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UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


 

FORM 10-Q

 

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the Quarterly Period Ended March 31, 2003

 

OR

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

Commission File Number: 000-27945

 


 

ASCENDANT SOLUTIONS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware   75-2900905

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

 

16250 Dallas Parkway, Suite 102, Dallas, Texas   75248
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: 972-250-0945

 


 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. YES  ¨  NO  x

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). YES  ¨ NO  x

 

At June 30, 2003, there were approximately 21,665,900 shares of Ascendant Solutions, Inc. common stock outstanding.

 


 

 


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ASCENDANT SOLUTIONS, INC.

 

FORM 10-Q

 

For the Quarterly Period Ended March 31, 2003

 

     PART I.     
     CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION     

ITEM 1.

   CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS    1

ITEM 2.

   MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS    6

ITEM 3.

   QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK    11

ITEM 4.

   CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES    11
     PART II.     
     OTHER INFORMATION     

ITEM 1.

  

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

   12

ITEM 2.

  

CHANGES IN SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

   12

ITEM 3.

  

DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

   13

ITEM 4.

  

SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

   13

ITEM 5.

  

OTHER INFORMATION

   13

ITEM 6.

  

EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

   13

SIGNATURE

   14

CERTIFICATIONS

   14

 


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ASCENDANT SOLUTIONS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(000’s omitted, except per share amounts)

 

    

March 31,

2003


   

December 31,

2002


 
     (Unaudited)        

ASSETS

                

Current assets:

                

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 2,919     $ 2,950  

Other receivables

     72       87  

Receivable from affiliate

     —         8  

Prepaid expenses

     97       138  
    


 


Total current assets

     3,088       3,183  

Property, equipment, and software, net

     156       159  

Investments in limited partnerships, net

     321       331  
    


 


Total assets

   $ 3,565     $ 3,673  
    


 


LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

                

Current liabilities:

                

Accounts payable

   $ 131     $ 80  

Accounts payable to affiliates

     9       2  

Accrued liabilities

     32       38  
    


 


Total current liabilities

     172       120  

Limited partnership interests

     295       247  

Commitments and contingencies

                

Stockholders’ equity:

                

Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value:

                

Authorized shares—7,500,000

                

Issued and outstanding—none

     —         —    

Common stock, $0.0001 par value:

                

Authorized shares—50,000,000

                

Issued and outstanding shares—21,230,900, respectively

     2       2  

Additional paid-in capital

     59,822       59,822  

Deferred compensation

     (72 )     (81 )

Accumulated deficit

     (56,654 )     (56,437 )
    


 


Total stockholders’ equity

     3,098       3,306  
    


 


Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 3,565     $ 3,673  
    


 


 

See accompanying notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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ASCENDANT SOLUTIONS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(000’s omitted, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

    

Three Months Ended

March 31,


 
     2003

    2002

 

Net service revenue

   $ 40     $ —    
    


 


Operating expenses:

                

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     347       180  

Depreciation and amortization

     14       —    
    


 


Total operating expenses

     361       180  
    


 


Operating loss

     (321 )     (180 )

Investment income

     14       —    

Interest income (expense), net

     10       17  

Limited partner interest in net losses of partnerships

     80       —    
    


 


Net loss

   $ (217 )   $ (163 )
    


 


Basic and diluted net loss per share

   $ (0.01 )   $ (0.01 )
    


 


Shares used in computing basic and diluted net loss per share

     21,230,900       21,230,900  

 

See accompanying notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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ASCENDANT SOLUTIONS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(000’s omitted)

(Unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,


 
     2003

    2002

 

Operating Activities

                

Net loss

   $ (217 )   $ (163 )

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:

                

Depreciation

     14       —    

Deferred Compensation

     9       —    

Loss in limited partnership interests

     (80 )     —    

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

                

Receivables

     23       —    

Prepaid expenses

     41       34  

Accounts payable

     58       (111 )

Accrued liabilities

     (6 )     (90 )
    


 


Net cash used in operating activities

   $ (158 )   $ (330 )
    


 


Investing Activities

                

Proceeds from sale of assets

     —         6  

Return of capital distributions

     10          

Purchases of property, equipment and software

     (11 )     —    
    


 


Net cash provided (used) in investing activities

     (1 )     6  
    


 


Financing Activities

                

Proceeds from sale of limited partnership interests

     128       —    
    


 


Net cash used in financing activities

     128       —    
    


 


Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

     (31 )     (324 )

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

     2,950       4,204  
    


 


Cash and cash equivalents at end of quarter

   $ 2,919     $ 3,880  
    


 


 

See accompanying notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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ASCENDANT SOLUTIONS, INC.

NOTES TO INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

1. Basis of Presentation

 

The unaudited consolidated financial statements included herein reflect all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, which in the opinion of management are necessary to fairly state Ascendant Solutions, Inc.’s (“Ascendant Solutions” or the “Company”) financial position, consolidated results of operations and consolidated cash flows for the periods presented. These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The consolidated results of operations for the period ended March 31, 2003 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for any subsequent quarter or for the entire fiscal year ending December 31, 2003. The December 31, 2002 consolidated balance sheet was derived from audited consolidated financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These consolidated financial statements are presented on the basis that the Company is an on-going enterprise and do not reflect adjustments, if any, necessary if management is unable to execute its business strategy (see Note 2 – Reduction of Size and Scope of Operations).

 

During the second quarter of 2002, we initially invested $400,000 for a 10% limited partnership interest in Ampco Partners, Ltd. (“Ampco”), a newly formed entity, which acquired the assets and intellectual property of the Ampco Safety Tools division of Ampco Metals Incorporated of Milwaukee, Wisconsin in a Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceeding. Ampco Safety Tools, founded in 1922, is a leading manufacturer of non-sparking, non-magnetic and corrosion resistant safety tools. These tools meet Occupational Safety and Health Administration and National Fire Protection Association requirements for use in locations where flammable vapors of combustible residues are present. Safety tools are used in industrial applications, primarily in manufacturing and maintenance operations. Typical safety tool users include, but are not limited to, the armed forces; federal, state and local governments; chemical manufacturers; explosives, pyrotechnics, and petrochemical handlers; petroleum refiners; steel and aluminum mills; hazardous material handlers; confined space and grain storage facilities; and shipyards. Income received from this investment is reflected in “investment income” in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. The Company receives quarterly distributions based upon 10% of Ampco’s reported quarterly earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization expense (“EBITDA”). The amount of distributions received that exceed the Company’s 10% interest in Ampco’s net income are accounted for as return of capital. Starting in the second quarter of 2002, we recorded our estimated share of earnings from Ampco based on preliminary financial information and distributions received each quarter. Based on financial information received at year-end 2002, we reversed approximately $69,000 in the fourth quarter of 2002 of the $88,000 of investment income previously recorded and reflected it as a return of capital. During the first quarter of 2003 the Company accrued approximately $24,000 of first quarter distributions receivable from Ampco, $14,000 in earnings (recorded as investment income) and $10,000 in capital distributions (recorded as a return of capital).

 

On August 1, 2002, the Company formed a wholly owned subsidiary, Ascendant VTE, LLC, which serves as the corporate general partner of VTE, L.P. (“VTE”), a partnership which acquired the assets of Venue Ticket Exchange, Inc. VTE is seeking to rollout an online, electronic ticket exchange for the purchase and sale of secondary tickets to sporting events and other entertainment venues. In connection with its formation, VTE received approximately $256,000 from the issuance of various limited partnership interests to outside investors. The Company invested $75,000 in this venture and received general partner and limited partnership interests. Mr. Leslie, the Company’s Chairman, and Mr. Bowe, the Company’s President and CEO, are also limited partners of VTE. VTE acquired the assets (primarily software) of Venue Ticket Exchange, Inc. for approximately $75,000 and have subsequently made expenditures of approximately $148,000 for software enhancements and improvements, of which $75,000 was capitalized. The assets, liabilities, partnership interests, and results of operations of VTE have been included in the consolidated financial statements since its date of formation on August 1, 2002. In the first quarter of 2003, VTE received approximately $165,500 from the issuance of additional limited partnership interests to outside investors, including $37,500 from the Company and made additional capital expenditures of $3,000.

 

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In late October 2002, the Company formed a capital markets subsidiary, CRESA Capital Markets Group, L.P., (“Capital Markets”) and entered into a Licensing and Co-Marketing Agreement with CRESA Partners LLC, a national real estate services firm. The Company owns 80% of Capital Markets and has committed to fund up to $100,000 in Capital Markets, however such commitment has not yet been drawn upon. The remaining 20% of Capital Markets is owned by Eligius Holding Company (an entity controlled by Brant Bryan and Cathy Sweeney) and David Stringfield. In connection with its formation, Capital Markets received approximately $200,000 from the issuance of limited partnership interests to CRESA Partners LLC. Capital Markets intends to provide real estate financial advisory services to corporate clients on a fee basis which could provide the Company with a future source of revenue. These services are planned to include, but not be limited to, analysis, consulting, acquisition and/or disposition of property, capital placement and acquisition, contract negotiation, and other matters related to real estate finance. Net service revenues of $40,000 were earned by Capital Markets in the first quarter of 2003. The assets, liabilities, partnership interests, and results of operations of Capital Markets have been included in the consolidated financial statements since its date of formation in late October 2002. Mr. Leslie, the Company’s Chairman, also serves as an advisor to the Board of Directors of CRESA Partners, LLC. Capital Markets currently employs, or uses the services of, five people, including Mr. Leslie, Mr. Bryan, Ms. Sweeney and Mr. Stringfield.

 

In connection with the establishment of Capital Markets, the Company is currently evaluating ways in which it might engage as a principal to acquire certain real estate assets. The Company has not fully evaluated this opportunity. As a result, the Company is unable to determine what, if any, real estate it may acquire or the cost, type, location, or other specifics about such real estate or the method or means of such acquisition.

 

2. Reduction of Size and Scope of Operations

 

After the Company reviewed its preliminary operating results for the first quarter of 2001 as well as the overall economic and market environment for e-commerce businesses, the Company determined that the capital requirements under its existing business plan for fiscal year 2001 were greater than the capital resources then currently available. As a result, beginning in May 2001, the Company reduced the size and scope of its operations and implemented a plan to preserve assets and reduce its expenditures, liabilities and commitments. In connection with this action, the Company effected a 98 % reduction in workforce through December 31, 2001.

 

As a result of the termination of its customer contracts, beginning July 1, 2001 and continuing through December 31, 2002, the Company had no revenue-producing contracts or operations. Commencing in the first quarter of 2003 Capital Markets earned $40,000 on one real estate consulting contract.

 

The Company is currently seeking to (1) most effectively deploy its remaining cash, debt capacity (if any) and its net operating loss carryforwards and (2) capitalize on the experience and contacts of its officers and directors. Toward that end, the Company is pursuing, among other things, the acquisition or development of manufacturing, distribution or service companies, along with the development of its real estate advisory business. The Company has reviewed numerous prospective acquisition candidates and is continuing its search for prospective acquisition candidates. However, there can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in these discussions or in any of its acquisition endeavors.

 

We face all of the risks of a new business and the special risks inherent in the investigation, acquisition, or involvement in a new business opportunity. We must be regarded as a new or “start-up” venture with all of the unforeseen costs, expenses, problems, and difficulties, to which such ventures are subject.

 

3. Computation of Basic and Diluted Net Loss Per Common Share

 

During the second quarter of 2002, the Company issued, pursuant to a registration statement on Form S-8, 435,000 shares of restricted stock under the 2002 Equity Incentive Plan. Under the restricted stock agreements, the restricted shares will vest annually over a three-year period. The restricted stock certificates were issued on April 2, 2003.

 

Deferred Compensation equivalent to the market value of these shares at date of issuance is reflected in Shareholders’ Equity and is being amortized to operating expense over three years. Deferred compensation expense

 

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included in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations for the quarter ended March 31, 2003 amounted to approximately $8,700.

 

    

Three months

ended March 31,


 
     2003

     2002

 

Net loss

   $ (217,000 )    $ (163,000 )

Weighted average number of shares outstanding

     21,230,900        21,230,900  

Basic and diluted net loss per share

   $ (0.01 )    $ (0.01 )

 

ITEM 2.   MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere in this report together with the financial statements, notes and management’s discussion contained in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002. Except for the historical information contained herein, the discussion in this report contains certain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, such as statements of our plans, objectives, expectations and intentions. Our forward-looking statements are based on the current expectations of management, and we assume no obligation to update this information. The cautionary statements made in this report should be read as being applicable to all related forward-looking statements, wherever they appear in this report.

 

The Company

 

Ascendant Solutions, Inc. is a Delaware corporation with principal executive offices located at 16250 Dallas Parkway, Suite 102, Dallas, Texas 75248. Our telephone number is (972) 250-0945.

 

Reduction of Size and Scope of Operations

 

After we reviewed our preliminary operating results for the first quarter of 2001 as well as the overall economic and market environment for e-commerce businesses, we determined that the capital requirements under our existing business plan for fiscal year 2001 were greater than the capital resources then currently available. As a result, beginning in May 2001, we reduced the size and scope of our operations and implemented a plan to preserve assets and reduce our expenditures, liabilities and commitments. In connection with this action, we effected a 98% reduction in our workforce through December 31, 2001.

 

As a result of the termination of our customer contracts, beginning July 1, 2001 and continuing through December 31, 2002, we had no revenue producing contracts or operations. Commencing in the first quarter of 2003, CRESA Capital Markets Group, L.P., one of our subsidiaries, earned $40,000 on one real estate consulting contract.

 

We are currently seeking to (1) most effectively deploy our remaining cash, debt capacity (if any) and our net operating loss carryforwards and (2) capitalize on the experience and contacts of our officers and directors. Toward that end, we are pursuing, among other things, the acquisition or development of manufacturing, distribution or service companies, along with the development of our real estate advisory business. We have reviewed numerous prospective acquisition candidates and are continuing our search for prospective acquisition candidates. However, there can be no assurance that we will be successful in these discussions or in any of our acquisition endeavors.

 

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We face all of the risks of a new business and the special risks inherent in the investigation, acquisition, or involvement in a new business opportunity. We must be regarded as a new or “start-up” venture with all of the unforeseen costs, expenses, problems, and difficulties, to which such ventures are subject.

 

As of May 1, 2002, we sublet our office space from JamJen, Inc. (“Landlord”), an entity controlled by Jim Leslie, our Chairman. Richard Bloch, one of our directors, is a member of CLB Holdings LLC, the general partner of CLB, a limited partner of Fairways 2001 Office Partners Ltd., a limited partnership that owns the building in which the office space is leased by Landlord. Mr. Leslie controls Fairways 2001 Office Partners Ltd. We currently pay monthly rent of approximately $1,800. In addition, VTE and Capital Markets pay monthly rent to the Landlord of $4,000 and $1,633, respectively. In connection with our sharing of office space with the Landlord, we incur certain shared costs with the Landlord, which gives rise to reimbursements to us and the Landlord. These costs were approximately $3,600 in 2002. In addition, to the rent paid, in 2002 we paid approximately $15,000 to an entity controlled by the Landlord in connection with the build-out of our office space. We have not entered into a lease with the Landlord, but rather are renting our office space on a month-to-month basis. We believe that such arrangement has been on terms no less favorable to us than could have been obtained in a transaction with an independent third party.

 

NASDAQ and OTC Bulletin Board Delisting

 

On May 11, 2001, our stock was delisted from the Nasdaq National Market for failure to satisfy the minimum bid price requirement for continued listing set forth in Marketplace Rule 4450 (a) or (b) and commenced trading on the OTC Bulletin Board (“OTCBB”). The OTCBB is a regulated quotation service that displays real-time quotes, last-sale prices, and volume information in over-the-counter (“OTC”) securities. An OTC security is not listed or traded on Nasdaq or a national securities exchange, and Nasdaq has no business relationship with the issuers quoted in the OTCBB. Issuers of all securities quoted on the OTCBB are subject to periodic filing requirements with the Securities and Exchange Commission or other regulatory authority. OTCBB requirements include, among other things, a broker-dealer acting as a market maker willing to enter a quote for the securities and requires us to remain current in our periodic filings under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Even with OTCBB eligibility and trading, delisting adversely affects the ability or willingness of investors to purchase the common stock, which, in turn, severely affects the market liquidity of our securities.

 

Effective June 25, 2003, our stock was delisted from the OTC Bulletin Board for failure to comply with NASD Rule 6530, as a result of our failure to timely file our Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2003. Effective June 25, 2003, our stock became eligible for trading on the National Quotation Bureau’s “Pink Sheets,” under the symbol ASDS. Because trading will be conducted in the “Pink Sheets,” there may be a reduction in the liquidity and trading volume of our stock. This lack of liquidity may also make it difficult for us to raise additional capital, if necessary. We intend to reapply for listing on the OTC Bulletin Board.

 

Other Recent Events

 

During the second quarter of 2002, we initially invested $400,000 for a 10% limited partnership interest in Ampco Partners, Ltd. (Ampco”), a newly formed entity, which acquired the assets and intellectual property of the Ampco Safety Tools division of Ampco Metals Incorporated of Milwaukee, Wisconsin in a Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceeding. Income received from this investment is reflected in “investment income” in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

 

Ampco Safety Tools, founded in 1922, is a leading manufacturer of non-sparking, non-magnetic and corrosion resistant safety tools. These tools meet Occupational Safety and Health Administration and National Fire Protection Association requirements for use in locations where flammable vapors of combustible residues are present. Safety tools are used in industrial applications, primarily in manufacturing and maintenance operations. Typical safety tool users include, but are not limited to, the armed forces, federal, state and local governments, chemical manufacturers, explosives and pyrotechnics; petrochemicals handlers; petroleum refining; steel and aluminum mills; hazardous

 

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material handling; confined space and grain storage facilities; and shipyards. During 2002, we recorded our estimated share of earnings from Ampco based on preliminary financial information and distributions received during the year. Based on financial information received at year-end, management has reversed approximately $69,000 of the $88,000 of investment income previously recorded and reflected it as a return of capital, thereby reducing our net investment to approximately $331,000 at December 31, 2002. During the first quarter of 2003, the Company accrued approximately $24,000 of first quarter distributions receivable from Ampco, $14,000 in earnings (recorded as investment income) and $10,000 in capital distributions (recorded as a return of capital).

 

On August 1, 2002, we formed a new wholly owned subsidiary, Ascendant VTE, LLC, which serves as the corporate general partner of VTE, L.P. (“VTE”), a partnership which acquired the assets of Venue Ticket Exchange, Inc. VTE is seeking to rollout an online, electronic ticket exchange for the purchase and sale of secondary tickets to sporting events and other entertainment venues. In connection with its formation, VTE received approximately $256,000 from the issuance of various limited partnership interests to outside investors. We invested $75,000 in this venture and received general partner and limited partnership interests. Mr. Leslie, our Chairman, and Mr. Bowe, our President and CEO, are also limited partners of VTE. VTE acquired the assets (primarily software) of Venue Ticket Exchange, Inc. for approximately $75,000 and made expenditures of approximately $148,000 for software enhancements and improvements. The assets, liabilities, partnership interests, and results of operations of VTE have been included in the consolidated financial statements since its date of formation on August 1, 2002. In the first quarter of 2003, VTE received approximately $165,500 from the issuance of additional limited partnership interests to outside investors, including $37,500 from us.

 

In October 2002, we formed a capital markets subsidiary, CRESA Capital Markets Group, L.P. (“Capital Markets”), and entered into a Licensing and Co-Marketing Agreement with CRESA Partners LLC, a national real estate services firm. We own 80% of Capital Markets and have committed to fund up to $100,000 in Capital Markets, however such commitment has not yet been drawn upon. The remaining 20% of Capital Markets is owned by Eligius Holding Company (an entity controlled by Brant Bryan and Cathy Sweeney) and David Stringfield. In connection with its formation, Capital Markets received approximately $200,000 from the issuance of limited partnership interests to CRESA Partners LLC. Capital Markets intends to provide real estate financial advisory services to corporate clients on a fee basis which could provide us with a future source of revenue. These services are planned to include, but not be limited to, analysis, consulting, acquisition and/or disposition of property, capital placement and acquisition, contract negotiation, and other matters related to real estate finance. Net service revenues of $40,000 were earned by Capital Markets in the first quarter of 2003. The assets, liabilities, partnership interests, and results of operations of Capital Markets have been included in the consolidated financial statements since its date of formation in late October 2002. Jim Leslie, our Chairman, also serves as an advisor to the Board of Directors of CRESA Partners, LLC. Capital Markets currently employs, or uses the services of, five people, including Mr. Leslie, Mr. Bryan, Ms. Sweeney and Mr. Stringfield.

 

In connection with the establishment of Capital Markets, we are currently evaluating ways in which we might act as a principal to acquire certain corporate real estate assets. We have not fully evaluated this opportunity. As a result, we are unable to determine what, if any, real estate it may acquire or the cost, type, location, or other specifics about such real estate or the method or means of such acquisition. There can be no assurances that we will decide to acquire real estate assets in the future or how we might do so.

 

Results of Operations

 

Factors Affecting Operating Results

 

As a result of our reduction in operations, period-to-period comparison of our operating results is not meaningful and should not be relied upon as an indicator of future performance. Beginning July 1, 2001 and continuing through December 31, 2002, we had no revenue-producing contracts. We expect our future operating results to fluctuate. Factors that are likely to cause these fluctuations include:

 

    our ability to successfully defend outstanding litigation;

 

    our ability to preserve our assets and reduce expenditures;

 

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    our ability to effectively deploy our remaining cash, debt capacity (if any) and our net operating loss carryforwards;

 

    our success with the investments in, and operations of, Ampco, VTE and Capital Markets, and;

 

    our ability to locate and successfully acquire one or more business enterprises.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an on-going basis, we evaluate our estimates, including those related to long-term investments. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

 

We believe the following accounting policies and the related judgments and estimates affect the preparation of our financial statements.

 

Long-Term Investments

 

Our long-term investments are accounted for using the cost method of accounting for investments and none represent investments in publicly traded companies. The cost method is used as we do not have a majority interest and do not have significant influence over the operations of the respective companies. Distributions received by us are recorded as investment income on the consolidated statement of operations to the extent the distribution does not exceed our proportionate share of the company’s earnings. Distributions in excess of our proportionate share would reduce our investment.