UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-K [X] Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 [No Fee Required] For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999 or [ ] Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 [No Fee Required] For the transition period from to Commission file number 1-19254 Lifetime Hoan Corporation (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Delaware 11-2682486 (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) One Merrick Avenue, Westbury, New York 11590 (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (516) 683-6000 Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: Common Stock, par value $.01 per share (Title of Class) Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter periods that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X No___ Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K [ ]. The aggregate market value of 5,651,000 shares of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of February 29, 2000 was approximately $36,025,000. Directors, executive officers, and trusts controlled by said individuals are considered affiliates for the purpose of this calculation, and should not necessarily be considered affiliates for any other purpose. The number of shares of Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, outstanding as of February 29, 2000 was 11,800,746. DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE See Part III hereof with respect to incorporation by reference from the registrant's definitive proxy statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities & Exchange Act of 1934 and the Exhibit Index hereto. LIFETIME HOAN CORPORATION FORM 10-K TABLE OF CONTENTS PART 1 1. Business 3 2. Properties 10 3. Legal Proceedings 11 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders 11 PART II 5. Market for the Registrant's Common Stock and Related Stockholder Matters 11 6. Selected Financial Data 12 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 13 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 17 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure 17 PART III 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant18 11. Executive Compensation 19 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management 19 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions 19 PART IV 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K 19 Exhibit Index 19 Index to Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedule F-1 Signatures 2 PART I ITEM 1. BUSINESS General Forward Looking Statements: This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements concerning the Company's future products, results of operations and prospects. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including risks relating to general economic and business conditions, including changes which could affect customer payment practices or consumer spending; industry trends; the loss of major customers; changes in demand for the Company's products; the timing of orders received from customers; cost and availability of raw materials; increases in costs relating to manufacturing and transportation of products; dependence on foreign sources of supply and foreign manufacturing; and the seasonal nature of the business as detailed elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and from time to time in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Such statements are based on management's current expectations and are subject to a number of factors and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. Lifetime Hoan Corporation designs, markets and distributes a broad range of household cutlery, kitchenware, cutting boards and bakeware products. Items are sold under both owned and licensed trade names. Owned trade names include Hoffritzr, Prestiger, Tristarr, Old Homesteadr, Roshcor, Baker's Advantager and Hoanr. Licensed trade names include Farberwarer, Reverer and various names under license from The Pillsbury Company. The Farberwarer trade name is used pursuant to a 200 year royalty-free license. As used herein, unless the context requires otherwise, the terms "Company" and "Lifetime" mean Lifetime Hoan Corporation and its subsidiaries. Sales growth is stimulated by expanding product offerings and penetrating various channels of distribution, both domestically and internationally. Lifetime has developed a strong consumer franchise by promoting and marketing innovative products under Company trade names and through licensing agreements. In addition, the following acquisitions and agreements have been made which have had a favorable impact on the Company's business: Hoffritzr In September 1995, the Company acquired the Hoffritzr trademarks and brand name. The Company uses the name on various products including cutlery, scissors, personal care implements, kitchen tools, bakeware, barware and barbecue accessories. The Company believes that Hoffritzr is a well-known, respected name with a history of quality. The acquisition has enabled the Company to sell products at higher price points than the rest of the Company's products. Since acquiring the brand name, the Company has continuously designed and developed new items each year and currently sells approximately 350 types of items under the Hoffritz brand name. The Company markets these products through major department stores and high end specialty stores nationwide. 3 Farberwarer In April 1996, the Company entered into an agreement to acquire certain assets of Farberware, Inc. ("Farberware"). Under the terms of the acquisition agreement, and a joint venture agreed to by the Company and Syratech Corporation in connection therewith, the Company acquired a 200 year, royalty-free, exclusive right to use the Farberwarer name in connection with the product lines covered by its then existing license agreement, which included kitchen cutlery products (excluding flatware) and kitchen tools such as spatulas, barbecue forks and "gadgets" (but excluding appliances), plus certain limited additional products. This agreement enables the Company to market products under the Farberwarer name without paying additional royalties. The Company also acquired 50 Farberware outlet stores. In addition, rights to license the Farberwarer name for use by third parties in certain product categories are held by a joint venture, owned equally by the Company and a wholly owned subsidiary of Syratech Corporation. Microban In April 1997, the Company entered into an agreement with the Microban Products Company whereby the Company secured exclusive rights to incorporate Microban antibacterial protection into plastic components of cutting boards, kitchen tools, kitchen gadgets, and cutlery. Meyer Agreement In 1997, the Company entered into an agreement with Meyer Corporation, regarding the operation of the Company's Farberware retail outlet stores. Pursuant to the agreement, the Company continues to own and operate the Farberware retail outlet stores, which the Company acquired in 1996, and Meyer Corporation, the licensed manufacturer of Farberware branded cookware products, assumes responsibility for merchandising and stocking cookware products in the stores. Meyer Corporation receives all revenue from sales of Farberware cookware, currently occupies 40% of the space in each store and reimburses the Company for 40% of the operating expenses of the stores. Salton Agreement Effective January 1, 2000, the Company entered into an agreement with Salton Inc., regarding the operation of the Company's Farberware retail outlet stores. Pursuant to the agreement, the Company continues to own and operate the Farberware retail outlet stores, which the Company acquired in 1996 and Salton Inc., the licensed manufacturer of Farberware branded electric products, assumes responsibility for merchandising and stocking electric products in the stores. Salton Inc. receives all revenue from sales of Farberware electric, occupies 20% of the space in each store and reimburses the Company for 20% of the operating expenses attributable to the stores. Roshco Acquisition In August 1998, the Company acquired all of the outstanding common stock of Roshco, Inc. ("Roshco"), a privately held bakeware and baking-related products distributor, located in Chicago, Illinois. Roshco markets its bakeware and baking-related products under the Roshco and Baker's Advantage trade names, and its revenues were approximately $10 million in 1997. The purchase price consisted of an initial cash payment of $5.0 million and notes payable of $1.5 million. In 1999 the Company paid $500,000 for the first note payable. The Company is also obligated to make additional payments based on annual sales volume for bakeware and baking- related products for a period of two years. In 1999 the Company paid approximately $416,000 for the first year. The Company also assumed bank debt of $2.6 million that was paid on the acquisition date. 4 Revere Agreement In October 1998, the Company entered into a licensing agreement with Corning Consumer Products Company. This agreement allows the Company to design and market cutlery and cutting boards under the Reverer trademark in the United States and Canada. Shipments of products under the Reverer name began in the first halfsecond quarter of 1999. Prestige Acquisition In September 1999, the Company acquired 51% of the capital stock of Prestige Italiana, Spa. ("Prestige Italy") and Prestige Haushaltswaren GmbH ("Prestige Germany") (together, the "Prestige Companies") for approximately $1.3 million in cash. Meyer Corporation will continue to own 49% of the Prestige Companies. The Prestige Companies market and distribute kitchen tools, gadgets, cutlery and bakeware under the Prestiger trade name in Italy and Germany. For the twelve months ended August 31, 1999, the Prestige Companies recorded net revenues of approximately $10 million. Salton Agreement Effective January 1, 2000, the Company entered into an agreement with Salton Inc., regarding the operation of the Company's Farberware retail outlet stores. Pursuant to the agreement, the Company continues to own and operate the Farberware retail outlet stores, which the Company acquired in 1996, and Salton Inc., the licensed manufacturer of Farberware branded electric products, assumes responsibility for merchandising and stocking electric products in the stores. Salton Inc. receives all revenue from sales of Farberware electric, occupies 20% of the space in each store and reimburses the Company for 20% of the operating expenses attributable to the stores. 5 Products The Company designs, markets and distributes a broad range of household cutlery, kitchenware, cutting boards and bakeware, marketing its products under various trade names including Farberwarer, Hoffritzr, Prestiger, Bakers Advantager and Reverer. Cutlery The Company markets and distributes household cutlery under a variety of trade names including Farberwarer, Hoffritzr, Reverer and Tristarr. Cutlery is sold individually, in blister packages, boxed sets and in sets fitted into wooden counter blocks, resin carousels and stainless carousels. Cutlery is generally shipped as individual pieces from overseas manufacturers to the Company's warehouse facilities in central New Jersey. This permits the Company to configure the quantity, style and contents of cutlery sets to meet customer requirements as to product mix and pricing. The sets are then assembled and packaged for shipment to customers. Kitchenware The Company sells over 2,750 kitchenware items under various trade names including Farberwarer, Hoffritzr, Hoanr, Prestiger, Smart Choice and Pillsbury. The kitchenware items are manufactured to the Company's specifications outside the United States and are generally shipped fully assembled. These items are typically packaged on a card which can be mounted for sale on racks at the retailers' premises for maximum display visibility. Products include the following: Kitchen Tools and Gadgets Food preparation and serving tools such as metal, plastic and wooden spoons, spatulas, serving forks, graters, strainers, ladles, shears, vegetable and fruit knives, juicers, pizza cutters, pie servers, and slicers; Barbecue accessories, in sets and individual pieces, featuring such items as spatulas, tongs, forks, skewers, hamburger and fish grills, brushes, corn holders, food umbrellas, and nut and lobster crackers; Green Giantr, vegetable-related kitchen accessories incorporating the Green Giantr character, including items such as peelers, can openers, kitchen hooks, magnets, spoons, steamers and strainers. Impulse Purchase Products J-Hook and Clip Strip merchandising systems which enable the Company to create additional selling space in the stores. The line consists of a variety of quality, novelty items designed to trigger impulse buying. This line is targeted towards supermarkets and mass merchants. 6 Cutting Boards The Company designs, markets and distributes a full range of cutting boards made of polyethylene, wood, glass and acrylic. All cutting boards except for glass are imported. Glass cutting board blanks are purchased domestically and are finished and packaged in the Company's warehouse facilities in central New Jersey. Boards are also packaged with cutlery items and kitchen gadgets. Bakeware The Company designs, markets and distributes a variety of bakeware and baking related products. This product line includes baking, measuring, and rangetop products such as cookie sheets, muffin, cake and pie pans, drip pans, bake, roast and loaf pans, scraper sets, whisks, cutters, rolling pins, baking shells, baking cups, measuring devices, thermometers, timers, pizza stones, fondues, woks, ceramics and coasters. These items are manufactured to the Company's specifications outside the United States and are generally shipped fully assembled. The Company also began to design, market and distribute selected items of this product line under the trade names of Hoffritzr and Farberwarer in the first half of 1999. The Company also distributes bakeware under a license from Pillsbury, one of America's best known brands of baking accessories, featuring the Poppin-FreshT logo on such items as pastry brushes, spatulas, whisks, spoon and cup sets, cookie cutters, mixing spoons and magnets. New Products The Company has a design and development department consisting of 14 employees who create new products, packaging and merchandising concepts. In excess of 450 items were developed or remodeled in 1999, including the following: Hoffritz: Introduction of a new line of professional bakeware, fondue sets and numerous additions to the kitchenware product line line.in 1999. Cutlery: Introduction of Reverer cutlery and Farberwarer Walnut Millenium knife block sets and open stock cutlery. Gadgets: Introduction of Farberwarer and Roshcor 100 piece cookie cutter sets, metal cleaning polishes and expansion of the Millenium line of kitchen tools and accessories. Bakeware: Introduction of Pillsbury non stick bakeware line, Roshcor ceramic bakeware and Roshcor clay bakers. 7 Sources of Supply The Company sources its products from approximately 40 manufacturers located primarily in the Far East, including the People's Republic of China and Malaysia, and to a smaller extent in the United States, India, France, Indonesia, Taiwan, Thailand and Italy. A majority of its cutlery was purchased from three suppliers in 1999 who accounted for 47%, 26% and 17% of the total purchases and from five suppliers in 1998 who accounted for 29%, 24%, 18%, 13% and 10% of the total purchases, respectively. An interruption of supply from any of these manufacturers could have an adverse impact on the Company's ability to fill orders on a timely basis. However, the Company believes other manufacturers with whom the Company does business would be able to increase production to fulfill the Company's requirements. The Company's policy is to maintain a large inventory base and, accordingly, it orders products substantially in advance of anticipated time of sale to its customers. While the Company does not have any long-term formal arrangements with any of its suppliers, in certain instances, particularly in the manufacture of cutlery, the Company places firm commitments for products up to twelve months in advance of receipt of firm orders from customers. Lifetime's arrangements with most manufacturers allow for flexibility in modifying the quantity, composition and delivery dates of each order. Excluding the Prestige Companies, all purchase orders are in United States dollars. The Prestige Companies purchase orders are in their local currency. Marketing The Company markets its product lines directly through its own sales force and through a network of independent sales representatives. The Company's products are sold primarily in the United States to approximately 1,000 customers including national retailers, department store chains, mass merchant retail and discount stores, supermarket chains, warehouse clubs, direct marketing companies, specialty chains and through other channels of distribution. During the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997, Walmart accounted for approximately 14% ,17% and 15% of net sales, respectively. No other customer accounted for 10% or more of the Company's net sales during 1999, 1998 and 1997. Competition The markets for household cutlery, kitchenware, cutting boards and bakeware are highly competitive and include numerous domestic and foreign competitors, some of which are larger than the Company. The primary competitive factors in selling such products to retailers are consumer brand name recognition, quality, packaging, breadth of product line, distribution capability, prompt delivery and price to the consumer. 8 Patents and Trademarks The Company uses a number of owned trademarks, primarily Hoffritzr, Tristarr and Hoanr, as well as Farberwarer which is licensed under a 200 year royalty-free agreement, which the Company considers significant to its competitive position. Some of these trademarks are registered in the United States and others have become distinctive marks as to which the Company has acquired common law rights. The Company also has licensed trademarks from The Pillsbury Company and Corning Consumer Products Company which it uses in its business. The Company also owns several design and utility patents expiring from 2000 to 2017 on the overall design of some of its products. The Company also acquired patents, trademarks and copyrights as part of the Hoffritzr purchase and Roshco acquisition, that expire from 2000 to 2022. The Company believes that the expiration of any of its patents would not have a material adverse effect on its business. Seasonality Although the Company sells its products throughout the year, the Company has traditionally had higher net sales during its third and fourth quarters. During 1999, the Company experienced problems with the installation of a new warehouse management system that negatively impacted its ability to make shipments primarily in the first and third quarters which impacted the normal seasonality of quarterly shipments. The following table sets forth the quarterly net sales for the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997: <TABLE> <CAPTION> <S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> Net Sales (in thousands) 1st 2nd 3rd 4th Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter 1999 $17,800 $26,900 $23,000 $39,100 1998 21,900 24,200 31,300 39,400 1997 21,100 22,100 24,500 32,300 Backlog Lifetime receives projections on a seasonal basis from its principal customers; however, firm purchase orders are most frequently placed on an as needed basis. The Company's experience has been that while there may be some modifications of customers' projections, the Company is able, with some degree of certainty, to predict its product needs. Lifetime's backlog at December 31, 1999 and 1998 was $9,802,000 and $4,227,000 respectively. The Company expects to fill the 1999 backlog during 2000. The Company does not believe that backlog is indicative of its future results of operations or prospects. Although the Company seeks commitments from customers well in advance of shipment dates, actual confirmed orders are typically not received until close to the required shipment dates. Employees As of December 31, 1999, Lifetime had 685 685 full-time employees, of whom 5 were employed in an executive capacity, 51 in sales, marketing, design or product development, 58 in financial, administrative or clerical capacities, 286 in warehouse or distribution capacities and 239 were outlet store personnel. Prestige Italy had 19 employees and Prestige Germany had 27 employees. None of the Company's employees are represented by a labor union. The Company considers its employee relations to be good. 9 ITEM 2. PROPERTIES The following table describes the facilities at which the Company operates its business: </TABLE> <TABLE> <CAPTION> <S> <C> <C> <C> <C> Approximate Owned Lease Description/Use of Square or Expiration Property Location Footage Leased Date Corporate Westbury, headquarters and New York 47,000 Owned N/A outlet store York Warehouse and Dayton, distribution New 305,000 Leased 1/31/01 facility Jersey Warehouse and Dayton, distribution New 136,000 Leased 1/31/01 facility Jersey Warehouse and Cranberry, distribution New 152,000 Leased 6/30/04 facility Jersey Bentonville, Showroom Arkansas 1,000 Leased 3/31/02 Chicago, Sales office Illinois 1,000 Leased 12/31/03 Prestige Italy office, warehouse and distribution Milan, 26,000 Owned N/A facility Italy Prestige Germany office, warehouse Solingen and distribution Germany 24,000 Leased 3/31/01 facility In 1999, the Company built a 5,000 square foot addition onto its corporate headquarters to house a new outlet store. Aside from the properties listed above, the Company's Outlet Store subsidiary leases approximately 55 stores in retail outlet centers located in 24 states throughout the United States. The square footage of the stores range from approximately 2,000 square feet to 5,000 square feet. The terms of these leases range from three to five years with expiration dates beginning in February 2000 and extending through December 2005. The Company is designing a new distribution center, which it expects to commence leasing in the second half of 2001. 10 ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS The Company is, from time to time, a party to litigation arising in the normal course of its business. The Company believes that there are currently no material legal proceedings the outcome of which would have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position or its results of operations. ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS Not applicable. PART II ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON STOCK AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS The Company's Common Stock is traded under the symbol "LCUT" on The Nasdaq National Market ("Nasdaq") and has been since its initial public offering in June 1991. In December 1999, the Board of Directors of the Company authorized a repurchase of up to 1,000,000 of its outstanding common shares. Through December 31, 1999, 782,500 common shares were repurchased and through February 29, 2000, an aggregate of 799,400 common shares were repurchased. The following table sets forth the high and low sales prices for the Common Stock of the Company for the fiscal periods indicated as reported by Nasdaq. </TABLE> <TABLE> <CAPTION> 1999 1998 <S> <C> <C> <C> <C> High Low High Low First Quarter $10.88 $9.38 $11.50 $9.25 Second Quarter $10.38 $7.25 $12.56 $9.75 Third Quarter $10.13 $7.25 $11.25 $8.00 Fourth Quarter $7.38 $4.78 $11.75 $8.00 At December 31, 1999, the Company estimates that there were approximately 1,000 beneficial holders of the Common Stock of the Company. The Company paid quarterly cash dividends of $0.0625 per share or a total annual cash dividend of $0.25 per share on its Common Stock in each of 1999 and 1998. The Board of Directors currently intends to maintain quarterly cash dividends of $0.0625 per share of Common Stock for the foreseeable future, although the Board may in its discretion determine to modify or eliminate such dividend at any time. 11 ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA The selected financial data set forth below for the five years in the period ended December 31, 1999 have been derived from the audited financial statements of the Company. The data for 1997 through 1999 should be read in conjunction with "Item 7 - Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and the audited financial statements and related notes thereto included elsewhere herein. </TABLE> <TABLE> <CAPTION> (in thousands except per share data) Year Ended December 31, Year Ended December 31, <S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 INCOME STATEMENT DATA: Net sales $106,761 $116,746 $100,021 $98,426 $80,495 Cost of sales 57,979 60,507 51,419 50,528 43,531 Gross profit 48,782 56,239 48,602 47,898 36,964 Selling, general and administrative expenses 42,250 35,306 33,114 31,915 25,397 Income from operations 6,532 20,933 15,488 15,983 11,567 Interest expense 281 203 76 671 401 Other income, net (532) (200) (149) (100) (148) Income before income taxes 6,783 20,930 15,561 15,412 11,314 Income taxes 2,822 8,372 6,000 6,060 4,387 Net income $3,961 $12,558 $9,561 $9,352 $6,927 Basic earnings per common share $0.32 $1.00 $0.77 $0.75 $0.56 Weighted average shares - basic 12,572 12,570 12,459 12,395 12,465 Diluted earnings per common share $0.31 $0.98 $0.75 $0.74 $0.54 Weighted average shares - diluted 12,671 12,843 12,720 12,676 12,753 Cash dividends paid per common share $0.25 $0.25 $0.06 - - December 31, 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 BALANCE SHEET DATA: Current assets $82,304 $72,265 $69,709 $61,884 $62,569 Current liabilities 27,688 13,925 12,051 13,213 13,836 Working capital 54,616 58,340 57,658 48,671 48,733 Total assets 116,384 105,072 92,957 84,772 75,756 Borrowings 8,073 - - 1,000 4,600 Stockholders' equity 87,808 91,147 80,906 71,559 61,920 12 ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS RESULTS OF OPERATIONS The following table sets forth income statement data of the Company as a percentage of net sales for the periods indicated below. </TABLE> <TABLE> <CAPTION> <S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> Year Ended December 31, 1999 1998 1997 Net sales 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Cost of sales 54.3 51.8 51.4 Gross profit 45.7 48.2 48.6 Selling, general and adm.expenses 39.6 30.2 33.1 Income from operations 6.1 18.0 15.5 Interest expense 0.3 0.2 0.1 Other income, net (0.5) (0.2) (0.1) Income before income taxes 6.3 18.0 15.5 Income taxes 2.6 7.2 6.0 Net income 3.7% 10.8% 9.5% 1999 COMPARED TO 1998 Net Sales Net sales in 1999 were $106.8 million, a decrease of approximately $10.0 million, or 8.6% below 1998. The decrease in sales was attributable to problems issues experienced in our warehouse operations that resulted from the installation of a new warehouse management system in January 1999. The problems issues with the new warehouse management system negatively impacted the Company's ability to ship merchandise to its customers and in turn also caused inventory to increase well beyond the warehouse's efficient capacity. The Company believes that appropriate measures were taken to rectify these problems and that the system properly functioned at acceptable levels during the fourth quarter. Gross Profit Gross profit for 1999 was $48.8 million, 13.3% lower than 1998. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales decreased to 45.7% in 1999 as compared to 48.2% in 1998. This decrease was primarily attributable to an increase in reserves for slow moving and discontinued inventory and to an increase in accruals for sales returns and allowances. Selling, General and Administrative Expenses Selling, general and administrative expenses for 1999 were $42.3 million, an increase of $6.9 million, or 19.7%, over 1998. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses was primarily attributable to increased warehouse personnel expenses and warehouse operating expenses, incremental selling, general and administrative expenses related to the Prestige Companies acquired in September 1999, increased software consulting expenses and accruals for customer chargebacks related to the problems issues associated with the installation of the new warehouse management system. 13 Interest Expense Interest expense for 1999 was $281,000, an increase of $78,000 from 1998. This increase was due attributable to increased borrowings under the Company's line of credit during 1999, primarily due to lower sales and earnings in the first three quarters of 1999 as compared to 1998. 1998 COMPARED TO 1997 Net Sales Net sales in 1998 were $116.7 million, an increase of $16.7 million, or 16.7%, over 1997. The acquisition of Roshco completed in August 1998 added $6.0 million to net sales for the year. Excluding the impact of Roshco product sales, net sales for the Company grew 10.7%. This sales growth was due principally to increased shipments of Hoffritz and Farberware branded products, partially offset by lower sales of non-branded products. Net sales of Farberwarer outlet stores were $8.0 million in 1998 as compared to $8.6 million in 1997, reflecting the restructuring of the operations of the outlet stores, which became effective in the third quarter of 1997 pursuant to an agreement with the Meyer Corporation. Under the agreement, the Company continued to own and operate the Farberwarer retail outlet stores, and Meyer Corporation, the licensed manufacturer of Farberwarer branded cookware products, assumed responsibility for merchandising and stocking cookware products in the stores. As a result, Meyer Corporation received all revenue from sales of cookware and was responsible for 52.0% of the operating expenses, as defined, attributable to the stores. Gross Profit Gross profit for 1998 was $56.2 million, an increase of 15.7% over 1997. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales decreased slightly to 48.2% in 1998 as compared to 48.6% in 1997, primarily as a result of the addition of the Roshco product sales which carried lower gross profit margins as compared to the Company's other product sales. Selling, General and Administrative Expenses Selling, general and administrative expenses for 1998 were $35.3 million, an increase of $2.2 million or 6.6% from 1997. Selling, general and administrative expenses for the Farberware outlet stores decreased by $810,000, reflecting the restructuring of the operations of the outlet stores. Excluding the expenses related to the outlet stores and those associated with Roshco, selling, general and administrative expenses in the Company's core business increased by 6.1%. The higher dollar expenses were primarily attributable to increased selling, warehousing and distribution expenses related to the higher sales volume, offset by decreased bad debt expense. These expenses as a percentage of net sales decreased to 29.5% in 1998 as compared to 31.2% in 1997. Interest Expense Interest expense for 1998 was $203,000, an increase of $127,000 from 1997. This increase was due to increased borrowings under the Company's line of credit during 1998, primarily to finance the Roshco acquisition in August 1998. All borrowings under the Company's line of credit were repaid by December 31, 1998. 14 LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES At December 31, 1999, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $1.6 million, a decrease of $7.9 million from the prior year, working capital was $54.6 million, a decrease of $3.7 million from 1998, and the current ratio was 3.0 to 1. Cash used by operating activities was approximately $2.1 million, primarily the result of increased accounts receivable and increased merchandise inventories, offset by net income and increased accrued expenses. The increased accounts receivable was a result of higher sales in November and December of 1999 as compared to the comparable periods in 1998. Inventories increased as a result of lower than expected shipments in the third quarter due to problems with the warehouse management system. Cash used in investing activities was approximately $9.1 million, which was primarily used for the repurchase of common stock, purchases of fixed assets and the acquisition of the Prestige Companies. Cash provided by financing activities was approximately $3.3 million, which included increased short term borrowings of $6.4 million offset by the payment of dividends of $3.1 million. Capital expenditures were $2.6 million in 1999 and $3.8 million in 1998. Capital expenditures for 1999 consisted primarily of the new warehouse management system, machinery and equipment for use in the warehouse and the construction of an outlet store that is attached to the corporate headquarters. Total planned capital expenditures for 2000 are estimated at $2.2 million. These expenditures are primarily for equipment in the warehouse and distribution facilities. These expenditures are expected to be funded from current operations, cash and cash equivalents and, if needed, short term borrowings. In September 1999, the Company acquired 51% of the capital stock of Prestige Italy and Prestige Germany for approximately $1.3 million. Also pursuant to the acquisition agreement, the Company infused $510,000 of capital into the Prestige Companies. The Company has available anan unsecured $25,000,000 $25,000,000 line of credit with a bank (the "Line") which may be used for revolving credit loans or letters of credit. Borrowings made under the Line bear interest payable daily at a negotiated short term borrowing rate. The effective interest rate at December 31, 1999 was 6.875%. As of December 31, 1999, the Company had $5,267266,000 of letters of credit and trade acceptances outstanding and $6,7006,700,000 of borrowings under the Line and, as a result, the availability under the Line was $13,033,000034,000. The Line is cancelable by either party at any time. In addition to the Line above, the Prestige Companies have three lines of credit with three separate banks for a total available credit facility of approximately $1.8 million. As of December 31, 1999, the Prestige Companies had borrowings of approximately $1.4 million against these lines. Interest rates on these lines of credit range from 3.6% to 7%. 15 Products are sold to retailers primarily on 30-day credit terms, and to distributors primarily on 60-day credit terms. As of December 31, 1999, the Company had an aggregate of $2.4 5 million of accounts receivable outstanding in excess of 60 days or approximately 9.90% of gross receivables, and had inventory of $54.0 million. The Company believes that its cash and cash equivalents plus internally generated funds and its credit arrangements will be sufficient to finance its operations for the next twelve months. The results of operations of the Company for the periods discussed have not been significantly affected by inflation or foreign currency fluctuation. The Company negotiates predominantly all of its purchase orders with its foreign manufacturers in United States dollars. Thus, notwithstanding any fluctuation in foreign currencies, the Company's cost for any purchase order is not subject to change after the time the order is placed. However, the weakening of the United States dollar against local currencies could lead certain manufacturers to increase their United States dollar prices for products. The Company believes it would be able to compensate for any such price increase. Impact of Year 2000 In prior years, the Company has discussed the nature and progress of its plans to become Year 2000 computer compliant. In early 1999 the Company completed installation of a new financial accounting reporting system and a separate new warehouse management system. As a result of those two installations, the Company experienced no significant disruptions in mission critical information technology and non-information technology systems and believes those systems successfully responded to the Year 2000 date change. The Company is not aware of any material problems resulting from Year 2000 issues, either with its products, its internal systems, or the products and services of third parties. The Company will continue to monitor its mission critical computer applications and those of its suppliers and vendors throughout the year 2000 to ensure that any latent Year 2000 matters that may arise are addressed promptly. 16 The Company believes that its cash and cash equivalents plus internally generated funds and its credit arrangements will be sufficient to finance its operations for the next twelve months. The results of operations of the Company for the periods discussed have not been significantly affected by inflation or foreign currency fluctuation. The Company negotiates predominantly all of its purchase orders with its foreign manufacturers in United States dollars. Thus, notwithstanding any fluctuation in foreign currencies, the Company's cost for any purchase order is not subject to change after the time the order is placed. However, the weakening of the United States dollar against local currencies could lead certain manufacturers to increase their United States dollar prices for products. The Company believes it would be able to compensate for any such price increase. ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA The Financial Statements are included herein commencing on page F-1. The following is a summary of the quarterly results of operations for the years ended December 31, 1999 and 1998. </TABLE> <TABLE> <CAPTION> Three Months Ended <S> <C>3/31 <C>6/30 <C>9/31 <C>12/31 (in thousands, except per share data) 1999 Net sales $17,817 $26,903 $22,950 $39,091 Cost of sales 9,164 13,525 12,254 23,036 Net income 257 2,664 393 647 Basic earnings per common share $0.02 $0.21 $0.03 $0.05 Diluted earnings per common share $0.02 $0.21 $0.03 $0.05 1998 Net sales $21,868 $24,184 $31,313 $39,382 Cost of sales 11,472 12,171 16,003 20,861 Net income 1,911 2,318 3,694 4,636 Basic earnings per common share $0.15 $0.18 $0.29 $0.37 Diluted earnings per common share $0.15 $0.18 $0.29 $0.36 ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE. None. 17 PART III ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT The following table sets forth certain information concerning the Executive Officers and Directors of the Company: </TABLE> <TABLE> <CAPTION> <S> <C> <C> <C>Director or Executive Officer of Company or Name Age Position Its Predecessor Since Milton L. Cohen 71 Chairman of the Board 1958 of Directors and Chief Executive officer Jeffrey Siegel 57 President and Director 1967 Craig Phillips 50 Vice-President-Distribution 1973 Secretary and Director Robert McNally 53 Vice-President-Finance 1997 and Treasurer Bruce Cohen 41 Executive Vice President 1998 and Director Ronald Shiftan 55 Director 1991 Howard Bernstein 79 Director 1992 Mr. Milton L. Cohen has been continuously employed by the Company in his present capacity since 1958. Mr. Siegel has been continuously employed by the Company in his present capacity since 1999. Prior thereto Mr. Siegel was Executive Vice President of the Company since 1967. Mr. Phillips has been continuously employed by the Company in his present capacity since 1981. Mr. McNally has been continuously employed by the Company in his present capacity since October 1997. Mr. McNally, was formerly Senior Vice President - Finance for Cybex International, Inc., (formerly Lumex, Inc.), a manufacturer and distributor of healthcare products and fitness equipment. Mr. McNally held that position for 15 years prior to joining the Company. Mr. Bruce Cohen was elected a Director for the first time in 1998 and has been continuously employed by the Company in his present capacity since 1999. Prior thereto Mr. Bruce Cohen was a Vice President - National Sales Manager for the Company since 1991. Mr. Shiftan has served as Deputy Executive Director of The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey since September 1998. Prior to becoming Deputy Executive Director of the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, he had, since 1996, been Chairman of Patriot Group, LLC, a financial advisory firm. Prior thereto, Mr. Shiftan held executive management positions in venture capital, investment banking and financial advisory firms. Mr. Bernstein has been a member of the Certified Public Accounting firm, Cole, Samsel & Bernstein LLC (and its predecessors) for approximately forty-eight years. Milton L. Cohen is the father of Bruce Cohen. Jeffrey Siegel and Craig Phillips are cousins. 18 The Board of Directors has an audit committee, both of whose members are independent directors. The directors and officers of the Company are elected annually by the stockholders and Board of Directors of the Company, respectively. Directors serve until the next annual meeting of the stockholders or until their successors have been elected and qualified or until their earlier resignation or removal. Officers are elected at the first Board of Directors meeting following the annual stockholders meeting and serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors. Directors who are not employees of the Company will receive a retainer of $5,000 per year, an additional fee of $1,000 for each Board meeting attended, plus reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket expenses. Directors who are employees of the Company do not receive compensation for serving as directors or attending meetings. The Company has entered into indemnification agreements with the directors and officers of the Company. ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION There is hereby incorporated by reference the information to appear under the caption "Executive Compensation" in the Company's definitive Proxy Statement for its 2000 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT There is hereby incorporated by reference the information to appear under the caption "Principal Stockholders" in the Company's definitive Proxy Statement for its 2000 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS There is hereby incorporated by reference the information to appear under the caption "Certain Transactions" in the Company's definitive Proxy Statement for its 2000 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. PART IV ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K (a)(1) and (2) - see list of Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedule on F-1. (b) Reports on Form 8-K in the fourth quarter of 1999. None. (c) Exhibits*: Exhibit No. Description 3.1 Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3[a] to Form S-1 [No. 33-40154] of Lifetime Hoan Corporation). 3.2 Amendment dated June 9, 1994 to the Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (incorporated herein by reference to the December 31, 1994 Form 10-K [No. 1-19254] of Lifetime Hoan Corporation). 19 3.3 By-Laws of the Company (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3[b] to Form S-1 [No. 33-40154] of Lifetime Hoan Corporation). 10.1 Loan Agreement dated as of May 11, 1988 with Bank of New York, as amended (incorporated by Reference to Exhibit 10[d] to Form S-1 [No. 33-40154] of Lifetime Hoan Corporation). 10.2 Amendment No. 6 dated as of March 5, 1992 between Lifetime Hoan Corporation and The Bank of New York (incorporated by reference to the December 31, 1991 Form 10-K [No. 1-19254] of Lifetime Hoan Corporation). 10.3 Stock Option Plan for key employees of Lifetime Hoan Corporation, as amended June 9, 1994 (incorporated by reference to the December 31, 1994 Form 10-K [No. 1-19254] of Lifetime Hoan Corporation). 10.4 Promissory notes dated December 17, 1985 of Milton L. Cohen, Jeffrey Siegel, Craig Phillips and Robert Phillips, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10[f] to Form S-1 [No. 33-40154] of Lifetime Hoan Corporation). 10.5 Lease to Dayton, New Jersey premises dated August 20, 1987 and amendment between the Company and Isaac Heller (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10[h] to Form S-1 [No. 33-40154] of Lifetime Hoan Corporation). 10.6 License Agreement dated December 14, 1989 between the Company and Farberware, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10[j] to Form S-1 [No. 33- 40154] of Lifetime Hoan Corporation). 10.7 License Agreement dated as of April 19, 1991 between the Company and The Pillsbury Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10[m] to Form S-1 [No. 33- 40154] of Lifetime Hoan Corporation). 10.8 Real Estate Sales Agreement dated October 28, 1993 between the Company and The Olsten Corporation (incorporated by reference to the December 31, 1993 Form 10-K [No. 1-19254] of Lifetime Hoan Corporation). 10.9 Amendment to the Real Estate Sales Agreement dated September 26, 1994 between the Company and The Olsten Corporation. (incorporated by reference to the December 31, 1995 Form 10-K [No. 1-19254] of Lifetime Hoan Corporation). 10.10 Lease to additional Dayton, New Jersey premises dated December 7, 1994. (incorporated by reference to the December 31, 1995 Form 10-K [No. 1-19254] of Lifetime Hoan Corporation). 10.11 License Agreement dated December 21, 1995 between the Company and The Walt Disney Company. 10.12 Memorandum of purchase dated September 18, 1995 between the Company and Alco Capital Group, Inc. (incorporated by reference to the September 30, 1995 Form 10-Q [No. 1-19254] of Lifetime Hoan Corporation). 10.13 Registration Rights Agreement dated September 18, 1995 between the Company and Alco Capital Group, Inc. (incorporated by reference to the September 30, 1995 Form 10-Q [No. 1-19254] of Lifetime Hoan Corporation). 20 10.14 Amendment No. 1 dated September 26, 1995 to the Lease for the additional Dayton, New Jersey premises. (incorporated by reference to the September 30, 1995 Form 10-Q [No. 1-19254] of Lifetime Hoan Corporation). 10.15 Form of Extension Agreement dated as of December 15, 1995 between Milton L. Cohen and Lifetime Hoan Corporation (incorporated by reference to the January 8, 1996 Form 8-K [No. 1-19254] of Lifetime Hoan Corporation). 10.16 Form of Extension Agreement dated as of December 15, 1995 between Jeffrey Siegel and Lifetime Hoan Corporation (incorporated by reference to the January 8, 1996 Form 8-K [No. 1-19254] of Lifetime Hoan Corporation). 10.17 Form of Extension Agreement dated as of December 15, 1995 between Craig Phillips and Lifetime Hoan Corporation (incorporated by reference to the January 8, 1996 Form 8-K [No. 1-19254] of Lifetime Hoan Corporation). 10.18 Asset Purchase Agreement by and between Farberware, Inc., Far-b Acquisition Corp., Syratech Corporation and Lifetime Hoan Corporation, dated February 2, 1996. 10.19 Joint Venture Agreement by and among Syratech Corporation, Lifetime Hoan Corporation and Far-b Acquisition Corp., dated February 2, 1996. 10.20 Employment Agreement dated April 7, 1996 with Milton L. Cohen (incorporated by reference to the March 31, 1996 10-Q). 10.21 Employment Agreement dated April 7, 1996 with Jeffrey Siegel (incorporated by reference to the March 31, 1996 10-Q). 10.22 Employment Agreement dated April 7, 1996 with Craig Phillips (incorporated by reference to the March 31, 1996 10-Q). 10.23 Lifetime Hoan 1996 Incentive Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to the March 31, 1996 10- Q). 10.24 Lifetime Hoan 1996 Incentive Bonus Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to the March 31, 1996 10-Q). 10.25 Meyer Operating Agreement dated July 1, 1997 between Lifetime Hoan Corporation and Meyer Corporation and Amendment to Agreement dated July 1, 1998. 10.26 Jeffrey Siegel Employment Agreement Amendment No. 1, dated June 6, 1997 10.27 Milton L. Cohen Employment Agreement Amendment No. 1, dated June 6, 1997 10.28 Stock Purchase Agreement between Lifetime Hoan Corporation and Roshco, Inc. dated August 10, 1998. 10.29 Stock Purchase Agreement between Lifetime Hoan Corporation and Meyer International Holdings Limited and Prestige Italiana, SPA dated September 2, 1999. 10.30 Stock Purchase Agreement between Lifetime Hoan Corporation and Meyer International Holdings Limited and Prestige Haushaltswaren GmbH, dated September 2, 1999. 21 Subsidiaries of the registrant 23 Consent of Ernst & Young LLP. 27 Financial Data Schedule *The Company will furnish a copy of any of the exhibits listed above upon payment of $5.00 per exhibit to cover the cost of the Company furnishing the exhibits. (d) Financial Statement Schedules - the response to this portion of Item 14 is submitted as a separate section of this report. 21 FORM 10-K -- ITEM 14(a)(1) and (2) LIFETIME HOAN CORPORATION INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE The following Financial Statements and Schedule of Lifetime Hoan Corporation are included in Item 8. Report of Independent Auditors F-2 Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1999 and 1998 F-3 Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997 F-4 Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the Years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997 F-5 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997 F-6 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements F-7 The following financial statement schedule of Lifetime Hoan Corporation is included in Item 14 (d); Schedule II - Valuation and qualifying accounts S-1 All other schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulation of the Securities and Exchange Commission are not required under the related instructions or are inapplicable, and therefore have been omitted. F-1 REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS Stockholders and Board of Directors Lifetime Hoan Corporation We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Lifetime Hoan Corporation as of December 31, 1999 and 1998 and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1999. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 14(a). These consolidated financial statements and schedules are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and schedule based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Lifetime Hoan Corporation at December 31, 1999 and 1998, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1999, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein. Ernst & Young LLP Melville, New York February 1822, 2000 F-2 LIFETIME HOAN CORPORATION CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (in thousands, except share data) </TABLE> <TABLE> <CAPTION> December 31, <S> <C> <C> <C> ASSETS 1999 1998 CURRENT ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents $1,563 $9,438 Accounts receivable, less allowances of $2,609 in 1999 and 1,527 in 1998 22,443 13,306 Merchandise inventories 54,046 44,938 Prepaid expenses 2,641 2,956 Deferred income taxes 1,257 397 Other current assets 354 1,230 TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 82,304 72,265 PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net 12,597 11,823 EXCESS OF COST OVER NET ASSETS ACQUIRED, net 10,756 9,316 OTHER INTANGIBLES, net 9,554 10,560 OTHER ASSETS 1,173 1,108 TOTAL ASSETS $116,384 $105,072 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY CURRENT LIABILITIES Short-term borrowings $8,073 $ -- Accounts payable and trade acceptances 5,553 2,706 Accrued expenses 13,691 10,263 Income taxes 371 956 TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 27,688 13,925 MINORITY INTEREST 888 -- STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Common stock, $.01 par value, shares authorized: 25,000,000; shares issued and outstanding: 11,817,646 in 1999 and 12,588,264 in 1998 118 126 Paid-in capital 71,957 76,115 Retained earnings 16,671 15,859 Notes receivable for shares issued to stockholders (908) (908) Deferred compensation (30) (45) TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY 87,808 91,147 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY $116,384 $105,072 See notes to consolidated financial statements. F-3 LIFETIME HOAN CORPORATION CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (in thousands - except per share data) </TABLE> <TABLE> <CAPTION> Year Ended December 31, Year Ended December 31, <S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> 1999 1998 1997 Net Sales $106,761 $116,746 $100,021 Cost of Sales 57,979 60,507 51,419 48,782 56,239 48,602 Selling, General and Admin. Expenses 42,250 35,306 33,114 Income from Operations 6,532 20,933 15,488 Interest Expense................. 281 203 76 Other (Income), net (532) (200) (149) Income Before Income Taxes 6,783 20,930 15,561 Income Taxes................ 2,822 8,372 6,000 NET INCOME $3,961 $12,558 $9,561 BASIC EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE $0.32 $1.00 $0.77 DILUTED EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE $0.31 $0.98 $0.75 See notes to consolidated financial statements. F-4 LIFETIME HOAN CORPORATION CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (in thousands) </TABLE> <TABLE> <CAPTION> Common Stock Paid-in Retained Shares Amount Capital Earnings Notes Receivable Deferred (Deficit) from stockholders Compensation Total <S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> Balance at December 31, 1996 12,407 $124 $74,757 ($2,337) ($908) ($77) $71,559 Net income for 1997 9,561 9,561 Exercise of stock options 115 1 550 551 Amortization of deferred compensation 16 16 Cash dividends (781) (781) Balance at December 31, 1997 12,522 125 75,307 6,443 (908) (61) 80,906 Net income for 1998 12,558 12,558 Exercise of stock options 66 1 458 459 Grant of stock options 350 350 Amortization of deferred compensation 16 16 Cash dividends (3,142) (3,142) Balance at December 31,1998 12,588 126 76,115 15,859 (908) (45) 91,147 Net income for 1999 3,961 3,961 Exercise of stock options 12 92 92 Repurchase and retirement of common stock (782) (8) (4,250) (4,258) Amortization of deferred compensation 15 15 Cash dividends (3,149) (3,149) Balance at December 31,1999 11,818 $118 $71,957 $16,671 ($908) ($30) $87,808 See notes to consolidated financial statements. F-5 LIFETIME HOAN CORPORATION CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (in thousands) </TABLE> <TABLE> <CAPTION> Year Ended December 31, Ended December 31, <S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> 1999 1998 1997 OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net income $3,961 $12,558 $9,561 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash (used in)provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 2,815 2,480 1,990 Deferred income taxes (860) 42 579 Provision for losses on accounts receivable 640 444 2,112 Reserve for sales returns and allowances 5,838 3,683 3,533 Minority interest 162 - - Changes in operating assets and liablilites, excluding the effects of the Roshco, Inc. and Prestige acquisitions: Accounts receivable (11,742) (2,916) (4,919) Merchandise inventories (7,203) 2,268 (5,946) Prepaid expenses, other current assets and other assets 1,142 1,985 317 Accounts payable, trade acceptances and accrued expenses 3,633 (5,067) 618 Income taxes (518) 417 (780) NET CASH (USED IN) PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES (2,132) 15,894 7,065 INVESTING ACTIVITIES Purchases of property and equipment, net (2,552) (3,777) (2,255) Purchase of marketable securities (25) (256) - Acquisition of Roshco, Inc. (916) (4,926) - Aquisition of Prestige Companies (1,338) - - Payment of note payable of acquired business - (2,587) - Sale of inventory to Meyer Corporation - - 3,100 Repurchase of common stock (4,258) - - NET CASH (USED IN) PROVIDED BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES (9,089) (11,546) 845 FINANCING ACTIVITIES Proceeds (payments) of short term borrowings, net 6,403 - (1,000) Proceeds from the exercise of stock options 92 459 551 Cash dividends paid (3,149) (3,142) (781) NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES 3,346 (2,683) (1,230) (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS (7,875) 1,665 6,680 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 9,438 7,773 1,093 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR $1,563 $9,438 $7,773 See notes to consolidated financial statements. F-6 LIFETIME HOAN CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 1999 NOTE A - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Organization and Business: The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Lifetime Hoan Corporation ("Lifetime"), its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Outlet Retail Stores, Inc. ("Outlets") and Roshco, Inc. ("Roshco"), and its 51% owned and controlled subsidiaries, Prestige Italiana, Spa. ("Prestige Italy") and Prestige Haushaltswaren GmbH ("Prestige Germany") (together, the "Prestige Companies"), collectively, the "Company". Significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The Company is engaged in the design, marketing and distribution of household cutlery, kitchenware, cutting boards and bakeware, marketing its products under a number of trade names, some of which are licensed. The Company sells its products primarily to retailers throughout the United States and to consumers through its Outlets subsidiary. Revenue Recognition: Revenue is recognized upon the shipment of merchandise. Inventories: Merchandise inventories, principally finished goods, are priced by the lower of cost (first-in, first-out basis) or market method. Property and Equipment: Property and equipment is stated at cost. Property and equipment other than leasehold improvements is being depreciated by the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Building and improvements are being depreciated over 30 years and machinery, furniture, and equipment over 5 to 7 years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the term of the lease or the estimated useful lives of the improvements, whichever is shorter. Cash Equivalents: The Company considers highly liquid instruments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. Use of Estimates: The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amount reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Excess of Cost Over Net Assets Acquired and Other Intangibles: Excess of cost over net assets acquired pursuant to acquisitions are being amortized by the straight-line method over periods ranging from 30 to 40 years. Accumulated amortization at December 31, 1999 and 1998 was $1,333,000 and $1,004,000, respectively. Other intangibles consist of a royalty-free license, trademarks and brand names acquired pursuant to two acquisitions and are being amortized by the straight-line method over 30 years. Accumulated amortization at December 31, 1999 and 1998 was $1,506,000 and $1,116,000, respectively. Long-Lived Assets: If there are indicators of impairment, the Company reviews the carrying value of its long- lived assets in determining the ultimate recoverability of their unamortized values using future undiscounted cash flow analyses. Income Taxes: Income taxes have been provided using the liability method. F-7 LIFETIME HOAN CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued NOTE A - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued) Earnings Per Share: Basic earnings per share has been computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding of 12,572,000 in 1999, 12,570,000 in 1998 and 12,459,000 in 1997. Diluted earnings per share has been computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding, including the dilutive effects of stock options, of 12,671,000 in 1999, 12,843,000 in 1998 and 12,720,000 in 1997. NOTE B - ACQUISITIONS AND LICENSES Prestige Acquisition: In September 1999, the Company acquired 51% of the capital stock and controlling interest in each of Prestige Italy and Prestige Germany. The Company paid approximately $1.3 million for its majority interest in the Prestige Companies. This acquisition was accounted for using the purchase method and the Company recorded excess of cost over net assets acquired of $586,000. Roshco Acquisition: In August 1998, the Company acquired all of the outstanding common stock of Roshco, Inc. ("Roshco"), a privately-held bakeware and baking-related products distributor. The purchase price consisted of an initial cash payment of $5.0 million and notes payable of $1.5 million. In 1999 the Company paid $500,000 for the first note payable. The Company is also obligated to make additional payments based on annual sales volume for bakeware and baking- related products for a period of two years. In 1999 the Company paid approximately $416,000 for the first year. The Company also assumed bank debt of $2.6 million that was paid on the acquisition date. This acquisition was accounted for using the purchase method and the Company recorded excess of cost over net assets acquired of $8,208,000. Revere Licensing Agreement: In October 1998, the Company entered into a licensing agreement with Corning Consumer Products Company. This agreement allows the Company to design and market cutlery and cutting boards under the Reverer trademark in the United States and Canada. Shipments of products under the Reverer brand began in the second quarterfirst half of 1999. F-8 LIFETIME HOAN CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued NOTE C - LINE OF CREDIT The Company has available an unsecured $25,000,000 line of credit with a bank (the "Line") which may be used for revolving credit loans or letters of credit. Borrowings made under the Line bear interest payable daily at a negotiated short term borrowing rate. The effective interest rate at December 31, 1999 was 6.875%. As of December 31, 1999, the Company had $5,266,000 of letters of credit and trade acceptances outstanding and $6,700,000 of borrowings under the Line and, as a result, the availability under the Line was $13,034,000. The Line is cancelable by either party at any time. In addition to the Line above, the Prestige Companies have three lines of credits with three separate banks for a total available credit facility of approximately $1.8 million. As of December 31, 1999, the Prestige Companies had borrowings of approximately $1.4 million against these lines. Interest rates on these lines of credits range from 3.6% to 7%. The Company paid interest of approximately $281,000, $203,000 and $76,000 during the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively. NOTE D - CAPITAL STOCK Cash Dividends: The Company paid regular quarterly cash dividends of $0.0625 per share on its Common Stock, or a total annual cash dividend of $0.25, in 1999 and 1998. In 1997, the Company paid a quarterly cash dividend of $0.0625 in November. The Board of Directors currently intends to maintain a quarterly cash dividend of $0.0625 per share of Common Stock for the foreseeable future, although the Board may in its discretion determine to modify or eliminate such dividend at any time. Common Stock Repurchase and Retirement: In December 1999, the Board of Directors of the Company authorized a repurchase of up to 1,000,000 of its outstanding common shares in the open market. Through December 31, 1999, 782,500 common shares were repurchased for $4,258,000. Stock Option Plans: The Company has a Stock Option Plan (the "Plan") whereby options to purchase up to 1,500,000 shares of common stock may be granted to key employees of the Company, including directors and officers. The Plan authorizes the Board of Directors of the Company to issue incentive stock options as defined in Section 422A (b) of the Internal Revenue Code and stock options that do not conform to the requirements of that Section of the Code. All options expire on the tenth anniversary of the date of grant and vest over a range of up to five years, from the date of grant. In June 1996, the stockholders of the Company approved the adoption of the Lifetime Hoan Corporation 1996 Incentive Stock Option Plan (the "ISO Plan"). The ISO Plan authorizes the granting of options to purchase up to 250,000 shares of common stock to officers of the Company and its subsidiaries. No individual officer may be granted options to purchase more than 175,000 shares of common stock. The ISO Plan authorizes the issuance of incentive stock options as defined in Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code. All options expire on the fifth anniversary of the date of grant and vest in one year from the date of grant. F-9 LIFETIME HOAN CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued NOTE D - CAPITAL STOCK (continued) The Company grants stock options for a fixed number of shares to employees with an exercise price equal to the fair value of the shares at the date of grant. The Company accounts for stock option grants in accordance with APB Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees" and related Interpretations because the Company believes the alternative fair value accounting provided for under FASB Statement No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" requires use of option valuation models that were not developed for use in valuing employee stock options. Under APB 25, because the exercise price of the Company's employee stock options equals the market price of the underlying stock on the date of grant, no compensation expense is recognized. Pro forma information regarding net income and earnings per share is required by Statement No. 123, and has been determined as if the Company has accounted for its employee stock options under the fair value method of that Statement. The fair value for these options was estimated at the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions: risk-free interest rates of 5.88%, 6.62% and 5.75% for 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively; 4.68% dividend yield in 1999 and 2.50% dividends yield in both 1998 and 1997; volatility factor of the expected market price of the Company's common stock of 0.07 in 1999, 0.39 in 1998 and 0.54 in 1997; and a weighted-average expected life of the options of 5.1, 5.7 and 5.1 years in 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively. The Black-Scholes option valuation model was developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded options which have no vesting restrictions and are fully transferable. In addition, option valuation models require the input of highly subjective assumptions including the expected stock price volatility. Because the Company's employee stock options have characteristics significantly different from those of traded options, and because changes in the subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate, in management's opinion, the existing models do not necessarily provide a reliable single measure of the fair value of its employee stock options. For purposes of pro forma disclosures, the estimated fair value of the options is amortized to expense over the options' vesting period. The Company's pro forma information is as follows: </TABLE> <TABLE> <CAPTION> Year Ended December 31, 31, <C> <C> <C> <S> 1999 1998 1997 Pro forma net income (in thousands) $3,720 $12,148 $9,300 Pro forma basic earnings per common share $0.30 $0.97 $0.75 Pro forma diluted earnings per common share $0.29 $0.95 $0.73 F-10 LIFETIME HOAN CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued NOTE D - CAPITAL STOCK (continued) A summary of the Company's stock option activity and related information for the years ended December 31 follows: </TABLE> <TABLE> <CAPTION> 1999 1998 1997 <S> <C> <C> <C>Weighted- <C><C> <C>Weighted<C> <C> <C>Weighted- Options Average Options Average Options Average Exercise Exercise Exercise Price Price Price Balance-Jan 1, 1,041,545 $7.81 906,942 $6.95 868,963 $6.19 Grants 188,500 $5.71 222,000 $10.39 184,370 $9.26 Exercised (11,882) $6.70 (66,018) $4.93 (114,737) $5.10 Canceled (8,998) $8.07 (21,379) $7.38 (31,654) $6.12 Balance-DEC 31, 1,209,165 $7.49 1,041,545 $7.81 906,942 $6.95 The weighted average fair values of options granted during the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997 were $0.44, $3.77 and $3.98, respectively. The following table summarizes information about employees stock options outstanding at December 31, 1999: </TABLE> <TABLE> <CAPTION> <S> <C> <C> <C><C> <C><C> <C><C>Weighted-<C><C> Weighted- Average Weighted-Average Average Exercise Exercise Price - Options Options Remaining Price- Options Exercise Price Outstanding Exercisable Contractual Options Exercisable $4.14 - $5.51 392,217 213,717 5.9 years $5.03 $4.63 $6.39 - $8.41 325,237 249,965 4.7 years $6.80 $6.64 $8.64 - $10.87 491,711 278,712 5.7 years $9.91 $9.99 1,209,165 742,394 5.5 years $7.49 $7.32 In connection with the grant of certain options, the Company recorded, and is amortizing, deferred compensation. In connection with the exercise of options under a stock option plan which has since expired, the Company received cash of $255,968 and notes in the amount of $903,712. The notes bear interest at 9% and are due no later than December 31, 2000. F-11 LIFETIME HOAN CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued NOTE E - INCOME TAXES The provision for income taxes consists of (in thousands): </TABLE> <TABLE> <CAPTION> Year Ended December 31, December 31, <S> <C> <C> <C> 1999 1998 1997 Current: Federal $2,941 $6,957 $4,443 State and local 662 1,373 978 Foreign - Prestige Companies 79 - - Deferred (860) 42 579 Income tax provision $2,822 $8,372 $6,000 Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amount of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Significant components of the Company's net deferred tax assets are as follows (in thousands): </TABLE> <TABLE> <CAPTION> December 31, <S> <C> <C> 1999 1998 Merchandise inventories $1,533 $973 Accounts receivable allowances 767 356 Depreciation and amortization (1,043) (927) Other - (5) $1,257 $397 The provision for income taxes differs from the amounts computed by applying the applicable federal statutory rates as follows (in thousands): </TABLE> <TABLE> <CAPTION> Year Ended December 31, 31, <S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> 1999 1998 1997 Provision for Federal income taxes at the statutory rate $2,306 $7,116 $5,291 Increases (decreases): State and local income taxes net of Federal income tax benefit 437 906 645 Other - 350 64 Foreign taxes - Prestige Companies 79 - - Provision for income taxes $2,822 $8,372 $6,000 The Company paid income taxes (net of refunds) of approximately $4,178,000, $7,809,000 and $6,258,000 during the years ended December 1999, 1998, and 1997, respectively. F-12 LIFETIME HOAN CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued NOTE F - COMMITMENTS Operating Leases: The Company has lease agreements for its warehouse, showroom facilities and outlet stores which expire through October 31, 2004. These leases provide for, among other matters, annual base rent escalations and additional rent for real estate taxes and other costs. Future minimum payments under non cancelable operating leases are as follows (in thousands): </TABLE> <TABLE> <CAPTION> <S> <C> <C> Year ended December 31: 2000 $4,571 2001 2,378 2002 1,596 2003 1,058 2004 485 $ 10,088 Meyer Corporation reimbursed the Company 52.0% (as amended from 62.5% in July 1998) of the operating lease expenses of the outlet stores in 1999, which is not a sublease commitment. In 1999, 1998 and 1997, Meyer Corporation reimbursed approximately $1,856,000, $1,710,000 and $861,000, respectively, for operating lease expense to the Company. Rental and related expenses on the operating leases were approximately $5,554,000, $4,715,000 and $4,281,000 for the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively. Amounts for 1999, 1998 and 1997 are prior to the Meyer Corporation reimbursement described above. The Company has issued a letter of credit of approximately $279,000 which is held by the landlord as security for its warehouse leases. Royalties: The company has royalty licensing agreements which expire through December 31, 2002. Future minimum royalties are as follows (in thousands): </TABLE> <TABLE> <CAPTION> <S> <C> <C> Year ended December 31: 2000 $1,170 2001 1,300 2002 1,000 $3,470 F-13 LIFETIME HOAN CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued NOTE F - COMMITMENTS (continued) Employment Agreements: In April 1996, as amended in June 1997, the Company entered into employment agreements with its President and Executive Vice President, providing for annual salaries of $700,000 and $400,000 respectively, and for the payment of bonuses pursuant to the Company's 1996 Incentive Bonus Compensation Plan (the "Bonus Plan") (see below). The employment agreements continue through April 2000 and thereafter for additional periods of one year each unless terminated by either the Company or the executive. In April 1997, the Company entered into an employment agreement with its Vice President- Distribution, which provides for a current annual salary of $200,000. The agreement expires April 6, 2000. Incentive Bonus Compensation Plan: In April 1996, the Board of Directors adopted and in June 1996, the stockholders approved the Bonus Plan. The Bonus Plan provides for the award of a bonus, with respect to each of the ten fiscal years of the Company beginning with the 1996 fiscal year, to each of the President and the Executive Vice President of the Company. The bonus payable to each executive is an amount equal to 3.5% of pretax income, before any provision for executive compensation, stock options exercised during the year under the Company's 1991 Stock Option Plan and extraordinary items. During the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997, the Company recorded annual compensation expense of approximately $600,000, $1.7 million and $1.2 million, respectively, pursuant to the Bonus Plan. NOTE G - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS In connection with the Roshco acquisition (see note B), a director of the Company was paid $200,000 and received options to purchase 100,000 shares of common stock (at an exercise price of $10.63) as a financial advisory fee. The fair value of the options granted, which vested immediately, are was approximately $350,000. NOTE H - RETIREMENT PLAN The Company maintains a defined contribution retirement plan ("the Plan") for eligible employees under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. Participants can make voluntary contributions up to a maximum of 15% of their salary. The Company made no contributions to the Plan in 1999, 1998 and 1997. F-14 LIFETIME HOAN CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued NOTE I - CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK The Company maintains cash and cash equivalents with various financial institutions. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to trade accounts receivable are limited due to the large number of entities comprising the Company's customer base and their dispersion across the United States. The Company's accounts receivable are not collateralized. The Company periodically reviews the status of its accounts receivable and, accordingly, where considered necessary, establishes an allowance for doubtful accounts. During the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997, one customer accounted for approximately 14%, 17% and 15% of net sales, respectively. NOTE J - OTHER Property and Equipment: Property and equipment consist of (in thousands): </TABLE> <TABLE> <CAPTION> December 31, <S> <C> <C> 1999 1998 Land $842 $832 Building and improvements 6,381 4,649 Machinery, furniture and equipment 12,127 12,419 Leasehold improvements 34 28 19,384 17,928 Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization 6,787 6,105 $12,597 $11,823 Accrued Expenses: Accrued expenses consist of (in thousands): </TABLE> <TABLE> <CAPTION> December 31, <S> <C> <C> <C> <C> 1999 1998 Commissions $910 $439 Accrued customer allowances and rebates 3,889 3,285 Obligation to Meyer Corporation 1,277 985 Due to Roshco (See Note B) 1,378 1,732 Officer and employee bonuses 604 1,507 Accrued salaries and temps 1,055 132 Other 4,578 2,183 $13,691 $10,263 F-15 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued LIFETIME HOAN CORPORATION NOTE J - OTHER (Continued) Sources of Supply: The Company sources its products from approximately 40 manufacturers located primarily in the Far East, including the People's Republic of China and Malaysia, and to a smaller extent in the United States, India, France, Indonesia, Taiwan, Thailand and Italy. A majority of its cutlery was purchased from three suppliers in 1999 who accounted for 47%, 26% and 17% of the total purchases and from five suppliers in 1998 who accounted for 29%, 24%, 18%, 13% and 10% of the total purchases, respectively. An interruption of supply from any of these manufacturers could have an adverse impact on the Company's ability to fill orders on a timely basis. However, the Company believes other manufacturers with whom the Company does business would be able to increase production to fulfill the Company's requirements. F-16 LIFETIME HOAN CORPORATION Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Lifetime Hoan Corporation (in thousands) </TABLE> <TABLE> <CAPTION> <S>COL. A <C> <C>COL.B <C> <C>COL.C <C> <C>COL.D <C> <C>COL.E Additions Balance at Charged to Beginning of Costs and Deductions Balance at Description Period Expenses (Describe) end of period Year ended December 31, 1999 Deducted from asset accounts: Allowance for doubtful Accounts............. $420 $640 $975(a) $85 Reserve for sales returns and allowances 1,107 5,838(c) 4,421(b) 2,524 $1,527 $6,478 $5,396 $2,609 Year ended December 31, 1998 Deducted from asset accounts: Allowance for doubtful accounts.................... $75 $444 $99(a) $420 Reserve for sales returns and allowances...... 776 3,683(c) 3,352(b) 1,107 $851 $4,127 $3,451 $1,527 Year ended December 31, 1997 Deducted from asset accounts: Allowance for doubtful accounts.......... $75 $2,112 $2,112(a) $75 Reserve for sales returns and allowances...... 716 3,533(c) 3,473(b) 776 $791 $5,645 $5,585 $851 (a) Uncollectible accounts written off, net of recoveries. (b) Allowances granted. (c) Charged to net sales. S-1 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. Lifetime Hoan Corporation /s/ Milton Cohen Milton L. Cohen Chairman of the Board of Directors (Principal Executive Officer) Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated. </TABLE> <TABLE> <CAPTION> <S>Signature <C>Title <C>Date /s/ Milton Cohen Milton L. Cohen Chairman of the Board of March 30, 2000 Directors (Principal Executive Officer) /s/ Jeffrey Siegel Jeffrey Siegel President March 30, 2000 and Director /s/ Craig Phillips Craig Phillips Vice-President - Distribution, March 30, 2000 Secretary and Director /s/ Robert McNally Robert McNally Vice-President - Finance March 30, 2000 and Treasurer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) /s/ Bruce Cohen Bruce Cohen Executive Vice-President March 30, 2000 and Director /s/ Ronald Shiftan Ronald Shiftan Director March 30, 2000 /s/ Howard Bernstein Howard Bernstein Director March 30, 2000 Exhibit 21. Subsidiaries of the Registrant Outlet Retail Stores, Inc. Incorporated in the state of Delaware Roshco, Inc. Incorporated in the state of Illinois Prestige Italiana, Spa. Incorporated in the country of Italy Prestige Haushaltswaren GmbH Incorporated in the country of Germany Exhibit 23. Consent of Ernst & Young LLPIndependent Auditors We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 33-51774) of Lifetime Hoan Corporation pertaining to the 1991 Stock Option Plan, of our report dated February 22, 2000, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of Lifetime Hoan Corporation included in the Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 1999. Ernst & Young LLP Melville, New York March 30, 2000 Exhibit 27. Financial Data Schedule Lifetime Hoan Corporation Financial Data Schedule Pursuant to Item 601(c) of Regulation S-K This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the financial statements included in the form 10-K for the twelve months ended December 31, 1999. (in thousands) </TABLE> <TABLE> <CAPTION> <S>Item Number<C> <C>Item Description <C> <C>Amount 5-02(1) Cash and Cash Items $ 1,563 5-02(2) Marketable Securities $ 25 5-02(3)(a)(1) Notes and Accounts Receivable - Trade $ 22,528 5-02(4) Allowances for Doubtful Accounts $ 85 5-02(6) Inventory $ 54,046 5-02(9) Total Current Assets $ 82,304 5-02(13) Property, Plant and Equipment $ 19,384 5-02(14) Accumulated Depreciation $ 6,787 5-02(18) Total Assets $ 116,384 5-02(21) Total Current Liabilities $ 27,688 5-02(22) Bonds, Mortgages and Similar Debt $ 0 5-02(28) Preferred Stock - Mandatory Redemption $ 0 5-02(29) Preferred Stock - No Mandatory Redemption $ 0 5-02(30) Common Stock $ 118 5-02(31) Other Stockholders' Equity $ 87,690 5-02(32) Total Liabilities and Stockholers' Equity $ 116,384 5-03(b)1(a) Net Sales of Tangible Products $ 106,155 5-03(b)1 Total Revenues $ 106,761 5-03(b)2(a) Cost of Tangible Goods Sold $ 57,979 5-03(b)2 Total Costs and Expenses Applicable to Sales and Revenues $ 57,979 5-03(b)3 Other Costs and Expenses $ 0 5-03(b)5 Provision for Doubtful Accounts and Notes $ 640 5-03(b)(8) Interest and Amortization of Debt Discount $ 0 5-03(b)(10) Income Before Taxes and Other Items $ 6,783 5-03(b)(11) Income Tax Expense $ 2,822 5-03(b)(14) Income/Loss Continuing Operations $ 3,961 5-03(b)(15) Discontinued Operations $ 0 5-03(b)(17) Extraordinary Items $ 0 5-03(b)(18) Cumulative effect - Changes in Accounting Principles $ 0 5-03(b)(19) Net Income or Loss $ 3,961 5-03(b)(20) Earnings Per Share - Primary $ 0.32 5-03(b)(20) Earnings Per Share - Fully Diluted $ 0.31 </TABLE>