[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2000
OR[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM _________ TO _________
COMMISSION FILE NO. 0-15443
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
| Delaware | 58-1528626 |
| (State of incorporation) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number) |
| 5203 Bristol Industrial Way | ||
| Buford, Georgia | 30518 | |
| (Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) |
Registrant's telephone number, including area code:(770) 271-0233
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
| Name of each exchange on | ||
| Title of each class | which registered | |
| - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - | - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - | |
| Common stock, $.01 par value, | New York Stock Exchange | |
| Together with associated Common | ||
| Stock Purchase Rights |
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. YES X NO
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best 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. (X)
As of March 19, 2001 the aggregate market value of the common stock of the registrant held by non-affiliates of the registrant, as determined by reference to the closing price of the Common Stock as reported on the New York Stock Exchange, was $179,758,195.
As of March 19, 2001 the number of shares of common stock, $.01 par value, outstanding was 29,584,629.
Documents incorporated by reference: Proxy Statement for the registrant's 2001 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission not later than 120 days after December 31, 2000, is incorporated by reference in Part III herein.
Theragenics Corporation ("Theragenics" or the "Company"), incorporated under Delaware law in 1981, is the manufacturer of TheraSeed®, a rice-sized device used primarily in treating localized prostate cancer with a one-time, minimally invasive procedure. Theragenics is the world's leading producer of palladium-103 (Pd-103), the radioactive isotope that supplies the therapeutic radiation for its TheraSeed® implant. Theragenics is also involved in research and development utilizing Pd-103 for the treatment of restenosis, macular degeneration and other diseases, and has research and development programs involving other isotopes and their uses. Physicians, hospitals and other healthcare providers, primarily located in the United States, utilize the TheraSeed® product.
Under a Sales and Marketing Agreement between Theragenics and Indigo Medical, Inc. (Indigo) entered into in May 1997 (the "Agreement"), Indigo held the exclusive worldwide rights to distribute TheraSeed® for prostate cancer. During the third quarter of 2000 Theragenics billed Indigo for the difference between Indigo's actual TheraSeed® product sales and the contractual minimum purchase requirements under the terms of the Agreement. Based on this demand for payment, Indigo exercised its option to exit the Agreement and in August 2000 gave notice of termination of the Agreement effective August 2001. By mutual agreement, Indigo's termination was subsequently accelerated to January 5, 2001. As a result of Indigo's notice of termination, the Company regained the right to directly market and distribute its TheraSeed® product for the treatment of prostate cancer to physicians and third-party distributors. Subsequent to Indigo's notice of termination, Theragenics has executed non-exclusive distribution agreements with four companies for the distribution of TheraSeed®.
The Company has an active and ongoing program targeted at diversifying its future revenue stream. As part of this program the Company is constructing a facility in the Oak Ridge, Tennessee area to house the equipment, infrastructure and work force necessary to support the production of isotopes, including Pd-103, using unique technology being leased from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). In addition to possibly increasing its capacity and allowing for expanded use of Pd-103, the Company also believes that the DOE technology may allow it
to produce other isotopically engineered materials for use in medical and non-medical applications. Research and development initiatives are also underway to support this diversification program. Pre-clinical animal studies addressing the use of Pd-103 for the prevention of restenosis have been underway since April 2000 and preliminary data was reported in August 2000 and February 2001. The use of Pd-103 for the treatment of aged-related macular degeneration is also being studied, with pre-clinical animal trials expected to begin in 2001.
In 1998 the Company received regulatory approval for the marketing of TheraSeed® throughout the member countries of the European Union by obtaining CE Marking. Sales of TheraSeed® in Europe were not significant in any of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2000.
Industry Overview
Prostate Cancer
Excluding skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer, and the second leading cause of cancer deaths, in men. According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer accounts for about 11% of male cancer-related deaths. It is most common in North America and northwestern Europe and less common in Asia, Africa, Central America, and South America. The American Cancer Society estimates there will be about 198,100 new cases of prostate cancer diagnosed and an estimated 31,500 deaths associated with the disease in the United States during 2001.
Prostate cancer incidence and mortality increase with age. Prostate cancer is found most often in men who are over the age of 50. More than eight out of ten men diagnosed with prostate cancer are over the age of 65. According to the American Cancer Society, since 1990, the prostate cancer death rate has dropped. This is possibly due to the increased use of screening for early detection, though conclusive data on this is not currently available. According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 58% of all prostate cancers are found while they are still localized (confined to the prostate), and a 5-year relative survival rate for men with localized prostate cancer is 100%. Thirty-one percent of prostate cancers have spread to tissues near the prostate when diagnosed, and the 5-year survival rate for these men is 94%. The remaining 11% of those men diagnosed have prostate cancer that has spread to distant parts of the body. Of the remaining 11%, about 31% are
expected to survive at least five years. These survival statistics, according to the American Cancer Society, include all diagnosed prostate cancer cases, regardless of the treatment.
In addition to age, other risk factors are linked to prostate cancer, such as genetics. Men who have relatives that have been affected, especially if the relatives were young at diagnosis, have an even higher risk of contracting the disease.
Another factor that may contribute to prostate cancer is diet. A diet high in fat may play a part in causing prostate cancer. The American Cancer Society suggests that Lycopenes, found in certain fruits and vegetables, and the mineral selenium found in fish, meat, poultry, cereals and vegetables such as mushrooms and asparagus, seem to lower prostate cancer risk. An increase in prostate cancer may also be related to a diet high in calcium and low in fructose (fruit sugar).
The prostate is a walnut-sized gland surrounding the male urethra, located below the bladder and adjacent to the rectum. The two most prevalent prostate diseases are benign prostatic hyperplasia ("BPH") and prostate cancer. BPH is a non-cancerous enlargement of the innermost part of the prostate. Prostate cancer is a malignant tumor that begins most often in the periphery of the gland and, like other forms of cancer, may spread beyond the prostate to other parts of the body. If left untreated, prostate cancer can metastasize to the lung or bone, resulting in death.
The American Cancer Society recommends that men without symptoms, risk factors and a life expectancy of least ten years should begin regular annual medical exams at the age of 50, and believes that health care providers should offer as part of the exam the prostate-specific antigen ("PSA") blood test and a digital rectal examination ("DRE"). The PSA blood test determines the amount of prostate specific antigen present in the blood. PSA is found in a protein secreted by the prostate, and elevated levels of PSA can be associated with either prostatitis (a noncancerous inflammatory condition) or a proliferation of cancer cells in the prostate. Industry studies have shown that the PSA test can detect prostate cancer as many as five years earlier than the digital rectal exam. Transrectal ultrasound tests and biopsies are typically performed on patients with elevated PSA readings to confirm the existence of cancer.
A tumor found by a prostate biopsy is usually assigned a grade by a pathologist. The most common prostate cancer grading system is called the Gleason system. A Gleason grade, which ranges from 2 to 10, usually is used to estimate the tumor's growth rate. The lower the grade, the slower the cancer grows. Most localized cancers of the prostate gland are an intermediate grade ranging from Gleason grades 4, 5 or 6.
Staging is the process of determining how far the cancer has spread. The treatment and recovery outlook depend on the stage of the cancer. The TNM system is the staging process used most often. The TNM descriptions can be grouped together with stages labeled 0 through IV (0-4). The higher the number, the more the cancer has spread. The following table summarizes the various stages of prostate cancer.
| Stages | Characteristics of prostate cancer | |
| T1 or T2 | Localized in the prostate | |
| T3 or T4 | Locally advanced | |
| N+ or M+ | Spread to pelvic lymph nodes (N+) | |
| or distant organs (M+) |
Treatment Options
In addition to seeding, localized prostate cancer is most commonly treated with radical prostatectomy ("RP"), transurethral resection of the prostate ("TURP"), external beam radiation therapy ("EBRT"), cryosurgery, hormone therapy, and watchful waiting. Some of these therapies may be combined in special cases to address a specific cancer stage or patient need. For example, TheraSeed® has been used in combination with EBRT to treat some locally advanced cases of prostate cancer. The treatments that have been most successful are those that remove or kill all of the cancerous tissue while avoiding excessive damage to the surrounding healthy tissue. When the cancerous tissue is not completely eliminated, the cancer typically returns to the primary site, often with metastases to other areas. The following is a summary of treatment options for prostate cancer other than seeding.
Radical Prostatectomy and transurethral resection of the prostate are the two most common surgical procedures. Radical Prostatectomy involves the complete removal of the prostate gland and has been used for over 30 years in treating early-stage, localized tumors. RP typically requires a three-day average hospital stay and a lengthy recovery period (generally three to five weeks). Possible side effects include impotence and incontinence. The cost of RP ranges from $19,000 to $25,000 per procedure, excluding treatment for side effects and postoperative complications.
Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is used for men who are not able to have a radical prostatectomy because of advanced age or serious illness in addition to the prostate cancer. It is not done to cure the disease or to remove all of the cancer, but rather as a relief of the symptoms from the disease before other treatments begin. The procedure is actually used more often to relieve symptoms of non-cancerous prostate enlargement. The procedure usually requires a hospital stay of one to two days and the patient may return to work in one to two weeks. Possible side effects include some bleeding into the urine after surgery, possibility of infections and the risks associated with the type of anesthesia used.
External Beam Radiation Therapy involves directing a beam of radiation at the prostate gland from outside the body to destroy tumorous tissue and has been a common technique for treating many kinds of cancer since the 1950s. EBRT has typically been reserved for early-stage prostate cancer in locally advanced cases where the patient is an inappropriate surgical risk. Patients are usually treated five days per week in an outpatient center over a period of six to seven weeks. Rectal complications resulting from damage to the rectal wall caused by the radiation beam as it travels to the prostate are the most common side effects. Other possible side effects also include incontinence and impotence, but these side effects generally occur with less frequency than they do following RP. EBRT is estimated to cost between $13,000 to $17,000 per patient.
Cryosurgeryinvolves placing a small metal tool into the tumor and killing the cancer by freezing the entire prostate. Patients usually remain in the hospital for one to two days. There will be some bruising and soreness of the area where the probe was inserted. Side effects of cryosurgery may include damage to nerves near the prostate that may cause impotence and incontinence, damage to bladder and intestines, and a fistula (an abnormal opening) between the rectum and bladder. This option is considered most appropriate for men with serious medical conditions that make them unable to endure surgery or radiation therapy.
Ancillary Therapies, primarily consisting of hormone therapy and chemotherapy, are used to slow the growth of cancer and reduce tumor size, but are generally not intended to be curative. Ancillary therapies are often used during advanced stages of the disease to extend life and relieve symptoms. Side effects of hormonal drug therapy include increased development of breasts, impotence and decreased libido. In addition, many hormone pharmaceuticals artificially lower PSA levels in patients, which can interfere with staging the disease and monitoring its progress. Side effects of chemotherapy include nausea, hair loss and fatigue. Drug therapy and chemotherapy require long-term, repeated administration of medication on an outpatient basis.
Watchful Waiting is recommended by some physicians in certain circumstances based on the severity and growth rate of the disease, as well as on the age and life expectancy of the patient. The aim of watchful waiting is to monitor the patient, treat some of the attendant symptoms and determine when more active intervention is required. Watchful waiting has gained popularity among those patients refusing treatment due to side effects associated with radical prostatectomy. Watchful waiting requires periodic physician visits and PSA monitoring.
In addition to the treatment options described above, other forms of treatment as well as prevention are being developed and tested in clinical settings.
The Theragenics Solution
Theragenics produces TheraSeed®, an FDA-cleared device for treatment of all solid localized tumors and currently used principally for the treatment of prostate cancer. In the prostate application, TheraSeeds® are implanted throughout the prostate gland in a minimally invasive surgical technique under ultrasound guidance. The radiation emitted by the seeds is contained within the immediate prostate area, killing the tumor while sparing surrounding organs of significant radiation exposure. The seeds, whose capsules are biocompatible, remain in the prostate after delivering their radiation dose. TheraSeed® is best suited for solid localized tumors and is typically classified as a treatment for early-stage disease.
Management believes TheraSeed® offers significant advantages over RP and EBRT. Recent multi-year clinical studies indicate that seeding offers success rates for early-stage prostate cancer that are comparable to or better than those of RP or EBRT plus reduced complication rates. In addition, the TheraSeed® treatment is a one-time outpatient procedure with a typical two to three day recovery period. By comparison, RP is an inpatient procedure typically accompanied by an average three day hospital stay and a three to five week recovery period, and EBRT involves six to seven weeks of daily radiation treatments. The Company estimates that treatment with TheraSeed® generally costs $13,000 to $17,000 per procedure, which is lower than the cost of RP and comparable to the cost of EBRT.
TheraSeed® is a radioactive "seed" approximately 4.5 millimeters long and 0.8 millimeters wide, or roughly the size of a grain of rice. Each seed consists of biocompatible titanium that encapsulates the radioactive substance Pd-103. The half-life of Pd-103, or the time required to reduce the emitted radiation to one-half of its initial level, is 17 days. The half-life characteristics result in the loss of almost all radioactivity in less than four months.
Treatment Protocol
Prostate cancer patients electing seed therapy first undergo a transrectal ultrasound test or CT scan, which generates a two-dimensional image of the prostate. With the assistance of a computer program, a three dimensional treatment plan is created that calculates the number and placement of the seeds required for the best possible distribution of radiation to the prostate.
Once the implant model has been constructed, the procedure is scheduled and the seeds are ordered. The number of seeds implanted normally ranges from 40 to 100, with the number of seeds varying with the size of the prostate. The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia in an outpatient setting. An ultrasound probe is first positioned in the rectum to guide needle placement and seed location. Correct needle placement is facilitated by a template, or grid, that covers the perineum (the area between the scrotum and rectum through which the needles are inserted). This template is attached to the ultrasound probe. Implant needles loaded with seeds are assigned to the appropriate template holes as indicated in the treatment plan. Each needle is guided through the template and then through the perineum to its predetermined position within the prostate under direct ultrasound visualization. The seeds are implanted as the needle is withdrawn from the prostate. When all seeds have been inserted, the ultrasound image is again reviewed to verify seed placement. An experienced practitioner typically performs the procedure in approximately 60 to 90 minutes, with the patient often returning home at day's end.
Seeding has been used as a treatment for prostate cancer since the early 1980s, when seeds containing the radioactive isotope Iodine-125 ("I-125") were implanted in prostate tumors under open surgery. However, this technique fell into disfavor because the seeds were often haphazardly arranged resulting in radiation not reaching all of the targeted cancerous prostate. Compounding this was that often an unintended radiation dose was delivered to healthy surrounding tissues, particularly the urethra and rectum. Clinical results indicate that the computer modeling, advanced imaging and other techniques used in seeding today have significantly ameliorated these drawbacks.
Clinical Results
Strong Efficacy Results. Clinical data indicates that seeding offers success rates for early-stage prostate cancer treatment that are comparable to or better than those of RP or EBRT. The vast majority of published
studies on the use of seeding in the treatment of early-stage prostate cancer have been very positive. A nine-year clinical study published in the March 2000 issue of International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology and Physics, reported that 83.5% of the patients treated with TheraSeed® were cancer-free at nine years. The study was conducted by Dr. John Blasko of the Seattle Prostate Institute and included 230 patients with clinical stage T1 and T2 prostate cancer. Only 3% experienced cancer recurrence in the prostate. Because of Dr. Blasko's extensive experience in the treatment of cancer and brachytherapy, the Company retained him as a medical and cancer advisor in 1998.
Seeding treatment in combination with EBRT has also recorded impressive results in the treatment of higher risk prostate cancer patients. In their paper published for the Seminars in Surgical Oncology 1997, Drs. Blasko, Ragde, Grimm, et al. presented an eight-year actuarial local and distal disease-free rate of 91% and 83%, respectively for 231 patients who were considered to represent higher risks of locally advanced prostate cancer and were treated with a combination of Pd-103 or I-125 seeding and a modified dose of EBRT. A study by Dr. Michael Dattoli of University Community Hospital, Tampa, Florida, and Dr. Kent Wallner of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, published in the International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology and Physics in July 1996 found a three-year actuarial freedom from biochemical failure (based on PSA scores) of 79% among 73 patients with clinically localized, high risk prostate cancer who were treated with EBRT in combination with Pd-103. This compares favorably to results reported for patients treated with conventional dose EBRT alone. These locally advanced cases are significant because typical RP protocols would not classify them as suitable for surgical treatment.
Reduced Incidence of Side Effects. Because TheraSeed® delivers a highly concentrated and confined dose of radiation directly to the prostate, healthy surrounding tissues and organs are spared excessive radiation exposure. This results in significantly fewer and less severe side effects and complications than are incurred with other conventional therapies. RP generally results in a 65-90% impotence rate and a 2-35% incontinence rate, and EBRT generally results in impotence and incontinence rates of 40-60% and 8-18%, respectively. In contrast, according to the 1995 study by the Northwest Tumor Institute described above, it was reported that 85% of seed therapy patients under 70 years of age who were potent before the procedure remained so. In addition, patients
who had not had a previous transurethral prostate resection ("TURP") suffered no incontinence. Patients having a previous TURP have compromised urinary tracts and can experience higher rates of incontinence. Patients receiving seeding can expect some urethra irritation and urinary urgency post-implantation as the Pd-103 delivers its radiation dose.
Lower Treatment Cost. The total cost of seeding is approximately $15,000 per procedure. This is approximately two-thirds the cost of RP, which ranges from $19,000 to $25,000, excluding treatment for side effects and post-operative complications. Seeding cost is comparable to the cost of EBRT, which ranges from $13,000 to $17,000 for a six-to-seven week course of treatment.
Management believes TheraSeed® represents the best available form of seeding. Another radioactive isotope, Iodine-125 ("I-125"), is also commercially available as a permanent implant. TheraSeed® was the first commercially available alternative isotope to I-125 since I-125's introduction in the 1970s. Management believes that I-125 and Pd-103 are used in approximately 65% and 35%, respectively, of all prostate cancer seeding procedures. Another technique known as "temporary seeding," which involves the temporary placement of an Iridium-based source in or near a tumor, is used in a very small percentage of cases. Management believes Pd-103 has the following advantages over I-125: (i) Pd-103 delivers three times the initial dose rate of I-125, which can yield advantages in treating aggressive cancers, (ii) Pd-103 has approximately one-third the half-life of I-125, which shortens the duration of some radiation induced side effects by two-thirds and reduces radiation exposure to medical personnel in treatment follow-up; and (iii) unlike I-125, Pd-103 is nontoxic and non-volatile as it decays.
A seven-year, peer-reviewed study conducted at Yale University School of Medicine published in the October 29, 1999, issue of Radiation Oncology Investigations: Clinical and Basic Research demonstrated that patients receiving TheraSeed® palladium-103 (Pd-103) seed implants experienced significantly lower incidences of side effects than patients implanted with I-125. Overall severe complication rates from both I-125 and Pd-103 are very low when compared to other treatment modalities. Only 9% of the patients involved in the study performed at Yale experienced long-term complications, none of whom were implanted with TheraSeed®. Furthermore, the study indicates that implants performed with TheraSeed® can utilize an increased minimum tumor dose without jeopardizing the results from side effects.
Production
The production of TheraSeed® is dependent upon the availability of Pd-103, as well as Rhodium-103 ("Rh-103"), titanium, graphite and lead. With the exception of Pd-103, all of these raw materials are relatively inexpensive and readily available from third party suppliers.
Pd-103 is a radioactive isotope that can be produced by neutron bombardment of Pd-102 in a nuclear reactor, or by proton bombardment of Rh-103 in a cyclotron. Following the production of Pd-103 from Rh-103 in the cyclotron, the Pd-103 is harvested from the cyclotron and moved through a number of proprietary production processes until it reaches its final seed form.
The Company has produced Pd-103 using Company-owned cyclotrons since 1993. The Company currently has fourteen cyclotrons in production, and has no current plans to purchase additional cyclotrons. The Company's cyclotrons were designed, built, installed and tested by a company specializing in the construction of such equipment.
Cyclotron operations constitute only one component of the TheraSeed® manufacturing process. Because the production of TheraSeed® is highly sensitive and labor intensive, management is focusing significant attention and effort on automating and otherwise improving all aspects of the Company's manufacturing process. Certain portions of the Company's production processes were automated during the past three years. Although the automation process is difficult and time consuming, and has been subject to significant delays, management believes it can continue to improve efficiency, further reduce radiation exposure to personnel and provide additional production capacity for TheraSeed®.
Since 1997, the Company's quality control system has been certified as meeting all the requirements of the International Organization for Standards' ISO 9001/EN46001 Quality System Standard.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has granted Theragenics access to unique DOE technology, known as the Plasma Separation Process (PSP), for use in production of isotopes, including Pd-103 (the "PSP Project"). The Company is currently constructing the facilities and infrastructure to support the use of this DOE technology. The facilities are expected to become operational during 2001, though no revenues are expected from the PSP Project in 2001. (See Item 7 -"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations").
As a result of the sensitive nature of the PSP equipment and the specialized technology involved, the DOE can terminate the Company's access in the event of national emergency or in the interest of national defense, or require the Company to perform work involving programmatic use of the technology for the DOE in connection with carrying out its governmental mission. The Company would be entitled to compensation in the event of termination in connection with national emergency or defense or for programmatic use of the technology for the DOE.
Marketing
From May 1997 until August 2000, Indigo Medical, Inc. (Indigo) held the exclusive worldwide rights to market and sell the TheraSeed® implant for prostate cancer under a Sales and Marketing Agreement with Theragenics (the "Agreement"). Under the Agreement, Indigo had the responsibility for the marketing and training related to the TheraSeed® implant. In August 2000 Indigo exercised its option and gave notice of termination of the Agreement. As a result of Indigo's notice of termination, Theragenics regained the right to directly market and distribute its TheraSeed® product for the treatment of prostate cancer to physicians and third-party distributors. Subsequent to Indigo's notice of termination, the Company has executed non-exclusive distribution agreements with four companies for the distribution of TheraSeed® (see Item 7 - "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation, Sales and Marketing Agreements").
Management does not currently intend to develop an internal sales and marketing organization. The Company does intend to support the TheraSeed® brand and its non-exclusive distributors with advertising to consumers and physicians, clinical studies aimed at showing the superiority of TheraSeed® in the treatment of prostate cancer, technical field support to TheraSeed® customers and other customer service and patient information activities.
TheraSphere®
Theragenics has also participated in the development of TheraSphere®, a microscopic radioactive glass sphere designed for the treatment of liver cancer. The Company holds a worldwide exclusive license from the University of Missouri for the use of the technology required to produce TheraSphere®. The Company has granted to Nordion International, Inc. ("Nordion") an exclusive worldwide sublicense to manufacture, distribute and sell
TheraSphere® for any application. Under the terms of the sublicense, Nordion has agreed to obtain the necessary regulatory approvals for distribution of TheraSphere® in the United States and other countries. TheraSphere® has been approved for distribution in Canada and is available in other markets outside North America, though sales of TheraSphere® have not been significant. Nordion has received a Humanitarian Device Exemption ("HDE") authorization from the FDA to treat up to 4,000 patients annually with TheraSphere® in the United States. The HDE does not represent full regulatory approval for distribution in the United States, and the timing for commercial development and regulatory approval of TheraSphere® in the United States and elsewhere is uncertain. Management does not anticipate significant revenues from TheraSphere® within the foreseeable future.
A TheraSphere® treatment dose contains approximately five million yttrium-90 glass spheres that are each approximately half the diameter of a human hair. In the treatment of liver cancer, a radiation dose is delivered to the tumor by introducing TheraSphere® by catheter into the hepatic artery, which carries arterial blood to the liver. Because of greater blood flow to tumors compared to healthy liver tissue, the microspheres concentrate in the capillaries feeding the tumor. The concentration of microspheres in healthy tissue is much lower. Because of the ability to place and concentrate the radiation source in such close proximity to the tumor, TheraSphere® can deliver a radiation dose to the tumor cells five times as strong as that which can be delivered via external beam radiation.
Patents and Licenses; Trade Secrets
The Company holds United States patents directed to palladium delivery devices for therapeutic uses and processes for making such devices. The Company also has corresponding patents in Canada, South Africa, Japan and the countries of the European patent convention, and a PCT patent application on file for Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and Europe (representing 16 European countries) as well as a direct filing in Mexico. The Company may file additional patent applications from time to time in connection with its existing business and research and development activities. The Company considers the ownership of patents important, but not necessarily essential, to its operations. The Company also uses a strategy of confidentiality agreements and trade secret treatment to provide primary protection to a number of proprietary design modifications in the cyclotrons, as well as various production processes.
The Company also holds a worldwide exclusive license from the University of Missouri for the use of technology required for producing TheraSphere®. Theragenics holds the rights to all improvements developed by the University of Missouri on this technology. The Company, in turn, sublicenses exclusive worldwide rights to this technology and all improvements to Nordion. Pursuant to its license agreement with the University of Missouri, the Company is obligated to pay the University the greater of a fixed annual amount or a percentage of the gross sales amount derived from the sale of TheraSphere®.
Theragenics holds patents for technology concerning methods for delivery of TheraSphere® in several countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, Argentina, South Africa and the countries of the European patent convention, and has patent applications on file in other countries, including Japan. The Company exclusively licenses this technology to Nordion for worldwide use.
The Company also relies to a significant degree on trade secrets, proprietary know-how and technological advances that are either not patentable or which the Company chooses not to patent. In particular, the Company has designed certain modifications to its cyclotrons as well as various production processes that it deems to be proprietary. The Company seeks to protect non-patented proprietary information, in part, by confidentiality agreements with suppliers, employees and consultants.
Seasonality
Management believes that holidays, major medical conventions and vacations taken by physicians, patients and patients' families may have a seasonal impact on sales. Management is continuing to monitor and assess the impact that seasonality may have on the demand for TheraSeed®.
Research and Development
Research and development (R&D) expenses were $2.1 million, $709,000 and $448,000 in 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively. The increase in R&D in 2000 was primarily a result of the Company's preclinical animal studies addressing the use of Pd-103 for the prevention of restenosis (see Item 7 - "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, 2000 compared to 1999").
Competition
The Company competes in a market characterized by technological innovation, extensive research efforts and significant competition. In general, TheraSeed® competes with conventional methods of treating localized cancer, such as RP and EBRT, as well as competing permanent implant devices. RP currently represents the most common medical treatment for early-stage, localized prostate cancer. RP has a long history of favorable clinical results and physicians have developed a high degree of familiarity and comfort with this procedure. EBRT is also a well-established method of treatment and is widely accepted for patients who do not represent a good surgical risk or whose prostate cancer has advanced beyond the stage for which surgical treatment is indicated. Management believes that if general conversion from these treatment options (or other established or conventional procedures) to TheraSeed® treatment does occur, such conversion will be the result of a combination of equivalent or better efficacy, reduced incidence of side effects and complications, lower cost, other quality of life issues and pressure by health care providers and patients.
Iodine-125 (I-125) is commercially available as a permanent implant and competes with TheraSeed®. A number of companies have obtained regulatory approval to produce and distribute I-125 seeds and a number of other companies have announced their intentions to apply for such approval. Management believes that I-125 and Pd-103 are used in approximately 65% and 35%, respectively, of all prostate cancer seeding procedures.
Management believes that Pd-103 has certain advantages over I-125. A seven-year study conducted at Yale University School of Medicine demonstrated that patients receiving TheraSeed® Pd-103 implants experienced significantly lower incidences of side effects than patients implanted with I-125. The results of this peer-reviewed study appeared in the October 29, 1999 issue of "Radiation Oncology Investigations: Clinical and Basic Research". A review of 123 early stage T1 and T2 prostate cancer patients implanted between 1992 and 1999 with I-125 or TheraSeed® revealed an overall complication rate of 0% with TheraSeed® versus 13% for I-125. Most important, the grade III-IV complication (bladder, urethra, and rectum) rate for TheraSeed® was 0% versus 6% for
I-125. The three-year actuarial probability of remaining free of long-term complications was 100% for TheraSeed® versus 82% for I-125. The study also reported that a review of the literature for 992 patients implanted with I-125 versus 540 patients implanted with TheraSeed® shows a consistently higher complication rate for I-125 versus TheraSeed®.
Management believes that certain characteristics of Pd-103 can lead to continued improved results over I-125, including: (i) a higher dose rate, which can yield advantages in treating aggressive cancers; (ii) a shorter half-life, which shortens the duration of some radiation induced side effects by two-thirds and reduces radiation exposure to medical personnel in treatment follow-up; and (iii) unlike I-125, Pd-103 is non toxic and non-volatile as it decays.
At least three companies have obtained regulatory approval to produce and distribute Pd-103 seeds, which compete directly with TheraSeed®. A number of other companies have also announced their intentions to apply for regulatory approval to produce and distribute Pd-103 seeds. Management believes that Theragenics has competitive advantages over these companies including: (i) its proprietary production processes that have been developed and patented; (ii) its record of reliability and safety in its manufacturing operations; (iii) the time and resources required for competitors' production capabilities to ramp up to commercial production on a scale comparable to Theragenics'; and (4) the non-exclusive distribution agreements that the Company currently has in place, which allow it to leverage multiple distribution channels and access multiple marketing approaches and philosophies.
One of the companies that has produced Pd-103 consists of certain former employees of Theragenics. Theragenics initiated legal action against this company in 1997 for misappropriation of trade secrets. This legal action was settled during 2000 with no effect on Theragenics' financial condition or results of operations.
At any point in time, management of Theragenics and/or its non-exclusive distributors may change their respective pricing policies for TheraSeed® in order to take advantage of market opportunities or respond to competitive situations. Responding to market opportunities and competitive situations could have an adverse effect on the prices of TheraSeed®, while failure to do so could adversely affect market share and volumes.
In addition to the competition from the procedures and companies noted above, many companies, both public and private, are researching new and innovative methods of preventing and treating cancer. In addition, many companies, including many large, well-known pharmaceutical, medical device and chemical companies that have
significant resources available to them, are engaged in radiological pharmaceutical and device research. These companies are located in the United States, Europe and throughout the world. Significant developments by any of these companies could have a material adverse effect on the demand for Theragenics' products.
Government Regulation
The Company's present and future intended activities in the development, manufacture and sale of cancer therapy products are subject to extensive laws, regulations, regulatory approvals and guidelines. Within the United States, the Company's therapeutic radiological device must comply with the U.S. Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, which is enforced by the FDA. As a result of receiving its CE Marking during 1998, the Company must also comply with the regulations of the Competent Authorities of the European Union for TheraSeed® sold in the member nations of the European Union.
The Company is also required to adhere to applicable FDA regulations for Good Manufacturing Practices, including extensive record keeping and periodic inspections of manufacturing facilities.
The Company obtained FDA 510(k) clearance in 1986 to market TheraSeed® for, in general, the treatment of localized solid tumors. A new 510(k) clearance would be required for any modifications in the device or its labeling that could significantly affect the safety or effectiveness of the original product.
The Company's handling of radioactive materials is governed by the State of Georgia in agreement with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). The users of TheraSeed®; are also required to possess licenses issued either by the states in which they reside or the NRC (depending upon the state involved and the production process used). The Company's expansion plans require the Company to secure additional permits and licenses from a number of environmental, health and safety regulatory agencies. The Company believes, but cannot assure, that it will be able to acquire the permits and licenses necessary for its planned expansion of its manufacturing capacity in accordance with its timetable. To date, the Company has not experienced delays in licensing any of its facilities or cyclotrons.
The Company is required under its radioactive materials license to maintain radiation control and radiation safety personnel, procedures, equipment and processes, and to monitor its facilities and its employees and contractors. The Company is also required to provide financial assurance that adequate funding will exist for
end-of-life radiological decommissioning of its cyclotrons and other radioactive areas of its property that contain radioactive materials. The Company's decommissioning obligations will increase as its production capacity is expanded.
The Company disposes of low level radioactive waste to licensed commercial radioactive waste treatment or disposal facilities for incineration or land disposal. Management believes the Company is in compliance with all state and federal regulations in this regard. The Company provides training and monitoring of its personnel to facilitate the proper handling of all materials.
The U.S. Department of Energy has granted Theragenics access to unique DOE technology, known as the "Plasma Separation Process" (PSP), for use in production of isotopes. U.S. Government Export Control Laws and Regulations govern the exporting of certain products produced in the PSP and the exporting of technology associated with the PSP.
Employees
As of December 31, 2000, the Company had 145 full time employees (including full time temporary employees and executive personnel). Of this total, 110 were engaged in the development and production of the Company's products. The remainder were engaged in marketing and general corporate activities. The Company's employees are not represented by a union or a collective bargaining agreement, and management considers employee relations to be good.
Item 2. Properties
The Company owns two manufacturing facilities located in Buford, Georgia. One facility houses cyclotrons, raw material processing, assembly and shipping operations. The second facility, which is adjacent to the first facility, houses cyclotrons. The Company also owns an administrative facility adjacent to its production facilities in Buford.
The Company owns approximately 15 acres that are available for future development adjacent to its current Buford location. Management intends to use this land for long term expansion of its manufacturing and support operations, if such expansion is required.
The Company leases 21 acres of land in the Oak Ridge, Tennessee area, on which it is constructing a facility to house the equipment, infrastructure and workforce necessary to support operations using technology leased from the U.S. Department of Energy (see Item 7 - "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations"). The Company also holds a right of first refusal option on the lease of 21 acres adjacent to its current leased site in the Oak Ridge area.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
In January 1999, the Company and certain of its officers and directors were named as defendants in certain securities actions, alleging violations of the federal securities laws, including Sections 10(b), 20(a) and Rule 10b-5 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These actions have been consolidated into a single action pending in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia. The complaint, as amended, purports to represent a class of investors who purchased or sold securities during the time period from January 29, 1998 to January 11, 1999. The amended complaint generally alleges that the defendants made certain misrepresentations and omissions in connection with the performance of the Company during the class period and seeks unspecified damages. On May 14, 1999 a stockholder of the Company filed a derivative complaint in the Delaware Court of Chancery purportedly on behalf of the Company, alleging that certain directors breached their fiduciary duties by engaging in the conduct that is alleged in the consolidated federal class action complaint. The derivative action has been stayed by the agreement of the parties. On September 3, 1999, the Company filed a motion to dismiss the consolidated federal class action complaint on the grounds that it failed to state a claim against the Company. On July 19, 2000, the Court granted the Company's motion to dismiss, and granted the plaintiffs leave to amend their complaint. On August 21, 2000, the plaintiffs filed a second amended complaint. On October 6, the defendants filed a motion to dismiss the second amended complaint, which is presently pending before the Court. Management believes these charges are without merit and intends to vigorously oppose the litigation, however, given the nature and early stage of the proceedings, the ultimate outcome of the litigation cannot be determined at this time. Accordingly, no provision for any liability that might result from this litigation has been made. The Company maintains insurance for claims of this general nature.
In trade secret litigation filed against International Brachytherapy ("IBt"), Theragenics claimed ownership of certain cyclotron improvements incorporated into the cyclotrons provided to IBt by the companies' common cyclotron vendor. In September 2000, Theragenics and IBt agreed to a settlement which had no effect on Theragenics' financial condition or results of operations. In connection with this litigation, IBt had sought
indemnification from the cyclotron vendor against the Company's claims. The cyclotron vendor in turn filed for arbitration seeking determination of ownership of the cyclotron improvements and certain other information developed by Theragenics relating to the cyclotron technology. The cyclotron vendor was also seeking indemnification for any amounts paid by the vendor to IBt to defend against the trade secret claims of Theragenics, and attorney fees in the arbitration. The cyclotron vendor was not seeking to prevent the Company from using the cyclotrons or the related improvements or information. In January 2001, the parties agreed to a settlement that had no effect on Theragenics' financial condition or results of operations.
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
The Company did not submit any matter to a vote of its security holders during the fourth quarter of calendar year 2000.
PART II
Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related
Stockholder Matters
The Company's common stock, $.01 par value, ("Common Stock") is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the symbol "TGX". The high and low prices for the Company's Common Stock as reported on the NYSE for each quarterly period in 1999 and 2000 are as follows:
| High |
Low |
|
| 2000 | ||
| First Quarter......................................................................................................................... | $16.63 | $8.13 |
| Second Quarter.................................................................................................................... | 13.25 | 6.94 |
| Third Quarter........................................................................................................................ | 9.81 | 6.31 |
| Fourth Quarter...................................................................................................................... | 6.63 | 3.94 |
| ||
| 1999 | ||
| First Quarter......................................................................................................................... | 17.75 | 5.00 |
| Second Quarter.................................................................................................................... | 8.94 | 6.63 |
| Third Quarter........................................................................................................................ | 13.69 | 6.75 |
| Fourth Quarter...................................................................................................................... | 13.75 | 7.63 |
As of March 19, 2001, the closing price of the Company's Common Stock was $6.14 per share. Also, as of that
date, there were approximately 648 holders of record of the Company's Common Stock. The number of record holders does not reflect the number of beneficial owners of the Company's Common Stock for whom shares are held by depositary trust companies, brokerage firms and others.
The Company has a Stockholder Rights Plan (the "Rights Plan"), which contains provisions designed to protect the Company's stockholders. Pursuant to the Rights Plan, each share of the Company's Common Stock contains a share purchase right (a "Right"). The Rights expire in February 2007, and do not become exercisable unless certain events occur, including the acquisition of, or commencement of a tender offer for, 15% or more of the outstanding Common Stock. In the event certain triggering events occur, including the acquisition of 20% or more of the outstanding Common Stock, each Right that is not held by the 20% or more stockholder will entitle its holder to purchase additional shares of Common Stock at a substantial discount to then current market prices. The Rights Plan and the terms of the Rights, which are set forth in a Rights Agreement between the Company and SunTrust Bank, Atlanta, as Rights Agent, could add substantially to the cost of acquiring the Company, and consequently could delay or prevent a change in control of the Company.
Dividend Policy
The Company has never declared or paid a cash dividend on its Common Stock. It is the present policy of the Board of Directors to retain all earnings to support operations and to finance expansion. Consequently, the Board of Directors does not anticipate declaring or paying cash dividends on the Common Stock in the foreseeable future. The Company's current credit facility restricts the Company's ability to pay dividends if such dividend payment would cause a default under any of the credit facility's financial covenants. Decisions on the payment and amount of any dividends on the Common Stock will depend on the Company's results of operations, capital requirements and financial condition and other relevant factors as determined by the Board of Directors.
Stock Split
On March 16, 1998, the Board of Directors approved a two-for-one Common Stock split, effected in the form of a 100% stock dividend, which was distributed on April 15, 1998 to stockholders of record on March 31, 1998. All references to shares outstanding and per share amounts contained herein have been restated to reflect the stock split.
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
The selected financial data set forth below as of December 31, 1999 and 2000 and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2000 have been derived from the financial statements of the Company included elsewhere herein, which have been audited by Grant Thornton LLP, independent certified public accountants. The selected financial data as of December 31, 1996, 1997 and 1998 and for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 1997 have been derived from the financial statements of the Company, which have been audited by Grant Thornton LLP but are not included herein. The selected financial data set forth below should be read in conjunction with the financial statements of the Company and related notes thereto and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" included elsewhere herein.
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||
| 1996 |
1997 |
1998 |
1999 |
2000 |
|
| (Amounts in thousands, except per share data) | |||||
| Statement of Earnings Data: | |||||
| Product sales.................................................................................................. | $12,257 | $24,457 | $37,858 | $43,618 | $43,898 |
| Licensing fees................................................................................................. | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 106 |
| Total revenue................................................................................................. | 12,357 | 24,557 | 37,958 | 43,718 | 44,004 |
| Cost of product sales...................................................................................... | 3,736 | 6,141 | 10,869 | 13,293 | 13,578 |
| Gross profit.................................................................................................... | 8,621 | 18,416 | 27,089 | 30,425 | 30,426 |
| Selling, general and administrative.................................................................... | 3,198 | 4,819 | 6,000 | 6,300 | 6,872 |
| Research and development............................................................................. | 7 | 55 | 448 | 709 | 2,108 |
| Operating profit.............................................................................................. | 5,416 | 13,542 | 20,641 | 23,416 | 21,446 |
| Other income................................................................................................. | 36 | 1,306 | 1,262 | 1,273 | 7,253 |
| Net earnings before income taxes.................................................................... | 5,452 | 14,848 | 21,903 | 24,689 | 28,699 |
| Income tax expense........................................................................................ | 2,067 | 5,350 | 7,880 | 8,677 | 10,019 |
| Net earnings.................................................................................................. | $ 3,385 | $ 9,498 | $14,023 | $16,012 | $18,680 |
| Earnings per common share | |||||
| Basic........................................................................................................... | $ 0.15 | $ 0.35 | $ 0.48 | $ 0.54 | $ 0.63 |
| Diluted......................................................................................................... | $ 0.14 | $ 0.33 | $ 0.46 | $ 0.53 | $ 0.62 |
| Weighted average common shares | |||||
| Basic........................................................................................................... | 23,250 | 27,526 | 29,259 | 29,478 | 29,534 |
| Diluted......................................................................................................... | 24,582 | 28,618 | 30,315 | 29,960 | 29,962 |
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||
| 1996 |
1997 |
1998 |
1999 |
2000 |
|
| (In thousands) | |||||
| Balance Sheet Data: | |||||
| Cash and short-term investments.................................................................... | $ 2,986 | $30,162 | $19,542 | $18,765 | $29,722 |
| Marketable securities | - | 8,392 | 6,830 | 15,137 | 15,459 |
| Property, plant and equipment, net................................................................. | 17,586 | 28,986 | 53,258 | 64,081 | 75,632 |
| Total assets................................................................................................... | 23,689 | 71,200 | 88,273 | 108,043 | 130,700 |
| Long-term debt, including current installments................................................. | 3,458 | - | - | - | - |
| Shareholders' equity....................................................................................... | 19,385 | 67,033 | 84,385 | 101,077 | 120,163 |
Item 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Overview
Theragenics Corporation is the manufacturer of TheraSeed®; a rice-sized device used primarily in treating localized prostate cancer with a one-time, minimally invasive procedure. Theragenics is the world's leading producer of palladium-103 (Pd-103), the radioactive isotope that supplies the therapeutic radiation for its TheraSeed® implant. Theragenics is also involved in research and development utilizing Pd-103 for the treatment of restenosis, macular degeneration and other diseases, and has research and development programs involving other isotopes and their uses. Physicians, hospitals and other healthcare providers, primarily located in the United States, utilize the TheraSeed® product.
Under a Sales and Marketing Agreement between Theragenics and Indigo Medical, Inc. (Indigo) entered into in May 1997 (the "Agreement" or the "Indigo Agreement"), Indigo held the exclusive worldwide rights to distribute TheraSeed® for prostate cancer. During the third quarter of 2000 Theragenics billed Indigo for the difference between Indigo's actual TheraSeed® product sales and the contractual minimum purchase requirements under the terms of the Agreement. Based on this demand for payment, Indigo exercised its option to exit the Agreement and in August 2000 gave notice of termination of the Agreement, effective August 2001. By mutual agreement, Indigo's termination was subsequently accelerated to January 5, 2001. As a result of Indigo's notice of termination, the Company regained the right to directly market and distribute its TheraSeed® product for treatment of prostate cancer to physicians and third-party distributors. Subsequent to Indigo's notice of termination, Theragenics has executed non-exclusive distribution agreements with four companies for the distribution of TheraSeed®.
The Company has an active and ongoing program targeted at diversifying its future revenue stream. As part of this program the Company is constructing a facility in the Oak Ridge, Tennessee area to house the equipment, infrastructure and work force necessary to support the production of isotopes, including Pd-103, using unique technology being leased from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). In addition to possibly increasing its capacity and allowing for expanded use of Pd-103, the Company also believes that the DOE technology may allow it
to produce other isotopically engineered materials for use in medical and non-medical applications. Research and development initiatives are also underway to support this diversification program. Pre-clinical animal studies addressing the use of Pd-103 for the prevention of restenosis have been underway since April 2000 and preliminary data was reported in August 2000 and February 2001. The use of Pd-103 for the treatment of aged-related macular degeneration is also being studied, with pre-clinical animal trials expected to begin in 2001.
In 1998 the Company received regulatory approval for the marketing of TheraSeed® throughout the member countries of the European Union by obtaining CE Marking. Sales of TheraSeed® in Europe were not significant in any of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2000.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Year Ended December 31, 2000, Compared to year Ended December 31, 1999
Revenues were $44.0 million in 2000 compared to $43.7 million in 1999, an increase of $300,000 or .7%. Revenue during the second half of 2000 was impacted by the termination of the Company's relationship with Indigo, and the change to a sales and marketing strategy utilizing non-exclusive distributors. During the third quarter of 2000, based on the billing by Theragenics of a purchase minimum shortfall amount, Indigo exercised its termination option and notified Theragenics it would exit the Agreement, effective August 2001. By mutual agreement, Indigo's termination was subsequently accelerated to January 5, 2001. Under the Agreement, Indigo held the exclusive worldwide rights to distribute TheraSeed® for prostate cancer since May 1997. As a result of Indigo's notice of termination, the Company regained the right to directly market and distribute its TheraSeed® product for treatment of prostate cancer to physicians and third-party distributors. (See "Sales and Marketing Agreements" below.)
Based on the importance of third-party reimbursement to all providers of health care products and services, Theragenics, like many others, closely monitors reimbursement of healthcare costs. In recent years, Medicare and other healthcare legislation and regulations have created reimbursement concerns for the entire healthcare industry. The U.S. Congress and the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) frequently consider reforms that provide for reductions in Medicare spending and prospective payment reform on healthcare purchasing levels and payment streams. Due to the significance of these actions on revenue streams, management expects that it, along with its non-exclusive distributors, will continue to monitor the activities of the U.S. Congress and HCFA as they relate to Medicare and prospective payments.
The Company's licensing fees revenue represents licensing payments received for the Company's TheraSphere® technology. Such licensing fees have not been, nor does management expect them to become, material in the foreseeable future.
Gross profit decreased to 69.1% of revenue in 2000 from 69.6% of revenue in 1999. This decline in gross profit margin was primarily a result of the increase in depreciation expense for the additional cyclotrons that were ordered almost two years ago to meet sales forecasts made at that time by Indigo. The non-cash depreciation charge related to manufacturing for 2000 increased to $5.0 million from $3.6 million for 1999. The increase reflects fourteen cyclotrons being in operation by December 31, 2000, versus only eleven cyclotrons in operation by December 31, 1999. The increase in depreciation was partially offset by improved efficiencies and automation in the Company's proprietary production processes, and the utilization of certain manufacturing materials and resources in research and development activities.
Selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expenses were $6.9 million in 2000 compared to $6.3 million in 1999, an increase of $600,000 or 9.5%. This increase was primarily due to an increase in compensation and benefits, customer service and patient information expenses which had been previously borne by Indigo prior to August 2000, and start-up costs related to the Company's construction project in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. These increases were partially offset by a reduction in legal and professional fees.
The Company expects increases in SG&A expenses as a result of the termination of the Indigo Agreement. (See "Sales and Marketing Agreements" below.)
Research and development (R&D) expenses increased to $2.1 million, or 4.8% of revenue, in 2000, compared to $709,000, or 1.6% of revenue, in 1999. The increase in R&D expenses was a result of the Company's R&D initiatives, including restenosis studies carried out by the Atlanta Cardiovascular Research Institute (see below), and development efforts to improve the Company's proprietary production processes. The Company's research and development initiatives are intended to expand the application of Pd-103 and TheraSeed® to other oncological and non-oncological uses, and explore options for using the Company's expertise and capabilities in other areas. Management plans to continue to increase efforts in research and development as its initiatives to diversify move forward and expects R&D expenditures to increase to as much as 7.5% of revenue in 2001. However, R&D spending is dependent on the complex scheduling of research and development activities in progress as well as the pursuit of other appropriate opportunities as they arise. Accordingly, R&D expenses may fluctuate significantly from period to period.
As part of its R&D initiatives, the Company has an agreement with the Atlanta Cardiovascular Research Institute (ACRI) to conduct pre-clinical animal studies addressing the use of Pd-103 for the prevention of restenosis. Restenosis is the reclosing of arteries that often occurs after coronary angioplasties. It is estimated that nearly one-third of the 650,000 coronary angioplasties performed in the United States each year fail or restenose within the first few months of the operation. In the first phase of the study, which began in April 2000, the Company delivered catheter-based Pd-103 devices to ACRI to demonstrate the effectiveness of Pd-103 in inhibiting restenosis-like changes in pig coronary arteries after balloon angioplasty. The preliminary data from Phase I of the study, reported in August 2000, showed that the inhibitory effects of Pd-103 are similar to that of other emitters, both beta and gamma, with efficacy possibly achieved with a lower dose. Based on the preliminary data, the Company is continuing its pre-clinical animal studies, and expects longer-term data to be available in 2001. The Company is planning to conduct clinical feasibility trials in humans for coronary in-stent restenosis in 2001. The commencement and completion of any human trials will be dependent upon receiving successful results from the ongoing additional pre-clinical animal studies, as well as the evaluation of potential competing forms of treatment.
Other R&D efforts are also underway, including the use of Pd-103 in treating the wet form of aged-related macular degeneration. This disease is a degeneration of eyesight that, in some cases, can lead to complete blindness. The Company expects to begin animal studies for this application during 2001.
Other income, excluding minimum income described below, increased to $1.8 million in 2000 from $1.3 million in 1999. Other income consists primarily of interest income generated from the Company's short-term investments and high quality municipal bond investments. The increase was attributable to additional funds being available for investment during 2000 as a result of cash generated from operations. Funds available for investment have and will continue to be utilized for the Company's current and future expansion programs and research and development activities. To the extent that funds continue to be used for these programs and activities, management expects other income to fluctuate accordingly.
The Company recognized $5.4 million of other income in the third quarter of 2000 related to Theragenics' billing for purchase minimum shortfalls under the Sales and Marketing Agreement with Indigo. This increased net earnings during 2000 by $3.5 million, or $.12 per diluted share. (See "Sales and Marketing Agreements" below).
The Company's effective income tax rate was approximately 35% for 2000 and 1999. The Company's income tax rate in each period is lower than the statutory rates primarily due to the recognition of tax credits generated by the Company's investments in its expansion projects and research activities, and tax-exempt interest income.
Sales and Marketing Agreements
During the first half of 2000, Indigo did not meet the contractual minimum purchase requirements under the terms of the Sales and Marketing Agreement between the Company and Indigo (the "Agreement" or the "Indigo Agreement"). As provided by the Agreement, in the third quarter of 2000, the Company invoiced Indigo for payments totaling $5.4 million relating to the shortfall in the minimum purchase requirements for the first half of 2000. As a result of this demand for payment, Indigo had the option to exit the Agreement upon one year's notice and, in August 2000, exercised this option. Under the termination provisions of the Agreement and upon exercise of their termination option, Indigo immediately forfeited exclusive sales and marketing rights, but retained non-exclusive sales and marketing rights to TheraSeed® for prostate cancer until August 10, 2001. In December 2000, the parties agreed to accelerate the termination of Indigo's distribution rights to be effective January 5, 2001. As a result of the accelerated termination, Theragenics agreed to waive any capital carrying costs that Indigo would have otherwise been obligated to pay under the provisions of termination in the Agreement. The carrying costs that would have been payable by Indigo would have been based on the cost of cyclotrons already in service but not being used to full capacity to support product sales. Since that calculation is dependent on actual product sales, the actual amount of the carrying costs waived cannot be determined. Indigo is also prohibited from selling a competing radioactive device for the treatment of prostate cancer through August 10, 2002. As of January 6, 2001, Indigo no longer distributes TheraSeed® and the former Indigo customers can order TheraSeed® implants directly from Theragenics or any of the Company's non-exclusive distributors.
If Indigo had not exercised its option to exit the Agreement, the shortfall in the minimum purchase requirements for the first half of 2000 would have been subject to adjustment, based on Indigo's sales of TheraSeed® during the second half of 2000. Indigo's notification of termination in August 2000 eliminated the possibility of adjustment and, accordingly, Theragenics recorded the $5.4 million purchase minimum amount due
from Indigo as other income in the third quarter of 2000. The $5.4 million payment, which was also received from Indigo in the third quarter of 2000, added approximately $3.5 million or $0.12 per diluted share to net earnings for the year.
As a result of Indigo's decision to exit the Agreement, the Company immediately regained the right to sell TheraSeed® for prostate cancer treatment directly to physicians and to other third-party distributors. Subsequent to Indigo's August 2000 decision to exit the Agreement, Theragenics executed non-exclusive distribution agreements with four companies for the distribution of TheraSeed®; Nycomed Amersham, a provider of medical diagnostics and radiotherapy products; Imagyn Medical Technologies, Inc., a manufacturer and distributor of medical devices, including brachytherapy products for the treatment of cancer; C.R. Bard, Inc., a multinational developer, manufacturer and marketer of healthcare products in the fields of vascular, urology, oncology and surgical specialty products; and Prostate Services of America, Inc., a nationwide supplier of complete solutions for prostate brachytherapy. The five-year agreements give each distributor the right to distribute TheraSeed® immediately in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico for the treatment of prostate cancer and other solid localized cancerous tumors. The Company continues to explore additional non-exclusive distribution agreements in order to take advantage of multiple distribution channels and expand its market coverage.
To the extent that the Company is able to obtain sales directly to physicians for its own account, the distributors' margin, which can run approximately 25% to 30%, would be captured by Theragenics, in addition to its margin as manufacturer. For sales through the non-exclusive distributor agreements, this margin will be captured by the distributor, similar to the Indigo Agreement. Since the Company does not currently intend to build its own sales force, Theragenics' ability to capture TheraSeed® accounts for direct to physician sales will primarily be a function of the sales and marketing success of competitors, including the Company's non-exclusive distributors. Theragenics expects its non-exclusive distributors to aggressively market to the former Indigo customers. Accordingly, the Company expects that its average per unit sales price will increase slightly early in 2001, but rapidly decline to the 2000 level.
The Company expects that marketing expenses could increase by up to $2.4 million in the next year as it supports its brand in an attempt to increase demand for TheraSeed® implants. It is expected that this support will take the form of TheraSeed® brand advertising to consumers and physicians, clinical studies aimed at showing the superiority of TheraSeed® implants in the treatment of prostate cancer, technical field support to TheraSeed® customers and other customer service and patient information activities.
Over the past thirteen years, and prior to Indigo exiting from the Agreement, the Company took all orders for TheraSeed®, performed all customer service and patient information functions, and shipped TheraSeed® directly to physicians. Because these functions have always been performed by Theragenics, minimal interruption of service or product delivery to current customers is expected. However, as with any significant change, transition challenges associated with these marketing and distribution changes may arise that could significantly impact the TheraSeed® market and thereby Theragenics'; near term financial performance.
Year Ended December 31, 1999, Compared to year Ended December 31, 1998
Revenues were $43.7 million in 1999 compared to $38.0 million in 1998, an increase of $5.7 million or 15.0%. The Company believes that adjustments Indigo made to its sales and marketing programs for TheraSeed® from the prior year contributed to the increase in sales.
Licensing fees represent royalty payments with respect to the Company's licensed TheraSphere® technology.
Gross profit percentage decreased to 69.6% of revenue in 1999 from 71.4% of revenue in 1998. This decrease was attributable to an increase in the manufacturing fixed cost base as depreciation and other fixed expenses associated with additional cyclotrons and new manufacturing facilities were incurred during 1999. As additional cyclotrons come on line, margins generally decline because each machine represents excess capacity for a period while carrying its full component of fixed costs, including depreciation. Eleven cyclotrons were operational at December 31, 1999.
Selling, general and administrative expenses were $6.3 million in 1999 compared to $6.0 million in 1998, reflecting an increase of $300,000 or 5.0%. This increase was due primarily to increases in compensation and benefits as a result of the increasing scope of the Company';s operations.
Research and development (R&D) expenses were $709,000 in 1999 compared to $448,000 in 1998. The increase in R&D expenses was a result of development efforts to improve the Company';s proprietary production processes and an increased emphasis on the Company';s R&D initiatives.
Other income was approximately $1.3 million for both 1999 and 1998, comprised primarily of interest income generated from the Company';s short-term investments and high quality municipal bond investments.
The Company';s effective income tax rate was 35.1% for 1999 and 36.0% for 1998. The Company';s income tax rate in each period is lower than the statutory rates primarily due to the recognition of tax credits generated by the Company';s investments in its expansion projects and research activities, and tax-exempt interest income.
Liquidity and Capital ResourcesThe Company had cash, short-term investments and marketable securities of $45.2 million at December 31, 2000, compared to $33.9 million at December 31, 1999. Marketable securities consist primarily of high-credit quality municipal obligations, in accordance with the Company';s investment policies. The increase in cash, short-term investments and marketable securities was a result of cash generated by operations, including the receipt of the purchase minimum payment from Indigo, partially offset by capital expenditures. Working capital was $49.9 million at December 31, 2000, compared to $40.8 million at December 31, 1999. The Company also has an Unsecured Credit Agreement with a financial institution that provides for maximum borrowings of $40.0 million under two lines of credit, and an additional uncommitted $10.0 million line of credit. Letters of credit totaling approximately $800,000 were outstanding under the terms of the Unsecured Credit Agreement at December 31, 2000.
Cash generated by operations was $28.6 million and $21.5 million in 2000 and 1999, respectively. Cash generated from operations consists of net earnings plus non-cash expenses such as depreciation, amortization and deferred income tax expense. Depreciation and amortization increased to $5.5 million in 2000 from $3.9 million in 1999. The increase in depreciation and amortization was a result of the increase in the number of cyclotrons that were operational during 2000.
The Company';s primary use of cash in 2000 and 1999 related to capital spending to increase manufacturing capacity. Capital expenditures were $17.3 million and $14.1 million in 2000 and 1999, respectively. These expenditures related primarily to the Company';s PSP Project (see below), the addition of cyclotrons and supporting facilities and the Company';s new headquarters facility.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has granted Theragenics access to unique DOE technology, known as the Plasma Separation Process (PSP), for use in production of isotopes, including Pd-103 (the ";PSP Project";). This technology
venture represents part of a DOE initiative to redirect Cold War assets to peacetime use and cushion the economic impact of U.S. Defense Department cutbacks. The Company expects that the use of the PSP technology could significantly increase its Pd-103 capacity and allow for expanded use of Pd-103 and TheraSeed® beyond treatment of prostate cancer to new medical applications. The Company also believes that the PSP Project may allow it to explore options for applying this technology to other uses, including the production of isotopically engineered materials for use in medical and non-medical applications, though there are no assurances that this will be achieved. The Company is constructing a facility in the Oak Ridge, Tennessee area to house the equipment, infrastructure and work force necessary to support the production of isotopes, including Pd-103, using this DOE technology. Construction costs of approximately $17.9 million have been incurred on the PSP Project through December 31, 2000, and the Company expects to invest an additional $7.1 million - $12.1 million through 2001 to complete this manufacturing and R&D facility.
The PSP Project is expected to become operational in 2001, though no revenues are expected to be generated from the PSP Project in 2001. Accordingly, the PSP Project is expected to increase operating expenses by approximately $2.0 million in 2001, with the significant portion of these expenses incurred in the second half of the year. Additionally, costs to be incurred in the production of stable isotopes are expected to require an investment in inventory of up to $5.0 million.
As part of the PSP Project, the Company has leased land in the Oak Ridge, Tennessee area and equipment previously used by the government to produce isotopes. As a result of the sensitive nature of the equipment, the specialized technology involved and the restrictions on access to unique DOE-operated facilities, the Company has contracted with the DOE';s primary contractor for the Oak Ridge government installation to handle certain technical and operational services that are critical to the project, including moving, reassembling and recommissioning equipment currently in storage, designing and fabricating new parts and modifications to the equipment and DOE facilities; and operating and providing ongoing access to the DOE facilities. The success of the project is dependent on the continued cooperation of the DOE and its primary contractor, which could be adversely affected by future changes in governmental program priorities and funding. If the equipment cannot be moved and recommissioned successfully, if there are problems with the operation or modification of the DOE-operated facilities, or if unforeseen challenges arise, the project may not be successful or the costs or timeliness associated with the project could exceed current estimates.
In addition to using cash to fund the PSP Project in 2001, the Company expects that R&D spending will
continue to increase. Pre-clinical animal studies addressing the use of Pd-103 for the prevention of restenosis are underway, and other R&D activities are also occurring (see ";Results of Operations";, above). The Company expects that R&D expense spending may total up to approximately 7.5% of revenue in 2001, but could vary depending on the scheduling and progress of R&D activities as well as the pursuit of currently unforeseen opportunities.
Cash provided by financing activities was $121,000 and $286,000 in 2000 and 1999, respectively, and primarily consisted of cash proceeds from the exercise of stock options and warrants. 1999 also included $100,000 in financing fees paid in connection with the Company';s $40.0 million Unsecured Credit Facility.
The Company believes that current cash and investment balances, cash from future operations and credit facilities, will be sufficient to meet its currently anticipated working capital and capital expenditure requirements. In the event additional financing becomes necessary, management may choose to raise those funds through other means of financing as appropriate.
Forward Looking Statements
This document contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 including, without limitation, statements regarding sales and marketing efforts, Theragenics'; establishment of new sales, marketing and distribution initiatives for TheraSeed®, ___ market opportunities and transition challenges that may arise, effectiveness of non-exclusive distribution agreements, plans for new distributors, pricing for TheraSeed®, future cost of sales, R&D efforts and expenses, SG&A expenses, other income, timing and ultimate outcome of the Company';s efforts in restenosis and macular degeneration, potential new products and opportunities, the PSP Project, and the sufficiency of the Company';s liquidity and capital resources. From time to time, the Company may also make other forward-looking statements relating to such matters as well as anticipated financial performance, business prospects, technological developments, research and development activities and similar matters. These forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and other factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated, including risks associated with research and development activities, including animal studies and clinical trials related to new products, risks associated with new product development cycles, effectiveness and execution of marketing and sales programs of Theragenics and its non-exclusive distributors, potential costs and delays in capacity expansion, (especially as it relates to the PSP Project), the actual
start-up for the PSP Project, potential changes in product pricing and competitive conditions, continued acceptance of TheraSeed® by the market, execution and effectiveness of a transition from Indigo to Theragenics, execution and effectiveness of competitors and their ability to capitalize on this period of change, management of growth, acceptance and efficacy of Pd-103 for other applications, adverse changes in governmental program priorities and budgetary funding by the relevant governmental authorities, potential costs and delays in the startup and refinement of technology and related equipment, potential equipment failure, potential inability to obtain, construct or install necessary parts or modifications to production equipment or facilities, government regulation of the therapeutic radiological pharmaceutical and device business, and potential changes in third-party reimbursement.
Quarterly Results
The following table sets forth certain statement of operations data for each of the Company';s last eight quarters. This unaudited quarterly information has been prepared on the same basis as the annual audited information presented elsewhere in this Form 10-K, reflects all adjustments (consisting only of normal, recurring adjustments) which are, in management';s opinion, necessary for a fair presentation of the information for the periods covered and should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto. The operating results for any quarter are not necessarily indicative of results for any future period. Quarterly data presented may not reconcile to totals or full year results due to rounding.
| 1999 |
2000 |
|||||||
| First | Second | Third | Fourth | First | Second | Third | Fourth | |
| Qtr |
Qtr |
Qtr |
Qtr |
Qtr |
Qtr |
Qtr |
Qtr |
|
| (Amounts in thousands, except per share data) | ||||||||
| Total revenues | $9,164 | $11,121 | $11,480 | $11,953 | $11,279 | $11,524 | $10,536 | $10,665 |
| Cost of product | ||||||||
| sales | 3,380 |
3,187 |
3,458 |
3,268 |
3,302 |
3,475 |
3,579 |
3,222 |
| Gross profit | 5,784 | 7,934 | 8,022 | 8,685 | 7,977 | 8,049 | 6,957 | 7,443 |
| Selling, | ||||||||
| general and | ||||||||
| administrative | 1,407 | 1,761 | 1,697 | 1,435 | 1,821 | 1,642 | 1,678 | 1,731 |
| Research and | ||||||||
| development | 139 | 140 | 203 | 227 | 348 | 571 | 596 | 593 |
| Other income | 274 |
346 |
331 |
322 |
414 |
419 |
5,904 |
516 |
| Net earnings before | ||||||||
| income | ||||||||
| taxes | 4,512 | 6,379 | 6,453 | 7,345 | 6,222 | 6,255 | 10,587 | 5,635 |
| Income tax expense | 1,632 |
2,322 |
2,064 |
2,659 |
2,228 |
2,155 |
3,777 |
1,859 |
| Net earnings | $2,880 |
$4,057 |
$4,389 |
$4,686 |
$3,994 |
$4,100 |
$6,810 |
$3,776 |
| Earnings per common | ||||||||
| share: | ||||||||
| Basic | $0.10 | $0.14 | $0.15 | $0.16 | $0.14 | $0.14 | $0.23 | $0.13 |
| Diluted | $0.10 | $0.14 | $0.15 | $0.16 | $0.13 | $0.14 | $0.23 | $0.13 |
| Weighted average | ||||||||
| shares | ||||||||
| outstanding: | ||||||||
| Basic: | 29,427 | 29,474 | 29,503 | 29,510 | 29,521 | 29,527 | 29,531 | 29,557 |
| Diluted | 29,872 | 29,867 | 30,065 | 30,077 | 30,267 | 30,021 | 29,903 | 29,808 |
Inflation
Management does not believe that the relatively moderate levels of inflation which have been experienced in the United States in recent years have had a significant effect on the Company's net sales or profitability.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
The Company's market risk exposure related to market risk sensitive financial instruments is not material. As of December 31, 2000, there were no outstanding borrowings under the Company's Unsecured Credit Agreement.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
See Index to Financial Statements and
following pages.
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements on Accounting and
Financial Disclosure
Not Applicable
PART III
Item 10. Directors and Officers of Registrant*
Item 11. Executive Compensation*
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management*
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions*
*The information called for by Items 10, 11, 12 and 13 is omitted
from this Report and is incorporated by reference to the
definitive Proxy Statement to be filed by the Company not later
than 120 days after December 31, 2000, the close of its fiscal year.
PART IV
Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K.
a) The following documents are filed as part of this Report.
1. Financial Statements
See index to financial statements
2. Financial Schedules
See the index to financial schedules
3. Exhibits
| 3.1 | - | Certificate of Incorporation as amended through July 29, 1998, (incorporated by reference | |
| to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company's report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly | |||
| period ended June 30, 1998) | |||
| 3.2 | - | By-Laws, (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4 of the Company's | |
| registration statement on Form S-1, File No. 33-7097, and post-effective | |||
| amendments thereto) | |||
| 4.1 | - | See Exhibits 3.1 - 3.2 for provisions in | |
| the Company's Certificate of Incorporation | |||
| and By-Laws defining the rights of holders | |||
| of the Company's Common Stock. | |||
| 10.1 | - | License Agreement with University of | |
| Missouri, as amended, (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the | |||
| Company's registration statement on Form S-1, File No. 33-7097, and | |||
| post-effective amendments thereto) | |||
| 10.2 | - | Reassignment and Release Agreement among | |
| the Company, John L. Russell, | |||
| Jr., and Georgia Tech Research Institute, (incorporated by | |||
| reference to Exhibit 10.8 of the Company's registration statement on Form S-1, File No. | |||
| 33-7097, and post-effective amendments thereto) | |||
| 10.3 | - | 1986 Incentive and Non-Incentive Stock | |
| Option Plan*, (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 of the Company's | |||
| registration statement on Form S-1, File No. 33-7097, and | |||
| post-effective amendments thereto) | |||
| 10.4 | - | 1990 Incentive and Non-Incentive Stock | |
| Option Plan*, (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 of the Company's | |||
| report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1990) | |||
| 10.5 | - | Agreement with Nordion International Inc., | |
| (incorporated by reference to the Company's report on Form 8-K dated March 23, 1995) | |||
| 10.6 | - | Rights Agreement dated as of February 17, | |
| 1997 between the Company and SunTrust | |||
| Bank, Atlanta, (incorporated by reference to Exhibit | |||
| 99.1 of the Company's registration statement on | |||
| Form 8-A filed February 27, 1997) | |||
| 10.7 | - | Theragenics Corporation 1995 Stock Option | |
| Plan*, (incorporated by reference to Exhibit | |||
| 10.1 of the Company's common stock registration | |||
| statement on Form S-8, file no. 333-15313) | |||
| 10.8 | - | 1997 Stock Incentive Plan, (incorporated by reference to appendix B of the | |
| Company's proxy statement for its 1997 Annual Meeting of Stockholders filed | |||
| on Schedule 14A)* | |||
| 10.9 | - | Marketing and Sales Agreement by and | |
| between the Company and Indigo Medical, | |||
| Inc. dated May 30, 1997 (incorporated by reference to | |||
| Exhibit 10 of the Company's report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period | |||
| ended September 30, 1997) | |||
| 10.10 | - | Theragenics Corporation Employee Stock Purchase Plan*, (incorporated by reference | |
| to appendix A of the Company's proxy statement for its 1998 Annual | |||
| Meeting of Stockholders filed on Schedule 14A) | |||
| 10.11 | - | Employment agreement of Bruce W. Smith*, (incorporated by reference to Exhibit | |
| 10.22 of the Company's report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,1998) | |||
| 10.12 | - | Sublease dated March 25, 1999 between Theragenics Corporation and | |
| Community Reuse Organization of East Tennessee, (incorporated by reference | |||
| to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company's report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly | |||
| period ended March 31, 1999) | |||
| 10.13 | - | Work for Others Agreement dated March 25, 1999 between Theragenics | |
| Corporation and Lockheed Martin Energy Research Corporation, (incorporated | |||
| by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company's report on Form 10-Q for the | |||
| quarterly period ended March 31, 1999) | |||
| 10.14 | - | Credit Agreement between Theragenics Corporation and Wachovia Bank, | |
| National Association, (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the | |||
| Company's report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, | |||
| 1999) | |||
| 10.15 | - | Theragenics Corporation 2000 Stock Incentive Plan* (incorporated by reference to | |
| Exhibit 10.16 of the Company's report on Form 10-K for the year ended | |||
| December 31, 1999) | |||
| 10.16 | - | Employment Agreement of M. Christine Jacobs* (incorporated by reference to | |
| Exhibit 10.1 of the Company's report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period | |||
| ended March 31, 2000) | |||
| 24.1 | - | of Independent Public Accountants | |
| for Incorporation by Reference of Audit | |||
| Report into Registration Statements |
* Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement identified pursuant to Item 14(a)(3) of Form 10-K
(b) Reports on Form 8-K
No reports on Form 8-K were filed by the Company during the last
quarter of the most recent fiscal year.
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
(Registrant)
By:/s/ M. Christine Jacobs
M. Christine Jacobs
Chief Executive Officer
Dated: March 26, 2001
Buford, Georgia
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.