UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

 

 

Form 10-K

 

 

Commission File No. 1-32637

 

 

 

 

GameStop Corp.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its Charter)

 

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:

(817) 424-2000

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

 

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 þ     No o

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act.  Yes o     No þ

 

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 þ     No o

 

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. þ

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes o     No þ

 

The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was approximately $6,288,000,000, based upon the closing market prices of $39.55 per share of Class A Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange as of August 3, 2007.

 

Number of shares of $.001 par value Class A Common Stock outstanding as of March 24, 2008: 161,708,708

 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

 

Portions of the definitive proxy statement of the registrant to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, for the 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders are incorporated by reference into Part III.

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

General

 

GameStop Corp. (“GameStop,” “we,” “us,” “our,” or the “Company”) is the world’s largest retailer of video game products and PC entertainment software. We sell new and used video game hardware, video game software and accessories, as well as PC entertainment software, and related accessories and other merchandise. As of February 2, 2008, we operated 5,264 stores in the United States, Australia, Canada and Europe, primarily under the names GameStop and EB Games. We also operate the electronic commerce websites www.gamestop.com and www.ebgames.com and publish Game Informer, the industry’s largest multi-platform video game magazine in the United States based on circulation, with approximately 2.9 million subscribers.

 

In the fiscal year ended February 2, 2008, we operated our business in the following segments: United States, Canada, Australia and Europe. Of our 5,264 stores, 4,061 stores are included in the United States segment and 287, 280 and 636 stores are included in the Canadian, Australian and European segments, respectively. Each of the segments consists primarily of retail operations, with all stores engaged in the sale of new and used video game systems, software and accessories which we refer to as video game products and PC entertainment software and related accessories. Our used video game products provide a unique value proposition to our customers, and our purchasing of used video game products provides our customers with an opportunity to trade in their used video game products for store credits and apply those credits towards other merchandise, which in turn, increases sales. These products are substantially the same regardless of geographic location, with the primary differences in merchandise carried being the timing of release of new products in the various segments. Stores in all segments are similar in size at an average of approximately 1,500 square feet each.

 

The Company began operations in November 1996. In October 1999, the Company was acquired by, and became a wholly-owned subsidiary of, Barnes & Noble, Inc. (“Barnes & Noble”). In June 2000, Barnes & Noble acquired Funco, Inc. (“Funco”), a 400-store retailer of video game products in the U.S. In February 2002, GameStop completed an initial public offering of its Class A common stock and was a majority-owned subsidiary of Barnes & Noble until November 2004, when Barnes & Noble distributed its holdings of outstanding GameStop Class B common stock to its stockholders. In October 2005, GameStop acquired the operations of Electronics Boutique Holdings Corp. (“EB” or “Electronics Boutique”), a 2,300-store video game retailer in the U.S. and 12 other countries, by merging its existing operations with EB under GameStop Corp. (the “mergers”).

 

On February 7, 2007, all outstanding Class B common stock of the Company was converted into Class A common stock of the Company on a one-for-one basis and the Company no longer has any Class B common stock. On March 16, 2007, the Company completed a two-for-one stock split of its Class A common stock (the “Stock Split”). As of February 2, 2008, our Class A common stock traded on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbol GME.

 

Our corporate office and one of our distribution facilities are housed in a 510,000 square foot facility in Grapevine, Texas.

 

Recent Developments

 

On February 7, 2008, the Board of Directors of the Company authorized a buyback of the Company’s senior notes in the amount of $130 million. The timing and amount of the repurchases will be determined by the Company’s management based on their evaluation of market conditions and other factors. In addition, the repurchases may be suspended or discontinued at any time. At the time of filing, the Company had repurchased $24.7 million of its senior notes pursuant to this new authorization and delivered the senior notes to the trustee for cancellation. The associated loss on the retirement of debt is $1.9 million, which consists of the premium paid to retire the senior notes and the write-off of the deferred financing fees and the original issue discount on the senior notes.

 

On March 28, 2008, the Company entered into a stock purchase agreement with Free Record Shop Holding B.V., a Dutch company, to purchase all of the outstanding stock of Free Record Shop Norway AS, a Norwegian

private limited liability company (“FRS”). FRS operates approximately 50 record stores in Norway and also operates office and warehouse facilities in Oslo, Norway. During fiscal 2008, the Company intends to convert these stores into video game stores with an inventory assortment similar to its other stores in Norway. The Company will include the results of operations of FRS, which are not expected to be material, in its financial statements beginning on the closing date of the acquisition, which is expected to be April 5, 2008.

 

Disclosure Regarding Forward-looking Statements

 

This report on Form 10-K and other oral and written statements made by the Company to the public contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). The forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause our actual results, performance, achievements or industry results to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to:

 

 

In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of terms such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “continues,” “could,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “may,” “plans,” “potential,” “predicts,” “will,” “should,” “seeks,” “pro forma” or similar expressions. These statements are only predictions based on current expectations and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our or our industry’s actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.

 

Although we believe that the expectations reflected in our forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise after the date of this Form 10-K. In light of these risks and uncertainties, the forward-looking events and circumstances contained in this Form 10-K may not occur, causing actual results to differ materially from those anticipated or implied by our forward-looking statements.

 

Industry Background

 

Based upon estimates compiled by various market research firms, management estimates that the combined market for video game products and PC entertainment software exceeded $36 billion in 2007 in the countries in which we operate. According to NPD Group, Inc., a market research firm (“the NPD Group”), the electronic game industry was an approximately $18.6 billion market in the United States in 2007. Of this $18.6 billion market, approximately $17.7 billion was attributable to video game products, excluding sales of used video game products, and approximately $910 million was attributable to PC entertainment software. International Development Group,

a market research firm, estimates that retail sales of video game hardware and software and PC entertainment software totaled approximately $15.6 billion in Europe in 2007. The NPD Group has reported that video game retail sales in Canada were approximately $1.5 billion in 2007. According to the independent market research group GfK, the Australian market for video game products was approximately $1.1 billion in 2007.

 

New Video Game Products.  The Entertainment Software Association, or ESA, estimates that 67% of all American heads of households play video or computer games. We expect the following trends to result in increased sales of video game products:

 

 

Used Video Game Products.  As the installed base of video game hardware platforms has increased and new hardware platforms are introduced, a considerable market for used video game hardware and software has

developed. Based on reports published by NPD Group, we believe that, as of December 2006, the installed base of video game hardware systems in the United States, based on original sales, totaled over 150 million units of recent generation technology, including approximately 3.2 million Sony PlayStation 3 units, 7.3 million Nintendo Wii units, 9.1 million Microsoft Xbox 360 units, 10.5 million Sony PSP units, 41 million Sony PlayStation 2 units, 14 million Microsoft Xbox units, 12 million Nintendo GameCube units, 17.5 million Nintendo DS units and 36 million Game Boy Advance SP and Game Boy Advance units. Hardware manufacturers and third-party software publishers have produced a wide variety of software titles for each of these hardware platforms. Based on internal company estimates, we believe that the installed base of video game software units in the United States exceeds 1.2 billion units. According to the International Development Group, the installed base of hardware systems in Europe is approximately 101 million units. As the substantial installed base of video game hardware and software continues to grow, there is a growing demand for used video game products.

 

PC Entertainment Software.  PC entertainment software is generally sold in the form of CD-ROMs and played on multimedia PCs featuring fast processors, expanded memories, and enhanced graphics and audio capabilities.

 

Business Strategy

 

Our goal is to strengthen our position as the world’s largest retailer of new and used video game products and PC entertainment software by focusing on the following strategies:

 

Continuing to Execute Our Proven Growth Strategies.  We intend to continue to execute our proven growth strategies, including:

 

 

Targeting a Broad Audience of Game Players.  We have created a store environment targeting a broad audience including the electronic game enthusiast, the casual gamer and the seasonal gift giver. Our stores focus on the electronic game enthusiast who demands the latest merchandise featuring the “hottest” technology immediately on the day of release and the value-oriented customer who wants a wide selection of value-priced used video game products. Our stores offer the opportunity to trade in used video game products in exchange for store credits applicable to future purchases, which, in turn, drives more sales.

 

Enhancing our Image as a Destination Location.  Our stores serve as destination locations for game players and gift givers due to our broad selection of products, knowledgeable sales associates, game-oriented environment and unique pricing proposition. We offer all major video game platforms, provide a broad assortment of video game products and offer a larger and more current selection of merchandise than other retailers. We provide a high level of customer service by hiring game enthusiasts and providing them with ongoing sales training, as well as training in the latest technical and functional elements of our products and services. Our stores are equipped with several video game sampling areas, which provide our customers the opportunity to play games before purchase, as well as equipment to play video game clips.

 

Offering the Largest Selection of Used Video Game Products.  We believe we are the largest retailer of used video games in the world and carry the broadest selection of used video game products for both current and previous generation platforms. We are one of the only retailers that provides video game software for previous generation platforms, giving us a unique advantage in the video game retail industry. The opportunity to trade in and purchase used video game products offers our customers a unique value proposition generally unavailable at most mass merchants, toy stores and consumer electronics retailers. We obtain most of our used video game products from trade-ins made in our stores by our customers. Used video game products generate significantly higher gross margins than new video game products.

 

Building the GameStop Brand.  Substantially all of GameStop’s U.S. and European stores are operated under the GameStop name, including stores acquired from EB. Building the GameStop brand has enabled us to leverage brand awareness and to capture advertising and marketing efficiencies. Our branding strategy is further supported

by the GameStop “Edge” loyalty card and our website. The GameStop loyalty card, which is obtained as a bonus with a paid subscription to our Game Informer magazine, offers customers discounts on selected merchandise in our stores. Our websites allow our customers to buy games on-line and to learn about the latest video game products and PC entertainment software and their availability in our stores. In 2007, GameStop introduced its new brand tagline “Power to the Players” and launched a T.V., radio and newspaper advertising campaign to increase brand awareness of the GameStop brand.

 

Providing a First-to-Market Distribution Network.  We employ a variety of rapid-response distribution methods in our efforts to be the first-to-market for new video game products and PC entertainment software. We strive to deliver popular new releases to selected stores within hours of release and to all of our stores by the next morning. This highly efficient distribution network is essential, as a significant portion of a new title’s sales will be generated in the first few days and weeks following its release. As the world’s largest retailer of video game products and PC entertainment software with a proven capability to distribute new releases to our customers quickly, we believe that we regularly receive a large allocation of popular new video game products and PC entertainment software. On a daily basis, we actively monitor sales trends, customer reservations and store manager feedback to ensure a high in-stock position for each store. To assist our customers in obtaining immediate access to new releases, we offer our customers the opportunity to pre-order products in our stores or through our website prior to their release.

 

Investing in our Information Systems and Distribution Capabilities.  We employ sophisticated and fully-integrated inventory management, store-level point of sale and financial systems and state-of-the-art distribution facilities. These systems enable us to maximize the efficiency of the flow of over 4,500 SKUs, improve store efficiency, optimize store in-stock positions and carry a broad selection of inventory. Our proprietary inventory management system enables us to maximize sales of new release titles and avoid markdowns as titles mature and utilizes electronic point-of-sale equipment that provides corporate headquarters with daily information regarding store-level sales and available inventory levels to automatically generate replenishment shipments to each store at least twice a week. In addition, our highly-customized inventory management system allows us to actively manage the pricing and product availability of our used video game products across our store base and to reallocate our inventory as necessary. Our systems enable each store to carry a merchandise assortment uniquely tailored to its own sales mix and customer needs. Our ability to react quickly to consumer purchasing trends has resulted in a target mix of inventory, reduced shipping and handling costs for overstocks and reduced our need to discount products.

 

Growth Strategy

 

Open New Stores.  We intend to continue to open new stores in our targeted markets. We opened 586 new stores in the 52 weeks ended February 2, 2008 (“fiscal 2007”) and 421 new stores in the 53 weeks ended February 3, 2007 (“fiscal 2006”). We plan to open approximately 575 to 600 new stores in the 52 weeks ending January 31, 2009 (“fiscal 2008”). Our primary growth vehicles will be the expansion of our strip center store base in the United States and the expansion of our international store base. Our strategy within the U.S. is to open strip center stores in targeted major metropolitan markets and in regional shopping centers in other markets. Our international strategy is to continue our expansion in Europe and the opening of new stores in advantageous markets and locations in Canada and Australia. We analyze each market relative to target population and other demographic indices, real estate availability, competitive factors and past operating history, if available. In some cases, these new stores may adversely impact sales at existing stores, but our goal is to minimize the impact.

 

Increase Comparable Store Sales.  We plan to increase our comparable store sales by capitalizing on the growth in the video game industry, expanding our sales of used video game products and increasing awareness of the GameStop brand.

 

 

 

Operating Segments

 

We identified our four operating segments based on a combination of geographic areas, the methods with which we analyze performance and the division of management responsibility. Segment results for the United States include retail operations in the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam and Puerto Rico, the electronic commerce websites www.gamestop.com and www.ebgames.com and Game Informer magazine. Segment results for Canada include retail operations in stores throughout Canada and segment results for Australia include retail operations in Australia and New Zealand. Segment results for Europe include retail operations in 12 European countries.

 

Our U.S. segment is supported by distribution centers in Texas and Kentucky, and further supported through the use of third-party distribution centers for new release titles. We distribute merchandise to our Canadian segment from a distribution center in Ontario. We have a distribution center near Brisbane, Australia which supports our Australian operations and a small distribution facility in New Zealand which supports the stores in New Zealand. European segment operations are supported by five regionally-located distribution centers.

 

Our international segments purchase products from many of the same vendors as the U.S., including Sony and Electronic Arts. Products from certain other vendors such as Microsoft and Nintendo are obtained through distributors operating in the various countries in which we operate.

 

Additional information, including financial information, regarding our operating segments can be found in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and in Note 17 of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.”

 

Merchandise

 

Substantially all of our revenues are derived from the sale of tangible products. Our product offerings consist of new and used video game products, PC entertainment software, and related products, such as trading cards and strategy guides. Our in-store inventory generally consists of a constantly changing selection of over 4,500 SKUs. We have buying groups in the U.S., Canada, Australia and Europe that negotiate terms, discounts and cooperative advertising allowances for the stores in their respective geographic areas. We use customer requests and feedback, advance orders, industry magazines and product reviews to determine which new releases are expected to be hits. Advance orders are tracked at individual stores to distribute titles and capture demand effectively. This merchandise

management is essential because a significant portion of a game’s sales are usually generated in the first days and weeks following its release.

 

Video Game Software.  We purchase new video game software directly from the leading manufacturers, including Sony, Nintendo and Microsoft, as well as over 40 third-party game publishers, such as Electronic Arts and Activision. We are one of the largest customers of video game titles sold by these publishers. We generally carry over 1,000 SKUs of new video game software at any given time across a variety of genres, including Sports, Action, Strategy, Adventure/Role Playing and Simulation.

 

Used Video Game Products.  We believe we are the largest retailer of used video games in the world. We provide our customers with an opportunity to trade in their used video game products in our stores in exchange for store credits which can be applied towards the purchase of other products, primarily new merchandise. We have the largest selection (approximately 3,000 SKUs) of used video game titles which have an average price of $16 as compared to an average price of $42 for new video game titles and which generate significantly higher gross margins than new video game products. Our trade-in program provides our customers with a unique value proposition which is generally unavailable at mass merchants, toy stores and consumer electronics retailers. This program provides us with an inventory of used video game products which we resell to our more value-oriented customers. In addition, our highly-customized inventory management system allows us to actively manage the pricing and product availability of our used video game products across our store base and to reallocate our inventory as necessary. Our trade-in program also allows us to be one of the only suppliers of previous generation platforms and related video games. We also operate refurbishment centers in the U.S., Canada, Australia and Europe where defective video game products can be tested, repaired, relabeled, repackaged and redistributed back to our stores.

 

Video Game Hardware.  We offer the video game platforms of all major manufacturers, including the Sony PlayStation 2 and 3 and PSP, Microsoft Xbox 360, the Nintendo Wii and DS. We also offer extended service agreements on video game hardware and software. In support of our strategy to be the destination location for electronic game players, we aggressively promote the sale of video game platforms. Video game hardware sales are generally driven by the introduction of new platform technology and the reduction in price points as platforms mature. Due to our strong relationships with the manufacturers of these platforms, we often receive disproportionately large allocations of new release hardware products, which is an important component of our strategy to be the destination of choice for electronic game players. We believe that selling video game hardware increases store traffic and promotes customer loyalty, leading to increased sales of video game software and accessories, which have higher gross margins than video game hardware.

 

PC Entertainment and Other Software.  We purchase PC entertainment software from over 45 publishers, including Electronic Arts, Microsoft and Vivendi Universal. We offer PC entertainment software across a variety of genres, including Sports, Action, Strategy, Adventure/Role Playing and Simulation.

 

Accessories and Other Products.  Video game accessories consist primarily of controllers, memory cards and other add-ons. PC entertainment accessories consist primarily of joysticks. We also carry strategy guides and magazines, as well as trading cards. We carry over 300 SKUs of accessories and other products. In general, this category has higher margins than new video game and PC entertainment products.

 

Store Operations

 

As of February 2, 2008, we operated 5,264 stores, primarily under the GameStop name. Each of our stores typically carries over 4,500 SKUs. We design our stores to provide an electronic gaming atmosphere with an engaging and visually captivating layout. Our stores are equipped with several video game sampling areas, which provide our customers the opportunity to play games before purchase, as well as equipment to play video game clips. We use store configuration, in-store signage and product demonstrations to produce marketing opportunities both for our vendors and for us.

 

Our stores, which average approximately 1,500 square feet, carry a balanced mix of new and used video game products and PC entertainment software. Our stores are generally located in high-traffic “power strip centers,” local neighborhood strip centers, high-traffic shopping malls and pedestrian areas, primarily in major metropolitan areas.

These locations provide easy access and high frequency of visits and, in the case of strip centers and high-traffic pedestrian stores, high visibility. We target strip centers that are conveniently located, have a mass merchant or supermarket anchor tenant and have a high volume of customers.

 

Site Selection and Locations

 

Site Selection.  In the U.S., we have a dedicated staff of real estate personnel experienced in selecting store locations. International locations are selected by the management in each region or country. Site selections for new stores are made after an extensive review of demographic data and other information relating to market potential, competitor access and visibility, compatible nearby tenants, accessible parking, location visibility, lease terms and the location of our other stores. Most of our stores are located in highly visible locations within malls and strip centers.

 

Locations.  The table below sets forth the number of our stores located in the U.S., Canada, Europe and Australia as of February 2, 2008:

 

 

Game Informer

 

We publish Game Informer, a monthly video game magazine featuring reviews of new title releases, tips and secrets about existing games and news regarding current developments in the electronic game industry. The magazine is sold through subscription and through displays in our United States, Canada and Ireland stores. For its February 2008 issue, the magazine had approximately 2.9 million paid subscriptions. According to Mediaweek magazine, Game Informer is the 23rd largest consumer publication in the U.S. Game Informer revenues are also generated through the sale of advertising space. In addition, we offer the GameStop loyalty card as a bonus with each paid subscription, providing our subscribers with a discount on selected merchandise. Game Informer operations are included in the United States segment where the majority of subscriptions and sales are generated.

 

E-Commerce

 

We operate electronic commerce websites at www.gamestop.com and www.ebgames.com that allow our customers to buy video game products and other merchandise on-line. The sites also offer customers information and content about available games, release dates for upcoming games, and access to store information, such as location and product availability. In 2005, we entered into an arrangement with Barnes & Noble under which www.gamestop.com is the exclusive specialty video game retailer listed on www.bn.com, Barnes & Noble’s e-commerce site. E-commerce results are included in the United States segment where the majority of the sales originate.

 

Advertising

 

Our stores are primarily located in high traffic, high visibility areas of regional shopping malls and strip centers. Given the high foot traffic drawn past the stores themselves, we use in-store marketing efforts such as window displays and “coming soon” signs to attract customers, as well as to promote used video game products. Inside the stores, we feature selected products through the use of vendor displays, “coming soon” or preview videos, signs, catalogs, point-of-purchase materials and end-cap displays. These advertising efforts are designed to increase the initial sales of new titles upon their release.

 

On a global basis, we receive cooperative advertising and market development funds from manufacturers, distributors, software publishers and accessory suppliers to promote their respective products. Generally, vendors agree to purchase advertising space in one of our advertising vehicles. Once we run the advertising, the vendor pays to us an agreed amount.

 

In the last three years, as part of our brand-building efforts and targeted growth strategies, we expanded our advertising and promotional activities in certain targeted markets at certain key times of the year. In addition, we expanded our use of television and radio advertising in certain markets to promote brand awareness and store openings.

 

Information Management

 

Our operating strategy involves providing a broad merchandise selection to our customers as quickly and as cost-effectively as possible. We use our inventory management systems to maximize the efficiency of the flow of products to our stores, enhance store efficiency and optimize store in-stock and overall investment in inventory.

 

Distribution.  We operate a 410,000 square foot distribution center in Grapevine, Texas and a 260,000 square foot distribution center in Louisville, Kentucky. We currently use the center in Louisville, Kentucky to support our first-to-market distribution efforts, while our Grapevine, Texas facility supports efforts to replenish stores. In order to enhance our first-to-market distribution network, we also utilize the services of several off-site, third-party operated distribution centers that pick up products from our suppliers, repackage the products for each of our stores and ship those products to our stores by package carriers. Our ability to rapidly process incoming shipments of new release titles at the Louisville and third-party facilities and deliver those shipments to all of our stores, either that day or by the next morning, enables us to meet peak demand and replenish stores at least twice a week.

 

The state-of-the-art facilities in Grapevine, Texas and Louisville, Kentucky are designed to effectively control and minimize inventory levels. Technologically-advanced conveyor systems and flow-through racks control costs

and improve speed of fulfillment in both facilities. The technology used in the distribution centers allows for high-volume receiving, distributions to stores and returns to vendors. Inventory is shipped to each store at least twice a week, or daily, if necessary, in order to keep stores in supply of products.

 

We distribute merchandise to our Canadian segment from two distribution centers in Brampton, Ontario. We have a distribution center near Brisbane, Australia which supports our Australian operations and a small distribution facility in New Zealand which supports the stores in New Zealand. European segment operations are supported by five regionally-located distribution centers in Milan, Italy; Memmingen, Germany; Arlov, Sweden; Valencia, Spain and Dublin, Ireland. All of our international distribution facilities support both new title distribution and replenishment, which are sometimes supported by third-party distribution networks. These facilities are designed to support the first-to-market distribution network and enable our stores to meet peak demand and replenish stores at least twice a week. Our international distribution facilities also support refurbishment of used products to be redistributed to stores.

 

Management Information Systems.  Our proprietary inventory management system and point-of-sale technology show daily sales and in-store stock by title by store. Our systems use this data to automatically generate replenishment shipments to each store from our distribution centers, enabling each store to carry a merchandise assortment uniquely tailored to its own sales mix and rate of sale. Our call lists and reservation system also provide our buying staff with information to determine order size and inventory management for store-by-store inventory allocation. We constantly review and edit our merchandise categories with the objective of ensuring that inventory is up-to-date and meets customer needs.

 

To support our U.S. operations, we use a large-scale, Intel-based computing environment with a state-of-the-art storage area network and a wired and wireless corporate network installed at our U.S. headquarters, and a secure, virtual private network to access and provide services to computing assets located in our stores, distribution centers and satellite offices and to our mobile workforce. This strategy has proven to minimize initial outlay of capital while allowing for flexibility and growth as operations expand. To support our international operations, we use a mid-range, scalable computing environment and a state-of-the-art storage area network. Computing assets and our mobile workforce around the globe access this environment via a secure, virtual private network. Regional communication links exist to each of our distribution centers and offices in international locations with connectivity to our U.S. data center as required by our international, distributed applications.

 

Our in-store point-of-sale system enables us to efficiently manage in-store transactions. This proprietary point-of-sale system has been enhanced to facilitate trade-in transactions, including automatic look-up of trade-in prices and printing of machine-readable bar codes to facilitate in-store restocking of used video games. In addition, our central database of all used video game products allows us to actively manage the pricing and product availability of our used video game products across our store base and reallocate our used video game products as necessary.

 

Field Management and Staff

 

GameStop’s U.S. store operations are managed by a centrally-located senior vice president of stores, four vice presidents of stores and 27 regional store operations directors. The regions are further divided into districts, each with a district manager covering an average of 14 stores. In total, there are approximately 290 districts. Our stores in Europe are managed by two vice presidents and managing directors in each country. Our stores in Australia and Canada are each managed by a vice president. Each store employs, on average, one manager, one assistant manager and between two and ten sales associates, many of whom are part-time employees. Each store manager is responsible for managing their personnel and the economic performance of their store. We have cultivated a work environment that attracts employees who are actively interested in electronic games. We seek to hire and retain employees who know and enjoy working with our products so that they are better able to assist customers. To encourage them to sell the full range of our products and to maximize our profitability, we provide our employees with targeted incentive programs to drive overall sales and sales of higher margin products. We also provide our U.S. employees with the opportunity to take home and try new video games, which enables them to better discuss those games with our customers. In addition, employees are casually dressed to encourage customer access and increase the “game-oriented” focus of the stores. We also employ regional loss prevention managers who assist the stores in implementing security to prevent theft of our products.

Our stores communicate with our corporate offices daily via e-mail. This e-mail allows for better tracking of trends in upcoming titles, competitor strategies and in-stock inventory positions. In addition, this communication allows title selection in each store to be continuously updated and tailored to reflect the tastes and buying patterns of the store’s local market. These communications also give field management access to relevant inventory levels and loss prevention information. We have invested in significant management training programs for our store managers and our district managers to enhance their business management skills. We also sponsor annual store managers’ conferences in the U.S., Canada, Europe and Australia, to which we invite all video game software publishers to attend, and operate an intense educational training program to provide our employees with information about the video game products that will be released by those publishers in the holiday season.

 

Customer Service

 

Our store personnel provide value-added services to each customer, such as maintaining lists of regular customers and reserving new releases for customers with a down payment to ensure product availability. In addition, our store personnel readily provide product reviews to ensure customers are making informed purchasing decisions and inform customers of available resources, including Game Informer, to increase a customer’s enjoyment of the product upon purchase.

 

Vendors

 

We purchase substantially all of our new products worldwide from approximately 75 manufacturers and software publishers and approximately five distributors. Purchases from the top ten vendors accounted for approximately 80% of our new product purchases in fiscal 2007. Only Nintendo, Sony, Microsoft, and Electronic Arts (which accounted for 21%, 17%, 16%, and 11%, respectively) individually accounted for more than 10% of our new product purchases during fiscal 2007. We have established price protections and return privileges with our primary vendors in order to reduce the risk of inventory obsolescence. In addition, we have few purchase contracts with trade vendors and generally conduct business on an order-by-order basis, a practice that is typical throughout the industry. We believe that maintaining and strengthening our long-term relationships with our vendors is essential to our operations and continued expansion. We believe that we have very good relationships with our vendors.

 

Competition

 

The electronic game industry is intensely competitive and subject to rapid changes in consumer preferences and frequent new product introductions. In the U.S., we compete with mass merchants and regional chains, including Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (“Wal-Mart”) and Target Corporation (“Target”); computer product and consumer electronics stores, including Best Buy Co., Inc. (“Best Buy”) and Circuit City Stores, Inc. (“Circuit City”); other video game and PC software specialty stores located in malls and other locations; toy retail chains; mail-order businesses; catalogs; direct sales by software publishers; and online retailers and game rental companies. In addition, video games are available for sale and rental from many video stores, such as Movie Gallery, Inc. (“Movie Gallery”) and Blockbuster, Inc. (“Blockbuster”). Video game products may also be distributed through other methods which may emerge in the future. We also compete with sellers of used video game products. Additionally, we compete with other forms of entertainment activities, including movies, television, theater, sporting events and family entertainment centers.

 

Competitors in Europe include Game Group plc (“Game Group”) and its subsidiaries, which operates in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Scandinavia, France, Spain and Portugal, and Media Markt, which operates throughout Europe. Competitors in Canada include Wal-Mart, Best Buy and its subsidiary Future Shop. In Australia, competitors include Game Group, K-Mart, Target and JB HiFi stores.

 

Seasonality

 

Our business, like that of many retailers, is seasonal, with the major portion of our sales and operating profit realized during the fourth fiscal quarter, which includes the holiday selling season. During fiscal 2007, we generated approximately 40% of our sales and approximately 58% of our operating earnings during the fourth quarter. During

fiscal 2006, we generated approximately 43% of our sales and approximately 67% of our operating earnings during the fourth quarter.

 

Trademarks

 

We have a number of trademarks and servicemarks, including “GameStop,” “Game Informer,” “EB Games,” “Electronics Boutique” and “Power to the Players,” all of which have been registered by us with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. For many of our trademarks and servicemarks, we also have registered or have registrations pending with the trademark authorities for our international locations. We maintain a policy of pursuing registration of our principal marks and opposing any infringement of our marks.

 

Employees

 

We have approximately 13,000 full-time salaried and hourly employees and between 14,000 and 30,000 part-time hourly employees worldwide, depending on the time of year. Fluctuation in the number of part-time hourly employees is due to the seasonality of our business. We believe that our relationship with our employees is excellent. None of our U.S. employees is represented by a labor union or is a member of a collective bargaining unit. Some of our international employees are covered by collective bargaining agreements.

 

Available Information

 

We make available on our website (www.gamestop.com), under “Investor Relations — SEC Filings,” free of charge, our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file or furnish such material with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). You may read and copy this information or obtain copies of this information by mail from the Public Reference Room of the SEC, 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates. Further information on the operation of the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. can be obtained by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC also maintains a website that contains reports, proxy statements and other information about issuers, like GameStop, who file electronically with the SEC. The address of that site is http://www.sec.gov. In addition to copies of our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports, the Company’s Code of Standards, Ethics and Conduct is available on our website under “Investor Relations — Corporate Governance” and is available to our stockholders in print, free of charge, upon written request to the Company’s Investor Relations Department at GameStop Corp., 625 Westport Parkway, Grapevine, Texas 76051.

 

 

An investment in our Company involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the risks below, together with the other information contained in this report, before you make an investment decision with respect to our Company. The risks described below are not the only ones facing our Company. Additional risks not presently known to us, or that we consider immaterial, may also impair our business operations. Any of the following risks could materially adversely affect our business, operating results or financial condition, and could cause a decline in the trading price of our common stock and the value of your investment.

 

Risks Related to Our Business

 

We depend upon our key personnel and they would be difficult to replace.

 

Our success depends upon our ability to attract, motivate and retain key management for our stores and skilled merchandising, marketing and administrative personnel at our headquarters. We depend upon the continued services of our key executive officers, R. Richard Fontaine, our Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer; Daniel A. DeMatteo, our Vice Chairman and Chief Operating Officer; Steven R. Morgan, our President; David W. Carlson, our Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer; and Tony D. Bartel, our Executive Vice President of Merchandising and Marketing. The loss of services of any of our key personnel could have a negative impact on our business.

We depend upon the timely delivery of products.

 

We depend on major hardware manufacturers, primarily Sony, Nintendo and Microsoft, to deliver new and existing video game platforms on a timely basis and in anticipated quantities. In addition, we depend on software publishers to introduce new and updated software titles. Any material delay in the introduction or delivery, or limited allocations, of hardware platforms or software titles could result in reduced sales in one or more fiscal quarters.

 

We depend upon third parties to develop products and software.

 

Our business depends upon the continued development of new and enhanced video game platforms, PC hardware and video game and PC entertainment software. Our business could suffer due to the failure of manufacturers to develop new or enhanced video game platforms, a decline in the continued technological development and use of multimedia PCs, or the failure of software publishers to develop popular game and entertainment titles for current or future generation video game systems or PC hardware.

 

Our ability to obtain favorable terms from our suppliers may impact our financial results.

 

Our financial results depend significantly upon the business terms we can obtain from our suppliers, including competitive prices, unsold product return policies, advertising and market development allowances, freight charges and payment terms. We purchase substantially all of our products directly from manufacturers, software publishers and approximately five distributors. Our largest vendors worldwide are Nintendo, Sony, Microsoft and Electronic Arts, which accounted for 21%, 17%, 16% and 11%, respectively, of our new product purchases in fiscal 2007. If our suppliers do not provide us with favorable business terms, we may not be able to offer products to our customers at competitive prices.

 

If our vendors fail to provide marketing and merchandising support at historical levels, our sales and earnings could be negatively impacted.

 

The manufacturers of video game hardware and software and PC entertainment software have typically provided retailers with significant marketing and merchandising support for their products. As part of this support, we receive cooperative advertising and market development payments from these vendors. These cooperative advertising and market development payments enable us to actively promote and merchandise the products we sell and drive sales at our stores and on our websites. We cannot assure you that vendors will continue to provide this support at historical levels. If they fail to do so, our sales and earnings could be negatively impacted.

 

The electronic game industry is cyclical, which could cause significant fluctuation in our earnings.

 

The electronic game industry has been cyclical in nature in response to the introduction and maturation of new technology. Following the introduction of new video game platforms, sales of these platforms and related software and accessories generally increase due to initial demand, while sales of older platforms and related products generally decrease as customers migrate toward the new platforms. New video game platforms have historically been introduced approximately every five years. If video game platform manufacturers fail to develop new hardware platforms, our sales of video game products could decline.

 

Pressure from our competitors may force us to reduce our prices or increase spending, which could decrease our profitability.

 

The electronic game industry is intensely competitive and subject to rapid changes in consumer preferences and frequent new product introductions. We compete with mass merchants and regional chains, including Wal-Mart and Target; computer product and consumer electronics stores, including Best Buy and Circuit City; other U.S. and international video game and PC software specialty stores located in malls and other locations, such as Game Group and Media Markt; toy retail chains; mail-order businesses; catalogs; direct sales by software publishers; and online retailers and game rental companies. In addition, video games are available for sale and rental from many video stores, such as Movie Gallery and Blockbuster. Video game products may also be distributed through other methods which may emerge in the future. We also compete with sellers of used video game products. Some of our

competitors in the electronic game industry have longer operating histories and may have greater financial resources than we do. Additionally, we compete with other forms of entertainment activities, including movies, television, theater, sporting events and family entertainment centers. If we lose customers to our competitors, or if we reduce our prices or increase our spending to maintain our customers, we may be less profitable.

 

International events could delay or prevent the delivery of products to our suppliers.

 

Our suppliers rely on foreign sources, primarily in Asia, to manufacture a portion of the products we purchase from them. As a result, any event causing a disruption of imports, including the imposition of import restrictions or trade restrictions in the form of tariffs or quotas, could increase the cost and reduce the supply of products available to us, which could lower our sales and profitability.

 

Our international operations expose us to numerous risks.

 

We have international retail operations in Australia, Canada and Europe. Because release schedules for hardware and software introduction in these markets often differ from release schedules in the United States, the timing of increases and decreases in foreign sales may differ from the timing of increases and decreases in domestic sales. We are also subject to a number of other factors that may affect our current or future international operations. These include:

 

 

There may be possible changes in our global tax rate.

 

As a result of our operations in many foreign countries, our global tax rate is derived from a combination of applicable tax rates in the various jurisdictions in which we operate. Depending upon the sources of our income, any agreements we may have with taxing authorities in various jurisdictions and the tax filing positions we take in various jurisdictions, our overall tax rate may be higher than other companies or higher than our tax rates have been in the past. We base our estimate of an annual effective tax rate at any given point in time on a calculated mix of the tax rates applicable to our company and to estimates of the amount of income to be derived in any given jurisdiction. A change in the mix of our business from year to year and from country to country, changes in rules related to accounting for income taxes, changes in tax laws in any of the multiple jurisdictions in which we operate or adverse outcomes from the tax audits that regularly are in process in any jurisdiction in which we operate could result in an unfavorable change in our overall tax rate, which could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of our operations.

 

If we are unable to renew or enter into new leases on favorable terms, our revenue growth may decline.

 

All of our retail stores are located in leased premises. If the cost of leasing existing stores increases, we cannot assure you that we will be able to maintain our existing store locations as leases expire. In addition, we may not be able to enter into new leases on favorable terms or at all, or we may not be able to locate suitable alternative sites or additional sites for new store expansion in a timely manner. Our revenues and earnings may decline if we fail to maintain existing store locations, enter into new leases, locate alternative sites or find additional sites for new store expansion.

 

The ability to download video games and play video games on the Internet could lower our sales.

 

While it is currently only possible to download a limited amount of video game content to the next generation video game systems, at some point in the future this technology may become more prevalent. A limited selection of PC entertainment software and older generation video games is currently available for download over the Internet.

If advances in technology continue to expand our customers’ ability to access software through these and other sources, our customers may no longer choose to purchase video games or PC entertainment software in our stores. As a result, sales and earnings could decline.

 

If we fail to keep pace with changing industry technology, we will be at a competitive disadvantage.

 

The interactive entertainment industry is characterized by swiftly changing technology, evolving industry standards, frequent new and enhanced product introductions and product obsolescence. These characteristics require us to respond quickly to technological changes and to understand their impact on our customers’ preferences. If we fail to keep pace with these changes, our business may suffer.

 

An adverse trend in sales during the holiday selling season could impact our financial results.

 

Our business, like that of many retailers, is seasonal, with the major portion of our sales and operating profit realized during the fourth fiscal quarter, which includes the holiday selling season. During fiscal 2007, we generated approximately 40% of our sales and approximately 58% of our operating earnings during the fourth quarter. Any adverse trend in sales during the holiday selling season could lower our results of operations for the fourth quarter and the entire year.

 

Our results of operations may fluctuate from quarter to quarter, which could affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Our results of operations may fluctuate from quarter to quarter depending upon several factors, some of which are beyond our control. These factors include:

 

 

These and other factors could affect our business, financial condition and results of operations, and this makes the prediction of our financial results on a quarterly basis difficult. Also, it is possible that our quarterly financial results may be below the expectations of public market analysts.

 

Our failure to effectively manage new store openings could lower our sales and profitability.

 

Our growth strategy is largely dependent upon opening new stores and operating them profitably. We opened 586 stores in fiscal 2007 and expect to open approximately 575 to 600 new stores in fiscal 2008. Our ability to open new stores and operate them profitably depends upon a number of factors, some of which may be beyond our control. These factors include:

 

 

Our growth will also depend on our ability to process increased merchandise volume resulting from new store openings through our inventory management systems and distribution facilities in a timely manner. If we fail to manage new store openings in a timely and cost efficient manner, our growth may decrease.

 

If our management information systems fail to perform or are inadequate, our ability to manage our business could be disrupted.

 

We rely on computerized inventory and management systems to coordinate and manage the activities in our distribution centers, as well as to communicate distribution information to the off-site, third-party operated

distribution centers with which we work. The third-party distribution centers pick up products from our suppliers, repackage the products for each of our stores and ship those products to our stores by package carriers. We use inventory replenishment systems to track sales and inventory. Our ability to rapidly process incoming shipments of new release titles and deliver them to all of our stores, either that day or by the next morning, enables us to meet peak demand and replenish stores at least twice a week, to keep our stores in stock at optimum levels and to move inventory efficiently. If our inventory or management information systems fail to adequately perform these functions, our business could be adversely affected. In addition, if operations in any of our distribution centers were to shut down for a prolonged period of time or if these centers were unable to accommodate the continued store growth in a particular region, our business could suffer.

 

We may engage in acquisitions which could negatively impact our business if we fail to successfully complete and integrate them.

 

To enhance our efforts to grow and compete, we may engage in acquisitions. Our plans to pursue future acquisitions are subject to our ability to negotiate favorable terms for these acquisitions. Accordingly, we cannot assure you that future acquisitions will be completed. In addition, to facilitate future acquisitions, we may take actions that could dilute the equity interests of our stockholders, increase our debt or cause us to assume contingent liabilities, all of which may have a detrimental effect on the price of our common stock. Finally, if any acquisitions are not successfully integrated with our business, our ongoing operations could be adversely affected.

 

Litigation and litigation results could negatively impact our future financial condition and results of operations.

 

In the ordinary course of our business, the Company is, from time to time, subject to various litigation and legal proceedings. In the future, the costs or results of such legal proceedings, individually or in the aggregate, could have a negative impact on the Company’s operations or financial condition.

 

Legislative actions and potential new accounting pronouncements are likely to cause our general and administrative expenses to increase and impact our future financial condition and results of operations.

 

In order to comply with the New York Stock Exchange listing standards and rules adopted by the SEC or other regulatory bodies, we may be required to increase our expenditures and hire additional personnel and additional outside legal, accounting and advisory services, all of which may cause our general and administrative costs to increase. Changes in the accounting rules could materially increase the expenses that we report under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and adversely affect our operating results.

 

Risks Relating to Our Indebtedness

 

To service our indebtedness, we will require a significant amount of cash, the availability of which depends on many factors beyond our control.

 

Our ability to make scheduled payments or to refinance our debt obligations depends on our financial and operating performance, which is subject to prevailing economic and competitive conditions and to certain financial, business and other factors beyond our control. These factors include:

 

 

 

If our financial condition or operating results materially deteriorate, our relations with our creditors, including holders of our senior notes, the lenders under our senior credit facility and our suppliers, may be materially and adversely impacted.

 

As a result of the mergers, we have significant debt that could adversely impact cash availability for growth and operations and may increase our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions.

 

We incurred $950 million in debt as a result of the mergers in 2005. As of February 2, 2008, we had approximately $574 million of indebtedness. Our debt service obligations with respect to this indebtedness 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, including the following:

 

 

If our cash flows and capital resources are insufficient to fund our debt service obligations, we may be forced to reduce or delay capital expenditures, sell assets, seek additional capital or restructure or refinance our indebtedness, including the senior notes. These alternative measures may not be successful and may not permit us to meet our scheduled debt service obligations. Our senior credit facility and the indenture governing the senior notes restrict our ability to dispose of assets and use the proceeds from such dispositions. We may not be able to consummate those dispositions, dispose of our assets at prices that we believe are fair or use the proceeds from asset sales to make payments on the notes and these proceeds may not be adequate to meet any debt service obligations then due.

 

Because of our floating rate credit facilities, we may be adversely affected by interest rate changes.

 

Our financial position may be affected by fluctuations in interest rates, as our senior credit facility is subject to floating interest rates.

 

Interest rates are highly sensitive to many factors, including governmental monetary policies, domestic and international economic and political conditions and other factors beyond our control. If we were to borrow against our senior credit facility, a significant increase in interest rates could have an adverse effect on our financial position and results of operations.

 

Our operations are substantially restricted by the indenture governing the senior notes and the terms of our senior credit facility.

 

The indenture for the senior notes imposes, and the terms of any future debt may impose, significant operating and financial restrictions on us. These restrictions, among other things, limit the ability of the issuers of the senior notes and of GameStop’s restricted subsidiaries to:

 

 

 

We cannot assure you that these covenants will not adversely affect our ability to finance our future operations or capital needs or to pursue available business opportunities.

 

The senior credit facility contains various restrictive covenants prohibiting us, in certain circumstances, from, among other things, prepaying, redeeming or purchasing certain indebtedness.

 

Despite current anticipated indebtedness levels and restrictive covenants, we may incur additional indebtedness in the future.

 

Despite our current level of indebtedness, we may be able to incur substantial additional indebtedness in the future, including additional secured indebtedness. Although the terms of the indenture governing the senior notes and our senior credit facility restrict the issuers of the senior notes and GameStop’s restricted subsidiaries from incurring additional indebtedness, these restrictions are subject to important exceptions and qualifications. If we incur additional indebtedness, the risks that we now face as a result of our leverage could intensify.

 

 

None.

 

 

All of our stores are leased. Store leases typically provide for an initial lease term of three to ten years, plus renewal options. This arrangement gives us the flexibility to pursue extension or relocation opportunities that arise from changing market conditions. We believe that, as current leases expire, we will be able to obtain either renewals at present locations or leases for equivalent locations in the same area.

 

The terms of the store leases for the 5,264 leased stores open as of February 2, 2008 expire as follows:

 

 

The Company owns a 510,000 square foot facility in Grapevine, Texas, which houses our corporate headquarters and certain of our distribution operations. In May 2006, we purchased an additional 65,000 square foot building at the Grapevine, Texas location which is currently being used in our refurbishing operations. We also own the following distribution facilities: an 80,000 square foot distribution facility in Arlov, Sweden; a

119,000 square foot distribution facility in Brampton, Ontario, Canada; a 120,000 square foot distribution facility in Milan, Italy; a 67,000 square foot distribution facility in Memmingen, Germany; and a 70,000 square foot distribution facility in Pinkenba, Queensland, Australia.

 

In addition to our stores, we lease the following distribution or office facilities: a 260,000 square foot distribution center in Louisville, Kentucky under a lease which expires in July 2010; a 59,000 square foot distribution and office facility in Brampton, Ontario, Canada under a lease which expires in December 2016; a 13,000 square foot distribution facility in New Zealand under a lease which expires in April 2010; a 22,000 square foot distribution facility in Valencia, Spain under a lease which expires in March 2009; a 15,000 square foot office facility in Valencia, Spain under a lease which expires in August 2009; a 11,700 square foot office facility in Minneapolis, Minnesota which houses the operations of Game Informer magazine, under a lease which expires in February 2012; a 15,000 square foot facility in Dublin, Ireland under a lease which expires in January 2013; and a 6,100 square foot office facility in West Chester, Pennsylvania under a lease which expires in June 2009.

 

 

On February 14, 2005, and as amended, Steve Strickland, as personal representative of the Estate of Arnold Strickland, deceased, Henry Mealer, as personal representative of the Estate of Ace Mealer, deceased, and Willie Crump, as personal representative of the Estate of James Crump, deceased, filed a wrongful death lawsuit against GameStop, Sony, Take-Two Interactive, Rock Star Games and Wal-Mart (collectively, the “Defendants”) and Devin Moore, alleging that Defendants’ actions in designing, manufacturing, marketing and supplying Defendant Moore with violent video games were negligent and contributed to Defendant Moore killing Arnold Strickland, Ace Mealer and James Crump. Moore was found guilty of capital murder in a criminal trial and was sentenced to death in August 2005.

 

The Defendants filed a motion to dismiss the case on various grounds, which was heard in November 2005 and was denied. The Alabama Supreme Court denied the Defendants’ request to appeal and discovery was ordered to proceed. The Court’s scheduling order anticipated a Frye hearing on April 6, 2007, at which plaintiffs’ causation theory and experts’ credentials were to be challenged. However, that hearing did not take place and plaintiffs’ Alabama and Florida counsel withdrew. New Alabama counsel has entered their appearance for plaintiffs and a new scheduling order is expected to be entered by the Court, which we believe will set a new Frye hearing date, a new close of discovery date and a new trial date. We do not believe there is sufficient information to estimate the amount of the possible loss, if any, resulting from the lawsuit.

 

In the ordinary course of our business, the Company is, from time to time, subject to various other legal proceedings. Management does not believe that any such other legal proceedings, individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

 

 

There were no matters submitted to a vote of security holders during the 13 weeks ended February 2, 2008.

 

 

Price Range of Common Stock

 

The Company’s Class A common stock is traded on the NYSE under the symbol “GME.” The Company’s Class B common stock was traded on the NYSE under the symbol “GME.B” until February 7, 2007 when, immediately following approval by a majority of the Class B common stockholders in a Special Meeting of the Company’s Class B common stockholders, all outstanding Class B common shares were converted into Class A common shares on a one-for-one basis.

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low sales prices (as adjusted for the Stock Split) of the Class A common stock on the NYSE Composite Tape:

 

 

 

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low sales prices of the Class B common stock on the NYSE Composite Tape:

 

 

 

The high and low sales prices of the Class B shares do not include the effects of the February 7, 2007 conversion of all outstanding Class B common shares into Class A common shares on a one-for-one basis (the “Conversion”) or the Stock Split.

 

Approximate Number of Holders of Common Equity

 

As of March 10, 2008, there were approximately 1,254 record holders of the Company’s Class A common stock, par value $.001 per share.

 

Dividends

 

The Company has never declared or paid any dividends on its common stock. We may consider in the future the advisability of paying dividends. However, our payment of dividends is and will continue to be restricted by or subject to, among other limitations, applicable provisions of federal and state laws, our earnings and various business considerations, including our financial condition, results of operations, cash flow, the level of our capital expenditures, our future business prospects, our status as a holding company and such other matters that our Board of Directors deems relevant. In addition, the terms of the senior credit facility and the terms of the Indenture governing the senior notes each restrict our ability to pay dividends. See “Liquidity and Capital Resources” included in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans

 

Information for our equity compensation plans in effect as of February 2, 2008 is as follows:

 

 

Subsequent to February 2, 2008, an additional 1,361,850 options to purchase our Class A common stock at an exercise price of $49.95 per share and 534,300 shares of restricted stock were granted under our Amended and Restated 2001 Incentive Plan, as amended. These options and restricted shares vest in equal increments over three years and the options expire on February 8, 2018.

 

Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers

 

There were no repurchases of the Company’s equity securities during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007. As of February 2, 2008, the Company had no amount available for purchases under any repurchase program.

 

 

The following table sets forth our selected consolidated financial and operating data for the periods and at the dates indicated. Our fiscal year is composed of 52 or 53 weeks ending on the Saturday closest to January 31. The fiscal year ended February 3, 2007 consisted of 53 weeks and the fiscal years ended February 2, 2008, January 28, 2006, January 29, 2005 and January 31, 2004 consisted of 52 weeks. The “Statement of Operations Data” for the fiscal years ended February 2, 2008, February 3, 2007 and January 28, 2006 and the “Balance Sheet Data” as of February 2, 2008 and February 3, 2007 are derived from, and are qualified by reference to, our audited financial statements which are included elsewhere in this Form 10-K. The “Statement of Operations Data” for fiscal years ended January 29, 2005 and January 31, 2004 and the “Balance Sheet Data” as of January 28, 2006, January 29, 2005 and January 31, 2004 are derived from our audited financial statements which are not included elsewhere in this Form 10-K.

Our selected financial data set forth below should be read in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere in this Form 10-K.

 

 

 

 

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the information contained in our consolidated financial statements, including the notes thereto. Statements regarding future economic performance, management’s plans and objectives, and any statements concerning assumptions related to the foregoing contained in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations constitute forward-looking statements. Certain factors, which may cause actual results to vary materially from these forward-looking statements, accompany such statements or appear elsewhere in this Form 10-K, including the factors disclosed under “Item 1A. — Risk Factors.”

 

General

 

GameStop Corp. (“GameStop,” “we,” “us,” “our,” or the “Company”) is the world’s largest retailer of video game products and PC entertainment software. We sell new and used video game hardware, video game software and accessories, as well as PC entertainment software and related accessories and other merchandise. As of February 2, 2008, we operated 5,264 stores, in the United States, Australia, Canada and Europe, primarily under the names GameStop and EB Games. We also operate electronic commerce websites under the names www.gamestop.com and www.ebgames.com and publish Game Informer, the industry’s largest multi-platform video game magazine in the United States based on circulation.

Our fiscal year is composed of 52 or 53 weeks ending on the Saturday closest to January 31. The fiscal years ended February 2, 2008 (“fiscal 2007”) and January 28, 2006 (“fiscal 2005”) consisted of 52 weeks. The fiscal year ended February 3, 2007 (“fiscal 2006”) consisted of 53 weeks.

 

On October 8, 2005, GameStop Holdings Corp. (“Historical GameStop”), formerly known as GameStop Corp., and Electronics Boutique Holdings Corp. (“EB” or “Electronics Boutique”) completed their previously announced mergers pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of April 17, 2005 (the “Merger Agreement”). Upon the consummation of the mergers, Historical GameStop and EB became wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company, a Delaware corporation formed for the purpose of consummating the business combination (the “mergers”). The mergers of Historical GameStop and EB have been treated as a purchase business combination for accounting purposes, with Historical GameStop designated as the acquirer. Therefore, the historical financial statements of Historical GameStop became the historical financial statements of the Company. The accompanying consolidated financial statements and notes thereto include the results of operations of EB from October 9, 2005 forward. Therefore, the Company’s operating results for the fiscal year ended January 28, 2006 include 16 weeks of EB’s results and 52 weeks, respectively, of Historical GameStop’s results. The Company’s operating results for the fiscal years ended February 2, 2008 and February 3, 2007 include 52 weeks and 53 weeks, respectively, for both Historical GameStop and EB. As a result, sales mix, cost of sales, gross profit, selling, general and administrative expenses, depreciation and amortization and interest expense in fiscal 2006 were significantly impacted by including the operations of EB for a full year, as opposed to 16 weeks in fiscal 2005, which included the holiday selling season. Growth in each of these statement of operations line items came from each of the Company’s business segments.

 

Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, Historical GameStop’s stockholders received one share of the Company’s common stock for each share of Historical GameStop’s common stock owned. Approximately 104.2 million shares of the Company’s common stock were issued in exchange for all outstanding common stock of Historical GameStop based on the one-for-one ratio. EB stockholders received $19.08 in cash and .39398 of a share of the Company’s common stock for each share of EB common stock owned. In aggregate, 40.5 million shares of the Company’s common stock were issued to EB stockholders at a value of approximately $437.1 million (based on the closing price of $10.81 of Historical GameStop’s common stock on April 15, 2005, the last trading day before the date the mergers were announced). In addition, approximately $993.3 million in cash was paid in consideration for (i) all outstanding common stock of EB, based upon the pro-ration provisions of the Merger Agreement, and (ii) all outstanding stock options of EB. Including transaction costs of $13.6 million, the total consideration paid was approximately $1.4 billion.

 

On February 7, 2007, following approval by a majority of the Class B common stockholders in a special meeting of the Company’s Class B common stockholders, all outstanding Class B common shares were converted into Class A common shares on a one-for-one basis. In addition, on February 9, 2007, the Board of Directors of the Company authorized a two-for-one stock split, effected by a one-for-one stock dividend to stockholders of record at the close of business on February 20, 2007, paid on March 16, 2007 (the “Stock Split”). Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers in this “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” have been restated to reflect the conversion and the Stock Split.

 

Growth in the video game industry is driven by the introduction of new technology. In March of fiscal 2005 in the North American markets and September of fiscal 2005 in the Australian and European markets, Sony introduced the PlayStation Portable (the “PSP”) and Microsoft introduced the Xbox 360 in November of fiscal 2005 in North America and Europe and the first quarter of fiscal 2006 in Australia. In November 2006, Nintendo introduced the Wii hardware platform worldwide and Sony introduced the PlayStation 3 hardware platform in the North American markets. Sony introduced the PlayStation 3 platform in the Australian and European markets in March 2007. Typically, in the first full year following the introduction of new video game platforms, sales of new video game hardware increase as a percentage of sales. As video game platforms mature, the sales mix attributable to complementary video game software and accessories, which generate higher gross margins, generally increases in the second and third years. The net effect is generally a decline in gross margins in the first full year following new platform releases and an increase in gross margins in the second and third years. Unit sales of maturing video game platforms are typically also driven by manufacturer-funded retail price decreases, further driving sales of related software and accessories. We expect that the installed base of the hardware platforms listed above and sales of

related software and accessories will increase in the future. The Company’s gross margin in fiscal 2007 and fiscal 2006 was adversely impacted by the recent launches of these new products and subsequent manufacturer-funded retail price decreases for some of these products.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

The Company believes that the following are its most significant accounting policies which are important in determining the reporting of transactions and events:

 

Use of Estimates.  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. In preparing these financial statements, management has made its best estimates and judgments of certain amounts included in the financial statements, giving due consideration to materiality. Changes in the estimates and assumptions used by management could have significant impact on the Company’s financial results. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Revenue Recognition.  Revenue from the sales of the Company’s products is recognized at the time of sale. The sales of used video game products are recorded at the retail price charged to the customer. Sales returns (which are not significant) are recognized at the time returns are made. Subscription and advertising revenues are recorded upon release of magazines for sale to consumers and are stated net of sales discounts. Magazine subscription revenue is recognized on a straight-line basis over the subscription period. Revenue from the sales of product replacement plans is recognized on a straight-line basis over the coverage period. Gift cards sold to customers are recognized as a liability on the balance sheet until redeemed.

 

Stock-Based Compensation.  In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (Revised 2004), Share-Based Payment, (“SFAS 123(R)”). This Statement requires companies to expense the estimated fair value of stock options and similar equity instruments issued to employees in its financial statements. The Company adopted the provisions of SFAS 123(R) using the modified prospective application method beginning on the first day of fiscal 2006. Under SFAS 123(R), the Company records stock-based compensation expense based on the grant-date fair value estimated in accordance with the original provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, and previously presented in the pro forma footnote disclosures, for all options granted prior to, but not vested as of, the adoption date. In addition, the Company records compensation expense for the share-based awards issued after the adoption date in accordance with SFAS 123(R). As of February 2, 2008, the unrecognized compensation expense related to the unvested portion of our stock options and restricted stock was $13.7 million and $18.8 million, respectively, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 0.8 and 1.9 years, respectively. Note 1 of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” provides additional information on stock-based compensation.

 

Merchandise Inventories.  Our merchandise inventories are carried at the lower of cost or market using the average cost method. Under the average cost method, as new product is received from vendors, its current cost is added to the existing cost of product on-hand and this amount is re-averaged over the cumulative units. Used video game products traded in by customers are recorded as inventory at the amount of the store credit given to the customer.

 

In valuing inventory, management is required to make assumptions regarding the necessity of reserves required to value potentially obsolete or over-valued items at the lower of cost or market. Management considers quantities on hand, recent sales, potential price protections and returns to vendors, among other factors, when making these assumptions. Our ability to gauge these factors is dependent upon our ability to forecast customer demand and to provide a well-balanced merchandise assortment. Any inability to forecast customer demand properly could lead to increased costs associated with inventory markdowns. We also adjust inventory based on anticipated physical inventory losses or shrinkage. Physical inventory counts are taken on a regular basis to ensure the reported inventory is accurate. During interim periods, estimates of shrinkage are recorded based on historical losses in the context of current period circumstances.

Property and Equipment.  Property and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation on furniture, fixtures and equipment is computed using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives (ranging from two to eight years). Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred, while betterments and major remodeling costs are capitalized. Leasehold improvements are capitalized and amortized over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the terms of the respective leases, including renewal options in which the exercise of the option is reasonably assured (generally ranging from three to ten years). Costs incurred to third parties in purchasing management information systems are capitalized and included in property and equipment. These costs are amortized over their estimated useful lives from the date the systems become operational. The Company periodically reviews its property and equipment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable or their depreciation or amortization periods should be accelerated. The Company assesses recoverability based on several factors, including management’s intention with respect to its stores and those stores’ projected undiscounted cash flows. An impairment loss is recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds their fair value, as approximated by the present value of their projected cash flows. As a result of the mergers and an analysis of assets to be abandoned, the Company impaired assets totaling $9.0 million in fiscal 2005 and $1.9 million in fiscal 2006 prior to October 8, 2006, the anniversary of the mergers. These impairment costs are included in merger-related expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. Write-downs incurred by the Company through February 2, 2008 which were not related to the mergers have not been material.

 

Merger-Related Costs.  In connection with the mergers, management incurred merger-related costs and integration expenses of approximately $6.8 million and $21.1 million, which were charged to costs in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations for the years ended February 3, 2007 and January 28, 2006, respectively. The Company completed all integration activities in fiscal 2006. Rebranding of EB stores to the GameStop name is substantially complete.

 

Goodwill.  Goodwill, aggregating $340.0 million, was recorded in the acquisition of Funco in 2000 and through the application of “push-down” accounting in accordance with Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 54 (“SAB 54”) in connection with the acquisition of Babbage’s, Etc. LLC in 1999 by a subsidiary of Barnes & Noble, Inc. (“Barnes & Noble”). Goodwill in the amount of $2.9 million was recorded in connection with the acquisition of Gamesworld Group Limited in 2003. Goodwill in the amount of $1,074.9 million was recorded in connection with the mergers. Goodwill in the amount of $6.6 million was recorded in connection with the acquisition in January 2007 of Game Brands Inc. (operating as Rhino Video Games stores).

 

Goodwill represents the excess purchase price over tangible net assets and identifiable intangible assets acquired. The Company evaluates goodwill for impairment on at least an annual basis in accordance with the requirements of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (“SFAS 142”). Subsequent to the mergers, the Company determined that it has four reporting units, the United States, Australia, Canada and Europe, based upon the similar economic characteristics of operations and separate management within those regions. The Company employed the services of an independent valuation specialist to assist in the allocation of goodwill resulting from the mergers to the four reporting units as of October 8, 2005. The Company completed its annual impairment test of goodwill as of the first day of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005, fiscal 2006 and fiscal 2007 and concluded that none of its goodwill was impaired. Note 7 of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” provides additional information concerning goodwill.

 

Intangible Assets and Other Noncurrent Assets.  Intangible assets consist of point-of-sale software and amounts attributed to favorable leasehold interests acquired in the mergers and are included in other non-current assets in the consolidated balance sheet. The total weighted-average amortization period for the intangible assets, excluding goodwill, is approximately four years. The intangible assets are being amortized based upon the pattern in which the economic benefits of the intangible assets are being utilized, with no expected residual value.

 

The deferred financing fees associated with the Company’s revolving credit facility and the senior notes issued in connection with the financing of the mergers are separately shown in the consolidated balance sheet.

The deferred financing fees are being amortized over five and seven years to match the terms of the revolving credit facility and the senior notes, respectively. Deferred financing fees incurred in connection with the issuance of the senior floating rate notes were included in deferred financing fees in the balance sheet and were being amortized over six years to match the term of the senior floating rate notes. The remaining balance of the deferred financing fees on the senior floating rate notes was written off to debt extinguishment expense during fiscal 2007 when the notes were redeemed.

 

Cash Consideration Received from Vendors.  The Company and its vendors participate in cooperative advertising programs and other vendor marketing programs in which the vendors provide the Company with cash consideration in exchange for marketing and advertising the vendors’ products. Our accounting for cooperative advertising arrangements and other vendor marketing programs, in accordance with FASB Emerging Issues Task Force Issue 02-16, results in a portion of the consideration received from our vendors reducing the product costs in inventory. The consideration serving as a reduction in inventory is recognized in cost of sales as inventory is sold. The amount of vendor allowances recorded as a reduction of inventory is determined by calculating the ratio of vendor allowances in excess of specific, incremental and identifiable advertising and promotional costs to merchandise purchases. The Company then applies this ratio to the value of inventory in determining the amount of vendor reimbursements recorded as a reduction to inventory reflected on the balance sheet. Because of the variability in the timing of our advertising and marketing programs throughout the year, the Company uses significant estimates in determining the amount of vendor allowances recorded as a reduction of inventory in interim periods, including estimates of full year vendor allowances, specific, incremental and identifiable advertising and promotional costs, merchandise purchases and value of inventory. Estimates of full year vendor allowances and the value of inventory are dependent upon estimates of full year merchandise purchases. Determining the amount of vendor allowances recorded as a reduction of inventory at the end of the fiscal year no longer requires the use of estimates as all vendor allowances, specific, incremental and identifiable advertising and promotional costs, merchandise purchases and value of inventory are known.

 

Although management considers its advertising and marketing programs to be effective, we do not believe that we would be able to incur the same level of advertising expenditures if the vendors decreased or discontinued their allowances. In addition, management believes that the Company’s revenues would be adversely affected if its vendors decreased or discontinued their allowances, but management is unable to quantify the impact.

 

Lease Accounting.  The Company’s method of accounting for rent expense (and related deferred rent liability) and leasehold improvements funded by landlord incentives for allowances under operating leases (tenant improvement allowances) is in conformance with GAAP, as clarified by the Chief Accountant of the SEC in a February 2005 letter to the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. For leases that contain predetermined fixed escalations of the minimum rent, we recognize the related rent expense on a straight-line basis and include the impact of escalating rents for periods in which we are reasonably assured of exercising lease options and we include in the lease term any period during which the Company is not obligated to pay rent while the store is being constructed, or “rent holiday.”

 

Income Taxes.  The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes (“SFAS 109”). SFAS 109 utilizes an asset and liability approach, and deferred taxes are determined based on the estimated future tax effect of differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates. As a result of our operations in many foreign countries, our global tax rate is derived from a combination of applicable tax rates in the various jurisdictions in which we operate. We base our estimate of an annual effective tax rate at any given point in time on a calculated mix of the tax rates applicable to our company and to estimates of the amount of income to be derived in any given jurisdiction. We file our tax returns based on our understanding of the appropriate tax rules and regulations. However, complexities in the tax rules and our operations, as well as positions taken publicly by the taxing authorities, may lead us to conclude that accruals for uncertain tax positions are required. We generally maintain accruals for uncertain tax positions until examination of the tax year is completed by the taxing authority, available review periods expire or additional facts and circumstances cause us to change our assessment of the appropriate accrual amount.

In July 2006, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (“FIN 48”), which clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized under SFAS 109. FIN 48 addresses the recognition and measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken, and also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods and disclosure. The Company adopted and applied FIN 48 under the transition provisions to all of its income tax positions at the required effective date of February 4, 2007, resulting in a $16.7 million cumulative effect decrease to retained earnings and a $7.9 million increase in prepaid taxes. For additional information related to the Company’s adoption of FIN 48, see Note 12 of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.”

 

Consolidated Results of Operations

 

The following table sets forth certain income statement items as a percentage of sales for the periods indicated:

 

 

The Company includes purchasing, receiving and distribution costs in selling, general and administrative expenses, rather than cost of goods sold, in the statement of operations. For the fiscal years ended February 2, 2008, February 3, 2007 and January 28, 2006, these purchasing, receiving and distribution costs amounted to $43.9 million, $35.9 million and $20.8 million, respectively. The Company includes processing fees associated with purchases made by check and credit cards in cost of sales, rather than selling, general and administrative expenses, in the statement of operations. For the fiscal years ended February 2, 2008, February 3, 2007 and January 28, 2006, these processing fees amounted to $55.2 million, $40.9 million and $20.9 million, respectively. As a result of these classifications, our gross margins are not comparable to those retailers that include purchasing, receiving and distribution costs in cost of sales and include processing fees associated with purchases made by check and credit cards in selling, general and administrative expenses. The net effect of the Company’s classifications is that its cost of sales as a percentage of sales is higher than, and its selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of sales are lower than, they would have been had the Company’s treatment conformed with those retailers that include purchasing, receiving and distribution costs in cost of sales and include processing fees associated with purchases made by check and credit cards in selling, general and administrative expenses, by 0.2%, 0.1% and 0.0% for the fiscal years ended February 2, 2008, February 3, 2007 and January 28, 2006, respectively.

The following table sets forth sales (in millions) by significant product category for the periods indicated:

 

 

Other products include PC entertainment and other software and accessories, magazines and character-related merchandise.

 

The following table sets forth gross profit (in millions) and gross profit percentages by significant product category for the periods indicated:

 

 

Fiscal 2007 Compared to Fiscal 2006

 

Sales increased by $1,775.1 million, or 33.4%, to $7,094.0 million in the 52 weeks of fiscal 2007 compared to $5,318.9 million in the 53 weeks of fiscal 2006. The increase in sales was attributable to the comparable store sales increase of 24.7% for fiscal 2007 when compared to fiscal 2006, the addition of non-comparable store sales from the 1,007 stores opened since January 29, 2006 of approximately $496.2 million and increases related to changes in foreign exchange rates of $109.4 million, offset by sales of $99.1 million for the 53rd week included in fiscal 2006. The comparable store sales increase was driven by continued strong sales of the Nintendo Wii, Microsoft’s Xbox 360 and the Sony PlayStation 3, which completed its worldwide launch during this fiscal year, and their related software and accessories, including several strong video game titles, such as Halo 3 and Guitar Hero III. Stores are included in our comparable store sales base beginning in the thirteenth month of operation. The comparable store sales increase of 24.7% was calculated by using the 52 weeks of fiscal 2007 compared to the most closely comparable 52 weeks of fiscal 2006 with consideration given to the timing of holidays to ensure comparability.

 

New video game hardware sales increased $595.2 million or 55.4%, from fiscal 2006 to fiscal 2007, primarily due to the sales of hardware units mentioned above, as well as the increase in store count since January 2007, offset by the 53rd week of sales included in fiscal 2006. New video game hardware sales increased as a percentage of sales from 20.2% in fiscal 2006 to 23.5% in fiscal 2007, primarily due to the first full year since the Nintendo Wii and the Sony PlayStation 3 launch as well as increasing sales of Microsoft Xbox 360 and the Nintendo DS.

New video game software sales increased $788.2 million, or 39.2%, from fiscal 2006 to fiscal 2007, primarily due to new stores added in fiscal 2007, sales related to the new hardware platforms and a strong lineup of new video game titles released during the 52 weeks ended February 2, 2008. New video game software sales as a percentage of total sales increased from 37.8% in fiscal 2006 to 39.5% in fiscal 2007 due to increased sales related to the new hardware platforms and the availability of several strong titles in fiscal 2007.

 

Used video game product sales increased $270.7 million, or 20.6%, from fiscal 2006 to fiscal 2007, primarily due to the increase in new store count, an increase in overall demand for video game products following the launch of new hardware platforms and the strong growth of used video game product sales internationally, offset by the 53rd week of sales in fiscal 2006. As a percentage of sales, used video game product sales decreased from 24.8% to 22.4% primarily due to the strong sales of new video game hardware and software. Sales of other product categories, including PC entertainment and other software and accessories, magazines and trading cards, grew 13.2%, or $121.0 million, from fiscal 2006 to fiscal 2007, primarily due to the increase in store count and the increase in new hardware platform accessories sales, offset by the 53rd week of sales in fiscal 2006.

 

Cost of sales increased by $1,432.8 million, or 37.2%, from $3,847.5 million in fiscal 2006 to $5,280.3 million in fiscal 2007 as a result of the increase in sales and the changes in gross profit discussed below, offset by the 53rd week of sales in fiscal 2006.

 

Gross profit increased by $342.3 million, or 23.3%, from $1,471.4 million in fiscal 2006 to $1,813.7 million in fiscal 2007. Gross profit as a percentage of sales decreased from 27.7% in fiscal 2006 to 25.6% in fiscal 2007. The gross profit percentage decrease was caused primarily by the increase in sales of new video game hardware as a percentage of total sales in fiscal 2007. New video game hardware typically carries a much lower margin than sales in the other product categories. Gross profit as a percentage of sales was also impacted by a decrease in the excess of vendor allowances received over marketing and advertising expenses. Vendor allowances received during fiscal 2006 were abnormally high due to the launches of the Nintendo Wii and the Sony PlayStation 3 and returned to normal levels in fiscal 2007. In addition, net vendor allowances decreased due to higher expenditures on marketing and advertising from fiscal 2006 to fiscal 2007 in support of the Company’s branding campaign. These factors led to a decrease in gross profit as a percentage of sales on new video game hardware, new video game software and other products from 7.2%, 21.2% and 34.4% of sales, respectively, in fiscal 2006 to 6.5%, 20.8% and 33.9% of sales, respectively, in fiscal 2007. Gross profit as a percentage of sales on used video game products decreased from 49.5% in fiscal 2006 to 48.7% in fiscal 2007 due to increased promotional expenses and higher refurbishment costs associated with an increase in production of refurbished hardware platforms during fiscal 2007.

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $160.9 million, or 15.8%, from $1,021.1 million in fiscal 2006 to $1,182.0 million in fiscal 2007. The increase was primarily attributable to the increase in the number of stores in operation, and the related increases in store, distribution and corporate office operating expenses, offset by expenses from the 53rd week included in fiscal 2006. Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of sales decreased from 19.2% in fiscal 2006 to 16.7% in fiscal 2007. The decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of sales was primarily due to leveraging as a result of the higher sales associated with the introduction of the new video game systems and synergies associated with the acquisition of EB. Selling, general and administrative expenses include $26.9 and $21.0 million in stock-based compensation expense for fiscal 2007 and fiscal 2006, respectively, in accordance with SFAS 123(R). Foreign currency transaction gains and (losses) are included in selling, general and administrative expenses and amounted to $8.6 million in fiscal 2007, compared to ($1.0) million in fiscal 2006.

 

Depreciation and amortization expense increased from $109.9 million in fiscal 2006 to $130.3 million in fiscal 2007. This increase of $20.4 million was due primarily to capital expenditures for 586 new GameStop stores. Depreciation and amortization expense will increase from fiscal 2007 to fiscal 2008 due to continued capital expenditures for new stores and management information systems.

 

Interest income resulting from the investment of excess cash balances increased from $11.3 million in fiscal 2006 to $13.8 million in fiscal 2007 due to interest earned on invested assets. Interest expense decreased from $84.7 million in fiscal 2006 to $61.6 million in fiscal 2007, primarily due to the retirement of $20.0 million of the Company’s senior notes and $250.0 million of the Company’s senior floating rate notes since February 3, 2007. Debt extinguishment expense of $12.6 million was recognized in fiscal 2007 as a result of the premiums paid related

to debt retirement and the recognition of deferred financing fees and unamortized original issue discount. Debt extinguishment expense of $6.1 million was incurred in fiscal 2006 for the loss associated with the Company’s repurchase of $50.0 million of its senior notes payable and $50.0 million of its senior floating rate notes payable.

 

Income tax expense increased by $56.8 million, from $96.0 million in fiscal 2006 to $152.8 million in fiscal 2007. The Company’s effective tax rate decreased from 37.8% in fiscal 2006 to 34.6% in fiscal 2007 due to the release of foreign valuation allowances on net operating losses and the recognition of foreign tax credits not previously benefited. See Note 12 of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional information regarding income taxes.

 

The factors described above led to an increase in operating earnings of $167.7 million, or 50.3%, from $333.7 million in fiscal 2006 to $501.4 million in fiscal 2007 and an increase in net earnings of $130.0 million, or 82.1%, from $158.3 million in fiscal 2006 to $288.3 million in fiscal 2007.

 

Fiscal 2006 Compared to Fiscal 2005

 

Sales increased by $2,227.1 million, or 72.0%, to $5,318.9 million in the 53 weeks of fiscal 2006 compared to $3,091.8 million in the 52 weeks of fiscal 2005. Sales for the 53rd week included in fiscal 2006 were $99.1 million. The remaining increase in sales was attributable to approximately $1,408.4 million of sales in EB stores in fiscal 2006 prior to the anniversary of the mergers, approximately $247.1 million in non-comparable store sales resulting from the approximately 800 new GameStop stores opened since January 29, 2005, with the remaining increase of $472.5 million due primarily to an increase in comparable store sales. The comparable store sales increase was 11.9% on a pro forma basis for fiscal 2006 when compared to fiscal 2005 and was expected due to the launch of the Sony PlayStation 3 and the Nintendo Wii in November 2006. Stores are included in our comparable store sales base beginning in the thirteenth month of operation. The pro forma comparable store sales increase of 11.9% was calculated by using the first 52 weeks of fiscal 2006 compared to the 52 weeks in fiscal 2005.

 

New video game hardware sales increased $570.5 million or 113.4%, from fiscal 2005 to fiscal 2006, primarily due to the mergers, the 53rd week of sales included in fiscal 2006 and the launches of Microsoft Xbox 360 in November 2005 and the Sony Playstation 3 and the Nintendo Wii in November 2006. New hardware sales increased as a percentage of sales from 16.3% in fiscal 2005 to 20.2% in fiscal 2006 due primarily to the first full year since the Microsoft Xbox 360 launch and due to the launches of the new platforms in 2006. New video game software sales also increased $767.6 million, or 61.7%, from fiscal 2005 to fiscal 2006, primarily due to the mergers, the 53rd week of sales in fiscal 2006 and a strong lineup of new video game titles. New software sales as a percentage of total sales decreased from 40.3% in fiscal 2005 to 37.8% in fiscal 2006 due to the increase in new hardware sales as a percentage of total sales. Used video game product sales also grew due to the mergers, the 53rd week of sales in fiscal 2006 and the increase in store count, with an increase in sales of $508.0 million, or 62.9%, from fiscal 2005. Sales of other product categories, including PC entertainment and other software and accessories, magazines and trading cards, grew 71.1%, or $381.0 million, from fiscal 2005 to fiscal 2006, primarily due to the mergers and the 53rd week of sales in fiscal 2006.

 

Cost of sales increased by $1,627.7 million, or 73.3%, from $2,219.8 million in fiscal 2005 to $3,847.5 million in fiscal 2006 as a result of the mergers, the 53rd week of sales in fiscal 2006 and the changes in gross profit discussed below.

 

Gross profit increased by $599.4 million, or 68.7%, from $872.0 million in fiscal 2005 to $1,471.4 million in fiscal 2006. Gross profit as a percentage of sales decreased from 28.2% in fiscal 2005 to 27.7% in fiscal 2006. This decrease was primarily due to the increase in hardware sales as a percentage of total sales. New hardware sales carry a lower overall gross profit compared to other sales categories. The increase in hardware sales was driven by new product launches in fiscal 2006. The gross profit on new hardware increased from 6.1% of sales in fiscal 2005 to 7.2% in fiscal 2006 due to an emphasis on selling product replacement plans along with hardware platforms. Gross profit as a percentage of sales on new software remained comparable at 21.4% in fiscal 2005 and 21.2% in fiscal 2006. Gross profit as a percentage of sales on other products decreased from 35.8% in fiscal 2005 to 34.4% in fiscal 2006 due to a shift in sales to lower margin products within the other product categories. Gross profit as a percentage of sales on used video game products increased from 47.4% in fiscal 2005 to 49.5% in fiscal 2006 due to increased

efforts to monitor margin rates and the application of GameStop’s merchandising algorithms to EB’s used video game category for all of fiscal 2006 compared to only the period following the mergers in fiscal 2005.

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $421.8 million, or 70.4%, from $599.3 million in fiscal 2005 to $1,021.1 million in fiscal 2006. The increase was primarily attributable to the mergers, the increase in the number of stores in operation, and the related increases in store, distribution and corporate office operating expenses as well as expenses from the 53rd week included in fiscal 2006. Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of sales decreased from 19.4% in fiscal 2005 to 19.2% in fiscal 2006. The decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of sales was primarily due to synergies obtained from the mergers, including the shut-down of EB’s corporate headquarters and distribution center. Foreign currency transaction gains and (losses) are included in selling, general and administrative expenses and amounted to ($1.0) million in fiscal 2006, compared to $2.6 million in fiscal 2005. These amounts were offset by the changes related to the adoption of SFAS 123(R) discussed below.

 

Beginning January 29, 2006, the Company adopted the provisions of SFAS 123(R) using the modified prospective application method. Under this method, the Company records stock-based compensation expense based on the estimated grant-date fair value previously presented in the pro forma footnote disclosures for all options granted prior to, but not vested as of, the adoption date. In addition, the Company records compensation expense for the share-based awards granted after the adoption date in accordance with SFAS 123(R). As a result of the adoption, the Company recognized $21.0 million of stock-based compensation expense in selling, general and administrative expenses for fiscal 2006. In accordance with SFAS 123(R), prior periods have not been restated.

 

Depreciation and amortization expense increased from $66.4 million in fiscal 2005 to $109.9 million in fiscal 2006. This increase of $43.5 million was due primarily to the mergers, with the remaining increase due to capital expenditures for 421 new GameStop stores and the Company’s new corporate headquarters and distribution facility.

 

The Company’s results of operations for fiscal 2006 and fiscal 2005 include expenses believed to be of a one-time or short-term nature associated with the mergers, which included $6.8 million and $13.6 million, respectively, considered in operating earnings and $7.5 million included in fiscal 2005 in interest expense. The $6.8 million and $13.6 million included $1.9 million and $9.0 million, respectively, in charges associated with assets of the Company considered to be impaired as a result of the mergers and $4.9 million and $4.6 million, respectively, in costs associated with integrating the operations of Historical GameStop and EB. Costs related to the mergers included in interest expense in fiscal 2005 include a fee of $7.1 million for an unused bridge financing facility which the Company obtained as financing insurance in connection with the mergers.

 

Interest income resulting from the investment of excess cash balances increased from $5.1 million in fiscal 2005 to $11.3 million in fiscal 2006 due to interest earned on invested assets. Interest expense increased from $30.4 million in fiscal 2005 to $84.7 million in fiscal 2006 primarily due to the first full year of interest incurred on the senior notes payable and the senior floating rate notes payable and the interest incurred on the note payable to Barnes & Noble in connection with the repurchase of Historical GameStop’s Class B common stock in fiscal 2004. Debt extinguishment expense of $6.1 million was incurred in fiscal 2006 for the loss associated with the Company’s repurchase of $50.0 million of its senior notes payable and $50.0 million of its senior floating rate notes payable.

 

Income tax expense increased by $36.9 million, from $59.1 million in fiscal 2005 to $96.0 million in fiscal 2006. The Company’s effective tax rate increased from 37.0% in fiscal 2005 to 37.8% in fiscal 2006 due to corporate restructuring. See Note 12 of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional information regarding income taxes.

 

The factors described above led to an increase in operating earnings of $141.0 million, or 73.2%, from $192.7 million in fiscal 2005 to $333.7 million in fiscal 2006 and an increase in net earnings of $57.5 million, or 57.0%, from $100.8 million in fiscal 2005 to $158.3 million in fiscal 2006.

 

Segment Information

 

The Company operates its business in the following segments: United States, Canada, Australia and Europe. We identified these segments based on a combination of geographic areas, the methods with which we analyze performance and the division of management responsibility. Each of the segments consists primarily of retail

operations, with all stores engaged in the sale of new and used video game systems, software and accessories which we refer to as video game products and PC entertainment software and related accessories. These products are substantially the same regardless of geographic location, with the primary differences in merchandise carried being the timing of the release of new products in the various segments. Stores in all segments are similar in size at an average of approximately 1,500 square feet each.

 

As we have expanded our presence in international markets, the Company has increased its operations in foreign currencies, including the Euro, Australian dollar, New Zealand dollar, Canadian dollar, British pound, Swiss franc, Danish kroner, Swedish krona, and the Norwegian kroner. The notes issued in connection with the mergers are reflected in the United States segment. See Note 20 of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” for more information.

 

Sales by operating segment in U.S. dollars were as follows (in millions):

 

 

Operating earnings by operating segment, defined as income from continuing operations before intercompany royalty fees, net interest expense and income taxes, in U.S. dollars were as follows (in millions):

 

 

Total assets by operating segment in U.S. dollars were as follows (in millions):

 

 

Fiscal 2007 Compared to Fiscal 2006

 

United States

 

Segment results for the United States include retail operations in 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam, the electronic commerce websites www.gamestop.com and www.ebgames.com and Game Informer magazine. As of February 2, 2008, the United States segment included 4,061 GameStop stores, compared to 3,799 stores on February 3, 2007, and 3,624 stores on January 28, 2006. Sales for the 52 weeks ended February 2, 2008 increased 27.4% compared to the 53 weeks ended February 3, 2007 as a result of increased sales at existing

stores and the opening of 604 new stores since January 28, 2006, including 328 stores in the 52 weeks ended February 2, 2008. Sales at existing stores increased due to strong sales of new hardware platform units, including the Nintendo Wii and the Sony PlayStation 3 and their related software and accessories, as well as Microsoft’s Xbox 360 hardware, software and accessories, particularly new sales of Halo 3 and Guitar Hero III released during fiscal 2007. Segment operating income for the 52 weeks ended February 2, 2008 increased by 37.1% compared to the 53 weeks ended February 3, 2007, driven by strong sales of the new hardware platforms and their related software and accessories, leveraging of selling, general and administrative expenses, and the recognition of synergies related to the acquisition of EB, including the shut-down in fiscal 2006 of EB’s corporate headquarters and distribution center.

 

Canada

 

Sales in the Canadian segment in the 52 weeks ended February 2, 2008 increased 48.0% compared to the 53 weeks ended February 3, 2007. The increase in sales was primarily attributable to increased sales at existing stores and the additional sales at the 28 stores opened since January 28, 2006. As of February 2, 2008, the Canadian segment had 287 stores compared to 267 stores as of February 3, 2007. The increase in sales at existing stores was driven by strong sales of the new hardware platform units, including the Nintendo Wii and the Sony PlayStation 3 and their related software and accessories, as well as Microsoft’s Xbox 360 hardware, software and accessories, particularly new software sales of Halo 3 and Guitar Hero III released in fiscal 2007. Segment operating income for the 52 weeks ended February 2, 2008 increased by 79.0% compared to the 53 weeks ended February 3, 2007, driven by the increased sales and the related margin dollars discussed above, the leveraging of selling, general and administrative expenses and the favorable impact of changes in exchange rates since the prior year. For the 52 weeks ended February 2, 2008, changes in exchange rates when compared to the prior year had the effect of increasing operating earnings by $1.9 million.

 

Australia

 

Segment results for Australia include retail operations in Australia and New Zealand. As of February 2, 2008, the Australian segment included 280 stores, compared to 219 as of February 3, 2007. Sales for the 52 weeks ended February 2, 2008 increased 46.1% compared to the 53 weeks ended February 3, 2007. The increase in sales was due to higher sales at existing stores and the additional sales at the 104 stores opened since January 28, 2006. The increase in sales at existing stores was due to strong sales of the Sony PlayStation 3, which launched in Australia and New Zealand during the first quarter of fiscal 2007, as well as strong sales of other video game hardware, including the Nintendo Wii, and increased sales of handheld video game systems during fiscal 2007 compared to fiscal 2006. The increased hardware sales led to increases in sales in new video game software, used video game products and accessories and other products. Segment operating income in the 52 weeks ended February 2, 2008 increased by 53.1% when compared to the 53 weeks ended February 3, 2007. The increase was driven by the increased sales and related margin dollars discussed above, the leveraging of selling, general and administrative expenses and the favorable impact of changes in exchange rates since the prior year. For the 52 weeks ended February 2, 2008, changes in exchange rates when compared to the prior year had the effect of increasing operating earnings by $3.7 million.

 

Europe

 

Segment results for Europe include retail operations in 12 European countries including Portugal, which commenced operations in the first quarter of fiscal 2007. As of February 2, 2008, the European segment operated 636 stores, compared to 493 stores as of February 3, 2007. For the 52 weeks ended February 2, 2008, European sales increased 72.4% compared to the 53 weeks ended February 3, 2007. The increase in sales was primarily due to the increase in sales at existing stores and the additional sales at the 271 stores opened since January 28, 2006. The increase in store count was offset by store closings in the first quarter of fiscal 2007, primarily in Spain, as part of the implementation of the integration strategy of the acquisition of EB. The increase in sales at existing stores was driven by strong sales of the Sony PlayStation 3, which launched in Europe during the first quarter of fiscal 2007, as well as strong sales of other video game hardware, including the Nintendo Wii, and increased sales of Microsoft’s Xbox 360 and handheld video game systems during fiscal 2007 compared to fiscal 2006. The increased hardware

sales led to increases in sales in new video game software, used video game products and accessories and other products.

 

The segment operating income in Europe for the 52 weeks ended February 2, 2008 increased to $32.6 million compared to $1.0 million in the 53 weeks ended February 3, 2007. The increase in the operating income was driven by the increase in sales and related margin dollars discussed above, the leveraging of selling, general and administrative expenses, both of which reflect the continued maturation of our operations in the European market, and the favorable impact of changes in exchange rates since the prior year. For the 52 weeks ended February 2, 2008, changes in exchange rates when compared to fiscal 2006 had the effect of increasing operating earnings by $2.7 million.

 

Fiscal 2006 Compared to Fiscal 2005

 

Segment results for the 53 weeks ended February 3, 2007 include the first full year of sales and operating earnings for the 2,350 EB stores acquired in fiscal 2005. Segment results for the 52 weeks ended January 28, 2006 only include the results of operations of the EB stores from October 9, 2005 though January 28, 2006 due to the mergers and therefore is not comparable. Prior to the mergers, the Company’s international operations only included Ireland and the United Kingdom which were not material. Having segment results for fiscal 2006 from Canada, Australia and Europe increased international segment sales and operating earnings as a percentage of total sales and operating earnings from 12.4% and 9.9%, respectively, in fiscal 2005 to 19.7% and 14.5%, respectively, in fiscal 2006. Management does not believe that a further comparison of international segment results for fiscal 2006 to fiscal 2005 would be meaningful.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

During fiscal 2007, cash provided by operations was $502.7 million, compared to cash provided by operations of $423.5 million in fiscal 2006. The increase in cash provided by operations of $79.2 million from fiscal 2006 to fiscal 2007 resulted from an increase in net income of $130.0 million, as previously discussed, as well as a net decrease in prepaid taxes and taxes payable of $61.8 million and an increase in depreciation and amortization of $21.1 million due primarily to new store growth. These increases in cash provided by operations were offset by an increase in merchandise inventories of $59.1 million primarily due to new store growth; the increase in the excess tax benefits realized from the exercise of stock-based awards of $49.6 million; an increase in receivables of $24.6 million due primarily to an increase in sales and store growth and a decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities of $23.6 million due to the timing of payments associated with inventory.

 

During fiscal 2006, cash provided by operations was $423.5 million, compared to cash provided by operations of $291.4 million in fiscal 2005. The increase in cash provided by operations of $132.1 million from fiscal 2005 to fiscal 2006 resulted from an increase in net income of $57.5 million, primarily due to the addition of EB’s results of operations since the mergers and the 53rd week included in fiscal 2006; an increase in depreciation and amortization of $43.5 million due primarily to the mergers; an increase in the growth in accounts payable and accrued liabilities, net of growth in merchandise inventories and the provision for inventory reserves of $47.9 million caused by growth of the Company and efforts to manage working capital; an increase in the cash provided by prepaid taxes of $43.6 million offset by the change in the effect of the tax benefit realized from the exercise of stock options of $56.1 million; and an increase in the non-cash adjustment for stock-based compensation expense due to the implementation of SFAS 123(R) in fiscal 2006 of $20.6 million, all of which were offset by a net decrease in prepaid expenses and other current assets of $41.0 million due primarily to the store growth and the timing of rent payments at the end of the fiscal 2006.

 

Cash used in investing activities was $174.5 million in fiscal 2007 and $125.9 million during fiscal 2006 and $996.8 million in fiscal 2005. During fiscal 2007, $175.6 million of capital expenditures were primarily used to open 586 stores in the United States and internationally and to invest in information systems, which were offset by $1.1 million of cash received related to the finalization of the purchase price of Game Brands Inc. which was acquired during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006. During fiscal 2006, $133.9 million of capital expenditures were primarily used to invest in information and distribution systems in support of the integration of the operations of EB, to open new stores in the United States and for international expansion. Also, during the fourth quarter of fiscal

2006, the Company purchased Game Brands Inc., a 72-store video game retailer, for $11.3 million. These investing activities were offset by $19.3 million of cash provided by the sale of the Pennsylvania corporate office and distribution center which were acquired in the mergers. During fiscal 2005, $886.1 million of cash was used to acquire EB. Our capital expenditures in fiscal 2005 also included approximately $9.7 million to complete the build-out of our new corporate headquarters and distribution center facility in Grapevine, Texas. The remaining $101.0 million in capital expenditures was used to open new stores, remodel existing stores and invest in information and distribution systems in support of the integration of the operations of EB and GameStop.

 

Cash used in financing activities in fiscal 2007 was $131.8 million and $46.6 million during fiscal 2006. The cash used in financing activities in fiscal 2007 was due to the repurchase of $20.0 million and $250.0 million of principal value of the Company’s senior notes and senior floating rate notes, respectively, and the $12.2 million principal payment in October 2007 on the Barnes & Noble promissory note. The fiscal 2007 cash outflows were offset by $64.9 million received for the issuance of shares relating to stock option exercises and $93.3 million for the realization of tax benefits relating to the stock option exercises and vested restricted stock. The cash used in financing activities in fiscal 2006 was due to the repurchase of $50.0 million each of the senior notes and the senior floating rate notes, the payment of the $12.2 million principal due in October 2006 on the Barnes & Noble promissory note and the repayment of the $9.2 million mortgage on EB’s Pennsylvania distribution center. The fiscal 2006 cash outflows were offset by $33.9 million received for the issuance of shares relating to stock option exercises and $43.8 million for the realization of tax benefits relating to the stock option exercises and vested restricted stock. Cash flows provided by financing activities were $935.7 million during fiscal 2005 which were primarily due to the issuance of the senior notes and the senior floating rate notes in connection with the mergers.

 

Our future capital requirements will depend on the number of new stores we open and the timing of those openings within a given fiscal year. We opened 586 stores in fiscal 2007 and expect to open approximately 575 to 600 stores in fiscal 2008. Capital expenditures for fiscal 2008 are projected to be approximately $170.0 million to $180.0 million, to be used primarily to fund new store openings and invest in distribution and information systems in support of operations.

 

In October 2005, in connection with the merger, the Company entered into a five-year, $400 million Credit Agreement (the “Revolver”), including a $50 million letter of credit sub-limit, secured by the assets of the Company and its U.S. subsidiaries. The Revolver places certain restrictions on the Company and its U.S. subsidiaries, including limitations on asset sales, additional liens and the incurrence of additional indebtedness.

 

In April 2007, the Company amended the Revolver to extend the maturity date from October 11, 2010 to April 25, 2012, reduce the LIBO interest rate margin, reduce and fix the rate of the unused commitment fee and modify or delete certain other covenants.

 

The availability under the Revolver is limited to a borrowing base which allows the Company to borrow up to the lesser of (x) approximately 70% of eligible inventory and (y) 90% of the appraisal value of the inventory, in each case plus 85% of eligible credit card receivables, net of certain reserves. Letters of credit reduce the amount available to borrow by their face value. The Company’s ability to pay cash dividends, redeem options and repurchase shares is generally prohibited, except that if availability under the Revolver is, or will be after any such payment, equal to or greater than 25% of the borrowing base, the Company may repurchase its capital stock and pay cash dividends. In addition, in the event that credit extensions under the Revolver at any time exceed 80% of the lesser of the total commitment or the borrowing base, the Company will be subject to a fixed charge coverage ratio covenant of 1.5:1.0.

 

The interest rate on the Revolver is variable and, at the Company’s option, is calculated by applying a margin of (1) 0.0% to 0.25% above the higher of the prime rate of the administrative agent or the federal funds effective rate plus 0.50% or (2) 1.00% to 1.50% above the LIBO rate. The applicable margin is determined quarterly as a function of the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio. As of February 2, 2008, the applicable margin was 0.0% for prime rate loans and 1.00% for LIBO rate loans. In addition, the Company is required to pay a commitment fee of 0.25% for any unused portion of the total commitment under the Revolver.

 

As of February 2, 2008, there were no borrowings outstanding under the Revolver and letters of credit outstanding totaled $6.8 million.

In September 2007, the Company’s Luxembourg subsidiary entered into a discretionary, $20.0 million Uncommitted Line of Credit (the “Line of Credit”) with Bank of America. There is no term associated with the Line of Credit and Bank of America may withdraw the facility at any time without notice. The Line of Credit will be made available to the Company’s foreign subsidiaries for use primarily as a bank overdraft facility for short-term liquidity needs and for the issuance of bank guarantees and letters of credit to support operations.

 

As of February 2, 2008, there were no borrowings outstanding under the Line of Credit and bank guarantees outstanding were $2.8 million.

 

On September 28, 2005, the Company, along with GameStop, Inc. as co-issuer (together with the Company, the “Issuers”), completed the offering of U.S. $300 million aggregate principal amount of Senior Floating Rate Notes due 2011 (the “Senior Floating Rate Notes”) and U.S. $650 million aggregate principal amount of Senior Notes due 2012 (the “Senior Notes” and, together with the Senior Floating Rate Notes, the “Notes”). The Notes were issued under an Indenture (the “Indenture”), dated September 28, 2005, by and among the Issuers, the subsidiary guarantors party thereto, and Citibank, N.A., as trustee (the “Trustee”). Concurrently with the consummation of the mergers on October 8, 2005, EB and its direct and indirect U.S. wholly-owned subsidiaries (together, the “EB Guarantors”) became subsidiaries of the Company and entered into a First Supplemental Indenture, dated October 8, 2005, by and among the Issuers, the EB Guarantors and the Trustee, pursuant to which the EB Guarantors assumed all the obligations of a subsidiary guarantor under the Notes and the Indenture. The net proceeds of the offering were used to pay the cash portion of the merger consideration paid to the stockholders of EB in connection with the mergers.

 

The offering of the Notes was conducted in a private transaction under Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and in transactions outside the United States in reliance upon Regulation S under the Securities Act. In April 2006, the Company filed a registration statement on Form S-4 in order to register new notes (the “New Notes”) with the same terms and conditions as the Notes in order to facilitate an exchange of the New Notes for the Notes. This registration statement on Form S-4 was declared effective by the SEC in May 2006 and the Company commenced an exchange offer to exchange the New Notes for the Notes. This exchange offer was completed in June 2006 with 100% participation.

 

In November 2006, Citibank, N.A. resigned as Trustee for the Notes and Wilmington Trust Company was appointed as the new Trustee for the Notes.

 

The Senior Notes bear interest at 8.0% per annum, mature on October 1, 2012 and were priced at 98.688%, resulting in a discount at the time of issue of $8.5 million. The discount is being amortized using the effective interest method. As of February 2, 2008, the unamortized original issue discount was $5.5 million. The rate of interest on the Senior Floating Rate Notes prior to their redemption on October 1, 2007 was 9.2350% per annum.

 

The Issuers pay interest on the Senior Notes semi-annually, in arrears, every April 1 and October 1, to holders of record on the immediately preceding March 15 and September 15, and at maturity.

 

The Indenture contains affirmative and negative covenants customary for such financings, including, among other things, limitations on (1) the incurrence of additional debt, (2) restricted payments, (3) liens, (4) sale and leaseback transactions and (5) asset sales. Events of default provided for in the Indenture include, among other things, failure to pay interest or principal on the Notes, other breaches of covenants in the Indenture, and certain events of bankruptcy and insolvency.

 

As of February 2, 2008, the Company was in compliance with all covenants associated with the Revolver and the Indenture.

 

Under certain conditions, the Issuers may on any one or more occasions prior to maturity redeem up to 100% of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes issued under the Indenture at redemption prices at or in excess of 100% of the principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date. The circumstances which would limit the percentage of the Notes which may be redeemed or which would require the Company to pay a premium in excess of 100% of the principal amount are defined in the Indenture. Upon a Change of Control (as defined in the Indenture), the Issuers are required to offer to purchase all of the Notes then outstanding at 101% of the principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of purchase.

The Issuers may acquire the Notes by means other than redemption, whether by tender offer, open market purchases, negotiated transactions or otherwise, in accordance with applicable securities laws, so long as such acquisitions do not otherwise violate the terms of the Indenture.

 

In May 2006, the Company announced that its Board of Directors authorized the buyback of up to an aggregate of $100 million of its Senior Floating Rate Notes and Senior Notes. As of February 3, 2007, the Company had repurchased the maximum authorized amount, having acquired $50.0 million of its Senior Notes and $50.0 million of its Senior Floating Rate Notes, and delivered the Notes to the Trustee for cancellation. The associated loss on retirement of debt was $6.1 million, which consists of the premium paid to retire the Notes and the write-off of the deferred financing fees and the original issue discount on the Notes.

 

On February 9, 2007, the Company announced that its Board of Directors authorized the buyback of up to an aggregate of an additional $150 million of its Senior Notes and Senior Floating Rate Notes. The timing and amount of the repurchases were determined by the Company’s management based on their evaluation of market conditions and other factors. As of February 2, 2008, the Company had repurchased the additional $150 million of the Notes, having acquired $20.0 million of its Senior Notes and $130.0 million of its Senior Floating Rate Notes, and delivered the Notes to the Trustee for cancellation. The associated loss on retirement of this debt was $8.8 million, which consists of the premium paid to retire the Notes and the write-off of the deferred financing fees and the original issue discount on the Notes.

 

On June 28, 2007, the Company announced that its Board of Directors authorized the redemption of the remaining $120 million of Senior Floating Rate Notes outstanding. The Company redeemed the Senior Floating Rate Notes on October 1, 2007 at the redemption price specified by the Senior Floating Rate Notes of 102.0%, plus all accrued and unpaid interest through the redemption date. The Company incurred a one-time pre-tax charge of $3.8 million associated with the redemption, which represents a $2.4 million redemption premium and $1.4 million to recognize unamortized deferred financing costs.

 

Subsequently, on February 7, 2008, the Company announced that its Board of Directors authorized the buyback of up to an aggregate of an additional $130 million of its Senior Notes. The timing and amount of the repurchases will be determined by the Company’s management based on their evaluation of market conditions and other factors. In addition, the repurchases may be suspended or discontinued at any time. At the time of this filing, the Company had repurchased $24.7 million of its Senior Notes pursuant to this new authorization and delivered the Senior Notes to the Trustee for cancellation. The associated loss on retirement of debt is $1.9 million, which consists of the premium paid to retire the Senior Notes and the write-off of the deferred financing fees and the original issue discount on the Senior Notes.

 

In October 2004, Historical GameStop issued a promissory note in favor of Barnes & Noble in the principal amount of $74.0 million in connection with the repurchase of Historical GameStop’s common stock held by Barnes & Noble. The note was unsecured and bore interest at 5.5% per annum, payable with each principal installment. Scheduled principal payments of $37.5 million, $12.2 million and $12.2 million were made in January 2005, October 2005 and October 2006, respectively, as required by the promissory note. The final payment of $12.2 million, satisfying the promissory note in full, was made in October 2007.

 

Based on our current operating plans, we believe that available cash balances, cash generated from our operating activities and funds available under the Revolver will be sufficient to fund our operations, required interest payments on the Senior Notes, store expansion and remodeling activities and corporate capital expenditure programs for at least the next 12 months.

Contractual Obligations

 

The following table sets forth our contractual obligations as of February 2, 2008:

 

 

 

 

In addition to minimum rentals, the operating leases generally require the Company to pay all insurance, taxes and other maintenance costs and may provide for percentage rentals. Percentage rentals are based on sales performance in excess of specified minimums at various stores. Leases with step rent provisions, escalation clauses or other lease concessions are accounted for on a straight-line basis over the lease term, including renewal options for those leases in which it is reasonably assured that the Company will exercise the renewal option. The Company does not have leases with capital improvement funding.

 

The Company has entered into employment agreements with R. Richard Fontaine, Daniel A. DeMatteo, Steven R. Morgan and David W. Carlson. The terms of the employment agreement for Mr. Fontaine and Mr. DeMatteo commenced on April 11, 2005 and continue for a period of three years thereafter, with automatic annual renewals thereafter unless either party gives notice of non-renewal at least six months prior to automatic renewal. The term of the employment agreement for Mr. Morgan commenced on December 9, 2005 and continued through February 12, 2008, with automatic annual renewals thereafter unless either party gives notice of non-renewal at least six months prior to automatic renewal. The term of the employment agreement for Mr. Carlson commenced on April 3, 2006 and continues for a period of two years thereafter, with automatic annual renewals thereafter unless either party gives notice of non-renewal at least six months prior to automatic renewal. Each of these employment agreements will automatically renew for a period of one year as no notice of non-renewals were given. Mr. Fontaine’s minimum annual salary during the term of his employment under the employment agreement shall be no less than $650,000. Mr. DeMatteo’s minimum annual salary during the term of his employment under the employment agreement shall be no less than $535,000. Mr. Morgan’s minimum annual salary during the term of his employment under the employment agreement shall be no less than $450,000. Mr. Carlson’s minimum annual salary during the term of his employment under the employment agreement shall be no less than $350,000. The Board of Directors of the Company has set Mr. Fontaine’s, Mr. DeMatteo’s, Mr. Morgan’s and Mr. Carlson’s salaries for fiscal 2008 at $1,200,000, $960,000, $575,000 and $440,000, respectively.

 

As of February 2, 2008, we had standby letters of credit outstanding in the amount of $6.8 million and had bank guarantees outstanding in the amount of $10.7 million, $7.9 million of which are cash collateralized.

 

As of February 2, 2008, the Company had $24.2 million of income tax liability, including accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in other long-term liabilities in its consolidated balance sheet. At the time of this filing, the settlement period for the noncurrent portion of our income tax liability cannot be determined. In addition, any payments related to unrecognized tax benefits would be partially offset by reductions in payments in other jurisdictions.

 

In 2003, the Company purchased a 51% controlling interest in GameStop Group Limited. Under the terms of the purchase agreement, the individual owners of the remaining 49% interest have the ability to require the Company to purchase their remaining shares in incremental percentages at a price to be determined based partially on the Company’s price to earnings ratio and GameStop Group Limited’s earnings. No additional shares have been

purchased by the Company to date. The Company already consolidates the results of GameStop Group Limited; therefore, any additional amounts acquired will not have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

As of February 2, 2008, the Company had no off-balance sheet arrangements as defined in Item 303 of Regulation S-K.

 

Impact of Inflation

 

We do not believe that inflation has had a material effect on our net sales or results of operations.

 

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

 

The Company operates departments within nine bookstores operated by Barnes & Noble, an affiliate through a common stockholder who is chairman of the board of directors of Barnes & Noble and a member of the Company’s Board of Directors. The Company pays a license fee to Barnes & Noble in amounts equal to 7.0% of the gross sales of such departments. Management deems the license fee to be reasonable and based upon terms equivalent to those that would prevail in an arm’s length transaction. During the 52 weeks ended February 2, 2008, the 53 weeks ended February 3, 2007 and the 52 weeks ended January 28, 2006, these charges amounted to $1.2 million, $1.0 million and $0.9 million, respectively.

 

Until June 2005, Historical GameStop participated in Barnes & Noble’s workers’ compensation, property and general liability insurance programs. The costs incurred by Barnes & Noble under these programs were allocated to Historical GameStop based upon total payroll expense, property and equipment, and insurance claim history of Historical GameStop. Management deemed the allocation methodology to be reasonable. Although the Company secured its own insurance coverage, costs will likely continue to be incurred by Barnes & Noble on insurance claims which were incurred under its programs prior to June 2005 and any such costs applicable to insurance claims against Historical GameStop will be allocated to the Company. During the 52 weeks ended February 2, 2008, the 53 weeks ended February 3, 2007 and the 52 weeks ended January 28, 2006, these allocated charges amounted to $0.3 million, $0.8 million and $1.7 million, respectively.

 

In October 2004, the Board of Directors of Historical GameStop authorized a repurchase of Historical GameStop common stock held by Barnes & Noble. Historical GameStop repurchased 12,214,000 shares of common stock at a price equal to $9.13 per share for aggregate consideration before expenses of $111.5 million. Historical GameStop paid $37.5 million in cash and issued a promissory note in the principal amount of $74.0 million, which has been repaid as of October 2007. Scheduled principal payments were made of $37.5 million in January 2005 and $12.2 million in each of October 2005, October 2006 and October 2007. Interest expense on the promissory note for the 52 weeks ended February 2, 2008, the 53 weeks ended February 3, 2007 and the 52 weeks ended January 28, 2006 totaled $0.4 million, $1.1 million and $1.8 million, respectively.

 

In May 2005, the Company entered into an arrangement with Barnes & Noble under which www.gamestop.com became the exclusive specialty video game retailer listed on www.bn.com, Barnes & Noble’s e-commerce site. Under the terms of this agreement, the Company pays a fee to Barnes & Noble for sales of video game or PC entertainment products sold through www.bn.com. The fee paid to Barnes & Noble in connection with this arrangement was $0.4 million, $0.3 million and $0.3 million for the 52 weeks ended February 2, 2008, the 53 weeks ended February 3, 2007 and the 52 weeks ended January 28, 2006, respectively.

 

Recent Accounting Standards and Pronouncements

 

In March 2008, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities — an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133 (“SFAS 161”). SFAS 161 requires enhanced disclosures about how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for and their effect on an entity’s financial position, financial performance, and cash flows. SFAS 161 is effective for the Company on February 1, 2009. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of SFAS 161 will have on its consolidated financial statements.

In December 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141 (revised 2007), Business Combinations, (“SFAS 141(R)”). SFAS 141(R) amends the principles and requirements for how an acquirer recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree and the goodwill acquired. SFAS 141(R) also establishes disclosure requirements to enable the evaluation of the nature and financial effects of the business combination. SFAS 141(R) is effective for the Company on February 1, 2009, and the Company will apply SFAS 141(R) prospectively to all business combinations subsequent to the effective date.

 

In December 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements — an amendment of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51 (“SFAS 160”). SFAS 160 establishes accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. SFAS 160 also establishes disclosure requirements that clearly identify and distinguish between the controlling and noncontrolling interests and requires the separate disclosure of income attributable to controlling and noncontrolling interests. SFAS 160 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of SFAS 160 will have on its consolidated financial statements.

 

In February 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (“SFAS 159”). This statement permits entities the option to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value at specific election dates. Unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected are reported in earnings. SFAS 159 was effective for our Company on February 3, 2008. The adoption of SFAS 159 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

 

In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (“SFAS 157”), which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS 157 applies to other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements. The Company adopted SFAS 157 on February 3, 2008 as required for its financial assets and liabilities. However, in February 2008, the FASB released a FASB Staff Position, FSP FAS 157-2, Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157, which delayed the effective date of SFAS 157 for all non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities, except those that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis. The adoption of SFAS 157 for our financial assets and liabilities did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations. We do not believe the adoption of SFAS 157 for our non-financial assets and liabilities, effective February 1, 2009, will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

 

Seasonality

 

Our business, like that of many retailers, is seasonal, with the major portion of sales and operating profit realized during the fourth quarter which includes the holiday selling season. Results for any quarter are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be achieved for a full fiscal year. Quarterly results may fluctuate materially depending upon, among other factors, the timing of new product introductions and new store openings, sales contributed by new stores, increases or decreases in comparable store sales, adverse weather conditions, shifts in the timing of certain holidays or promotions and changes in our merchandise mix.

 

 

Interest Rate Exposure

 

We do not use derivative financial instruments to hedge interest rate exposure. We limit our interest rate risks by investing our excess cash balances in short-term, highly-liquid instruments with a maturity of one year or less. In addition, the Senior Notes outstanding issued in connection with the mergers carry a fixed interest rate. We do not expect any material losses from our invested cash balances, and we believe that our interest rate exposure is modest.

Foreign Currency Risk

 

The Company follows the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, (“SFAS 133”) as amended by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 138, Accounting for Certain Derivative Instruments and Certain Hedging Activities. SFAS 133 requires that all derivative instruments be recorded on the balance sheet at fair value. Changes in the fair value of derivatives are recorded each period in current earnings or other comprehensive income, depending on whether the derivative is designated as part of a hedge transaction, and if it is, depending on the type of hedge transaction.

 

The Company uses forward exchange contracts, foreign currency options and cross-currency swaps, (together, the “Foreign Currency Contracts”) to manage currency risk primarily related to intercompany loans denominated in non-functional currencies and certain foreign currency assets and liabilities. These Foreign Currency Contracts are not designated as hedges and, therefore, changes in the fair values of these derivatives are recognized in earnings, thereby offsetting the current earnings effect of the re-measurement of related intercompany loans and foreign currency assets and liabilities. The aggregate fair value of the Foreign Currency Contracts at February 2, 2008 was a liability of $7.6 million. A hypothetical strengthening or weakening of 10% in the foreign exchange rates underlying the Foreign Currency Contracts from the market rate as of February 2, 2008 would result in a (loss) or gain in value of the forwards, options and swaps of ($7.0 million) or $5.7 million, respectively.

 

 

See Item 15(a)(1) and (2) of this Form 10-K.

 

 

None.

 

 

(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

As of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company’s management conducted an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the principal executive officer and principal financial officer, of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act). Based on this evaluation, the principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that it will detect or uncover failures within the Company to disclose material information otherwise required to be set forth in the Company’s periodic reports.

 

(b) Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f). Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on our evaluation under the framework in Internal Control — Integrated Framework, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of February 2, 2008. The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of February 2, 2008 has been audited by BDO Seidman, LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which is included in this Form 10-K.

 

(c) Changes in Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting

 

There was no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the Company’s most recently completed fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

None.

 

 

Code of Ethics

 

The Company has adopted a Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers that is applicable to the Company’s Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, Vice Chairman and Chief Operating Officer, President, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer and any Executive Vice President of the Company. This Code of Ethics is filed as Exhibit 14.1 to this Form 10-K.

 

In accordance with SEC rules, the Company intends to disclose any amendment (other than any technical, administrative, or other non-substantive amendment) to, or any waiver from, a provision of the Code of Ethics on the Company’s website (www.gamestop.com) within five business days following such amendment or waiver.

 

 

 

 

 

 

     *  The information not otherwise provided herein that is required by Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 will be set forth in the definitive proxy statement relating to the 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Company, which is to be filed with the SEC pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. This definitive proxy statement relates to a meeting of stockholders involving the election of directors and the portions therefrom required to be set forth in this Form 10-K by Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 are incorporated herein by reference pursuant to General Instruction G(3) to Form 10-K.

 

 

(a) The following documents are filed as a part of this Form 10-K:

 

(1) Index and Consolidated Financial Statements

 

The list of consolidated financial statements set forth in the accompanying Index to Consolidated Financial Statements at page F-1 herein is incorporated herein by reference. Such consolidated financial statements are filed as part of this report on Form 10-K.

 

(2) Financial Statement Schedules required to be filed by Item 8 of this Form 10-K:

 

The following financial statement schedule for the 52 weeks ended February 2, 2008 and January 28, 2006 and the 53 weeks ended February 3, 2007 is filed as part of this report on Form 10-K and should be read in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial Statements appearing elsewhere in this Form 10-K:

 

Schedule II — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

 

For the 52 weeks ended February 2, 2008 and January 28, 2006 and the 53 weeks ended February 3, 2007:

 

 

 

 

The Company does not maintain a reserve for estimated sales returns and allowances as amounts are considered to be immaterial. All other schedules are omitted because they are not applicable.

 

(b) Exhibits

 

The following exhibits are filed as part of this Form 10-K:

 

 

 

 

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this Form 10-K to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

GAMESTOP CORP.

 

R. Richard Fontaine

Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive

Officer

 

Date: April 2, 2008

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Form 10-K has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the date indicated.