UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
| þ | QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the quarterly period ended April 2, 2005
OR
| o | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the transition period from to
Commission file number 001-11655
HearUSA, Inc.
Delaware
|
22-2748248 | |
(State of Other Jurisdiction of
|
(I.R.S.Employer | |
Incorporation or Organization)
|
Identification No.) | |
1250 Northpoint Parkway, West Palm Beach, Florida
|
33407 | |||
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
|
(Zip Code) | |||
Registrants Telephone Number, Including Area Code (561) 478-8770
Indicate by check whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ No o
Indicate by check ü whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No þ
On April 29, 2005, 31,063,555 shares of the Registrants Common Stock and 866,347 exchangeable shares of HEARx Canada, Inc. were outstanding.
INDEX
| Page | ||||||
PART I. |
FINANCIAL INFORMATION | |||||
Item 1. |
Financial Statements: | |||||
| Consolidated Balance Sheets | ||||||
| April 2, 2005 and December 25, 2004 | 3 | |||||
| Consolidated Statements of Operations | ||||||
| Three months ended April 2, 2005 and March 27, 2004 | 4 | |||||
| Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows | ||||||
| Three months ended April 2, 2005 and March 27, 2004 | 5 | |||||
| Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements | 6 | |||||
Item 2. |
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition | |||||
| and Results of Operations | 11 | |||||
Item 3. |
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk | 16 | ||||
Item 4. |
Controls and Procedures | 16 | ||||
PART II. |
OTHER INFORMATION | |||||
Item 6. |
Exhibits | 17 | ||||
| Signatures | 18 | |||||
2
Part I Financial Information
Item 1. Financial Statements
HearUSA, Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
| April 2, | December 25, | |||||||
| 2005 | 2004 | |||||||
| (unaudited) | ||||||||
ASSETS |
||||||||
Current assets |
||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 3,632,439 | $ | 2,615,379 | ||||
Restricted cash and Investment securities |
435,000 | 435,000 | ||||||
Accounts and notes receivable, less allowance for
doubtful accounts of $314,631 and $373,583 |
5,577,348 | 5,876,699 | ||||||
Inventories |
610,584 | 877,206 | ||||||
Prepaid expenses and other |
1,135,557 | 558,921 | ||||||
Total current assets |
11,390,928 | 10,363,205 | ||||||
Property and equipment, net |
3,462,702 | 3,493,862 | ||||||
Goodwill |
33,706,565 | 33,652,380 | ||||||
Intangibles assets, net |
11,139,509 | 11,242,444 | ||||||
Deposits and other |
538,424 | 549,924 | ||||||
Total Assets |
$ | 60,238,128 | $ | 59,301,815 | ||||
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY
|
||||||||
Current liabilities |
||||||||
Accounts payable |
$ | 6,416,889 | $ | 6,644,600 | ||||
Accrued expenses |
2,250,655 | 2,303,601 | ||||||
Accrued salaries and other compensation |
2,099,082 | 1,982,559 | ||||||
Current maturities of long-term debt |
4,026,109 | 4,152,908 | ||||||
Dividends payable |
76,631 | 177,996 | ||||||
Total current liabilities |
14,869,366 | 15,261,664 | ||||||
Long-term debt |
16,687,968 | 17,296,125 | ||||||
Convertible subordinated notes, net of debt discount
of $4,909,447 and $5,443,879 (Note 3) |
2,590,553 | 2,056,121 | ||||||
Total long-term debt and convertible subordinated notes |
19,278,521 | 19,352,246 | ||||||
Commitments and contingencies |
| | ||||||
Mandatorily redeemable convertible preferred stock |
4,739,486 | 4,709,921 | ||||||
Stockholders equity |
||||||||
Preferred stock (aggregate liquidation preference
$2,330,000; $1 par,
7,500,000 shares authorized) |
||||||||
Series H Junior Participating (none outstanding) |
| | ||||||
Series J (233 shares outstanding) |
233 | 233 | ||||||
1998 Convertible (none outstanding) |
| | ||||||
Total preferred stock |
233 | 233 | ||||||
Common
stock: $.10 par; 75,000,000 shares authorized
31,587,210 and 30,060,690 shares issued |
3,158,721 | 3,006,069 | ||||||
Stock subscription |
(412,500 | ) | (412,500 | ) | ||||
Additional paid-in capital |
121,777,025 | 120,197,937 | ||||||
Accumulated deficit |
(102,413,520 | ) | (101,968,452 | ) | ||||
Accumulated other comprehensive income |
1,725,937 | 1,639,838 | ||||||
Treasury stock, at cost:523,662 common shares |
(2,485,141 | ) | (2,485,141 | ) | ||||
Total stockholders equity |
21,350,755 | 19,977,984 | ||||||
Total Liabilities and stockholders equity |
$ | 60,238,128 | $ | 59,301,815 | ||||
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements
3
HearUSA, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Three Months Ended April 2, 2005 and March 27, 2004
| April 2, | March 27, | |||||||
| 2005 | 2004 | |||||||
| (unaudited) | (unaudited) | |||||||
Net revenues |
$ | 20,068,401 | $ | 16,934,600 | ||||
Operating costs and expenses |
||||||||
Cost of products sold |
5,732,039 | 4,990,482 | ||||||
Center operating expenses |
9,906,665 | 9,142,814 | ||||||
General and administrative expenses |
2,963,956 | 2,455,249 | ||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
546,245 | 614,790 | ||||||
Total operating costs and expenses |
19,148,905 | 17,203,335 | ||||||
Income (loss) from operations |
919,496 | (268,735 | ) | |||||
Non-operating income (expense): |
||||||||
Interest income |
12,683 | 3,857 | ||||||
Interest expense (including approximately
$568,000 and $532,000 of non-cash debt
discount amortization) |
(1,183,617 | ) | (1,173,272 | ) | ||||
Net loss |
(251,438 | ) | (1,438,150 | ) | ||||
Dividends on preferred stock |
(193,630 | ) | (177,719 | ) | ||||
Net loss applicable to common stockholders |
$ | (445,068 | ) | $ | (1,615,869 | ) | ||
Net loss applicable to common
stockholders per common share - basic |
$ | (0.01 | ) | $ | (0.05 | ) | ||
Net loss applicable to common
stockholders per common share - diluted |
$ | (0.01 | ) | $ | (0.05 | ) | ||
Weighted average number of shares of
common stock outstanding - basic |
30,516,331 | 30,423,636 | ||||||
Weighted average number of shares of
common stock outstanding - diluted |
30,516,331 | 30,423,636 | ||||||
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements
4
HearUSA, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Three Months Ended April 2, 2005 and March 27, 2004
| April 2, | March 27, | |||||||
| 2005 | 2004 | |||||||
| (unaudited) | (unaudited) | |||||||
Cash flows from operating activities |
||||||||
Net loss |
$ | (251,438 | ) | $ | (1,438,150 | ) | ||
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash
provided by (used in) operating activities: |
||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
546,245 | 614,790 | ||||||
Provision for doubtful accounts |
99,644 | 62,285 | ||||||
Debt discount amortization |
568,223 | 531,767 | ||||||
Principal payments on long-term debt made through
preferred pricing reductions |
(730,201 | ) | (730,201 | ) | ||||
Interest on Siemens Tranche D |
206,085 | 155,683 | ||||||
Gain on the loss/disposition of property |
(60,437 | ) | | |||||
Consulting expense |
6,740 | | ||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
before changes in non-cash working capital items |
384,861 | (803,826 | ) | |||||
(Increase) decrease in: |
||||||||
Accounts and notes receivable |
197,612 | (303,260 | ) | |||||
Inventories |
137,149 | 97,896 | ||||||
Prepaid expenses and other |
(565,131 | ) | 138,760 | |||||
Increase (decrease) in: |
||||||||
Accounts payable and accrued expenses |
(319,345 | ) | (2,005,642 | ) | ||||
Accrued salaries and other compensation |
115,085 | 628,200 | ||||||
Net cash used in operating activities |
(49,769 | ) | (2,247,872 | ) | ||||
Cash flows from investing activities |
||||||||
Purchase of property and equipment |
(200,547 | ) | (101,084 | ) | ||||
Proceeds from sales of discontinued operations |
| 103,327 | ||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities |
(200,547 | ) | 2,243 | |||||
Cash flows from financing activities |
||||||||
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt |
| 500,000 | ||||||
Principal payments on long-term debt |
(206,094 | ) | (1,969,737 | ) | ||||
Proceeds from the exercise of warrants |
1,725,000 | | ||||||
Dividends on preferred stock |
(265,430 | ) | (373,007 | ) | ||||
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities |
1,253,476 | (1,842,744 | ) | |||||
Effects of exchange rate changes on cash |
13,900 | (14,344 | ) | |||||
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents |
1,017,060 | (4,102,717 | ) | |||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period |
2,615,379 | 6,714,881 | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period |
$ | 3,632,439 | $ | 2,612,164 | ||||
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: |
||||||||
Cash paid for interest |
$ | 266,000 | $ | 170,049 | ||||
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
5
HearUSA, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals, considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the three month period ended April 2, 2005 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2005. For further information, refer to the audited consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Companys annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 25, 2004.
1. Description of the Company and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
The Company
HearUSA, Inc. (HearUSA or the Company), a Delaware corporation, was organized for the purpose of creating a nationwide chain of centers to serve the needs of the hearing impaired. As of April 2, 2005, the Company has a network of 154 company-owned hearing care centers in 11 states and the Province of Ontario, Canada. The Company also sponsors a network of approximately 1,400 credentialed audiology providers that participate in selected hearing benefit programs contracted by the Company with employer groups, health insurers and benefit sponsors in 49 states. The centers and the network providers provide audiological products and services for the hearing impaired.
Basis of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned and majority controlled subsidiaries. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Fiscal year
The Companys fiscal year ends on the last Saturday in December and customarily consists of four 13-week quarters for a total of 52 weeks. Every sixth year includes 53 weeks. The current year includes 53 weeks and the additional week is included in the first quarter of 2005. The next year with 53 weeks will be 2011.
Income (loss) per common share
Net loss per common share is calculated in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 128 Earnings Per Share which requires companies to present basic and diluted earnings per share. Loss per common share basic is based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year. Loss per common share diluted is based on the weighted average number of common shares and dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the year. Due to the Companys net loss in the first quarter of 2005, the common stock equivalents for convertible subordinated notes, mandatorily redeemable convertible preferred stock, outstanding options and warrants to purchase common stock of 10,142,230 were excluded from the computation of net loss per common share diluted at April 2, 2005 because they were anti-dilutive. For purposes of computing net loss per common share basic and diluted, for the quarters ended April 2, 2005 and March 27, 2004, the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding includes the effect of the 866,347 and 1,034,184, respectively, exchangeable shares of HEARx Canada, Inc., as if they were outstanding common stock of the Company.
6
HearUSA, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Comprehensive income (loss)
Comprehensive income is defined to include all changes in equity except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. The Companys other comprehensive income represents a foreign currency translation adjustment.
Comprehensive income (loss) and the components of other comprehensive income are as follows:
| Three Months Ended | ||||||||
| April 2, | March 27, | |||||||
| 2005 | 2004 | |||||||
Net loss for period |
$ | (251,438 | ) | $ | (1,438,150 | ) | ||
Other comprehensive income: |
||||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustments |
86,099 | 70,484 | ||||||
Comprehensive loss for the period |
$ | (165,339 | ) | $ | (1,367,666 | ) | ||
Stock-based compensation
The Company has granted stock options to employees and directors under stock option plans. The Company accounts for those plans using the intrinsic value method under Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees. No stock-based employee compensation cost has been reflected in net loss, as all options granted under those plans had an exercise price greater than or equal to the market value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant. The following table illustrates the effect on net loss and loss per share if the Company had applied the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS 123 Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, to stock-based employee compensation (See Note 6 Recent Accounting Pronouncement):
| Three Months Ended | ||||||||
| April 2, | March 27, | |||||||
| 2005 | 2004 | |||||||
Loss applicable to common stockholders |
||||||||
As reported |
$ | (445,068 | ) | $ | (1,615,869 | ) | ||
Deduct: Total stock-based employee |
||||||||
compensation expense determined under |
||||||||
fair value based method for all awards, net of tax effects |
(356,000 | ) | (93,000 | ) | ||||
Pro forma, net loss |
$ | (801,068 | ) | $ | (1,708,869 | ) | ||
Loss per share |
||||||||
Basic-as reported |
$ | (0.01 | ) | $ | (0.05 | ) | ||
Basic-pro forma |
$ | (0.03 | ) | $ | (0.06 | ) | ||
Diluted-as reported |
$ | (0.01 | ) | $ | (0.05 | ) | ||
Diluted-pro forma |
$ | (0.03 | ) | $ | (0.06 | ) | ||
For purposes of the above disclosure, the determination of the fair value of stock options granted in 2005 and 2004 was based on the following: (i) a risk free interest rate of 4.16%, and 2.23% respectively; (ii) expected option lives ranging from 5 to 7 years; (iii) expected volatility in the market price of the Companys common stock of 92% and 94%, respectively; and (iv) no dividends on the underlying common stock.
Reclassifications
Certain amounts in the 2004 consolidated financial statements have been reclassified in order to conform to the 2005 presentation.
7
HearUSA, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
2. Stockholders Equity
Common stock
During the quarter ended April 2, 2005, 1,500,000 warrants were exercised at an exercise price of $1.15. No employee options were granted or exercised.
3. Convertible Subordinated Notes
On December 19, 2003, the Company completed a private placement of $7.5 million five-year convertible subordinated notes with five-year warrants to purchase 2,642,750 shares of the Companys common stock. The notes may not be converted and warrants to purchase 2,142,750 shares may not be exercised for a two-year period. The remaining warrants to purchase 500,000 shares are exercisable beginning in June 2005 at $1.75 per share. Beginning in December 2005 the notes may be converted at $1.75 per share and the warrants may be exercised for up to 2,142,750 shares at $1.75 per share. The quoted closing market price of the Companys common stock on the commitment date was $2.37 per share. The notes bear interest at 11 percent per annum for the first two years and then at 8 percent per annum through the remainder of their term. Proceeds from this financing have been used to repay the $2 million financing issued on October 3, 2003 and for working capital purposes. Approximately $1.8 million of the net proceeds were used to make payments to Siemens under the credit facility, including 50% against the Tranche D Loan and 50% against the Tranche E Loan.
The Company recorded a debt discount of approximately $7,488,000 consisting of the intrinsic value of the beneficial conversion feature of approximately $4,519,000 and the portion of the proceeds allocated to the warrants issued to the lenders of approximately $2,969,000, using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, based on the relative fair values of the warrants and the notes. The debt discount is being amortized as interest expense over the five-year term of the notes using the effective interest method.
In addition to the 2,642,750 common stock purchase warrants issued to the investors in the $7.5 million financing, the Company also issued 117,143 common stock purchase warrants with the same terms as the lender warrants and paid cash of approximately $206,000 to third parties as finder fees and financing costs. These warrants were valued at approximately $220,000 using a Black-Scholes option pricing model. The total of such costs of approximately $426,000 are being amortized as interest expense using the effective interest method over the five-year term of the notes.
For the first two years of the term beginning on March 25, 2004, the Company will make quarterly payments of interest only. Beginning on March 25, 2006, the Company will make twelve equal quarterly payments of principal plus interest. Payments of principal and interest may be made, at the Companys option, in cash or with the Companys common stock. If payments are made using the Companys common stock the shares to be issued would be computed at 90% of the average closing price for the 20 day trading period immediately preceding the payment date. Approximate annual aggregate amount of maturities of such notes maturing in future years is $2,500,000 in each of 2006, 2007 and 2008.
During the first quarter of 2005 and 2004, approximately $779,000 and $723,000, respectively, of prepaid financing fees and debt discount was amortized as interest expense, including a non-cash portion of approximately $568,000 and $532,000, respectively. The future non-cash debt discount and finder fees to be amortized as interest expense over the next five years are approximately $1,583,000 for the remainder of 2005, $1,763,000 in 2006, $1,145,000 in 2007 and $434,000 in 2008. In the event the investors convert or exercise the debt or warrants, the Company will be required to accelerate the debt discount to the period in which the exercise or conversion occurs.
8
HearUSA, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
4. Segments
The Company operates in three business segments, which include the operation and management of centers, the establishment, maintenance and support of an affiliated network and the operation of an e-commerce business. The Companys business units are located in the United States and Canada.
| Centers | E-commerce | Network | Corporate | Total | ||||||||||||||||
Net revenues |
||||||||||||||||||||
3 months ended 4/2/05 |
$ | 19,695,000 | $ | 8,000 | $ | 365,000 | | $ | 20,068,000 | |||||||||||
3 months ended 3/27/04 |
$ | 16,667,000 | $ | 12,000 | $ | 256,000 | | $ | 16,935,000 | |||||||||||
Income (loss) from operations |
||||||||||||||||||||
3 months ended 4/2/05 |
3,935,000 | (7,000 | ) | 181,000 | (3,190,000 | ) | 919,000 | |||||||||||||
3 months ended 3/27/04 |
2,169,000 | (5,000 | ) | 122,000 | (2,555,000 | ) | (269,000 | ) | ||||||||||||
3 months ended 4/2/05 |
||||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and
amortization |
494,000 | | 1,000 | 51,000 | 546,000 | |||||||||||||||
Identifiable assets |
47,681,000 | | 1,510,000 | 11,047,000 | 60,238,000 | |||||||||||||||
Capital expenditures |
158,000 | | | 43,000 | 201,000 | |||||||||||||||
3 months ended 3/27/04 |
||||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and
amortization |
514,000 | | 1,000 | 100,000 | 615,000 | |||||||||||||||
Identifiable assets |
47,893,000 | | 1,226,000 | 11,799,000 | 60,918,000 | |||||||||||||||
Capital expenditures |
77,000 | | | 24,000 | 101,000 | |||||||||||||||
Incomes (losses) from operations at the segment level are computed before general and administrative expenses.
Information concerning geographic areas as of and for the quarters ended April 2, 2005 and March 27, 2004 is as follows:
| As of April 2, 2005 | As of March 27, 2004 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| United States | Canada | United States | Canada | |||||||||||||||||||
| $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
Net revenues |
18,155,000 | 1,913,000 | 15,442,000 | 1,493,000 | ||||||||||||||||||
Long-lived assets |
39,122,000 | 9,725,000 | 39,945,000 | 9,319,000 | ||||||||||||||||||
Net assets |
48,188,000 | 12,050,000 | 50,312,000 | 10,606,000 | ||||||||||||||||||
Net revenues by geographic area are allocated based on the location of the subsidiary operations.
9
HearUSA, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
5. Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (revised 2004), Share-Based Payment, (FAS 123(R)). This Statement requires companies to expense the estimated fair value of stock options and similar equity instruments issued to employees. Currently, companies are required to calculate the estimated fair value of these share-based payments and can elect to either include the estimated cost in earnings or disclose the pro forma effect in the footnotes to their financial statements. We have chosen to disclose the pro forma effect. The fair value concepts were not changed significantly in FAS 123(R); however, in adopting this Standard, companies must choose among alternative valuation models and amortization assumptions. The valuation model and amortization assumption we have used continues to be available, but we have not yet completed our assessment of the alternatives. On April 14, 2005 the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) announced a deferral of the effective date of FAS 123(R) for calendar year companies until the beginning of 2006. Based on the outstanding number of employee stock options and excluding the impact of any future grants at April 2, 2005, the total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under the fair value method that would be reflected in the financial statements is approximately $746,000 in 2006 (See Note 1 Description of the Company and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies- Stock-Based Compensation) and $356,000 in 2007.
6. Liquidity
The working capital deficit decreased $1.4 million to $3.5 million as of April 2, 2005 from $4.9 million as of December 25, 2004. The working capital deficit of $3.5 million includes approximately $2.9 million representing the current portion of the long-term debt to Siemens for Tranches A, B and C, which may be repaid through preferred pricing reductions. In the first quarter of 2005, cash used by operations decreased from $2,248,000 in 2004 to $50,000 in 2005. Cash and cash equivalents as of April 2, 2005 was approximately $3.6 million.
The Company believes that current cash and cash equivalents and cash flow from operations, at current net revenue levels, will be sufficient to support the Companys operational needs through the next twelve months, although there can be no assurance that the Company can maintain compliance with the Siemens loan covenants, that net revenue levels will remain at or higher than current levels or that unexpected cash needs will not arise for which the cash, cash equivalents and cash flow from operations will not be sufficient. In the event of a shortfall in cash, the Company might consider short-term debt, or additional equity or debt offerings. There can be no assurance however, that such financing will be available to the Company on favorable terms or at all. The Company also is continuing its aggressive cost controls and sales and gross margin improvements.
Forward Looking Statements
This Form 10-Q and, in particular, this management discussion and analysis contain or incorporate a number of forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Act of 1934. These statements include those relating to the Companys belief that its current cash and cash equivalents and cash flow from operations at current net revenue levels will be sufficient to support the Companys operational needs through the next twelve months. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about the industry and markets in which we operate and managements beliefs and assumptions. Any statements that are not statements of historical fact should be considered forward-looking statements and should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and notes to the consolidated financial statements included in this report. The statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. We do not intend to update publicly any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
10
Item 2. Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
GENERAL
The Companys fiscal year ends on the last Saturday in December and customarily consists of four 13-week quarters for a total of 52 weeks. Every sixth year includes 53 weeks. The current year includes 53 weeks and the additional week is included in the first quarter of 2005.
In the first quarter of 2005, the Company incurred a net loss applicable to common stockholders of approximately $445,000, compared to approximately $1.6 million in the same period in 2004. This improvement is attributable to an increase in net revenues, impacted by the additional week discussed above, and an improvement in cost of product sold, as a percent of revenues, which all together positively impacted net income. However, these improvements were somewhat offset by an increase in center operating expenses and general and administrative expenses increases which were also partially the result of the additional week in the reporting period. The net loss for the first quarter of each of 2005 and 2004 includes a non-cash interest expense of approximately $568,000 and $532,000, respectively, representing the amortization of the debt discount related to the $7.5 million convertible subordinated notes financing.
During the first quarter of 2005, HEARx West members generated net income of approximately $525,000. The HEARx West members deficit decreased from approximately $3,206,000 at the end of 2004 to approximately $2,681,000 at the end of the first quarter of 2005. According to the Companys agreement with the Permanente Federation, the Company included in its statement of operations 100% of the losses incurred by the venture since its inception and will receive 100% of the net income of the venture until the members deficit is eliminated. At such time as the members deficit is eliminated and the Venture continues to be profitable, the Company will begin recording a minority interest, corresponding to 50% of the ventures net income as an expense in the Companys consolidated statement of operations and with a corresponding liability on its consolidated balance sheet.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
For the three months ended April 2, 2005 compared to the three months ended March 27, 2004
Net revenues in the first quarter of 2005 increased approximately $3.1 million, or 18.5%, compared to the first quarter of 2004. This increase is primarily attributable to an increase in hearing aid revenues of approximately $2.6 million during 2005 compared to 2004. The increase in hearing aid revenue is mainly due to an increase of 9.1% in the number of hearing aids sold, coupled with an increase in the average selling price of 7.7% in the first quarter of 2005 compared to 2004, as patients selected a higher percentage of high end technology hearing aids. Of the total increase in net revenues, approximately $1.4 million resulted from the additional week in the first quarter of 2005. Approximately $132,000 of the overall increase in revenues relates to a favorable change in the average Canadian exchange rate from 2005 to 2004.
Cost of products sold in the first quarter of 2005 increased approximately $742,000, or 14.9%, compared to the first quarter of 2004. Included in the cost of products sold are Siemens preferred pricing reductions of approximately $862,000 (including $132,000 of interest and $730,000 of principal) in the first quarter of 2005 and $938,000 (including $208,000 of interest and $730,000 of principal) for the first quarter 2004. Such pricing reductions from Siemens are accounted for as reductions of cost of products sold for financial reporting purposes and applied, pursuant to the Siemens credit agreement, against the principal and interest payments due on Tranches A, B and C of the Siemens loan. Most of these pricing reductions, according to the current agreement will expire mid 2006. The cost of products sold as a percent of net revenues was 28.6% and 29.5% for the first quarter 2005 and the first quarter 2004, respectively. This improvement was due to an additional rebate received during the 2005 quarter from Siemens.
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Center operating expenses increased approximately $764,000, or 8.4%, in the first quarter of 2005 compared to the first quarter of 2004. $547,000 of this increase is due to the additional week in the quarter. The remaining increase of $217,000 is mainly attributable to an increase in commission related to the increase in revenues.
General and administrative expenses in the first quarter of 2005 increased approximately $509,000, or 20.7%, compared to the first quarter of 2004. $211,000 of this increase is due to the additional week in the quarter. The remaining increase of $298,000 is mainly attributable to an increase in wages and fringe benefits and professional fees in 2005 compared to 2004.
Depreciation and amortization expense decreased $69,000 or 11.1% in 2005. This decrease is due to certain property and equipment being fully depreciated.
Interest expense in the first quarter of 2005 remained constant as compared to the first quarter in 2004. The non-cash charge of $568,000 included in the interest expense is the amortization of the debt discount related to $7.5 million convertible subordinate debt (see Note 3- Convertible Subordinate Notes). This is a non-cash charge and does not have an impact on the liquidity and working capital of the Company.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
On December 7, 2001 the Company obtained a secured credit facility from Siemens comprised of (a) a $10,875,000 secured five-year term loan credit facility (the Tranche A Loan); (b) a $25,000,000 secured five-year revolving loan credit facility (the Tranche B Loan); (c) a $3,000,000 secured five-year term loan facility (the Tranche C Loan); (d) a $13,000,000 five-year secured term loan credit facility (the Tranche D Loan). On March 14, 2003, the Company obtained an additional $3,500,000 secured five-year term loan from Siemens bearing interest at a rate of 10% annually (the Tranche E Loan). The Tranche E loan was obtained pursuant to an amendment to the Companys credit agreement with Siemens and is otherwise subject to the terms and conditions of the credit agreement and related security agreement. At April 2, 2005, $3,024,987, $57,200, $1,350,000, $13,796,369 and $2,028,103, representing principal on the Tranche A, Tranche B, Tranche C, Tranche D, and Tranche E Loans, respectively, were outstanding. As of April 2, 2005, approximately $24.9 million is available to the Company for acquisitions under Tranche B of the credit facility.
The Tranche A, B and C Loans are payable quarterly over five years with the outstanding principal and interest at 10%, due and payable on the final maturity date. Principal and interest, at the prime rate (as defined) plus 1%, on the Tranche D Loan is payable on the final maturity date. The Company is required to make monthly payments of interest only on the Tranche E Loan in the first year. In years two through five, the Company must make monthly principal and interest payments. Quarterly principal and interest payments on the Tranche A, B and C Loans may be paid through preferred pricing reductions received from Siemens by HearUSA as long as the Company purchases certain minimum percentages of its hearing aids requirements from Siemens. During the first quarters of 2005 and 2004, approximately $862,000 and $938,000 of earned preferred pricing reductions were recorded as a reduction of cost of products sold. In the first quarters of 2005 and 2004, $132,000 and $208,000 of interest payable, and $730,000 and $730,000 of principal, respectively, has been paid through such preferred pricing reductions. The Company is also required to make additional payments on the Tranche D Loan under the following conditions: The Company must make a payment equal to 25% of net proceeds it receives from the issuance of stock or stock equivalents. In addition, within 120 days of any fiscal year, the Company must make a payment equal to 20% of Excess Cash Flow (as defined in the credit agreement) for such fiscal year end. The total of payments in 2005 based on 2004 Excess Cash Flow will be approximately $178,000, and is included as a current maturity of Tranche D.
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The Siemens credit facility imposes certain financial and other covenants on the Company, which are customary for loans of this size and nature, including restrictions on the conduct of the Companys business, the incurrence of indebtedness, merger or sale of assets, the modification of material agreements, changes in capital structure, making certain payments and paying dividends. If the Company cannot maintain compliance with these covenants, Siemens may terminate future funding under the credit facility and declare all then outstanding amounts under the facility immediately due and payable. Also, the Companys supply agreement with Siemens requires full payment for hearing aids purchased from Siemens within 60 days from statement date. As of April 2, 2005, the Company was in compliance with those payment provisions. Upon noncompliance, Siemens may declare the Company to be in default of the supply agreement by written notification, which, if not cured within 60 days of the date of written notification, would be an event of default under the Companys credit facility with Siemens and Siemens would have the right to declare all amounts outstanding under the credit facility immediately due and payable. Any non-compliance with the supply agreement could have a material adverse effect on the Companys financial condition and continued operations.
The working capital deficit decreased $1.4 million to $3.5 million as of April 2, 2005 from $4.9 million as of December 25, 2004. The working capital deficit of $3.5 million includes approximately $2.9 million representing the current portion of the long-term debt to Siemens for Tranches A, B and C, which may be repaid through the preferred pricing reductions. In the first quarter of 2005, cash used by operations decreased from $2,248,000 in 2004 to $50,000 in 2005. Cash and cash equivalents as of April 2, 2005 was approximately $3.6 million.
The Company believes that current cash and cash equivalents and cash flow from operations, at
current net revenue levels, will be sufficient to support the Companys operational needs through
the next twelve months, although there can be no assurance that the Company can maintain compliance
with the Siemens loan covenants, that net revenue levels will remain at or higher than current
levels or that unexpected cash needs will not arise for which the cash, cash equivalents and cash
flow from operations will be sufficient. In the event of a shortfall in cash, the Company
might consider short-term debt, or additional equity or debt offerings. There can be no assurance,
however, that such financing will be available to the Company on favorable terms or at all. The
Company also is continuing its aggressive cost controls and focus on sales and
gross margin improvements.
Below is a chart setting forth the Companys contractual cash payment obligations which have been
aggregated to facilitate a basic understanding of the Companys liquidity as of April 2, 2005:
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