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United States
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 10-K
FOR ANNUAL AND TRANSITION REPORTS
PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
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(Mark One)
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ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
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For the fiscal year ended December 25, 2004 |
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TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
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For the transition period
from to |
Commission file number 001-11655
HearUSA, Inc.
Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter
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Delaware
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22-2748248 |
(State of Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization) |
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(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.) |
1250 Northpoint Parkway,
West Palm Beach, Florida
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) |
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33407
(Zip Code) |
Registrants Telephone Number, Including Area Code
(561) 478-8770
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the
Act:
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Title of each class |
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Name of each exchange on which registered |
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Common Stock, par value $0.10 per share
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American Stock Exchange |
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 þ No o
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers
pursuant to item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained
herein and will not be contained, to the best of the
registrants 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. o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated
filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the
Act). Yes o No þ
As of June 28, 2004, the aggregate market value of the
Registrants Common Stock held by non-affiliates (based
upon the closing price of the Common Stock on the American Stock
Exchange) was approximately $44,009,280.
On February 18, 2005, 29,549,049 shares of the
Registrants common stock and 880,493 of exchangeable
shares were outstanding.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of Registrants definitive Proxy Statement for the
2005 Annual Meeting of the Registrants Stockholders
(2005 Proxy Statement), to be filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, are incorporated by
reference in Part III hereof.
PART I
Item 1. Business
HearUSA, Inc. (HearUSA or the Company)
has a network of 154 company-owned hearing care centers (the
centers) in 11 states and the Province of Ontario,
Canada. The Company also sponsors approximately 1,400
credentialed audiology providers (the network
providers or the network) 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.
HearUSA seeks to increase market share and market penetration in
its center and network markets. HearUSA will also look for
acquisitions in markets where its existing centers are located.
The Companys strategy for increasing market penetration
includes advertising to the non-insured self-pay market,
positioning itself as the leading provider of hearing care to
healthcare providers and increasing awareness of physicians
about hearing care services and products in the Companys
geographic markets. The Company believes it is well positioned
to successfully address the concerns of access, quality and cost
for the patients of managed care and other health insurance
companies, diagnostic needs of referring physicians and,
ultimately, the hearing health needs of the public in general.
HearUSA was incorporated in Delaware on April 11, 1986,
under the name HEARx Ltd., and formed HEARx West LLC, a
fifty-percent owned joint venture with Kaiser Permanente, in
1998. In July of 2002, the Company acquired Helix Hearing Care
of America Corp. (Helix) and changed its name from
HEARx Ltd. to HearUSA, Inc.
Facilities and Services
Each HearUSA center is staffed by a licensed and credentialed
audiologist or hearing instrument specialist and at least one
patient care coordinator. Experienced audiologists supervise
clinical operations. The majority of the Companys centers
are conveniently located in shopping or medical centers, and the
centers are typically 1,000 to 2,500 square feet in size (1,000
to 2,000 square feet for the Helix centers and 2,000 to 2,500
square feet for the HEARx and HEARx West centers). The
Companys goal is to have all centers similar in design,
exterior marking and signage, because a uniform appearance
reinforces the message of consistent service and quality of care.
Each center provides hearing services that meet or exceed
applicable state and federal standards, including:
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Comprehensive hearing testing using standardized practice
guidelines |
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Interactive hearing aid selection and fitting process |
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Aural rehabilitation and follow up care |
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Standardized reporting and physician communications |
In some markets, a full range of audiovestibular testing is also
available to aid in the diagnosis of medical and vestibular
disorders.
Each of the 1,400 network providers operates independently from
the Company. However, to ensure compliance with its hearing
benefit programs, the Company performs annual credential
verification for each of the network providers to ensure they
meet the Companys network criteria. Also, on a random
basis, the Company performs patient surveys on the quality of
their services.
Products
HearUSAs centers offer a complete range of quality hearing
aids, with emphasis on the latest digital technology. While the
centers may order a hearing aid from any manufacturer, it is
likely the
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majority of the hearing aids sold by the centers will be
manufactured by Siemens Hearing Instruments, Inc.
(Siemens) and its subsidiaries, Rexton and Electone.
The Company has a supply agreement with Siemens for the HearUSA
centers in the United States. The Company has agreed to buy
certain minimum percentages of the centers hearing aid
requirements from Siemens. In exchange, Siemens has agreed to
give the Company preferred pricing reductions. See Note 6a,
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included herein.
The centers also sell hearing aids manufactured by Phonak,
Oticon, Starkey, Sonic Innovation and Unitron.
HearUSAs centers also offer a large selection of assistive
listening devices and other products related to hearing care.
Assistive listening devices are household and personal
technology products designed to assist the hearing impaired in
day-to-day living, including such devices as telephones and
television amplifiers, telecaptioners and decoders, pocket
talkers, specially adapted telephones, alarm clocks, doorbells
and fire alarms.
The network providers also provide hearing aids, assistive
listening devices and other products related to hearing care.
Managed Care, Institutional Contracts and Benefit
Providers
Since the beginning of 1991, the Company has entered into
arrangements with institutional buyers relating to the provision
of hearing care products and services. HearUSA believes that
contractual relationships with institutional buyers of hearing
aids are essential. These institutions include managed care
companies, employer groups, health insurers, benefit sponsors,
senior citizen buying groups and unions. By developing
contractual arrangements for the referral of patients, marketing
costs are reduced and relationships with local area physicians
are enhanced. Critical to providing care to members of these
groups are the availability of distribution sites, quality
control and standardization of products and services. The
Company believes its system of high quality, uniform
company-owned centers meets the needs of the patients and their
hearing benefit providers and that the network providers can
expand available distribution sites for these patients.
HearUSA usually enters into provider agreements with benefit
providers for the furnishing of hearing care on three different
bases: (a) discount arrangement based on a contractual rate
offered by the centers and/or the network providers to the
benefit providers members (all paid for by the patient);
(b) an encounter fee for service basis, where the centers
and/or the network providers are paid a contracted fee by the
benefit provider for each hearing aid sold (with the balance
paid by the individual member); or (c) a per capita basis,
which is a fixed payment per member per month from the benefit
provider to HearUSA, determined by the benefit offered to the
patient and the number of patients (the balance, if any, is paid
by the individual member). When involving the network providers,
HearUSA pays them a portion of the per-member-per-month payment,
net of administration fees.
The terms of most of these provider agreements are renegotiated
annually, and most of these agreements may be terminated by
either party on 90-days notice. The early termination of or
failure to renew the agreements could adversely affect the
operation of the hearing care centers located in the related
market area. In addition, the early termination of or failure to
renew the agreements that provide for payment to the Company on
a per capita basis would cause the Company to lower its
estimates of revenues to be received over the life of the
agreements and could have an adverse effect on the
Companys results of operations.
The Company and its subsidiary, HEARx West, currently receive a
per-member-per-month fee for more than 1.1 million managed
care members. In total, HearUSA services over 268 benefit
programs for hearing care with various health maintenance
organizations, preferred provider organizations, insurers,
benefit administrators and healthcare providers.
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Marketing
HearUSAs marketing plan for its centers focuses on:
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Newspaper and Special Events: HearUSA places print ads in its
markets promoting different hearing aids at a variety of
technology levels and prices along with special limited time
events. Advertising also emphasizes the need to seek help for
hearing loss as well as the qualitative differences and
advantages offered by HearUSA. |
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Direct Marketing: Utilizing HearUSAs database, HearUSA
makes direct mailings and offers free seminars in its markets on
hearing and hearing loss. |
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Physician Marketing: HearUSA attempts to educate both physicians
and their patients on the need for regular hearing testing and
the importance of hearing aids and other assistive listening
devices. HearUSA works to further its image as a provider of
highly professional services, quality products, and
comprehensive post-sale consumer education. |
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Telemarketing: HearUSA has a domestic national call center,
which supports all HearUSA centers. The national call center is
responsible for both inbound and outbound telemarketing. |
Revenues
For the fiscal years 2004, 2003 and 2002, HearUSA revenues were
$72,300,623, $70,545,154 and $57,230,128, respectively. During
2004, 2003 and 2002, the Company did not have revenues totaling
10% or more of total net revenues from a single customer.
Financial information about revenues by geographic area is set
out in Note 19, Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
included herein.
Segments
We operate three business segments: company-owned centers, the
network of independent providers and an e-commerce business
line. Financial information regarding these business segments is
provided in Note 19, Notes to the Consolidated Financial
Statements included herein.
Centers
At the end of 2004, the company owned a total of 154 centers
located in Florida, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Ohio,
Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Missouri, Washington, California
(through HEARx West) and the Province of Ontario, Canada. These
centers offer people a complete range of services and products,
including diagnostic audiological testing, the latest technology
in hearing aids and assistive listening devices to improve their
quality of life.
The centers owned through HEARx West are located in California.
HearUSA is responsible for the daily operation of the centers.
All clinical and quality issues are the responsibility of a
joint committee comprised of HearUSA and Kaiser Permanente
clinicians. HEARx West centers concentrate on providing hearing
aids and audiology testing to Kaiser Permanentes members
and self-pay patients in the state of California. At the end of
2004, there were twenty full-time and two part-time HEARx West
centers.
Under the terms of the joint venture agreement between the
Company and Kaiser Permanente, HEARx West has the right of first
refusal for any new centers in southern California; Atlanta,
Georgia; Hawaii; Denver, Colorado; Portland, Oregon; Cleveland,
Ohio; Washington, DC and Baltimore, Maryland. In addition,
should HearUSA make a center acquisition in any of these
markets, HEARx West has the right to purchase such center. Such
a sale would be done at arms length, with HEARx West
paying HearUSA an equivalent value for any of the centers it
acquires.
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Network
The Company sponsors a network of approximately 1,400
credentialed audiology providers that support hearing benefit
programs with employer groups, health insurers and benefit
sponsors in 49 states. This network, called HearUSA Hearing Care
Network, was created early in 2001 with the participation of
Siemens. The network grew significantly in July 2002 with the
acquisition of Helix which had acquired, with the help of the
Company, 100% of the shares of Auxiliary Health Benefit
Corporation doing business as National Ear Care Plan
(NECP). NECP and its 1,400 credentialed audiology
providers are now part of the HearUSA network.
Unlike the company-owned centers, the network is comprised of
hearing care practices owned by independent audiologists.
Through the network, the Company can pursue national hearing
care contracts and offer managed hearing benefits in areas
outside of the company-owned center markets. The networks
revenues are derived mainly from administrative fees paid by
employer groups, health insurers and benefit sponsors to
administer their benefit programs as well as maintaining an
affiliated provider network and from royalties paid by Siemens
for each Siemens unit purchased by a participating provider.
E-commerce
The Company offers on-line information about hearing loss,
hearing aids, assistive listening devices and the services
offered by hearing health care professionals. The Companys
web site also offers on-line purchases of hearing related
products, such as batteries, hearing aid accessories and
assistive listening devices. In addition to on-line product
sales, e-commerce operations are also designed as a marketing
tool to inform the public and generate referrals for centers and
for network providers.
Distinguishing Features
Integral to the success of HearUSAs strategy is increased
awareness of the impact of hearing loss and the medical
necessity of treatment, in addition to the strengthening of
consumer confidence and the differentiation of HearUSA from
other hearing care providers. To this end, the Company has taken
the following unique steps:
Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations
During 1998, the Company distinguished itself as an accredited
healthcare organization when it earned a three-year
accreditation by the Joint Commission. The Company was
re-accredited in 2002 as a preferred provider organization in
hearing care, demonstrating its willingness to provide safe,
high quality care and to be measured against high standards of
performance. Accreditation means that the Company volunteered to
undergo a comprehensive evaluation by a team of physicians and
nurses, who personally conducted a review to assess provider
credentialing, training and orientation, patient rights and
care, organizational leadership and ethics, management of
information and performance improvement. At this time, only the
82 company-owned centers doing business as HEARx are accredited.
The Companys long-term goal is to accredit all
company-owned centers as well as interested network providers.
The Company currently employs 186 licensed hearing
professionals, of which 139 are audiologists, including 17 AuD,
Doctor in Audiology, and 47 are licensed hearing aid specialists.
Center Management System, Medical Reporting and HearUSA Data Link
The Company has developed a proprietary center management and
data system called the Center Management System
(CMS). CMS primarily has two functions: to manage
patient information and to process point-of-sale customer
transactions. The CMS system is operated over a wide area
network that links all locations with the corporate office. The
Company is developing
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further capabilities for the wide area network. This system is
only used in the company-owned centers.
The Companys corporate system is fully integrated with CMS
to provide additional benefits and functionality that can be
better supported centrally. Data redundancy is built into the
system architecture as data is currently stored both at the
regional facilities and at the central facility. The
consolidated data repository is constructed to support revenues
in excess of $550 million, to accommodate 500+ unique
business units and to manage 500,000 new patients annually.
One of the outputs of CMS is a computerized reporting system
that provides referring physicians the test results and
recommended action for every patient examined by HearUSA staff
in a company-owned center. To the Companys knowledge, no
other dispenser or audiologist presently offers any referring
physician similar documentation. Consistent with the
Companys mission of making hearing care a medical
necessity, this reporting system makes hearing a part of the
individuals health profile, and increases awareness of
hearing conditions in the medical community. Another unique
aspect of CMS is its data mining capability which allows for
targeted marketing to its customer base. The national call
center also has the ability to access the CMS system and can
directly schedule appointments.
Competition
The U.S. hearing care industry is highly fragmented with
approximately 11,000 practitioners providing hearing care
products and services. The Company competes on the basis of
price and service and, as described above, tries to distinguish
itself as a leading provider of hearing care to health care
providers and the self-pay patient. The Company competes for the
managed care customer on the basis of access, quality and cost.
In the Canadian Province of Ontario, the traditional hearing
instrument distribution system is made up of small independent
practices where associations are limited to two or three
centers. Most centers are relatively small and are located in
medical centers, professional centers or in small shopping
centers.
It is difficult to determine the precise number of the
Companys competitors in every market where it has
operations, or the percentage of market share enjoyed by the
Company. Some competitors are large distributors, including
Amplifon of Italy, which owns a network of franchised centers
(Miracle Ear) and company-owned centers (Sonus and National
Hearing Center) in the United States and Canada, and Beltone
Electronics Corp., a hearing aid manufacturer owned by Great
Nordic that distributes its products primarily through a
national network of authorized distributors in the
United States and Canada. Large discount retailers, such as
Costco, also sell hearing aids and present a competitive threat
in selected HearUSA markets. All of these companies have greater
resources than HearUSA, and there can be no assurance that one
or more of these competitors will not expand and/or change their
operations to capture the market targeted by HearUSA.
The Companys network business will also face competition
by companies offering similar network services.. These companies
attempt to aggregate demand for hearing products and sell
marketing and other services to network participants. In
addition, some of these networks are able to offer discounts to
managed care payors, insurers and membership organizations. Many
independent hearing care providers belong to more than one
network. In addition, contract terms for membership are
typically short and may be terminated by either party at will.
There can be no assurance, however, that the largely fragmented
hearing care market cannot be successfully consolidated by the
establishment of co-operatives, alliances, confederations or the
like, which would then compete more directly with HearUSAs
network and its company-owned centers.
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Reliance on Manufacturers
The Companys supply agreement with Siemens requires that a
certain portion of the company-owned centers sales will be
of Siemens devices. Siemens has a well-diversified product line
(including Rexton and Electone) with a large budget devoted to
research and development. However, there is no guaranty that
Siemens technology or product line will remain desirable
in the marketplace. Furthermore, if Siemens manufacturing
capacity cannot keep pace with the demand of HearUSA and other
customers, HearUSAs business may be adversely affected.
In the event of a disruption of supply from Siemens or another
of the Companys current suppliers, the Company believes it
could obtain comparable products from other manufacturers. Few
manufacturers offer dramatic product differentiation. HearUSA
has not experienced any significant disruptions in supply in the
past.
Regulation
Federal
The practice of audiology and the dispensing of hearing aids are
not presently regulated on the Federal level in the United
States. The United States Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) is responsible for monitoring the hearing care
industry. The FDA requires that first time hearing aid
purchasers receive medical clearance from a physician prior to
purchase; however, patients may sign a waiver in lieu of a
physicians examination. The FDA has mandated that states
adopt a return policy for consumers offering them the right to
return their products, generally within 30 days. HearUSA
offers all its customers a full 30-day return period and extends
the return period to 60 days for patients who participate
in the family hearing counseling program. FDA regulations
require hearing aid dispensers to provide customers with certain
warnings and statements regarding the use of hearing aids. Also,
the FDA requires hearing aid dispensers to review instructional
manuals for hearing aids with patients before the hearing aid is
purchased.
In addition, a portion of the Companys revenues comes from
participation in Medicare and Medicaid programs. Federal laws
prohibit the payment of remuneration in order to receive or
induce the referral of Medicare or Medicaid patients, or in
return for the sale of goods or services to Medicare or Medicaid
patients. Furthermore, Federal law limits physicians and other
healthcare providers from referring patients to providers of
certain designated services in which they have a financial
interest. HearUSA believes that all of its managed care and
other provider contracts and its relationships with referring
physicians are in compliance with these Federal laws.
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996
(HIPAA) requires the use of uniform electronic data
transmission standards for health care claims and payment
transactions submitted or received electronically. The
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
adopted regulations establishing electronic data transmission
standards that all health care providers must use when
submitting or receiving certain health care transactions
electronically. In addition, HIPAA required HHS to adopt
standards to protect the security and privacy of health-related
information. Final regulations containing privacy standards
became effective on April 14, 2003. HearUSA believes it has
taken the necessary steps to be in full compliance with these
regulations.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued the amended
Telemarketing Sales Rule on January 29, 2003. The amended
rule gives effect to the Telemarketing and Consumer Fraud and
Abuse Prevention Act. This legislation gives the FTC and state
attorneys generals law enforcement tools to combat telemarketing
fraud, give consumers added privacy protections and defenses
against unscrupulous telemarketers, and help consumers tell the
difference between fraudulent and legitimate telemarketing. One
significant amendment to the Telemarketing Sales Rule was
inclusion of the prohibition on calling consumers who have put
their telephone numbers on the national Do Not Call
registry unless one of several exceptions is applicable to the
call or to the consumer. Other FTC guidelines pertinent to the
Company involve professional business practices relating to
issues
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such as transmitting the callers telephone number on
caller id, abandoning calls and speaking to consumers in a
non-professional manner.
On July 25, 2003 the Federal Communications Commission
issued a revised Final Rule Implementing the Telephone
Consumer Protection Act of 1991 (TCPA Rule). The original TCPA
Rule, issued in 1992, required telemarketers to honor all
requests by a consumer that the telemarketer not make future
calls on behalf of a specified seller to that consumer,
restricted the use of recorded messages in telemarketing, and
prohibited unsolicited commercial facsimile transmissions. The
revised TCPA Rule prohibits telemarketing calls to telephone
numbers on the national Do Not Call registry unless
one of several exceptions is applicable to the call or consumer,
and also contains provisions similar to those in the revised
Telemarketing Sales Rule regarding the transmission of caller ID
and abandoned calls. Among other new provisions, the revised
TCPA rule prohibits the uses of predictive dialers to place
telephone calls to cellular telephones. The Company adheres to
policies set forth by the FTC and the FCC, and has established
policies and practices to ensure its compliance with FTC and FCC
regulations, including the requirements related to the national
Do Not Call registry.
The CAN-SPAM Act of 2003 regulates commercial electronic mail on
a nationwide basis. It imposes certain requirements on senders
of commercial electronic mail. The Company adheres to the law by
properly representing the nature of its commercial email
messages in the subject line, not tampering with source and
transmission information in the email header, and
obtaining email addresses through lawful means. The Company
adheres to the specific disclosure requirements of the law by
including a physical mail address and a clearly identified and
conspicuous opt-out mechanism in all commercial
email. The Company honors all consumer requests to stop
receiving future commercial emails in a timely manner.
The Company cannot predict the effect of future changes in
federal laws, including changes that may result from proposals
for federal health care reform legislation being considered by
the U.S. Congress, or the impact that changes in existing
federal laws or in the interpretation of those laws might have
on the Company. The Company believes it is in material
compliance with all existing federal regulatory requirements.
State
Generally, state regulations of the hearing care industry, where
they exist, are concerned primarily with the formal licensure of
audiologists and those who dispense hearing aids and with
practices and procedures involving the fitting and dispensing of
hearing aids. There can be no assurance that regulations do not
exist in jurisdictions in which the Company plans to open
centers or will not be promulgated in states in which the
Company currently operates centers which may have a material
adverse effect upon the Company. Such regulations might include
more stringent licensure requirements for dispensers of hearing
aids, inspections of centers for the dispensing of hearing aids
and the regulation of advertising by dispensers of hearing aids.
The Company knows of no current or proposed state regulations
with which it, as currently operated, could not comply.
Many states have laws and regulations that impose additional
requirements related to telemarketing and to the use of
commercial email. These include telemarketing registration
requirements and anti-fraud protections related to telemarketing
and email. In some cases, state laws and regulations may be more
restrictive than federal laws and regulations. The Company makes
a good faith effort to understand and comply with all applicable
state laws and regulations regarding its marketing practices.
State regulation may include the oversight of the Companys
advertising and marketing practices as a provider of hearing aid
dispensing services. The Companys advertisements and other
business promotions may be found to be in violation of these
regulations from time to time, and may result in fines or other
sanctions, including the prohibition of certain marketing
programs that may ultimately harm financial performance.
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The Company employs licensed audiologists and hearing aid
dispensers. Under the regulatory framework of certain states,
business corporations are not able to employ audiologists or
offer hearing services. California has such a law, restricting
the employment of audiologists to professional corporations
owned by audiologists or similar licensees. The Company
believes, however, that because the State of Californias
Department of Consumer Affairs has indicated that
speech-language pathologists may be employed by business
corporations, the Company may employee audiologists. The
similarity of speech-language pathology to audiology, and the
fact that speech-language pathologists and audiologists are
regulated under similar statutes and regulations, leads the
Company to believe that business corporations and similar
entities may employ audiologists. No assurance can be given that
the Companys interpretation of Californias laws will
be found to be in compliance with laws and regulations governing
the corporate practice of audiology or, if its activities are
not in compliance, that the legal structure of the
Companys California operations can be modified to permit
compliance.
In addition, state laws prohibit any remuneration for referrals,
similar to Federal laws discussed above. Generally, these laws
follow the federal statues described above.
The Company believes it is in material compliance with all
applicable state regulatory requirements. However, the Company
cannot predict future state legislation which may affect its
operations in the states in which it does business. Nor can the
Company assure that existing interpretations of state law remain
consistent with the Companys understanding of the state
law as reflected through its operations.
Canada
Laws and regulations for the Province of Ontario, Canada are
concerned primarily with the formal licensure of audiologists
and dispensers who dispense hearing aids and with practices and
procedures involving the fitting and dispensing of hearing aids.
All Ontario audiologists must be members of the College of
Audiologists and Speech and Language Pathologists of Ontario and
hearing aid dispensers practicing in Ontario must be members of
the Association of Hearing Instrument Practitioners. Both
audiologists and hearing instrument practitioners are governed
by a professional code of conduct. There can be no assurance
that regulations will not be promulgated in the Province of
Ontario which may have a material adverse effect upon the
Company. Such regulations might include more stringent licensure
requirements for dispensers of hearing aids, inspections of
centers for the dispensing of hearing aids and the regulation of
advertising by dispensers of hearing aids. The Company knows of
no current or proposed Ontario regulations with which it, as
currently operated, could not comply. The Company employs
licensed audiologists and hearing aid dispensers in the Province
of Ontario.
Ontario regulation and code of conducts of audiologists and
hearing instrument practitioners may include the oversight of
the Companys advertising and marketing practices as a
provider of hearing aid dispensing services. The Companys
advertisements and other business promotions may be found to be
in violation of these regulations from time to time, and may
result in fines or other sanctions, including the prohibition of
certain marketing programs that may ultimately harm financial
performance.
In addition, Ontario regulation and codes of conduct of
audiologists and hearing instrument practitioners prohibit any
remuneration for referrals. The Company has structured its
operations in Canada to assure compliance with these regulations
and codes and believes it is in full compliance with Canadian
law.
Product and Professional Liability
In the ordinary course of its business, HearUSA may be subject
to product and professional liability claims alleging the
failure of, or adverse effects claimed to have been caused by,
products sold or services provided by the Company. The Company
maintains insurance at a level which the
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Company believes to be adequate. A successful claim in excess of
the policy limits of the Companys liability insurance,
however, could adversely affect the Company. As the distributor
of products manufactured by others, the Company believes it
would properly have recourse against the manufacturer in the
event of a product liability claim; however, there can be no
assurance that recourse against a manufacturer by the Company
would be successful or that any manufacturer will maintain
adequate insurance or otherwise be able to pay such liability.
Seasonality
The Company is subject to regional seasonality, the impact of
which is minimal.
Employees
At December 25, 2004, HearUSA had 462 full-time employees
and 43 part-time employees, of whom 81 were employed by HEARx
West.
Where to Find More Information
The Company makes information available free of charge on its
website (www.hearusa.com). Through the website, interested
persons can access the Companys annual report on
Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current
reports on Form 8-K after such material is electronically
filed with the SEC. In addition, interested persons can access
the Companys code of ethics and other governance documents
on the Companys website.
Item 2. Properties
HearUSAs corporate offices and national call center are
located in West Palm Beach, Florida. The leases on these
properties are for five years and expire in 2006. As of
December 25, 2004, the Company operated 31 centers in
Florida, 15 in New Jersey, 15 in New York, 9 in Massachusetts, 7
in Ohio, 8 in Michigan, 2 in Wisconsin, 6 in Minnesota, 7 in
Missouri, 13 in Washington and 22 HEARx West centers in
California. HearUSA also operates 19 centers in the Province of
Ontario. All of the locations are leased for one to ten year
terms pursuant to generally non-cancelable leases (with renewal
options in some cases). The Company believes these locations are
suitable to serve its patients needs. The network is
operated from an office located in Denver, Colorado (head office
of NECP at the time of its acquisition). The lease for this
location expires in June 2007. The Company has no interest or
involvement in the network providers properties or leases. The
e-commerce business is operated from the Companys
corporate office in West Palm Beach.
Item 3. Legal
Proceedings
The Company has from time to time been a party to lawsuits and
claims arising in the normal course of business. In the opinion
of management, there are no pending claims or litigation, in
which the outcome would have a material effect on the
Companys consolidated financial position or results of
operations.
Item 4. Submission of
Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
None
9
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY
The following sets forth certain information as of the date
hereof with respect to the Companys executive officers.
Dr. Brown and Mr. Hansbrough are serving pursuant to
employment agreements, renewed in 2003, with 5-year terms
expiring in 2008 unless renewed or extended. The other executive
officers are serving until their successors are duly appointed
and qualified to serve or their earlier resignations or removal.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First Served |
Name and Position |
|
Age |
|
as Executive Officer |
|
|
|
|
|
Paul A. Brown, M.D.
Chairman of the Board |
|
|
66 |
|
|
|
1986 |
|
Stephen J. Hansbrough
President/ Chief Executive Officer Director
|
|
|
57 |
|
|
|
1993 |
|
Gino Chouinard
Executive Vice President Chief Financial Officer
|
|
|
36 |
|
|
|
2002 |
|
Kenneth Schofield
Chief Operating Officer
|
|
|
40 |
|
|
|
2004 |
|
Donna L. Taylor Senior Vice President of Operations
|
|
|
48 |
|
|
|
2000 |
|
There are no family relationships among any of the executive
officers and directors of the Company.
Paul A. Brown, M.D., holds an A.B. from Harvard College and an
M.D. from Tufts University School of Medicine. Dr. Brown
founded HearUSA in 1986 and has served as Chairman of the Board
since that time and Chief Executive Officer until July 2002.
From 1970 to 1984, Dr. Brown was Chairman of the Board and
Chief Executive Officer of MetPath Inc. (MetPath), a
New Jersey-based corporation offering a full range of clinical
laboratory services to physicians and hospitals, which he
founded in 1967 while a resident in pathology at Columbia
Presbyterian Medical Center in New York City. MetPath developed
into the largest clinical laboratory in the world with over
3,000 employees and was listed on the American Stock Exchange
prior to being sold to Corning in 1982 for $140 million.
Dr. Brown is formerly Chairman of the Board of Overseers of
Tufts University School of Medicine, an Emeritus member of the
Board of Trustees of Tufts University, a past member of the
Visiting Committee of Boston University School of Medicine and
part-time lecturer in pathology at Columbia University College
of Physicians and Surgeons.
Stephen J. Hansbrough, Chief Executive Officer and Director, was
formerly the Senior Vice President of Dart Drug Corporation and
was instrumental in starting their affiliated group of companies
(Crown Books and Trak Auto). These companies along with Dart
Drug Stores had over 400 retail locations, generated
approximately $550 million in annual revenues and employed
over 3,000 people. Mr. Hansbrough subsequently became
Chairman and CEO of Dart Drug Stores with annual revenues in
excess of $250 million. After leaving Dart,
Mr. Hansbrough was an independent consultant specializing
in turnaround and start-up operations, primarily in the retail
field, until he joined HearUSA in December 1993.
Gino Chouinard, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer, joined HearUSA in July 2002 with its acquisition of
Helix. Mr. Chouinard served as Helixs Chief Financial
Officer from November 1999 until its acquisition by HearUSA.
Mr. Chouinard is a Chartered Accountant who previously
worked for Ernst & Young LLP, an international accounting
firm, as Manager from 1996 until 1999 and as Senior Accountant
from 1994 until 1996.
Kenneth J. Schofield, Chief Operating Officer, joined the
company in May 1997 as the Director of Information Technology
and became Vice President, Information Technology in February
1998.
10
He was appointed to the office of Chief Operating Officer in
August 2004. Before joining the Company, Mr. Schofield served as
the Controller for a government contracting company, Teltara,
Inc., and the manager of information systems for a privately
held group of 25 community newspapers.
Donna L. Taylor, Senior Vice President of Operations, joined
HearUSA in July 1987 as an audiologist. She was later promoted
to Area Manager and Director of Operations for the Company in
Florida. Prior to her present position she assumed her role as
Vice President Sales and Operations in December 1993 and in
October 2000 was promoted to Senior Vice President Sales
and Operations.
PART II
Item 5. Market for
Registrants Common Equity and Related Stockholder
Matters
The common stock of the Company is traded on the American Stock
Exchange (AMEX) under the symbol EAR and the
exchangeable shares of HEARx Canada Inc. are traded on the
Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol HUX. Holders
of exchangeable shares may tender their holdings for common
stock on a one-for-one basis at any time. As of
February 18, 2005, the Company had 29,549,409 shares
of common stock and 880,493 of exchangeable shares outstanding.
The closing price on February 18, 2005 was $1.88 for the
common stock and Canadian $2.15 for the exchangeable shares. The
following table sets forth the high and low sales prices for the
common stock as reported by the AMEX for the fiscal quarters
indicated:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common Stock |
|
|
|
Fiscal Quarter |
|
High |
|
Low |
|
|
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First
|
|
$ |
2.90 |
|
|
$ |
2.08 |
|
Second
|
|
$ |
2.10 |
|
|
$ |
1.53 |
|
Third
|
|
$ |
1.77 |
|
|
$ |
1.05 |
|
Fourth
|
|
$ |
1.61 |
|
|
$ |
1.15 |
|
2003
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First
|
|
$ |
0.44 |
|
|
$ |
0.25 |
|
Second
|
|
$ |
0.83 |
|
|
$ |
0.33 |
|
Third
|
|
$ |
1.67 |
|
|
$ |
0.75 |
|
Fourth
|
|
$ |
2.80 |
|
|
$ |
1.14 |
|
As of February 18, 2005, there were 1,601 holders of record
of the common stock.
Dividend Policy
HearUSA has never paid and does not anticipate paying any
dividends on the common stock in the foreseeable future but
intends to retain any earnings for use in the Companys
business operations. Payment of dividends is restricted under
the terms of the Companys credit agreement with Siemens.
11
Item 6. Selected
Financial Data
The following selected financial data of the Company should be
read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements
and notes thereto and the following Managements Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
The financial data set forth on the next two pages has been
derived from the audited consolidated financial statements of
the Company:
OPERATING STATEMENT DATA:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended |
|
|
|
|
|
December 25 |
|
December 27 |
|
December 28 |
|
December 29 |
|
December 29 |
|
|
2004 |
|
2003 |
|
2002(1) |
|
2001 |
|
2000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net revenues
|
|
$ |
72,300,623 |
|
|
$ |
70,545,154 |
|
|
$ |
57,230,128 |
|
|
$ |
48,796,110 |
|
|
$ |
56,114,832 |
|
Total operating costs and expenses
|
|
|
70,512,939 |
|
|
|
68,645,516 |
|
|
|
61,713,300 |
|
|
|
56,995,460 |
|
|
|
59,696,818 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income (loss) from operations
|
|
|
1,787,684 |
|
|
|
1,899,638 |
|
|
|
(4,483,172 |
) |
|
|
(8,199,350 |
) |
|
|
(3,581,986 |
) |
Non-operating income (expenses):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income
|
|
|
17,543 |
|
|
|
20,836 |
|
|
|
114,152 |
|
|
|
222,349 |
|
|
|
294,132 |
|
Interest expense (including approximately $2,127,000 and
$517,000, in 2004 and 2003, of non-cash debt discount
amortization)
|
|
|
(4,563,729 |
) |
|
|
(2,828,327 |
) |
|
|
(1,722,467 |
) |
|
|
(652,530 |
) |
|
|
(28,723 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss before equity in loss of affiliated company
|
|
|
(2,758,502 |
) |
|
|
(907,583 |
) |
|
|
(6,092,010 |
) |
|
|
(8,629,531 |
) |
|
|
(3,316,577 |
) |
Equity in loss of affiliated company
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(630,801 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss from continuing operations
|
|
|
(2,758,502 |
) |
|
|
(907,583 |
) |
|
|
(6,722,811 |
) |
|
|
(8,629,531 |
) |
|
|
(3,316,577 |
) |
Discontinued operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(201,536 |
) |
|
|
(157,658 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends on preferred stock
|
|
|
(708,159 |
) |
|
|
(626,956 |
) |
|
|
(696,541 |
) |
|
|
(812,205 |
) |
|
|
(1,346,872 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss applicable to common stockholders
|
|
$ |
(3,466,661 |
) |
|
$ |
(1,736,345 |
) |
|
$ |
(7,577,010 |
) |
|
$ |
(9,441,736 |
) |
|
$ |
(4,663,449 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss per common share Basic and diluted, loss from continuing
operations, including dividends on preferred stock
|
|
$ |
(0.11 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.05 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.33 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.72 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.39 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basis and diluted, net loss applicable to common stockholders
|
|
$ |
(0.11 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.06 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.34 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.72 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.39 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding
|
|
|
30,426,829 |
|
|
|
30,424,262 |
|
|
|
22,534,393 |
|
|
|
13,120,137 |
|
|
|
11,834,388 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash dividends per common share
|
|
|
None |
|
|
|
None |
|
|
|
None |
|
|
|
None |
|
|
|
None |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
As discussed in Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements,
effective June 30, 2002, the Company completed its business
combination with Helix. |
12
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of |
|
|
|
|
|
December 25 |
|
December 27 |
|
December 28 |
|
December 29 |
|
December 29 |
|
|
2004 |
|
2003 |
|
2002(1) |
|
2001 |
|
2000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets
|
|
$ |
59,301,815 |
|
|
$ |
66,183,350 |
|
|
$ |
64,996,870 |
|
|
$ |
21,341,522 |
|
|
$ |
21,872,123 |
|
Working capital (deficit)
|
|
|
(4,898,459 |
) |
|
|
(2,330,035 |
) |
|
|
(10,231,372 |
) |
|
|
(738,562 |
) |
|
|
2,350,832 |
|
Long-term debt:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term debt, net of current maturities
|
|
|
17,296,125 |
|
|
|
20,579,977 |
|
|
|
22,082,389 |
(2) |
|
|
8,750,999 |
|
|
|
175,887 |
|
|
Convertible subordinated notes, net of debt discount of
$5,443,879 and $7,423,596
|
|
|
2,056,121 |
|
|
|
76,404 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mandatorily redeemable convertible preferred stock
|
|
|
4,709,921 |
|
|
|
4,600,107 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
As discussed in Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements,
effective June 30, 2002, the Company completed its business
combination with Helix. |
|
(2) |
Includes $110,890 of long-term debt of discontinued operations. |
13
|
|
Item 7. |
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Results of
Operations and Financial Condition |
GENERAL
The focus of the Company in 2004 was to develop advertising
campaigns and pricing structures to increase its gross profit on
each transaction. As a result of these initiatives, the Company
sustained a growth in net revenues for four consecutive quarters
in 2004 and was cash flow positive in 2004.
Toward the end of 2004, the Company created a sales development
department whose objective is to improve sales capabilities of
its professionals. In 2005, the Company expects to benefit from
this new department and from new advertising campaigns and
programs developed to increase patient accessibility to its
products.
During 2004, the Company incurred a net loss of approximately
$2,759,000 compared to approximately $1,109,000 in 2003. The
increase in the net loss is attributable to an increase in
center operating expenses and interest expense. The increase in
interest expense is mainly due to the 2004 effects of the
December 2003 financing. These increases were offset by a
decrease in general and administrative expenses, depreciation
and amortization and an increase in net revenues.
During 2004 and 2003, HEARx West generated net income of
approximately $1,385,000 and $723,000. The HEARx West
members deficit decreased from approximately $4,591,000 at
the end of 2003 to approximately $3,206,000 at the end of 2004.
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
2004 Compared to 2003
Net revenues in 2004 increased approximately $1,755,000 or 2.4%.
The increase is primarily attributable to an increase in
non-hearing aid revenues of approximately $1.9 million
during 2004 compared to 2003 mainly due to the Companys
new contract with the Department of Veteran Affairs. Hearing aid
revenues remained flat in 2004. A decrease of approximately 4.9%
in the number of hearing aids sold during the year was offset by
an increase in the average selling price of approximately 4.8%,
as patients selected a higher percentage of high end technology
hearing aids. Approximately $485,000 of the overall increase in
revenues relates to a favorable change in the average Canadian
exchange rate from 2003 to 2004. Unlike the first six months of
2003, the first six months of 2004 did not benefit from an
aggregate of approximately $2.8 million in revenues from a
special contract and an excess of undelivered hearing aids from
the prior year.
Cost of products sold in 2004 decreased approximately $367,000
or 1.8%. Included in the cost of products sold are Siemens
preferred pricing reductions of approximately $3,641,000 in 2004
and $3,947,000 in 2003, respectively. 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 to Siemens on Tranches A, B and C of the Siemens
loan. (See Liquidity and Capital Resources, below) The cost of
products sold, as a percent of net revenues, was essentially
unchanged at 28.3% and 28.5% in 2004 and 2003, respectively.
14
Center operating expenses in 2004 increased approximately
$2.5 million, or 7.0% from 2003. This increase is mainly
attributable to an increase in compensation and marketing in
2004 compared to 2003 of approximately $1.4 million and
$1.0 million, respectively. The increase in compensation is
attributable in part to annual increases to employees and new
employees at the center level and in part to increases in
commissions. The increase in commissions is due to changes to
some of the compensation programs at the end of the second
quarter of 2003 and increases in revenues in regions and/or
sectors with higher commission rates. The increase in marketing
is attributable to increase in the frequency in the
Companys advertising to the private pay sector and
additional mailers to members of managed care companies in 2004
compared to the prior year.
General and administrative expenses in 2004 decreased
approximately $252,000, or 2.4%. This decrease is mainly
attributable to a reduction of expenses of approximately
$159,000 resulting from a volume discount for telephone expense,
and a reduction of professional fees of approximately $576,000.
These decreases were offset by an increase in wages and fringe
benefits of approximately $291,000, due to an increase in
salaries and in additional employees, and an increase in public
and shareholder relations expense of approximately $174,000.
Depreciation and amortization expense in 2004 decreased
approximately $706,000 or 30.6%. This decrease is due to certain
property and equipment being fully depreciated.
Interest expense in 2004 increased approximately
$1.7 million or 61% over 2003. This increase is
attributable to approximately $2,902,000 of interest (including
the non-cash portion of approximately $2,127,000) on the $7.5
million financing that was completed in December 2003. These
increases were offset by a decrease of interest on other
existing balances due to repayments of principal during 2003 and
the beginning of 2004. The non-cash charge of $2,127,000
included in the interest expense is the amortization of the debt
discount resulting from the intrinsic value of the beneficial
conversion option and the proceeds allocated to the warrants to
purchase 2,642,750 shares of the Companys common stock
based on relative fair values of the $7.5 million financing
in December 2003. This non-cash charge does not impact the
liquidity or working capital of the Company.
2003 Compared to 2002
Net revenues in 2003 increased approximately $13.3 million,
or 23.3% over 2002. This increase in revenues is mainly
attributable to the revenues of the centers acquired in the
Helix acquisition in July 2002 of approximately $10.6 million
for the first six months of 2003, which were not included in the
first six months of 2002. Excluding the Helix revenues for the
first six months of 2003, the Companys revenues increased
approximately $2.7 million or 4.8%, of which approximately
$382,000 is related to a change in the average Canadian exchange
rate from 2002 to 2003. The remaining increase of approximately
$2.4 million is mainly due to an increase of approximately 8.8%
in hearing aids sold in the U.S. centers representing
approximately $4.2 million in incremental revenues, offset
by a decrease in the average selling price of approximately 4.3%
representing approximately a $2.3 million decrease in
revenues. The reduction in average selling price is mainly
attributable to a different mix of promotions in 2003 compared
to 2002.
Cost of products sold in 2003 increased approximately
$3.7 million, or 22.3%. The increase is the direct result
of inclusion of cost of products sold at the former Helix
centers of approximately $2.9 million for the first six
months of 2003, which was not included in the comparable period
of 2002. Excluding the Helix cost of product sold for the first
six months of 2003, cost of products sold increased by
approximately $740,000, or 4.5%, of which approximately $153,000
is attributable to a change in the average Canadian exchange
rate from 2002 to 2003. The remaining increase of approximately
$587,000 is the direct result of the increase in the number of
hearing aids sold, offset by a reduction from improved product
pricing the Company received as a result of the former Helix
centers selling more Siemens products during the last six
months of 2003 as compared to the same
15
period in 2002. Included in the cost of products sold are
preferred pricing reductions of approximately $3.9 million
and $3.8 million for 2003 and 2002, respectively.
Such pricing reductions from Siemens are accounted for as
reductions of cost of products sold for financial reporting
purposes and applied, pursuant to the credit agreement, against
the principal and interest payments due on Tranches A, B and C.
The cost of products sold as a percent of net revenues was 28.5%
and 28.7% for 2003 and 2002, respectively.
Center operating expenses increased approximately
$3.5 million, or 11.0%, in 2003. This increase is related
to inclusion of operating expenses for the former Helix centers
of approximately $5.0 million for the first six months of
2003, which were not included in the comparable period of 2002.
HearUSA center operating expenses, excluding the former Helix
centers for the first six months, decreased approximately
$1.5 million or 4.7%, in 2003 compared to 2002, offset by a
small increase due to the change in the average Canadian
exchange rate. This decrease is attributable to the cost
reduction and control program the Company first implemented in
May 2001 and maintained throughout 2002 and 2003. In particular,
the Company continued to reduce its marketing programs, reducing
center advertising expense to approximately $4.2 million,
or 7.1% of revenue, excluding the former Helix centers
expenses for the first six months of 2003, in 2003, down from
approximately $5.2 million or 9.1% in 2002. In addition,
center wage expense and regional office costs also decreased
approximately $156,000 or 1.0%, and approximately $325,000 or
17.9%, respectively.
General and administrative expenses decreased approximately
$714,000, or 6.4%, in 2003, net of an increase of approximately
$30,000 due to the change in the average Canadian exchange rate.
This decrease is mainly attributable to the completion of the
integration of the Helix corporate overhead within the
Companys structure, at the end of 2002 and beginning of
2003, resulting in reduction of expenses of approximately
$281,000 in 2003 as compared to 2002 and severance expense
recorded at the end of 2002 in the amount of approximately
$335,000, compared to no severance recorded at the end of 2003.
Depreciation and amortization expense increased $495,000 or
19.6% in 2003. This increase is related to the former Helix
depreciation and amortization expense for the first six months
of 2003, which was not included in the comparable period of
2002, and additional amortization of certain intangible assets
acquired in the combination, which were being amortized for
twelve months in 2003 compared to only six months in 2002. These
increases in depreciation and amortization were offset by
decreases due to property and equipment being fully depreciated.
Interest income decreased $93,000, or 81.8%, in 2003. This
decrease is primarily attributable to the decline in the average
daily balance of cash and investments prior to the receipt of
proceeds of the $7.5 million financing in December 2003.
Interest expense increased $1.1 million or 64.2% in 2003,
of which $517,000 is non-cash as explained below. This increase
is attributable to Helix interest expense of approximately
$289,000 for the first six months of 2003, which was not
included in the comparable period of 2002, approximately
$277,000 in interest on the credit facility with Siemens due to
the issuance of Tranche E in March 2003, approximately $627,000
of interest on the $2 million financing done on
October 3, 2003, and approximately $119,000 of interest on
the $7.5 million financing done December 19, 2003. These
increases were offset by a decrease of approximately $170,000 in
interest on existing balances due to repayments of principal
during 2003.
The non-cash $517,000 charge included in the interest expense in
2003 is the amortization of the debt discount resulting from the
proceeds allocated to the warrants to purchase 800,000 shares of
the Companys common stock issued with the $2 million
financing in October 2003 of approximately $429,000 based on
relative fair values, and approximately $88,000 of amortization
of debt discount resulting from the intrinsic value of the
beneficial conversion option, and the proceeds allocated to the
warrants to purchase 2,642,750 shares of the Companys
common stock based on relative fair values of the
$7.5 million financing in December 2003 (see Note 7 of the
Notes to the
16
Consolidated Financial Statements, included herein). These
non-cash charges do not have any 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) and
(d) a $13,000,000 secured five-year 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). 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
December 25, 2004 $3,599,988, $62,400, $1,500,000,
$11,776,313 and $2,171,330, representing principal on the
Tranche A, Tranche B, Tranche C, Tranche D, and Tranche E Loans,
respectively, were outstanding. As of December 25, 2004,
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 requirements of hearing aids from Siemens.
During 2004, 2003 and 2002, approximately $3.6 million,
$3.9 million and $3.8 million of earned preferred
pricing reductions were recorded as a reduction of cost of
products sold. In 2004, 2003 and 2002, $720,000,
$1.0 million and $1.3 million of interest payable, and
$2.9 million, $2.9 million and $3.1 million of
principal, respectively, has been paid through such preferred
pricing reductions. (See Note 6, Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements) 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 end, 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 is estimated to be approximately $220,000, which is
included as a current maturity of Tranche D.
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 occurrence 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 December 25,
2004, 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.
17
During 2004, the working capital deficit increased
$2.6 million to $4.9 million from a negative
$2.3 million as of December 27, 2003. This increase is
mainly due to an excess in the cash flow used for financing and
investing activities over cash flow generated from operations.
The working capital deficit of $4.9 million includes
approximately $2.9 million representing the current
maturities of the long-term debt to Siemens for Tranche A, B and
C, which may be repaid through preferred pricing reductions. In
2004, the Company generated income from operations of
approximately $1.8 million compared to $1.9 million in
2003. Cash and cash equivalents as of December 25, 2004
were approximately $2.6 million.
Net cash from operating activities improved from approximately
$4.8 million used in 2003 to approximately $45,000
generated in 2004. This improvement was primarily the result of
a net decrease in accounts receivable, inventories and prepaid
expenses of approximately $345,000 in 2004, compared to a net
increase of approximately $750,000 in 2003, and a net decrease
in accounts payable, accrued expenses, accrued salaries and
other compensation of approximately $220,000 in 2004, compared
to a net decrease of approximately $4.9 million in 2003.
The decrease in the changes in accounts payable and accrued
expenses from 2003 to 2004 is attributable to the payment of
approximately of $3.8 million of additional Siemens trade
payables during 2003 made in order to comply with the original
terms of the supply agreement. This improvement in net cash used
in operating activities due to changes in non-cash current
assets and liabilities was offset by a decrease in the
Companys cash flow from operations before changes in
non-cash current assets and liabilities of approximately
$1.4 million from 2003 to 2004.
Accounts receivable increased approximately $398,000 from
December 27, 2003 to December 25, 2004 due to the
increase in net revenues of approximately $1.9 million from the
fourth quarter 2003 to the fourth quarter of 2004. Prepaid
expenses decreased approximately $638,000 from December 27,
2003 to December 25, 2004 due to reclassifications and the
amortization of prepaid expenses. Accounts payable and accrued
expenses decreased approximately $482,000 and accrued salaries
and other compensation increased approximately $262,000 from
December 27, 2003 to December 25, 2004 due to timing
in payments.
Net cash from investing activities decreased from approximately
$1.4 million provided in 2003 to approximately $278,000
used in 2004. This decrease is due to approximately
$1.9 million received in 2003 related to the discontinued
operations compared to only $105,000 in 2004. (See Note 18
of the Consolidated Financial Statements herein.)
Net cash from financing activities decreased from approximately
$7.8 million provided in 2003 to net cash used of
approximately $4.0 million in 2004. This decrease is mainly
attributable to net proceeds from financings in 2003 of
approximately $10.2 million compared to only $500,000 in
2004 and an increase in repayment of long term debt of
approximately $2.2 million from 2003 to 2004. The increase
in repayment of long-term debt is primarily due to special
payments of $1.8 million to Siemens in January 2004 under
the credit agreement (See Note 7 Notes to the
Consolidated Financial Statements, included herein). During 2004
and 2003, $2.9 million each year of preferred pricing
reductions were applied against principal payments due on
Tranches A, B and C. These payments, being non-cash, are
not presented as principal repayments on long-term debt in the
consolidated statements of cash flows.
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
18
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.
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 December 25, 2004.
Payments Due by Period
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Contractual |
|
|
|
Less than 1 |
|
|
|
|
|
More than |
Obligations |
|
Total |
|
Year |
|
1 3 Years |
|
4 5 Years |
|
5 Years |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term debt(1)
|
|
$ |
21,449,000 |
|
|
$ |
4,153,000 |
|
|
$ |
17,103,000 |
|
|
$ |
193,000 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
Interest to be paid on long-term debt(2)
|
|
|
985,000 |
|
|
|
638,000 |
|
|
|
344,000 |
|
|
|
3,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Operating leases
|
|
|
15,373,000 |
|
|
|
5,977,000 |
|
|
|
6,346,000 |
|
|
|
2,656,000 |
|
|
|
394,000 |
|
Convertible subordinated notes(3)
|
|
|
7,500,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,000,000 |
|
|
|
2,500,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Interest to be paid on convertible subordinated notes(3)
|
|
|
1,766,000 |
|
|
|
838,000 |
|
|
|
821,000 |
|
|
|
107,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Mandatorily redeemable convertible preferred stock and
redemption premiums(4)
|
|
|
4,928,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,928,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Premiums to be paid on mandatorily redeemable convertible
preferred stock
|
|
|
1,051,000 |
|
|
|
570,000 |
|
|
|
481,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Employment agreements
|
|
|
1,845,000 |
|
|
|
503,000 |
|
|
|
1,342,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Purchase obligations
|
|
|
1,314,000 |
|
|
|
774,000 |
|
|
|
540,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total contractual cash obligations
|
|
$ |
56,211,000 |
|
|
$ |
13,453,000 |
|
|
$ |
36,905,000 |
|
|
$ |
5,459,000 |
|
|
$ |
394,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
Approximately $5.1 million (Tranches A, B and C) can be
repaid through preferred pricing reductions from Siemens,
including $2.9 million in less than 1 year and
$2.2 million in years 1 3. |
|
(2) |
Interest on long-term debt excludes $1,814,000 of accrued but
unpaid interest on Tranche D presented with long-term debt in
(1) above. In addition, approximately $550,000 of interest on
Tranches A, B and C can be repaid through preferred pricing
reductions from Siemens. |
|
(3) |
These notes and corresponding interest can be repaid at the
option of the Company in common stock at the time payment
becomes due. (See Note 7 Notes to the Consolidated
Financial Statements, included herein.) |
|
(4) |
Includes approximately $365,000 of the 8% premium payable upon
redemption in December 2006, of which $147,000 has been accreted
as of December 25, 2004. |
Also, the Company expects using a range of $150,000 to $700,000
in cash in 2005 to replace existing computers and equipment as
well as for center relocations upon lease expirations.
19
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Management believes the following critical accounting policies
affect the significant judgments and estimates used in the
preparation of the financial statements:
Goodwill
The majority of the Companys goodwill resulted from the
combination with Helix. On at least an annual basis, the Company
is required to assess whether its goodwill is impaired. The
Company elected to perform this analysis on the first day of its
fourth quarter. In order to do this, management applied judgment
in determining its reporting units, which represent
distinct parts of the Companys business. The reporting
units determined by management are the centers, the network and
e-commerce. The definition of the reporting units affects the
Companys goodwill impairment assessments. The annual
goodwill impairment assessment involves estimating the fair
value of a reporting unit and comparing it with its carrying
amount. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its
fair value, additional steps are required to calculate a
potential impairment charge. Calculating the fair value of the
reporting units requires significant estimates and long-term
assumptions. The Company utilized an independent appraisal firm
to test goodwill for impairment as of the first day of the
Companys fourth quarter during 2004 and 2003, and each of
these tests indicated no impairment. The Company estimates the
fair value of its reporting units by applying a weighted average
of three methods: quoted market price, external transactions,
and discounted cash flow. Significant changes in key assumptions
about the business and its prospects, or changes in market
conditions, stock price, interest rates or other externalities,
could result in an impairment charge.
Revenue recognition
Revenues from the sale of audiological products are recognized
at the time of delivery. Revenues from hearing care services are
recognized at the time those services are performed.
The Company has capitation contracts with certain health care
organizations under which the Company is paid an amount for each
enrollee of the health maintenance organization to provide to
the enrollee a once every three years discount on certain
hearing products and services. The amount paid to the Company by
the healthcare organization is calculated on a per-capita basis
and is referred to as capitation revenue. Capitation revenue is
earned as a result of agreeing to provide services to members
without regard to the actual amount of service provided; revenue
is recorded in the period that the beneficiaries are entitled to
hearing care services.
Allowance for doubtful accounts
Certain of the accounts receivable of the Company are from
health insurance and managed care organizations and government
agencies. These organizations could take up to nine months
before paying a claim made by the Company and also impose a
limit on the time the claim can be billed. The Company provides
an allowance for doubtful accounts equal to the estimated
uncollectible amounts. That estimate is based on historical
collection experience, current economic and market conditions,
and a review of the current status of each customers trade
accounts receivable.
In order to calculate that allowance, the Company first
identifies any known uncollectible amounts in its accounts
receivable listing and charges them against the existing
allowance for doubtful accounts. Then a specific percent per
plan and per aging categories is applied against the remaining
receivables to estimate the needed allowance. Any changes in the
percent assumptions per plan and aging categories results in a
change in the allowance for doubtful accounts. For example, an
increase of 10% in the percent applied against the remaining
receivables would increase the allowance for doubtful accounts
by approximately $22,000.
20
Sales returns
The Company provides to all patients purchasing hearing aids a
specific return period of at least 30 days if the patient
is dissatisfied with the product. The Company provides an
allowance in accrued expenses for returns. The return period can
be extended to 60 days if the patient attends the
Companys H.E.L.P. program. The Company calculates its
allowance for returns using estimates based upon actual
historical returns. The cost of the hearing aid is reimbursed to
the Company by the manufacturer.
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENT
In December 2004, SFAS No. 123®, Share-Based
Payment, which addresses the accounting for employee
stock options, was issued. SFAS No. 123® revises the
disclosure provisions of SFAS 123, Accounting for
Stock Based Compensation and supercedes APB
Opinion 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to
Employees. SFAS 123® requires that the cost
of all employee stock options, as well as other equity-based
compensation arrangements, be reflected in the financial
statements based on the estimated fair value of the awards. This
statement is effective for all public entities who file as of
the beginning of the first interim period that begins after
June 15, 2005. The Company plans to implement
SFAS 123® on its effective date. Based on the
outstanding number of employee stock options and excluding the
impact of any future grants at December 25, 2004, the total
stock-based employee compensation expense determined under the
fair value method that would be reflected in the financial
statements is approximately $887,000 in 2004 (See Note 1
Description of the Company and Summary of Significant Accounting
Policies stock-based compensation) and $1,425,000 in
2005.
Forward Looking Statements
This Annual Report on Form 10-K 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 it
could obtain comparable products from other manufacturers in the
event of a disruption of supply from Siemens and 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.
|
|
Item 7A. |
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market
Risk |
The Company does not engage in derivative transactions. The
Company does become exposed to foreign currency transactions as
a result of its operations in Canada. The Company does not hedge
such exposure. Differences in the fair value of investment
securities are not material; therefore, the related market risk
is not significant. The Companys exposure to market risk
for changes in interest rates relates primarily to the
Companys long-term debt and convertible
21
subordinated notes. The following table presents the
Companys financial instruments for which fair value and
cash flows are subject to changing market interest rates:
Long-Term Debt and Convertible Subordinated Notes
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fixed Rate |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Yr 1 2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Variable |
|
11% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rate |
|
Yr 3 5 8% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Prime Rate |
|
due |
|
|
|
10% note |
|
|
|
|
|
|
+1% note due |
|
November |
|
10% notes |
|
10% notes |
|
due Dec 1, |
|
Other |
|
|
|
|
April 2007 |
|
2008 |
|
due 2008 |
|
due 2007 |
|
2006 |
|
notes |
|
Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 25,
2004
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Estimated cash inflow (outflow) by fiscal year of principal
maturity
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
(220,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(595,000 |
) |
|
|
(621,000 |
) |
|
|
(2,300,000 |
) |
|
|
(416,000 |
) |
|
|
(4,152,000 |
) |
|
|
2006
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,500,000 |
) |
|
|
(657,000 |
) |
|
|
(621,000 |
) |
|
|
(1,300,000 |
) |
|
|
(53,000 |
) |
|
|
(5,131,000 |
) |
|
|
2007
|
|
|
(13,370,000 |
) |
|
|
(2,500,000 |
) |
|
|
(726,000 |
) |
|
|
(320,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(57,000 |
) |
|
|
(16,973,000 |
) |
|
|
2008
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,500,000 |
) |
|
|
(193,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,693,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
(13,590,000 |
) |
|
|
(7,500,000 |
) |
|
|
(2,171,000 |
) |
|
|
(1,562,000 |
) |
|
|
(3,600,000 |
) |
|
|
(526,000 |
) |
|
|
(28,949,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Estimated fair value
|
|
|
(13,590,000 |
) |
|
|
(7,500,000 |
) |
|
|
(2,171,000 |
) |
|
|
(1,562,000 |
) |
|
|
(3,600,000 |
) |
|
|
(526,000 |
) |
|
|
(28,949,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Carrying Value
|
|
|
(13,590,000 |
) |
|
|
(7,500,000 |
) |
|
|
(2,171,000 |
) |
|
|
(1,562,000 |
) |
|
|
(3,600,000 |
) |
|
|
(526,000 |
) |
|
|
(28,949,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
22
Item 8. Financial
Statements and Supplementary Data
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Page |
|
|
|
Index to Financial Statements
|
|
|
|
|
Financial Statements:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
|
|
|
24 |
|
|
Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 25, 2004 and
December 27, 2003
|
|
|
25 |
|
|
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended
December 25, 2004, December 27, 2003, and
December 28, 2002
|
|
|
26 |
|
|
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders Equity
for the years ended December 25, 2004, December 27,
2003 and December 28, 2002
|
|
|
28 |
|
|
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended
December 25, 2004, December 27, 2003, and
December 28, 2002
|
|
|
29-30 |
|
|
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
|
|
|
31-55 |
|
Financial Statement Schedule:
|
|
|
|
|
II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts For the years
ended December 25, 2004 December 27, 2003 and
December 28, 2002
|
|
|
56 |
|
23
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Board of Directors
HearUSA, Inc.
West Palm Beach, Florida
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of
HearUSA, Inc. as of December 25, 2004 and December 27,
2003, and the related consolidated statements of operations,
changes in stockholders equity and cash flows for each of
the three years in the period ended December 25, 2004. We
have also audited the schedule listed in the accompanying index.
These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility
of the Companys management. Our responsibility is to
express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule
based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the
Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those
standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and
schedule are free of material misstatement. An audit includes
examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and
disclosures in the financial statements and schedule. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating
the overall presentation of the financial statements and
schedule. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred
to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial
position of HearUSA, Inc. at December 25, 2004 and
December 27, 2003, and the results of its operations and
its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended
December 25, 2004 in conformity with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States of America.
Also in our opinion, the schedule presents fairly, in all
material respects, the information set forth therein.
BDO Seidman, LLP
West Palm Beach, Florida
February 1, 2005
24
HearUSA, Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 25, |
|
December 27, |
|
|
2004 |
|
2003 |
|
|
|
|
|
ASSETS (Note 6) |
Current assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
$ |
2,615,379 |
|
|
$ |
6,714,881 |
|
Restricted Cash and investment securities (Note 2)
|
|
|
435,000 |
|
|
|
435,000 |
|
Accounts and notes receivable, less allowance for doubtful
accounts of $373,583 and $490,881
|
|
|
5,876,699 |
|
|
|
6,539,149 |
|
Inventories
|
|
|
877,206 |
|
|
|
979,092 |
|
Prepaid expenses and other
|
|
|
558,921 |
|
|
|
1,115,393 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current assets
|
|
|
10,363,205 |
|
|
|
15,783,515 |
|
Property and equipment, net
(Notes 3 & 6)
|
|
|
3,493,862 |
|
|
|
4,969,265 |
|
Goodwill (Notes 4 and 5)
|
|
|
33,652,380 |
|
|
|
33,222,779 |
|
Intangible assets, net (Notes 4 and 5)
|
|
|
11,242,444 |
|
|
|
11,577,097 |
|
Deposits and other
|
|
|
549,924 |
|
|
|
630,694 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
59,301,815 |
|
|
$ |
66,183,350 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY |
Current liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable
|
|
$ |
6,644,600 |
|
|
$ |
6,750,234 |
|
|
Accrued expenses
|
|
|
2,303,601 |
|
|
|
2,492,094 |
|
|
Accrued salaries and other compensation
|
|
|
1,982,559 |
|
|
|
1,706,252 |
|
|
Current maturities of long-term debt (Note 6)
|
|
|
4,152,908 |
|
|
|
6,436,271 |
|
|
Dividends payable (Notes 8, 9C and 9D)
|
|
|
177,996 |
|
|
|
728,699 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current liabilities
|
|
|
15,261,664 |
|
|
|
18,113,550 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term debt (Note 6)
|
|
|
17,296,125 |
|
|
|
20,579,977 |
|
Convertible subordinated notes, net of debt discount of
$5,443,879 and $7,423,596 (Note 7)
|
|
|
2,056,121 |
|
|
|
76,404 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total long-term debt
|
|
|
19,352,246 |
|
|
|
20,656,381 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Commitments and contingencies (Notes 3,6,7,8,10
and 14)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mandatorily redeemable convertible preferred stock
(Note 8)
|
|
|
4,709,921 |
|
|
|
4,600,107 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stockholders equity
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Preferred stock:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Aggregate liquidation preference $2,330,000 and $2,330,000,
$1 par, 5,000,000 shares authorized (Note 9)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Series H Junior Participating (none outstanding)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Series J (233 shares outstanding)
|
|
|
233 |
|
|
|
233 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total preferred stock
|
|
|
233 |
|
|
|
233 |
|
Common stock: $0.10 par; 50,000,000 shares authorized 30,060,690
and 29,528,450 shares issued (Notes 4,5,7,8,9 and 10)
|
|
|
3,006,069 |
|
|
|
2,952,845 |
|
|
Stock subscription (Note 9B)
|
|
|
(412,500 |
) |
|
|
(412,500 |
) |
|
Additional paid-in capital
|
|
|
120,197,937 |
|
|
|
120,226,050 |
|
|
Accumulated deficit
|
|
|
(101,968,452 |
) |
|
|
(98,501,791 |
) |
|
Accumulated other comprehensive income
|
|
|
1,639,838 |
|
|
|
1,033,616 |
|
|
Treasury stock, at cost: 523,662 common shares
|
|
|
(2,485,141 |
) |
|
|
(2,485,141 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total stockholders equity
|
|
|
19,977,984 |
|
|
|
22,813,312 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
59,301,815 |
|
|
$ |
66,183,350 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial
statements
25
HearUSA, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended |
|
|
|
|
|
December 25, |
|
December 27, |
|
December 28, |
|
|
2004 |
|
2003 |
|
2002 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net revenues
|
|
$ |
72,300,623 |
|
|
$ |
70,545,154 |
|
|
$ |
57,230,128 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating costs and expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of products sold
|
|
|
20,464,789 |
|
|
|
20,097,594 |
|
|
|
16,428,569 |
|
|
Center operating expenses
|
|
|
37,518,850 |
|
|
|
35,059,925 |
|
|
|
31,577,182 |
|
|
General and administrative expenses
|
|
|
10,218,284 |
|
|
|
10,470,717 |
|
|
|
11,185,160 |
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
2,311,016 |
|
|
|
3,017,280 |
|
|
|
2,522,389 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating costs and expenses
|
|
|
70,512,939 |
|
|
|
68,645,516 |
|
|
|
61,713,300 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income (loss) from operations
|
|
|
1,787,684 |
|
|
|
1,899,638 |
|
|
|
(4,483,172 |
) |
Non-operating income (expense):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income
|
|
|
17,543 |
|
|
|
20,836 |
|
|
|
114,152 |
|
Interest expense (including approximately
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$2,127,000 and $517,000, in 2004 and 2003, of
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
non-cash debt discount amortization)
|
|
|
(4,563,729 |
) |
|
|
(2,828,327 |
) |
|
|
(1,722,990 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss before equity in loss of affiliated company
|
|
|
(2,758,502 |
) |
|
|
(907,853 |
) |
|
|
(6,092,010 |
) |
Equity in loss of affiliated company (Note 1)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(630,801 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss from continuing operations
|
|
|
(2,758,502 |
) |
|
|
(907,853 |
) |
|
|
(6,722,811 |
) |
Discontinued operations (Note 18)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss from discontinued operations (including loss on disposal of
$105,296 in 2003)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(201,536 |
) |
|
|
(157,658 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss
|
|
|
(2,758,502 |
) |
|
|
(1,109,389 |
) |
|
|
(6,880,469 |
) |
Dividends on preferred stock (Notes 8, 9C)
|
|
|
(708,159 |
) |
|
|
(626,956 |
) |
|
|
(696,541 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss applicable to common stockholders
|
|
$ |
(3,466,661 |
) |
|
$ |
(1,736,345 |
) |
|
$ |
(7,577,010 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss from continuing operations, including dividends on
preferred stock, per common share basic and
diluted
|
|
$ |
(0.11 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.05 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.33 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss applicable to common stockholders per common
share basic and diluted (Note 1)
|
|
$ |
(0.11 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.06 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.34 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding
(Notes 1, 9 and 10)
|
|
|
30,426,829 |
|
|
|
30,424,262 |
|
|
|
22,524,393 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial
statements
26
HearUSA, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders
Equity
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended |
|
Year Ended |
|
Year Ended |
|
|
December 25, 2004 |
|
December 27, 2003 |
|
December 28, 2002 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares |
|
Amount |
|
Shares |
|
Amount |
|
Shares |
|
Amount |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Preferred stock
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, beginning of year
|
|
|
233 |
|
|
$ |
233 |
|
|
|
4,796 |
|
|
$ |
4,796 |
|
|
|
5,010 |
|
|
$ |
5,010 |
|
|
|
Exchange/redemption of preferred stock
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(4,563 |
) |
|
|
(4,563 |
) |
|
|
(214 |
) |
|
|
(214 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, end of year
|
|
|
233 |
|
|
$ |
233 |
|
|
|
233 |
|
|
$ |
233 |
|
|
|
4,796 |
|
|
$ |
4,796 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common stock
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, beginning of year
|
|
|
29,528,450 |
|
|
$ |
2,952,845 |
|
|
|
24,457,055 |
|
|
$ |
2,445,705 |
|
|
|
14,559,403 |
|
|
$ |
1,455,940 |
|
|
|
Exchange/redemption of preferred stock
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
136,018 |
|
|
|
13,602 |
|
|
|
Exercise of employee stock options
|
|
|
6,250 |
|
|
|
625 |
|
|
|
20 |
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Settlement of liability with common stock
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
141,480 |
|
|
|
14,148 |
|
|
|
Issuance of common stock
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,500,000 |
|
|
|
150,000 |
|
|
|
Issuance of common stock for exchangeable shares
|
|
|
525,990 |
|
|
|
52,599 |
|
|
|
5,071,375 |
|
|
|
507,138 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Issuance common stock Helix combination
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,120,154 |
|
|
|
812,015 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, end of year
|
|
|
30,060,690 |
|
|
$ |
3,006,069 |
|
|
|
29,528,450 |
|
|
$ |
2,952,845 |
|
|
|
24,457,055 |
|
|
$ |
2,445,705 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Treasury stock
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, beginning of year
|
|
|
523,662 |
|
|
$ |
(2,485,141 |
) |
|
|
518,660 |
|
|
$ |
(2,483,441 |
) |
|
|
518,660 |
|
|
$ |
(2,483,441 |
) |
|
|
Purchase of treasury stock
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,002 |
|
|
|
(1,700 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, end of year
|
|
|
523,662 |
|
|
$ |
(2,485,141 |
) |
|
|
523,662 |
|
|
$ |
(2,485,141 |
) |
|
|
518,660 |
|
|
$ |
(2,483,441 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock subscription
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, beginning of year
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
(412,500 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
(412,500 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
(412,500 |
) |
|
|
Stock Subscription
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, End of Year
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
(412,500 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
(412,500 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
(412,500 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Additional paid-in capital:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, beginning of year
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
120,226,050 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
117,314,681 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
91,438,475 |
|
|
|
Exchange/redemption of preferred stock, including issuance costs
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(4,759,324 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(277,388 |
) |
|
|
Value of warrants and beneficial conversion feature issued with
convertible subordinated notes payable
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,708,229 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Value of warrants issued with debt
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
429,339 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercise of employee stock options
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,563 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Issuance of common stock for exchangeable shares
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(52,598 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(507,138 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds of Board of Directors stock
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
40,250 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Settlement of liability with common stock
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
65,081 |
|
|
|
Issuance common stock Helix combination
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
24,317,835 |
|
|
|
Consulting expense
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12,672 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair value of options and warrants Helix combination
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
380,428 |
|
|
|
Compensation expense
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,250 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
40,250 |
|
|
|
Issuance of common stock
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,350,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, end of year
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
120,197,937 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
120,226,050 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
117,314,681 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial
statements
27
HearUSA, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders
Equity
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended |
|
|
|
|
|
December 25, 2004 |
|
December 27, 2003 |
|
December 28, 2002 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amount |
|
Amount |
|
Amount |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated deficit:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, beginning of year
|
|
$ |
(98,501,791 |
) |
|
$ |
(96,765,446 |
) |
|
$ |
(89,188,436 |
) |
|
|
Net loss
|
|
|
(2,758,502 |
) |
|
|
(1,109,389 |
) |
|
|
(6,880,469 |
) |
|
|
Preferred stock dividends
|
|
|
(708,159 |
) |
|
|
(626,956 |
) |
|
|
(696,451 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, end of year
|
|
$ |
(101,968,452 |
) |
|
$ |
(98,501,791 |
) |
|
$ |
(96,765,446 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated other comprehensive income:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, beginning of year
|
|
$ |
1,033,616 |
|
|
$ |
462,825 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
Foreign currency translation adjustment
|
|
|
606,222 |
|
|
|
570,791 |
|
|
|
462,825 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, end of year
|
|
$ |
1,639,838 |
|
|
$ |
1,033,616 |
|
|
$ |
462,825 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Comprehensive income (loss):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss
|
|
$ |
(2,758,502 |
) |
|
$ |
(1,109,389 |
) |
|
$ |
(6,880,469 |
) |
Other comprehensive income
|
|
|
606,222 |
|
|
|
570,791 |
|
|
|
462,825 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Comprehensive loss
|
|
$ |
(2,152,280 |
) |
|
$ |
(538,598 |
) |
|
$ |
(6,417,644 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial
statements
28
HearUSA, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended |
|
|
|
|
|
December 25, |
|
December 27, |
|
December 28, |
|
|
2004 |
|
2003 |
|
2002 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from operating activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss
|
|
$ |
(2,758,502 |
) |
|
$ |
(1,109,389 |
) |
|
$ |
(6,880,469 |
) |
Loss from discontinued operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(201,536 |
) |
|
|
(157,658 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss from continuing operations
|
|
|
(2,758,502 |
) |
|
|
(907,853 |
) |
|
|
(6,722,811 |
) |
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by
(used in) operating activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
2,311,016 |
|
|
|
3,017,280 |
|
|
|
2,522,389 |
|
|
Provision for doubtful accounts
|
|
|
430,454 |
|
|
|
801,303 |
|
|
|
796,523 |
|
|
Debt discount amortization
|
|
|
2,127,054 |
|
|
|
516,992 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Principal payments on long-term debt made through preferred
pricing reductions
|
|
|
(2,920,804 |
) |
|
|
(2,920,804 |
) |
|
|
(3,100,004 |
) |
|
Interest on Siemens Tranche D
|
|
|
655,568 |
|
|
|
710,027 |
|
|
|
447,499 |
|
|
Loss on disposition of equipment
|
|
|
53,836 |
|
|
|
648 |
|
|
|
178,369 |
|
|
Equity loss in affiliated company
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
630,801 |
|
|
Compensation expense from the issuance of capital stock
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
40,250 |
|
|
Executive compensation expense
|
|
|
8,250 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consulting expense
|
|
|
12,672 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by (used in) continuing activities before
changes in non-cash working capital item
|
|
|
(80,456 |
) |
|
|
1,217,593 |
|
|
|
(5,207,004 |
) |
|
(Increase) decrease in:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts and notes receivable
|
|
|
(398,433 |
) |
|
|
(842,031 |
) |
|
|
1,015,235 |
|
|
|
Inventories
|
|
|
105,305 |
|
|
|
(33,531 |
) |
|
|
281,146 |
|
|
|
Prepaid expenses and other
|
|
|
638,235 |
|
|
|
125,874 |
|
|
|
211,272 |
|
|
Increase (decrease) in:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
|
|
|
(481,787 |
) |
|
|
(4,761,611 |
) |
|
|
862,123 |
|
|
|
Accrued salaries and other compensation
|
|
|
261,810 |
|
|
|
(123,107 |
) |
|
|
1,234,601 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by (used in) continuing activities
|
|
|
44,674 |
|
|
|
(4,416,813 |
) |
|
|
(1,602,607 |
) |
Net cash provided by (used in) discontinued operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(415,788 |
) |
|
|
(198,346 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by (used in) continuing activities
|
|
|
44,674 |
|
|
|
(4,832,601 |
) |
|
|
(1,800,953 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from investing activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Purchase of property and equipment
|
|
|
(382,673 |
) |
|
|
(259,683 |
) |
|
|
(480,647 |
) |
|
Capital expenditures from discontinued operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(8,196 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from sale of discontinued operations
|
|
|
104,628 |
|
|
|
1,880,244 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Business acquisitions
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(251,533 |
) |
|
|
(113,685 |
) |
|
Purchase of investments
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(5,542,524 |
) |
|
Proceeds from maturities of investments
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,257,524 |
|
|
Issuance of note receivable and advance to Helix pre-combination
net of cash acquired of $1,162,803
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(8,384,122 |
) |
|
Purchase of pre-combination investment in Helix
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,000,000 |
) |
|
Cost of business combination
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,570,683 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
|
|
|
(278,045 |
) |
|
|
1,360,832 |
|
|
|
(12,834,137 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from financing activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
|
|
|
500,000 |
|
|
|
3,500,000 |
|
|
|
13,227,095 |
|
|
Proceeds from convertible notes, net of issuing costs of $266,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,734,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Payments on long-term debt from discontinued operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(29,822 |
) |
|
|
(26,473 |
) |
|
Principal payments on long-term debt
|
|
|
(3,310,477 |
) |
|
|
(1,160,696 |
) |
|
|
(1,826,839 |
) |
|
Principal payments on convertible subordinated notes
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,000,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
Acquisition of treasury stock
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,700 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
Exchange & redemption of capital stock
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(200,877 |
) |
|
|
(264,000 |
) |
|
Proceeds from exercise of employee stock options
|
|
|
4,189 |
|
|
|
15 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from Board of Director sale of stock
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
40,250 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from issuance of capital stock, net of offering costs
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,500,000 |
|
|
Dividends on preferred stock
|
|
|
(1,149,048 |
) |
|
|
(1,076,317 |
) |
|
|
(1,002,427 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
|
|
|
(3,955,336 |
) |
|
|
7,804,853 |
|
|
|
11,607,356 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial
statements
29
HearUSA, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended |
|
|
|
|
|
December 25, |
|
December 27, |
|
December 28, |
|
|
2004 |
|
2003 |
|
2002 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Effects of exchange rate changes on cash
|
|
|
89,205 |
|
|
|
(28,226 |
) |
|
|
(123,851 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
|
|
|
(4,099,502 |
) |
|
|
4,304,858 |
|
|
|
(3,151,585 |
) |
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
|
|
|
6,714,881 |
|
|
|
2,410,023 |
|
|
|
5,561,608 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
|
|
$ |
2,615,379 |
|
|
$ |
6,714,881 |
|
|
$ |
2,410,023 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash paid for interest
|
|
$ |
1,263,473 |
|
|
$ |
424,337 |
|
|
$ |
81,252 |
|
Cash paid for income taxes
|
|
|
155,947 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing and financing
activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Preferred stock dividend paid upon conversion in kind by
issuance of additional common stock
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
69,973 |
|
Issuance of note payable and assumption of accounts payable in
exchange business acquisitions
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
100,492 |
|
|
|
225,000 |
|
Issuance of capital lease in exchange for property and equipment
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
401,883 |
|
|
|
290,434 |
|
Purchase of equipment with volume discount credit
|
|
|
158,800 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See Note 5 for impact of Helix combination
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial
statements
30
HearUSA, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
1. Description of the Company
and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
The Company
HearUSA Inc. (HearUSA or the Company), a
Delaware corporation, was organized in 1986. As of
December 25, 2004, 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.
During 2004 and 2003, HEARx West generated net income of
approximately $1,385,000 and $723,000. The HEARx West
members deficit decreased from approximately $4,591,000 at
the end of 2003 to approximately $3,206,000 at the end of 2004.
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.
Investment in Affiliated Company
Prior to the closing of the combination with Helix in July 2002,
the Company owned approximately 10.5 percent of the common
stock of Helix. The Company accounted for this investment using
the equity method because the Company had the ability to
exercise significant influence over the operational and
financial policies of Helix as a result of the terms of the
merger agreement with Helix and the use of certain proceeds of
the Companys credit facility with Siemens to repay certain
debts of Helix. Under the equity method, the Company recorded
its proportionate share of profits and losses of the affiliated
company based on its percentage interest in the affiliated
company.
Foreign Currency Translation
The consolidated financial statements for the Companys
Canadian subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at
current exchange rates. For assets and liabilities, the year-end
rate is used. For revenues, expenses, gains and losses the
average rate for the period is used. Unrealized currency
adjustments in the Consolidated Balance Sheet are accumulated in
stockholders equity as a component of accumulated other
comprehensive income.
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 foreign currency translation adjustment.
31
HearUSA, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
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
and the next year with 53 weeks will be 2005. The
additional week will be included in the first quarter of 2005.
Concentration of credit risk
The Company maintains its cash deposits at commercial banks. We
place our cash and cash equivalents with high quality financial
institutions. At times, our account balances may exceed
federally insured limits. Management believes the Company is not
exposed to any significant risk on its cash accounts.
Investment securities
Marketable securities are classified available for sale and are
carried at estimated market value. Unrealized holding gains and
losses are reported as a net amount in a separate component of
stockholders equity until realized. Gains and losses
realized from the sales are computed by the specific
identification method.
Allowance for doubtful accounts
The Company provides an allowance for doubtful accounts equal to
the estimated uncollectible amounts. That estimate is based on
historical collection experience, current economic and market
conditions and a review of the current status of each
customers trade accounts receivable.
Inventories
Inventories, which consist of hearing aids, batteries, special
hearing devices and related items, are priced at the lower of
cost (first-in, first-out) or market.
Property and equipment
Property and equipment is stated at cost. Depreciation is
provided on the straight-line method over the estimated useful
lives of the depreciable assets. Leasehold improvements are
amortized over the shorter of the term of the lease or the
useful life of the asset.
Goodwill and other intangible assets
Under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
(SFAS) No. 142, Goodwill and Other
Intangible Assets, effective in 2002 goodwill amortization
ceased and is subject to impairment assessments. A
fair-value-based test is applied at the reporting unit level.
This test requires various judgments and estimates. A goodwill
impairment loss would be recorded for any goodwill that is
determined to be impaired. The Company utilized an independent
appraisal firm to test goodwill for impairment as of the first
day of the Companys fourth quarter during 2003 and 2004,
and each of these tests indicated no impairment. Other
intangible assets include finite lived intangible assets, such
as patient files and customer lists, which are amortized over
the estimated useful life of the assets of 15 years,
generally based upon estimated undiscounted future cash flows
resulting from use of the asset. Indefinite lived assets include
trademarks and trade names, which are not amortized.
32
HearUSA, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
Pre-opening costs
The costs associated with the opening of new centers are
expensed as incurred.
Long-lived assets impairments and disposals
The Company reviews the carrying values of its long-lived and
identifiable intangible assets for possible impairment whenever
events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying
amounts of the assets may not be recoverable through the
estimated undiscounted future cash flows resulting from the use
of these assets. At December 25, 2004 and December 27,
2003, no long-lived assets were held for disposal and no
impairment losses were recorded in the statement of operations.
Convertible Instruments, Warrants, Amortization of Warrant
and Fair Value Determination
In 2003 the Company issued debt instruments, which are
convertible into its common stock and include the issuance of
warrants. These financing transactions are recorded in
accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force Issue
No.s 98-5 Accounting for Convertible Securities
with Beneficial Conversion Features or Contingently Adjustable
Conversion Ratios and 00-27 Application of Issue
No. 98-5 to Certain Convertible Instruments.
Accordingly, the beneficial conversion feature embedded in the
convertible instrument and the value allocated to the related
warrants based upon a relative fair value allocation of the
proceeds of the instrument is recognized on the balance sheet as
debt discount. The debt discount is amortized as interest
expense over the life of the respective debt instrument.
Advertising Costs
Costs for newspaper, television, and other media advertising are
expensed as incurred and were $5,785,000, $4,797,000 and
$5,596,000 in 2004, 2003, and 2002, respectively.
Sales return policy
The Company provides to all patients purchasing hearing aids a
specific return period, which is a minimum of 30 days, if
the patient is dissatisfied with the product. The Company
provides an allowance in accrued expenses for returns. The
return period can be extended to 60 days if the patient
attends the Companys H.E.L.P. program.
Warranties
The Company provides its patients with warranties on hearing
aids varying from one to three years. The first year on the
warranty is always covered by the manufactures warranty.
The warranties provided for the second and third years always
require a co-payment from the patients, usually covering the
cost of the repair or replacement to the Company. When the cost
of repair or replacement to the Company is estimated to exceed
the patient co-pay, the Company provides an allowance in accrued
expenses to cover the future excess cost, such amounts have been
minimal historically.
Revenue Recognition
Revenues from the sale of audiological products are recognized
at the time of delivery to the patient. Revenues from hearing
care services are recognized at the time those services are
performed.
33
HearUSA, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
The Company has capitation contracts with certain health care
organizations under which the Company is paid an amount for each
enrollee of the health maintenance organization to provide to
the enrollee a discount on certain hearing products and
services. The amount paid to the Company by the healthcare
organization is calculated on a per-capita basis and is referred
to as capitation revenue. Capitation revenue is earned as a
result of agreeing to provide services to members without regard
to the actual amount of service provided. Revenue is recorded in
the period that the beneficiaries are entitled to health care
services.
Income taxes
Deferred taxes are provided for temporary differences arising
from the differences between financial statement and income tax
bases of assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and
liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates. Valuation
allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax
assets and liabilities to amounts considered more likely than
not to be realized.
Net loss per common share
Net loss per common share is calculated in accordance with SFAS
No. 128 Earnings Per Share which requires
companies to present basic and diluted earnings per share. Net
loss per common share basic is based on the weighted
average number of common shares outstanding during the year. Net
loss per common share diluted is based on the
weighted average number of common shares and dilutive potential
common shares outstanding during the year. Under the
if-converted method, securities are assumed to be converted at
the beginning of the period and the resulting common shares are
included in the denominator of the diluted earnings per share
calculation for the entire period presented. Convertible
preferred stock, stock options and stock warrants are excluded
from the computations of net loss per common share because the
effect of their inclusion would be anti-dilutive.
Due to the Companys net losses, the following common stock
equivalents for convertible debt, mandatorily redeemable
convertible preferred stock, outstanding options and warrants to
purchase common stock, of 9,738,372, 18,984,654 and 12,965,555,
respectively, were excluded from the computation of net loss per
common share diluted at December 25, 2004,
December 27, 2003 and December 28, 2002 because they
were anti-dilutive. For purposes of computing net loss per
common share basic and diluted, for the years ended
December 25, 2004 and December 27, 2003, the weighted
average number of shares of common stock outstanding includes
the effect of the 892,872 and 1,418,848, respectively,
exchangeable shares of HEARx Canada, Inc. described in
Note 5, as if they were outstanding common stock of the
Company on June 30, 2002, the effective date of the
combination for financial reporting purposes.
Stock-based compensation
The Company has granted stock options to employees and directors
under stock option plans that are more fully described in Note
10. 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
34
HearUSA, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based
Compensation, to stock-based employee compensation (See
Note 17 Recent Accounting Pronouncement):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 25, |
|
December 27, |
|
December 28, |
|
|
2004 |
|
2003 |
|
2002 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss applicable to common stockholders
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As reported
|
|
$ |
(3,466,661 |
) |
|
$ |
(1,736,345 |
) |
|
$ |
(7,577,010 |
) |
|
Deduct: Total stock-based employee compensation expense
determined under fair value based method for all awards, net of
tax effects
|
|
|
(887,000 |
) |
|
|
(447,000 |
) |
|
|
(394,990 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pro forma, net loss
|
|
|
(4,353,661 |
) |
|
|
(2,183,345 |
) |
|
|
(7,972,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss per share
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic-as reported
|
|
$ |
(0.11 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.06 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.34 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic-pro forma
|
|
$ |
(0.14 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.07 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.35 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diluted-as reported
|
|
$ |
(0.11 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.06 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.34 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diluted-pro forma
|
|
$ |
(0.14 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.07 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.35 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For purposes of the above disclosure, the determination of the
fair value of stock options granted in 2004, 2003 and 2002 was
based on the following: (i) a risk free interest rate of
4.16%, 2.90% and 3.29% respectively; (ii) expected option
lives ranging from 5 to 10 years; (iii) expected
volatility in the market price of the Companys common
stock of 92%, 98% and 95% respectively; and (iv) no
dividends on the underlying common stock.
Statements of Cash Flows
For the purposes of the Statements of Cash Flows, temporary cash
investments which have an original maturity of ninety days or
less are considered cash equivalents.
Estimates
The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of
America requires management to make estimates and assumptions
that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at
the date of the consolidated financial statements and the
reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting
period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Reclassifications
Certain amounts in the 2003 and 2002 financial statements have
been reclassified in order to conform to the 2004 presentation.
2. Cash and Cash Equivalents and
Investment Securities
Restricted cash and investment securities
During the year ended December 25, 2004 a certificate of
deposit for $285,000 matured. The bank currently requires that
the Company maintain this balance in its operating account.
35
HearUSA, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
Investment securities available for sale at December 25,
2004 and December 27, 2003 consist of certificates of
deposit of $150,000 and $435,000.
At December 25, 2004, certificates of deposit of $150,000
with contractual maturities with in one year or less were
pledged as collateral to a financial institution for automated
clearing house exposure.
3. Property and Equipment and Leases
Property and equipment consists of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Range of |
|
December 25, |
|
December 27, |
|
|
Useful Lives |
|
2004 |
|
2003 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equipment, furniture and fixtures
|
|
|
5-10 years |
|
|
$ |
11,272,840 |
|
|
$ |
11,308,356 |
|
Leasehold Improvements
|
|
|
5-10 years |
|
|
|
7,474,625 |
|
|
|
7,543,354 |
|
Computer systems
|
|
|
3 years |
|
|
|
4,634,538 |
|
|
|
4,546,162 |
|
Leasehold improvements in progress
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
23,498 |
|
|
|
108,210 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
23,405,501 |
|
|
|
23,506,082 |
|
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
19,911,639 |
|
|
|
18,536,817 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
3,493,862 |
|
|
$ |
4,969,265 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Company leases facilities primarily for hearing centers.
These are located in retail shopping areas having terms expiring
at various dates through fiscal 2010. The Company recognizes
rent expense on a straight line basis over the lease term. The
lease term is determined on the date the lease is executed and
includes only the original term of the lease and does not
include renewal options. The leases have renewal clauses of 1 to
10 years at the option of the Company. The difference
between the straight-line and cash payments, which is due to
escalating rents in the lease contracts, is included in accrued
expenses in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.
Equipment and building rent expense under operating leases in
2004, 2003 and 2002 was approximately $6,198,000, $6,237,000 and
$5,351,000, respectively.
Approximate future minimum rental commitments under operating
leases are as follows: $5,977,000 in 2005; $3,857,000 in 2006;
$2,489,000 in 2007; $1,807,000 in 2008; $849,000 in 2009 and $
394,000 thereafter.
4. Goodwill and Intangible
Assets
A summary of changes in the Companys goodwill during the
years ended December 25, 2004 and December 27, 2003,
by business segment are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 27, |
|
Additions & |
|
Currency |
|
December 25, |
|
|
2003 |
|
Adjustments |
|
Translation |
|
2004 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Centers
|
|
$ |
32,343,000 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
429,000 |
|
|
$ |
32,772,000 |
|
Network
|
|
|
880,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
880,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
33,223,000 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
429,000 |
|
|
$ |
33,652,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
36
HearUSA, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
A summary of changes in the Companys goodwill during the
years ended December 27, 2003 and December 28, 2002,
by business segment are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 28, |
|
Additions & |
|
Currency |
|
December 27, |
|
|
2002 |
|
Adjustments) |
|
Translation |
|
2003 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Centers
|
|
$ |
31,734,000 |
|
|
$ |
140,000 |
|
|
$ |
469,000 |
|
|
$ |
32,343,000 |
|
Network
|
|
|
880,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
880,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
32,614,000 |
|
|
$ |
140,000 |
|
|
$ |
469,000 |
|
|
$ |
33,223,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 25, 2004 and December 27, 2003,
intangible assets consisted of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 25, |
|
December 27, |
|
|
2004 |
|
2003 |
|
|
|
|
|
Amortizable intangible assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Patient files and customer lists
|
|
$ |
5,632,000 |
|
|
$ |
5,537,000 |
|
Accumulated amortization
|
|
|
(1,745,000 |
) |
|
|
(1,227,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amortizable intangible assets, net
|
|
|
3,887,000 |
|
|
|
4,310,000 |
|
Trademark and trade names
|
|
|
7,355,000 |
|
|
|
7,267,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
11,242,000 |
|
|
$ |
11,577,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For 2004, 2003 and 2002, the aggregate amortization expense for
these assets was approximately $498,000, $457,000 and $240,000,
respectively. At December 25, 2004, the estimated amortization
expense for the next five fiscal years is approximately:
2005 $492,000, 2006 $473,000,
2007 $454,000, 2008 $436,000,
2009 $413,000, and thereafter $1,619,000.
5. Business Acquisitions
Helix Acquisition
On July 27, 2001, the Company and Helix Hearing Care of
America Corp. (Helix) signed a definitive merger
agreement, which was subsequently amended and restated as of
November 6, 2001. Helix owned or managed, prior to the
combination, 126 hearing healthcare clinics located in
Massachusetts, New York, Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota,
Washington and Missouri as well as in the Canadian Provinces of
Ontario and Quebec. The transaction was approved by the
stockholders of both the Company and Helix on June 26, 2002
and by the Canadian courts on June 28, 2002. The
transaction closed on July 11, 2002, and was effective
June 30, 2002 for financial reporting purposes.
The Company acquired all of the issued and outstanding common
shares of Helix in exchange for approximately 14,610,000 shares
of the Companys common stock, at a price of $1.72, the
market price of the Companys common stock on the day
preceding the public announcement of the definitive agreement.
At closing, the Company issued 8,120,154 shares of the
Companys common stock, 7,227,282 exchangeable shares of
HEARx Canada, Inc., which have been exchanged, and 892,872
exchangeable shares, which remain outstanding as of
December 25, 2004. Each exchangeable share of HEARx Canada,
Inc. is exchangeable for one share of the Companys common
stock. The exchangeable shares are traded on the Toronto Stock
Exchange under the symbol HUX. (See Note 9) In
addition, the Company issued options and warrants to purchase
approximately 1,730,000 shares of the Companys common
stock to holders of Helix options and warrants in exchange for
those options and warrants. The fair value of the Companys
options and warrants issued was approximately $380,000, using
fair value assumptions of: no dividends, expected volatility of
approximately 95%, risk-free interest rate of approximately 4%,
and expected lives
37
HearUSA, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
ranging from 1 to 6 years. Total costs incurred by the
Company in connection with the acquisition were approximately
$2,547,000. The total purchase price was approximately
$28,058,000.
The following table summarizes the fair values of the Helix
assets acquired and the liabilities assumed as of June 30,
2002, the effective date of the acquisition for financial
reporting purposes. These fair values are based on Helixs
balance sheet at June 30, 2002 under generally accepted
accounting principles in the United States and translated from
Canadian dollars to US dollars at the rate of .6585.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current assets
|
|
$ |
6,481,000 |
|
Property and equipment
|
|
|
2,446,000 |
|
Intangible assets
|
|
|
11,810,000 |
|
Goodwill
|
|
|
29,915,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets acquired
|
|
|
50,652,000 |
|
Current liabilities
|
|
|
(8,591,000 |
) |
Long-term debt
|
|
|
(14,003,000 |
) |
Total liabilities assumed
|
|
|
(22,594,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Purchase price
|
|
$ |
28,058,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Of the $11,810,000 of estimated acquired intangible assets,
$7,200,000 was assigned to trademarks and trade names that are
not subject to amortization, and $4,610,000 was assigned to
patient files, which have a weighted average useful life of
approximately 15 years. Of the $29,915,000 of goodwill,
$29,035,000 was allocated to the centers segment and $880,000 to
the network segment. None of the $29,915,000 of goodwill is
expected to be deductible for tax purposes.
The following summary of unaudited pro forma condensed combined
statements of operations data gives effect to the combination as
if it occurred at the beginning of the period presented,
combining the results of HearUSA and those of Helix:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended |
|
|
December 28, 2002 |
|
|
|
Net revenue
|
|
$ |
74,195,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss applicable to common stockholders
|
|
|
(12,694,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
Loss per common share: Basic and diluted
|
|
$ |
(0.43 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
Investment in and Advances to Affiliated Company
On November 16, 2001, the Company loaned $700,000 to Helix
for use by Helix as part of the $3.5 million acquisition of
substantially all of the capital stock of Auxiliary Benefits
Corporation, a Colorado corporation doing business as National
Ear Care Plan (NECP). The note was secured by
substantially all of the assets of NECP, bore interest at a rate
of prime plus 1% per annum and originally matured on
November 16, 2002. On January 10, 2002, the Company
loaned to Helix an additional $2 million to complete the
NECP transaction. On January 14, 2002, the Company and
Helix entered into a subscription agreement pursuant to which
the Company purchased 4,853,932 common shares of Helix for an
aggregate purchase price of $2.7 million. The purchase
price was paid using the $2.7 million in loans to Helix.
Upon consummation of the purchase of the 4,853,932 Helix common
shares, the Company became an approximate 10.5 percent
owner of Helix common shares. Prior to the closing of the
combination with Helix, the Company accounted for this
38
HearUSA, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
investment using the equity method. Approximately $631,000 was
recorded as equity in loss of affiliated company for the twelve
months ended December 28, 2002, representing the
Companys equity in the net loss of Helix from the
January 14, 2002 acquisition date to June 30, 2002,
the effective closing date of the combination with Helix for
financial reporting purposes. At December 25, 2004 and
December 27, 2003, approximately $2,485,000 from this
transaction is included in goodwill.
Other Business Acquisitions
In 2003, the Company acquired the operations of various centers
and audiological practices, including customer lists, for a
total consideration of approximately $255,000.
In December 2002, the Company acquired the operations of various
centers for a total consideration of approximately $339,000.
6. Long-term Debt (Also see Note
7)
Long-term debt consists of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 25, |
|
December 27, |
|
|
2004 |
|
2003 |
|
|
|
|
|
Notes payable to a Siemens see (a) below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tranche A
|
|
$ |
3,599,988 |
|
|
$ |
5,899,992 |
|
|
Tranche B
|
|
|
62,400 |
|
|
|
83,200 |
|
|
Tranche C
|
|
|
1,500,000 |
|
|
|
2,100,000 |
|
|
Tranche D (including accrued interest of $1,813,971 and
$1,158,403
|
|
|
13,590,284 |
|
|
|
14,158,403 |
|
|
Tranche E
|
|
|
2,171,329 |
|
|
|
3,500,000 |
|
|
Other
|
|
|
91,685 |
|
|
|
196,165 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total notes payable to Siemens
|
|
|
21,015,686 |
|
|
|
25,937,760 |
|
Other
|
|
|
433,347 |
|
|
|
1,078,488 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
21,449,033 |
|
|
|
27,016,248 |
|
Less current maturities
|
|
|
4,152,908 |
|
|
|
6,436,271 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
17,296,125 |
|
|
$ |
20,579,977 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The approximate aggregate maturities on long-term debt
obligations in years subsequent to 2004 are as follows:
2005 $4,153,000; 2006 $2,631,000;
2007 $14,472,000; 2008 $193,000.
|
|
|
|
a) |
On December 7, 2001, HearUSA entered into a credit
agreement (credit facility) with Siemens pursuant to
which Siemens agreed to provide a $51,875,000 secured credit
facility. The credit facility is comprised of (a) a
$10,875,000 five-year term loan credit facility (the
Tranche A Loan); (b) a $25,000,000 five-year revolving
loan credit facility (the Tranche B Loan); (c) a
$3,000,000 five-year term loan facility (the Tranche C
Loan); and (d) a $13,000,000 five-year term loan credit
facility (the Tranche D Loan). The credit facility is
secured by all of the assets of the Company. |
|
|
|
The Tranche A and C Loans are payable in equal quarterly amounts
over five years, through their maturity dates of December 2006
and June 2007, respectively. The Tranche B Loan is payable
quarterly and payments are calculated as 5% of the |
39
HearUSA, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
|
|
|
|
|
aggregate outstanding balance. Any remaining Tranche B Loan
principal and interest is due and payable on the final maturity
date of December 2007. Interest of 10% is due and payable each
quarter for the Tranche A, B and C loans. Principal and
interest, at prime rate (5.25% at December 25, 2004) plus
1%, on the Tranche D Loan is payable on the final maturity
date of April 2007. 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 end, the Company must make a payment equal to 20% of
Excess Cash Flow (as defined in the credit agreement) for such
fiscal year end. As of December 25, 2004, based on the 2004
Excess Cash Flow these additional maturities totaled
approximately $220,000. 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 requirements of hearing aids from Siemens
pursuant to the supply agreement discussed below. HearUSA
records a preferred pricing receivable and reduces cost of
products sold for the preferred pricing earned as it meets
minimum purchase percentages from Siemens. The preferred pricing
receivable is then applied against the quarterly principal
payments and related interest when they become due. The loans
may be prepaid in whole or in part at any time without penalty. |
|
|
|
Further, on March 14, 2003, the Company obtained additional
funding of $3,500,000 in the form of a five-year note payable to
Siemens (the Tranche E Loan) with 10% interest. The Company
is required to make monthly payments of interest only in the
first year. In years two through five, the Company must make
monthly principal and interest payments. The additional funding
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. |
|
|
|
Approximately $24,938,000 is available to the Company for
acquisitions under the Tranche B loan as of
December 25, 2004. |
|
|
|
The following table shows the preferred pricing reductions
received from Siemens pursuant to the supply agreement, and the
application of such pricing reductions against principal and
interest payments on Tranches A, B and C: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 |
|
2003 |
|
2002 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Preferred pricing reductions recorded as a reduction of cost of
products sold
|
|
$ |
3,641,000 |
|
|
$ |
3,947,000 |
|
|
$ |
3,765,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Portion applied against quarterly principal payments
|
|
$ |
(2,921,000 |
) |
|
$ |
(2,921,000 |
) |
|
$ |
(3,100,000 |
) |
Portion applied against quarterly interest payments
|
|
|
(720,000 |
) |
|
|
(1,026,000 |
) |
|
|
(1,315,000 |
) |
Portion applied to accounts receivable
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
650,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
(3,641,000 |
) |
|
$ |
(3,947,000 |
) |
|
$ |
(3,765,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
In connection with the credit facility, HearUSA and Siemens
entered into a supply agreement dated as of December 7,
2001, pursuant to which HearUSA agreed to purchase from Siemens
certain minimum percentages of HearUSA company-owned
centers hearing aid purchases for a period of ten years
(an initial five year term which |
40
HearUSA, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
|
|
|
|
|
can be extended for an additional five year term on the same
terms and conditions as the initial term) at specified prices. |
|
|
|
|
|
Pursuant to the agreements with Siemens, a change of control of
the Company (as defined) will constitute an event of default
upon which Siemens may cancel its commitments under the credit
agreement and declare the entire outstanding amounts under the
credit facilities to be immediately due and payable.
Furthermore, under the circumstances that the surviving entity
of such change of control is a manufacturer of hearing aids or
related products or owns, directly or indirectly, a manufacturer
of hearing aids or related products, the surviving entity will
have to pay Siemens a $50 million breakup fee. |
|
|
|
The Siemens credit facility imposes certain financial and other
covenants on the Company, which are customary for loans of this
size and nature. 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. Management believes as
of December 25, 2004 the Company was in compliance with the
covenants of this agreement. |
7. 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 for the first two years and then at
8 percent through the remainder of their term. Proceeds
from this financing have been used to repay the $2 million
financing issued on October 3, 2003 (described below) 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. As of December 27,
2003, $500,000 of the financing proceeds was recorded as a
subscription receivable under the caption accounts and notes
receivable in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet, and
was received in January 2004.
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 must make twelve
equal quarterly payments of principal plus interest. Payments of
interest and principal 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 aggregate amount of
maturities of the convertible subordinated notes maturing in
future years as of December 25, 2004, are $2,500,000 in
each of 2006, 2007 and 2008.
In addition to the 2,642,750 common stock purchase warrants
issued to the lenders 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 interest method over the five year
term of the notes.
41
HearUSA, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
The Company recorded a debt discount of approximately $7,488,000
consisting of the intrinsic value of the beneficial conversion
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 interest method.
During 2004 and 2003 included in interest expense are non-cash
amortization of prepaid finders fees and debt discounts of
approximately $2,127,000 and $88,000, respectively. The future
non-cash debt discount and prepaid finder fees to be amortized
as interest expense over the next four years are approximately
$2,151,000 in 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 the Company will be required to accelerate the debt
discount to the period in which the exercise or conversion
occurs.
On October 3, 2003, the Company completed a private
placement of $2 million in unsecured notes payable and
common stock purchase warrants with a number of investors,
including three members of the Companys board of
directors. The non-participating directors approved the
transaction. The notes bore interest at a rate of
15 percent for the first six months and 18 percent for
the second six months with principal and unpaid interest due on
maturity of October 1, 2004. The terms of the notes
included conversion to common stock in the event of default in
payment of the notes at a conversion rate of $0.75 per share.
The financing included seven-year warrants, which cannot be
exercised during the first two years, to purchase a total of
800,000 shares of the Companys common stock. The outside
investors warrants for 240,000 shares have an exercise
price of $1.25 per share while the participating directors
warrants for 560,000 shares have an exercise price of $1.31 per
share, the quoted closing price of the common stock on the day
of the financing. In addition, each investor was paid a
placement fee of 3% totaling $60,000, resulting in net proceeds
of $1,940,000. Proceeds from the financing were used to pay
Siemens under the supply agreement. As of December 27,
2003, these notes were fully repaid using the proceeds from the
December 2003 financing described above, and the 800,000 common
stock purchase warrants remain outstanding. A prepayment penalty
of $60,000 was paid to the investors upon the payment of the
note. The payments to certain foreign participants also resulted
in a foreign exchange loss of approximately $43,000.
The warrants were valued at approximately $429,000, based on the
relative fair values of the warrants and the notes, using a
Black-Scholes option pricing model which was recorded as debt
discount to be amortized as interest expense over the one-year
term of the notes. The $429,000 debt discount along with the
$60,000 prepayment penalty and the $60,000 placement fees were
amortized as interest expense as of the December 2003 payment
date of the $2 million notes.
8. Mandatorily Redeemable
Convertible Preferred Stock
On August 27, 2003, the Company exchanged all 4,563
outstanding shares of its 1998 Convertible Preferred Stock for
4,563 shares of E Series Convertible Preferred Stock
(E Series Convertible Preferred Stock). All
E Series Convertible Preferred Stock not converted or
redeemed by December 18, 2006 must be redeemed by the
Company on December 18, 2006 for a price equal to 108% of
its stated value plus accrued and unpaid premiums. The
E Series Convertible Preferred Stock is presented as
Mandatorily Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock, a category
between liabilities and equity in the accompanying consolidated
balance sheet. The old 1998 Convertible Preferred Stock was
scheduled to convert by its terms into common stock on
August 27, 2003. The Company has the right to redeem the
newly designated preferred stock at its stated value plus
42
HearUSA, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
accrued but unpaid premiums for sixteen months and thereafter
until the redemption date at 108% of its stated value plus
accrued but unpaid premiums.
As part of the transaction, the Company agreed that accrued but
unpaid premiums on the 1998 Convertible Preferred Stock and the
10% premium on the E Series Convertible Preferred Stock
will be paid in cash each month beginning in November 2003 and
continuing until December 2006. $736,517 of accrued premium was
paid in November 2003. As of December 25, 2004 and
December 27, 2003, the accrued and unpaid premium was
$106,574 and $693,749, respectively, and was recorded as
dividends payable. The holders have agreed that they will not
convert the newly designated preferred stock into the
Companys common stock prior to November 1, 2005,
except in the event of a default in payment of premiums or
unless on or after December 10, 2004 the price of the
common stock reaches a trading price at or above $3.00 per share
and the holders sell at or above $3.00 per share. In the event
of default in payment of premiums, the holder may sell any
shares of the E Series Convertible Preferred Stock or
convert such shares under the same terms described below for the
period after November 1, 2005. If converted during the
period from December 10, 2004 until November 1, 2005
based on the trading price reaching $3.00 per share, the holders
can convert only a number of shares of the newly designated
preferred stock that would yield upon conversion no more than
744,911 shares of HearUSA common stock. Subsequent to
November 1, 2005, upon conversion of the E Series
Convertible Preferred, holders are entitled to receive a number
of shares of common stock determined by dividing the sum of the
stated value of the E Series Convertible Preferred ($1,000
per share) so converted plus any unpaid premium, by a conversion
price equal to the lesser of the average closing bid prices for
the common stock five of twenty days prior to conversion, and
$18.00 (the fixed conversion price). The premium payable upon
conversion is equal to 10% of the stated value of the
Series E Convertible Preferred from the date of issuance
until the conversion date. If the closing price of the
Companys common stock on the date prior to any conversion
date is less than $10.00, the Company at its option may redeem
the E Series Convertible Preferred at a price equal to 108%
of its stated value plus any accrued and unpaid premium, in lieu
of converting such E Series Convertible Preferred to common
stock.
During 2004 and 2003, approximately $455,000 and $152,000,
respectively, of the 10% premium and approximately $110,000 and
$37,000, respectively, of the 8% premium due upon redemption are
included in the caption Dividends on Preferred Stock in the
accompanying Consolidated Statement of Operations. Approximate
future redemption payments in years subsequent to 2004 are
$4,928,000 in 2006 if none of the E Series Convertible
Preferred Stock is converted or redeemed prior to the mandatory
redemption date of December 18, 2006.
9. Stockholders Equity
A. Private Placement
On March 29, 2002, the Company closed on a private
placement of 1.5 million shares of common stock and
1.5 million common stock purchase stock warrants for an
aggregate sales price of $1.5 million. The offers and sales
were made only to accredited investors as defined in
Rule 501(a) of Regulation D and the Company relied on
Regulation D and Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of
1933 to issue the securities without registration. The warrants
may be exercised at any time until March 29, 2005 to
purchase shares of common stock for an exercise price of $1.15
per share. The Company registered the common stock for resale in
2004.
All members of the board of directors of the Company, as of
March 29, 2002, participated in the private placement,
purchasing 805,000 of the 1,500,000 shares of common stock.
Because the shares were sold at a $0.05 per share discount to
the quoted market price of $1.05 per share, additional
compensation expense of approximately $40,000 was incurred for
the quarter ended
43
HearUSA, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
March 30, 2002. The fair value of the warrants was not
significant. During 2003, the participating members of the board
of directors repaid the $40,000 to the Company and the amount
was recorded as an increase of additional paid-in capital.
B. Stock Subscription
On April 1, 2001, the Company sold 200,000 shares of the
Companys common stock to an investment banker for $2.0625
per share, and received a secured, nonrecourse promissory note
for the principal amount of $412,500. The secured, nonrecourse
promissory note is collateralized by the common stock purchased
which is held in escrow. The principal amount of the note and
accrued interest is payable on April 1, 2006. The note
bears interest at the prime rate published by the Wall Street
Journal adjusted annually. At December 25, 2004, the
interest rate of the note was 5.25%. The $412,500 note has been
recorded as Stock Subscription in stockholders equity in
the accompanying balance sheet.
C. Series J Preferred Stock
On December 13, 2001, the Company completed an exchange and
redemption of all of the 418 shares of outstanding Series I
Convertible Preferred Stock and 203,390 associated common stock
purchase warrants for $1,951,000 in cash, 233 shares of newly
created Series J Preferred Stock, and 470,530 shares of
Common Stock. The cost of the transaction included legal and
broker fees of approximately $47,500 in cash and 136,180 shares
of Common Stock issued to the broker. The fair value of the
cash, shares of Series J Preferred Stock, and common stock
transferred to the holders of the Series I Convertible
Preferred Stock approximated the carrying value of the
Series I Convertible Preferred Stock and the related
dividends payable of approximately $4.7 million.
The Series J Preferred Stock has a stated value of $10,000
per share and is non-convertible and non-voting. The holders of
the Series J Preferred Stock are entitled to receive
cumulative dividends, in cash, at a rate of 6% per year.
Dividends earned but not paid on the applicable dividend payment
date will bear interest at a rate of 18% per year payable in
cash unless the holders and the Company agree that such amounts
may be paid in shares of common stock.
At any time the Company has the right to redeem all or a portion
of the Series J Preferred Stock for a redemption price
equal to the stated value plus accrued and unpaid dividends. If
there is a change in control of the Company, only upon or after
the approval thereof by the Companys Board of Directors,
the holders of the Series J Preferred Stock have the right
to require the Company to redeem the Series J Preferred
Stock at a price of 120% of the stated value plus any accrued
and unpaid dividends. The parties agreed that the transaction
with Helix would not be deemed to be a change in
control for this purpose.
In the event of liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the
Company prior to the redemption of the Series J Preferred
Stock, holders of the Series J Preferred Stock will be
entitled to receive the stated value per share plus any accrued
and unpaid dividends before any distribution or payment is made
to the holders of any junior securities but after payment is
made to the holders of the 1998 Convertible Preferred Stock, if
any. In the event that the assets of the Company are
insufficient to pay the full amount due the holders of the
Series J Preferred Stock and any holders of securities
equal in ranking, such holders will be entitled to share ratably
in all assets available for distribution.
In connection with this transaction, the Company also entered
into a Registration Rights Agreement with the holder under which
the Company was required to file a registration statement on
Form S-3 covering the resale of the 470,530 shares of
common stock issued in this transaction no
44
HearUSA, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
later than 180 days from December 13, 2001. During
November 2003 the Company agreed to pay $25,000 to the holder
during 2004 as settlement for not filing timely such
registration statement. The 470,530 shares of common stock
issued in the transaction, together with 129,470 shares of
common stock then held by the same holder, were placed in escrow
and subject to resale restrictions based on the trading price of
the common stock. Those shares have all been released from
escrow and most have been sold into the public market. During
2004, 2003 and 2002, approximately $143,000, $140,000 and
$145,000 of the 6% dividend on the Series J Preferred Stock
is included in the caption Dividends on Preferred Stock in the
accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations.
D. Shareholder Rights Plan
On December 14, 1999, the Board of Directors approved the
adoption of a Shareholder Rights Plan, in which a dividend of
one preferred share purchase right ( a Right) for
each outstanding share of common stock was declared, and payable
to the stockholders of record on December 31, 1999. The
Shareholder Rights Plan was amended and restated on
July 11, 2002, in connection with the combination with
Helix, to among other things, give effect to the issuance of the
exchangeable shares as voting stock of the Company, and to
otherwise take into account the effects of the combination. The
Rights will be exercisable only if a person or group acquires
15% or more of the Companys common stock or announces a
tender offer which would result in ownership of 15% or more of
the common stock. The Rights entitle the holder to purchase one
one-hundredth of a share of Series H Junior Participating
Preferred Stock at an exercise price of $28.00 and will expire
on December 31, 2009.
Following the acquisition of 15% or more of the Companys
common stock by a person or group without the prior approval of
the Board of Directors, the holders of the Rights (other than
the acquiring person) will be entitled to purchase shares of
common stock (or common stock equivalents) at one-half the then
current market price of the common stock, or at the election of
the Board of Directors, to exchange each Right for one share of
the Companys common stock (or common stock equivalent). In
the event of a merger or other acquisition of the Company
without the prior approval of the Board of Directors, each Right
will entitle the holder (other than the acquiring person), to
buy shares of common stock of the acquiring entity at one-half
of the market price of those shares. The Company will be able to
redeem the Rights at $0.01 per Right at any time until a person
or group acquires 15% or more of the Companys common
stock. The Board of Directors specifically exempted the Helix
transaction from the operation of the Plan.
E. Series H Junior Participating Preferred Stock
See Shareholder Rights Plan, above, and
Exchangeable Right Plan, below. The Series H
Junior Participating Preferred Stock is subject to the rights of
the holders of any shares of any series of preferred stock of
the Company ranking prior and superior to the Series H
Junior participating Preferred Stock with respect to dividends.
The holders of shares of Series H Junior Participating
Preferred, in preference to the holders of shares of common
stock, and any other junior stock, shall be entitled to receive
dividends, when, as and if declared by the Board of Directors
out of funds legally available therefor.
F. Exchangeable Right Plan
On July 11, 2002, in connection with the combination with
Helix, HEARx Canada, Inc., an indirect subsidiary of the
Company, adopted a Rights Agreement (the Exchangeable
Rights Plan) substantially equivalent to the
Companys Rights Plan. Under the Exchangeable Rights Plan,
each
45
HearUSA, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
exchangeable share issued has an associated right (an
Exchangeable Share Right) entitling the holder of
such Exchangeable Share Right to acquire additional exchangeable
shares on terms and conditions substantially the same as the
terms and conditions upon which a holder of shares of common
stock is entitled to acquire either one one-hundredth of a share
of the Companys Series H Junior Participating
Preferred Stock or, in certain circumstances, shares of common
stock under the Companys Shareholder Rights Plan. The
definitions of beneficial ownership, the calculation of
percentage ownership and the number of shares outstanding and
related provisions of the Companys Shareholder Rights Plan
and the Exchangeable Rights Plan apply, as appropriate, to
shares of common stock and exchangeable shares as though they
were the same security. The Exchangeable Share Rights are
intended to have characteristics essentially equivalent in
economic effect to the Rights granted under the Companys
Shareholder Rights Plan.
G. Warrants
No warrants were exercised in 2004 or 2003.
The aggregate number of common shares reserved for issuance upon
the exercise of warrants is 5,341,588 as of December 25,
2004. The expiration date and exercise prices of the outstanding
warrants are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding |
|
Expiration |
|
Exercise |
Warrants |
|
Date |
|
Price |
|
|
|
|
|
|
131,695 |
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
4.46 |
|
|
1,500,000 |
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
1.15 |
|
|
100,000 |
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
1.00 |
|
|
2,759,893 |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
1.75 |
|
|
50,000 |
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
3.00 |
|
|
240,000 |
|
|
|
2010 |
|
|
|
1.25 |
|
|
560,000 |
|
|
|
2010 |
|
|
|
1.31 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,341,588 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
H. Aggregate and Per Share Cumulative Preferred
Dividends
As of December 25, 2004 and December 27, 2003, the
aggregate and per share amount of arrearages in cumulative
preferred dividends/premiums were $177,996 and $728,699 and
$.01/share and $.03/share, respectively.
I. Exchangeable Shares
Immediately following the effectiveness of the combination of
the Company and Helix, each outstanding Helix common share,
other than shares held by dissenting Helix Stockholders who were
paid the fair value of their shares and shares held by the
Company, were automatically exchanged for, at the election of
the holder, 0.3537 fully-paid and non-assessable exchangeable
shares of HEARx Canada, Inc., or 0.3537 shares of HearUSA, Inc.
common stock. The exchangeable shares are the economic
equivalent of HearUSA, Inc. common stock. Each exchangeable
share will be exchanged at any time at the option of the holder,
for one share of HearUSA, Inc. common stock, subject to any
anti-dilution adjustments. Until exchanged for HearUSA, Inc.
common stock; (i) each exchangeable share outstanding will
entitle the holder to one vote per share at all meetings of
HearUSA, Inc. common stockholders; (ii) if any dividends
are declared on HearUSA, Inc. common stock, an equivalent
dividend must be declared on such exchangeable shares and
(iii) in the event
46
HearUSA, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
of the liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of HEARx Canada,
Inc., such exchangeable shares will be exchanged for an
equivalent number of shares of HearUSA, Inc. common stock. The
exchangeable shares will be subject to mandatory exchange on
July 27, 2006, the fifth anniversary of the transaction.
(See Note 5)
10. Stock Plans
The Company has the following stock plans:
A. Employee Stock Option Plans
The 1987 Stock Option Plan is administered by the Companys
Board of Directors. A maximum of 250,000 shares of common stock
were authorized for issuance under this plan. All employees of
the Company, other than its then principal stockholder
(Dr. Paul A. Brown) were eligible to receive options under
this plan at the sole discretion of the Board of Directors. Both
incentive and non-incentive stock options could be granted. This
plan expired June 2, 1997 and no further option grants can
be made under this plan. The expiration of the plan did not
affect the outstanding options which shall remain in full force
as if the plan had not expired.
The 1995 Flexible Stock Plan is also administered by the
Companys Board of Directors. An original maximum of
250,000 shares of the Companys common stock were
authorized for issuance under this plan. On June 6, 2000
the shareholders approved an increase of 500,000 shares of the
Companys common stock available under this plan. The plan
authorizes an annual increase in authorized shares equal to 10%
of the number of shares authorized as of the prior year.
Currently an aggregate of 4,895 shares remain as authorized but
not yet subject to a plan grant under the plan. All employees of
the Company are eligible to receive incentive stock options,
non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights,
restricted shares, performance shares, and other stock-based
awards under this plan at the sole discretion of the Board of
Directors.
In 2002, the Board of Directors adopted and the Companys
stockholders approved, the 2002 Flexible Stock Plan. This plan
is administered by the Companys Board of Directors. A
maximum of 3,000,000 shares of the Companys common stock
were originally authorized for issuance under this plan. The
plan authorizes an annual increase in authorized shares equal to
10% of the number of shares subject to the plan as of the prior
year beginning in fiscal year 2003 not to exceed 5,000,000
shares in the aggregate. All employees of the Company are
eligible to receive incentive stock options, non-qualified stock
options, stock appreciation rights, restricted shares,
performance shares, and other stock-based awards under this plan
at the sole discretion of the Board of Directors.
As of December 25, 2004, employees of the Company held
options permitting them to purchase an aggregate 5,296,987
shares of common stock at prices ranging from $0.35 to $18.75
per share. Options are exercisable for periods ranging from four
to ten years commencing one year following the date of grant and
are generally exercisable in cumulative annual installments of
25 percent per year.
47
HearUSA, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
The following table summarizes the transactions of the
Companys employee stock option plans:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended |
|
|
|
|
|
December 25, 2004 |
|
December 27, 2003 |
|
December 28, 2002 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted |
|
|
|
Weighted |
|
|
|
Weighted |
|
|
|
|
Average |
|
|
|
Average |
|
|
|
Average |
|
|
|
|
Exercise |
|
|
|
Exercise |
|
|
|
Exercise |
|
|
Shares |
|
Price |
|
Shares |
|
Price |
|
Shares |
|
Price |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding at beginning of year
|
|
|
3,387,755 |
|
|
$ |
1.78 |
|
|
|
2,168,290 |
|
|
$ |
3.04 |
|
|
|
1,574,222 |
|
|
$ |
3.32 |
|
Granted
|
|
|
2,495,000 |
|
|
$ |
1.36 |
|
|
|
1,785,000 |
|
|
$ |
0.46 |
|
|
|
644,342 |
|
|
$ |
2.50 |
|
Exercised
|
|
|
6,250 |
|
|
$ |
0.67 |
|
|
|
20 |
|
|
$ |
0.77 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forfeited
|
|
|
537,198 |
|
|
$ |
2.69 |
|
|
|
565,515 |
|
|
$ |
2.47 |
|
|
|
50,274 |
|
|
$ |
4.85 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding at end of year
|
|
|
5,296,987 |
|
|
$ |
1.49 |
|
|
|
3,387,755 |
|
|
$ |
1.78 |
|
|
|
2,168,290 |
|
|
$ |
3.04 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercisable at end of year
|
|
|
1,538,540 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,418,012 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,657,467 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average fair value of options granted during year
|
|
$ |
1.20 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
0.37 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
0.52 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The following table summarizes information about fixed employee
stock options outstanding at December 25, 2004:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted |
|
|
|
Options |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average |
|
Weighted |
|
Exercisable |
|
Weighted |
|
|
Options |
|
Remaining |
|
Average |
|
At December |
|
Average |
Range of Exercise Price |
|
Outstanding |
|
Contractual Life |
|
Exercise Price |
|
25, 2004 |
|
Exercise Price |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ .35 $ .77
|
|
|
1,875,710 |
|
|
|
7.2 |
|
|
$ |
0.50 |
|
|
|
702,362 |
|
|
$ |
.59 |
|
$ .78 $ 2.00
|
|
|
2,739,390 |
|
|
|
9.3 |
|
|
$ |
1.31 |
|
|
|
229,291 |
|
|
$ |
1.21 |
|
$2.01 $ 5.40
|
|
|
409,026 |
|
|
|
4.8 |
|
|
$ |
3.05 |
|
|
|
334,026 |
|
|
$ |
3.22 |
|
$5.41 $ 8.75
|
|
|
259,421 |
|
|
|
1.7 |
|
|
$ |
7.32 |
|
|
|
259,421 |
|
|
$ |
7.32 |
|
$8.76 $18.75
|
|
|
13,440 |
|
|
|
2.4 |
|
|
$ |
15.90 |
|
|
|
13,440 |
|
|
$ |
15.90 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,296,987 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,538,540 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The stock options are exercisable in the following years:
|
|
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2,636,067 |
|
2006
|
|
|
1,022,170 |
|
2007
|
|
|
1,015,000 |
|
2008
|
|
|
623,750 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,296,987 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
B. Non-Employee Director Plan
In April 1993, the stockholders of the Company approved the
adoption of the HearUSA Inc. Non-qualified Stock Option Plan for
Non-Employee Directors (Directors Plan). The
Directors Plan terminated in accordance with its terms in 2003.
As of December 25, 2004, three directors hold options as
follows 4,500 at $4.00, 4,500 shares at $5.00, 13,500 at $7.50,
and 4,500 shares at prices ranging from $12.50 to $58.75 per
share.
48
HearUSA, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
C. Non-Employee Director Non-Plan Grant
On April 1, 2003 options to purchase 125,000 shares of
common stock were granted to members of the Board of Directors,
at an exercise price of $0.35, which was equal to the quoted
closing price of the common stock of the shares on the grant
date. The options vested after one year and have a ten-year life.
D. Stock Bonus Plan
The Board of Directors adopted a Stock Bonus Plan (Bonus
Plan). The number of shares of common stock which can be
issued under the Bonus Plan cannot exceed 50,000. It is
administered by the Board of Directors. The purpose of the Bonus
Plan is to provide an incentive to senior management to achieve
the Companys strategic objectives. At present there are
seven senior management personnel eligible to participate. No
shares are issued.
11. Major Customers and
Suppliers
During 2004, 2003 and 2002, the Company did not have sales
totaling 10% or more of net revenues to a single customer.
During 2004, 2003 and 2002, the Company purchased approximately
94.0%, 91.3% and 90.9%, respectively, of all hearing aids sold
by the Company from Siemens. As described in Note 6, in 2001,
the Company entered into a supply agreement with Siemens whereby
the Company agreed to minimum purchase levels from Siemens.
Although there are a limited number of manufacturers of hearing
aids, management believes that other suppliers could provide
similar hearing aids on comparable terms. In the event of a
disruption of supply from Siemens, the Company could obtain
comparable products from other manufacturers. Few manufacturers
offer dramatic product differentiation. The Company has not
experienced any significant disruptions in supply in the past.
12. Related Party
Transactions
On January 6, 1999, HEARx West entered into a capitation
contract with an affiliate (the Kaiser Plan) of its
minority owner, the Permanente Federation LLC. Under the terms
of the contract, HEARx West is paid an amount per enrollee of
the Kaiser Plan, to provide a once every three years benefit on
certain hearing products and services. During 2004, 2003 and
2002 approximately $6,451,000, $6,095,000 and $5,095,000,
respectively, of capitation revenue from this contract is
included in net revenue in the accompanying consolidated
statements of operations.
As mentioned in Note 18 Discontinued Operations, on
July 15, 2003, the Company sold its three Quebec
subsidiaries to Forget & Sauve, Audioprothesistes, S.E.N.C.
(Forget & Sauve) and 6068065 Canada Inc.,
private entities owned and controlled by Steve Forget, a former
Helix officer and director. Mr. Forget served as an officer
of HearUSA until October 2002 and as a director until May 2003.
Prior to the disposition, the Quebec subsidiaries provided
management services to a single client, Forget & Sauvé,
audioprothesistes, s.e.n.c. operating under the name Le Groupe
Forget (Le Groupe Forget). Le Groupe Forget is
controlled by Steve Forget. Le Groupe Forget operates a network
of 16 hearing healthcare centers in the Province of Quebec. The
services provided to Le Groupe Forget by the Quebec subsidiaries
included inventory purchasing and management, office service
support, general administration and patient management software
and related training. The aforementioned services were rendered
to Le Groupe Forget by the Quebec subsidiaries pursuant to
management agreements entered into by each of the subsidiaries
and Le Groupe Forget. During the year ended, December 27,
2003 and December 28, 2002 revenues of approximately
$2,559,000 and $2,363,000, respectively, were earned from
services to Le Groupe
49
HearUSA, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
Forget. These revenues are presented, net of related expenses,
under Discontinued Operations in the Consolidated Statements of
Operations.
13. Income Taxes
The components of loss before equity in losses of affiliated
company are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 |
|
2003 |
|
2002 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Domestic
|
|
$ |
(3,693,000 |
) |
|
$ |
(1,095,000 |
) |
|
$ |
(6,086,000 |
) |
Foreign
|
|
|
934,000 |
|
|
|
187,000 |
|
|
|
(6,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total loss before equity in losses of affiliated company
|
|
$ |
(2,759,000 |
) |
|
$ |
(908,000 |
) |
|
$ |
(6,092,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Company has accounted for certain items (principally
depreciation and the allowance for doubtful accounts) for
financial reporting purposes in periods different from those for
tax reporting purposes. Deferred tax assets
(liabilities) are comprised of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 |
|
2003 |
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation
|
|
$ |
1,285,000 |
|
|
$ |
1,082,000 |
|
Allowance for doubtful accounts
|
|
|
129,000 |
|
|
|
164,000 |
|
Joint Venture
|
|
|
(985,000 |
) |
|
|
(1,045,000 |
) |
Other
|
|
|
(295,000 |
) |
|
|
106,000 |
|
Net operating loss carryforwards
|
|
|
28,649,000 |
|
|
|
31,487,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
29,173,000 |
|
|
|
28,804,000 |
|
Less valuation allowance
|
|
|
(29,173,000 |
) |
|
|
(28,804,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net deferred tax asset
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At December 25, 2004 the Company had net operating loss
carryforwards of approximately $76,000,000 for U.S. Federal tax
purposes, and approximately $3,300,000 of operating loss
carryforwards in Canada. Included in the U.S. Federal tax net
operating loss carryforwards are approximately $8,300,000
related to U.S. subsidiaries of Helix pre-combination whose
annual utilization would be limited due to the ownership change
of Helix in connection with the combination with the Company.
Should tax benefits ever be realized from such Helix
pre-combination net operating loss carryforwards, the valuation
allowance would be reduced and the benefit would be recorded as
a reduction of the goodwill resulting from the Helix combination.
The losses are available for carryforward for fifteen and twenty
year periods and began to expire in 2002 and continue expiring
through 2022. Any future significant changes in ownership of the
Company may limit the annual utilization of the tax net
operating loss carryforwards.
50
HearUSA, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
The provision for income taxes on loss from continuing
operations differs from the amount computed using the Federal
statutory income tax rate as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 |
|
2003 |
|
2002 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Provision at Federal statutory rate
|
|
$ |
(938,000 |
) |
|
$ |
(309,000 |
) |
|
$ |
(2,286,000 |
) |
State income taxes, net of Federal income tax effect
|
|
|
(100,000 |
) |
|
|
(40,000 |
) |
|
|
(236,000 |
) |
Nondeductible expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beneficial conversion feature
|
|
|
1,089,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amortization of customer lists
|
|
|
(390,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other
|
|
|
(32,000 |
) |
|
|
23,000 |
|
|
|
22,000 |
|
Increase in valuation allowance
|
|
|
369,000 |
|
|
|
380,000 |
|
|
|
2,566,000 |
|
Other
|
|
|
(62,000 |
) |
|
|
(54,000 |
) |
|
|
(66,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income tax provision
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
No income tax provision is applicable to the loss from
discontinued operations. Provision has not been made for U.S. or
additional foreign taxes on undistributed earnings of the
Companys Canadian subsidiaries. Such earnings have been
and will continue to be reinvested but could become subject to
additional tax if they were remitted as dividends, or were
loaned to the Company, or if the Company should sell its stock
in the foreign subsidiaries. Such undistributed earnings are not
significant at December 25, 2004.
14. Commitments and
Contingencies
The Company established the HearUSA Inc. 401(k) plan in October
1998. All employees who have attained age 21 with at least three
months of service are eligible to participate in the plan. The
Companys contribution to the plan is determined from year
to year by the Board of Directors. The Companys
contributions to the plan were approximately $67,800, $44,800
and $44,200 for the years 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.
In May of 2003, the Company renewed five year employment
agreements with two of its executive officers that provide for
annual salaries, severance payments, and accelerated vesting of
stock options upon termination of employment under certain
circumstances or a change in control, as defined.
15. Quarterly Financial Data
(Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended |
|
|
|
Second |
|
|
|
Fourth |
December 25, 2004 |
|
First Quarter |
|
Quarter |
|
Third Quarter |
|
Quarter |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net revenues
|
|
$ |
16,934,600 |
|
|
$ |
18,149,883 |
|
|
$ |
18,430,846 |
|
|
|
18,785,294 |
|
Operating costs and expenses
|
|
|
17,203,335 |
|
|
|
17,769,942 |
|
|
|
17,352,256 |
|
|
|
18,187,406 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income (loss) from operations
|
|
|
(268,735 |
) |
|
|
379,941 |
|
|
|
1,078,590 |
|
|
|
597,888 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss) applicable to common stockholders
|
|
|
(1,615,869 |
) |
|
|
(948,008 |
) |
|
|
(233,413 |
) |
|
|
(669,371 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss) per share basic
|
|
|
(0.05 |
) |
|
|
(0.03 |
) |
|
|
(.01 |
) |
|
|
(.02 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss) per share diluted
|
|
|
(0.05 |
) |
|
|
(0.03 |
) |
|
|
(.01 |
) |
|
|
(.02 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
51
HearUSA, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended |
|
|
|
Second |
|
|
|
Fourth |
December 27, 2003 |
|
First Quarter |
|
Quarter |
|
Third Quarter |
|
Quarter(a) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net revenues
|
|
$ |
17,411,728 |
|
|
$ |
18,976,378 |
|
|
$ |
17,276,558 |
|
|
|
16,880,490 |
|
Operating costs and expenses
|
|
|
16,586,981 |
|
|
|
17,511,018 |
|
|
|
17,031,184 |
|
|
|
17,516,327 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income (loss) from operations
|
|
|
824,741 |
|
|
|
1,465,360 |
|
|
|
245,374 |
|
|
|
(635,837 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss) applicable to common stockholders
|
|
|
201,228 |
|
|
|
490,165 |
|
|
|
(389,442 |
) |
|
|
(2,038,296 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss) per share basic
|
|
|
.01 |
|
|
|
.02 |
|
|
|
(.01 |
) |
|
|
(.07 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss) per share diluted
|
|
|
.01 |
|
|
|
.02 |
|
|
|
(.01 |
) |
|
|
(.07 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
a) |
In the 4th quarter of 2003 an adjustment of approximately
$277,000 was made to record insurance discounts which reduced
accounts receivable and net revenues. |
16. Fair Value of Financial
Instruments
SFAS 107 requires the disclosure of fair value of financial
instruments. The estimated fair value amounts have been
determined by the Companys management using available
market information and other valuation methods. However,
considerable judgment is required to interpret market data in
developing the estimates of fair value. Accordingly, the
estimates presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the
amounts the Company could realize in a current market exchange.
The use of different market assumptions and/or estimation
methods may have a material effect on the estimated fair value
amounts.
Furthermore, the Company does not intend to dispose of a
significant portion of its financial instruments and thus, any
aggregate unrealized gains or losses should not be interpreted
as a forecast of future earnings and cash flows. SFAS 107
excludes certain financial instruments from its disclosure
requirements, such as leases. In addition, disclosure of fair
value estimates are not required for nonfinancial assets and
liabilities, such as fixed assets, intangibles and anticipated
future business. As a result, the following fair values are not
comprehensive and therefore do not reflect the underlying value
of the Company.
The following methods and assumptions were used in estimating
fair value disclosure for financial instruments:
Cash and cash equivalents the carrying
amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheets approximate
those assets fair value due to the short term nature of
these assets.
Restricted cash the carrying amounts reported
in the consolidated balance sheets approximate those
assets fair value due to the short term nature of these
assets.
Investment securities the carrying amounts
reported in the consolidated balance sheets approximate those
assets fair value (Note 2).
Accounts and notes receivable the carrying
amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheets approximate
those assets fair value due primarily to the short term
nature of these assets.
Accounts payable and accrued expenses the
carrying amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheets
approximate those liabilities fair value, due primarily to
the short term nature of these liabilities.
Long-term debt the carrying amounts reported
in the consolidated balance sheets for the fixed rate debts
approximate those liabilities fair value, as current
borrowing rates approximate the
52
HearUSA, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
actual fixed interest rates of these liabilities. The carrying
amounts reporting in the consolidated balance sheet for the
variable rate debts approximate those liabilities fair value, as
their rates vary according to market.
Convertible subordinated notes the carrying
amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheet approximate
those liabilities fair value, as current borrowing rates,
approximate the actual fixed interest rates of these liabilities.
Manditorily redeemable convertible preferred
stock the carrying amount reported in the
consolidated balance sheet approximates this instruments
fair value, as current borrowing rates, approximate the actual
fixed premium rate of this instrument.
17. Recent Accounting
Pronouncement
In December 2004, SFAS No. 123®, Share-Based
Payment, which addresses the accounting for employee
stock options, was issued. SFAS No. 123® revises the
disclosure provisions of SFAS 123, Accounting for Stock
Based Compensation and supercedes APB Opinion 25,
Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees.
SFAS 123® requires that the cost of all employee stock
options, as well as other equity-based compensation
arrangements, be reflected in the financial statements based on
the estimated fair value of the awards. This statement is
effective for all public entities who file as of the beginning
of the first interim period that begins after June 15,
2005. The Company plans to implement SFAS 123® on its
effective date. Based on the outstanding number of employee
stock options and excluding the impact of any future grants at
December 25, 2004, the total stock-based employee
compensation expense determined under the fair value method that
would be reflected in the financial statements is approximately
$887,000 in 2004 (See Note 1 Description of the Company and
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies- stock-based
compensation) and $1,425,000 in 2005.
18. Discontinued Operations
On July 15, 2003, the Company sold 100% of the shares of
the Companys three subsidiaries and selected assets
associated with the management of the centers located in the
Canadian Province of Quebec, to Forget & Sauve,
Audioprothesistes, S.E.N.C. (Forget &
Sauve) and 6068065 Canada Inc., private entities owned and
controlled by Steve Forget, a former Helix officer and director.
Mr. Forget served as an officer of HearUSA until October
2002 and as a director until May 2003. The sale agreement
provided for total payments to the Company of approximately
$1.7 million, representing, in part, payment of
pre-existing debt owed the Company by Forget & Sauve of
approximately $1.6 million. The Company received an initial
cash payment of $700,000 at closing and $1 million over the
five following months. At December 27, 2003, Forget and
Sauve owed the Company approximately $102,000, which was
received by the Company early in January 2004.
The operating results of the three Quebec subsidiaries are
presented as discontinued operations. The sale resulted in a
loss on disposal of approximately $105,000. Net revenues of the
discontinued operations for the years ended December 25,
2004, December 27, 2003 and December 28, 2002 were
approximately $0, $2.6 million and $2.4 million
respectively. Net losses from discontinued operations applicable
to common stockholders per common shares-basic and diluted were
$(0.01) for 2003 and $(0.01) for 2002. Pre-tax net losses of the
discontinued operation were approximately $96,000 and $158,000,
for the 2003 period through disposal, and for the 2002 period
from June 30, 2002, the effective date of the Helix
combination through December 28, 2002, respectively.
53
HearUSA, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
19. Segments
Since the closing of the Helix transaction, 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 centers offer people afflicted with
hearing loss a complete range of services and products,
including diagnostic audiological testing, the latest technology
in hearing aids and listening devices to improve their quality
of life. The network, unlike the Company-owned centers, is
comprised of hearing care practices owned by independent
audiologists. The network revenues are mainly derived from
administrative fees paid by employer groups, health insurers and
benefit sponsors to administer their benefit programs as well as
maintaining an affiliated provider network. E-commerce offers
on-line product sales of hearing aid related products, such as
batteries, hearing aid accessories and assistive listening
devices. The Companys business units are located in the
United States and Canada. The following is the Companys
segment information by year:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Centers |
|
E-commerce |
|
Network |
|
Corporate |
|
Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net revenues
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004
|
|
$ |
71,113,000 |
|
|
$ |
79,000 |
|
|
$ |
1,109,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
72,301,000 |
|
2003
|
|
$ |
69,423,000 |
|
|
$ |
69,000 |
|
|
$ |
1,053,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
70,545,000 |
|
2002
|
|
$ |
56,572,000 |
|
|
$ |
27,000 |
|
|
$ |
631,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
57,230,000 |
|
Income (loss) from operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
11,760,000 |
|
|
|
(27,000 |
) |
|
|
447,000 |
|
|
|
(10,392,000 |
) |
|
|
1,788,000 |
|
2003
|
|
|
12,695,000 |
|
|
|
(49,000 |
) |
|
|
504,000 |
|
|
|
(11,250,000 |
) |
|
|
1,900,000 |
|
2002
|
|
|
8,113,000 |
|
|
|
(27,000 |
) |
|
|
223,000 |
|
|
|
(12,792,000 |
) |
|
|
(4,483,000 |
) |
2004
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
2,132,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,000 |
|
|
|
174,000 |
|
|
|
2,311,000 |
|
Total assets
|
|
|
47,241,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,722,000 |
|
|
|
10,339,000 |
|
|
|
59,302,000 |
|
Capital expenditures
|
|
|
159,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,000 |
|
|
|
62,000 |
|
|
|
224,000 |
|
2003
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
2,235,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,000 |
|
|
|
779,000 |
|
|
|
3,017,000 |
|
Total assets
|
|
|
44,100,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,149,000 |
|
|
|
20,934,000 |
|
|
|
66,183,000 |
|
Capital expenditures
|
|
|
175,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
487,000 |
|
|
|
662,000 |
|
2002
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
1,526,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,000 |
|
|
|
995,000 |
|
|
|
2,522,000 |
|
Total assets
|
|
|
45,304,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,308,000 |
|
|
|
17,385,000 |
|
|
|
64,997,000 |
|
Capital expenditures
|
|
|
229,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,000 |
|
|
|
541,000 |
|
|
|
771,000 |
|
Income (loss) from operations at the segment level is
computed before general and administrative expenses.
54
HearUSA, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
Information concerning geographic areas:
As of and for the Years Ended December 25, 2004 and
December 27, 2003
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
United States |
|
Canada |
|
United States |
|
Canada |
|
|
2004 |
|
2004 |
|
2003 |
|
2003 |
|
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net revenues
|
|
|
65,506,000 |
|
|
|
6,795,000 |
|
|
|
65,359,000 |
|
|
|
5,186,000 |
|
Long-lived assets
|
|
|
38,688,000 |
|
|
|
9,700,000 |
|
|
|
40,137,000 |
|
|
|
9,632,000 |
|
Net assets
|
|
|
47,539,000 |
|
|
|
11,763,000 |
|
|
|
54,893,000 |
|
|
|
11,290,000 |
|
Net revenues by geographic area are allocated based on the
location of the subsidiary operations.
20. Liquidity
During 2004, the working capital deficit increased
$2.6 million to $4.9 million as of December 25,
2004 from $2.3 million as of December 27, 2003. This
increase is mainly due to an excess in the cash flow used for
financing and investing activities over cash flow generated from
operations. The working capital deficit of $4.9 million
includes approximately $2.9 million representing the
current maturities of the long-term debt to Siemens for Tranche
A, B and C, which may be repaid through preferred pricing
reductions. In 2004, the Company generated income from
operations of approximately $1.8 million compared to
$1.9 million in 2003. Cash and cash equivalents as of
December 25, 2004 was approximately $2.6 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.
55
HearUSA Inc.
Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying
Accounts
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at |
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at |
|
|
Beginning |
|
|
|
|
|
End Of |
|
|
Of Period |
|
Additions |
|
Deductions |
|
Period |
|
December 25, 2004
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Allowance for doubtful accounts
|
|
$ |
490,881 |
|
|
$ |
430,454 |
|
|
$ |
(547,752 |
) |
|
$ |
373,583 |
|
|
Allowance for sales returns
|
|
$ |
445,147 |
|
|
$ |
71,061 |
|
|
$ |
(91,092 |
) |
|
$ |
425,116 |
|
|
December 27, 2003
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Allowance for doubtful accounts
|
|
$ |
578,323 |
|
|
$ |
801,303 |
|
|
$ |
(888,745 |
) |
|
$ |
490,881 |
|
|
Allowance for sales returns
|
|
$ |
789,539 |
|
|
$ |
32,830 |
|
|
$ |
(377,222 |
) |
|
$ |
445,147 |
|
|
December 28, 2002
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Allowance for doubtful accounts
|
|
$ |
185,814 |
|
|
$ |
796,523 |
|
|
$ |
(404,014 |
)(1) |
|
$ |
578,323 |
|
|
Allowance for sales returns
|
|
$ |
500,780 |
|
|
$ |
309,519 |
(2) |
|
$ |
(20,760 |
) |
|
$ |
789,539 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
Uncollectible accounts written off, net of recoveries. |
|
(2) |
Includes allowance for sales returns of Helix of $151,775. |
56
|
|
Item 9. |
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on
Accounting and Financial Disclosure |
None.
|
|
Item 9A. |
Disclosure Control and Procedures |
The Companys management, with the participation of the
Companys chief executive officer and chief financial
officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the Companys
disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in
Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange
Act) as of December 25, 2004. Based on this evaluation, the
Companys chief executive officer and chief financial
officer concluded that , as of December 25, 2004, the
Companys disclosure controls and procedures were
(1) designed to ensure that material information relating
to the Company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made
known to the Companys chief executive officer and chief
financial officer by others within those entities, particularly
during the period in which this report was being prepared and
(2) effective, in that they provide reasonable assurance
that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the
reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange
Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the
time periods specified in the SECs rules and forms.
No change in the Companys internal control over financial
reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)
under the Exchange Act) occurred during the fiscal quarter ended
December 25, 2004 that has materially affected, or is
reasonably likely to materially affect, the Companys
internal control over financial reporting.
|
|
Item 9B. |
Other Information |
None.
57
PART III
|
|
Item 10. |
Directors and Executive Officers |
The information required by this Item for directors is set forth
in the Companys 2005 Proxy Statement under the heading
Election of Directors and is incorporated herein by
this reference as if set forth in full.
The information required by this Item for executive officers is
set forth in Part I of this report under the heading
Executive Officers of the Company.
|
|
Item 11. |
Executive Compensation |
The information required by this Item is set forth in the
Companys 2005 Proxy Statement under the heading
Election of Directors and is incorporated herein by
this reference as if set forth in full.
|
|
Item 12. |
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and
Management and Related Stockholder Matters |
The information required by this Item is set forth in the
Companys 2005 Proxy Statement under the heading
Election of Directors and is incorporated herein by
this reference as if set forth in full.
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the
Companys equity compensation plans as of December 25,
2004:
Equity Compensation Plan Information
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of securities |
|
|
remaining available |
|
|
Number of Securities |
|
|
|
for future issuance |
|
|
to be issued upon |
|
Weighted-average |
|
under equity |
|
|
exercise of |
|
exercise price of |
|
compensation plans |
|
|
outstanding options, |
|
outstanding options, |
|
(excluding securities |
|
|
warrants and rights |
|
warrants and rights |
|
reflected in column |
Plan Category |
|
(a) |
|
(b) |
|
(a)) |
|
Equity compensation plans
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
approved by security holders
|
|
|
5,148,875 |
|
|
$ |
1.56 |
|
|
|
810,856 |
(1) |
|
|
Equity compensation plans
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
not approved by security
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
holders
|
|
|
376,700 |
(2) |
|
$ |
3.04 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total equity compensation
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
plans approved and not
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
approved by security holders
|
|
|
5,525,575 |
|
|
$ |
1.66 |
|
|
|
810,856 |
(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
The plans authorize an annual increase in authorized shares
equal to 10% of the number of shares authorized as of the prior
year. |
|
|
|
(2) |
Consists of non-qualified options granted outside the
Companys 1987 Stock Option Plan and 1995 Flexible Stock
Plan in 1993, 1995, 1996, 1999, 2001 and 2003 and non-employee
director options granted under the Non-Employee Director Plan
(see Note 10B) and outside of the Non Employee Director
Plan in 2003. |
|
58
The material features of the outstanding options which were
granted outside the plans approved by stockholders are as
follows:
2001 Non-plan Option Grant:
On October 24, 2001 an option to purchase 300,000 shares of
common stock was approved by the Board of Directors and granted
to Stephen J. Hansbrough, the Companys Chief Executive
Officer, at an exercise price of $0.77, which was equal to the
closing price of Common Stock as reported on the American Stock
Exchange of the shares on the grant date. The options vested
immediately and have a ten-year life.
2003 Non-plan Option Grant:
On April 1, 2003 an option to purchase 125,000 shares of
common stock was granted to the Board of Directors, at an
exercise price of $0.35, which was equal to the closing price of
the Common Stock as reported on the American Stock Exchange of
the shares on the grant date. The options vest after one year
and have a ten-year life.
Other Non-plan Option Grants:
Options to purchase 76,700 shares of common stock were approved
by the Board of Directors and granted to various employees and
consultants between 1993 and 1996, at exercise prices ranging
from $10.00 to $20.00, which were equal to the closing prices of
the Common Stock on the grant dates. These options are fully
vested and have a ten-year life.
|
|
Item 13. |
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions |
The information required by this item is set forth in the
Companys 2005 Proxy Statement under the heading
Election of Directors and is incorporated herein by
this reference as if set forth in full.
|
|
Item 14. |
Principal Accountants Fees and Services |
The information required by this Item will appear under the
heading Independent Auditors Fees in our Proxy
Statement, which section is incorporated herein by reference.
PART IV
|
|
Item 15. |
Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Report on
Form 8-K |
|
|
(a) (1) |
The following financial statements are filed as part of this
report: |
|
|
|
|
(i) |
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 25, 2004 and
December 27, 2003. |
|
|
|
|
(ii) |
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended
December 25, 2004, December 27, 2003 and
December 28, 2002. |
|
|
|
|
(iii) |
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders Equity
for the years ended December 25, 2004, December 27,
2003 and December 28, 2002. |
|
|
|
|
(iv) |
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended
December 25, 2004, December 27, 2003 and
December 28, 2002. |
|
|
|
|
(v) |
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements |
|
|
(2) |
The following financial statement schedule is filed as part of
this report and contained on page 64. |
|
|
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Schedule II |
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Valuation and Qualifying Accounts |
|
|
|
59
|
|
|
|
|
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2.1 |
|
|
Plan of Arrangement, including exchangeable share provisions
(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.3 to the
Companys Joint Proxy Statement/ Prospectus on
Form S-4 (Reg. No. 333-73022)). |
|
3.1 |
|
|
Restated Certificate of Incorporation of HEARx Ltd., including
certain certificates of designations, preferences and rights of
certain preferred stock of the Company (incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit 3 to the Companys Current Report
on Form 8-K, filed May 17, 1996 (File
No. 001-11655)). |
|
3.2 |
|
|
Amendment to the Restated Certificate of Incorporation
(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1A to the
Companys Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period
ended June 28, 1996 (File No. 001-11655)). |
|
3.3 |
|
|
Amendment to Restated Certificate of Incorporation including one
for ten reverse stock split and reduction of authorized shares
(incorporated herein to Exhibit 3.5 to the Companys
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ending
July 2, 1999 (File No. 001-11655)). |
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3.4 |
|
|
Amendment to Restated Certificate of Incorporation including an
increase in authorized shares and change of name (incorporated
herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Companys Current
Report on Form 8-K, filed July 17, 2002 (File No.
001-11655)). |
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3.5 |
|
|
Certificate of Designations, Preferences and Rights of the
Companys 1999 Series H Junior Participating Preferred
Stock (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4 to the
Companys Current Report on Form 8-K, filed
December 17, 1999 (File No. 001-11655)). |
|
3.6 |
|
|
Certificate of Designations, Preferences and Rights of the
Companys Special Voting Preferred Stock (incorporated
herein by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Companys
Current Report on Form 8-K, filed July 19, 2002 (File
No. 001-11655)). |
|
3.7 |
|
|
Amendment to Certificate of Designations, Preferences and Rights
of the Companys 1999 Series H Junior Participating
Preferred Stock (incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 4 to the Companys Current Report on
Form 8-K, filed July 17, 2002 (File
No. 001-11655)). |
|
3.8 |
|
|
Certificate of Designations, Preferences and Rights of the
Companys 1998-E Convertible Preferred Stock (incorporated
herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Companys
Current Report on Form 8-K, filed August 28, 2003
(File No. 001-11655)). |
|
3.9 |
|
|
Amendment of Restated Certificate of Incorporation (increasing
authorized capital) (incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 3.9 to the Companys Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q, filed August 8, 2004). |
|
3.10 |
|
|
Amended and Restated By-Laws of HearUSA, Inc. (incorporated
herein by reference to Exhibit 3.9 to the Companys
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 28, 2002). |
|
4.1 |
|
|
Amended and Restated Rights Agreement, dated July 11, 2002
between HEARx and the Rights Agent, which includes an amendment
to the Certificate of Designations, Preferences and Rights of
the Companys 1999 Series H Junior Participating
Preferred Stock (incorporated herein by reference as
Exhibit 4.9.1 to the Companys Joint Proxy/ Prospectus
on Form S-4 (Reg. No. 333-73022)). |
|
4.2 |
|
|
Form of Support Agreement among HEARx Ltd., HEARx Canada, Inc.
and HEARx Acquisition ULC (incorporated herein by reference as
Exhibit 99.3 to the Companys Joint Proxy Statement/
Prospectus on Form S-4 (Reg No. 333-73022)). |
|
4.3 |
|
|
Form of 2003 Convertible Subordinated Note due November 30,
2008 (incorporated herein by reference as Exhibit 4.1 to
the Companys Current Report on Form 8-K, filed
December 31, 2003). |
|
9.1 |
|
|
Form of Voting and Exchange Trust Agreement among HearUSA, Inc.,
HEARx Canada, Inc and HEARx Acquisition ULC and ComputerShare
Trust Company of Canada (incorporated herein by reference as
Exhibit 9.1 to the Companys Joint Proxy Statement/
Prospectus on Form S-4 (Reg. No. 333-73022)). |
|
10.1 |
|
|
HEARx Ltd. 1987 Stock Option Plan (incorporated herein by
reference as Exhibit 10.11to the Companys Registration
Statement of Form S-18 (Reg. No. 33-17041-NY))# |
|
10.2 |
|
|
HEARx Ltd. Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors and Form
of Option Agreement (incorporated herein by reference as
Exhibits 10.35 and 10.48 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 1
to the Companys Registration Statement of Form S-18
(Reg. No. 33-17041-NY))# |
60
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.3 |
|
|
1995 Flexible Employee Stock Plan (incorporated herein by
reference as Exhibit 4 to the Companys 1995 Proxy
Statement)# |
|
10.4 |
|
|
Executive Employment Agreement, dated December 14, 2003
with Dr. Paul A. Brown (incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 10.1 to the Companys Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q, filed May 10, 2004.)# |
|
10.5 |
|
|
Executive Employment Agreement, dated December 14, 2003
with Stephen J. Hansbrough (incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 10.2 to the Companys Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q, filed May 10, 2004.)# |
|
10.6 |
|
|
Credit Agreement, dated December 7, 2001 between HEARx Ltd
and Siemens Hearing Instruments, Inc (incorporated herein by
reference as Exhibit 10.1 to the Companys Current
Report on Form 8-K, filed December 26, 2001) |
|
10.7 |
|
|
Security Agreement, dated December 7, 2001 between HEARx
Ltd and Siemens Hearing Instruments, Inc (incorporated herein by
reference as Exhibit 10.2 to the Companys Current
Report on Form 8-K, December 26, 2001) |
|
10.8 |
|
|
Supply Agreement, dated December 7, 2001 between HEARx Ltd
and Siemens Hearing Instruments, Inc (incorporated herein by
reference as Exhibit 10.3 to the Companys Current
Report on Form 8-K, December 26, 2001) |
|
10.9 |
|
|
Form of HearUSA 2002 Flexible Stock Plan (incorporated herein by
reference as Exhibit 10.9 to the Companys Joint Proxy
Statement/ Prospectus on Form S-4 (Reg. No. 333-73022)# |
|
10.10 |
|
|
Amendment to Security Agreement, dated March 12, 2003
between HearUSA, Inc. and Siemens Hearing Instruments, Inc.
(incorporated herein by reference as Exhibit 10.2 to the
Companys Form 10Q for the period ended March 29,
2003). |
|
10.11 |
|
|
Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated March 12, 2003 between
HearUSA, Inc. and Siemens Hearing Instruments, Inc.
(incorporated herein by reference as Exhibit 10.1 to the
Companys Form 10-Q for the period ended
March 29, 2003). |
|
10.12 |
|
|
Asset Purchase and Sale Agreement dated July 15, 2003
between Helix Hearing Care of America Corp., Forget & Sauve,
Audioprothesistes, S.E.N.C. and 6068065 Canada Inc.
(incorporated by reference as Exhibit 10.1 to the
Companys Current Report on Form 8-K, filed
July 24, 2003). |
|
10.13 |
|
|
Exchange Agreement by and between HearUSA, Inc., Zanett
Lombardier Master Fund, LLC and The San Miguel Trust dated as of
August 26, 2003 (incorporated herein by reference as
Exhibit 4.1 to the Companys Current Report on
Form 8-K, filed August 28, 2003 (File
No. 001-11655)). |
|
10.14 |
|
|
Form of securities purchase letter agreement dated
October 1, 2003, between HearUSA, Inc. and each of the
subscriber signatories thereto(incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.19 to the Companys Current Report on
Form 10-K, filed March 26, 2004). |
|
10.15 |
|
|
Purchase Agreement dated December 12, 2003 and
December 18, 2003 by and among HearUSA, Inc. and the
purchasers named therein (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.1 to the Companys Current Report on
Form 8-K, filed December 31, 2003). |
|
10.16 |
|
|
Form of Registration Rights Agreement by and among HearUSA, Inc.
and the purchasers named in the Purchase Agreement dated
December 12, 2003 and December 18, 2003 (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Companys Current
Report on Form 8-K, filed December 31, 2003). |
|
10.17 |
|
|
Form of option grant agreement under 2002 Flexible Stock Plan
(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the
Companys Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed
November 9, 2004)# |
|
21 |
|
|
List of Subsidiaries |
|
23 |
|
|
Consent of the Registered Independent Public Accounting Firm |
|
31.1 |
|
|
CEO Certification, pursuant to Section 302of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
|
31.2 |
|
|
CFO Certification, pursuant to Section 302 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
|
32 |
|
|
CEO and CFO Certification, pursuant to Section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
|
|
# |
Denotes compensatory plan or arrangement for Company officer or
director. |
(b) Reports on Form 8-K:
None
61
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused
this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned,
thereunto duly authorized.
|
|
|
HearUSA, Inc. |
|
(Registrant) |
|
|
|
|
|
Date: February 28, 2005
|
|
By: |
|
/s/ Paul A. Brown, M.D.
Paul
A. Brown, M.D. Chairman of the
Board |
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.
|
|
|
|
|
Signature |
|
Title |
|
Date |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Paul A. Brown
Paul
A. Brown, M.D. |
|
Chairman of the Board and Director |
|
February 28, 2005 |
|
/s/ Stephen J.
Hansbrough
Stephen
J. Hansbrough |
|
Chief Executive Officer and Director |
|
February 28, 2005 |
|
/s/ Gino Chouinard
Gino
Chouinard |
|
Chief Financial Officer |
|
February 28, 2005 |
|
/s/ David J. McLachlan
David
J. McLachlan |
|
Director |
|
February 28, 2005 |
|
/s/ Thomas W. Archibald
Thomas
W. Archibald |
|
Director |
|
February 28, 2005 |
|
/s/ Joseph L. Gitterman
III
Joseph
L. Gitterman III |
|
Director |
|
February 28, 2005 |
|
/s/ Michel Labadie
Michel
Labadie |
|
Director |
|
February 28, 2005 |
62