854.0
Deferred income taxes 159.6 194.2
Intangibles, net 26.9 34.5
Goodwill 809.2 1,138.5
Other assets 36.6 74.1
$ 3,179.6 $ 3,994.6
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable $ 368.1 $ 721.8
Accrued expenses 765.3 697.3
Current portion of long-term debt 20.5 5.8
Current portion of capital lease obligations 15.9 19.7
Deferred income taxes 148.1 136.0
Total current liabilities 1,317.9 1,580.6
Long-term debt, less current portion 1,059.4 1,044.9
Capital lease obligations, less current portion 62.2 74.8
Other liabilities 108.5 231.4
2,548.0 2,931.7
Commitments and contingencies (Note 9)
Stockholders’ equity:
Series A convertible preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share: 100.0 shares authorized; 0.15
shares issued and outstanding for 2005 with liquidation preference of $1,000 per share. No
shares issued or outstanding for 2004 150.0 —
Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share; 400.0 shares authorized; 114.6 and 111.7
shares issued and outstanding for 2005 and 2004, respectively 1.1 1.1
Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share; 500.0 shares authorized; 72.0 shares issued
and outstanding for 2005 and 2004 0.7 0.7
Additional paid-in capital 5,360.9 5,336.7
Retained deficit (4,836.4) (4,248.3)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (44.7) (27.3)
Total stockholders’ equity 631.6 1,062.9
$ 3,179.6 $ 3,994.6
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
74
BLOCKBUSTER INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
(In millions)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
75
BLOCKBUSTER INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In millions)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
76
BLOCKBUSTER INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular dollars in millions except per share amounts)
Use of Estimates
The preparation of Blockbuster’s consolidated financial statements, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted
in the United States, requires the Company to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities
and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the balance sheet date and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during
the reporting period. On an ongoing basis, the Company evaluates its estimates, including those related to the useful lives and residual
values surrounding the Company’s rental library, estimated accruals related to revenue-sharing titles subject to performance
guarantees, merchandise inventory reserves, revenues generated by customer programs and incentives, useful lives of property and
equipment, income taxes, impairment of its long-lived assets, including goodwill, share-based compensation and contingencies. The
Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that the Company believes to be reasonable
under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities
that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may materially differ from these estimates under different assumptions
or conditions.
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and investments of more than 50.0% in subsidiaries
and other entities. Investments in affiliated companies over which the Company has a significant influence or ownership of more than
20.0% but less than or equal to 50.0% are accounted for using the equity method. Investments of 20.0% or less are accounted for
using the cost method. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated. Additionally, the Company adopted Financial
Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Interpretation No. 46, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an Interpretation of ARB
No. 51, as revised (“FIN 46R”), effective January 1, 2004. FIN 46R requires an entity determined to be a variable interest entity to be
consolidated by the enterprise that absorbs the majority of the entity’s expected losses, receives a majority of the entity’s expected
residual returns or both. The adoption of FIN 46R did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of
operations or cash flows.
The Company has restated its consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003. Following is a
summary of the effects of these changes on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2004 and in the
Company’s Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003. See Note 14 for a summary of
the effects of these changes on the Company’s unaudited quarterly information for 2005 and 2004.
Year Ended or at December 31, 2004 Year Ended December 31, 2003
As As
Previously As Previously As
Reported Adjustments Restated Reported Adjustments Restated
Consolidated Balance Sheet
Rental library, net (current) $ — $ 457.6 $ 457.6
Deferred income taxes (current asset) — 24.0 24.0
Total current assets 1,217.7 481.6 1,699.3
Rental library, net (non-current) 457.6 (457.6) —
Deferred income taxes (non-current asset) 87.0 107.2 194.2
Total assets 3,863.4 131.2 3,994.6
Deferred income taxes (current liability) 4.8 131.2 136.0
Total liabilities 2,800.5 131.2 2,931.7
Total stockholders’ equity 1,062.9 — 1,062.9
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Net cash flow provided by operating activities $ 1,215.4 $ (798.4) $ 417.0 $ 1,430.3 $ (836.6) $ 593.7
Net cash flow used for investing activities (1,112.3) 798.4 (313.9) (1,024.6) 836.6 (188.0)
Net cash flow used for financing activities (18.8) — (18.8) (335.5) — (335.5)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash 12.6 — 12.6 10.7 — 10.7
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 233.4 — 233.4 152.5 — 152.5
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 330.3 — 330.3 233.4 — 233.4
In connection with the Viacom Exchange Offer and the Special Distribution, as defined below, on August 20, 2004, Blockbuster
entered into $1,150.0 million in senior secured credit facilities with a syndicate of lenders (the “Credit Facilities”) and issued $300.0
million aggregate principal amount of 9% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2012 (the “Senior Subordinated Notes”). See Note 7 below
for further discussion of these instruments. On September 3, 2004, Blockbuster used proceeds from these borrowings to pay a special
distribution of approximately $905.6 million, or $5 per share, to its stockholders, including Viacom (the “Special Distribution”),
which is reflected as a decrease to additional paid-in capital. In light of the Special Distribution and to ensure that the intrinsic value
of stock options held by Blockbuster’s optionees would be preserved, but not increased, the former Senior Executive Compensation
Committee of the Board of Directors of Blockbuster (the “Senior Executive Compensation Committee”) approved an adjustment to
the Company’s outstanding stock options to effect a pro rata increase in the number of outstanding stock options and a pro rata
decrease in the related exercise price. The Senior Executive Compensation Committee also approved a corresponding adjustment to
the total number of shares available for future grants under the plan.
Additional information about the Viacom Exchange Offer and related transactions is available in Blockbuster’s Registration
Statement on Form S-4, including the Prospectus-Offer to Exchange, as originally filed with the SEC on June 18, 2004, and as
thereafter amended.
In connection with the Viacom Exchange Offer, on June 18, 2004, Blockbuster entered into a new employment agreement with
John F. Antioco, its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, which became effective on October 14, 2004. See Note 4 for further
discussion of Mr. Antioco’s employment agreement.
Merchandise Inventories
Merchandise inventories consist primarily of new and traded movies and games and other general merchandise, including
confections, and are stated at the lower of cost or market. The Company includes in the cost of its merchandise inventory an
allocation of costs incurred in its distribution center to prepare products for
79
BLOCKBUSTER INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
(Tabular dollars in millions except per share amounts)
its stores. Merchandise inventory costs are determined using the weighted-average method, the use of which approximates the first-in,
first-out basis. The Company accrues for inventory shrinkage based on the actual historical shrink results of the Company’s most
recent physical inventories adjusted, if necessary, for current economic conditions. These estimates are compared with actual results
as physical inventory counts are taken and reconciled to the general ledger.
From time to time, Blockbuster receives rebates and/or slotting fees related to certain products. Rebates primarily relate to
volume rebates and are recognized as a reduction in the cost of the related inventory. Slotting fees represent payments from vendors
for placement of product in preferred areas within stores for a contractual period of time and are recognized as a reduction to cost of
goods sold as the products are sold. The Company and its vendors also participate in a variety of cooperative advertising programs
and other promotional programs in which the vendors provide the Company with cash consideration in exchange for marketing and
advertising of the vendor’s products. In accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) 02-16, Accounting by a Customer
(Including a Reseller) for Certain Consideration Received from a Vendor, vendor allowances are recorded as a reduction in the cost
of the applicable vendor’s products and recognized in cost of sales when the related product is sold unless the allowances represent
reimbursement of a specific incremental and identifiable cost incurred to promote the vendor’s product. If the allowance represents a
reimbursement of cost, it is recorded as an offset to the associated expense incurred. Any reimbursement greater than the costs
incurred is recognized as a reduction to the cost of the product.
Rental Library
Rental library product consists of movie and game product available for rental by customers and previously rented movies and
games that are available for sale. Because of the relatively short useful lives of this product and because this product is available for
sale to customers at any time, the Company views these assets to be current assets. The Company classifies the purchases of rental
library product as an operating cash outflow.
The Company amortizes its rental library in a manner that most closely allows for the matching of product costs with the related
revenues generated by the utilization of the rental library product. These policies require that the Company make significant estimates
based upon its experience as to the ultimate revenue and the timing of the revenue to be generated by the rental library product. The
Company utilizes the accelerated method of amortization because it approximates the pattern of demand for the product, which is
generally high when the product is initially released for rental by the studios and declines over time. In establishing residual values for
its rental library product, the Company considers the sales prices and volume of its previously rented product and other used product.
The Company also reviews the carrying value of its rental library to ensure that estimated future cash flows exceed the carrying value.
The Company records adjustments to the value of previously rented product primarily for estimated obsolete or excess product based
upon changes in its original assumptions about future demand and market conditions.
Prior to January 1, 2005, cost of non-base stock (or “new release”) DVD, both in-store and online, was amortized on an
accelerated basis over a six-month period to an estimated $4 residual value. The cost of video games and in-store and online base
stock (or “catalog”) DVDs was amortized on an accelerated basis over a twelve-month period to an estimated $5 and $4 residual
value, respectively. The cost of new release VHS tapes was amortized on an accelerated basis over a three-month period to an
estimated $2 residual value. The cost of catalog VHS tapes was amortized on an accelerated basis over a three-month period and then
on a straight-line basis over a six-month period to an estimated $2 residual value.
As part of the normal course of business, the Company continually assesses the reasonableness of the accounting estimates
surrounding its rental library. For example, recent changes in the Company’s business,
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BLOCKBUSTER INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
(Tabular dollars in millions except per share amounts)
including (i) the launch of online rental subscription programs in the United States and the United Kingdom, (ii) the launch of in-store
subscription programs in the United States and (iii) the elimination of extended viewing fees in the United States and Canada, caused
the Company to re-evaluate its accounting estimates surrounding its rental library in the first quarter of 2005. Each of these initiatives
has changed the delivery method, pricing and cost structure of the rental programs that the Company offers to its customers as well as
the customers’ rental habits. These new programs allow customers to keep rental product for longer periods of time and generate
increased rental transactions and overall rentals per library product. Accordingly, the Company has changed its accounting estimates
surrounding its rental library to reflect these changes, as discussed below.
In mid-2004, the Company launched BLOCKBUSTER Online in the United States and an online subscription service in the
United Kingdom. The nature of the Company’s online subscription services such as product shipping times, the management of
product shipments to customers and customer demand for new release product, differs from the in-store rental business. As a result of
these inherent differences, the Company determined that its online non-base stock (or “new release”) DVDs have longer estimated
lives than its in-store new release product. Therefore, beginning in the first quarter of 2005, the Company changed the estimated
useful life of its online new release DVDs from six months to twelve months. In addition, due to the changes in customers’ rental
behavior discussed above, the Company lengthened the estimated useful life of its online base stock (or “catalog”) inventory from 12
months to 24 months. Furthermore, the Company believes that there is a low likelihood of online catalog inventory being sold at the
end of its useful life and, therefore, reduced the residual value of its online catalog inventory from $4 to $0 in the first quarter of 2005.
These changes in estimates related to the useful lives and residual values of the Company’s online rental library reduced its cost of
rental revenues and net loss for the year ended December 31, 2005 by approximately $3.2 million, or $0.02 per share.
The combination of the launch of the Company’s in-store movie subscription program, the BLOCKBUSTER Movie Pass®, in
mid-2004 and the elimination of extended viewing fees under the Company’s “no late fees” program in 2005 has caused in-store
customers’ rental behavior to change as discussed above. As a result, beginning in the first quarter of 2005, the Company changed the
estimated useful life of its in-store DVD catalog inventory in the United States from 12 months to 24 months. This change in estimate
related to the useful life of in-store DVD catalog inventory reduced the Company’s cost of rental revenues and net loss for the year
ended December 31, 2005 by approximately $4.4 million and $0.02 per share.
No changes were made to the amortization period and residual values for in-store new release DVD, video games, and new
release and catalog VHS tapes. Adjustments to the value of previously rented product are recorded primarily for estimated obsolete or
excess inventory based upon assumptions about future demand and market conditions.
The costs of rental product purchased pursuant to revenue-sharing arrangements typically include a lower initial product cost
and a percentage of the net rental revenues to be shared with the studios over an agreed period of time. Additionally, certain titles
have performance guarantees. Certain of the up-front costs are amortized on an accelerated basis and revenue-sharing payments
pursuant to the applicable arrangement are expensed as the related revenue is earned. The Company analyzes titles that are subject to
performance guarantees and recognizes an estimated expense for under-performing titles throughout the applicable period based upon
the Company’s analysis of the estimated shortfall. The Company revises these estimates on a monthly basis, according to actual
results.
As the Company’s business continues to change as a result of its initiatives and market dynamics, the Company will continue to
evaluate the reasonableness of the estimates surrounding its rental library.
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BLOCKBUSTER INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
(Tabular dollars in millions except per share amounts)
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment is stated at cost. Depreciation expense is computed by the straight-line method over the estimated useful
lives of the respective assets as follows:
The balances of major classes of assets and accumulated depreciation are as follows:
At December 31,
2005 2004
Land, building and building improvements $ 23.4 $ 31.1
Leasehold improvements 1,180.9 1,221.6
Furniture and fixtures 492.9 494.2
Computer equipment 455.8 430.5
Equipment and other 385.7 416.3
Buildings under capital leases 184.6 186.7
Total 2,723.3 2,780.4
Accumulated depreciation (1,999.8) (1,926.4)
Property and equipment, net $ 723.5 $ 854.0
Maintenance and repair costs are charged to expense as incurred. Improvements that extend the useful life of the assets are
capitalized. Depreciation expense related to capital leases was $17.6 million, $20.5 million and $23.1 million for the years ended
December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively.
Sales of assets are recorded by removing the cost and accumulated depreciation from the asset and accumulated depreciation
accounts. The Company did not recognize any material gains or losses from such sales in 2005, 2004 or 2003. Retirements and
disposals are recorded by removing the cost and accumulated depreciation from the asset and accumulated depreciation accounts with
any remaining net book value reflected as increased depreciation expense.
Included in computer equipment is the capitalized cost of internal-use software and website development, including software
used to upgrade and enhance the Company’s website and processes supporting the business. In accordance with Statement of Position
98-1, Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use, costs incurred during the application
development stage related to the development of internal-use software are capitalized and amortized over an estimated useful life of
three years. Costs incurred related to the conceptual design and maintenance of internal-use software are expensed as incurred. We
recognized approximately $33.1 million, $17.7 million and $14.9 million of expense related to the amortization of capitalized
software costs for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively. Capitalized
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BLOCKBUSTER INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
(Tabular dollars in millions except per share amounts)
software costs at December 31, 2005 and 2004 totaled $57.2 million and $60.2 million, net of accumulated amortization of $138.4
million and $106.8 million, respectively.
Effective January 1, 2003, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 143, Accounting
for Asset Retirement Obligations (“SFAS 143”), effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2002. SFAS 143 addresses
financial accounting and reporting for obligations associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets and the associated
retirement costs. SFAS 143 requires the capitalization of any retirement costs as part of the total cost of the related long-lived asset
and the subsequent allocation of the total expense to future periods using a systematic and rational method. SFAS 143 also requires
the recognition of an estimated liability for the retirement costs.
The initial adoption of SFAS 143 required the Company to record a discounted liability of $10.1 million and increase net
property and equipment by $2.9 million in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet as of January 1, 2003 related to estimated
costs to remove equipment and fixtures from its stores upon their future closure. A discounted liability of $9.1 million and $9.6
million, which has been adjusted for the allocation of total retirement cost expense and offset by the settlement of asset retirement
obligations, is included in other long-term liabilities as of December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively. Capitalized retirement costs of
$2.7 million and $1.8 million are included in property and equipment in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets as of
December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively.
The initial adoption of SFAS 143 also required the Company to recognize a cumulative effect of change in accounting principle,
net of tax, of $4.4 million in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2003. Pro forma
effects on income before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle in 2003 was not material to net income or earnings per
share.
Leases
The Company accounts for leases in accordance with SFAS No. 13, Accounting for Leases (“SFAS 13”), and other related
guidance. New store leases generally provide for an initial lease term of five to ten years, with extended renewal options. The
Company recognizes rent expense in the statement of operations for leases classified as operating leases on a straight-line basis over
the lease term (as defined within the guidance), including amortization of any lease incentives received from the lessor. Additionally,
for leases classified as capital leases, the Company records an asset and a related obligation on the balance sheet at the beginning of
the lease term.
Reserve Estimates
The Company uses estimates to record reserves for certain liabilities, including medical and workers’ compensation claims. The
Company estimates the potential costs related to these liabilities that will be incurred and records that amount as a liability in its
financial statements. These estimates are reviewed and appropriately adjusted as the facts and circumstances related to the liabilities
change.
Store Closures
In accordance with SFAS No. 146, Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities, the Company establishes
reserves for store closures in the month that a store is closed. Reserves for store closures are established by calculating the present
value of the remaining lease obligation, adjusted for estimated subtenant rental income and any contractual lease buyouts. Expenses
associated with the establishment of these reserves are reflected in “General and administrative” on the Company’s Consolidated
Statement of Operations. The future lease obligation is inclusive of the net future minimum lease payments plus estimated common
area maintenance charges, less any remaining accrual for straight-line average rent. Store furniture and equipment are either
transferred at historical cost to another location, written down to their net realizable value and sold or written down to zero if the
Company does not expect to transfer or sell the assets. When a store is identified for closure, the amortization of store leasehold
improvements is accelerated over the estimated remaining life of the store.
The Company’s receivables do not represent significant concentrations of credit risk at December 31, 2005 or 2004, due to the
wide variety of customers, markets and geographic areas to which the Company’s products and services are sold.
Revenue Recognition
Rental revenues are generally recognized at the time of rental or sale. Rental revenues are generated from the rental of movies
and video games, any eventual sale of previously rented movies and video games and restocking fees.
Beginning on January 1, 2005, Blockbuster implemented the “no late fees” program, which means Blockbuster no longer
charges extended viewing fees as defined below, commonly referred to as “late fees,” on any movie or game rental at any of its
company-operated BLOCKBUSTER® stores in the United States. Blockbuster’s Canadian operations also adopted a similar program
at all of its stores, effective January 29, 2005. Under this new program, rental transactions continue to have two-day or weekly rental
periods, depending on the specific rental, with all transactions having a one-week goodwill period from the due date. If the product
has not been returned by the end of the goodwill period, it is purchased by the customer under the terms of the Company’s standard
membership agreement. The purchase price is the lower of (i) the full retail price or (ii) the price for previously-rented product at the
time of the rental, if the product was available from Blockbuster as a previously-rented product. In addition, the purchase price is
reduced by the amount of the rental fee paid. If the product is subsequently returned within 30 days from the date the customer is
charged for the product, the customer receives a full credit to his or her account, less a minimal restocking fee, which is $1.25 at
Blockbuster’s company-operated stores in the United States.
Blockbuster’s franchisees have control over all operating and pricing decisions at their respective locations, including whether
or not to eliminate extended viewing fees and the specific rental terms underlying any elimination of extended viewing fees, which
has resulted in significant variations of rental terms, selling terms and restocking fees between company-operated and franchised
BLOCKBUSTER stores. In the United States, approximately 550 franchise stores implemented the “no late fees” program on
January 1, 2005 and approximately 340 franchise stores were participating in the “no late fees” program as of March 1, 2006.
The “no late fees” program does not apply at the Company’s non-Blockbuster branded stores in the United States or at our
international locations excluding stores in Canada. In these locations, the Company’s membership agreement provides that the
customer pays for any continuations of rentals past the initial rental period. Therefore, revenues generated from rental transactions in
these locations include revenues received in
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BLOCKBUSTER INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
(Tabular dollars in millions except per share amounts)
connection with the initial rentals of product, as well as revenues associated with any continuations of such rentals past the initial
rental period (“extended viewing fees” or “EVF”). Customers pay for the initial rental at the time the product is rented and, pursuant
to the terms of the membership agreement, agree to pay for any continuation of the rental beyond the initial rental period. Currently,
when a customer keeps rental product beyond the initial rental period, the customer’s rental is generally successively continued at a
daily rate, until such point as the product is returned or purchased under the terms of the membership agreement.
Where extended viewing fees have been eliminated, revenues generated from sales to customers for product that has not been
returned by the end of the original rental and goodwill periods is recognized after expiration of the 30-day return period. Revenues
generated from restocking fees are recognized upon return of the rental product within the 30-day return period. Revenues are reduced
by estimated amounts that the Company does not anticipate collecting based upon historical experience. As discussed in Note 9
below, in the first quarter of 2005, the Company entered into an Assurance of Voluntary Compliance (“AVC”) with multiple states in
response to inquiries and notices from attorneys general in connection with the Company’s “no late fees” program. Under the terms of
the AVC, the Company agreed, among other things, to provide a refund or a credit of charges for restocking fees and purchases of
non-returned product with respect to rental transactions made under the “no late fees” program before a customer discovered or was
notified that a purchase of non-returned product would occur. To be entitled to a refund, customers must meet the eligibility
requirements of the AVC. The AVC did not have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations for the year ended
December 31, 2005.
In order to provide customers with new and innovative rental programs, the Company launched the BLOCKBUSTER Movie
Pass, a store-based subscription movie rental offering, nationally during May 2004. The Company also offers the BLOCKBUSTER
Game Pass® in its domestic stores. In addition, in order to more actively compete in the growing market for online rental subscription
services, the Company launched BLOCKBUSTER Online, an online subscription service in the United States, in August 2004. The
Company’s U.K. operations launched its online subscription service in May 2004. These rental passes allow customers to rent an
unlimited number of titles during a month, having up to eight out at a time (depending on the pass), for one price and items can be
returned at any time during the term of the pass. As contemplated by the terms and conditions of the passes, extended viewing fees do
not accrue on pass rentals during the pass term. Under the terms of the in-store movie and game passes, if a customer keeps an item
beyond the pass term, including renewals, the rental continues, beginning at noon on the day immediately following the last day of the
pass term, for the same number of days and at the same price had the item been rented on that day under our standard rental terms and
not under the pass. The rental is successfully continued under such terms until such time as the item is returned or is purchased under
the terms of the Company’s standard membership agreement. Under the terms of the online subscription agreement, if a customer
keeps an item beyond the pass term, including renewals, the item is purchased under the terms of the online subscription membership
agreement. Additionally, BLOCKBUSTER Online subscribers receive free in-store movie rental coupons, which are subject to the
applicable in-store rental terms.
Blockbuster recognizes rental revenues for the sale of the BLOCKBUSTER Movie Pass, the BLOCKBUSTER Game Pass and
the BLOCKBUSTER Online pass over the term of the related pass. The monthly fee billed to customers for an online subscription
membership inherently includes fees incurred for the shipping and handling of DVDs to and from online customers. In accordance
with EITF 00-10, Accounting for Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs, rental revenues include the full online subscription fee
billed to customers and cost of rental revenues includes expenses incurred by the Company for the shipping and handling of DVDs to
and from BLOCKBUSTER Online customers.
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BLOCKBUSTER INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
(Tabular dollars in millions except per share amounts)
Merchandise sales include the sales of new movies and games and other general merchandise, including confections. In addition,
Blockbuster offers movie and game trading, pursuant to which the Company purchases used movies and game software from its
customers in exchange for merchandise credit, discounts on other products and, in some international stores, cash. The sales of traded
product are also included in merchandise sales. Sales of merchandise are recognized at the time of sale and a provision for sales
returns and allowances on merchandise sales is estimated and recorded based on historical trends. Due to the nature of the products
sold by the Company, sales returns and allowances are minimal.
Blockbuster has agreements with certain companies that allow these companies to purchase free rental cards from Blockbuster,
which can then be awarded at their discretion. Blockbuster defers revenue for the estimated number of free rental cards that will
ultimately be redeemed and recognizes the amounts deferred as revenue upon redemption. Revenue for estimated non-redemptions,
net of the estimated escheat liability, is generally recognized when the cards are issued. Blockbuster also sells gift cards, which
generally expire after two years, and are available in various denominations. Gift card liabilities are recorded at the time of sale and
the costs of designing, printing and distributing the cards are recorded as advertising expense at the time of sale. The liability is
relieved and revenue is recognized upon redemption of the gift cards. Revenue for unredeemed gift cards is recognized when the
liability has been extinguished, which is generally upon expiration of the gift card.
Blockbuster’s premium membership program, BLOCKBUSTER Rewards®, is designed to enhance customer loyalty by
encouraging customers to rent movies only from BLOCKBUSTER. For an annual fee, a customer can join the program and earn free
movie or video game rentals. The fee, less direct costs, is recognized as revenue ratably over the membership period.
From time to time, the Company sells multiple goods and or services as a bundled package. The Company allocates revenue
under such arrangements based on the fair value of each element, to the extent objectively determinable, and recognizes revenue upon
delivery or consummation of the separable earnings process attributable to each element.
Franchise Fees
The Company executes franchise agreements covering retail locations, which provide the terms of the arrangement with the
franchisee. The franchise agreements generally require an initial fee, an area development fee for each store opened and continuing
fees based upon a percentage of sales, which are negotiated with each franchisee.
The Company recognizes initial fees as revenue when all initial services, as required by the franchise agreement, have been
substantially performed. Area development fees are deferred when received and recognized upon the opening of the applicable
franchise store and when all services related to such store as required by the franchise agreement have been substantially performed.
Continuing fees based upon a percentage of sales are recognized when earned. These amounts are included in “Other revenues” in the
Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Sales of product to franchisees are recognized upon transfer of title to the franchisee and included in “Merchandise sales” in the
Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. Direct costs of sales and servicing of franchise agreements are charged to the
applicable expense category as incurred.
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BLOCKBUSTER INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
(Tabular dollars in millions except per share amounts)
Advertising Expenses
Advertising production costs are expensed the first time the advertising takes place. Media (television and printed materials)
placement costs are expensed in the month the advertising appears. As of December 31, 2005 and 2004, $5.0 million and $19.1
million of prepaid advertising was included in “Prepaid and other current assets” on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets,
respectively.
In accordance with EITF 02-16, the Company records certain consideration received from vendors in connection with
cooperative advertising programs and other vendor marketing programs as a reduction to advertising costs when the allowance
represents a reimbursement of a specific incremental and identifiable cost. See additional discussion in “Merchandise Inventories”
above.
Customer acquisition costs are expensed when incurred. These costs consist of the cost of commissions paid to authorized third
parties for the acquisition of BLOCKBUSTER Online subscribers through their respective distribution channels.
Income Taxes
Income taxes are provided based on the liability method of accounting. Deferred taxes are recorded to reflect the tax benefit and
consequences of future years’ differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their financial reporting basis. The
Company records a valuation allowance to reduce deferred tax assets if it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the
deferred tax assets will not be realized.
In the ordinary course of business, there may be many transactions and calculations where the ultimate tax outcome is uncertain.
The calculation of tax liabilities involves dealing with uncertainties in the application of complex tax laws. The Company recognizes
potential liabilities for anticipated tax audit issues in the United States and other tax jurisdictions based on an estimate of the ultimate
resolution of whether, and the extent to which, additional taxes will be due. Although the Company believes the estimates are
reasonable, no assurance can be given that the final outcome of these matters will not be different than what is reflected in the
historical income tax provisions and accruals.
See Note 8 below for further information on the Company’s income taxes.
Severance Charges
For the year ended December 31, 2005, the Company incurred severance costs of approximately $11.2 million, as a result of
involuntary employee terminations initiated in the second and fourth quarters of 2005 as
88
BLOCKBUSTER INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
(Tabular dollars in millions except per share amounts)
part of the Company’s focus on operating expense management. These termination benefits have been included in “General and
administrative” expenses in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. As of December 31, 2005, the remaining liability
to be paid in the future related to these termination benefits was approximately $3.7 million.
Hurricane Katrina
In August 2005, Hurricane Katrina had a major impact on certain portions of the United States Gulf Coast region and resulted in
the closure of 128 Blockbuster stores for some period of time. As of March 1, 2006, all but 18 of these stores were open and
operating. Due to the extent of the damage caused by Hurricane Katrina, the Company has closed or expects to close approximately
11 of these remaining 18 stores. Blockbuster maintains insurance coverage for this type of loss, which provides for reimbursement
from losses resulting from property damage, loss of product, as well as business interruption coverage. During the third quarter of
2005, the Company recognized expense for its insurance deductible of $1.0 million, which has been included in “General and
administrative” in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. As of December 31, 2005, the Company wrote off the net
book value of damaged inventory, property, plant and equipment and store supplies and recorded an insurance receivable of
approximately $6.1 million for those assets as well as for repair and maintenance expenses incurred in the stores impacted by
Hurricane Katrina, which has been included in “Receivables” on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet. The Company is
currently assessing the extent of its remaining losses in the Gulf Coast region, but does not expect these losses to have a material
impact on its consolidated financial statements. Further, because all contingencies relating to recoveries under the Company’s
business interruption coverage have not been resolved, no amounts have been recorded. These amounts are expected to be recorded in
2006 when the related contingencies have been resolved.
Share-Based Payments
Prior to October 1, 2004, the Company applied the disclosure-only provisions of SFAS 123, Accounting for Stock-Based
Compensation (“SFAS 123”). In accordance with the provisions of SFAS 123, the Company applied APB 25, Accounting for Stock
Issued to Employees (“APB 25”) and related interpretations in accounting for its plans and, accordingly, did not recognize
compensation expense for these plans because both Blockbuster and Viacom issued options at exercise prices equal to the market
value at date of grant.
Effective January 1, 2004, Blockbuster adopted the expense recognition provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 28, Accounting
for Stock Appreciation Rights and Other Variable Stock Option or Award Plans (“FIN 28”). In accordance with FIN 28, unearned
compensation associated with share-based awards with graded vesting periods is amortized on an accelerated basis over the vesting
period of the option or award. Prior to the adoption of the expense recognition provisions of FIN 28, the unearned compensation
expense was amortized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. Management believes that the use of an accelerated method of
amortization is preferable because a grant of the Company’s share-based payments with graded vesting schedules is effectively a
series of individual grants that vest over various periods. As such, the employee renders service from the grant date in exchange for
each of the individual grants within a share-based payment. Therefore, management believes that this method more closely matches
the recognition of compensation expense with the services rendered throughout the vesting period. The adoption of the expense
recognition provisions of FIN 28 has been accounted for as a change in accounting principle under APB No. 20, Accounting Changes
(“APB 20”). However, because the Company applied the disclosure-only provisions of SFAS 123 through September 30, 2004, the
cumulative effect of change in accounting principle was not reflected in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations for
the year ended December 31, 2004. The cumulative effect of change in accounting principle was $23.1 million, net of tax, or $0.13
per share for the year ended December 31, 2004, which has been appropriately reflected in the Company’s pro forma SFAS 123
disclosures presented below.
Effective October 1, 2004, Blockbuster adopted SFAS 123 (revised 2004), Share-Based Payments (“SFAS 123R”), which
revises SFAS 123 and supersedes APB 25. SFAS 123R requires all share-based payments to employees to be recognized in the
financial statements based on their fair values using an option-pricing model, such as the Black-Scholes model, at the date of grant.
The Company has elected to use the modified prospective method for adoption, which requires compensation expense to be recorded
for all unvested stock options and restricted shares beginning in the first quarter of adoption. For all unvested options outstanding as
of October 1, 2004, the previously measured but unrecognized compensation expense, based on the fair value at the original grant
date, will be recognized on an accelerated basis in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations over the remaining vesting
period. For share-based payments granted subsequent to October 1, 2004, compensation expense, based on the fair value on the date
of grant, will be recognized in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations on an accelerated basis from the date of grant.
SFAS 123R requires that the Company estimate forfeitures when recognizing compensation expense and that this estimate of
forfeitures be
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BLOCKBUSTER INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
(Tabular dollars in millions except per share amounts)
adjusted over the requisite service period based on the extent to which actual forfeitures differ, or are expected to differ, from such
estimates. Changes in estimated forfeitures are recognized through a cumulative catch-up adjustment, which is recognized in the
period of change, and also impact the amount of unamortized compensation expense to be recognized in future periods.
In October 2005, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position FAS 123R-2, Practical Accommodation to the Application of Grant
Date As Defined in FASB Statement No. 123(R) (“FSP FAS 123R-2”), in response to requests for guidance about the mutual
understanding concept in the definition of “grant date” as used in SFAS 123R. Assuming all other criteria have been met, the FASB
concludes in this FSP that mutual understanding means (1) the recipient does not have the ability to negotiate the key terms and
conditions of the award with the employer, and (2) the key terms and conditions of the award are expected to be communicated to an
individual recipient within a relatively short time period from the date of approval. The FASB defines “relatively short time period”
as that period an entity could reasonably complete all actions necessary to communicate the awards to the recipients in accordance
with the entity’s customary human resources practices. The FASB noted that this guidance shall be applied upon initial adoption of
SFAS 123R, however an entity that adopted SFAS 123R prior to the issuance of this FSP shall apply the guidance in this FSP in the
first reporting period for which financial statements or interim reports have not been issued as of October 18, 2005. The Company
adopted SFAS 123R in October 2004 and, therefore, applies this guidance to all share-based compensation grants beginning in the
third quarter of 2005.
The following table shows Blockbuster’s net loss for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003 had compensation expense
for Viacom’s and Blockbuster’s stock option plans applicable to the Company’s employees been determined based upon the fair value
at the grant date for awards consistent with the methodology prescribed by SFAS 123. These pro forma effects may not be
representative of expense in future periods since the estimated fair value of stock options on the date of grant is amortized to expense
over the vesting period, and additional options may be granted or options may be cancelled in future years:
(1) The Company adopted SFAS 123R as of October 1, 2004; therefore, share-based compensation expense shown in the pro forma
table relates to expense through September 30, 2004 while the Company was still under the disclosure only provisions of SFAS
123. Compensation expense for the fourth quarter of 2004 and the full year 2005 has been included in “General and
administrative” in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Operations.
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BLOCKBUSTER INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
(Tabular dollars in millions except per share amounts)
(2) The Company adopted the expense recognition provisions of FIN 28 effective January 1, 2004. Therefore, share-based
compensation expense for 2004 has been recognized on an accelerated basis, while share-based compensation expense for 2003
has been recognized on a straight-line basis.
If the expense recognition provisions of FIN 28 had been applied to share-based compensation in prior years, the Company’s pro
forma share-based compensation expense, net of tax, and pro forma net loss would have been $26.9 million and $1,005.6 million,
respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2003.
Comprehensive Loss
Comprehensive loss is defined as the change in equity (net assets) of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and
other events and circumstances from non-owner sources. It consists of net loss and other gains and losses affecting stockholders’
equity that, under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, are excluded from net loss, such as foreign currency
translation gains. Currency translation and the change in the fair values of items designated as a cash flow hedge are the only items of
other comprehensive loss impacting the Company.
FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) No. 109-2, Accounting and Disclosure Guidance for the Foreign Earnings Repatriation Provision
within the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 (“FSP 109-2”), provides guidance under SFAS 109, Accounting for Income Taxes,
with respect to recording the potential impact of the repatriation provisions of the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 (the “Jobs
Act”) on enterprises’ income tax expense and deferred tax liability. The Jobs Act was enacted on October 22, 2004. FSP 109-2 states
that an enterprise is allowed time beyond the financial reporting period of enactment to evaluate the effect of the Jobs Act on its plan
for reinvestment or repatriation of foreign earnings for purposes of applying SFAS 109. The Company’s adoption of FSP 109-2 did
not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
In November 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 151, Inventory Costs—An Amendment of ARB No. 43, Chapter 4 (“SFAS 151”).
SFAS 151 amends the guidance in ARB No. 43, Chapter 4, Inventory Pricing (“ARB 43”) to clarify the accounting for abnormal
amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs and wasted material. Among other provisions, the new rule requires that items
such as idle facility expense, excessive spoilage, double freight and rehandling costs be recognized as current-period charges
regardless of whether they meet the criterion of “so abnormal” as stated in ARB 43. Additionally, SFAS 151 requires that the
allocation of fixed production overhead to the costs of conversion be based on the normal capacity of the production facilities.
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BLOCKBUSTER INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
(Tabular dollars in millions except per share amounts)
SFAS 151 is effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2005. The Company does not expect the adoption of SFAS 151 to have
a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
In May 2005, the FASB issued SFAS No. 154, Accounting Changes and Error Corrections (“SFAS 154”). This new standard
replaces APB 20 and SFAS No. 3, Reporting Accounting Changes in Interim Financial Statements. Among other changes, SFAS 154
requires retrospective application of a voluntary change in accounting principle with all prior period financial statements presented on
the new accounting principle, unless it is impracticable to do so. SFAS 154 also requires that a change in method of depreciating or
amortizing a long-lived nonfinancial asset be accounted for prospectively as a change in estimate, and correction of errors in
previously issued financial statements should be termed a restatement. The new standard is effective for accounting changes and
correction of errors made in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2005. The Company does not expect the adoption of SFAS 154
to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
In June 2005, the FASB issued Staff Position No. 143-1, Accounting for Electronic Equipment Waste Obligations (“FSP 143-
1”), which provides guidance on the accounting for obligations associated with the Directive on Waste Electrical and Electronic
Equipment (the “WEEE Directive”), which was adopted by the European Union. FSP 143-1 provides guidance on accounting for the
effects of the WEEE Directive with respect to “historical waste,” which is waste associated with products on the market on or before
August 13, 2005. FSP 143-1 requires commercial users to account for their WEEE obligation as an asset retirement liability in
accordance with SFAS 143. FSP 143-1 was required to be applied beginning in the later of the first reporting period ending after
June 8, 2005 or the date of the adoption of the WEEE Directive into law by the applicable European Union member country. The
Company will apply the guidance of FSP 143-1 as it relates to the European Union member countries in which it operates when those
countries have adopted the WEEE Directive into law. The Company does not expect the adoption of FSP 143-1 to have a material
impact on its consolidated financial statements.
In September 2005, the EITF reached a consensus on Issue 04-13, Accounting for Purchases and Sales of Inventory with the
Same Counterparty (“EITF 04-13”). The FASB Task Force concluded that inventory purchases and sales transactions with the same
counterparty should be combined for accounting purposes if they were entered into in contemplation of each other. The Task Force
provided indicators to be considered for purposes of determining whether such transactions are entered into in contemplation of each
other. The Task Force also provided guidance on the circumstances under which nonmonetary exchanges of inventory within the
same line of business should be recognized at fair value. EITF 04-13 will be effective in reporting periods beginning after March 15,
2006. The Company does not expect the adoption of EITF 04-13 to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
In October 2005, the FASB issued FSP No. FAS 13-1, Accounting for Rental Costs Incurred during a Construction Period
(“FSP FAS 13-1”). FSP FAS 13-1 requires rental costs associated with operating leases that are incurred during a construction period
to be recognized as rental expense. FSP FAS 13-1 is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2005. The
Company does not expect FSP FAS 13-1 to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
Reclassifications
Certain amounts in the prior period financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.
93
BLOCKBUSTER INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
(Tabular dollars in millions except per share amounts)
Note 2—Impairment of Goodwill and Other Long-Lived Assets
In accordance with SFAS 142, the Company tests goodwill and other intangible assets for impairment during the fourth quarter
of each year and on an interim date should factors or indicators become apparent that would require an impairment test.
In completing the analysis of the fair value of Blockbuster during the fourth quarter of 2003, several events converged that led
the Company to conclude that the business had incremental risks that were required to be included in the evaluation of goodwill under
SFAS 142. These events included the Company’s performance during the holiday selling season, which indicated that same-store
revenues for the Company’s core rental business would be more unfavorable than previously anticipated. Management believed that
these changes were caused by increased competition from retail DVD and discounted retail DVD pricing by mass merchants. These
trends also indicated that the strength of rental revenues in the fourth quarter had been and would continue to be negatively affected,
to some degree, by consumers purchasing DVDs during the holiday season. Additional risks included implementation risks associated
with the Company’s strategic initiatives and risks associated with certain of the Company’s international operations, such as increased
competition, two-tiered pricing and piracy. All of these factors adversely affected Viacom’s negotiations with third parties regarding
their possible disposal of their investment in the Company. All of this information was considered in finalizing the Company’s
estimate of fair value for its reporting units as of December 31, 2003. Accordingly, management determined that the goodwill balance
was impaired and recorded a non-cash impairment charge for both the domestic and international reporting units during the fourth
quarter of 2003 totaling $1.29 billion.
During the third quarter of 2004, in conjunction with the declaration, financing and payment of the Special Distribution, the
determination of the exchange ratio for the Viacom exchange offer and launch of the exchange offer by Viacom, the Company
determined that it was more likely than not that the divestiture of the Company by Viacom would occur. Management believed that
the divestiture was an event that would require the Company to perform an interim impairment test in accordance with SFAS 142, and
the Company performed an interim impairment test during the third quarter of 2004. The estimated fair value of each of the reporting
units included the impact of trends in the business and industry noted in 2004, including (i) the accelerated decline in the in-store
rental industry; (ii) accelerated investments in initiatives and other growth opportunities; and (iii) increased competition in the online
movie rental industry. As a result of these factors and the related risks associated with the Company’s business, the fair value was
negatively impacted and management determined that the goodwill was impaired as of September 30, 2004. As such, the Company
recorded a non-cash impairment charge for both the domestic and international reporting units totaling $1.50 billion during the third
quarter of 2004.
Subsequently, the Company performed its annual impairment test as of October 31, 2004 and updated the test for events
occurring through December 31, 2004, which resulted in the estimated fair values of each of the Company’s reporting units exceeding
their book values.
Beginning late in the second quarter of 2005 and continuing through the end of the year, the in-store home video industry
declined at a rate that exceeded the Company’s and industry analysts’ forecasted expectations and has negatively impacted the
Company’s future outlook on the industry. Management believed the decline in the overall industry and the resulting decline in the
Company’s stock price to be factors that would require the Company to perform an interim impairment test in accordance with SFAS
142. As a result, in connection with the preparation of its third quarter financial statements, the Company performed an interim
impairment test on its goodwill balances during the third quarter of 2005. The estimated fair value of each of the reporting units
included the impact of trends in the business and industry noted in 2005, primarily including the accelerated
94
BLOCKBUSTER INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
(Tabular dollars in millions except per share amounts)
decline in the in-store home video industry caused by (i) increased competition from retail mass merchant sales of low-priced DVDs,
online rentals and other sources of in-home entertainment such as digital video recorders and other devices that are capable of
downloading content for in-home viewing; (ii) competition from piracy in certain international markets; and (iii) competition from
other forms of leisure entertainment. As a result of these factors and the related risks associated with the Company’s business, the fair
value was negatively impacted. The estimated fair value of the Company’s domestic unit was more than its related book value, so
management determined that it was not necessary to perform step two of the goodwill impairment test for the domestic reporting unit.
However, the estimated fair value of the Company’s international reporting unit was less than its related book value and management
determined that the international goodwill balance was impaired. As such, step two of the goodwill impairment test was completed
for the international reporting unit. Accordingly, the Company recorded an impairment charge totaling $332.0 million during the third
quarter of 2005.
Subsequently, the Company performed its annual impairment test as of October 31, 2005 and updated the test for events
occurring through December 31, 2005, which resulted in the estimated fair values of each of the Company’s reporting units exceeding
their book values.
During the third quarters of 2005 and 2004 and the fourth quarter of 2003, in conjunction with the goodwill impairments
discussed above, the Company reviewed its long-lived assets for impairment as required by SFAS 144. During the third quarter of
2005, the Company determined that the carrying value of fixed assets in certain of its domestic markets and domestic subsidiaries
exceeded the estimated undiscounted future cash flows to be generated by those assets. The Company also determined that the
carrying value of selected tradenames related to its domestic subsidiaries exceeded the estimated undiscounted future cash flows to be
generated by those assets. Accordingly, the Company recorded an impairment charge of approximately $15.6 million during the third
quarter of 2005. The Company determined that the carrying value of certain fixed assets in one international market in the third
quarter of 2004 and four international markets in the fourth quarter of 2003 exceeded the undiscounted future cash flows to be
generated by those assets. Therefore, the Company recorded impairment charges of approximately $1.7 million and $18.5 million
during the third quarter of 2004 and fourth quarter of 2003, respectively.
Additionally, during the second quarter of 2005, the Company performed an impairment analysis for long-lived assets in certain
of its international markets based on impairment indicators present, including current period operating and cash flow losses combined
with revised forecasts that project continuing losses associated with the use of the long-lived assets. The Company determined that the
undiscounted cash flows attributable to the long-lived assets in three international countries were less than their carrying values, and
as a result, the Company wrote down the value of its long-lived assets in those countries, including property, plant and equipment and
intangible assets, to their estimated fair value. Therefore, the Company recorded an impairment charge of approximately $9.2 million
in the second quarter of 2005.
The Company’s impairment charges related to goodwill and long-lived assets discussed above have been included in
“Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
The Company will perform its annual impairment test for 2006 during the fourth quarter, and on an interim date in 2006 should
factors or indicators become apparent that would require an interim test.
95
BLOCKBUSTER INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
(Tabular dollars in millions except per share amounts)
Note 3—Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
The following table summarizes changes in the Company’s goodwill during the years ended December 31:
2005 2004
Balance as of January 1 $1,138.5 $ 2,627.7
Impairments (332.0) (1,502.7)
Acquisitions and other adjustments 2.7 13.5
Balance as of December 31 $ 809.2 $ 1,138.5
Intangible assets at December 31, 2005 and 2004 included intangible assets subject to amortization and intangible assets with
indefinite lives, which are not amortized. Intangible assets subject to amortization at December 31, 2005 and 2004 consisted of
reacquired franchise rights that are amortized on a straight-line basis over three to twenty years and selected tradenames that are
amortized on a straight-line basis over five to twenty years. Amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004, and
2003 was $1.7 million, $2.3 million and $2.4 million, respectively. The Company also recorded impairment charges of approximately
$3.6 million related to intangible assets for the year ended December 31, 2005, which has been included in “Impairment of goodwill
and other long-lived assets” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Based on the current amount of intangible assets subject to
amortization, amortization expense is estimated to be approximately $1.7 million per year for the years ended December 31, 2006
through December 31, 2010. As acquisitions and dispositions occur in the future, these amounts may vary.
2005 2004
Gross value of intangible assets subject to amortization $ 36.9 $39.2
Accumulated amortization (10.0) (6.3)
Intangible assets subject to amortization, net 26.9 32.9
Intangible assets with indefinite lives which are not amortized — 1.6
Total intangible assets, net $ 26.9 $34.5
On November 15, 2005, the Company completed a private placement of 150,000 shares of 7 1/2% Series A cumulative
convertible perpetual preferred stock (the “Series A convertible preferred stock”) for an aggregate offering price of $150.0 million.
The aggregate discounts and commissions to the initial purchasers and fees paid to third parties in conjunction with the preferred
stock issuance were approximately $6.0 million. The Company used the net proceeds from the offering to repay a portion of its
borrowings under its revolving credit facility and for general corporate purposes. The Series A convertible preferred stock is
convertible into shares of the Company’s Class A common stock at the holder’s option at any time at a conversion price of $5.15,
subject to adjustment. On or after November 20, 2010, the Company has the option to cause the conversion rights to expire, but only
if certain conditions are met. The Company may pay dividends on the Series A convertible preferred
96
BLOCKBUSTER INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
(Tabular dollars in millions except per share amounts)
stock in cash, or if certain conditions are met, shares of Blockbuster’s Class A common stock or a combination of both. Dividends
will be payable to the extent the payment of dividends is not prohibited by the Credit Facilities, assets are legally available to pay
dividends and the board of directors or an authorized committee of the board of directors declares a dividend payable. Dividends will
accumulate and be cumulative from the date of issuance, but will not bear any interest. The first dividend totaling $2.8 million was
declared by the Company’s board of directors in January 2006 and payment was made in cash on February 15, 2006.
If the Company fails to pay dividends on the Series A convertible preferred stock on six dividend payment dates (whether
consecutive or not), then holders of the Series A convertible preferred stock will be entitled to receive, when, as and if declared by the
Company’s board of directors, out of funds legally available therefor, dividends at the rate per annum equal to the stated annual
dividend rate of 7 1/2% plus 1.0% on and after such sixth dividend payment date until the Company has paid all accumulated and
unpaid dividends in full. Following such payment of unpaid dividends, the dividend rate will revert to 7 1/2% per annum; provided,
however, that upon any further failure to pay dividends, the dividend rate will again increase by 1.0% to 8 1/2% per annum until the
Company has again paid all accumulated and unpaid dividends in full. In addition, if the Company fails to pay dividends for six
quarterly dividend periods (whether or not consecutive) holders of the Series A convertible preferred stock, who currently have very
limited voting rights, will have certain additional voting rights, including the right to elect two additional directors to the Company’s
board of directors, such additional directors to serve until the Company has paid all accumulated and unpaid dividends in full.
In the event of any liquidation, winding up or dissolution of the Company, each holder of the Series A convertible preferred
stock will be entitled to receive the liquidation preference of $1,000 per share, plus accumulated and unpaid dividends (whether or not
declared), to the date of liquidation, winding up or dissolution out of the assets of the Company available for distribution to
stockholders of the Company before any payment or distribution of assets is made to holders of the Class A or Class B common stock
but after any payment or distribution in respect of obligations under the Company’s debt obligations.
On July 15, 1999, Blockbuster’s sole stockholder approved the adoption of the Blockbuster Inc. 1999 Long-Term Management
Incentive Plan (as amended to date, the “1999 Plan”) for the benefit of its employees, directors and advisors. An aggregate of
25.0 million shares of Class A common stock was originally reserved for issuance under the Plan, which provides for the grant of
share-based incentive awards, including stock options to purchase shares of Class A common stock, stock appreciation rights that may
be settled in cash and/or shares of Class A common stock or other securities of the Company, restricted shares of Class A common
stock, unrestricted shares of Class A common stock, restricted share units that may be settled in cash (based on the fair market value
of a share of Class A common stock or of a share of Class B common stock or a weighted value average of the fair market value of a
share of Class A common stock or Class B common stock) and/or Class A common stock and phantom shares. The purpose of the
1999 Plan is to benefit and advance the interests of Blockbuster by (i) attracting and retaining employees, non-employee directors and
advisors of Blockbuster and (ii) rewarding such persons for their contributions to the financial success of Blockbuster and thereby
motivating them to continue to make such contributions in the future. On July 20, 2004, Blockbuster’s stockholders approved the
adoption of the 2004 Long-Term Management Incentive Plan (as amended to date the “2004 Plan”). An aggregate of 20.0 million
shares of Class A common stock was reserved for issuance under the 2004 Plan, which provides for the grant of the same types of
awards as the 1999 Plan. Outstanding stock options granted in 1999 generally vest over a five-year period from the date of grant and
generally expire ten years after the date of grant, and outstanding stock options granted subsequent to 1999 generally vest over a
three-year or four-year period from the date of grant and generally expire ten years after the date of grant. Restricted shares and
restricted share units granted in 2004, excluding restricted share units granted to Mr. Antioco and restricted shares and restricted share
units granted in the Stock Option Exchange Offer discussed below, generally vest over a three-year period from the date of grant.
97
BLOCKBUSTER INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
(Tabular dollars in millions except per share amounts)
The Company’s policy is to issue new shares of common stock upon exercise of employee stock options, for grants of restricted
shares and upon conversion of shares of Series A convertible preferred stock.
Pursuant to the terms of the 1999 Plan, the committee of Blockbuster’s Board of Directors that is authorized to administer the
1999 Plan (the “Compensation Committee”) is required to make appropriate adjustments to the terms of outstanding awards granted
under the 1999 Plan, as well as the maximum number of shares that may be subject to awards under such plan, in the event of certain
dividends or distributions or other specified transactions including cash dividends that the Compensation Committee determines are
not in the ordinary course of business. As discussed above in Note 1, in light of the Special Distribution, the Compensation
Committee approved adjustments to the Company’s outstanding stock options during 2004 to provide for a pro rata increase to the
number of outstanding stock options and a pro rata decrease in the related exercise price. In addition, the Compensation Committee
made a corresponding adjustment to the number of shares that could be subject to awards under the 1999 Plan. These adjustments
resulted in an increase of 10.3 million outstanding stock options at the date of adjustment and a total of 40.3 million shares of Class A
common stock being reserved for issuance under the 1999 Plan, less any shares previously issued or subject to outstanding awards.
These adjustments did not impact the Company’s results of operations.
As discussed in Note 1 above, the Company adopted the expense recognition provisions of FIN 28 as of January 1, 2004 and
SFAS 123R as of October 1, 2004. As a result of the adoption of SFAS 123R and the expense recognition provisions of FIN 28,
compensation expense has been recognized on an accelerated basis for all unvested share-based payments in the Company’s
Consolidated Statements of Operations beginning on October 1, 2004.
Subsequent to completion of the Viacom Exchange Offer in October 2004, the Compensation Committee approved a plan to
offer to substantially all Blockbuster employees who held options to purchase shares of Blockbuster Class A common stock on
November 9, 2004, the opportunity, at each option holder’s election, to exchange all, but not less than all, of their options for
(i) restricted shares of Blockbuster Class A common stock, (ii) restricted share units settleable in Blockbuster Class A common stock
or, in certain instances, (iii) cash (the “Stock Option Exchange Offer”). The consideration that each employee was eligible to receive
in the Stock Option Exchange Offer was determined based on (i) such employee’s country of residence and the tax laws that applied
to each such employee and (ii) the number of outstanding options each such employee held. The Stock Option Exchange Offer
expired in December 2004.
As a result of the Stock Option Exchange Offer, approximately 19.9 million options were exchanged for approximately
7.5 million restricted shares or restricted share units. Under SFAS 123R, this exchange resulted in a modification to all previously
outstanding stock options that were exchanged for restricted shares or restricted share units. In substance, the Company purchased the
original instruments by issuing new instruments. SFAS 123R requires the Company to recognize any additional compensation
expense resulting from the excess of the fair value of the modified award over the fair value of the original award as calculated
immediately before its terms are modified. Based upon the Company’s analysis, the fair value of the modified award (i.e., the
restricted share or restricted share unit), was less than the fair value of the original award, or stock option, in all instances. Therefore,
no additional compensation was recognized as a result of the exchange. The restricted shares and restricted share units granted in the
Stock Option Exchange Offer vest in three installments over a two-year vesting period, which began in December 2004. In
accordance with the provisions of SFAS 123R, the remaining measured but unrecognized compensation expense of the original stock
option, as determined using the fair value at the grant date, will be recognized based upon the accelerated expense recognition
provisions of FIN 28 over the vesting period of the restricted shares or restricted share units. For the years ended December 31, 2005
and
98
BLOCKBUSTER INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
(Tabular dollars in millions except per share amounts)
2004, the Company recognized approximately $7.5 million and $7.2 million, respectively, of compensation expense related to options
exchanged for restricted shares and restricted share units.
The Company also paid approximately $2.3 million in cash in exchange for approximately 0.9 million stock options as
stipulated by the Stock Option Exchange Offer, the amount of which was recorded to additional paid-in-capital during 2004. SFAS
123R states that the exchange of an unvested stock option for cash has, in effect, modified the requisite service period and thus the
amount of compensation cost as measured at the grant date and not yet recognized must be recognized at the date of exchange. As
such, the Company recognized compensation expense of approximately $1.3 million related to measured but unrecognized
compensation expense for options exchanged for cash during the year ended December 31, 2004. Furthermore, SFAS 123R requires
the Company to recognize additional compensation expense equal to the excess of the cash price over the fair value of the instruments
exchanged. Based upon the Company’s analysis, the fair value of the original award at the date of exchange was greater than the cash
price in all instances; therefore, no additional compensation expense was recognized. For the year ended December 31, 2005, the
Company recognized approximately $0.2 million of compensation expense related to share-based compensation paid in cash.
Approximately 3.8 million stock options were not tendered to be exchanged for cash, restricted shares or restricted share units as
part of the Stock Option Exchange Offer. The Company continues to recognize compensation expense for these stock options in the
Consolidated Statements of Operations based on the award’s fair value on the date of grant and original vesting terms. For the years
ended December 31, 2005 and 2004 the Company recognized approximately $2.0 million and $0.2 million, respectively, of
compensation expense related to options not tendered for exchange in the Stock Option Exchange Offer.
As required by SFAS 123R, during the fourth quarter of 2004 the Company also recognized $4.4 million of share-based
compensation expense for options outstanding prior to consummation of the Stock Option Exchange Offer.
During the fourth quarter of 2004, Blockbuster entered into a new employment agreement with John F. Antioco, its Chairman
and Chief Executive Officer. In connection with this agreement, Mr. Antioco was granted approximately 1.7 million restricted share
units, which vest annually in two equal installments beginning in the fourth quarter of 2006, and an aggregate of 5.0 million options
to purchase Blockbuster Class A common stock, which vest annually in three equal installments which began in the fourth quarter of
2005. Subject to the vesting provisions in the employment agreement, the restricted share units are payable in cash upon termination
of Mr. Antioco’s employment, including “Good Reason Termination,” as defined in the employment agreement. As a result, the
restricted share units have been accounted for as a liability under the terms of SFAS 123R. The liability will be remeasured at fair
value at each reporting period until settlement. As of December 31, 2005 and 2004, the liability related to Mr. Antioco’s restricted
share units was approximately $3.1 million and $1.4 million, respectively, which has been included in “Accrued expenses” on the
Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. For the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004, the Company recognized share-based
compensation expense of approximately $1.7 million and $1.4 million, respectively, related to Mr. Antioco’s restricted share units
and approximately $13.3 million and $1.7 million, respectively, related to Mr. Antioco’s stock options granted in the fourth quarter of
2004.
During the fourth quarter of 2004, the Company also granted an additional 2.3 million restricted shares or restricted share units
to certain employees, which vest ratably over a three-year period. On August 26, 2005, the Company granted 2.6 million restricted
shares or restricted share units to certain employees, which vest ratably over a four-year period and include provisions which require
employees to hold at least 50% of the vested awards
99
BLOCKBUSTER INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
(Tabular dollars in millions except per share amounts)
for one year subsequent to the vesting date. For the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004, the Company recognized share-based
compensation expense of approximately $14.4 million and $0.4 million, respectively, related to these restricted share grants. During
2005, the Company also granted performance-based awards of restricted shares and restricted share units to a small group of
employees. However, because a condition precedent to the awards was not met, the performance-based awards will not be granted
and, therefore, no compensation expense has been or will be recorded for these awards.
The unamortized compensation expense, net of estimated forfeitures, related to restricted shares, restricted share units and stock
options issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2005 will be recognized in future periods as follows:
Restricted
Shares and
Restricted Stock
Share Units (1) Options Total
Year ended December 31, 2006 $ 14.2 $ 6.6 $20.8
Year ended December 31, 2007 4.8 2.3 7.1
Years ended December 31, 2008 and 2009 1.2 — 1.2
Total $ 20.2 $ 8.9 $29.1
Weighted-average vesting period 0.9 years 1.0 years
(1) Approximately 1.7 million restricted share units are payable in cash based on the average of the closing prices of a share of each
of the Company’s Class A and Class B common stock on the date of the termination of Mr. Antioco’s employment with the
Company. The unamortized compensation expense related to these restricted share units was estimated based on the average
trading price of the Company’s Class A and B common stock as of December 31, 2005. However, the actual recognized
compensation expense related to these restricted share units may change based on fluctuations in the Company’s stock price
through the date of the termination of Mr. Antioco’s employment with the Company.
The fair value of each stock option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the
following weighted-average assumptions:
2004 2003
Expected dividend yield(a) 1.0% 0.5%
Expected stock price volatility(b) 70.0% 60.0%
Risk-free interest rate(c) 3.5% 3.9%
Expected life of options (years)(d) 5.0 7.0
(a) The intention of the Blockbuster board of directors in 2004 and 2003 was to pay cash dividends of $0.02 per share each quarter
on Blockbuster’s common stock. This estimate excludes the Special Distribution as noted above in Note 1.
(b) Expected volatility is based on the weekly historical volatility of the Company’s stock price, over the expected life of the option.
(c) The risk-free rate is based upon the rate on a zero coupon U.S. Treasury bill, for periods within the contractual life of the option,
in effect at the time of grant.
(d) The expected term of the option is based on historical employee exercise behavior, the vesting terms of the respective option and
a contractual life of ten years.
100
BLOCKBUSTER INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
(Tabular dollars in millions except per share amounts)
The following table summarizes stock option activity pursuant to Blockbuster’s stock option plans:
Weighted-
Average
Options Exercise
Outstanding Price
Balance at December 31, 2002 16,548,254 $ 16.53
Granted 4,122,840 15.69
Exercised (1,260,297) 14.34
Cancelled (1,563,288) 16.74
Balance at December 31, 2003 17,847,509 $ 16.47
Granted 5,102,600 8.59
Adjustment for Special Distribution(1) 10,294,060 —
Exercised(1) (245,357) 12.04
Cancelled(1) (4,055,561) 11.66
Exchanged in Stock Option Exchange Offer (20,788,825) 10.23
Balance at December 31, 2004 8,154,426 $ 8.91
Granted — —
Exercised (88,234) 8.23
Cancelled (760,575) 10.40
Balance at December 31, 2005 7,305,617 $ 8.76
(1) As discussed in Note 1, in light of the Special Distribution and in order to preserve, but not increase, the intrinsic value of stock
options held by Blockbuster optionees, during the third quarter of 2004, the Company adjusted its outstanding stock options to
effect a pro rata increase in the number of outstanding stock options and a pro rata decrease in the related exercise prices. The
information presented above reflects these pro rata adjustments for all option activity subsequent to the date of the adjustment.
The following table summarizes information concerning stock options issued to Blockbuster employees and directors that are
vested or are expected to vest and stock options exercisable as of December 31, 2005:
Weighted-
Average
Remaining Weighted-
Contractual Average Aggregate
Life Exercise Intrinsic
Options (Years) Price Value
Total options vested or expected to vest 7,206,112 7.9 $ 8.73 $ —
Exercisable 3,526,301 7.0 $ 9.11 $ —
The weighted-average fair value of each option granted, as of the grant date, was $4.66 and $9.44 in 2004 and 2003,
respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, the total intrinsic value of options exercised was approximately
$0.1 million, $1.0 million and $6.9 million, respectively.
Cash received from options exercised under all share-based payment arrangements for the years ended December 31, 2005,
2004 and 2003 was $0.8 million, $2.8 million and $18.1 million, respectively. The actual tax benefit realized for the tax deductions
from option exercise of the share-based payment arrangements totaled $0, $5.1 million and $2.7 million, respectively, for the years
ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003.
As of December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, there were approximately 3.8 million, 6.2 million and 11.8 million unvested options
outstanding, respectively.
101
BLOCKBUSTER INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
(Tabular dollars in millions except per share amounts)
A summary of the status of the Company’s restricted shares and restricted share units is presented below:
(1) Includes approximately 1.7 million restricted share units that are payable in cash upon the termination of Mr. Antioco’s
employment with the Company and, therefore, are accounted for as a liability on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
(2) The total fair value of restricted shares and restricted share units vested during the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004
was approximately $10.8 million and $24.8 million, respectively.
(3) For those restricted shares and restricted share units granted in 2005 and subject to a hold provision, the Company utilized a
discount rate for post-vesting restrictions.
On May 17, 2004, the Viacom Compensation Committee agreed, subject to completion of the Viacom Exchange Offer, to
extend the life of selected stock options to purchase Viacom stock granted to Blockbuster executives. Such options were extended to
the fourth anniversary of the date of the Committee’s action, provided that (i) the applicable executives remain actively employed by
Blockbuster and (ii) the applicable executives are subject to employment agreements that contain non-competition provisions in favor
of Blockbuster. In addition, all unvested options for Viacom common stock automatically vested upon the Company’s divestiture
from Viacom, which occurred on October 17, 2004. As a result of the acceleration of Viacom options, Blockbuster recorded a
compensation charge of approximately $1.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2004.
The fair value of the 2003 option grant was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the
following weighted-average assumptions:
2003
Expected dividend yield(a) —
Expected stock price volatility 39.6%
Risk-free interest rate 3.6%
Expected life of options (years) 6.7
102
BLOCKBUSTER INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
(Tabular dollars in millions except per share amounts)
(a) Viacom declared cash dividends on its common stock during the third and fourth quarters of 2003, however, this was subsequent
to the grant of options to the Company’s employees, which occurred in January 2003 and, therefore, was not considered in the
valuation of stock options.
The weighted-average fair value of each option as of the grant date was $18.32 in 2003.
The following table summarizes stock option activity under Viacom’s various plans as it relates to Blockbuster’s employees:
Weighted-
Average
Options Exercise
Outstanding Price
Balance at December 31, 2002 1,905,684 $ 30.66
Granted 140,000 39.33
Exercised (331,176) 17.92
Cancelled (20,252) 25.05
Balance at December 31, 2003 1,694,256 $ 33.93
Granted — —
Exercised (259,808) 15.85
Cancelled (47,140) 42.88
Balance at December 31, 2004 1,387,308 $ 37.01
Granted — —
Exercised (214,588) 19.72
Cancelled (100,000) 43.34
Balance at December 31, 2005 1,072,720 $ 39.88
Conversion to CBS Corporation Class B common stock(1) 293,312 —
Adjusted Balance at December 31, 2005 1,366,032 $ 31.32
(1) On December 31, 2005, the separation of Viacom into two publicly traded entities, CBS Corporation (“CBS Corporation”) and
new Viacom Inc. (“New Viacom”) was completed (the “Viacom Separation”). On the effective date of the Viacom Separation,
all outstanding unexercised options to purchase shares of Viacom Class B common stock held by employees of Blockbuster
were converted into options to purchase shares of CBS Corporation Class B common stock in a manner designed to preserve
their intrinsic value. Accordingly, adjustments were made to the number of options and the option exercise prices. As a result,
each outstanding stock option to purchase shares of former Viacom Class B common stock was converted into 1.273438 stock
options to purchase shares of CBS Corporation Class B common stock.
The following table summarizes information concerning currently vested and exercisable Viacom stock options held by
Blockbuster employees at December 31, 2005:
Weighted-
Remaining Average Aggregate
Contractual Exercise Intrinsic
Options Life (Years) Price Value
Vested and Exercisable 1,366,032 2.4 $ 31.32 $453,792
103
BLOCKBUSTER INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
(Tabular dollars in millions except per share amounts)
Note 5—Accrued Expenses
The Company’s accrued expenses consist of the following:
At December 31,
2005 2004
Accrued compensation $109.2 $145.1
Accrued revenue-sharing 87.7 90.0
Accrued gift card liability 145.9 154.0
Accrued taxes and tax reserves 162.3 67.2
Deferred revenue 104.9 81.8
Accrued insurance 35.5 26.2
Accrued interest 17.4 13.0
Other 102.4 120.0
$765.3 $697.3
Effective with Blockbuster’s initial public offering in 1999, Blockbuster and Viacom entered into a transition services
agreement whereby Viacom provided the Company with accounting, management information systems, legal, financial, tax and other
services. The Company agreed to pay or reimburse Viacom for any out-of-pocket payments, costs and expenses associated with these
services. The charges for these services prior to the Viacom Exchange Offer were $1.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2004
and $1.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2003.
Viacom paid insurance premiums on behalf of the Company for certain of the Company’s property, life and directors’ and
officers’ insurance policies. Insurance expense related to the Company’s reimbursements to Viacom for these policies was $5.8
million and $5.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively, and is reflected as a component of “General
and administrative” expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. In addition, Viacom paid audit fees on the Company’s
behalf in 2004 and 2003 and began paying certain legal expenses on the Company’s behalf in 2003. Total expenses related to the
Company’s reimbursements to Viacom for these amounts were $8.0 million and $5.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2004
and 2003 and are included in “General and administrative” in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations.
The Company, through the normal course of business, has been involved in transactions with companies owned by or affiliated
with Viacom. The Company purchases certain movies for rental and sale directly from Paramount Pictures Corporation
(“Paramount”) and Showtime Networks, Inc. (“Showtime”), subsidiaries of Viacom. Total purchases from Paramount were $57.3
million and $103.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. Total purchases from Showtime were $1.8
million and $2.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. The Company also purchases certain home
video
104
BLOCKBUSTER INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
(Tabular dollars in millions except per share amounts)
games from Midway Games, Inc. (“Midway”), a related party of Viacom. Total amounts paid for purchases from Midway were $6.8
million and $4.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively.
In addition, some studios allow the Company to direct a portion of their home video advertising expenditures. The Company
received $0.2 million and $2.2 million from Paramount in 2004 and 2003, respectively, related to this arrangement. These amounts
were recognized as either a reduction of actual costs incurred or a reduction to cost of sales pursuant to EITF 02-16 as discussed in
Note 1.
The Company uses a third-party agency to allocate its media placement and spending, based on specifications determined by the
Company in accordance with independent market studies. The third-party agency conducts a competitive negotiation process with
media outlets, including Viacom affiliates, which have historically been offered an opportunity of first refusal. During the years ended
December 31, 2004 and 2003 approximately $8.8 million and $17.6 million, respectively, of Blockbuster’s aggregate advertising
expenditures were spent with Viacom affiliates. Advertising expenditures spent with Viacom affiliates, while a related party of the
Company, as a percent of the Company’s total advertising expenses for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003 were
approximately 3% and 10%, respectively.
In conjunction with the sale by Viacom of Blockbuster Music stores (“Music”) to Wherehouse Entertainment, Inc.
(“Wherehouse”), the Company assumed certain liabilities as a result of the disposition of Music with a corresponding reduction to
Viacom’s net equity investment. The nature of these liabilities was predominantly for lease obligations associated with closed Music
stores excluded from the sale and, to a lesser extent, certain transaction costs and various costs to complete the transition of operations
from Music to Wherehouse. These total liabilities at the date of assignment aggregated approximately $67.0 million, of which $3.5
million remains in current liabilities at December 31, 2005.
In March 2001, the Company entered into two interest rate swaps with Viacom in order to obtain a fixed interest rate with
respect to $400.0 million of the Company’s outstanding floating rate debt under the Blockbuster Credit Agreement. The interest rate
swaps with Viacom matured during the first and third quarters of 2003. See Note 7 for further details on these interest rate swaps.
The Company and Viacom entered into a tax matters agreement that provided that subsequent to the closing of the Company’s
initial public offering on August 16, 1999 the Company would continue to be included in the Viacom federal consolidated income tax
return and certain consolidated, combined and unitary state tax returns, until such time at which Viacom no longer owned at least
80% of the total voting power of the Company’s stock, and 80% of the total value of the Company’s stock. See Note 8 for further
details on the tax matters agreement.
In connection with Blockbuster’s divestiture from Viacom, Blockbuster and Viacom entered into an amended and restated initial
public offering and split-off agreement with Viacom. This amended agreement provides, among other things, (i) for Viacom to pay
various expenses related to the transaction; (ii) for an allocation of expenses and liabilities related to the transaction and to
Blockbuster’s business operations; and (iii) for Blockbuster to provide Viacom with letters of credit (the “Viacom Letters of Credit”),
at Viacom’s expense, in an amount up to $150.0 million to secure a portion of Viacom’s contingent liabilities with respect to certain
store lease guarantees originally entered into before the Company’s August 1999 initial public offering. In conjunction with this
agreement, the Company recognized a $7.0 million capital contribution during the third quarter of 2004, representing Viacom’s
reimbursement of a portion of the deferred financing costs incurred in conjunction with the Company’s $1,150.0 million senior
secured credit facility, which is discussed in Note 7 below.
Blockbuster and Viacom also entered into an amended and restated transition services agreement for services to be provided
subsequent to the completion of the divestiture from Viacom. Pursuant to the amended
105
BLOCKBUSTER INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
(Tabular dollars in millions except per share amounts)
and restated transition services agreement, Viacom provided Blockbuster with agreed-upon audit and control, intellectual property,
legal and tax services and employee benefit plan and insurance administration from completion of the Viacom Exchange Offer
through December 2004 in exchange for Blockbuster’s payment of $150,000 per month and Blockbuster’s reimbursement to Viacom
for its out-of-pocket costs and expenses.
As of December 31, 2005, no amounts were receivable from or payable to Viacom in conjunction with these and other related
divestiture agreements. As of December 31, 2004, the Company’s net receivable from Viacom totaled $2.6 million, which is included
in “Other assets” on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.
All other transactions with companies owned by or affiliated with Viacom did not have a material impact on the financial
position or results of operations presented herein.
Also on August 20, 2004, the Company issued $300.0 million aggregate principal amount of 9% Senior Subordinated Notes due
2012. The proceeds from the Senior Subordinated Notes, together with the proceeds from the Credit Facilities, were used (i) to fund
the payment of the Special Distribution; (ii) to finance transaction costs and expenses in connection with the divestiture and the
Special Distribution; (iii) to repay amounts outstanding under the existing credit agreement; and (iv) for working capital and other
general corporate purposes. In conjunction with the Credit Facilities and the Senior Subordinated Notes, the Company incurred debt
financing costs totaling $18.7 million during 2004, of which $6.9 million was reimbursed from Viacom in the fourth quarter. These
costs are included in “Other assets” on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets and will be amortized to interest expense over the
terms of the related debt.
As of December 31, 2005, $135.0 million of borrowings were outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility and $644.9
million was outstanding under the term loan portions of the Credit Facilities. The available borrowing capacity, excluding the $150.0
million reserved for issuance of the Viacom Letters of Credit and $46.5 million reserved to support other letters of credit, totaled
$168.5 million at December 31, 2005. Borrowings under the Credit Facilities accrue interest at a rate equal to either LIBOR plus an
applicable margin or the prime rate or the federal funds rate plus applicable margins. The applicable margins vary based on the
borrowing and specified leverage ratios. The weighted-average interest rate at December 31, 2005 for borrowings under the Credit
Facilities was 8.2%. As of December 31, 2005, commitment fees are charged at an annual rate of 0.500% on the unused portion of the
Revolving Credit Facility, and participation and fronting fees are also incurred on letters of credit.
The borrowing availability under the Revolving Credit Facility will be automatically reduced by quarterly installments of 5% of
the original borrowing availability beginning October 2007 through July 2009 and will
106
BLOCKBUSTER INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
(Tabular dollars in millions except per share amounts)
terminate in full in August 2009. The Term A Loan Facility is payable in quarterly installments of 3.75% of the original principal
balance from October 2005 through July 2008, and 13.75% beginning October 2008 through August 2009. The Term B Loan Facility
is payable in quarterly installments of 0.25% of the original principal balance from October 2005 through July 2008, 2.5% beginning
October 2008 through July 2010 and 19.25% beginning October 2010 through August 2011. The term loans are subject to mandatory
prepayments from a portion of proceeds from asset sales and excess cash flow.
As of December 31, 2005, $300.0 million of principal was outstanding under the Senior Subordinated Notes. The Senior
Subordinated Notes mature on September 1, 2012. Interest accrues on the Senior Subordinated Notes from August 20, 2004, and is
payable on March 1 and September 1 of each year. The Company may redeem all or a portion of the Senior Subordinated Notes at
any time on or after September 1, 2008, at certain redemption prices. Prior to September 1, 2008, the Company may redeem all, but
not less than all, of the Senior Subordinated Notes at a redemption price equal to the principal amount of the Senior Subordinated
Notes plus an applicable “make whole” premium and accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date. In addition, at any time
prior to September 1, 2007, the Company may redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the Senior Subordinated Notes
with the net proceeds of certain equity offerings at a redemption price of 109.0%, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption
date.
Under a registration rights agreement as part of the offering of the Senior Subordinated Notes, the Company is obligated to use
its reasonable best efforts to file with the SEC a registration statement with respect to an offer to exchange the Senior Subordinated
Notes for substantially similar notes that are registered under the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”). Alternatively, if the
exchange offer for the Senior Subordinated Notes is not available or cannot be completed, the Company will be required to use its
reasonable best efforts to file a shelf registration statement to cover resales of the Senior Subordinated Notes under the Securities Act.
Because an exchange offer for the Senior Subordinated Notes was not completed before May 18, 2005, the Company was required to
pay additional interest on the Senior Subordinated Notes of 0.25% per annum for the first 90-day period after May 18, 2005 and is
required to pay an additional 0.25% per annum with respect to each subsequent 90-day period, up to a maximum aggregate increase
of 1% per annum, until an exchange offer is completed or, if required, a shelf registration statement is declared effective. As a result,
the Company incurred additional interest expense of 0.25% per annum for the 90-day period from May 19, 2005 through August 18,
2005, 0.50% per annum for the 90-day period from August 19, 2005 through November 18, 2005, 0.75% per annum for the 90-day
period from November 19, 2005 through February 18, 2006 and began incurring additional interest expense of the maximum of
1.0% per annum subsequent to February 18, 2006. The Company expects to file a registration statement with respect to an exchange
offer with the SEC during the first quarter of 2006. The interest rate on the Senior Subordinated Notes will revert back to 9.0% per
annum upon completion of the exchange offer.
On May 4, 2005, Blockbuster and the syndicate of lenders for the Credit Facilities amended the credit agreement in certain
respects (the “first amendment”). As part of the first amendment, the Company’s obligations with respect to maintaining a maximum
leverage ratio were amended for the second and third quarters of 2005, and its obligations for maintaining a minimum fixed charge
coverage ratio were amended for the second, third and fourth quarters of 2005. The Company paid a standard amendment fee in the
second quarter of 2005 in connection with the first amendment.
On August 8, 2005, the Company entered into a further amendment to the credit agreement (the “second amendment”), which
provided for a waiver of the then current second and third quarter 2005 leverage ratio covenant and the then current third quarter 2005
fixed charge coverage covenant. Without the benefit of the lenders’ waiver of the leverage ratio covenant for the second and third
quarters of 2005 that was contained in the
107
BLOCKBUSTER INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
(Tabular dollars in millions except per share amounts)
second amendment, the Company would have been in default of such covenant. The second amendment made various changes to the
credit agreement, which included:
(i) modification of the applicable margins based on the applicable credit rating, from time to time, of the Company’s senior,
secured, long-term indebtedness;
(ii) granting the syndicate of lenders a security interest in substantially all of the Company’s domestic assets (other than its
real estate leasehold interests);
(iii) increased obligations with respect to mandatory prepayments from asset sales;
(iv) additional limitations on payment of dividends, repurchases and other distributions in respect of the Company’s stock and
other equity ownership interests;
(v) additional limitations with respect to the amount of unsecured indebtedness the Company may incur, the amount of
franchisee indebtedness the Company may guarantee and the amount of investments, including investments in the
Company’s foreign subsidiaries, it may make; and
(vi) a restriction on the Company’s ability to repurchase subordinated debt with the proceeds of equity issuances.
The second amendment also provided for additional restrictions during the waiver period, which would have ended at the time
the Company was required to deliver its 2005 audited financial statements, including:
(i) compliance with minimum consolidated EBITDA and maximum capital expenditure covenants for the third and fourth
quarters of 2005;
(ii) restrictions on the Company’s ability to make additional revolving credit borrowings and requirements for mandatory
prepayments of a portion of outstanding borrowings if the Company’s cash and cash equivalents are in excess of certain
agreed amounts;
(iii) additional reporting requirements;
(iv) additional limitations on payment of dividends, repurchases and other distributions in respect of the Company’s stock and
other equity ownership interests;
(v) additional limitations on the amount of investments, including investments in its foreign subsidiaries, the Company may
make; and
(vi) prohibitions on certain acquisitions by the Company and its subsidiaries.
In connection with the second amendment, on August 8, 2005, the applicable margin for the Company’s borrowings under the
Credit Facilities increased 50 basis points through the end of the waiver period, and the Company was required to pay a standard
amendment fee.
In order to provide the Company with improved operating flexibility and in conjunction with the Company’s $150.0 million
Series A convertible preferred stock offering, on November 4, 2005, the Company entered into another amendment to the credit
agreement (the “third amendment”) with its lenders to modify the financial covenants and make other modifications. Upon the
effectiveness of the third amendment, the interim waiver period provisions contained in the second amendment ceased to be in effect
and certain changes to the credit agreement became effective and, to the extent previously contained in the waiver period provisions
of the second amendment, permanent, including the following:
(i) modification of the applicable margins (previously based solely on the applicable credit rating, from time to time, of the
Company’s senior, secured, long-term indebtedness) to reflect adjustments to such applicable margins based on the
Company’s gross leverage ratio from time to time;
108
BLOCKBUSTER INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
(Tabular dollars in millions except per share amounts)
(ii) execution of account control agreements covering substantially all of the Company’s deposit accounts and securities
accounts to perfect the security interest of the syndicate lenders in substantially all of the Company’s available cash
(including cash held in the Company’s domestic concentration accounts as defined in the third amendment);
(iii) modification of asset sale provisions to (a) allow for the sale of equity interests, subject to restrictions, (b) increase
obligations with respect to mandatory prepayments from asset sales, and (c) increase restrictions with respect to the
Company’s reinvestment of proceeds from asset sales;
(iv) modification of the restricted payment covenant to (a) allow for the payment of cash, payment-in-kind (“PIK”) and
common stock dividends on the Series A convertible preferred stock discussed below, subject to certain conditions, and
(b) establish additional limitations on payment of dividends, repurchases and other distributions in respect of the
Company’s stock and other equity ownership interests;
(v) additional limitations with respect to the amount of unsecured indebtedness and subordinated indebtedness the Company
may incur, the amount of franchisee indebtedness the Company may guarantee and the amount of investments, including
investments in the Company’s foreign subsidiaries, it may make;
(vi) compliance with a minimum consolidated EBITDA covenant through December 31, 2007, compliance with a maximum
capital expenditure covenant for the remaining term of the credit agreement, and compliance with maximum leverage
ratio and minimum fixed charge coverage ratio covenants for the remaining term of the credit agreement after
December 31, 2007;
(vii) restrictions on the Company’s ability to make additional revolving credit borrowings and requirements for mandatory
prepayment of a portion of outstanding borrowings if the Company’s cash and cash equivalents exceed certain agreed
amounts;
(viii) additional reporting requirements; and
(ix) additional limitations on acquisitions by the Company and its subsidiaries.
In connection with the third amendment, the applicable margin for the Company’s borrowings under the Credit Facilities
increased 50 basis points and commitment fees on the unused portion of the Revolving Credit Facility increased from 0.375% per
annum to 0.500% per annum. The increase in the annual commitment fee rate is subject to reduction based on the applicable credit
rating, from time to time, of the Company’s senior secured long-term indebtedness. The Company was also required to pay a standard
amendment fee to the administrative agent and the syndicate of lenders.
The Credit Facilities currently require compliance with a minimum EBITDA covenant through December 31, 2007, a maximum
capital expenditure covenant for the remaining term of the credit agreement and maximum leverage ratio and minimum fixed charge
coverage ratio covenants from 2008 through 2011. Additionally, the Credit Facilities and Senior Subordinated Notes contain certain
restrictive covenants, which, among other things, limit, during the terms of the facilities and the notes, (i) the amount of dividends that
the Company may pay, (ii) the amount of the Company’s common stock that it may repurchase and (iii) the amount of other
distributions that the Company may make in respect of its common stock. Without the benefit of the lenders’ waiver of the leverage
ratio and fixed charge coverage ratio covenants for the fourth quarter of 2005, the Company would have been in default of such
covenants. However, the Company was in compliance with the required minimum EBITDA covenant, the maximum capital
expenditure covenant and all other applicable covenants as of December 31, 2005 and expects to be in compliance with its covenants
over the next twelve months. The Company also expects cash on hand, cash from operations and available borrowings under its
109
BLOCKBUSTER INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
(Tabular dollars in millions except per share amounts)
revolving credit facility to be sufficient to fund the anticipated cash requirements for working capital purposes, including rental
library purchases, and capital expenditures under its normal operations as well as commitments and payments of principal and interest
on borrowings and dividends on its Series A convertible preferred stock for at least the next twelve months.
Beginning with the year ending December 31, 2005, the Company is required to make prepayments on the Credit Facilities in an
aggregate amount equal to 50% of annual excess cash flow, as defined by the credit agreement. Such payments are due at the end of
the first quarter of the following year. For the year ended December 31, 2005, the Company did not generate any excess cash flow, as
defined.
The following table sets forth the Company’s current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations:
At December 31,
2005 2004
Credit Facilities:
Term A loan, interest rate ranging from 7.8% to 8.3% at December 31, 2005 $ 15.0 $ 3.7
Term B loan, interest rate ranging from 7.9% to 8.7% at December 31, 2005 5.5 1.4
Current maturities of all other obligations — 0.7
Total current portion of long-term debt 20.5 5.8
Current portion of capital lease obligations 15.9 19.7
$ 36.4 $ 25.5
The following table sets forth the Company’s long-term debt and capital lease obligations, less current portion:
At December 31,
2005 2004
Credit Facilities:
Revolving credit facility, interest rate ranging from 7.8% to 8.0% at December 31, 2005 $ 135.0 $ 100.0
Term A loan, interest rate ranging from 7.8% to 8.3% at December 31, 2005 81.3 96.3
Term B loan, interest rate ranging from 7.9% to 8.7% at December 31, 2005 543.1 548.6
Senior Subordinated Notes, interest rate of 9.75% at December 31, 2005 300.0 300.0
Total long-term debt, less current portion 1,059.4 1,044.9
Capital lease obligations, less current portion 62.2 74.8
$1,121.6 $1,119.7
2006 $ 20.5
2007 20.5
2008 42.9
2009 231.3
2010 147.1
2011 and thereafter 617.6
Total $1,079.9
110
BLOCKBUSTER INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
(Tabular dollars in millions except per share amounts)
In March 2001, the Company entered into two interest rate swaps with Viacom in order to obtain a fixed interest rate with
respect to $400.0 million of the Company’s outstanding floating rate debt under the Company’s previous credit agreement, and
thereby reduce the Company’s exposure to interest rate volatility. The swaps fixed $200.0 million of the Company’s outstanding debt
at an interest rate of 5.01% for two years and the other $200.0 million at an interest rate of 5.12% for two and one-half years. The first
and second interest rate swaps matured in the first and third quarters of 2003, respectively. The interest rate swaps qualified as fully
effective cash-flow hedging instruments under SFAS No. 133, Accounting For Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.
Therefore, the gains or losses of the qualifying cash flow hedges were reported in other comprehensive income (loss) and reclassified
into earnings in the same period in which the hedged transactions affected earnings.
Interest expense related to capital leases was $8.3 million, $9.5 million and $10.3 million for the years ended December 31,
2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively. See Note 9 for further information regarding capital lease obligations.
The Company and Viacom entered into a tax matters agreement which provides that subsequent to the closing of the Company’s
initial public offering on August 16, 1999 and prior to September 30, 2004, the Company would be included in the Viacom federal
consolidated income tax return and certain consolidated, combined and unitary state tax returns. The tax matters agreement requires
the Company to make payments to Viacom equal to the amount of income taxes which would be paid by the Company, subject to
certain adjustments, if the Company had filed a stand-alone return for any taxable year or portion thereof beginning after August 16,
1999 and ending September 30, 2004. The income tax liabilities for the periods presented prior to August 16, 1999 were paid by
Viacom. Any tax losses generated by the Company have been utilized by Viacom to reduce its consolidated taxable income.
Accordingly, these amounts were reflected in stockholders’ equity on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. The tax matters
agreement also specifies that Viacom will indemnify the Company against any and all tax adjustments to Viacom’s consolidated
federal and consolidated, combined and unitary state tax returns from September 29, 1994 through August 16, 1999. Subsequent to
August 16, 1999, the Company is solely responsible for all tax adjustments to the Company’s federal and state returns. All periods
subsequent to May 5, 2000 are open for audit by the Internal Revenue Service. The Company and certain of its subsidiaries are also
under examination by other relevant taxing authorities for various tax years.
The Company establishes reserves for tax contingencies when, despite the belief that its tax return positions are fully supported,
certain positions are likely to be challenged and may not be fully sustained. The tax contingency reserves are analyzed on a quarterly
basis and adjusted based on changes in facts and circumstances, such as the progress of international, federal and state audits, case
law and emerging legislation. The Company establishes tax reserves based upon management’s assessment of exposure associated
with permanent tax differences and certain tax sharing agreements. While the Company believes that the amount of the tax estimates
111
BLOCKBUSTER INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
(Tabular dollars in millions except per share amounts)
is reasonable, it is possible that the ultimate outcome of current or future examinations may exceed current reserves or a favorable
settlement of tax audits may result in a reduction of future tax provisions. The favorable or unfavorable outcome of tax examinations
could have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations. Any tax benefit from favorable settlement of tax audits would
be recorded upon final resolution of the audit or expiration of the statute of limitations. The Company’s effective tax rate includes the
impact of tax contingency reserves and changes to the reserves, including related interest, as considered appropriate by management.
The tax contingency reserves are included in “Accrued expenses” and “Other liabilities” on the Company’s Consolidated Balance
Sheets. In 2004, the IRS concluded its audits of the tax years ending December 31, 1997 through May 4, 2000, resulting in a tax
benefit for 2004 of $37.1 million.
SFAS 109 requires the Company to periodically assess whether it is more likely than not that it will generate sufficient taxable
income to realize its deferred income tax assets. In making this determination, the Company considers all available positive and
negative evidence and makes certain assumptions. The Company considers, among other things, its deferred tax liabilities, the overall
business environment, its historical earnings and losses, current industry trends and its outlook for future years. In the third quarter of
2005, the Company determined that it was unclear as to the timing of when it will generate sufficient taxable income to realize its
deferred tax assets. This was primarily due to the negative industry trends, which caused the Company’s actual and anticipated
financial performance to be significantly worse than it originally projected. Accordingly, during the third quarter of 2005, the
Company recorded a valuation allowance against its deferred tax assets in the United States and certain foreign jurisdictions. It was
still unclear as to the timing of when the Company will generate sufficient taxable income to realize its deferred tax assets at the end
of 2005. The 2005 provision for income taxes includes $15.9 million primarily related to tax expense in jurisdictions where the
Company expects to be a taxpayer. Until the Company determines that it is more likely than not that it will generate sufficient taxable
income to realize its deferred income tax assets in certain markets, income tax benefits associated with current period losses will be
fully reserved.
At the end of 2005, the Company had net deferred tax assets of $27.1 million primarily related to timing differences of
depreciation and amortization, net operating losses and other tax credits in certain foreign jurisdictions where it is more likely than
not that the deferred tax assets will be realized.
With respect to tax attributes such as net operating losses, tax credits and capital losses that occurred prior to September 30,
2004, the Company has the right of reimbursement or offset, which was determined based on the extent such tax attributes could be
utilized by the Company if it had not been included in the Viacom group. The right to reimbursement or offset will arise regardless of
whether the Company is a member of the Viacom group at the time the attributes could have been used by the Company.
The Company is permanently reinvested with respect to the unremitted earnings of its foreign subsidiaries. No provision is made
for income taxes that would be payable upon the distribution of such earnings, and it is not practicable to determine the amount of the
related unrecognized deferred income tax liability.
112
BLOCKBUSTER INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
(Tabular dollars in millions except per share amounts)
Components of the income tax benefit (provision) are as follows:
In 2004, $0.3 million of income tax benefit was recorded as a component of stockholders’ equity as a result of exercised stock
options, and $4.8 million of income tax benefit was recorded as a component of stockholders’ equity as a result of restricted shares
that vested. We did not record an income tax benefit as a component of stockholders’ equity for stock options exercised or restricted
shares that vested in 2005.
Income (loss) accounted for under the equity method of accounting is shown net of tax in the Company’s Consolidated
Statements of Operations. Included in equity in net loss of affiliated companies of $0.7 million in 2003 are tax benefits of $0.3
million.
Items of other comprehensive loss for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003 are shown net of income taxes of $0,
$8.3 million and $4.0 million, respectively, in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity and
Comprehensive Loss.
A reconciliation of the statutory U.S. federal tax rate to the Company’s effective tax rate on loss before income taxes are as
follows:
113
BLOCKBUSTER INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
(Tabular dollars in millions except per share amounts)
The following is a summary of the deferred tax accounts in accordance with SFAS 109:
At December 31,
2005 2004
Deferred tax assets:
Accrued liabilities and tax credit carryforwards $ 9.4 $ 20.2
Book-tax basis differences in long-lived assets 151.8 124.9
Net operating loss carryforwards 142.0 84.3
Total deferred tax assets 303.2 229.4
Valuation allowance (149.9) (28.0)
Net deferred tax assets 153.3 201.4
Deferred tax liabilities:
Deferred expenses (18.6) (4.8)
Book-tax basis differences in rental library (107.6) (114.4)
Total deferred tax liabilities (126.2) (119.2)
Total net deferred tax asset $ 27.1 $ 82.2
The Company’s tax effected net operating loss carryforwards of $142.0 million at December 31, 2005 consist of $103.8 million
of domestic net operating loss carryforwards and $38.2 million of net operating loss carryforwards for foreign subsidiaries. These
losses are subject to certain limitations in accordance with domestic and foreign tax laws. Of the total tax effected net operating loss
carryforwards, $126.5 million will expire between 2006 and 2026, and $15.5 million has no expiration.
At December 31, 2005, minimum rental payments under non-cancelable leases are as follows:
Operating Capital
2006 $ 597.4 $ 22.1
2007 494.7 16.4
2008 398.3 14.2
2009 295.5 12.2
2010 187.6 10.0
2011 and thereafter 520.7 28.7
Total minimum lease payments $2,494.2 103.6
Less amount representing interest 25.5
Present value of minimum payments $ 78.1
114
BLOCKBUSTER INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
(Tabular dollars in millions except per share amounts)
Rent expense was $624.6 million, $598.2 million and $552.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003,
respectively. Subtenant rental income was $14.9 million, $15.1 million and $12.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2005,
2004 and 2003, respectively. Future minimum lease payments have not been reduced by future minimum subtenant rental income of
$60.4 million.
In October 1998, about 380 Blockbuster Music stores were sold to Wherehouse. Some of the leases transferred in connection
with this sale had previously been guaranteed either by Viacom or its affiliates. In connection with its initial public offering, the
Company entered into an initial public offering and split-off agreement with Viacom, pursuant to which Blockbuster agreed to
indemnify Viacom with respect to any amount paid under these guarantees. On January 21, 2003, Wherehouse filed a petition for
protection under Chapter 11 of U.S. bankruptcy law. Based on information regarding lease and guaranty expirations originally
available in connection with the Wherehouse bankruptcy, the Company estimated that it was contingently liable for approximately
$36.0 million. Of this amount, the Company recorded a reserve of $18.7 million during the fourth quarter of 2002 in occupancy
expense, which represented its estimate of the lease guarantee obligation at that time. During 2005, 2004 and 2003 the Company paid
approximately $0.7 million, $3.4 million and $8.2 million, respectively, associated with the lease guarantee obligation. In addition,
during 2004 and 2003, the Company reduced its reserve by $0.3 million and $2.6 million, respectively, resulting in a remaining
reserve balance of $3.5 million at December 31, 2005, which the Company believes is appropriate based upon its most current
information regarding the bankruptcy proceedings. The Company will continue to monitor these proceedings and make adjustments
to its reserves as required by new information or changes to existing information.
During the fourth quarter of 2001, one of the Company’s franchisees paid off a note to the Company related to their purchase of
stores from the Company. At the same time, that franchisee financed a note for $7.7 million with a third party, which the Company
guaranteed. As of December 31, 2005 and 2004, the franchisee had $5.7 million and $6.2 million outstanding under this note.
On March 12, 1999, C-Span Entertainment, et al. v. Blockbuster Inc., et al, was filed in the 192nd Judicial District Court of
Dallas County, Texas. Plaintiffs purchased eleven Blockbuster corporate stores in East Texas in 1999 and turned them into franchise
stores. Plaintiffs claim that before consummation of the sales, they received inaccurate financial information and that Blockbuster
made false verbal representations concerning inventory of the stores. On September 21, 2001, plaintiffs amended their lawsuit to
include as a defendant the law firm that represented it in the store purchase. On February 2, 2004, the court granted Blockbuster’s
motion for partial summary judgment and dismissed all of plaintiffs’ fraud claims. On September 28, 2004, the court granted
Blockbuster’s motion to enforce plaintiffs’ waiver of a jury trial and to try the case as a non-jury case. Plaintiffs’ claims against the
law firm will be in a separate trial. On the eve of trial, the court allowed the plaintiffs to amend their pleadings and assert fraud in the
inducement, along with plaintiffs’ pending claims for breach of warranties, breach of contract and conversion. Plaintiffs’ amended
petition seeks $6 million to $20 million in actual damages, $20 million in punitive damages, pre-judgment and post-judgment interest
and attorneys’ fees. Trial commenced on January 10, 2006. Blockbuster denies all material allegations of the complaint and intends to
vigorously defend the lawsuit.
In January 2001, an antitrust complaint alleging federal and California state law claims was filed in the Superior Court of
California, Los Angeles County, by over 200 individual plaintiffs seeking class certification and monetary damages against
Blockbuster, Viacom, and major motion picture studios and their home video subsidiaries. In January 2002, the California court
denied the plaintiffs’ request for class certification. By Order dated February 20, 2003, the California state court judge dismissed with
prejudice all claims against Blockbuster and the other defendants. On appeal, the California appellate court affirmed dismissal of the
antitrust conspiracy
115
BLOCKBUSTER INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
(Tabular dollars in millions except per share amounts)
claims but reversed and remanded to the trial court for further consideration the state law unfair practices and unfair competition
claims. The appellate court did not consider the appeal of the decision denying class certification. In addition to any damage award to
which Blockbuster might be directly subject, if Viacom is required to pay any damage award as a result of the federal or state court
action, Viacom may seek indemnification for its losses from Blockbuster under the amended and restated release and indemnification
agreement entered into between Viacom and Blockbuster in connection with Blockbuster’s divestiture from Viacom. In addition, on
June 18, 2004, in connection with Blockbuster’s split-off from Viacom, Blockbuster entered into an agreement with Viacom,
Paramount Entertainment, Inc. and Sumner Redstone (“the Viacom entities”) whereby Blockbuster agreed to pay 33.33% of any
liability arising from the antitrust case and the Viacom entities agreed to pay 66.67% of any such liability. Blockbuster believes the
plaintiffs’ positions in this action are without merit and intends to continue to vigorously defend itself in the litigation.
Blockbuster was a defendant in 12 lawsuits filed by customers in nine states and the District of Columbia between November
1999 and April 2001. These putative class action lawsuits alleged common law and statutory claims for fraud and deceptive practices
and/or unlawful business practices regarding Blockbuster’s extended viewing fee policies for customers who chose to keep rental
product beyond the initial rental term. Some of the cases also alleged that these policies imposed unlawful penalties and resulted in
unjust enrichment. In January 2002, a Texas court entered a final judgment approving a national class settlement (the “Scott
settlement”). Under the approved settlement, Blockbuster paid $9.25 million in plaintiffs’ attorney’s fees during the first quarter of
2005 and made certificates available to class members for rentals and discounts through November 2005. One additional extended
viewing fee case in the United States is inactive and subject to dismissal pursuant to the Scott settlement. There is one case, filed in
February 1999 in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, Chancery Division, Cohen v. Blockbuster, not completely resolved by
the Scott settlement. Marc Cohen, Uwe Stueckrad, Marc Perper and Denita Sanders assert common law and statutory claims for fraud
and deceptive practices, unjust enrichment and unlawful penalties regarding Blockbuster’s extended viewing fee policies. Such claims
were brought against Blockbuster, individually and on behalf of all entities doing business as Blockbuster or Blockbuster Video.
Plaintiffs seek relief on behalf of themselves and other plaintiff class members including actual damages, attorney’s fees and
injunctive relief. By order dated April 27, 2004, the Cohen trial court certified plaintiff classes for U.S. residents who incurred
extended viewing fees and/or purchased unreturned videos between February 18, 1994 and December 31, 2004, and who were not
part of the Scott settlement or who do not have a Blockbuster membership with an arbitration clause. In the same order, the trial court
certified a defendant class comprised of all entities that have done business in the United States as Blockbuster or Blockbuster Video
since February 18, 1994. Blockbuster believes the plaintiffs’ position in Cohen is without merit and Blockbuster intends to vigorously
defend itself. In March 2003, the Quebec Superior Court certified a class of customers in Quebec who paid extended viewing fees
during the period of January 1, 1992 to the present. The case was tried in March 2004, and in September 2004 the court ruled in
Blockbuster’s favor, dismissed the lawsuit and ordered plaintiffs to reimburse Blockbuster its costs. Plaintiffs have appealed. The
remaining two Canadian cases are putative class action lawsuits. William Robert Hazell filed an action in the Supreme Court of
British Columbia on August 24, 2001 against Viacom Entertainment Canada Inc., Viacom, Blockbuster Canada Inc. and Blockbuster.
The case asserts claims for unconscionability, violations of the trade practices act, breach of contract and high handed conduct. The
relief sought includes actual damages, disgorgement, and exemplary and punitive damages. Douglas R. Hedley filed an action in the
Court of Queen’s Bench, Judicial Centre of Regina, in Saskatchewan on July 19, 2002. The case asserts claims of unconscionability,
unjust enrichment, misrepresentation and deception, and seeks recovery of actual damages of $3 million, disgorgement, declaratory
relief, punitive and exemplary damages of $1 million and attorney’s fees. Blockbuster believes the plaintiffs’ positions in all of these
cases are without merit and, if necessary, intends to vigorously defend itself.
116
BLOCKBUSTER INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
(Tabular dollars in millions except per share amounts)
On February 10, 2004, Howard Vogel filed a lawsuit in the Newcastle County Chancery Court, Delaware naming John
Muething, Linda Griego, John Antioco, Jackie Clegg, Blockbuster, Viacom and Blockbuster’s directors who were also directors
and/or officers of Viacom as defendants. Vogel alleges that a stock swap mechanism anticipated to be announced by Viacom would
be a breach of fiduciary duty to minority stockholders and that the defendants engaged in unfair dealing and coercive conduct. The
stockholder class action complaint asks the court to certify a class and to enjoin the then-anticipated transaction. Blockbuster believes
the plaintiff’s position is without merit. Plaintiff has confirmed that Blockbuster and the other defendants are not required to respond
to the pending complaint. Should it become necessary, Blockbuster intends to vigorously defend the litigation.
On July 9, 2004, Sheela Salazar and Alberto Vasquez filed a putative class action complaint against Blockbuster in the Superior
Court of California, Los Angeles County, on behalf of all hourly-paid California employees for a period starting July 9, 2000. The
plaintiffs claimed Blockbuster failed to pay overtime to its California hourly-paid employees in violation of California law, asserting
fraud and violations of the California Labor Code, § 17200 of the California Business and Professions Code, and certain California
Industrial Welfare Commission wage orders. Plaintiffs sought recovery of alleged unpaid money, wages, penalties, costs and
attorney’s fees in an unstated dollar amount. Plaintiffs’ claims were dismissed without prejudice on July 28, 2005.
On July 20, 2004, Joanne Miranda filed a putative collective class action complaint under the Fair Labor Standards Act
(“FLSA”) in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida purporting to act on behalf of all Blockbuster store
managers who have worked for the Company since July 2001. The plaintiff claimed that she, and other store managers, were
improperly classified as exempt employees and thus were owed overtime payments under the FLSA. Two additional named plaintiffs
were added. Plaintiffs sought recovery of alleged unpaid overtime compensation, liquidated damages, wages, penalties, costs and
attorneys fees. On March 14, 2005, the court denied plaintiffs’ motion for conditional class certification without prejudice. In
December 2005, plaintiffs dismissed their individual claims for a nominal monetary amount with no admission of liability by
Blockbuster.
On April 11, 2005, Yajeshwarie Ramlakhan filed a putative collective class action complaint under the FLSA in the United
States District Court for the Southern District of Florida purporting to act on behalf of all Blockbuster cashiers and clerks. The
plaintiff claimed that she, and other similarly situated employees, were not paid overtime compensation. Plaintiff sought recovery of
alleged unpaid overtime compensation with interest, liquidated damages, attorney’s fees and costs of suit. On July 7, 2005, the court
denied plaintiff’s motion for conditional class certification without prejudice. On December 21, 2005, plaintiff dismissed her
individual claims for a nominal monetary amount with no admission of liability by Blockbuster.
On August 9, 2005, Belinda Rodriguez filed a putative collective class action complaint under the FLSA in the United States
District Court for the Southern District of Florida purporting to act on behalf of all Blockbuster cashiers and clerks. The plaintiff
claimed that she, and other similarly situated employees, were not paid overtime compensation. Plaintiff sought recovery of alleged
unpaid overtime compensation with interest, liquidated damages, attorney’s fees and costs of suit. On March 9, 2006, plaintiff
dismissed her individual claims for a nominal monetary amount with no admission of liability by Blockbuster.
On February 18, 2005, Peter C. Harvey, New Jersey attorney general, filed a lawsuit against Blockbuster in Superior Court of
New Jersey asserting that Blockbuster’s advertisement of its “no late fees” program violated the New Jersey consumer fraud statute.
While Blockbuster believes that the advertisement of the program was conducted in compliance with applicable laws, on
December 23, 2005, Blockbuster entered into a Consent Order
117
BLOCKBUSTER INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
(Tabular dollars in millions except per share amounts)
with the New Jersey Attorney General and New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs. The Consent Order is not an admission of any
violation of law by Blockbuster. The case has been dismissed.
Blockbuster is a defendant in several lawsuits arising out of its “no late fees” program. On February 15, 2005, Anna Kane filed a
putative class action against Blockbuster in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Ocean County, alleging fraud, breach of contract,
negligent misrepresentation, an unfair trade practice and a violation of the New Jersey consumer fraud laws regarding deceptive
advertising. The suit sought compensatory and injunctive relief. On October 27, 2005, the New Jersey Superior Court stayed the trial
court action and ordered plaintiff’s individual claim to arbitration. Rather than proceed to arbitration, in January 2006, plaintiff
dismissed her individual claim without prejudice. On February 22, 2005, Thomas Tallarino filed a putative class action in Superior
Court of California, Los Angeles County, alleging that Blockbuster’s “no late fees” program constitutes conversion and violates
California consumer protection statutes prohibiting untrue and misleading advertising. The suit seeks equitable and injunctive relief.
Blockbuster removed the case to the United States District Court, Central District of California. On February 22, 2005, Gary Lustberg
filed a putative class action against Blockbuster in the Supreme Court of Nassau County, New York. Blockbuster removed the case to
the United States District Court, Eastern District of New York. On February 25, 2005, Michael L. Galeno filed a putative class action
in the Supreme Court of New York County, New York. Blockbuster removed the case to the United States District Court, Southern
District of New York. Both suits allege breach of contract, unjust enrichment and that Blockbuster’s “no late fees” program violates
New York’s consumer protection statutes prohibiting deceptive and misleading business practices. The suits seek compensatory and
punitive damages and injunctive relief. On March 4, 2005, Ronit Yeroushalmi filed a putative class action in the Superior Court of
California, Los Angeles County, alleging that Blockbuster’s “no late fees” program constitutes fraud and violates California consumer
protection statutes prohibiting untrue and misleading advertising. The suit also alleged unjust enrichment and sought compensatory
and punitive damages, injunctive relief and other equitable remedies. Blockbuster removed the case to the United States District
Court, Central District of California. In November 2005, Yeroushalmi dismissed his individual claim with prejudice in exchange for a
nominal monetary amount with no admission of liability by Blockbuster. On March 4, 2005, Beth Creighton filed a putative class
action in the Circuit Court of Multnomah County, Oregon alleging that Blockbuster’s “no late fees” program violates Oregon’s
consumer protection statutes prohibiting deceptive and misleading business practices. The suit alleges fraud and unjust enrichment
and seeks equitable and injunctive relief. Blockbuster removed the case to the United States District Court of Oregon. On March 22,
2005, Gustavo Sanchez filed a putative class action in the Superior Court of California, Los Angeles County, alleging a violation of
California’s business and professions code as an unfair business practice and misleading advertising claim, and a violation of the
California rental-purchase act. The suit seeks compensatory, statutory and injunctive relief. Blockbuster removed the case to the
United States District Court, Central District of California. On April 11, 2005, Caleb Lucas-Hansen Marker filed an action in the
District Court of Ingham County, Michigan asserting a violation of Michigan consumer protection act and the advertising and pricing
act. The suit sought actual or, alternatively, statutory damages. Blockbuster moved to compel arbitration, the court compelled
arbitration, and on July 25, 2005 the case was dismissed with prejudice. On April 13, 2005, Kenneth W. Edwards filed a putative
class action in the District Court of Pittsburg County, Oklahoma, alleging fraud and a violation of Oklahoma’s consumer protection
statute. The suit sought actual damages and civil penalties. Blockbuster removed the case to the United States District Court, Eastern
District of Oklahoma. On November 17, 2005, the court ordered plaintiff’s individual claim to arbitration. Blockbuster believes each
of the claims still pending is without merit and intends to vigorously defend itself in all pending claims.
On November 10, 2005, Congregation Ezra Sholom filed a putative collective class action complaint under the Securities Act
and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) in the United States District
118
BLOCKBUSTER INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
(Tabular dollars in millions except per share amounts)
Court for the Northern District of Texas. On January 4, 2006, Victor Allgeier filed a putative collective class action complaint under
the Exchange Act in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas. These two suits purport to be filed on behalf
of those persons who purchased Blockbuster stock between September 8, 2004 and August 9, 2005. In these two suits, plaintiffs filed
their complaints against Blockbuster, National Amusements Inc., Viacom, John F. Antioco, Richard J. Bressler, Jackie M. Clegg,
Phillip P. Dauman, Michael D. Fricklas, Linda Griego, Mel Karmazin, John L. Muething, Sumner M. Redstone and Larry J. Zine.
Plaintiffs claim the above-referenced defendants committed securities fraud in violation of the Exchange Act by failing to disclose at
the time of the Blockbuster split-off from Viacom, that Blockbuster lacked the financial and other resources required to implement
initiatives announced at that time. Plaintiffs claim violations of the Exchange Act for allegedly false and misleading statements and
omissions of material fact by the defendants regarding Blockbuster’s financial results. Plaintiffs seek compensatory damages, court
costs, attorney’s fees and expert witness fees. Blockbuster believes that the claims are without merit and intends to vigorously defend
itself.
On November 16, 2005, Katherine Corthon filed a putative collective class action complaint under the Employee Retirement
Income Security Act (“ERISA”) in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York purporting to act on behalf
of all persons who were participants in or beneficiaries of the Blockbuster Investment Plan whose accounts included investments in
Blockbuster stock, at any time, since November 15, 2003. Plaintiff has filed her claim against Viacom, the Viacom Retirement
Committee, Keith M. Holtz, Barbara Mickowski, Dan Satterthwaite, Phillip P. Dauman, Sumner M. Redstone, Richard Bressler,
Michael D. Fricklas, John L. Muething, Linda Griego, Jackie M. Clegg, John F. Antioco, Peter A. Bassi, Robert A. Bowman, Gary J.
Fernandes, Mel Karmazin and unnamed “John Doe” members of the Viacom and Blockbuster Retirement Committees. Plaintiff
claims that the above-named defendants breached their fiduciary duties in violation of ERISA. Plaintiff seeks declaratory relief,
recovery of actual damages, court costs, attorney’s fees, a constructive trust, restoration of lost profits to the Blockbuster Investment
Plan and an injunction. Blockbuster believes that the claims are without merit and intends to vigorously defend itself.
Blockbuster is subject to various other legal proceedings in the course of conducting its business, including its business as a
franchisor. Although Blockbuster believes that these proceedings are not likely to result in judgments that will have a material adverse
effect on its business, Blockbuster cannot predict the impact of future developments affecting its outstanding claims and litigation.
All acquisitions were accounted for under the purchase method and, accordingly, the operating results of the acquired businesses
are included in the consolidated results of operations of the Company since their respective date of acquisition. Pro forma results of
operations have not been presented due to the immaterial nature of the acquisitions.
On November 14, 2005, the Company completed the sale of its wholly-owned subsidiary D.E.J. Productions Inc. (“DEJ”) to
First Look Media, Inc. for cash consideration of $22.5 million and recorded a gain on the sale of approximately $5.8 million. The gain
on the sale represents a monitization of the library product held by DEJ at the date of the sale and is included in “General and
administrative” in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2005. The Company used
the proceeds from the sale for working capital and other general corporate purposes.
(1) Includes all non-current assets except deferred tax assets and the Viacom receivable. As discussed in Note 1, amounts for 2004
and 2003 have been restated.
(2) Includes goodwill from the acquisition of Blockbuster by Viacom.
120
BLOCKBUSTER INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
(Tabular dollars in millions except per share amounts)
Note 13—Subsequent Events
During the first quarter of 2006, the Company implemented additional cost saving measures aimed at further reducing operating
expenses in light of the Company’s focus on profitability. As a result, the Company expects to incur severance costs of approximately
$10 million from involuntary employee terminations during the first quarter of 2006.
Second
First Quarter Third Fourth Total Year
Quarter (1) Quarter(2) Quarter (1)(2)(5)
2005
Revenues $1,548.9 $1,398.6 $ 1,386.3 $1,530.6 $ 5,864.4
Gross profit $ 863.8 $ 770.8 $ 790.5 $ 792.2 $ 3,217.3
Income (loss) before cumulative effect of change in accounting
principle $ (57.5) $ (57.2) $ (491.4) $ 18.0 $ (588.1)
Net income (loss) $ (57.5) $ (57.2) $ (491.4) $ 18.0 $ (588.1)
Net income (loss) per share—basic $ (0.31) $ (0.31) $ (2.67) $ 0.10 $ (3.20)
Net income (loss) per share—diluted $ (0.31) $ (0.31) $ (2.67) $ 0.09 $ (3.20)
Weighted average shares outstanding—basic 183.7 183.7 183.8 184.3 183.9
Weighted average shares outstanding—diluted 183.7 183.7 183.8 202.8 183.9
First Fourth
Quarter Second Third Quarter Total Year
(3) Quarter Quarter(4) (5) (3)(4)(5)
2004
Revenues $1,503.1 $1,421.2 $ 1,410.0 $1,718.9 $ 6,053.2
Gross profit $ 923.6 $ 871.4 $ 861.8 $ 955.0 $ 3,611.8
Income (loss) before cumulative effect of change in accounting
principle $ 114.4 $ 48.6 $(1,414.6) $ 2.8 $(1,248.8)
Net income (loss) $ 114.4 $ 48.6 $(1,414.6) $ 2.8 $(1,248.8)
Net income (loss) per share—basic $ 0.63 $ 0.27 $ (7.81) $ 0.02 $ (6.89)
Net income (loss) per share—diluted $ 0.63 $ 0.27 $ (7.81) $ 0.02 $ (6.89)
Weighted average shares outstanding—basic 181.0 181.1 181.1 181.5 181.2
Weighted average shares outstanding—diluted 182.0 181.6 181.1 183.2 181.2
(1) During the second quarter of 2005, as described in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company recognized
non-cash charges totaling approximately $9.2 million to impair long-lived assets, in accordance with SFAS 144. These charges
are reflected in “Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets” in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations.
(2) During the third quarter of 2005, as described in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company recognized non-
cash charges totaling approximately $347.6 million to impair goodwill and other long-lived assets, in accordance with SFAS
142 and SFAS 144. These charges are reflected in “Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets” in the Company’s
Consolidated Statements of Operations.
(3) During the first quarter of 2004, the Company recognized a tax benefit of $37.1 million resulting from the resolution of a federal
income tax audit for tax years January 1, 1997 through May 4, 2000.
(4) During the third quarter of 2004, as described in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company recognized non-
cash charges of $1.5 billion to impair goodwill and other long-lived assets, in accordance with SFAS 142 and SFAS 144. These
charges are reflected in “Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets” in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of
Operations.
(5) During the fourth quarter of 2004, in conjunction with the Company’s adoption of SFAS 123R as described in Note 1 to the
consolidated financial statements, the Company recognized $18.3 million of compensation expense related to share-based
compensation. Also as described in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company adopted the expense
recognition provisions of FIN 28 as of January 1, 2004. Because the Company applied the disclosure-only provisions of SFAS
123 through September 30, 2004, the cumulative effect of change in accounting principle of $23.1 million, net of tax, recognized
upon adoption
123
BLOCKBUSTER INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
(Tabular dollars in millions except per share amounts)
of the expense recognition provisions of FIN 28 was not reflected in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations for
the year ended December 31, 2004. For the year ended December 31, 2005, the Company recognized $39.1 million of
compensation expense related to share-based compensation.
Blockbuster Inc. and its non-guarantor subsidiaries are parties to various intercompany agreements, which affect the amount of
operating expenses reported in the following condensed consolidating statements of operations and corresponding amounts in the
condensed consolidating balance sheets and condensed consolidating statements of cash flows. Among other things, management fees
are charged to the non-guarantor subsidiaries relating to the use of tradenames, information systems and other corporate overhead. An
allocation of corporate overhead expenses has also been made to the Company’s guarantor subsidiaries. These intercompany amounts
are eliminated in consolidation.
Blockbuster Inc. and its subsidiaries file a consolidated U.S. federal income tax return. All income taxes are allocated in
accordance with the Company’s tax matters agreement.
124
BLOCKBUSTER INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
(Tabular dollars in millions except per share amounts)
The following financial information presents condensed consolidating statements of operations, balance sheets and statements of
cash flows for Blockbuster Inc., all guarantor subsidiaries, all non-guarantor subsidiaries and the eliminations necessary to arrive at
the information for the Company on a consolidated basis. The information has been presented as if Blockbuster Inc. accounted for its
ownership of the guarantor and non-guarantor subsidiaries using the equity method of accounting.
125
BLOCKBUSTER INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
(Tabular dollars in millions except per share amounts)
Statement of Operations for the Year Ended December 31, 2004
Non-
Guarantor Guarantor Consolidated
Blockbuster Inc. Subsidiaries Subsidiaries Eliminations Blockbuster Inc.
Revenues:
Rental revenues $ 3,322.2 $ 79.3 $ 1,044.1 $ (17.0) $ 4,428.6
Merchandise sales 699.6 47.6 785.4 — 1,532.6
Other revenues 116.9 108.2 13.7 (146.8) 92.0
4,138.7 235.1 1,843.2 (163.8) 6,053.2
Cost of sales:
Cost of rental revenues 915.7 44.9 307.1 (17.0) 1,250.7
Cost of merchandise sold 550.5 30.9 609.3 — 1,190.7
1,466.2 75.8 916.4 (17.0) 2,441.4
Gross profit 2,672.5 159.3 926.8 (146.8) 3,611.8
Operating expenses:
General and administrative 2,096.5 148.8 755.0 (146.8) 2,853.5
Advertising 192.0 11.9 53.5 — 257.4
Depreciation and intangible
amortization 181.2 1.7 66.8 — 249.7
Impairment of goodwill and
other long-lived assets 1,347.2 — 157.2 — 1,504.4
3,816.9 162.4 1,032.5 (146.8) 4,865.0
Operating loss (1,144.4) (3.1) (105.7) — (1,253.2)
Interest expense (37.4) — (5.5) 4.8 (38.1)
Interest income 7.0 0.1 1.3 (4.8) 3.6
Other items, net 5.1 — (3.5) — 1.6
Loss before income taxes (1,169.7) (3.0) (113.4) — (1,286.1)
Benefit (provision) for income
taxes 49.4 (0.7) (11.4) — 37.3
Equity in income (loss) of
affiliated companies, net of
tax (128.5) — — 128.5 —
Net loss $ (1,248.8) $ (3.7) $ (124.8) $ 128.5 $ (1,248.8)
126
BLOCKBUSTER INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
(Tabular dollars in millions except per share amounts)
Statement of Operations for the Year Ended December 31, 2003
Non-
Guarantor Guarantor Consolidated
Blockbuster Inc. Subsidiaries Subsidiaries Eliminations Blockbuster Inc.
Revenues:
Rental revenues $ 3,520.7 $ 65.7 $ 970.0 $ (22.9) $ 4,533.5
Merchandise sales 703.4 16.1 562.1 — 1,281.6
Other revenues 123.9 104.8 10.4 (142.5) 96.6
4,348.0 186.6 1,542.5 (165.4) 5,911.7
Cost of sales:
Cost of rental revenues 1,040.8 45.2 299.0 (22.9) 1,362.1
Cost of merchandise sold 571.9 10.9 444.9 — 1,027.7
1,612.7 56.1 743.9 (22.9) 2,389.8
Gross profit 2,735.3 130.5 798.6 (142.5) 3,521.9
Operating expenses:
General and administrative 1,968.3 130.1 650.0 (142.5) 2,605.9
Advertising 124.6 2.3 52.5 — 179.4
Depreciation and intangible
amortization 199.1 1.1 68.2 — 268.4
Impairment of goodwill and other
long-lived assets 932.8 9.4 362.7 — 1,304.9
3,224.8 142.9 1,133.4 (142.5) 4,358.6
Operating loss (489.5) (12.4) (334.8) — (836.7)
Interest expense (32.0) — (5.7) 4.6 (33.1)
Interest income 6.5 0.1 1.1 (4.6) 3.1
Other items, net 0.1 — (0.5) — (0.4)
Loss before income taxes (514.9) (12.3) (339.9) — (867.1)
Benefit (provision) for income
taxes (104.5) 4.7 (6.7) — (106.5)
Equity in income (loss) of
affiliated companies, net of tax (354.9) — — 354.2 (0.7)
Loss before cumulative effect of
change in accounting principle (974.3) (7.6) (346.6) 354.2 (974.3)
Cumulative effect of change in
accounting principle, net of tax (4.4) — — — (4.4)
Net loss $ (978.7) $ (7.6) $ (346.6) $ 354.2 $ (978.7)
127
BLOCKBUSTER INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
(Tabular dollars in millions except per share amounts)
Balance Sheet at December 31, 2005
Non-
Guarantor Guarantor Consolidated
Blockbuster Inc. Subsidiaries Subsidiaries Eliminations Blockbuster Inc.
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 115.0 $ 9.3 $ 151.9 $ — $ 276.2
Receivables, net 87.0 0.1 40.7 — 127.8
Intercompany receivables 248.1 — — (248.1) —
Merchandise inventories 144.6 15.1 150.6 — 310.3
Rental library, net 379.9 2.9 92.7 — 475.5
Deferred income taxes — — 15.6 — 15.6
Prepaid and other current assets 160.3 0.9 57.2 — 218.4
Total current assets 1,134.9 28.3 508.7 (248.1) 1,423.8
Property and equipment, net 540.3 4.0 179.2 — 723.5
Deferred income taxes 134.5 — 25.1 — 159.6
Investment in subsidiaries 286.5 — — (286.5) —
Intangibles, net 6.8 — 20.1 — 26.9
Goodwill 651.8 16.1 141.3 — 809.2
Other assets 24.3 7.7 4.6 — 36.6
$ 2,779.1 $ 56.1 $ 879.0 $ (534.6) $ 3,179.6
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable $ 215.1 $ 5.7 $ 147.3 $ — $ 368.1
Intercompany payable — 51.4 196.7 (248.1) —
Accrued expenses 539.7 12.3 213.3 — 765.3
Current portion of long-term debt 20.5 — — — 20.5
Current portion of capital lease
obligations 15.0 — 0.9 — 15.9
Deferred income taxes 134.4 — 13.7 — 148.1
Total current liabilities 924.7 69.4 571.9 (248.1) 1,317.9
Long-term debt, less current portion 1,059.4 — — — 1,059.4
Capital lease obligations, less current
portion 62.0 — 0.2 — 62.2
Other liabilities 101.4 2.8 4.3 — 108.5
2,147.5 72.2 576.4 (248.1) 2,548.0
Total stockholders’ equity 631.6 (16.1) 302.6 (286.5) 631.6
$ 2,779.1 $ 56.1 $ 879.0 $ (534.6) $ 3,179.6
128
BLOCKBUSTER INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
(Tabular dollars in millions except per share amounts)
Balance Sheet at December 31, 2004—Restated
Non-
Guarantor Guarantor Consolidated
Blockbuster Inc. Subsidiaries Subsidiaries Eliminations Blockbuster Inc.
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 183.0 $ 6.6 $ 140.7 $ — $ 330.3
Receivables, net 113.5 20.8 43.5 — 177.8
Intercompany receivables 261.3 — — (261.3) —
Merchandise inventories 276.0 23.7 216.9 — 516.6
Rental library, net 362.2 3.4 92.0 — 457.6
Deferred income taxes — — 24.0 — 24.0
Prepaid and other current assets 150.6 1.0 41.4 — 193.0
Total current assets 1,346.6 55.5 558.5 (261.3) 1,699.3
Property and equipment, net 615.0 13.3 225.7 — 854.0
Deferred income taxes 161.5 (0.3) 33.0 — 194.2
Investment in subsidiaries 653.0 — — (653.0) —
Intangibles, net 7.5 3.1 23.9 — 34.5
Goodwill 649.1 16.2 473.2 — 1,138.5
Other assets 44.8 23.6 5.7 — 74.1
$ 3,477.5 $ 111.4 $ 1,320.0 $ (914.3) $ 3,994.6
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable $ 436.2 $ 11.8 $ 273.8 $ — $ 721.8
Intercompany payable — 65.4 195.9 (261.3) —
Accrued expenses 474.5 15.6 207.2 — 697.3
Current portion of long-term debt 5.8 — — — 5.8
Current portion of capital lease
obligations 18.6 — 1.1 — 19.7
Deferred income taxes 134.0 — 2.0 — 136.0
Total current liabilities 1,069.1 92.8 680.0 (261.3) 1,580.6
Long-term debt, less current portion 1,044.9 — — — 1,044.9
Capital lease obligations, less current
portion 74.4 — 0.4 — 74.8
Other liabilities 226.2 0.1 5.1 — 231.4
2,414.6 92.9 685.5 (261.3) 2,931.7
Total stockholders’ equity 1,062.9 18.5 634.5 (653.0) 1,062.9
$ 3,477.5 $ 111.4 $ 1,320.0 $ (914.3) $ 3,994.6
129
BLOCKBUSTER INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
(Tabular dollars in millions except per share amounts)
Statement of Cash Flows for the Year Ended December 31, 2005
Non-
Guarantor Guarantor Consolidated
Blockbuster Inc. Subsidiaries Subsidiaries Eliminations Blockbuster Inc.
Net cash flow provided by (used in)
operating activities $ (81.4) $ 9.4 $ 1.5 $ — $ (70.5)
Investing activities:
Capital expenditures (101.2) (5.4) (32.8) — (139.4)
Cash used for acquisitions, net (0.6) (1.3) (0.6) — (2.5)
Proceeds from notes receivable
and other 0.6 — 4.6 — 5.2
Proceeds from sale of non-core
investment 22.5 — — — 22.5
Net cash flow used for investing
activities (78.7) (6.7) (28.8) — (114.2)
Financing activities:
Proceeds from credit
agreements 255.0 — — — 255.0
Repayments on credit
agreements (225.1) — — — (225.1)
Net repayments on other notes
and lines of credit (0.7) — — — (0.7)
Net proceeds from the issuance
of preferred stock 144.0 — — — 144.0
Net proceeds from the exercise
of stock options 0.8 — — — 0.8
Cash dividends on common
stock (7.8) — — — (7.8)
Payment of debt financing costs (8.1) — — — (8.1)
Capital lease payments (19.1) — (0.7) — (19.8)
Intercompany loans (46.9) — 46.9 — —
Net cash flow provided by financing
activities 92.1 — 46.2 — 138.3
Effect of exchange rate changes on
cash — — (7.7) — (7.7)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and
cash equivalents (68.0) 2.7 11.2 — (54.1)
Cash and cash equivalents at
beginning of year 183.0 6.6 140.7 — 330.3
Cash and cash equivalents at end of
year $ 115.0 $ 9.3 $ 151.9 $ — $ 276.2
130
BLOCKBUSTER INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
(Tabular dollars in millions except per share amounts)
Statement of Cash Flows for the Year Ended December 31, 2004—Restated
Non-
Guarantor Guarantor Consolidated
Blockbuster Inc. Subsidiaries Subsidiaries Eliminations Blockbuster Inc.
Net cash flow provided by
operating activities $ 301.7 $ 11.6 $ 103.7 $ — $ 417.0
Investing activities:
Capital expenditures (225.6) (8.4) (55.1) — (289.1)
Cash used for acquisitions, net (9.8) (15.7) — — (25.5)
Proceeds from notes receivable
and other 0.6 — 0.6 — 1.2
Investments in affiliated
companies (0.5) — — — (0.5)
Net cash flow used for investing
activities (235.3) (24.1) (54.5) — (313.9)
Financing activities:
Proceeds from credit
agreements 820.0 — — — 820.0
Proceeds from senior
subordinated notes 300.0 — — — 300.0
Repayments on credit
agreements (170.0) — — — (170.0)
Net repayments on other notes
and lines of credit (2.9) — (20.9) — (23.8)
Net proceeds from the exercise
of stock options 2.8 — — — 2.8
Cash dividends on common
stock (920.1) — — — (920.1)
Payment of debt financing costs (18.7) — — — (18.7)
Capital lease payments (20.3) — (0.7) — (21.0)
Capital contributions received
from Viacom 6.9 — — — 6.9
Excess tax benefit from share-
based compensation 5.1 — — — 5.1
Intercompany loans (28.1) 14.8 13.3 — —
Net cash flow provided by (used for)
financing activities (25.3) 14.8 (8.3) — (18.8)
Effect of exchange rate changes on
cash — — 12.6 — 12.6
Net increase in cash and cash
equivalents 41.1 2.3 53.5 — 96.9
Cash and cash equivalents at
beginning of year 141.9 4.3 87.2 — 233.4
Cash and cash equivalents at end of
year $ 183.0 $ 6.6 $ 140.7 $ — $ 330.3
131
BLOCKBUSTER INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
(Tabular dollars in millions except per share amounts)
Statement of Cash Flows for the Year Ended December 31, 2003—Restated
Non-
Guarantor Guarantor Consolidated
Blockbuster Inc. Subsidiaries Subsidiaries Eliminations Blockbuster Inc.
Net cash flow provided by
operating activities $ 531.4 $ 5.7 $ 56.6 $ — $ 593.7
Investing activities:
Capital expenditures (134.2) (2.7) (54.1) — (191.0)
Cash used for acquisitions,
net (2.4) (1.0) — — (3.4)
Proceeds from notes
receivable and other 3.9 — 0.6 — 4.5
Investments in affiliated
companies 1.9 — — — 1.9
Net cash flow used for investing
activities (130.8) (3.7) (53.5) — (188.0)
Financing activities:
Proceeds from credit
agreements 140.0 — — — 140.0
Repayments on credit
agreements (450.0) — — — (450.0)
Net repayments on other
notes and lines of credit (3.9) — (1.9) — (5.8)
Net proceeds from the
exercise of stock
options 18.1 — — — 18.1
Cash dividends on
common stock (14.4) — — — (14.4)
Capital lease payments (22.6) — (0.8) — (23.4)
Intercompany loans 5.9 — (5.9) — —
Net cash flow used for financing
activities (326.9) — (8.6) — (335.5)
Effect of exchange rate changes
on cash — — 10.7 — 10.7
Net increase in cash and cash
equivalents 73.7 2.0 5.2 — 80.9
Cash and cash equivalents at
beginning of year 68.2 2.3 82.0 — 152.5
Cash and cash equivalents at end
of year $ 141.9 $ 4.3 $ 87.2 $ — $ 233.4
132
Item 9. Changes In and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None.
This restatement changes the classification of rental library on the consolidated balance sheet from non-current assets to current
assets and changes the classification of rental library purchases from cash flows from investing activities to cash flows from operating
activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows. The restatement has no impact on reported revenues, net income, stockholders’
equity or total cash flows.
The Company has had discussions with the staff of the SEC regarding these matters, and subsequent to these discussions the
Company determined that it should restate the aforementioned consolidated financial statements to correct the errors described above.
Impact on Internal Control over Financial Reporting and Disclosure Controls and Procedures
In the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004, management had concluded that the
Company did not maintain effective internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures as of December
31, 2004 as a result of a material weakness in the Company’s controls over the selection and application of its accounting policies
related to leasehold improvements and tenant allowances which have been remediated as of December 31, 2005. A material weakness
is a control deficiency, or combination of control deficiencies, that results in more than a remote likelihood that a material
misstatement of the interim or annual financial statements will not be prevented or detected. In connection with the restatement
described above, management has subsequently determined that the following material weakness also existed as of December 31,
2004.
The Company did not maintain effective controls over the selection and application of its accounting policies related to the
balance sheet presentation of rental library and the statement of cash flows presentation of rental library purchases. This control
deficiency resulted in the restatement described above. Additionally, this control deficiency could result in a misstatement of the
presentation of rental library and rental library purchases that would result in a material misstatement in our annual or interim
consolidated financial statements that would not be prevented or detected.
Management has concluded that controls were designed and in place and operating effectively as of December 31, 2005 to
properly apply accounting policies related to the balance sheet presentation of rental library and the statement of cash flows
presentation of rental library purchases.
The Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of December 31, 2005, the
Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Exchange Act) were effective, at the “reasonable
assurance” level, based on the evaluation of these controls and procedures required by Rule 13a-15(b) of the Exchange Act.
Because of inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also,
projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of
changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Management evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005. In
making this evaluation, management used the criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee
of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on this assessment management has concluded that, as of
December 31, 2005, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective. The Company’s independent registered
public accounting firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, has audited management’s assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s
internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005, as stated in their report which is included herein.
V. Report of Accountant
Please refer to “Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” under Item 8 above for the report of
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, on management’s assessment of the
Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
The information required by Items 10 through 14 of this Part III is incorporated by reference from our definitive proxy statement
to be filed for our 2006 annual meeting of stockholders (“2006 Proxy Statement”), as indicated below. Our 2006 Proxy Statement will
be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) not later than 120 days after December 31, 2005.
Our Code of Ethics may be found on our website at http://www.blockbuster.com by clicking on the link for “Investor Relations”
and then the link for “Governance,” and a copy of our Code of Ethics is also available in print, without charge, upon written request
to Blockbuster Inc., Attn: Investor Relations, 1201 Elm Street, Dallas, Texas 75270. In accordance with the rules of the New York
Stock Exchange and the SEC, we currently intend to disclose any future amendments to our Code of Ethics, or waivers from our Code
of Ethics for our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Controller, by posting such information on our website
(www.blockbuster.com) within the time period required by applicable SEC and New York Stock Exchange rules.
The information required by this item regarding directors’ compensation will be set forth in our 2006 Proxy Statement under the
caption “Corporate Governance—Non-Employee Directors’ Compensation,” which information is incorporated herein by reference.
136
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
Beneficial Ownership Tables
The information required by this item regarding security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management will be set
forth in our 2006 Proxy Statement under the caption “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management,” which
information is incorporated herein by reference.
3. Exhibits.
The Exhibit Index on pages 140 through 143 of this Form 10-K lists the exhibits that are filed or furnished, as applicable,
as part of this Form 10-K.
138
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the registrant
has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
BLOCKBUSTER INC.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, this report has been signed below by
the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
By: /s/ JOHN F. A NTIOCO Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive March 15, 2006
John F. Antioco Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
By: /s/ LARRY J. ZINE Executive Vice President, Chief Financial March 15, 2006
Larry J. Zine Officer and Chief Administrative Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting
Officer)
139
EXHIBIT INDEX
We are incorporating certain exhibits listed below by reference from other Blockbuster filings with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, which we have identified in parentheses after each applicable exhibit.
Charter Documents
3.1 Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Blockbuster Inc. (see Current Report on Form 8-K, filed
on October 8, 2004).
3.2 Amended and Restated Bylaws of Blockbuster Inc. (see Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on October 8, 2004).
Viacom Agreements
10.1(a) Amended and Restated Initial Public Offering and Split-Off Agreement among Blockbuster Inc., Viacom International
Inc. and Viacom Inc. dated June 18, 2004 (see Registration Statement on Form S-4 (333-116617), filed on June 18,
2004).
10.1(b) Amended and Restated Release and Indemnification Agreement between Blockbuster Inc. and
Viacom Inc. dated June 18, 2004 (see Registration Statement on Form S-4 (333-116617), filed on June 18, 2004).
10.1(c) Letter Agreement, dated as of August 26, 2004, to the Amended and Restated Release and
Indemnification Agreement (see Amendment No. 3 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 (333-116617), filed on
September 8, 2004).
10.1(d) Amended and Restated Transition Services Agreement between Blockbuster Inc. and Viacom Inc. dated June 18, 2004
(see Registration Statement on Form S-4 (333-116617), filed on June 18, 2004).
10.1(e) Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement between Blockbuster Inc. and Viacom Inc. dated June 18, 2004
(see Registration Statement on Form S-4 (333-116617), filed on June 18, 2004).
140
10.1(f) Agreement between and among Viacom Inc., Paramount Home Entertainment, Inc., Sumner Redstone and Blockbuster
Inc. dated June 18, 2004 (see Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2005, filed on
November 8, 2005).
10.1(g) Amended and Restated Tax Matters Agreement between Blockbuster Inc. and Viacom Inc. dated June 18, 2004 (see
Registration Statement on Form S-4 (333-116617), filed on June 18, 2004).
Director Compensation
10.4(a) Blockbuster Inc. Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors (see Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period
ended September 30, 2004, filed on November 8, 2004).
10.4(b) Blockbuster Inc. Amended and Restated Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors (see Annual Report on Form
10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004, filed on March 29, 2005).
10.4(c)* Summary of Non-Employee Directors’ Compensation.
Credit Agreement
10.6(a) Amended and Restated Commitment Letter, dated as of February 2, 2005, by and among
Blockbuster Inc., JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., Credit Suisse First
Boston, Citicorp North America, Inc. and Citigroup Global Markets Inc (see Registration Statement on Form S-4 (333-
122485), filed on February 2, 2005).
10.6(b) Credit Agreement between Blockbuster Inc. and the banks named therein, dated August 20, 2004 (see Amendment No.
3 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 (333-116617), filed on September 8, 2004).
10.6(c) Guarantee and Collateral Agreement among Blockbuster Inc., certain subsidiaries of Blockbuster Inc.
and JPMorgan Chase Bank, dated as of August 20, 2004 (see Amendment No. 3 to the Registration Statement on Form
S-4 (333-116617), filed on September 8, 2004).
142
10.6(d) Supplement No. 1 to the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement among Blockbuster Inc., certain
subsidiaries of Blockbuster Inc. and JPMorgan Chase Bank, dated as of December 22, 2004 (see Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004, filed on March 29, 2005).
10.6(e) First Amendment, dated as of May 4, 2005, to Credit Agreement dated August 20, 2004 between Blockbuster Inc. and
the banks named therein (see Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on May 6, 2005).
10.6(f) Second Amendment and Waiver, dated as of August 8, 2005, to Credit Agreement dated August 20, 2004 between
Blockbuster Inc. and the banks named therein, including Exhibit A thereto (Form of Mortgage) and Exhibit B thereto
(Security Agreement) (see Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for period ended June 30, 2005, filed on August 9, 2005).
10.6(g) Third Amendment and Restatement, dated as of November 4, 2005, to Credit Agreement dated August 20, 2004
between Blockbuster Inc. and the banks named therein (see Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended
September 30, 2005, filed on November 8, 2005).
Other Exhibits
21.1* List of Subsidiaries of the Registrant.
23.1* Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.
31.1* Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2* Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1* Furnished Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2* Furnished Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
BLOCKBUSTER INC.
By: /s/
Authorized Signatory
Exhibit 10.2(k)
January 28, 2003
Frank Paci
1201 Elm Street
Dallas, TX 75270
Dear Frank:
Blockbuster Inc (“Blockbuster”), 1201 Elm Street, Dallas, Texas 75270, agrees to employ you and you agree to accept
employment with Blockbuster upon the following terms and conditions (the “Agreement”):
1. Term. The term of this Agreement shall be three (3) years and shall commence on January 28, 2003, but will be automatically
renewed on March 1 of each year for a three (3) year term commencing on the date of automatic renewal, unless terminated by
Blockbuster pursuant to Paragraph 8(a) or (b) or otherwise. As used in this Agreement, the “Term” refers to the period beginning on
the initial Commencement Date of this Agreement and for three (3) years thereafter or, if the term of your employment has been
automatically renewed pursuant to this Paragraph 1, the period beginning on the date of automatic renewal and ending on the third
anniversary of the date of the automatic renewal, notwithstanding any earlier termination pursuant to Paragraph 8(a) or (b) or
otherwise.
2. Duties. You agree to devote your entire business time, attention and energies to the business of Blockbuster and its
subsidiaries during your employment. You will be Executive Vice President Finance, Strategic Planning & Development of
Blockbuster, and you agree to perform all duties reasonable and consistent with that or such comparable office as the Executive Vice
President Chief Financial Officer and Chief Administrative Officer of Blockbuster or other individual designated by the Chief
Executive Officer (the “CEO”) of Blockbuster may assign to you from time to time.
3. Compensation.
(a) Salary. For all the services rendered by you in any capacity under this Agreement, Blockbuster agrees to pay you thirty
two thousand five hundred Dollars ($32,500) a month in base salary (“Salary”), less applicable deductions and withholding
taxes, in accordance with Blockbuster’s payroll practices as they may exist from time to time.
(b) Bonus Compensation. You also will receive bonus compensation (“Bonus”) in accordance with Blockbuster’s Short-
Term Incentive Plan or, if applicable, Blockbuster’s Senior Executive Short-Term Incentive Plan, each as may be amended from
time to time (either of such plans, as applicable, to be hereinafter referred to as the “STIP”) and as follows:
(i) Your target bonus (“Target Bonus”) for each calendar year will be 50% of your Salary on November 1st of the
calendar year; provided that, for any years in which you are a participant in Blockbuster’s Senior Executive Short-
Term Incentive Plan, for purposes of this Section 3(b)(i), your Target Bonus will be based on your Salary as defined
in such plan. Your Bonus may be prorated for any portion of the calendar year that you were employed under this
Agreement.
Frank Paci
January 28, 2003
Page 2
(ii) Your Bonus for any calendar year will be payable, less applicable deductions and withholding taxes, by the end of
the first quarter of the following year.
4. Benefits. You will participate in such vacation, medical, dental, life insurance, long-term disability insurance, 401(k), long-
term incentive and other plans as Blockbuster may have or establish from time to time and in which you would be entitled to
participate under the terms of the plan. This provision, however, will not be construed to either require Blockbuster to establish any
welfare, compensation or long-term incentive plans, or to prevent the modification or termination of any plan once established, and no
action or inaction with respect to any plan will affect this Agreement.
5. Business Expenses; Car Allowance and Insurance. During your employment under this Agreement, Blockbuster will
reimburse you for such reasonable travel and other expenses incurred in the performance of your duties consistent with Blockbuster’s
then applicable expense reimbursement policies for Blockbuster executives at comparable position levels. You will receive a car
allowance and car insurance for one (1) vehicle in accordance with Blockbuster’s policies, as same may be amended from time to
time.
6. Non-Competition, Confidential Information, Etc.
(a) Non-Competition. You agree that your employment with Blockbuster is on an exclusive basis and that, while you are
employed by Blockbuster, you will not engage in any other business activity which is in conflict with your duties and
obligations (including your commitment of time) under this Agreement. You agree that, during the Non-Compete Period (as
defined below), you will not directly or indirectly engage in or participate as an owner, partner, stockholder, officer, employee,
director, agent of or consultant for any Blockbuster Competitor (as defined below) and will perform no services for a
Blockbuster Competitor similar to any services performed for Blockbuster; provided, however, that this provision will not
prevent you from investing as less than a one (1%) percent stockholder in the securities of any company listed on a national
securities exchange or quoted on an automated quotation system. The Non-Compete Period will cover the entire Term plus any
period after the Term for which you receive payments pursuant to Paragraph 8(c)(i). A Blockbuster Competitor is any business
entity which engages in the acquisition, aggregation, or delivery of audio or video entertainment, including but not limited to the
rental, sale, or trading of video, DVD, or other movie product, equipment, or video games, either (i) in electronic, digital, or
internet commerce, or (ii) in one or more geographic areas where Blockbuster has its operations (or is engaged in real estate site
selection or has taken other steps toward the commencement of operations), either alone or in association with another entity. In
every case, the good faith judgment of Blockbuster will be conclusive as to whether a business entity constitutes a Blockbuster
Competitor. You agree that this non-compete covenant is ancillary to an otherwise enforceable agreement, including but not
limited to the confidentiality covenant and the payment provisions in Paragraph 3.
(b) Confidential Information. You agree that, during the Term and at any time thereafter, (i) you will not (a) use for any
purpose other than the duly authorized business of Blockbuster conducted in the course of your employment at Blockbuster or,
(b) disclose to any third party, any business information, technological information, intellectual property, trade secrets and other
information belonging to Blockbuster or any of its affiliated companies or relating to Blockbuster’s business, technology, or
customers (“Confidential Information”), including, without limitation, any written (including in any electronic form) or oral
communication incorporating Confidential Information in any way; and (ii) you will comply with any and all confidentiality
obligations of Blockbuster to a third party, whether arising under a written agreement or otherwise. Information will not be
deemed Confidential Information which (x) is or becomes generally available to the public other than as a result of a disclosure
by you or at your direction or by any other person who directly or indirectly receives such information from you, or (y) is or
becomes available to you on a non-confidential basis from a source which is entitled to disclose it to you.
(c) No Employee Solicitation. You agree that, during the Term and for one (1) year thereafter, you will not, directly or
indirectly, engage, employ or solicit the employment or consulting
Frank Paci
January 28, 2003
Page 3
services of any person who is then or has been within six (6) months prior to the time of such action, an employee of
Blockbuster or any of its affiliated companies
(d) Blockbuster Ownership. Any inventions, discoveries, ideas, processes, programs, systems, improvements or
contributions (whether or not patentable), including but not limited to any useful process, method, formula or, technique that is
conceived, developed or discovered by you during your employment by Blockbuster shall be the sole property of Blockbuster.
Any works of authorship or other materials created by you, in any form (including in any electronic form), created by you in the
course of employment with Blockbuster and/or any of its affiliated companies and any works in progress resulting from such
employment will be works-made-for hire pursuant to 17 U.S.C., Section 201 (the Copyright Act) and Blockbuster will be
deemed the sole owner throughout the universe of any and all rights of every nature in and to such works (including, without
limitation, any copyrights, patents, trade secrets and trademarks), whether such rights are now known or hereafter defined or
discovered, with the right to use the works in perpetuity in any manner Blockbuster determines in its sole discretion without any
further payment to you. If, for any reason, any of such results and proceeds are not legally deemed a work-made-for-hire and/or
there are any rights in such results and proceeds which do not accrue to Blockbuster under the preceding sentence, then you
hereby irrevocably assign and agree to assign any and all of your rights, title and interest thereto, including, without limitation,
any and all copyrights, patents, trade secrets, trademarks, and/or other rights of every nature in the work, whether known or
hereafter defined or discovered, and Blockbuster will have the right to use the work in perpetuity throughout the universe in any
manner Blockbuster determines in its sole discretion without any further payment to you. You will, as may be requested by
Blockbuster from time to time, do any and all things which Blockbuster may deem useful or desirable to establish or document
Blockbuster’s rights in any such results and proceeds, including, without limitation, the execution of appropriate copyright,
trademark and/or patent applications, assignments or similar documents and, if you are unavailable or unwilling to execute such
documents, you hereby irrevocably designate the CEO or his designee as your attorney-in-fact with the power to execute such
documents on your behalf. To the extent you have any rights in the results and proceeds of your services under this Agreement
that cannot be assigned as described above, you unconditionally and irrevocably waive the enforcement of such rights. This
Paragraph 6(d) is subject to, and does not limit, restrict, or constitute a waiver by Blockbuster or any of its affiliated companies
of any ownership rights to which Blockbuster or any of its affiliated companies may be entitled by operation of law by virtue of
being your employer.
(e) Litigation. You agree that, during the Term and the pendancy of any litigation or other proceeding, and at any time
thereafter, (i) you will not communicate with anyone (other than your own attorneys or tax advisors), except to the extent
necessary in the performance of your duties under this Agreement, with respect to the facts or subject matter of any pending or
potential litigation, or regulatory or administrative proceeding involving Blockbuster or any of Blockbuster’s affiliated
companies, other than any litigation or other proceeding in which you are a party-in-opposition, without giving prior notice to
Blockbuster or Blockbuster’s counsel; and (ii) in the event that any other party attempts to obtain information or documents
from you with respect to matters possibly related to such litigation or other proceeding, you will promptly notify Blockbuster’s
counsel before providing such information or documents.
(f) No Right to Give Interviews, Write Books, or Articles. During the Term and at any time thereafter, except as authorized
by Blockbuster, you will not (i) give any interviews or speeches, or (ii) prepare or assist any person or entity in the preparation
of any books, articles, television or motion picture productions or other creations, in either case, concerning Blockbuster or any
of its affiliated companies or any of their respective officers, directors, agents, employees, suppliers or customers.
(g) Return of Property. All documents, data, recordings, or other property, whether tangible or intangible, including all
information stored in electronic form, obtained or prepared by or for you and utilized by you in the course of your employment
with Blockbuster or any of its affiliated companies, will remain the exclusive property of Blockbuster. In the event of the
termination of your
Frank Paci
January 28, 2003
Page 4
employment for any reason, Blockbuster reserves the right, to the extent permitted by law and in addition to any other remedy
Blockbuster may have, to deduct from any monies otherwise payable to you the following: (i) all amounts you may owe to
Blockbuster or any of its affiliated companies at the time of or subsequent to the termination of your employment with
Blockbuster, and (ii) the value of the Blockbuster property which you retain in your possession after the termination of your
employment with Blockbuster. In the event that the law of any state or other jurisdiction requires the consent of any employee
for such deductions, this Agreement will serve as such consent.
(h) Non-Disparagement. You agree that, during the Term and at any time thereafter, you will not, in any communications
with the press or other media or any customer, client or supplier of Blockbuster or any of its affiliated companies, criticize,
ridicule or make any statement which disparages or is derogatory of Blockbuster or any of its affiliated companies or any of
their respective directors or officers.
(i) Injunctive Relief. Blockbuster has entered into this Agreement in order to obtain the benefit of your unique skills, talent,
and experience. You acknowledge and agree that any violation of paragraphs 6(a) through (h) of this Agreement will result in
irreparable damage to Blockbuster, and, accordingly, Blockbuster shall be entitled to obtain injunctive and other equitable relief
for any breach or threatened breach of such paragraphs, in addition to any other remedies available to Blockbuster.
(j) Survival; Modification of Terms. Your obligations under Paragraph 6(a) through (i) will remain in full force and effect
for the entire period provided therein notwithstanding the termination of your employment for any reason or the expiration of
the Term. You and Blockbuster agree that the restrictions and remedies contained in paragraphs 6(a) through (i) are reasonable
and that it is your intention and the intention of Blockbuster that such restrictions and remedies will be enforceable to the fullest
extent permissible by law. If a court of competent jurisdiction will find that any such restriction or remedy is unenforceable but
would be enforceable if some part were deleted or the period or area of application reduced, then such restriction or remedy will
apply with the modification necessary to make it enforceable.
7. Disability. If you become “disabled” within the meaning of such term under Blockbuster’s Short-Term Disability (“STD”)
program and its Long-Term Disability (“LTD”) program during the Term (such condition is referred to as a “Disability”), you will
receive compensation under the STD program for the first twenty-six (26) weeks of consecutive absence in accordance with its terms.
Thereafter, you will be eligible to receive benefits under the LTD program in accordance with its terms. If you have not returned to
work by December 31 st of a calendar year during the Term, you will receive bonus compensation for the calendar year(s) during the
Term in which you receive compensation under the STD program, determined as follows:
(i) for the portion of the calendar year from January 1st until the date on which you first receive compensation under the
STD program, bonus compensation will be determined in accordance with the STIP (i.e., based upon Blockbuster’s
achievement of specified goals and Blockbuster’s good faith estimate of your achievement of your personal goals, if
applicable) and prorated for such period; and
(ii) for any subsequent portion of the calendar year and any portion of the following calendar year in which you receive
compensation under the STD program, bonus compensation will be in an amount based on Blockbuster’s
achievement of specified goals and prorated for such period(s).
Bonus compensation under this Paragraph 7 will be paid, less applicable deductions and withholding taxes, by the end of the first
quarter of the year(s) following the year as to which such bonus compensation is payable. You will not receive bonus compensation
for any portion of the calendar
Frank Paci
January 28, 2003
Page 5
year(s) during the Term while you receive benefits under the LTD program. For the periods that you receive compensation and
benefits under the STD and LTD programs, such compensation and benefits and the bonus compensation provided under this
Paragraph 7 are in lieu of Salary and Bonus under paragraphs 3(a) and (b). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this
Agreement, the Term will not automatically extend in the event you are receiving benefits under the STD or LTD programs.
8. Termination.
(a) Termination for Cause. Blockbuster may, at its option, terminate your employment under this Agreement forthwith for
Cause and thereafter will have no further obligations under this Agreement, including, without limitation, any obligation to pay
Salary or Bonus or provide benefits. Cause will mean: (i) dishonesty; (ii) embezzlement, fraud, or other conduct which would
constitute a felony; (iii) unauthorized disclosure of Confidential Information; (iv) your failure to obey a material lawful directive
that is appropriate to your position from an executive(s) in your reporting line; (v) your material breach of this Agreement; or
(vi) your failure (except in the event of your disability) or refusal to substantially perform your material obligations under this
Agreement.
(b) Termination Without Cause. Blockbuster may terminate your employment under this Agreement without Cause at any
time during the Term by written notice to you.
(c) Termination Payments/Benefits. If your employment terminates under Paragraph 8(b), you will thereafter receive, less
applicable withholding taxes, and conditioned on your execution of a General Release and Waiver of Claims substantially in the
form attached hereto as an Addendum:
(i) your Salary, as in effect on the date on which your employment terminates, for twenty-four (24) months after the
date of such termination, paid in accordance with Blockbuster’s then effective payroll practices;
(ii) bonus compensation for the calendar year in which such termination occurs, payable by the end of the first quarter
of the following year, determined as follows:
(x) for the portion of the calendar year from January 1 st until the date of the termination, bonus compensation will
be determined in accordance with the STIP (i.e., based on Blockbuster’s achievement of specified goals and
Blockbuster’s good faith estimate of your achievement of your personal goals, if applicable) and prorated for
such period; and
(y) for the remaining portion of such calendar year during the Term, bonus compensation will be determined based
on Blockbuster’s achievement of specified goals and will be prorated for such period;
(iii) bonus compensation for each subsequent calendar year or portion thereof during the Term, determined based on
Blockbuster’s achievement of specified goals, prorated for any partial calendar year, and payable by the end of the
first quarter of the following year;
(iv) medical and dental insurance coverage provided under COBRA at no cost to you (except as hereafter described)
pursuant to Blockbuster’s then-current benefit plans until the end of the Term or, if earlier, the date on which you
become eligible for medical and dental coverage from a third party; provided, that, during the period that
Blockbuster provides you with this coverage, an amount equal to the applicable COBRA premiums (or such other
amount as may be required by law) will be included in your income for tax purposes to the extent required by law
Frank Paci
January 28, 2003
Page 6
and Blockbuster may withhold taxes from your compensation for this purpose; and provided, further, that you may
elect to continue your medical and dental insurance under COBRA at your own expense for the balance, if any, of
the period required by law;
(v) your car allowance until the end of the Term, paid in accordance with Blockbuster’s then effective payroll practices;
(vi) life insurance coverage until the end of the Term, pursuant to Blockbuster’s then-current policy in the amount then
furnished to Blockbuster employees at no cost (the amount of such coverage will be reduced by the amount of life
insurance coverage furnished to you at no cost by a third party employer); and
(vii) stock options granted to you under Blockbuster’s Long-Term Management Incentive Plan (“LTMIP”) which are
exercisable on or prior to the date of termination of your employment under Paragraph 8(b) hereof and that would
have vested and become exercisable on or before the last date of the Term will be exercisable until six (6) months
after the date of such termination or, if earlier, the expiration date of the stock options.
You will be required to mitigate the amount of any payment provided for in (i), (ii), (iii) and (v) of this Paragraph 8(c) by seeking
other employment, and the amount of such payments will be reduced by any compensation earned by you from any source, including,
without limitation, salary, sign-on or annual bonus compensation, consulting fees, commission payments, car allowance and, in the
event you receive significantly more long-term compensation than you received from Blockbuster, Blockbuster’s good faith estimate
of the present value of the portion of such long-term compensation in excess of the long-term compensation from Blockbuster;
provided, that mitigation will not be required, and no reduction for other compensation will be made, for twelve (12) months after the
termination of your employment. You agree to notify Blockbuster with respect to any such compensation earned by you during the
period when such mitigation is required and to promptly respond to any inquiries from Blockbuster with respect to such compensation
or your efforts to fulfill your mitigation obligations under this provision.
(d) Termination of Benefits. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary (except as otherwise provided in
Paragraph 8(c) with respect to medical and dental benefits and life insurance), participation in all Blockbuster benefit plans and
programs (including, without limitation, vacation accrual, the 401(k) plan, excess plans, LTD and accidental death and
dismemberment and business travel and accident insurance) will terminate upon the termination of your employment except to
the extent otherwise expressly provided in such plans or programs and subject to any vested rights you may have under the
terms of such plans or programs. The foregoing will not apply to the LTMIP and, after the termination of your employment,
your rights under the LTMIP will be governed by the terms of the LTMIP option agreements and the applicable LTMIP plans
together with Paragraph 8(c)(vii).
(e) Resignation from Official Positions. If your employment with Blockbuster terminates for any reason, you will be
deemed to have resigned at that time from any and all officer or director positions that you may have held with Blockbuster or
any of its then-current or previously affiliated companies and all board seats or other positions in other entities you held on
behalf of Blockbuster. If, for any reason, this Paragraph 8(e) is deemed insufficient to effectuate such resignation, you agree to
execute, upon the request of Blockbuster, any documents or instruments which Blockbuster may deem necessary or desirable to
effectuate such resignation or resignations, and you hereby authorize the Secretary and any Assistant Secretary of Blockbuster to
execute any such documents or instruments as your attorney-in-fact.
9. Death. In the event of your death prior to the end of the Term while actively employed, your beneficiary or estate will receive
(i) your Salary up to the date on which the death occurs; (ii) any
Frank Paci
January 28, 2003
Page 7
Bonus earned in the prior year but not yet paid; and (iii) bonus compensation for the calendar year in which the death occurs,
determined in accordance with the STIP (i.e., based upon Blockbuster’s achievement of specified goals and Blockbuster’s good faith
estimate of your achievement of your personal goals, if applicable) and pro-rated for the portion of the year through the date of death,
payable, less applicable deductions and withholding taxes, by the end of first quarter of the following year. In the event of your death
after the termination of your employment while you are entitled to receive compensation under Paragraph 8(c)(i) your beneficiary or
estate will receive (x) any Salary payable under Paragraph 8(c)(i) up to the date on which the death occurs; (y) any bonus
compensation earned under Paragraph 8(c)(ii) with respect to the prior year but not yet paid; and (z) any bonus compensation for the
calendar year in which the death occurs, determined in accordance with Paragraph 8(c)(ii) and pro-rated for the portion of the year
through the date of death, payable, less applicable deductions and withholding taxes, by the end of the first quarter of the following
year. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the Term will terminate as of the date of your death.
10. No Acceptance of Payments. You represent that you have not accepted or given nor will you accept or give, directly or
indirectly, any money, services or other valuable consideration from or to anyone other than Blockbuster for the inclusion of any
matter as part of any film, television program or other production produced, distributed and/or developed by Blockbuster and/or any
of its affiliated companies.
11. Equal Opportunity Employer. You recognize that Blockbuster is an equal opportunity employer. You agree that you will
comply with Blockbuster policies regarding employment practices and with applicable federal, state and local laws prohibiting
discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, citizenship, age, marital status, sexual orientation, disability or
veteran status.
12. Employee Statement of Business Conduct. You acknowledge you have read and agree that you will comply with the
Blockbuster Employee Statement of Business Conduct as it may be amended from time to time.
13. Notices. All notices under this Agreement must be given in writing, by personal delivery or by mail, at the parties’
respective addresses shown on this Agreement (or any other address designated in writing by either party), with a copy, in the case of
Blockbuster, to the attention of the General Counsel of Blockbuster. Any notice given by mail will be deemed to have been given
three (3) days following such mailing.
14. Assignment. This is an Agreement for the performance of personal services by you and may not be assigned by you or
Blockbuster except that Blockbuster may assign this Agreement to any affiliated company of or any successor in interest to
Blockbuster.
15. TEXAS LAW AND JURISDICTION. YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THIS AGREEMENT HAS BEEN
EXECUTED, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, IN TEXAS, AND YOUR EMPLOYMENT DUTIES ARE PRIMARILY
PERFORMED IN TEXAS. ACCORDINGLY, YOU AGREE THAT THIS AGREEMENT AND ALL MATTERS OR
ISSUES ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO YOUR BLOCKBUSTER EMPLOYMENT WILL BE GOVERNED BY
THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF TEXAS APPLICABLE TO CONTRACTS ENTERED INTO AND PERFORMED
ENTIRELY THEREIN. ANY ACTION TO ENFORCE THIS AGREEMENT WILL BE BROUGHT SOLELY IN THE
STATE OR FEDERAL COURTS LOCATED IN THE CITY OF DALLAS.
16. No Implied Contract. The parties intend to be bound only upon execution of a written agreement and no negotiation,
exchange of draft or partial performance will be deemed to imply an agreement. Neither the continuation of employment nor any
other conduct will be deemed to imply a continuing agreement upon the expiration of the Term.
Frank Paci
January 28, 2003
Page 8
17. Entire Understanding. This Agreement contains the entire understanding of the parties hereto relating to the subject matter
contained in this Agreement, and can be changed only by a writing signed by both parties.
18. Void Provisions. If any provision of this Agreement, as applied to either party or to any circumstances, will be found by a
court of competent jurisdiction to be unenforceable but would be enforceable if some part were deleted or the period or area of
application were reduced, then such provision will apply with the modification necessary to make it enforceable, and will in no way
affect any other provision of this Agreement or the validity or enforceability of this Agreement.
19. Effect of Viacom Agreement. If the terms of your employment are currently governed by an agreement entered into between
you and Blockbuster Entertainment Group, a business unit of Viacom Inc (“Viacom”) (“Viacom Agreement”), the Viacom
Agreement, along with the applicable Viacom stock option agreement(s), will continue to govern your rights with respect to stock
options granted to you under Viacom’s 1994 and 1997 Long Term Management Incentive Plans and any successor or other plans until
such time as Viacom distributes all or substantially all of its shares of Blockbuster common stock to stockholders of Viacom (a “Split-
Off”). In addition to any rights set forth in the applicable Viacom stock option agreement(s), Viacom has indicated to Blockbuster
that, in the event of a Split-Off, any options to purchase Viacom common stock (“Viacom Stock Options”) that are held by you
(i) that are exercisable at the date you cease to be a Viacom employee as a result of the Split-Off (the “Termination Date”) and (ii) to
the extent the terms of your employment are subject to a Viacom Agreement, that would have become exercisable during the
employment term of the Viacom Agreement will remain outstanding and will be exercisable by you for a period of six (6) months
after the Termination Date or, if earlier, the expiration date of the stock options. By executing this Agreement, you hereby
acknowledge and agree that, in the event of the foregoing, your only remaining right with respect to the Viacom Agreement will be
your right to exercise your Viacom Stock Options and Viacom will be released from any and all other obligations and liabilities under
the Viacom Agreement.
20. Supersedes Prior Agreement. Subject to Paragraph 19, this Agreement supersedes and cancels all prior agreements relating
to your employment by Blockbuster or any of its affiliated companies with respect to the period covered by the Term.
Frank Paci
January 28, 2003
Page 9
If the foregoing correctly sets forth our understanding, please sign, date and return all three (3) copies of this Agreement to the
undersigned for execution on behalf of Blockbuster; after this Agreement has been executed by Blockbuster and a fully-executed
copy returned to you, it will constitute a binding agreement between us.
BLOCKBUSTER INC.
Date: 5/23/2003
Frank Paci
January 28, 2003
Page 10
GENERAL RELEASE AND WAIVER OF CLAIMS
a. Release of Claims. As consideration by you, you agree on behalf of yourself, successors and assigns, to release and forever
discharge Blockbuster and its subsidiaries, parent and affiliated companies, employees, officers and directors, and their respective
assigns, from any and all manner of claims, debts, demands, damages, liabilities and causes of action, whether known or unknown,
from the beginning of time, which you, or your successors and assigns, may have had or may presently have, relating to or arising out
of the employment relationship or the termination of said relationship including, but not limited to, causes of action for libel, slander,
breach of contract, impairment of economic opportunity, intentional infliction of emotional distress or any other tort, or claims under
federal, state, or local constitutions, statutes, regulations, ordinances or common law, including, but not limited to, the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act of 1974; the Civil Rights Acts of 1866, 1871, 1964 and 1991; the Age Discrimination in
Employment Act, as amended by the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act of 1990; the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; the Equal Pay
Act of 1963; and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. You acknowledge and agree that you have been paid all wages owed to
you and that you have received all leave to which you are entitled. You understand that you are not waiving any right under the Older
Workers Benefit Protection Act to test the knowing and voluntary nature of this General Release and Waiver of Claims in court.
b. Post-Release Claims. You do not waive any rights or claims that may arise after the date this Release is executed.
c. No Admission. Nothing contained in this Release constitutes an admission of liability by Blockbuster concerning any aspect
of your employment with or separation from Blockbuster.
d. Confidentiality. You acknowledge that, during the course of the employment relationship, you were privy to confidential and
proprietary business information belonging to Blockbuster, the unauthorized disclosure of which could cause serious and irreparable
injury to Blockbuster and its affiliates. The information includes, but is not limited to, information concerning existing and
prospective expansion plans; existing and potential financing sources and arrangements; existing and prospective marketing plans and
activities; proprietary computer software programs and applications; business plans and strategies and other non-public information.
You agree to hold and safeguard the confidential information in trust for Blockbuster, its successors and assigns, and agree that you
will not, at any time, misappropriate, use for your own advantage, disclose or otherwise make available to anyone who is not an
officer of Blockbuster, for any reason, any of the confidential information, regardless of whether the confidential information was
developed or prepared by you or others. You agree not to remove any writings containing confidential information from
Blockbuster’s premises or possession without Blockbuster’s express consent. You agree to promptly return to Blockbuster all
confidential information in your possession or under your control (whether in original, copy, or disk form). Before disclosing any
confidential information under compulsion of legal process, you agree to promptly give notice to Blockbuster of the fact that you
have been served with legal process pursuant to which the disclosure of confidential information may be requested. Such notice will
be given within sufficient time to permit Blockbuster to intervene in the matter or to take such other actions as may be necessary or
appropriate to protect its interest in its confidential business information. The scope of this Release is not limited to information that is
patented, patentable, copyrighted or technically classifiable as a trade secret. These restrictions will not apply to confidential
information which is or becomes generally available to the public other than as a result of a disclosure by you or any other person
who directly or indirectly receives such information from you, or is or becomes available to you on a non-confidential basis from a
source which is entitled to disclose it to you.
e. Cooperation. Subject to reimbursement by Blockbuster of reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses, you agree to
cooperate fully with Blockbuster and its counsel with respect to any matter (including litigation, investigation or governmental
proceeding) which relates to matters with which you were involved during the term of your employment with Blockbuster. Such
cooperation will include appearing from time to time at the offices of Blockbuster or Blockbuster’s counsel for conferences and
interviews and in general providing the officers of Blockbuster and its counsel with the full benefit of your knowledge with respect to
any such matter. You agree to render such cooperation in a timely fashion and at such times as may be mutually agreeable to the
parties concerned.
Frank Paci
January 28, 2003
Page 11
f. Litigation. You agree that, during the pendency of any litigation or other proceeding, and anytime thereafter, (x) you will not
communicate with anyone (other than your attorneys and tax advisors) with respect to the facts or subject matter of any pending or
potential litigation, or regulatory or administrative proceeding involving Blockbuster or any of its officers, directors, agents,
employees, suppliers or customers, other than any litigation or other proceeding in which you are a party-in-opposition, without
giving prior notice to Blockbuster’s General Counsel, and (y) in the event that any other party attempts to obtain information or
documents from you with respect to matters possibly related to such litigation or other proceeding, you will promptly so notify
Blockbuster’s General Counsel.
g. Confidentiality of Release. This Release and the terms hereof are confidential. You agree not to disclose this Release or its
provisions to any person except to your attorney or tax advisor.
h. Rights upon Breach. For breach of any provision of this Release, the parties will have such remedies and rights as are
customarily available at law or in equity, except that, in any action or proceeding brought to enforce this Release or to recover
damages for its breach, the prevailing party will be entitled to recover, should it substantially prevail in the matter, reasonable
attorneys’ fees and litigation expenses (other than in a proceeding brought by you challenging the validity of this General Release
under the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act). In the event you, or any party acting on your behalf, breach this Release (other than
through a challenge to its validity under the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act), Blockbuster’s obligations imposed herein will be
extinguished and Blockbuster will not be obligated to continue performance under this Release. In such a case, you will be required to
re-pay Blockbuster all consideration received pursuant to this Release and this Release will act as a complete and total bar to any
recovery.
i. Injunctive Relief. The legal remedies for the breach of this Release would not be adequate and, in addition to any other
remedies available at law, these provisions may be specifically enforced by temporary or permanent injunctive or other equitable
relief.
j. Texas Law and Jurisdiction. THIS AGREEMENT WILL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE
WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF TEXAS, IRRESPECTIVE OF THE CONFLICT OF LAWS RULES. FURTHERMORE,
BECAUSE YOU AND BLOCKBUSTER AGREE THAT THE TEXAS COURTS ARE THE EXCLUSIVE FORUM FOR
RESOLVING ANY DISPUTES ARISING OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT OR YOUR EMPLOYMENT, THE PARTIES SUBMIT
THEMSELVES TO THE PERSONAL JURISDICTION OF THE TEXAS COURTS.
k. Advice of Counsel. You are herein advised to discuss this Release with an attorney of your choice before signing it.
l. No Parol Evidence. This Release represents the full understanding between you and Blockbuster, other than any Employment
Agreement signed by you and an officer of Blockbuster and still in effect, and no parol evidence other than the Employment
Agreement will be relevant to supplement or explain this Release.
m. Void Provisions. Should any provision of this Release be found unenforceable, the remainder of the Release, in its modified
form, will nonetheless be fully enforceable.
n. Headings. The headings of the sections are included solely for convenience. If the headings and the text of the Release
conflict, the text shall control. All references to sections are to the Release unless otherwise indicated.
o. Review and Revocation. You acknowledge that you have been given at least twenty-one (21) days to review and consider this
Release, and may revoke acceptance within seven (7) days of the execution of this Release. This Release will become effective and
enforceable immediately upon the expiration of the revocation period.
Exhibit 10.4(c)
SUMMARY OF NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTORS’ COMPENSATION
March 1, 2006
The following is a summary of the compensation currently paid to non-employee directors serving on the Board of Directors of
Blockbuster Inc. Directors’ compensation is subject to change from time to time. Employee directors are not paid additional
compensation for their services as directors.
• Annual Retainer Fee — On March 24, 2005, based on the recommendation of the Nominating/Corporate Governance
Committee, the Board approved an increase in the annual retainer fee from $50,000 to $100,000. Of the $100,000, $50,000
is to be paid in shares of our Class A common stock that is non-transferable for one year after it is paid. The other $50,000 is
to be paid in cash. The stock portion of the retainer fee is paid semi-annually as soon as practicable on or after January 1 and
July 1 based on the closing price of a share of Blockbuster Class A common stock on the date of issuance. The cash portion
of the retainer fee is paid semi-annually on approximately June 30 and December 31. Retainer fees are subject to pro-ration
with respect to any director who did not serve in such capacity for a complete semi-annual period.
• Retainer Fee for Committee Chairs — On March 24, 2005, based on the recommendation of the Nominating/Corporate
Governance Committee, the Board increased the annual cash retainer fee for (1) the Chair of the Audit Committee from
$7,500 to $10,000 and (2) the Chair of the Compensation Committee from $5,000 to $7,500. In addition, the Board
established an annual cash retainer fee of $7,500 for the Chair of the Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee.
Retainer fees for committee chairs are paid semi-annually on approximately June 30 and December 31 and are subject to
pro-ration with respect to any director who did not serve in such capacity for a complete semi-annual period.
• Meeting Fees — Directors are paid $2,000 in cash for each meeting of the Board in which they participate (whether in
person or by telephone) and $1,000 in cash for each committee meeting attended if such meeting is held on a different day
from the day of a meeting of the Board.
• Reimbursement — Directors are also reimbursed for their expenses incurred in connection with their service on the Board of
Directors or any committee of the Board.
Non-employee directors may also receive additional fees from time to time for site visits, for attending business meetings to
which a director is invited as a representative of Blockbuster or for serving on any special Board committees. To the extent
applicable, any such additional fees will be determined by on a case-by-case basis.
Exhibit 21.1
SUBSIDIARIES OF BLOCKBUSTER INC.
State or Other Jurisdiction
of Incorporation or
Subsidiary Name Organization
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on Form S-8 (Nos. 333-30612, 333-39068, 333-
103198, 333-119764, 333-119772, 333-120303 and 333-120304) of Blockbuster Inc. of our report dated March 15, 2006 relating to
the financial statements, management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting and the
effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, which appears in this Form 10-K.
CERTIFICATION
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact
necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with
respect to the period covered by this report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in
all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented
in this report;
4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and
procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in
Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)), for the registrant and have:
a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed
under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is
made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be
designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the
preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our
conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report
based on such evaluation; and
d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the
registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially
affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over
financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing
the equivalent functions):
a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial
reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report
financial information; and
b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the
registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
CERTIFICATION
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact
necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with
respect to the period covered by this report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in
all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented
in this report;
4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and
procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in
Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)), for the registrant and have:
a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed
under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is
made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be
designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the
preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our
conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report
based on such evaluation; and
d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the
registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially
affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over
financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing
the equivalent functions):
a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial
reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report
financial information; and
b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the
registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
In connection with the Annual Report of Blockbuster Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2005 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Report”), I, John F. Antioco, certify pursuant to 18
U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to my knowledge:
1. the Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
2. the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of
operations of the Company.
In connection with the Annual Report of Blockbuster Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2005 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Report”), I, Larry J. Zine, certify pursuant to 18
U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to my knowledge:
1. the Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
2. the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of
operations of the Company.